The American Bahá’í/Volume 20/Issue 5/Text

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[Page 1]

Ridván message from the Universal House of Justice

To the Bahá’ís of the World

Dearly loved Friends,

The spiritual current which exerted such galvanic effects at the International Bahá’í Convention last Riḍván has swept through the entire community, arousing its members in both the East and the West to feats of activity and achievement in teaching never before experienced in any one year.

The high level of enrollments alone bears this out, as nearly half a million new believers have already been reported. The names of such far-flung places as India and Liberia, Bolivia and Bangladesh, Taiwan and Peru, the Philippines and Haiti leap to the fore as we contemplate the accumulating evidences of the entry by troops called for in our message of a year ago. These evidences are hopeful signs of the greater acceleration yet to come and in which all national communities, whatever the current status of their teaching effort, will ultimately be involved.

We look back with feelings of humble gratitude and heightened expectations at the stupendous developments which have taken place in so brief a period. One such development has been the adoption of the architectural design conceived by Mr. Faríburz Sahbá for the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb, which launches a new stage toward the realization of the Master's and the Guardian's vision for the path along which the kings and rulers will ascend the slopes of Mount Carmel to pay homage at the resting place of Bahá’u’lláh’s Martyr-Herald:

Other developments include: the approval by the central authorities in Moscow of the application submitted by a number of Bahá’ís in ‘Ishqábád to restore the local Spiritual Assembly of that city; the initiation of steps to open a Bahá’í Information Center in Budapest, the first such agency of the Faith in the Eastern Bloc; the establishment of a branch of the Bahá’í International Community's Office of Public Information in Hong Kong in anticipation of the time when the Faith can be proclaimed on the mainland of China.

Also outstanding among these developments have been the successful co-sponsorship by the Bahá’í International Community of the "Arts for Nature" program in London held to benefit the work of the World Wide Fund for Nature; the signing of an agreement in Geneva establishing formal working relations between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bahá’í International Community; the official approval of a Bahá’í curriculum for public schools in New South Wales, Australia; the immense stream of visitors to the Temple in New Delhi, swelling to some four million since that edifice's inauguration in December 1986, and including an unusual number of high government officials and other prominent persons from many lands, among them China, the Soviet Union and countries of the Eastern Bloc. These, added to numerous other highlights of this single year, merge with the over-all record of accomplishments thus far in the Six Year Plan, presenting a dynamic picture of accelerated activity throughout the Bahá’í world.

No reference to such marvelous progress could fail to acknowledge the spiritual and social impact effected by the decade-long episode of persecution inflicted with such cruel excesses on our Iranian fellow-believers. Only in the future will the full consequence of their sacrifice be known, but we can clearly recognize its influence on the extraordinary success in proclaiming the Faith and in establishing good relations with governmental authorities and major non-governmental organizations around the world.

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

‘40 Waves’ campaign awakens Myrtle Beach

In January, the "Forty Waves" Teaching Campaign was begun by a small group of homefront pioneers in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Within the next 60 days the Myrtle Beach area witnessed 14 new enrollments.

One aspect of the ongoing campaign is focused on systematic expansion and consolidation of the black indigenous population which has been greatly impacted by WLGI Radio since the station began operations in 1984.

Bahá’ís and their guests pause for quiet meditation during the "Prayers for Peace" picnic March 24 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Afternoon street teaching takes place on a regular basis. Interested seekers and new Bahá’ís are then invited to firesides and study classes which are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening.

According to one homefront pioneer who has been in the area since 1983, the receptivity of the local people has never been as high, and every door seems open to the Faith.

Everyone involved agrees that the most exciting aspect of teaching in Myrtle Beach has been the attention to and effectiveness of the consolidation efforts, an element that is being realized for the first time in the area's history.

New Bahá’ís and their families are visited regularly, encouraged to attend activities such as Feasts, deepenings, children's classes, prayer meetings and firesides, and quickly included in the community's consultation process.

One newly enrolled Bahá’í family, Mrs. K.C. Hough and her three sons, Willie, Michael and Christian, began holding weekly study sessions within two weeks of enrolling in the Faith.

"We call our Friday night meetings 'Bahá’í Night,'" she says, "and we don't care how crazy the week gets. When Friday night comes, we're there! And it has been wonderful every week."

Another aspect of the campaign in Myrtle Beach involves reaching out to all strata of society.

"It took me quite some time," says one of the new believers, real estate broker Bill Lundby, "to really understand the connection between Christ and Bahá’u’lláh.

"I became a 'born again' Christian many years ago, but after a lot of prayers and with the help of Mr. Sears' books, Thief in the Night and God Loves Laughter, I began to realize that Christ and Bahá’u’lláh are really one and the same.

"What an exciting discovery to know that Christ has returned with the solutions for today!"

The Myrtle Beach campaign has attracted more than 20 traveling teachers who have heard about its exciting spirit and have come from as far away as New York state and Pennsylvania to lend a hand.

After a brief visit to the area, David and Fran Durland and their three children decided within 30 days to leave New York and settle permanently in Myrtle Beach.

"We were overcome by the power of the spirit and unity," says Fran. "We had never seen anything like it.

"We prayed and consulted after we got back to New York, and Bahá’u’lláh helped us wind up our affairs so quickly that we're still amazed. But we're here—and we're here to stay."

The second of two week-long intensive teaching programs reached a crescendo March 24 with Myrtle Beach's first Prayers for Peace picnic at Chapin Park.

Seals & Crofts reunited for concert in L.A.

By DAVID LANGNESS

Brought out of a 10-year retirement by the desire to spread the Universal House of Justice's peace message, the renowned musical duo Seals & Crofts appeared together at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center in February for a unique proclamation event, the "Promise of World Peace Concert."

Attended by some 500 representatives of the area's entertainment industry; covered by the local, national and international press; and ultimately reaching an estimated 10 million people worldwide, the event enthusiastically proclaimed the peace message while propelling the Bahá’í community of Los Angeles to a new level of activity and visibility.

"We wanted this to be a gift to all of our friends," Dash Crofts said during the concert. "I mean, what could be a better gift than the hope for world peace?"

The proclamation, one of the most ambitious events ever undertaken by the Bahá’ís in Southern California, featured the reunion of Seals & Crofts at a free concert and invitation-only dinner specifically designed for those who work in the Los Angeles music, film, television and media industries.

Special pull-out section

The complete text of the Universal House of Justice's illuminating letter concerning individual rights and freedoms in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh: pages 9-12.

The evening's sole focus was "The Promise of World Peace" and its message of hope for all mankind, with each guest receiving a specially printed copy of the statement.

Preceded by a night of two preview concerts for Bahá’ís and their guests that raised some of the funds necessary for both evenings' activities, the proclamation began the fulfillment of the Spiritual Assembly's desire to deliver the message of Bahá’u’lláh to Los Angeles' influential entertainment industry.

The preview concerts drew an audience of 1,400 with another 600 present at the Center for the proclamation itself.

The Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles planned and carried out the concert/proclamation as the first event in the community's commitment to deliver the peace statement to every one of the city's three million residents over the next two years.

Several television and radio stations, both major Los Angeles newspapers, and many national and international news outlets covered the event, while Seals & Crofts were interviewed beforehand on the television show "A.M. in Los Angeles," on the Westwood One radio network, and were featured guests on KABC Radio's nationally syndicated Michael Jackson show, which reaches an estimated three million people and featured an in-depth discussion of the peace statement for almost an hour.

Seals & Crofts, who had not sung together in a decade, performed during the Los Angeles concert in February. [Page 2]

To the American Bahá’í community

Dear Bahá’í friends:

The first of the series of conferences designed to help us bring the vision of Shoghi Effendi to reality are behind us. Although the National Spiritual Assembly is encouraged by the renewed spirit of dedication, expanding the number of new Bahá’ís and meeting the challenges of the Fund remain as goals if we are to give reality to the Guardian’s vision. The individual is the key.

We hope that the breakthrough began at the Feast of Bahá, when each of you considered the implications of being a Bahá’í and of the changes inherent in large-scale growth. We call upon you to take time at this spiritual gathering to discuss further how you can make teaching a real, constant and integral part of your lives, so that the American Bahá’í community does not let its primacy slip away or be irretrievably forfeited. As Shoghi Effendi has emphasized:

"This challenge, so severe and insistent, and yet so glorious, faces no doubt primarily the individual believer on whom, in the last resort, depends the fate of the entire community. He it is who constitutes the warp and woof on which the quality and pattern of the whole fabric must depend. He it is who acts as one of the countless links in the mighty chain that now girdles the globe. He it is who serves as one of the multitude of bricks which support the structure and insure the stability of the administrative edifice now being raised in every part of the world. Without his support, at once whole-hearted, continuous and generous, every measure adopted, and every plan formulated, by the body which acts as the national representative of the community to which he belongs, is foredoomed to failure. The World Center of the Faith itself is paralyzed if such a support on the part of the rank and file of the community is denied it. The Author of the Divine Plan Himself is impeded in His purpose if the proper instruments for the execution of His design are lacking. The sustaining strength of Bahá’u’lláh Himself, the Founder of the Faith, will be withheld from every and each individual who fails in the long run to arise and play his part.

"The administrative agencies of a divinely conceived Administrative Order at long last erected and relatively perfected stand in dire need of the individual believer to come forward and utilize them with undeviating purpose, serene confidence and exemplary dedication. ... The unseen legions, standing rank upon rank, and eager to pour forth from the Kingdom on high the full measure of their celestial strength on the individual participants of this incomparably glorious Crusade, are powerless unless and until each potential crusader decides for himself, and perseveres in his determination, to rush into the arena of service ready to sacrifice his all for the Cause he is called upon to champion.

"It is therefore imperative for the individual American believer, and particularly for the affluent, the independent, the comfort-loving and those obsessed by material pursuits, to step forward, and dedicate their resources, their time, their very lives to a Cause of such transcendence that no human eye can even dimly perceive its glory. Let them resolve, instantly and unhesitatingly, to place, each according to his circumstances, his share on the altar of Bahá’í sacrifice, lest, on a sudden, unforeseen calamities rob them of a considerable portion of the earthly things they have amassed.

"Now if ever is the time to tread the path which the dawn-breakers of a previous age have so magnificently trodden. Now is the time to carry out, in the spirit and in the letter, the fervent wish so pathetically voiced by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who longed, as attested in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, to 'travel though on foot and in the utmost poverty' and raise 'in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans' 'the call of Yá-Bahá’u’l-Abhá!'

"Then, and only then, can the members of this community hasten the advent of the day when, as prophesied by His pen, 'heavenly illumination' will 'stream' from their country 'to all the peoples of the world.' Then, and only then will they find themselves 'securely established upon the throne of an everlasting dominion.'

"That the members of this community, of either sex and of every age, of whatever race or background, however limited in experience, capacity and knowledge, may arise as one man, and seize with both hands the God-given opportunities now presented to them through the dispensations of an all-loving, ever-watchful, ever-sustaining Providence, and lend thereby a tremendous impetus to the propelling forces mysteriously guiding the operations of this newly launched, unspeakably potent, world-encompassing Crusade, is one of the dearest wishes which a loving and longing heart holds for them at this great turning point in the fortunes of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in the American continent." (Citadel of Faith, pp. 130-132)

It is the heartfelt prayer of the National Spiritual Assembly that every Bahá’í will ask, How can I arise to teach and to persevere in my determination to play my part in ensuring large-scale growth in my local and national community?

Awesome though the task, we call upon you now to join with us in prayer... that we will all become so imbued with zeal, courage and enthusiasm that from this day to the end of the Six Year Plan nothing will be able to stay the victorious onward march of the followers of the Most Great Name.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States April 9, 1989

The American Bahá’í (USPS 042-430) is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Management Information Systems, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Executive editor: Jack Bowers. Associate editor: Laura E. Hildreth. The American Bahá’í welcomes news, letters and other 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’í, Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright 1989 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

Northern Virginia Bahá’í School

Pictured with their teachers are some of the younger members (ages 2-3 years) of the Northern Virginia Bahá’í School, which opened last September and now has an enrollment of more than 150 children and youth and includes deepening programs for adults. The school is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Reston and administered by the Northern Virginia Inter-Community Education Committee, a cooperative venture of 19 Bahá’í communities in the suburban Washington, D.C., area. Classes are held three Sundays per month from September through May.

U.S. Refugee Office says to friends: reach out to Indo-Chinese Bahá’ís

In response to the call of the Universal House of Justice to share the Message of Bahá’u’lláh with Chinese and Indo-Chinese peoples outside mainland China, the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office has been urging the friends throughout the country to identify and consort with Indo-Chinese Bahá’ís in their communities.

To reap the maximum benefits, it is necessary for this effort to be carried out on two levels.

The first level, as discussed in last month's article on reaching Southeast Asian Bahá’ís, is for individual Bahá’ís to establish ties of friendship with Indo-Chinese refugees.

Of course, the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office realizes that local Bahá’í communities are not always aware of the presence of these friends. The Refugee Office is not always made aware of the new arrivals either. This is where the other level of effort comes into play.

Local Spiritual Assemblies and individual Bahá’ís can contact local Indo-Chinese groups that are supportive of Bahá’í aims and principles to establish friendly relations with them.

Such contacts would demonstrate Bahá’í concern for the spiritual and material welfare of Indo-Chinese refugees and open new doors to teaching the Faith among them.

This may also prove to be an effective means for locating Bahá’í refugees who may be affiliated with these organizations.

Another way to locate Indo-Chinese Bahá’í refugees in one’s area is through the local media (i.e., newspaper ads and public service announcements on radio or television stations), by announcing a reunion event to which all Indo-Chinese Bahá’ís and their families are invited.

Bahá’ís in central California interact with some of their new-found Indo-Chinese friends and neighbors.

Indo-Chinese communities share with the Bahá’í community a strong desire to preserve the family unit from the disunifying influences of society. In particular, the high moral standards of the Faith appeal to the Indo-Chinese peoples. Whatever contacts are made with them at the local level should stress these noble aspects of the Faith.

The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office looks forward to receiving news of your successful contacts in this important and timely field of endeavor.

'Kavelin Project' begun in January by N. Virginia Bahá’ís

Bahá’ís in Northern Virginia have launched the "Kavelin Teaching Project" under the sponsorship of the Spiritual Assembly of Bailey's Crossroads.

Since the effort began in January two successful community-wide social events have been held with about 100 attendees, and a number of seekers have been found.

Activities include (1) an English as a second language project for Bahá’ís and seekers, (2) a nursing home teaching project, (3) a "Know Your Neighbors' Religion" project, and (4) a peace statement project.

40 Waves

The event was planned in cooperation with WLGI Radio, which publicized the event through spot announcements in the days leading up to it.

WLGI's "C.J. the D.J." served as emcee at the picnic, and after the prayers, readings and live music, the station provided yet another wonderful surprise for everyone.

At 5 p.m. the station was turned on via a public address system, and for the next hour its entire broadcast was dedicated to those at the picnic.

Thoughtful musical selections focusing on peace were interspersed with readings from the Writings and announcements geared to the peace event itself.

The program's impact went far beyond those taking part in the event, as WLGI's entire listening audience was undoubtedly affected by the union between the station and the Bahá’í community of Myrtle Beach.—David Hoffman

Arise! [Page 3]

TURN THE WORLD ON ITS EAR

ARISE AMERICAS

ALASKA: International Youth Conference July 12 to 15, 1989—Theme: "The Challenge of our Time—Global Peace"

ALASKA: "Northern Star Project", teaching and service June 15 to July 11, 1989 and July 11 to August 12, 1989.

ALASKA: Yukon Bahá’í Institute—Firesides, deepenings, training, celebrations—continuous programs.

BAHAMAS: Ongoing "Island of the Season" Project

CANADA: Sylvan Lake Summer School—continuous programs.

COSTA RICA: Peace Conference—June 25 to 30, 1989.

GRENADA: Mona Teaching Project July 23 to August 5, 1989.

HAITI: Need for French-speaking traveling teachers.

HONDURAS: Ongoing teaching projects.

JAMAICA: Need for long-term, mature traveling teachers.

LEEWARD ISLANDS: Need for "Resident Teachers" who can stay from 1 to 6 months.

PANAMA: Extended Project Sites teaching project ongoing.

PUERTO RICO: International Youth Conference—July 13 to 16, 1989.

SUMMER SCHOOLS!

AFRICA

BOTSWANA: "STAR '89" Project, summer 1989.

LIBERIA: West African Bahá’í Music Festival—December 8 to 10, 1989.

SENEGAL: Need traveling teachers, especially youth.

ZIMBABWE: Bahá’í Deepening Institute, ongoing

AUSTRALASIA

EASTERN CAROLINE ISLANDS: Need deepened, knowledgeable, mature traveling teachers who can stay 1 to 3 months.

ASIA

HONG KONG: Ongoing Mass Teaching Project.

KOREA: Ongoing Mass Teaching Project.

SINGAPORE: Ongoing Mass Teaching Project need 6 full-time teachers.

TAIWAN: Ongoing Mass Teaching Project—Muhajir Project.

EUROPE

ICELAND: "Skogar" Service/Forestry Project and Youth Conference, June 1989.

IRELAND; Summer School July 29 to August 1, 1989.

ITALY: International Youth Conference July 13 to 15, 1989.

ITALY: Teaching projects, May through September and beyond.

SWITZERLAND: Need traveling teachers who can stay for short- mid- or long-term service.

ENTRY BY TROOPS!

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

GO TRAVELING TEACHING!

San Jose Bahá’í community holds 8th annual Community Service Awards banquet in February

The Bahá’í community of San Jose, California, held its eighth annual Community Service Awards banquet February 4 at the Holiday Inn in San Jose.

More than 200 people including more than 70 non-Bahá’ís attended the event, whose keynote speaker was Dr. Roy Jones, director of the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina.

Receiving the awards were: KGO-TV for its year-long series "A World of Difference" which focused on the achievements of people of various ethnic backgrounds in its viewing area (award accepted by Public Affairs director Rose Guilbault).

Margaret Tinsley, lead plaintiff in the 1976 school desegregation case against the Palo Alto school district, eight other school districts, and the State Board of Education.

The Mid-Peninsula Task Force for Integrated Education, whose continuing efforts on behalf of Mrs. Tinsley led to victory in the case (award accepted by Mr. and Mrs. Jack Robertson).

Le Van Cao, a leader in almost every cause affecting the Bay Area's Vietnamese community.

Pictured (left to right) are the recipients of the eighth annual Community Service Awards given in February by the Bahá’í community of San Jose, California: Margaret Tinsley, Rose Guilbault (on behalf of KGO-TV), Attorney and Mrs. Jack Robertson (on behalf of the Mid-Peninsula Task Force for Integrated Education), and Le Van Cao.

Sharing the role of master of ceremonies at the banquet were Dr. Ron Gilpatrick and Auxiliary Board member Marsha Gilpatrick.

Entertainment was provided by Ron and Carol Lyles, professional Bahá’í musicians from Burlingame.

As always, the award was sculpted by Vern Allie, a noted Bahá’í glass sculptor who represented this year's theme, "The Elimination of Prejudice," with two figures holding aloft a flower above the quotation, "Behold, the tabernacle of unity hath been built among men...."

Summer offers chances for service

Are you looking for something to do this summer? Opportunities abound for service with organizations that have ideals similar to the Bahá’í Faith. You may want to take part in an international work camp and volunteer in construction, environmental, social, agricultural or maintenance work. Make new friends with whom to share the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. Or you may want to get involved in a local peace group that sets up citizen diplomacy exchanges. Fulfill a goal of the Six Year Plan and get involved in like-minded organizations!

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

More than 200 at Reno's Naw-Rúz party

More than 200 guests were present at a Naw-Rúz celebration sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Reno, Nevada, that featured 60 non-Bahá’í singers, dancers and musicians representing Lebanese, Turkish, Persian, American Indian, Hispanic, French, Filipino, Japanese, Israeli, Irish, Italian and Afro-American cultural groups.

Those attending the festive event were given copies of the Universal House of Justice's peace statement.

The theatrical celebration, entitled "Expressions of Hope for the Children of Injustice," was written and directed by Joseph Galata of the Bahá’í community of Reno.

In the week following the Naw-Rúz event, three people were enrolled in the Faith in Reno.

Over 200 teaching projects are taking place this summer!

Your participation in one of these projects during a vacation or school break could be of vital importance to the growth and development of the American Bahá’í Community. A list of teaching projects is available from the National Teaching Committee. Please write or call for your copy today!

National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 (312) 869-9039 [Page 4]

Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh

What is true liberty? How can the individual's right of freedom of expression be balanced with the re-quirements of consultation and respect for the divinely ordained Bahá’í administrative order?

In its provocative letter on these and related issues, the Universal House of Justice calls our attention to some fundamental concepts of our Faith, such as the essential role of the Covenant in unifying humankind; the differences between Bahá’u’lláh's World Order and recognized forms of secular government; the role of freedom of thought, expression, and action in Bahá’í consultation; the appropriate channels for expressing criticism; and the balance between individual freedom and preserving unity in the Cause.

The 20-page letter, published with a foreword by our National Spiritual Assembly, is now available in a booklet titled Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. The publication includes a 10-page summary that is extremely useful both for individuals studying the contents of the document and for groups meeting to consult upon it. The summary serves as a study guide that highlights and simplifies many of the deep and far-reaching concepts detailed in the letter.

The letter shows how individuals and institutions have both had misconceptions about the individual's rights and freedom of expression in the Bahá’í community. Our society, influencd predominantly by Westem liberal democratic prac tices, is far from the realization of Bahafideals and principles. Dominated by a rebellious, adolescent energy and a passionate attachment to freedom, our culture often reflects a pronounced individualism that expresses itself in skepticism of authority and disrespect for religion, government, and marriage.

In trying to create a unified, mature civilization, Bahá’ís must be careful not to breed oppostion and dissidence that undermine, for example, the authority of a Spiritual Assembly. Invoking the spirit of the Covenant and being disciplined in our speech and written word will help us balance the individual's right of self expression with considerations of social justice and fair-mindedness.

The Significance of Bahá’u’lláh's Revelation

SC $2.50 Designed to draw the reader into an exploration of the profound concepts of the Bahá’í Revelation, this study guide utilizes the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi in a fresh, challenging way. Excellent for individual or group deepening, preparing firesides or public talks, and use at Bahá’í schools. Other books in this series are The Word of God, and The Covenant: Its Meaning and Origin and Our Attitude Toward It. Nationall caching Committee, U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Resurrection and Renewal

The Making of the Babí Movement in Iran, 1844-1850 by Abbas Amanat HC $29.95 Abbas Amanat conveys the elation and terror that attended the birth of the Babí Faith and provides detailed studies of The Báb, His most prominent disciples, and why that Faith was embraced by certain segments of a rapidly changing society. Combining narrative with analysis, this book is a major contribution to the history of modern religious studies-it will deepen our understanding of the Babí religious movement. Cornell University Press

Sushi in the Kremlin, and The We Generation

by Matthew Levine CS $3.00 A new approach for teaching! With its message of unity, these two singles on a cassette are upbeat and offer exciting listening for all ages. A great gift for your friends! Concourse Records

Individual Rights and Freedoms

The letter examines how the Bahá’í electoral process can be one of the highest forms of individual freedom and discusses the important role of the press. It also shows that our administrative order provides channels for the expression of individual thoughts, including criticism.

The Universal House of Justice makes clear the importance of fostering a climate in which the many potentialities of the individual members of society can develop, allowing for the assertion of individuality through "modes of spontaneity, initiative and diversity." It calls upon institutions to honor and respect the individual and to safeguard his or her freedoms. Thus the individual finds a place in the "flow of progress," and society can benefit from his or her talents and abilities.

Individuals, in tum, are called upon to demonstrate love for others and for Bahá’í institutions, safeguarding and trusting in the latters's decisions and authority. Both have responsibilities and rights that need to be upheld.

When institutions and individuals are both working within an appropriate framework it will lead to an organic unity within our Bahá’í communities, which will have an impact on the larger society in which we live. The spirit of true liberty, Bahá’u’lláh's gift to the world, will foster great development of individual expression and create the world order so necessary to the establishment of the Faith.

The letter ends with a challenge: to "uphold and vindicate the distinction between the license that limits [our] possibilities for genuine progress and the moderation that ensures the enjoyment of true liberty."

In expounding on these principles of our Faith the Universal House of Justice has given us a great gift-an invitation to ponder the essence of Bahá’u’lláh's Revelation and internalize His teachings. The letter should not only inspire many discussions, but will profoundly affect our actions as members of Bahá’u’lláh's World Order.

Now available in softcover only from the Bahá’í Distribution Service, Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Baháu’lláh is pricd at $3.00. Order your copy today!

The Bahá’í Faith

PA $3.00 10/pkg. $12.50 50/pkg. This excellent initial handout for teaching describes the Faith as the newest of the world religions. It highlights verses from other religions that harmonize with the basic beliefs of the Faith. Color photographs, religious symbols, a map of Bahá’í Assemblies around the world, and a cover shot of the planet earth all enhance this attractive and inexpensive introductory presentation of the Faith. Dallas Bahá’í Office of Public Information

The Bahá’í Faith & World Religious Statistics

PA $8.00 10/pkg. Excellent for introducing the Faith to professional and academic people, The Bahá’í Faith and World Religious Statistics includes an article reprinted from the Encyclopedia Britannica, as well as statistics from the 1988 Britannica Book of the Year. U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

The Bahá’í Distribution Service will no longer be distributing the title Black Pearls because of its insensitivy in the portrayal of Black people.

If you would like to receive our updated May 1989 Price List, please call our toll free number and we will be happy to send you one.

The Fourth Epoch Opens

Prepared by the World Center Office of Public Information VT $19.95 / Beta or VHS An impressive documentation on the development of the Faith through the first three epochs of the Formative Age. Great for firesides and deepenings. U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

BACK IN STOCK

The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction, SC / $1.50 Bahá’í Prayers, SC / $4.95 Consultation: A Lamp of Guidance, SC / $7.95 In Search of Nirvana: A New Perspective on Alcohol and Drug Dependency, SC / 8.95 The Pilgrimage, VT / $39.95 Thoughts: Education for Peace and One World, SC $15.95 Unity In Diversity, CS / $8.00 Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, HC / $21.95

Bahá’í Distribution Service

1-800-999-9019 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091

Ordered by: (Please print or type) Name Address City Date. Zip. Day Phone. State Account Number: Circle one: American Express MasterCard VISA Check Money Order Expiration Date: Signature:

TITLE JOTY The Bahá’í Faith, PA 10/pkg The Bahá’í Faith, PA 50/pkg Bahá’í Faith & World Religious Statistics, PA Individual Rights and Freedoms. SC Resurrection and Renewal. HC Seat of God's Throne, VT/VHS or Beta Significance of Bahá’u’lláh's Revelation, SC Sushi in the Kremlin, CS

COST AMOUNT TOTAL

Order through your Local Bahá’í Distribution Representative, or send your order with payment to: 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 Bahá’í Distribution Service [Page 5]

National Fund supports many activities around the world

THE FUNDS

The National Fund continues to support the Faith around the world. Listed briefly here are some of the activities supported by the Fund. You may also wish to review the annual report of the agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly for greater detail on these and other activities.

Your contributions this year helped:

GROWTH

• Assist 12 "Vision to Victory" conferences that featured addresses by two retired members of the Universal House of Justice, David Hofman and H. Borrah Kavelin, and raised more than $630,000 in cash and $490,000 in pledges for the Bahá’í Funds and Arc project. The conferences brought together more than 14,000 believers to focus our vision on the significance of the Arc and to animate each believer to arise to teach and serve the Cause as never before.
• Support international Bahá’í needs through the placement of more than 300 pioneers, filling 44 goals of the Six Year Plan.
• Assist in the placement of more than 75 youth and adults (including several at the World Center) through the Bahá’í Service Corps to support social and economic development projects and the administrative needs of the Faith both at home and abroad.
• Host more than 146,000 visitors to the House of Worship in Wilmette.
• Complete 64 international collaboration goals through coordinating 326 traveling teachers taking 547 trips to 105 countries.
• Co-host a luncheon for the executive board of the International Council of Women at the home of Laura Dreyfus-Barney.
• Sponsor the third annual Peace Fest in South Carolina that featured music, cultural exhibits and presentations, an educational forum, worship services and fellowship.
• Disseminate press releases and public information materials to more than 900 public information representatives and committees, which resulted in more than 3,600 newspaper articles about the Faith.
• Support ratification of the UN’s Genocide Convention by the U.S. Senate and continue work on the ratification of other conventions including the one on torture.
• Send two members of the National Spiritual Assembly to testify before a Congressional subcommittee regarding a resolution condemning the violation of human rights of Bahá’ís in Iran.
• Provide 6,000 complimentary copies of U.S. Bahá’í Report to government officials, prominent individuals, journalists and national organizations.
• Double the on-air programming at WLGI Radio Bahá’í in South Carolina.
• Expand the technical capability of WLGI to include remote broadcasting and live telephone interviews.
• Present a course on pioneering entitled "Lifetime of Service" at the Landegg Academy in Switzerland with participants from 13 countries.
• Answer more than 30 requests from blind persons around the world with introductory Bahá’í materials free of charge.
• Host the fifth annual Nordic Women’s East-West Peace Seminar (the first held in the U.S.) and the third annual conference of the Bahá’í Justice Society at the Bosch Bahá’í School.
• Send two representatives to the National Council of Women’s seminar and awards dinner at the United Nations.
• Send Bahá’í representatives to a variety of conferences, receptions and meetings including the UN Environmental Program, the International Council of Women’s Centenary Convention, and the American Association for World Health conference.
• Prepare public information used as reference material for an editorial published in February 1989 in the New York Times.
• Sustain the Bahá’í UN representative who was subsequently elected as a member-at-large to the executive committee of the Council of Organizations of the United Nations Association.
• Enable a Bahá’í to serve as co-chairman of the National Religious Involvement Committee of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission.
• Expand collaboration between our National Spiritual Assembly and the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico including a joint meeting in Mexico by representatives of both Assemblies to discuss their collaboration goals.
• Hold six Pioneer Training Institutes and collaborate with other National Spiritual Assemblies in training pioneers.

DEVELOPMENT

• Send $2 million to the Universal House of Justice.
• Locate Bahá’ís to testify before the United Nations Human Rights Commission about the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran.
• Produce a new video entitled "Seat of God’s Throne" about the spiritual significance of the Arc.
• Host conferences at the Louhelen School on child and family development, education, race unity, cultural awareness, devotions, chastity, consultation, developing the Bahá’í way of life, enhancing the role of women, and understanding and preventing substance abuse.
• Train 41 youth at the third annual Louis Gregory Bahá’í Youth Academy which addressed issues of adolescent development, self-concepts, the family, cultural awareness, and education.
• Host more than 5,000 Bahá’ís from 55 countries at the International Bahá’í Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana.
• Continue to coordinate the procurement of facilities and services for the 1992 World Congress in New York City.
• Continue the Louhelen Residential Program which hosted 18 students from Ethiopia, Ecuador, Haiti, Honduras, the Bahamas, Alaska, Arizona, California, South Carolina, South Dakota and Virginia.
• Provide complimentary copies of Bahá’í News to 147 National Spiritual Assemblies, all of the Hands of the Cause of God and Continental Boards of Counselors, all permanent Bahá’í schools and institutes in North America, and all pioneers from the U.S.
• Continue the research and writing of A Short Encyclopedia of the Bahá’í Faith.
• Protect and operate 11 buildings (including the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár and National Hazíratu’l-Quds) on 15 acres at the Bahá’í National Center.
• Support the physical management of 86 Bahá’í properties around the country including schools, institutes and historic sites.
• Host conferences at the Green Acre School focusing on marriage, family life, consultation, the equality of men and women, and personal goal-setting.

INTEGRATION

• Send welcoming packets to all newly arrived Indochinese and Persian Bahá’í families.
• Provide materials to 130 Bahá’í College Clubs for combating racism on campuses.
• Send a representative to visit hundreds of Vietnamese and Khmer Bahá’ís in refugee camps in Thailand.
• Maintain relations with international governmental and non-governmental agencies and facilitate the resettlement of 381 Bahá’í refugees from Austria, Italy, Iran, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and Turkey.
• Visit 10 central California communities to establish bonds of friendship and help with the integration needs of Indochinese Bahá’ís.
• Coordinate consultation and teaching efforts in 20 states focusing on collective solutions to "the most vital and challenging issue"—racial prejudice.
• Send a Bahá’í representative to the Asia-Pacific Bahá’í Conference on Chinese Teaching and collaborate on a workshop on U.S.-bound Indochinese refugees with the Bahá’í refugee coordinator in the Philippines.
• Send Persian translations of Feast letters to almost 400 Bahá’í communities, Counselors, Auxiliary Board members and national committees. Also, 50 copies of the Spanish translation of the Feast letter were distributed every Bahá’í month.

Landegg Academy hosts course on Fund management

On February 20-26, participants from 12 countries including nine National Treasurers and Finance Officers attended a course on Effective Fund Management for the Development of the Faith at Landegg Academy in Switzerland.

The course was conducted by Steven Jackson, former director of the U.S. National Office of the Treasurer who now serves as a senior consultant in financial administration to various African countries.

This was the first such study program ever held in Europe, and was designed to provide European Bahá’í treasurers with an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the strategies developed by the American Bahá’í community over the past two decades.

Among the topics considered were (1) accounting procedures for Bahá’í treasurers, (2) universal participation, (3) the Secret of Wealth (personal and family financial management and its relation to the Funds), (4) the law of making a will, and (5) the Mystery of Sacrifice.

Held concurrently with the course on Fund management was another entitled "A Lifetime of Service," conducted by Yael Wurmfeld, director of the Office of Pioneering at the U.S. Bahá’í National Center.

Upcoming courses at Landegg on the Bahá’í administrative order include Assembly Management II, Guiding Stars: Refuge for Humanity, and Consultation: The Bahá’í Concept and Approach.

For information, write to the Landegg Academy, CH-9405 Wienacht/AR, Switzerland, or phone 071-91 22 33.

HUQUQU’LLÁH

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

Payments for Huqúqu’lláh should be made to "Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh 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 2320 Alta Avenue Santa Monica, CA 90402 Tel: 213-394-5449

Dr. Daryush Haghighi 21300 Avalon Drive Rocky River, OH 44116 Tel: 216-333-1506

Inquiries regarding Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to: Office of the Secretariat Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust 21300 Avalon Drive Rocky River, OH 44116

The Colorado Youth Group has been active in helping jeopardized Assemblies maintain their status. Among its recent activities was helping the local Assembly of Westminster distribute invitations house-to-house for a public meeting at the local library. Twenty-five youth came to help, and through their efforts new minority neighborhoods were located and approached.

Knoxville Bahá’í community has key role in city’s Interfaith Peace Symposium

On February 11-12, Bahá’ís in the Knoxville, Tennessee, area took part in "Leaves of Peace: The Knoxville Interfaith Peace Symposium."

The purpose of the symposium was to begin a meaningful dialogue among diverse cultural, ethnic, racial and religious groups concerning the quest for peace and our roles as individuals in its achievement.

The keynote address at Saturday evening’s interfaith devotional service was by the Rev. William ‎Soan Sloane‎ Coffin, president of the world’s largest peace group, SANE/FREEZE.

The service itself included readings on the quest for peace drawn from Christian, Jewish, Bahá’í, Islamic, Buddhist, Confucian and American Indian traditions.

During Sunday morning’s pulpit exchange, Bahá’ís were invited to speak at several area churches. Dr. Frank Bradley addressed the Shannondale Presbyterian Church while Dr. Vahid Alavian shared the pulpit with the Rev. Coffin at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

The Sunday afternoon program was opened by "Bridges," a Bahá’í-based singing group.

During the panel discussion which followed, Auxiliary Board member Mary K. Radpour, a family counselor, addressed the issue of inner and family peace.

The Rev. Coffin, speaking that evening on "The Role of the Arts in Peacemaking," singled out the Bahá’ís, speaking at length about the group "Bridges" and the meaning of its songs, especially "With Two Wings," a song by Red Grammer that draws an analogy between the equality of men and women and the flight of a bird with wings of equal strength.

Throughout the symposium, a Resource Room was available for those who wished more information about various faiths, peace organizations and/or environmental groups.

The Bahá’í booth provided free pamphlets and copies of the peace statement.

The concluding "Mass for Peace," which featured choruses, members of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and pianist Richard Trythall of Rome, Italy, was attended by almost 1,000 people.

Bahá’ís were actively involved in planning and implementing the symposium, and have gained an equal seat on the Interfaith Council among established churches and synagogues in the Knoxville community. [Page 6]

صندوق ملی و خدمات امری

NATIONAL FUND AND BAHA’I ACTIVITIES

ذیلاً خلاصه‌ای از فهرست خدمات گوناگون امری که مخارج آن از صندوق ملی تأمین گردیده، درج می‌گردد:

• مخارج مربوط به نشر نفحات الله
• کمک به انعقاد ۱۲ کنفرانس "از رویا تا پیروزی" که بیش از ۱۴ هزار تن در آنها شرکت جستند.
• مساعدت مالی جهت استقرار ۳۰۰ مهاجر و بدین ترتیب تکمیل ٤٤ فقره از اهداف نقشه شش ساله.
• کمک به بیش از ۷۵ تن از جوانان جهت اجرای دوره یکساله خدمت.
• پذیرایی از بیش از ۱۴۶ هزار تن از بازدیدکنندگان مشرق‌الاذکار در ویلمت.
• تکمیل ٦٤ هدف از اهداف بین‌المللی از طریق سازماندهی به ۲۲۶ مبلغ سیار جهت انجام ٥٤٧ سفر تبلیغی به ۱۰۵ کشور.
• مساعدت در مورد پذیرایی از هیئت رئیسه "شورای بین‌المللی زنان" در منزل ایادی امرالله لورا دریفوس بارنی.
• پرداخت مخارج مربوط به سومین جشنواره صلح در ایالت کارولینای جنوبی.
• پرداخت مخارج مربوط به نشر بیانیه‌های رسمی امری و ارائه اطلاعات امری به بیش از ۹۰۰ تن از نمایندگان روابط عمومی. این خدمات منجر به درج بیش از ٢٦٠٠ فقره اخبار و مقالات مربوط به امر مبارک در جراید گردیده است.
• مساعدت جهت تصویب عهدنامه سازمان ملل مبنی بر تحریم کشتار عمومی توسط مجلس سنای آمریکا.
• ارسال دو تن از نمایندگان محفل روحانی ملی جهت اقامه شهادت در یکی از کمیسیون‌های مجلس شورای ملی در مورد تضییقات بهائیان ایران.
• تهیه ٦٠٠٠ نسخه "گزارش بهائیان ایالات متحده" Bahá’í U.S. Report که مجاناً در اختیار اولیای دولت و افراد سرشناس و خبرنگاران و سازمان‌های ملی گذاشته شده است.
• افزایش پخش برنامه‌های رادیوی بهائی در ایالت کارولینای جنوبی به دو برابر.
• افزایش ظرفیت فنی دستگاه رادیوئی مذکور جهت فرستادن امواج رادیوئی به مناطق دورتر و تسهیل امکانات ساحتمانی تلفنی.
• ارسال نمایندگان بهائی به کنفرانس‌ها و برنامه‌های مختلفی از قبیل برنامه حفاظت محیط زیست سازمان ملل و صدمین کانونشن شورای بین‌المللی زنان و سازمان آمریکایی بهداشت جهانی.
• تهیه مطالبی که در سرمقاله روزنامه نیویورک تایمز در ماه فوریه سال جاری درج گردید.
• کمک به افزایش همکاری مابین محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده و محفل روحانی ملی مکزیک.

مخارج مربوط به تحکیم اساس جامعه بهائی

• تقدیم ۲ میلیون دلار به صندوق بیت‌العدل اعظم.
• آماده ساختن چند تن از احباء جهت اقامه شهادت در کمیسیون حقوق بشر سازمان ملل در مورد تضییقات یاران ایران.
• تأسیس دفتری در پاسادینا (کالیفرنیا) جهت فعالیت تمام وقت دو تن از اعضای محفل روحانی ملی.
• تهیه یک نوار ویدیوئی به نام "مقر عرش الهی" Seat of God’s Throne درباره اهمیت روحانی بناهای حول قوس کوه کرمل.
• انعقاد کنفرانس‌هایی در مدرسه بهائی لوهلن درباره موضوعات مختلفی مانند حیات خانواده و تربیت اطفال، وحدت نژادی، آگاهی از خصوصیات فرهنگی، ادعیه و مناجات، عفت و عصمت، مشورت، گسترش خدمات زنان و غیره.
• پذیرایی از بیش از ۵ هزار نفر از احباء از ٥٥ کشور در کنفرانس بین‌المللی جوانان در بلومینگتون واقع در ایالت ایندیانا.
• ارسال نسخه‌های مجانی اخبار بهائی به ۱٤۷ محفل روحانی ملی و کلیه حضرات ایادی امرالله و اعضای هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای و مدارس بهائی و مهاجرین.
• مخارج مربوط به نگهداری از ۱۱ ساختمان از املاک دفتر محفل ملی منجمله مشرق‌الاذکار و حظيرة‌القدس ملی.
• مخارج مربوط به ۸٦ فقره از املاک امری در سراسر کشور مشتمل بر مدارس و مؤسسات بهائی و ابنیه تاریخی امری.

مخارج مربوط به ادغام و اختلاط

• ارسال بسته‌های حاوی خوشامد و اطلاعات به بهائیان هندوچینی و ایرادتر تازه رسیده.
• تهیه مواد و مطالب مربوط به رفع تبعیضات نژادی برای کلوپ‌های بهائی در کالج‌ها و دانشگاه‌ها.
• ارسال یک نماینده جهت دیدار با صدها تن از بهائیان پناهنده هندوچینی در تایلند.
• ایجاد روابط با سازمان‌های بین‌المللی دولتی و غیردولتی و تسهیل امکانات جهت اسکان ۳۸۱ پناهنده از اتریش، ایتالیا، ایران، پاکستان، فیلیپین، تایلند و ترکیه.
• ملاقات با ۱۰ منطقه در شمال کالیفرنیا جهت برقراری روابط دوستانه و کمک به رفع نیازهای مربوط به ادغام و اختلاط بهائیان هندوچینی.

فعالیت‌های هنری احباء

SUCCESS OF A BAHA’I PLAYWRIGHT

چندی قبل نمایش "رقصی اینچنین" به نویسندگی و کارگردانی منصور تائید در شهر برکلی در کالیفرنیا در دو شب پیاپی به روی صحنه آمد و ورقی مشرق بر آنچه که بر اهل بهاء در ایران گذشته است، افزود و دیگر بار یاد زنان شهید شیراز را که در راه برقراری وحدت عالم انسانی جان خود را فدا نمودند، زنده ساخت.

"رقصی اینچنین" که روایتی از زندگی و شهادت شهید بهائی خانم شیرین دالوند است، توسط گروه تئاتر "داروگ" به مدت یکساعت و نیم برای تماشاگران غیربهائی به روی پرده آمد.

نمایش با یورش مأموران به خانه مسکونی دوست شیرین آغاز می‌شود و بعد زمان نمایش به عقب برمی‌گردد تا زندگی شیرین را بازگوید. شیرین که مشغول زندگی روزمره خود است، دختری ساده، بی‌غل و غش و دارای همه مشخصات یک دختر جوان است. کم کم با تغییر اوضاع و احوال سیاسی محیط او، زندگی او نیز تغییر می‌کند و تضادهای درونی وی آغاز می‌شود.

نمایش از اینجا تا به انتها، به نشان دادن تضادها در زندگی این دختر ساده می‌پردازد. رقص "روح پاکی" که یکی از نقاط عطف این نمایشنامه است، نمادی است از روح پاک و بی‌آلایش شیرین. این رقص در دور آبی کم رنگ با نوای زیبای تار اجراء می‌شود.

در فضایی دیگر، بُعد دیگری از این نمایش را در "مونولوگ" مأمور می‌شنویم که در پارک با خود در تفکر است. از صحنه‌های به یاد ماندنی صحنه خانه و داستان شمع آجین شدن سلیمان خان است که توسط پدر خانواده در دور چند شمع زمانی که برق رفته است، برای دیگران بازگو می‌شود. این صحنه همه را با خود به فضایی دیگر می‌برد و از لحظات موفق این نمایش است.

در پایان شیرین پس از یک انقلاب درونی و جنگ با تضادها تصمیم می‌گیرد که در راه عقیده خود کشته شود. در واقع دیده می‌شود که شیرین بدون اینکه ژاندارک و یا فلورانس نایتینگل و یا قهرمانی باشد، خود را فدای ایمان خود می‌کند و بر این ایمان شهادت می‌دهد. به همین سبب است که نویسنده این نمایش را به شیرینی‌ای که در همه انسانها نهفته، تقدیم کرده است.

نویسنده این نمایشنامه، آقای منصور تائید از سال ۱۹۸۱ به کار در تئاتر و بازیگری در نمایش‌های مختلف مشغول است. "رقصی بهائی".

• ارسال ترجمه فارسی پیام‌های محفل روحانی ملی به بیش از ٤٠٠ جامعه امری و مشاورین قاره‌ای و اعضای هیئت‌های معاونت و همچنین ارسال ترجمه اسپانیولی پیام‌های مذکور به ٥٠ جامعه امری در هر ماه.

شهین فنائیان، نیلوفر نیاکانیان، بابک مختاری و مژده فرزام در صحنه‌ای از نمایش "رقصی اینچنین"

پوسترهای رنگی مشرق‌الاذکار هندوستان

POSTERS OF INDIAN HOUSE OF WORSHIP

لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکایی پوسترهایی رنگی در دو اندازه مختلف از منظره شب مشرق‌الاذکار هندوستان تهیه نموده است. قیمت پوسترهای کوچک (۱۷×۱۱ اینچ) با بسته‌بندی ۱۰ دلار و بدون بسته بندی ۹ دلار، و قیمت پوسترهای بزرگ (۲۸×۲۲ اینچ) با بسته‌بندی ۱۵/۵۰ دلار و بدون بسته بندی ۱۴ دلار است. عایدات حاصل از فروش این پوسترها صرف مخارج پناهندگان بهائی خواهد شد.

نوار کلمات مکنونه

PERSIAN “HIDDEN WORDS” TAPE

اخیراً به همت لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکایی نواری حاوی کلمات مکنونه فارسی حضرت بهاءالله تهیه شده است. این نوار صوتی توسط سرکار خانم شکوه رضائی و آقای سهیل زبرجدی تلاوت شده و به همراهی پیادوی خانم ژرانت روژند پیرایر اجرا گردیده است. هدف از تهیه نوار مذکور آن بوده که اطفال و نوجوانان عزیز بهائی را در قرائت صحیح و آموختن این اثر مبارک مددی باشد.

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند نوار فوق را از طریق موسسه توزیع آثار امری خریداری نمایند. تلفن: ١٨٥٤-٢٥١ (۲۱۲)

Baha’i Distributaion Service 415 Linden Ave. Wilmette, IL. 60091

۲۳ می روز اظهار امر حضرت علی ۲۹ می روز صعود حضرت بهاءالله

مبارزه با تعصبات نژادی در دانشگاه‌ها

COMBATING RACISM ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES

فعالیت‌های تبلیغی در دانشگاه‌ها با موفقیت ادامه دارد. دانشجویان بهائی در سراسر ایالات متحده به جد می‌کوشند تا اصول و تعالیم امر بهائی را به استادان و همقطاران خود ابلاغ نمایند.

از ماه اکتبر سال گذشته کلوپ‌های بهائی فعالیت‌های خود را بر مذاکره درباره مشکلات مربوط به تبعیضات نژادی متمرکز ساخته‌اند.

اخیراً حوادث ناگواری ناشی از تعصبات نژادی در تعدادی از کالج‌ها و دانشگاه‌های آمریکا رخ داده است. بدین جهت محفل روحانی ملی لجنه ملی جوانان را مأمور ساخته که جوانان بهائی را در مؤسسات مذکور به انعقاد جلساتی جهت مبارزه با تعصبات نژادی فرا خواند و پیام حضرت بهاءالله را مبنی بر ترک تعصبات و وحدت عالم انسانی بگوش دانشجویان غیربهائی نمایند.

کلوپ‌های بهائی دانشگاه‌ها نیز در پاسخ به دستور محفل روحانی ملی به تشکیل جلسات و اجرای فعالیت‌های مفیدی در این زمینه اقدام نموده‌اند. یاران عزیز می‌توانند شرح خلاصه‌ای از این فعالیت‌ها را در صفحات انگلیسی مطالعه فرمایند.

حقوق الله

HUQUQU’LLAH

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است که تقدیمی‌های حقوق‌الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’llah Trust به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق‌الله ارسال فرمایند.

Dr. Amin Banani 2320 Alta Avenue Santa Monica, CA. 90402	Dr. Daryush Haghighi 21300 Avalon Drive Rocky River, OH. 44116
Dr. Elsie Austin P.O. Box 927 Silver Spring, MD. 20910

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پیام بیت العدل اعظم الهی

MESSAGE OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم خطاب به بهائیان عالم رضوان ۱۹۸۹

دوستان عزیز و محبوب،

قوای روحانه‌ای که در رضوان سال گذشته اثراتی چنان مهیج در کانونشن بین‌المللی بهائی ایجاد نمود، به سراسر جامعهٔ جهانی سرایت نموده و اعضای آن را در شرق و غرب عالم به فعالیت‌ها و موفقیت‌هائی در میدان تبلیغ برانگیخته که از این پیش در هیچ سالی سابقه نداشته است. از جمله شواهد این مدعا وصول گزارشاتی حاکی از تسجیل قریب به نیم میلیون نفر تازه تصدیق است. یاران رحمن در پیام رضوان سال گذشته این مشتاقان به متحقق ساختن وعده "یدخلون فی دین الله افواجاً" دعوت شده بودند. حال بشارات واصله از میادین تبلیغ ملاحظه می‌شود، نام سرزمین‌های دوردستی چون هندوستان و لیبریا، بولیوی و بنگلادش، تایوان و پرو، فیلیپین و هائیتی به دیده می‌آید. این شواهد نشانه‌ای امیدبخش از تسریع هر چه بیشتر این جریان در آینده است، جریانی که باالمال جمیع جوامع ملی را، صرف نظر از میزان فعلی توفیقات تبلیغی آنها، در بر خواهد گرفت.

این جمع با سپاسی سرشار از خشوع و استظهاری مضاعف، به تحولات شگفت‌انگیزی که در این مدت کوتاه رخ داده نظر می‌دوزند. از جمله این تحولات تصویب طرح ساختمانی طبقات مقام اعلی است که توسط جناب فریبرز صهبا تهیه گردیده است. با این اقدام مرحله نوینی از مراحل تحقق رؤیای حضرت عبدالبهاء و حضرت ولی امرالله در مورد تکمیل جاده‌ای که از طریق آن سلاطین و فرمانروایان، جهت ادای احترام به عتبه سامیه ضریح مطهر شهید حضرت باب، به کوه کرمل صعود خواهند نمود، آغاز خواهد شد. و از جمله این تحولات درخواست جمعی از بهائیان شرق آباد جهت تشکیل مجدد محفل روحانی آن شهر است که مورد تصویب مقامات دولتی در مسکو قرار گرفته است. و همچنین اقدامات اولیه جهت افتتاح مرکز اطلاعات امر بهائی در بوداپست است که اولین مؤسسه اطلاعات امری در اروپای شرقی خواهد بود، و نیز تأسیس شعبه‌ای از دفتر جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی در هونگ کنگ است، بدین استظهار که روزی اعلان عمومی امرالله در خاک اصلی سرزمین چین امکان پذیرد.

و نیز از جمله تحولات مهم مشارکت موفقیت‌آمیز جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی در برنامه "منشور برای طبیعت" است که در لندن به نفع "صندوق جهانی حفاظت از طبیعت" ترتیب داده شد، و از جمله امضای موافقتنامه‌ای در شهر ژنو بین سازمان جهانی بهداشت و جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی جهت ایجاد روابط رسمی همکاری، و از جمله تصویب رسمی برنامه درسی درباره دیانت بهائی برای مدارس دولتی در ایالت نیو ساوت ویلز New South Wales در استرالیاست، و از جمله سیل عظیم بازدیدکنندگان از مشرق‌الاذکار هندوستان که تعداد آنان از زمان افتتاح آن معبد عظیم‌الشأن، در دسامبر سال ۱۹۸۶، تا کنون بالغ بر چهار میلیون نفر گردیده و شامل تعداد بسیاری از مقامات عالی‌رتبه دولتی و سایر شخصیت‌های برجسته از اقالیم مختلف منجمله چین و اتحاد جماهیر شوروی و ممالک اروپای شرقی بوده است. این تحولات، همراه با سایر وقایع چشمگیر سال گذشته، بر کارنامه کلی موفقیت‌هائی که تا کنون در ضمن نقشه شش ساله حاصل گشته، افزوده شده، تصویری حاکی از تحول مساعی روزافزون یاران را در سراسر عالم بهائی جلوه‌گر می‌سازد.

یادآوری این پیشرفت‌های حیرت‌انگیز بدون ذکر تأثیرات روحانی و اجتماعی حاصل از دوره دهساله اضطهادات و ابتلائاتی که با چشمان قساوت مقرونی بر خواهران و برادران روحانی ما در ایران وارد شده، ممکن نیست. نتایج کامل ایثار و فداکاری آنان فقط در آینده معلوم خواهد شد اما در حال حاضر نیز تأثیر آن را می‌توان در موفقیت خارق‌العاده‌ای که در ارتباط با اعلان عمومی امرالله و ایجاد روابط حسنه با مقامات دولتی و سازمان‌های مهم غیردولتی در سراسر جهان نصیب گشته، به وضوح ملاحظه نمود. بنابراین جای آن دارد که با سپاس و سرور خبر آزادی اکثر قریب به اتفاق زندانیان بهائی ایران را اعلام نمائیم. اما در عین این شادمانی نمی‌توان فراموش کرد که استخلاص کامل جامعه بهائی ایران و اطمینان از تضمین کلیه حقوق انسانی اعضای آن هنوز تحقق نیافته است.

در این لحظات پر مسرت فرصت را مغتنم شمرده، تشکیل دو محفل روحانی ملی را که در رضوان امسال یکی در ماکائو واقع در جنوب شرقی آسیا و دیگری در گینه بیسائو در غرب قاره افریقا تأسیس خواهد شد، به گرمی خوش‌آمد می‌گوئیم.

از دور دست، در ظلمت پریشانی و اغتشاشی که گریبانگیر جامعه امروزی شده، نوری ضعیف اما قابل تشخیص نمایان است. این نور فرارسیدن بطئی و در عین حال قطعی زمان تحقق و تکامل سه امری را که حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله وعده فرموده‌اند، نوید می‌دهد. این سه امر که به موازات یکدیگر اکمال خواهد یافت عبارتند از تحقق صلح اصغر، ارتفاع ابنیه حول قوس کوه کرمل، و بلوغ و تکامل محافل روحانی محلی و ملی. فی‌الحقیقه اهل بهاء در طول دهتۀ ششم، در خلال عهد چهارم عصر تکوین، و به ویژه در سالی که اخیراً خاتمه یافته، به آن نور ضعیف که هنوز بسی دور است، نزدیکتر شده‌اند. به خاطر چه کسی، حتی در آغاز نقشه شش ساله، خطور می‌کرد که تغییرات ناگهانی در رویه رهبران سیاسی برخی از پراختناق‌ترین نقاط کره زمین موجب شود که آنان مواضع انعطاف ناپذیر خود را ترک گویند؟ تغییراتی که در ماه‌های اخیر ارباب جراید را بر آن داشته که در سرمقاله‌های خود این سؤال را مطرح نمایند که "آیا صلح در گرفته است؟" هر چند که جزئیات شرایط و مقتضیات لازم برای تأسیس صلح اصغر بر احدی معلوم نیست و حتی موعد دقیق آن نیز در نقشه اعظم الهی مستور است، معذلک این تحولات باید برای هر ناظر آگاه از منشاء الهی این وقایع، امیدبخش باشد.

اما تحقق دو امر دیگر مستقیماً منوط بر آن است که پیروان اسم اعظم تا چه اندازه به ایفای وظائف صریحه خود قیام نمایند. معذلک باید امیدوار بود و دل خوش داشت: مگر نه آنکه طرح‌های ساختمانی ابنیه باقیمانده حول قوس کوه کرمل به تصویب رسیده، و تهیه نقشه‌های تفصیلی جهت ساختمان آن ابنیه فخیمه آغاز گردیده است؟ مگر اهل بهاء شاهد توانائی روزافزون محافل روحانی محلی و ملی جهت طرح و اجرای نقشه‌های مختلف و همچنین بروز قابلیت آن محافل برای ایجاد ارتباط با مقامات دولتی و سازمان‌های اجتماعی و نیز برای ارائه خدمات مورد نیاز مردم و همکاری با دیگران در مورد اجرای طرح‌های عمران اقتصادی و اجتماعی نبوده‌اند؟ مگر نه اینکه محافل مذکور از حمایت مدبرانه و مشفقانه مشاورین قاره‌ای و اعضای هیئت‌های معاونت و مساعدین آنها برخوردارند و قوای شکوفای آن یاران را در دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی — مؤسسه‌ای که اعضای آن اخیراً افزایش یافته و شور و اشتیاق و بصیرت و وسعت نظری شایان تحسین نمودار ساخته — با کمال مهارت هماهنگ می‌سازد؟

اگر چه اتکاء و توجه به جنبه‌های مثبت پیشرفت‌های حاصله دلپذیر است، معذلک می‌باید این توفیقات موجب حرکت و اقدام شود نه مورث قرار و آرام. بنابراین باید بدون انحراف از صراط مستقیم و با اطمینان خاطر به پیش راند و فرصت‌های گرانبهائی را که از ترکیب و التقاط این جریانات و وقایع حالیه به دست آمده، مغتنم شمرد و صالح فوری و ضروری این امر مقدس را تأمین نمود. این معالج در ضمن اهداف و مقاصد اصلی نقشه شش ساله معین شده‌اند، نقشه‌ای که اهل بهاء هم اکنون نیمه دوم آن را با وقوف کامل از قرب حلول سده مقدس ۱۹۹۲-۱۸۹۲ و مراسم مهم تجلیل سال صدم، آغاز می‌نمایند.

همزمان با پیشرفت روزافزون نهضت تبلیغ امرالله باید به هر وسیله‌ای که ممکن باشد طرح‌ها و برنامه‌های مهم و ضروری ادامه یابد. تمهیدات جهت طبخ و انتشار ترجمه انگلیسی کتاب مستطاب اقدس، ام‌الکتاب شریعت بهائی، همچنان ادامه دارد. تمهیدات لازم برای برگزاری مراسم شایسته‌ای در ارض اقدس به مناسبت صدمین سال صعود حضرت بهاءالله باید صورت گیرد. اقدامات مربوط به انعقاد کنگره جهانی بهائی در نیویورک در سال ۱۹۹۲ باید مطابق برنامه به پیش رود. همچنین لازم است به نحوی منظم به رفع نقائص کلی بهبودی در جامعه بهائی توجه شود. موفقیت در این سبیل، گذشته از مزایای دیگر، موجب خواهد شد که کلام الهی مستقیماً در دسترس جمیع افراد احیاء قرار گیرد و بدین ترتیب آنان را در تلاش جهت عمل به مقتضیات حیات بهائی تقویت کند و یاری دهد. مضافاً باید كمک به خدمات مربوط به حفاظت محیط زیست به طریقی که با نحوه حیات جامعه بهائی منطبق و هماهنگ باشد، اهمیتی بیش از پیش در فعالیت‌های یاران احراز نماید.

در ارتباط با مشروعات کوه کرمل "دفتر مدیر طرح" دائر گردیده و گروه کارکنان فنی در شرف استخدامند. آزمایش‌های زمین‌شناختی در محل ساختمان‌های حول قوس کوه کرمل عنقریب آغاز خواهد شد و این آزمایش‌ها مقدمه خاک‌برداری و شروع ساختمان است که کل عالم بهائی در انتظار آن به سر می‌برد. بدین جهت فرصت را مغتنم شمرده، اهمیت و فوریت تبرع وجوه لازم را جهت آغاز عملیات ساختمانی و ادامه منظم آن یادآور می‌شویم.

بی‌ تردید رفع جمیع این احتیاجات با تجدید عهد فرد فرد اعضاء بیدار دل جامعه ستایشگران اسم اعظم برای تقبل خدمات امری، و علی‌الخصوص با تعهد شخصی آنان در امر تبلیغ پایه حصول یابد و البته نیز چنین خواهد شد. این امر جهت تأمین پایه و اساس موفقیت در جمیع مشروعات بهائی و تسهیل و تسریع تحقق وعده "یدخلون فی دین الله افواجاً" حائز چنان اهمیتی است که این مشتاقان را ملزم می‌دارد که خاطر آن یاران را مؤکداً به نکات ذیل معطوف سازند: اگر چه اعلان عمومی خبر الهی امری لازم است اما به تنهائی کافی نیست. ازدیاد تعداد سجلین هر چند ضروری است اما نباید تنها به آن اکتفاء رود. نفوذ باید به کلی تقلیب شود، شونده و پدیدآورنده اساس جوامع امری استحکام یابد و در نتیجه مثال و نمونه‌های جدیدی از حیات بهائی به منصه ظهور رسد. تقلیب روحانی افراد هدف اصلی امر قدم است، اما بسته به اراده و همت احباست که با اطاعت از عهد و پیمان الهی این تقلیب را حاصل نمایند. و لازمه حصول این تقلیب که حیات آدمی را بارور می‌سازد، علم به اراده و مقصود الهی از طریق مطالعه منظم آثار مبارکه است.

ای یاران عزیز، جوش و خروش حاصل از توفیقات سال گذشته، تنها به صورت فرصت‌های موجود برای توسعه چشمگیر امرالله جلوه‌گر نمی‌شود، بلکه در موقعیت‌های متعددی نیز به ظهور می‌رسد: موقعیت‌هائی مهم و مستمر و متنوع که دست به دست هم داده، احتیاجات جامعه را به منابع روحانی و مالی به مراتب بیش از پیش ساخته است. باید برای رفع حوائج مذکور آماده بود. اهل بهاء در این نقطه میانی نقشه شش ساله به مرحله‌ای تاریخی، و بارور از امید و امکانات نائل گردیده‌اند، مرحله‌ای که در آن جریانات مهم عالم با اصول و اهداف امر مبارک هماهنگی و همراهی بیش‌تری حاصل می‌نماید. بدین جهت ضرورت بذل مساعی از جانب جامعه بهائی و فوریت پیشرفت آن در جهت تحقق مأموریت جهانیش بسی شدید است.

پاسخ و عکس‌العمل اصلی اهل بهاء باید تبلیغ امرالله، تبلیغ خود و تبلیغ دیگران، در جمیع طبقات جامعه، به جمیع وسائل ممکنه و بدون هیچ تأخیری باشد. حضرت عبدالبهاء در یکی از الواح مبارکه خود در مورد تبلیغ چنین پند و تعلیم فرموده‌اند: "تا شمعی به آتش نرسد، شعله نیفروزد و تا نوری ساطع نشود، ظلمت زائل نشود." پس آن عزیزان به پیش رانند و "شمع‌های خاموش برافروزند."

هر کجا که بروید و به هر اقدامی که در سبیل خدمت به امر مولای محبوب قیام نمائید، محبت همیشگی و تشویق دائمی و ادعیه مستمر و صمیمانه این مشتاقان همراه شماست.

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ارتباط با احبای هندوچینی

CONTACT WITH INDOCHINESE BAHA’IS

دفتر امور پناهندگان در پاسخ به دستور بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی مبنی بر ابلاغ کلمهٔ الله به افراد هندوچینی و چینی خارج از سرزمین چین، یاران بهائی را در سراسر ایالات متحده به یافتن و معاشرت با هندوچینیان ساکن این دیار دعوت نموده است.

دفتر امور پناهندگان توصیه می‌نماید که فعالیت‌های احیاء در خصوص تبلیغ افراد مذکور در دو مرحله انجام پذیرد:

در مرحله اول چنانکه در مطالب مندرج در شماره قبل این نشریه ذکر شده بود، جنبه فردی معاشرت افراد بهائی با پناهندگان هندوچینی است.

مرحله دوم ارتباط تشکیلات بهائی با آن پناهندگان عزیز است. البته دفتر امور پناهندگان به خوبی واقف است که همه جوامع امری از حضور پناهندگان مذکور مطلع نیستند. اما گاه اتفاق می‌افتد که دفتر مذکور نیز از حضور آن پناهندگان آگاهی ندارد.

محافل روحانی محلی و افراد بهائی می‌توانند از طریق تماس با گروه‌های هندوچینی که اهداف مشابهی با اهل بهاء دارند با آنان ارتباط برقرار نمایند. این ارتباطات به نوبه خود نمودار توجه احباء به سعادت روحانی و مادی پناهندگان هندوچینی خواهد بود و همچنین راه‌های جدیدی را جهت تبلیغ امرالله خواهد گشود. از سوی دیگر این ارتباطات ظرفیت یافتن آن دسته از پناهندگان بهائی را که تا کنون با جامعه بهائی امریکا تماس حاصل ننموده‌اند، هموارتر خواهد ساخت.

طریق دیگر یافتن این پناهندگان درج آگهی در جرائد محلی و سایر وسائل ارتباط جمعی مبنی بر دعوت آن عزیزان به مجامع بهائی است.

افراد هندوچینی نیز مانند اهل بهاء اهمیت خاصی برای حفظ وحدت خانواده و جلوگیری از تأثیرات سوء جامعه خارج قائلند. موازین عالی اخلاقی امر الهی خصوصاً توجه افراد هندوچینی را به خود معطوف خواهد داشت. بنابراین احبای عزیز در تماسهائی که با آن افراد برقرار می‌فرمایند باید آنان را به وجود این موازین عالی متوجه سازند.

دفتر امور پناهندگان مشتاقانه منتظر دریافت اخبار مسرت‌انگیز ارتباطات یاران با افراد هندوچینی است.

توزیع بیانیه صلح

DISTRIBUTION OF PEACE STATEMENT

بر طبق گزارش دفتر روابط عمومی محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده بیش از ۲۰۰ تن از سران ممالک جهان بیانیه «وعده صلح جهانی» را دریافت نمودند. صورتی از اسامی برخی از این ممالک در نشریه اخبار بهائی Bahá’í News مخصوص فوریه سال ۱۹۸۸ درج گردیده است.

یاران روحانی باید در موارد ارتباط با ارباب جراید و عموم مردم رعایت نهایت دقت را در ارائه اطلاعات مربوط به توزیع بیانیه صلح مجری دارند. محفل روحانی ملی به استحضار دوستان بهائی می‌رساند که مرکز جهانی بهائی هیچگونه اطلاعی در مورد اینکه آیا رئیس جمهوری اتحاد جماهیر شوروی نسخه‌ای از پیام صلح ‎صلح ‎ را دریافت داشته است یا نه، در اختیار ندارد. آنچه مسلم است اینکه پیام صلح به یکی از نمایندگان اتحاد جماهیر شوروی در سازمان ملل تقدیم گردیده است.

همچنین محفل روحانی به اطلاع یاران می‌رساند که تا ماه ژانویه سال جاری «وعده صلح جهانی» به هفتاد نفر از سناتورها و ۲۲۴ تن از نمایندگان مجلس شورای ملی و ۲۹ نفر از استانداران ایالات متحده تقدیم شده است.

یاران عزیز می‌توانند جهت کسب اطلاعات دقیق در مورد روابط عمومی امرالله در ایالات متحده با دفتر روابط عمومی محفل روحانی ملی تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۸۸۳۰-۲۹۶ (۲۰۲)

1606 New Hampshire Avenue N.W. Washington, DC 20009 [Page 8]

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Bahá’í 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 for 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 Bahá’í National Center is seeking to fill a number of positions at the National Center, its schools and agencies, among them: Administrative Services—media services manager, benefits administrator, administrative assistants/secretaries and receptionist. Bahá’í House of Worship—maintenance coordinator (Bahá’í House of Worship), project coordinator. Office of the Treasurer—accounts receivable/automatic contributions, assistant cashier. If you are interested in being considered for service, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

JOBS available this summer for a public high school principal in the small west Texas town of ‎Robi Roby‎. Also, opening for a boys’ basketball coach/teacher. Texas teaching certificate required. For information about applying, contact Dr. David Norris (a Bahá’í), P.O. Box 487, ‎Robi Roby‎, TX 79543, or phone 915-776-2128.

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School is accepting applications for a food service manager and an assistant kitchen supervisor. These are permanent full-time positions. Applicants for the manager position should have two years experience in food service and/or supervisory experience; applicants for assistant should have one year experience in food service. Those who are interested should apply to: Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

POSITION for principal is open at the Byron (Georgia) Elementary School, effective July 1. Homefront pioneers are urgently needed in this area. Those who are interested should send a resumé and application (phone 912-825-5933 for application) to: H. Eugene Sheets, superintendent, Peach County Schools, P.O. Box 1120, Fort Valley, GA 31030. All applications will be considered until the position is filled. For information about the area, please contact Beverly Rogers, P.O. Box 1588, Fort Valley, GA 31030, or phone 912-825-1465.

NORTH CAROLINA: Job openings for physicians, nurses and physicians’ assistants in a homefront pioneering area. Contact Ella or Larry Conrad, RR 7, Box 68-B, Whiteville, NC 28472, or phone (home) 919-642-9735, or Larry (work) 919-642-8011, ext. 230.

SCHOOL of the Nations in Brasilia, Brazil, seeks certified elementary and secondary school teachers for August 1989-July 1991. Three years teaching experience necessary; math, science specialist desired for junior high/high school level. Stimulating work environment, putting Bahá’í principles into educational practice. Single teachers desired. Send curriculum vitae, two references as soon as possible to: C.P. 7093, Brasilia-DF, 71619 Brazil. Phone 55-61-3663033.

NURSES and other medical personnel: there are many job openings in the Chinle (Arizona) area on the Navajo Reservation. Many opportunities to teach and proclaim the Faith; many tests and many rewards. Pioneer now! For information, write to Box 1337, Chinle, AZ 86503, or phone Jeanette Wirtz or Norm Hodge, 602-674-5904.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed in Davie, Florida, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale with a mild climate and beaches nearby. Rural atmosphere with emphasis on horses. Home of Nova University and an excellent community college. Need Bahá’ís who are willing to serve and become involved. For information, write to 4200 SW 15th Avenue, Davie, FL 33314, or phone 305-583-2820.

THE WESTERN Oklahoma District Teaching Committee is looking for homefront pioneers to Midwest City, Spencer (where health-related and entry level jobs are abundant), and Lawton (90 miles southwest of Oklahoma City with a growing economy and jobs in the service, defense and medical industries). A strong Bahá’í family would have an excellent opportunity to assume a leadership role in consolidating the community. Contact the Western Oklahoma District Teaching Committee, 1201 S. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK 73108, or phone Gary Hetts, 405-769-6529.

LOOKING for homefront pioneers to the Monroe-West Monroe (Louisiana) area to help in teaching efforts. Need those with knowledge of the Bible, especially with some understanding of fundamentalist Christianity. The Monroe area (pop. around 100,000) includes three universities (Northeast Louisiana, Louisiana Tech and Grambling) within 35 miles of one another. For information, write to Dr. Chris Johnson, 53 Quail Ridge Drive, Monroe, LA 71203, or phone 318-345-0482.

SOUTH Georgia, with 1,200 Bahá’ís and 35 non-functioning Assemblies (including Macon and Albany), needs homefront pioneers. Students could consider attending one of the many colleges in the district. The District Teaching Committee will do whatever it can to help you relocate. Please contact the committee secretary, Jill Spence, 817 W. 16th St., Tifton, GA 31794.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

THE OFFICE of Pioneering has information about these and other job openings overseas: Africa—Sierra Leone: concrete batching plant supervisor; land and quality surveyors; materials engineers; site engineers for dam construction. Nigeria: senior mechanical engineer; powerhouse field engineer; office engineer for hydroelectric project; plant operations and maintenance specialists; construction manager (mechanical and civil); crane mechanic. Asia—India: contract engineer; control inst./electronics engineer. Malaysia: commissioning process engineer; senior site manager, civil or M/E. Americas—Guatemala: health educator. Honduras: elementary/secondary school teachers; preschool teacher; primary grade teachers (all subjects); physics teacher; computer teacher; math teacher; librarian; caretaker at a Bahá’í Center; accounting/business manager; hygiene engineer and hospital administrator; program director and administrator for remote sites. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

SCHOOLS

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 August. Those who are interested should contact the Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-439-7200).

NATIONAL ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Ada I. Chandon (died Berkeley, CA, 1955), Milton Chapin (died Flint, MI, 1957), Elisabeth Cheney (died Lima, OH, 1959), Nils Chrisander, and Gertrude B. Christine (died Louisville, KY, 1939). Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking photographs of the following individuals to add to its photograph collection: John Robarts, H. Collis Featherstone, Ugo Giachery, Sarah M. Pereira, Fred Schechter, Velma Sherrill, David Ruhe, Hugh Chance, Borrah Kavelin and Glenford E. Mitchell. Anyone having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

PERIODICALS

IF YOU wanted to find information about the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, how to see sound, or what to tell your child’s teacher about the Faith, where would you look? An index to Brilliant Star magazine holds the answers to all these questions and hundreds more! $2 per index per year; please specify year. Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

KIDS of all ages—Brilliant Star magazine needs you! Send your vertical art work, stories, poems and/or letters to Brilliant Star, 2512 Allegheny Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

WANTED

HARLEM Prep, an innovative alternative school organized and administered by Bahá’ís in the 1960s and ’70s, offered inner city dropouts a new chance for a meaningful education and high school diploma. I am preparing a history of this landmark in education and would appreciate memoirs, photos and other information from anyone who worked or studied there. Please send to Diane Heravi, 70 W. 106th St., Apt. 4C, New York, NY 10025.

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School seeks visual and performing artists for each week-long conference this summer. The artist will be expected to interact with the friends and to help heighten the awareness of and appreciation for the place of arts in the community. Additionally, a public display or performance will be held one day each session. Those artists who are interested are encouraged to contact the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, ATTENTION: Artist Program, or to phone 313-653-5033 as soon as possible.

Presentation of peace statement to world heads of state clarified

More than 200 heads of state around the world have received copies of “The Promise of World Peace.” A list of the countries whose leaders had received the statement, either directly or indirectly, as of December 1987 was published in the February 1988 issue of Bahá’í News.

In contacts with the media and the general public, Bahá’ís must assure that accurate information is given about who has received the peace statement. Speculation, especially if it is presented as fact, may damage the reputation of the Faith.

The National Spiritual Assembly wants the Bahá’í community to know that the World Center has no information about whether Mr. Gorbachev, General Secretary of the Soviet Union, has received the peace statement or is aware of its existence. “The Promise of World Peace” was conveyed by a representative of the Bahá’í International Community in March 1986 to Sergey Nikolayevich ‎Smirov Smirnov‎, Soviet envoy extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the United Nations.

The National Spiritual Assembly also wishes to let the community know that as of January 1989, “The Promise of World Peace” had been given to 70 U.S. Senators, 334 U.S. Congressmen and 39 U.S. governors.

Questions about whether specific prominent people or government officials have received the peace statement should be directed to the National Spiritual Assembly Office of External Affairs, 1606 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20009 (telephone 202-265-8830).

Arise!

Jimmy Seals and Dash Crofts join some of the friends onstage during the gala February concert at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center that reunited the popular performing duo after 10 years.

Seals & Crofts

from page 1

...formed several of their hits and a new composition, “Costa Rica Rain,” written by Jimmy Seals and based on his experiences as a Bahá’í pioneer to Costa Rica.

The duo also talked at length about the peace message, urging their audience to spread its ideas as widely and as deeply as possible, and personally gave out the special copies of the statement to everyone at the concert.

Jimmy Seals, who made the trip to Los Angeles from his pioneering post, and Dash Crofts, who came from his home in Nashville, Tennessee, agreed only to unite for this concert to promote “The Promise of World Peace.”

An invitation-only pre-concert dinner, hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, was designed to acquaint guests with the fundamentals of the Faith by seating one or two Bahá’ís at each table of 10.

Dozens of volunteers had worked for months, putting in long and difficult hours to organize the program, make dinner arrangements, provide public relations services, prepare and decorate the Bahá’í Center, provide usher and crowd control services, and basically shepherd the concept of a peace concert to reality.

Part of the philosophy behind the event, said Joan Nemour-Rao, who planned it on behalf of the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, was the concept of proclaiming the Faith and peace message to a specific group of opinion leaders in the community.

Los Angeles is the center of the world’s entertainment industry, so the Assembly decided to target “the industry” first, because of its pervasive influence around the world.

The Seals & Crofts “reunion concert” was the first in what is to become a two-year series of proclamations to various segments of the city’s leadership and general population.

Also, a direct-mail follow-up program is in the works for the non-Bahá’ís who attended the concert, as well as continuing press releases and related public relations activities.

120 attend Allen’s Ayyám-i-Há party

The Bahá’ís of Allen, Texas, a community which lost its local Assembly last year, sponsored an Ayyám-i-Há party in February that was attended by more than 120 people, 35 of whom were not Bahá’ís.

One purpose of the event was to contribute food to the Allen Food Pantry, and more than 50 pounds of food was given.

As a result of the party and involvement with the Food Pantry, the Bahá’ís were asked to speak about the Faith to a youth group at one of the local churches: a first for the Allen community. [Page 9]

Foreword

In the world of the late twentieth century there is no common agreement on the rights, duties, and freedoms of the individual. As members of diverse societies and cultures, we Bahá’ís inevitably reflect the multiplicity of opinions and attitudes current among those in whose midst we live. Yet such views do not necessarily correspond with the ethical rules established by Bahá’u’lláh and indispensable to the creation of a new world order.

Guiding the Bahá’í community, the Universal House of Justice calls our attention to the basic principles of our Faith, explains the meaning of rights and freedoms in a Bahá’í context, and invites us to study the Bahá’í teachings to gain a better understanding of the standards Bahá’u’lláh prescribes for "a mature society."

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

To the Followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the United States of America

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

1. We have noticed with concern evidences of a confusion of attitudes among some of the friends when they encounter difficulties in applying Bahá’í principles to questions of the day. On the one hand, they acknowledge their belief in Bahá’u’lláh and His teachings; on the other, they invoke Western liberal democratic practices when actions of Bahá’í institutions or of some of their fellow Bahá’ís do not accord with their expectations. At the heart of this confusion are misconceptions of such fundamental issues as individual rights and freedom of expression in the Bahá’í community. The source of the potential difficulties of the situation appears to us to be an inadequacy of Bahá’í perspective on the part of both individual believers and their institutions.

2. Recognizing the immense challenge you face to resolve such confusion, we pause to reflect with you on these issues in search of a context in which relevant fundamental questions may be discussed and understood in the community.

3. The extraordinary capacities of the American nation, as well as the superb stewardship of the Bahá’í community within it, have repeatedly been extolled in the writings of our Faith. In His Tablets and utterances, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Center of the Covenant, projected a compelling vision of the world-embracing prospects of that richly endowed country. "The American nation," He averred, "is equipped and empowered to accomplish that which will adom the pages of history, to become the envy of the world, and be blest in both the East and the West for the triumph of its people." In another assertion addressed to the Bahá’í community itself, He uttered words of transcendent importance: "... your mission," He affirmed, "is unspeakably glorious. Should success crown your enterprise, America will assuredly evolve into a center from which waves of spiritual power will emanate, and the throne of the Kingdom of God will, in the plenitude of its majesty and glory, be firmly established."

4. Shoghi Effendi, in various statements, celebrated the remarkable achievements and potential glories of that specially blessed community, but was moved to issue, in The Advent of Divine Justice, a profound waming which is essential to a proper understanding of the relation of that Bahá’í community to the nation from which it has sprung. "The glowing tributes," he solemnly wrote, "so repeatedly and deservedly paid to the capacity, the spirit, the conduct, and the high rank, of the American believers, both individually and as an organic community, must, under no circumstances, be confounded with the characteristics and nature of the people from which God has raised them up. A sharp distinction between that community and that people must be made, and resolutely and fearlessly upheld, if we wish to give due recognition to the transmuting power of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, in its impact on the lives and standards of those who have chosen to enlist under His banner. Otherwise, the supreme and distinguishing function of His Revelation, which is none other than the call ing into being of a new race of men, will remain wholly unrecognized and completely obscured." It is the far-reaching, transformative implications of this distinction which we especially invite you to contemplate.

5. The vantage point that gives us perspective and is the foundation of our belief and actions rests on our recognition of the sovereignty of God and our submission to His will as revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, His supreme Manifestation for this promised Day. To accept the Prophet of God in His time and to abide by His bidding are the two essential, inseparable duties which each soul was created to fulfill. One exercises these twin duties by one's own choice, an act constituting the highest expression of the free will with which every human being has been endowed by an all-loving Creator.

6. The vehicle in this resplendent Age for the practical fulfillment of these duties is the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh; it is, indeed, the potent instrument by which individual belief in Him is translated into constructive deeds. The Covenant comprises divinely conceived arrangements necessary to preserve the organic unity of the Cause. It therefore engenders a motivating power which, as the beloved Master tells us, "like unto the artery, beats and pulsates in the body of the world." "It is indubitably clear," He asserts, "that the pivot of the oneness of mankind is nothing else but the power of the Covenant." Through it the meaning of the Word, both in theory and practice, is made evident in the life and work of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the appointed Interpreter, the perfect Exemplar, the Center of the Covenant. Through it the processes of the Administrative Order" this unique, this wondrous System"-are made to operate.

7. In emphasizing its distinctiveness, Shoghi Effendi has pointed out that "this Administrative Order is fundamentally different from anything that any Prophet has previously established, inasmuch as Bahá’u’lláh has Himself revealed its principles, established its institutions, appointed the person to interpret His Word and conferred the necessary authority on the body designed to supplement and apply His legislative ordinances." In another statement, he maintains that "It would be utterly misleading to attempt a comparison between this unique, divinely conceived Order and any of the diverse systems which the minds of men, at various periods of their history, have contrived for the government of human institutions." "Such an attempt," he felt, "would in itself betray a lack of complete appreciation of the excellence of the handiwork of its great Author."

8. The lack of such appreciation will detract from the perspective of anyone who measures Bahá’í administrative processes against practices prevalent in today's society. For notwithstanding its inclination to democratic methods in the administration of its affairs, and regardless of the resemblance of some of its features to those of other systems, the Administrative Order is not to be viewed merely as an improvement on past and existing systems; it represents a departure both in origin and in concept. "This newbom Administrative Order," as Shoghi Effendi has explained, "incorporates within its structure certain elements which are to be found in each of the three recognized forms of secular government, without being in any sense a mere replica of any one of them, and without introducing within its machinery any of the objectionable features which they inherently possess. It blends and harmonizes, as no government fashioned by mortal hands has as yet accomplished, the salutary truths which each of these systems undoub19.

You are, no doubt, conversant with the Guardian's expatiations on this theme. Why, then, this insistent emphasis? Why this repeated review of fundamentals? This emphasis, this review, is to sound an appeal for solid thinking, for the attainment of correct perspectives, for the adoption of proper attitudes. And these are impossible without a deep appreciation of Bahá’í fundamentals.

10. The great emphasis on the distinctiveness of the Order of Bahá’u’lláh is not meant to belittle existing systems of government. Indeed, they are to be recognized as the fruit of a vast period of social evolution, representing an advanced stage in the development of social organization. What motivates us is the knowledge that the supreme mission of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, the Bearer of that Order, is, as Shoghi Effendi pointed out, "none other but the achievement of this organic and spiritual unity of the whole body of nations," indicating the "coming of age of the entire human race." The astounding implication of this is the near prospect of attaining an age-old hope, now made possible at long last by the coming of Bahá’u’lláh. In practical terms, His mission signals the advent of "an organic change in the structure of present-day society, a change such as the world has not yet experienced." It is a fresh manifestation of the direct involvement of God in history, a reassurance that His children have not been left to drift, a sign of the outpouring of a heavenly grace that will enable all humanity to be free at last from conflict and contention to ascend the heights of world peace and divine civilization. Beyond all else, it is a demonstration of that love for His children, which He knew in the depth of His "immemorial being" and in the "ancient eternity" of His Essence, and which caused Him to create us all. In the noblest sense, then, attention to the requirements of His World Order is a reciprocation of that love.

11. It is this perspective that helps us to understand the question of freedom and its place in Bahá’í thought and action. The idea and the fact of freedom pervade all human concerns in an infinitude of notions and modes. Freedom is indeed essential to all expressions of human life.

12. Freedom of thought, freedom of expression, freedom of action are among the freedoms which have received the ardent attention of social thinkers across the centuries. The resulting outflow of such profound thought has exerted a tremendous liberating influence in the shaping of modern society. Generations of the oppressed have fought and died in the name of freedom. Certainly the want of freedom from oppression has been a dominant factor in the turmoil of the times: witness the plethora of movements which have resulted in the rapid emergence of new nations in the latter part of the twentieth century. A true reading of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh leaves no doubt as to the high importance of these freedoms to constructive social processes. Consider, for instance, Bahá’u’lláh's proclamation to the kings and rulers. Can it not be deduced from this alone that attain ment of freedom is a significant purpose of His Revelation? His denunciations of tyranny and His urgent appeals on behalf of the oppressed provide unmistakable proof. But does not the freedom foreshadowed by His Revelation imply nobler, ampler manifestations of [Page 10]human achievement? Does it not indicate an organic relationship between the internal and external realities of man such as has not yet been attained?

13. In his summary of significant Bahá’í teachings, Shoghi Effendi wrote that Bahá’u’lláh "inculcates the principle of 'moderation in all things'; declares that whatsoever, be it 'liberty, civilization and the like,' 'passeth beyond the limits of moderation' must 'exercise a pernicious influence upon men'; observes that western civilization has gravely perturbed and alarmed the peoples of the world; and predicts that the day is approaching when the 'flame' of a civilization 'carried to excess' will devour the cities."

14. Expounding the theme of liberty, Bahá’u’lláh asserted that "the embodiment of liberty and its symbol is the animal"; that "liberty causeth man to overstep the bounds of propriety, and to infringe on the dignity of his station"; that "true liberty consisteth in man's submission unto My commandments." "We approve of liberty in certain circumstances," He declared, "and refuse to sanction it in others." But He gave the assurance that, "Were men to observe that which We have sent down unto them from the Heaven of Revelation, they would, of a certainty, attain unto perfect liberty." And again, He said, "Mankind in its entirety must firmly adhere to whatsoever hath been revealed and vouchsafed unto it. Then and only then will it attain unto true liberty."

15. Bahá’u’lláh's assertions clearly call for an examination of current assumptions. Should liberty be as free as is supposed in contemporary Western thought? Where does freedom limit our possibilities for progress, and where do limits free us to thrive? What are the limits to the expansion of freedom? For so fluid and elastic are its qualities of application and expression that the concept of freedom in any given situation is likely to assume a different latitude from one mind to another, these qualities are, alas, susceptible to the employment alike of good and evil. Is it any wonder, then, that Bahá’u’lláh exhorts us to submission to the will of God?

16. Since any constructive view of freedom implies limits, further questions are inevitable: What are the latitudes of freedom in the Bahá’í community? How are these to be determined? Because human beings have been created to "carry forward an ever-advancing civilization," the exercise of freedom, it may be deduced, is intended to enable all to fulfill this purpose in their individual lives and in their collective functioning as a society. Hence whatever in principle is required to realize this purpose gauges the latitudes or limits of freedom.

17. Contemplating Bahá’u’lláh's warning that "whatsoever passeth beyond the limits of moderation will cease to exert a beneficial influence," we come to appreciate that the Administrative Order He has conceived embodies the operating principles which are necessary to the maintenance of that moderation which will ensure the "true liberty" of humankind. All things considered, does the Administrative Order not appear to be the structure of freedom for our Age? ‘Abdu’l-Bahá offers us comfort in this thought, for He has said that "the moderate freedom which guarantees the welfare of the world of mankind and maintains and preserves the universal relationships is found in its fullest power and extension in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh."

18. Within this framework of freedom a pattern is set for institutional and individual behavior which depends for its efficacy not so much on the force of law, which admittedly must be respected, as on the recognition of a mutuality of benefits, and on the spirit of cooperation maintained by the willingness, the courage, the sense of responsibility, and the initiative of individuals these being expressions of their devotion and submission to the will of God. Thus there is a balance of freedom between the institution, whether national or local, and the individuals who sustain its existence.

19. Consider, for example, the Local Spiritual Assembly, the methods of its formation and the role of individuals in electing it. The voter elects with the understanding that he is free to choose without any interference whomever his conscience prompts him to select, and he freely accepts the authority of the outcome. In the act of voting, the individual subscribes to a covenant by which the orderliness of society is upheld. The Assembly has the responsibility to guide, direct and decide on community affairs and the right to be obeyed and supported by members of the community. The individual has the responsibility to establish and maintain the Assembly through election, the offering of advice, moral support and material assistance; and he has the right to be heard by it, to receive its guidance and assistance, and to appeal from any Assembly decision which he conscientiously feels is unjust or detrimental to the interests of the community.

20. But occupation with the mechanics of Bahá’í Administration, divorced from the animating spirit of the Cause, leads to a distortion, to an arid secularization foreign to the nature of the Administration. Equally significant to the procedures for election—to further extend the example—is the evocation of that rarefied atmosphere of prayer and reflection, that quiet dignity of the process, devoid of nominations and campaigning, in which the individual's freedom to choose is limited only by his own conscience, exercised in private in an attitude that invites communion with the Holy Spirit. In this sphere, the elector regards the outcome as an expression of the will of God, and those elected as being primarily responsible to that will, not to the constituency which elected them. An election thus conducted portrays an aspect of that organic unity of the inner and outer realities of human life which is necessary to the construction of a mature society in this new Age. In no other system do individuals exercise such a breadth of freedom in the electoral process.

21. The equilibrium of responsibilities implied by all this presupposes maturity on the part of all concerned. This maturity has an apt analogy in adulthood in human beings. How significant is the difference between infancy and childhood, adolescence and adulthood! In a period of history dominated by the surging energy, the rebellious spirit and frenetic activity of adolescence, it is difficult to grasp the distinguishing elements of the mature society to which Bahá’u’lláh beckons all humanity. The models of the old world order blur vision of that which must be perceived; for these models were, in many instances, conceived in rebellion and retain the characteristics of the revolutions peculiar to an adolescent, albeit necessary, period in the evolution of human society. The very philosophies which have provided the intellectual content of such revolutions—Hobbes, Locke, Jefferson, Mill, come readily to mind—were inspired by protest against the oppressive conditions which revolutions were intended to remedy.

22. These characteristics are conspicuous, for example, in the inordinate skepticism regarding authority, and consequently, in the grudging respect which the citizens of various nations show toward their governments; they have become pronounced in the incessant promotion of individualism, often to the detriment of the wider interests of society. How aptly, even after the lapse of half a century, Shoghi Effendi's views, as conveyed by his secretary, fit the contemporary scene: "Our present generation, mainly due to the corruptions that have been identified with organizations, seem to stand against any institution. Religion as an institution is denounced. Government as an institution is denounced. Even marriage as an institution is denounced. We Bahá’ís should not be blinded by such prevalent notions. If such were the case, all the divine Manifestations would not have invariably appointed someone to succeed Them. Undoubtedly, corruptions did enter those institutions, but these corruptions were not due to the very nature of the institutions but to the lack of proper directions as to their powers and nature of their perpetuation. What Bahá’u’lláh has done is not to eliminate all institutions in the Cause but to provide the necessary safeguards that would eliminate corruptions that caused the fall of previous institutions. What those safeguards are is most interesting to study and find out and also most essential to know."

23. We make these observations not to indulge in criticism of any system, but rather to open up lines of thought, to encourage a reexamination of the bases of modern society, and to engender a perspective for consideration of the distinctive features of the Order of Bahá’u’lláh. What, it could be asked, was the nature of society that gave rise to such characteristics and such philosophies? Where have these taken mankind? Has their employment satisfied the needs and expectations of the human spirit? The answers to such questions could lay the ground for a contrasting observation of the origin and nature of the characteristics and philosophy underlying that Order.

24. As to freedom of expression, a fundamental principle of the Cause, the Administrative Order provides unique methods and channels for its exercise and maintenance; these have been amply described in the writings of the Faith, but they are not yet clearly understood by the friends. For Bahá’u’lláh has extended the scope and deepened the meaning of self-expression. In His elevation of art and of work performed in the service of humanity to acts of worship can be discerned enormous prospects for a new birth of expression in the civilization anticipated by His World Order. The significance of this principle, now so greatly amplified by the Lord of the Age, cannot be doubted; but it is in its ramifications in speech that keen understanding is urgently needed. From a Bahá’í point of view, the exercise of freedom of speech must necessarily be disciplined by a profound appreciation of both the positive and negative dimensions of freedom, on the one hand, and of speech, on the other.

25. Bahá’u’lláh warns us that "the tongue is a smoldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison." "Material fire consumeth the body," He says in elaborating the point, "whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a time, whilst the effects of the latter endureth a century." In tracing the framework of free speech, He again advises "moderation." "Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to exert its influence and needeth moderation," He states, adding, "As to its influence, this is conditional upon refinement which in turn is dependent upon hearts which are detached and pure. As to its moderation, this hath to be combined with tact and wisdom as prescribed in the Holy Scriptures and Tablets." [Page 11]26. Also relevant to what is said, and how, is when it is said. For speech, as for so many other things, there is a season. Bahá’u’lláh reinforces this understanding by drawing attention to the maxim that "Not everything that a man knoweth can be disclosed, nor can everything that he can disclose be regarded as timely, nor can every timely utterance be considered as suited to the capacity of those who hear it."

27. Speech is a powerful phenomenon. Its freedom is both to be extolled and feared. It calls for an acute exercise of judgment, since both the limitation of speech and the excess of it can lead to dire consequences. Thus there exist in the system of Bahá’u’lláh checks and balances necessary to the beneficial uses of this freedom in the onward development of society. A careful examination of the principles of Bahá’í consultation and the formal and informal arrangements for employing them offer new insights into the dynamics of freedom of expression.

28. As it is beyond the scope of this letter to expatiate upon these principles, let it suffice to recall briefly certain of the requisites of consultation, particularly for those who serve on Spiritual Assemblies. Love and harmony, purity of motive, humility and lowliness amongst the friends, patience and long-suffering in difficulties—these inform the attitude with which they proceed "with the utmost devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and moderation to express their views," each using "perfect liberty" both in so doing and in "unveiling the proof of his demonstration." "If another contradicts him, he must not become excited because if there be no investigation or verification of questions and matters, the agreeable view will not be discovered neither understood." "The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions." If unanimity is not subsequently achieved, decisions are arrived at by majority vote.

29. Once a decision has been reached, all members of the consultative body, having had the opportunity fully to state their views, agree wholeheartedly to support the outcome. What if the minority view is right? "If they agree upon a subject," ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has explained, "even though it be wrong, it is better than to disagree, and be in the right, for this difference will produce the demolition of the divine foundation. Though one of the parties may be in the right and they disagree, that will be the cause of a thousand wrongs, but if they agree and both parties are in the wrong, as it is in unity, the truth will be revealed and the wrong made right." Implicit in this approach to the social utility of thought is the profundity of the change in the standard of public discussion intended by Bahá’u’lláh for a mature society.

30. The qualities by which the individual can achieve the personal discipline necessary to successful consultation find their full expression in what Shoghi Effendi regarded as the "spirit of a true Bahá’í." Ponder, for instance, the appealing remark addressed to your own community in one of his earliest letters: "Nothing short of the spirit of a true Bahá’í can hope to reconcile the principles of mercy and justice, of freedom and submission, of the sanctity of the right of the individual and of self-surrender, of vigilance, discretion and prudence on the one hand, and fellowship, candor, and courage on the other." This was an appeal to the maturity and the distinction towards which he repeatedly directed their thoughts.

31. Because the Most Great Peace is the object of our longing, a primary effort of the Bahá’í community is to reduce the incidence of conflict and contention, which are categorically forbidden in the Most Holy Book. Does this mean that one may not express critical thought? Absolutely not. How can there be the candor called for in consultation if there is no critical thought? How is the individual to exercise his responsibilities to the Cause, if he is not allowed the freedom to express his views? Has Shoghi Effendi not stated that "at the very root of the Cause lies the principle of the undoubted right of the individual to self-expression, his freedom to declare his conscience and set forth his views"?

32. The Administrative Order provides channels for expression of criticism, acknowledging, as a matter of principle, that "it is not only the right, but the vital responsibility of every loyal and intelligent member of the community to offer fully and frankly, but with due respect and consideration to the authority of the Assembly, any suggestion, recommendation or criticism he conscientiously feels he should in order to improve and remedy certain existing conditions or trends in his local community." Correspondingly, the Assembly has the duty "to give careful consideration to any such views submitted to them."

33. Apart from the direct access which one has to an Assembly, local or national, or to a Counselor or Auxiliary Board member, there are specific occasions for the airing of one’s views in the community. The most frequent of these occasions for any Bahá’í is the Nineteen Day Feast which, "besides its social and spiritual aspects, fulfills various administrative needs and requirements of the community, chief among them being the need for open and constructive criticism and deliberation regarding the state of affairs within the local Bahá’í community." At the same time, Shoghi Effendi’s advice, as conveyed by his secretary, goes on to stress the point that "all criticisms and discussions of a negative character which may result in undermining the authority of the Assembly as a body should be strictly avoided. For otherwise the order of the Cause itself will be endangered, and confusion and discord will reign in the community."

34. Clearly, then, there is more to be considered than the critic’s right to self-expression; the unifying spirit of the Cause of God must also be preserved, the authority of its laws and ordinances safeguarded, authority being an indispensable aspect of freedom. Motive, manner, mode, become relevant; but there is also the matter of love: love for one’s fellows, love for one’s community, love for one’s institutions.

35. The responsibility resting on the individual to conduct himself in such a way as to ensure the stability of society takes on elemental importance in this context. For vital as it is to the progress of society, criticism is a two-edged sword: it is all too often the harbinger of conflict and contention. The balanced processes of the Administrative Order are meant to prevent this essential activity from degenerating to any form of dissent that breeds opposition and its dreadful schismatic consequences. How incalculable have been the negative results of ill-directed criticism: in the catastrophic divergences it has created in religion, in the equally contentious factions it has spawned in political systems, which have dignified conflict by institutionalizing such concepts as the "loyal opposition" which attach to one or another of the various categories of political opinion conservative, liberal, progressive, reactionary, and so forth.

36. If Bahá’í individuals deliberately ignore the principles embedded in the Order which Bahá’u’lláh Himself has established to remedy divisiveness in the human family, the Cause for which so much has been sacrificed will surely be set back in its mission to rescue world society from complete disintegration. May not the existence of the Covenant be invoked again and again, so that such repetition may preserve the needed perspective? For, in this age, the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh has been protected against the baneful effects of the misuse of the process of criticism; this has been done by the institution of the Covenant and by the provision of a universal administrative system which incorporates within itself the mechanisms for drawing out the constructive ideas of individuals and using them for the benefit of the entire system. Admonishing the people to uphold the unifying purpose of the Cause, Bahá’u’lláh, in the Book of His Covenant, addresses these poignant words to them: "Let not the means of order be made the cause of confusion and the instrument of union an occasion for discord." Such assertions emphasize a crucial point; it is this: In terms of the Covenant, dissidence is a moral and intellectual contradiction of the main objective animating the Bahá’í community, namely, the establishment of the unity of humankind.

37. We return to the phenomenal characteristics of speech. Content, volume, style, tact, wisdom, timeliness are among the critical factors in determining the effects of speech for good or evil. Consequently, the friends need ever to be conscious of the significance of this activity which so distinguishes human beings from other forms of life, and they must exercise it judiciously. Their efforts at such discipline will give birth to an etiquette of expression worthy of the approaching maturity of the human race. Just as this discipline applies to the spoken word, it applies equally to the written word; and it profoundly affects the operation of the press.

38. The significance and role of the press in a new world system are conspicuous in the emphasis which the Order of Bahá’u’lláh places on accessibility to information at all levels of society. Shoghi Effendi tells us that Bahá’u’lláh makes "specific reference to ‘the swiftly appearing newspapers,’ describes them as ‘the mirror of the world’ and as ‘an amazing and potent phenomenon,’ and prescribes to all who are responsible for their production the duty to be sanctified from malice, passion and prejudice, to be just and fair-minded, to be painstaking in their inquiries, and ascertain all the facts in every situation."

39. In His social treatise, The Secret of Divine Civilization, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá offers insight as to the indispensability of the press in future society. He says it is "urgent that beneficial articles and books be written, clearly and definitely establishing what the present-day requirements of the people are, and what will conduce to the happiness and advancement of society." Further, He writes of the "publication of high thoughts" as the "dynamic power in the arteries of life," "the very soul of the world." Moreover, He states that "Public opinion must be directed toward whatever is worthy of this day, and this is impossible except through the use of adequate arguments and the adducing of clear, comprehensive and conclusive proofs."

40. As to manner and style, Bahá’u’lláh has exhorted "authors among the friends" to "write in such a way as would be acceptable to fair-minded souls, and not lead to caviling by the people." And He issues a reminder: "We have said in the past that one word hath the influence of spring and causeth hearts to become fresh and verdant, while another is like unto blight which causeth the blossoms and flowers to wither."

41. In the light of all this, the code of conduct of the press must embrace the principles and objectives of consultation as revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. Only in this way will the press be able to [Page 12]

Individual Rights and Freedoms

41. ...make its full contribution to the preservation of the rights of the people and become a powerful instrument in the consultative processes of society, and hence for the unity of the human race.

42. Some of the friends have suggested that the emergence of the Faith from obscurity indicates the timeliness of ceasing observance in the Bahá’í community of certain restraints; particularly are they concerned about the temporary necessity of review before publishing.

43. That the Faith has emerged from obscurity on a global scale is certain. This definitely marks a triumphant stage in the efforts of the community to register its existence on the minds of those who influence world events. Consider how, because of the sufferings and sacrifices of the friends in Iran, the concerns of the community in these respects have become a matter of discussion in the most influential parliaments and the most important international forums on earth. That this emergence frees the Cause to pursue objectives hitherto unreachable is also undeniable; but that it marks the attainment of the community’s anticipated maturity is entirely doubtful.

44. How could it have attained maturity, when we know from the clear guidance of the beloved Guardian that obscurity is but one of the many stages in the long evolution towards the Faith’s golden destiny? Has he not advised us all that the subsequent stage of oppression must precede the stages of its emancipation and its recognition as a world religion? Can the friends forget the oft-quoted warning of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá concerning the bitter opposition that will confront the Cause in various lands on all continents? In the case of the American believers, has Shoghi Effendi not alluded to this coming fury in his description of them as "the invincible Army of Bahá’u’lláh, who in the West, and at one of its potential storm centers is to fight, in His name and for His sake, one of its fiercest and most glorious battles"?

45. Those who are anxious to relax all restraint, who invoke freedom of speech as the rationale for publishing every and any thing concerning the Bahá’í community, who call for the immediate termination of the practice of review now that the Faith has emerged from obscurity—are they not aware of these sobering prospects? Widespread as has been the public revulsion to the current persecutions in Iran, let there be no mistake about the certainty of the opposition which must yet be confronted in many countries, including that which is the Cradle of the Administrative Order itself.

46. The Faith is as yet in its infancy. Despite its emergence from obscurity, even now the vast majority of the human race remains ignorant of its existence; moreover, the vast majority of its adherents are relatively new Bahá’ís. The change implied by this new stage in its evolution is that whereas heretofore this tender plant was protected in its obscurity from the attention of external elements, it has now become exposed. This exposure invites close observation, and that observation will eventually lead to opposition in various quarters. So, far from adopting a carefree attitude, the community must be conscious of the necessity to present a correct view of itself and an accurate understanding of its purpose to a largely skeptical public. A greater effort, a greater care must now be exercised to ensure its protection against the malice of the ignorant and the unwisdom of its friends.

47. Let us all remember that the struggle of the infant Faith of God to thrive is beset with the turmoil of the present age. Like a tender shoot just barely discernible above ground, it must be nurtured to strength and maturity and buttressed as necessary against the blight of strong winds and deadly entanglements with weeds and thistles. If we to whose care this plant has been entrusted are insensitive to its tenderness, the great tree which is its certain potential will be hindered in its growth towards the spreading of its sheltering branches over all humankind. From this perspective we must all consider the latent danger to the Cause of ill-advised actions and exaggerated expectations; and particularly must we all be concerned about the effects of words, especially those put in print. It is here that Bahá’í authors and publishers need to be attentive and exert rigorous discipline upon themselves, as well as abide by the requirements of review at this early stage in the development of the Faith.

48. The right of the individual to self-expression has permeated the foregoing comments on the various freedoms, but, even so, a word more might be said about individual freedom. The fundamental attitude of the Faith in this respect is best demonstrated by statements of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá concerning the family. "The integrity of the family bond," He says, "must be constantly considered, and the rights of the individual members must not be transgressed.... All these rights and prerogatives must be conserved, yet the unity of the family must be sustained. The injury of one shall be considered the injury of all; the comfort of each, the comfort of all; the honor of one, the honor of all."

49. The individual’s relation to society is explained by Shoghi Effendi in the statement that "The Bahá’í conception of social life is essentially based on the principle of the subordination of the individual will to that of society. It neither suppresses the individual nor does it exalt him to the point of making him an antisocial creature, a menace to society. As in everything, it follows the 'golden mean.'"

50. This relationship, so fundamental to the maintenance of civilized life, calls for the utmost degree of understanding and cooperation between society and the individual; and because of the need to foster a climate in which the untold potentialities of the individual members of society can develop, this relationship must allow "free scope" for "individuality to assert itself" through modes of spontaneity, initiative and diversity that ensure the viability of society. Among the responsibilities assigned to Bahá’í institutions which have a direct bearing on these aspects of individual freedom and development is one which is thus described in the Constitution of the Universal House of Justice: "to safeguard the personal rights, freedom and initiative of individuals." A corollary is: "to give attention to the preservation of human honor."

51. How noteworthy that in the Order of Bahá’u’lláh, while the individual will is subordinated to that of society, the individual is not lost in the mass but becomes the focus of primary development, so that he may find his own place in the flow of progress, and society as a whole may benefit from the accumulated talents and abilities of the individuals composing it. Such an individual finds fulfillment of his potential not merely in satisfying his own wants but in realizing his completeness in being at one with humanity and with the divinely ordained purpose of creation.

52. The quality of freedom and of its expression—indeed, the very capacity to maintain freedom in a society—undoubtedly depends on the knowledge and training of individuals and on their abilities to cope with the challenges of life with equanimity. As the beloved Master has written: "And the honor and distinction of the individual consist in this, that he among all the world’s multitudes should become a source of social good. Is any larger bounty conceivable than this, that an individual, looking within himself, should find that by the confirming grace of God he has become the cause of peace and well-being, of happiness and advantage to his fellowmen? No, by the one true God, there is no greater bliss, no more complete delight."

53. The spirit of liberty which in recent decades has swept over the planet with such tempestuous force is a manifestation of the vibrancy of the Revelation brought by Bahá’u’lláh. His own words confirm it. "The Ancient Beauty," He wrote in a soul-stirring commentary on His sufferings, "hath consented to be bound with chains that mankind may be released from its bondage, and hath accepted to be made a prisoner within this most mighty Stronghold that the whole world may attain unto true liberty."

54. Might it not be reasonably concluded, then, that "true liberty" is His gift of love to the human race? Consider what Bahá’u’lláh has done: He revealed laws and principles to guide the free; He established an Order to channel the actions of the free; He proclaimed a Covenant to guarantee the unity of the free.

55. Thus, we hold to this ultimate perspective: Bahá’u’lláh came to set humanity free. His Revelation is, indeed, an invitation to freedom—freedom from want, freedom from war, freedom to unite, freedom to progress, freedom in peace and joy.

56. You who live in a land where freedom is so highly prized have not, then, to dispense with its fruits, but you are challenged and do have the obligation to uphold and vindicate the distinction between the license that limits your possibilities for genuine progress and the moderation that ensures the enjoyment of true liberty.

The Universal House of Justice December 29, 1988

Publication Information

A profound document that is pivotal to understanding the difference between our American heritage and Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order.

INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS IN THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

A STATEMENT BY The Universal House of Justice

In a new letter to the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the United States, the Universal House of Justice calls our attention to the basic principles of our Faith, explains the meaning of individual rights and freedoms in a Bahá’í context, and invites us to study the Bahá’í teachings to gain a better understanding of the standards Bahá’u’lláh prescribes for a mature society.

Now available in softcover. $3.00

Order your copy today! 1-800-999-9019 BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 13]

CAMPUS CLIPS

The issue: Race unity on campus

Teaching is alive on college campuses! All over the country, college students are raising the banner of Bahá’u’lláh and bringing His healing message to their peers and professors.

Since October, the Bahá’í college clubs/associations have been shifting their energies onto the topic of race unity.

In response to a disturbing rise in the number of racially motivated incidents on American college campuses, the National Spiritual Assembly gave the National Youth Committee a mandate to "mobilize the Bahá’í youth in college to combat the rapidly expanding trend of racist activities on college campuses and to raise the call of Bahá’u’lláh for the unity of the races, the oneness of mankind."

The following are examples of current and recent activities on race unity by Bahá’í college clubs/associations at:

Haverford and Bryn Mawr Colleges—sponsored a college conference April 7-9 on race unity. Colleges from all over the Middle Atlantic states were in attendance to listen to talks by Lisa Jones and others, along with entertainment by Ladjamaya Green and a troupe of African drummers.

Rutgers University—put on several race unity workshops and a "Dance for Unity." One of the workshops was attended by members of the student government, who asked the Bahá’í Club to develop a course that would teach incoming freshmen about racism and discrimination issues. It is now being reviewed by professors and the administration.

University of Wisconsin, Madison—held a "Dance for the Elimination of Prejudice." More than 550 people showed up, as well as the media.

Northern Illinois University—supported a "Unity in Diversity" week that brought together many college and community organizations.

Williams College, University of Massachusetts, and Harvard University—have begun "Racism Anonymous" groups to help people understand the subtle nature of racism and how they can overcome it.

Young Bahá’ís in college are mobilizing, due in part to the power and enthusiasm generated through the recent "Vision to Victory" conferences. In many areas, planning has begun for future activities, such as:

Youth Conference in Alaska, July 12-15: "The Challenge of Our Time." For information, write to the National Youth Committee of the Bahá’ís of Alaska, 13501 Brayton Drive, Anchorage, AK 99516 (phone 907-345-3740).

Youth Conference in Puerto Rico, July 13-16: "Transformar la Palabra en Acción." Contact: Conferencia Internacional Bahá’í de Juventud ’89, Apartado 1183, Hato Rey, PR 00919.

College club conferences for the

LETTERS

"The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The American Bahá’í welcomes letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the "letters" column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another’s views or to attack anyone on a personal level. Opinions expressed in these columns are not necessarily those of the National Spiritual Assembly or the editors.

Letters should be as brief as possible (a 250-word maximum is suggested) and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address all letters to the Editor, The American Bahá’í, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

'Most challenging issue'

To the Editor:

I suggest that we all get our copies of The Advent of Divine Justice down from the bookshelves and read from page 23 forward the section titled "The Most Challenging Issue."

Many of us claim to be familiar with it. Yet I strongly urge us all to read it again. And again.

Notice that the admonitions given by the beloved Guardian apply to both races. Dare we suggest that, in reality, they apply to all races?

Are we so smug as to presume that, because we come from the Cradle of the Faith, or because we are not of a race specifically mentioned in this section, we have no part in this problem?

The single most shocking part of the letter from Berdina Jenkins (August 1988) was that parents, third generation Bahá’ís, withheld their permission to marry solely on the basis of skin color while admitting to the prospective groom’s good character!

Without knowing all the details, and therefore relying on the account as published, I wonder whether the young man took the matter to the local Assembly.

In any other case, I’d bow to the parents’ absolute right to reject the proposal; but in such a case, where the reasons given run so directly counter to the very spirit of the Cause, I feel that bringing the matter before the Assembly would be in order.

I can only think that the parents of the bride were not deepened as to what the Guardian’s admonitions entail; simply to be a "third generation Bahá’í" does not automatically imply a working knowledge of all aspects of the Writings.

As to the reaction of the seeker to this incident: much as I agree with her wish not to be hurt again, I must point out that it is the Cause that is perfect. We believers, hard though we may strive, are imperfect.

Surely there is no excuse for the community to let such things as these pass unnoticed; yet if everyone who is disillusioned with the other friends drops from sight, two things happen: we suddenly find ourselves missing a lot of friends, and the input they would give on such issues goes with them.

This leaves the rest of us guessing, and consulting on the root problem. How much better if these friends should point out their concerns to their Assemblies; how much time and heartache could be saved.

Also, those outside the Cause should not, in my opinion, be shy about bringing these concerns to our attention. Often, those who are our friends see things that we do not.

For the friends to stay away "for the sake of unity" is no solution. Neither is failure to deal with the baggage we have all brought with us to the Cause of our Beloved.

If this is our response now, what then of the long-awaited entry by troops? How do we deal with success, if we insist on defeating ourselves?

What is needed is a combination of deepening and encouragement, knowledge of the laws and admonitions, and teaching on a scale envisioned by the Universal House of Justice. We know it to be the most efficient way to take care of these problems and crises.

Martin R. Flick San Mateo, California

'Well-thumbed' paper

To the Editor:

I thought you’d be interested to know how "well-thumbed" some issues of The American Bahá’í are which someone has been kind enough to send me from time to time.

First, I read them; then another Bahá’í who lives here and speaks English also reads them.

Then I take them to Tenerife where some of the friends who speak English read them, and, of course, all look at the photos.

Besides this, some read the "Spanish page," and Persians devour the "Persian pages."

Then I choose articles, many of which are quite stimulating, translate them into Spanish and send them to our bulletin committee which makes extracts.

Certain other articles go to the youth committee, or the teaching committee, while others are sent to the treasurer who is always looking for ways to promote the Fund.

So an issue of The American Bahá’í "goes a long way" out here in the Canaries ... it’s a great inspiration to many.

Peggy True Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera Canary Islands (Spain)

Bahá’í, described as ‘dangerous,’ wanted for murder, escapes

The National Spiritual Assembly has received word that a Bahá’í named Stephen Harrington has escaped from a mental institution in Colorado and is wanted by the authorities for murder.

Mr. Harrington may try to contact Bahá’í communities for help. In the past, he has used such aliases as Dieter Rommel, Richard Schmidt, Edward R. Bittner, Thomas William Stocker and Ernest J. Schwab.

Any contact with Mr. Harrington should be reported immediately to the Office of the Secretary at the Bahá’í National Center (312-869-9039).

Mr. Harrington is considered to be highly intelligent but very dangerous, and extreme caution should be exercised if contact is made with him.

Food banks a good bet

To the Editor:

One way in which Bahá’ís can do humanitarian and social service work while helping to spread the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is to become involved in one of the more than 200 food banks around the country.

Food banks take food that might otherwise be wasted and glean from food sources such as manufacturers, supermarkets and farmers to provide food inexpensively to agencies and churches that feed the needy in this country.

Food banks are non-sectarian, non-profit, private organizations that bring together otherwise disparate groups of people to help their fellow human beings.

My experiences at my local food bank have convinced me that this is a valuable vehicle for Bahá’ís to become involved in. The people I have worked with are wonderful, and I’ve had the satisfaction of being able to help others and to make my religious faith known to a special group of people.

I would encourage any Bahá’í living in an area with a food bank to seek out this outstanding opportunity.

Dale Fowler Midland, Texas

Teach Peace

Latest Brilliant Star has fascinating facts about civilizations, time capsules, more

Look inside the May/June issue of Brilliant Star magazine and discover fascinating facts about early civilizations, what a time capsule is, and how paints were made.

This exciting issue covers everything from codes and ciphers to the history of Judaism to archaeology. And a special treat is a story by a nine-year-old reader of Brilliant Star, Tommy Kozlow.

Every issue, of course, is rounded out by Book Nook—a review of many books for children about early life—and Parents’ Page, a treat for all teachers and parents.

You are invited to subscribe to Brilliant Star for yourself, a friend, or to donate a subscription for a needy child or school.

For a one-year subscription (six issues), send $12 to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Brilliant Star Name Street. City_ State & Zip. Country. 1 year (6 issues), U.S. & Canada ($12) 1 year foreign, surface ($15) 1 year foreign, air ($25) 2 years, U.S. & Canada ($20) 2 years foreign, surface ($28) 2 years foreign, air ($47) new subscription renewal Enclose payment and send to: Bahá’í Subscriber Service Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, Illinois 60091 [Page 14]

LOUHELEN SUMMER PROGRAM

Special Notes on Summer Sessions:

• Outstanding Children’s Programs (ages 14 and under) offered at all sessions, unless otherwise noted.
• Youth program included at family sessions.
• Devotions, singing, recreation, fellowship, service opportunities at all sessions.
• Poet-in-Residence and Artist-in-Residence programs to enhance cultural program.
• Weekly events (beginning July 7):

Friday evenings: Register 4-8 pm. Opening session at 8 pm. Saturday evenings: Performances, presentations by artists, writers and musicians. Sunday afternoon, evenings: Beach trip. Monday evenings: Center for Interracial Unity presentation; Fund presentation; sing-a-longs, bonfire, recreation. Tuesday evenings: Variety show.

Description of Programs: Please contact Louhelen to register for more information.

June 2-4 WOMEN’S/MEN’S CONFERENCE Two concurrent conferences with separate and joint sessions. Talks, discussions and workshops will revolve around the spiritual and practical realities of the evolving roles of men and women. Watch for special brochure about this exciting and intensive conference.

JUNE 23-28 CAMP DIRECTOR INSTITUTE Intensive training opportunity for people who want to establish Bahá’í camps and be camp directors and program directors. Includes hands-on training with Camp Louhelen. Director: James Lewicki, experienced camp director with advanced education and training in camp administration; founder of Camp Kamal and Camp Louhelen.

JUNE 25-JULY 2 CAMP LOUHELEN (8 day program) - Combines spiritual, educational, social, emotional and physical development for children in a camp-style program. Goal is to create an environment of positive ideas and attitudes leading to expanded personal awareness, improved self-image, matured social skills, new recreational skills and a renewed spiritual connection. Non-Bahá’ís welcome! Children must be at least entering 3rd grade through entering 6th grade. Note special rates for 8 days - $240 per camper ($175 for each additional camper from the same family). LSAs and DTCs: Sponsor a camper and receive 33% discount. DIRECTORS: Dave Hansen and Gwen Taylor Chirko. Staff Includes: Maryanne Manderfield, Joyce Harmsen, Shirlene Brown, Judy McConnell, Judy Farnsworth, Carole Dickson, Eric and Karen Beck, Elaine Kresge, Emily Merrell, Senior Youth Counselors and more.

JULY 7-12 -- 6th ANNUAL TEACHER TRAINING WEEK Special emphasis on: Curriculum development; integrating the arts with Bahá’í classes; material development; teaching global concepts to children. This outstanding hands-on program, sponsored by the Louhelen Council and the Bahá’í National Education Committee, is for teachers and administrators of local Bahá’í children’s classes. LSAs and local Bahá’í schools are encouraged to send representatives.

JULY 14-19 YOUNG ADULTS CONFERENCES - For both single young (and young at heart) adults and young married couples, the week will be an intensive study of one of the major Writings of Bahá’u’lláh (with the entire group) in the mornings. In the afternoons, the married couples will have a seminar on the Writings and various issues having to do with building a strong marriage; the single adults will have a seminar on topics such as developing a personal relationship with God, the struggles of being single in a community, single parenting, and other issues identified by the group. Teachers/Facilitators include: Chuck and Selma Howard, Hermione Pickens.

JULY 21-26 SENIOR YOUTH WEEK - Classes, recreation, devotions, consultation, and other activities planned by Louhelen’s Youth Board, for senior youth (ages 15 and older). Teachers/Facilitators include: Changiz and Marianne Geula, Jahan and Pat Vahman.

JULY 28-AUG 2 FAMILY SESSION I The Family Sessions for this summer have the theme of "Family Unity" and will use classes, seminars and activities to deepen on developing the family unity (internal development) and having the family unit as a basic building block of an advancing civilization (external development). The sessions are activity and process oriented, and will be useful for families of any type or size. Family sessions include classes and workshops for all ages as well as cultural, recreational, devotional, consultative and other activities planned to create an atmosphere in which new and enriching patterns of family interaction can be formed. Teachers/Facilitators include: Sam and Mimi McClellan. Special Children’s Music Program: Tom and Gaby Shoemaker.

AUG 4-9 FAMILY SESSION II, (See FAMILY SESSION I above) Program Facilitators: Tom Shoemaker, Nancy Furst Watters. Special Children’s Music Program: Jean Marks White.

AUG 11-16 JUNIOR YOUTH WEEK Classes, recreation, devotions, consultation, and other activities planned by Louhelen’s Youth Board, for Junior Youth (ages 11-15). Adult teachers and senior youth counselors will facilitate this lively, spiritually enriching week!

AUG 18-24 FAMILY SESSION III, (See FAMILY SESSION I above) PLUS - ARTS FESTIVAL - Special emphasis on the arts. Program Facilitators and artists include: Susan Engle (music and poetry); Sandy and Alonzo Coleman (storytelling/music); Mike Moutrie (music); Walt Manderfield (storytelling); Candy Hopkins (theater); Maryanne Manderfield (fine arts).

SEPT 1-4 HOMECOMING WEEKEND Traditional social occasion at which Louhelen alumni, old and new, gather for fellowship, recreation, inspiration and especially fun. Annual Friends of Louhelen meeting scheduled. "Old-Time" alumni especially requested to come!

• Base rates (no dinner on registration evening; does not include linen, etc. Please contact Louhelen for details): Adults-$56/weekend...$146/5 day session. Youth & Pre-Youth-$50/weekend...$131/5 days. 1 parent + 1 child-$84/weekend...$222/5 days. 1 Parent + 2 or more children-$110/‎week end weekend‎...$293/5 days. 2 Parents + 1 or more children-$132/weekend...$348/5 days.

For information, rates, or to register, call Louhelen at (313)653-5033 or write to Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road., Davison, MI 48423

GREEN ACRE SUMMER PROGRAM:

"Preparing the Way For the Masses"

"When the victory arriveth, every man shall profess himself as a believer and shall hasten to the shelter of God’s Faith." Bahá’u’lláh.

#1 JUNE 30-JULY 2 PEACE THE PROMISE - Celebrate the 95th anniversary of the raising of the world’s first known Peace Flag at Green Acre in 1894. Local, nationally and internationally affiliated peace groups will gather with Bahá’ís to promote the inevitability of peace and create a forum in which like-minded groups may realize their sameness and strength in unity. Share in the excitement of thought-provoking discussions, group activities and performances featuring the Outreach for Black Unity Choir and the Marshwood High School Band.

"PERSPECTIVE OF A WORLD COMMUNITY" - Hear the latest news of the world Bahá’í community from the U.N. to social and economic development and cooperative efforts in Environmental Conservation with Worldwide Fund for Nature. Brad Pokorny.

"INTENSIFYING OUR EFFORTS FOR A NEW WORLD ORDER" - Determine your role in achieving the Lesser Peace. Explore the 1989 Ridvan Message, its directions for teaching and peace and its guidance for individual action. Jane Grover.

#2 JULY 2-7 "TOWARD A DIVINE CIVILIZATION - THE PLAN - THE TOOLS - THE DEVELOPMENT" Increase your ability to help establish a divine civilization through a review and analysis of Tablets of the Divine Plan and the role of pioneering; The Secret of Divine Civilization and the role of consultation in the process of community development in the Bahá’í world with case studies and examples from around the Bahá’í world. PLEASE BRING: Books listed above. Delane and Kurt Hein.

#3 JULY 7-9 "THE DAWN OF THE LESSER PEACE" Take part in an in-depth investigation of Bahá’í prophesies and experience the excitement of discovering their fulfillment in this day. A rare opportunity to hear an inspiring speaker and devoted servant of Bahá’u’lláh. Mildred Mottahedeh.

"LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION IN THE NEW ERA" Develop an action-oriented consultation and motivation process by contrasting old and new world concepts of individual and institutional leadership and management. Larry Miller.

#4 JULY 9-14 "CHILDREN, YOUTH AND THE BAHA’I COMMUNITY" Gain a refreshing sense of direction in raising children and youth with a commitment to the Faith through sharing the Writings and techniques and resources that parents and communities can draw on. Barbara Harris, Janet Richards and Rodney Richards.

"BUSTIN’ THE TEACHING BARRIERS" Are you serious about entry by troops? Plan and execute new strategies and innovations in accepting vast numbers of believers into YOUR Bahá’í community. Counselor Bob Harris.

#5 JULY 14-16 "CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF A SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE" Examine the current forces in the culture and in ‎individuads individuals‎ which endanger marriage, practice the communication needed to celebrate unity in diversity and apply the spiritual principles that will make your marriage work. PLEASE BRING: Marriage and Family Life. Linda Kavelin Popov.

"RAISING CHILDREN OF THE KINGDOM" Assess the needs, potential, challenges and nature of children born in this day. Begin to use, in an appropriate manner, the principles involved in child rearing that are contained in the Bahá’í Writings. PLEASE BRING: Bahá’í Education. Dr. Dan Popov.

#6a JULY 16-21 "YOUTH ON THE MOVE" - A CONFERENCE FOR YOUTH 13-17. Limited to 50 overnight participants. Be a part of an exciting, sharply focused program -- a week of fun, friends, fellowship, questions, answers, an enhancement of abilities and a deepening of faith. Fall deeper in love with Bahá’u’lláh as you study the Creative Word, identify and discuss critical youth issues, participate in rap sessions, role play, game simulations, creative dramatics and speech making. Solomon Atkins, Ladjamaya Greene, Craig Rothman, Debbie Wix.

#6b JULY 16-21 "ADULT INDEPENDENT STUDY" - Limited Enrollment -- Adults Only. Enjoy the bounty of independent research. Submerge yourself in the ocean of knowledge contained in the Green Acre Bahá’í School Library. Experience the reviving spirit instilled by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as you engage in personal prayer and meditation. Share your understanding of Bahá’í Writings and concepts in structured group deepenings. An excellent opportunity to be at Green Acre in a separate setting from youth or children who may be attending Youth Week or Children’s Camp.

#7a JULY 23-29 "CAMP GREEN ACRE" - A CAMP FOR CHILDREN 8-12. Limited to 50 overnight participants. Children will create a community with a family spirit based on Bahá’í principles where friendships are made, skills are learned and positive experiences are nurtured in an atmosphere that builds confidence and self-respect. Activities will include hiking, crafts, swimming, team-building, music, archery, friendship circles, quiet moments and group games. James Lewicki, Director.

#7b JULY 23-28 "ADULT INDEPENDENT STUDY" Limited Enrollment. Adults only. See description: Session #6b.

#8 JULY 30 - AUG 4 "THE LIFE OF TAHIRIH - IMPLICATIONS FOR WOMEN AND MEN TODAY" Acquire a deeper appreciation for sexual equality and equip yourself with practical tools that will enable you to make changes in personal attitudes and conduct. Fafar Guillebeaux

"DEVELOPING ATTITUDES FOR A NEW WORLD ORDER" Examine internal and external barriers to your involvement in community development processes. Develop roles and objectives for yourself to take home for trial and refinement. Jack Guillebeaux.

"FAMILY UNITY: A NATION IN MINIATURE" Explore preparation for marriage and develop communication skills and tools to meet the challenges of family life in today’s pressure-filled world. Fafar and Jack Guillebeaux.

#9 AUG 4-6 "A LIFETIME OF SERVICE" Prepare to serve our beloved Cause by developing your capacities to rely upon Bahá’u’lláh, understand the Covenant, relate to the Institutions, strengthen your spiritual nature and teach. This course will cover patterns of behavior, attitudes, [Page 15]expectations, cultural differences and personal goal setting. ‎Sposored Sponsored‎ by: Office of Pioneering - Yael Wurmfeld, Director.

1. 10 AUG 6-11 "HERE’S TO YOUR HEALTH"

Discover and apply spiritual principles to your family life, work and daily tests in order to promote mental and emotional health in a life that is balanced and integrated. PLEASE BRING: Divine Art of Living. Dr. Jane Faily.

"MAN IS THE SUPREME TALISMAN" Explore human reality -- the inter-relatedness of soul, mind and body -- to attain faith, certitude and action that leads to the station of the true believer. PLEASE BRING: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, The Book of Certitude. Afaf Stevens.

1. 11 AUG 11-13 "FINDING THE BALANCE THROUGH CREATIVITY AND CONTROL"

Increase your community’s ability to function by better managing human resources. Learn effective ways to foster individual creativity and increase group productivity through use of the Writings and state-of-the-art management theory and practice. Bonnie Barnes and Mike Furst.

1. 12 AUG 13-18 ANNUAL ARTS CONFERENCE - "TAKE WINGS AND FLY -- USING THE ARTS TO REACH THE MASSES"

Delve into the arts of music and drama. Experience their power and enjoy their soul-stirring effects as you participate in classes and nightly proclamations using the arts. PLEASE BRING: Instruments, paper, pen, music paper, comfortable clothes, Bahá’í Writings on Music.

TOPICS: Theater performance through improvisation: "An Approach to Spirited Multi-Media Presentation", "Jazz Improvisation", "Compose a Heavenly Song", "Creating with the Creative Word", "Gaining a New Perspective", "A Bahá’í Perspective on Music", "Exploring Theater Text".

ARTISTS: Barbara Eyges Anton, Anne Atkinson, Doc Holladay, Donna Kime, Ladjamaya Greene, Jack Lenz, Mark Ochu, Fred Ward.

1. 13 AUG 18-20 "LIGHT OF GUIDANCE" Move to new levels of personal commitment and action! Study the Writings concerning the Universal House of Justice and selected messages in order to strengthen your understanding of the Covenant and love for and allegiance to the Supreme Governing Body of our Faith. PLEASE BRING: Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1968-1973. Thelma Khelghati.

1. 14 AUG 20-25 "ADAM AND EVE: REVISITED AND REVISED" Begin to create new patterns of relationships after examining cultural forms of relationships between the sexes in myth, art and advertising and reviewing the Garden of Eden myth from the perspective of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings. Paula Drewek.

"THE CALL TO AMERICA -- EDUCATE MANKIND" Explore the role of religion in building new societies and explore new methods of teaching the Faith in America in order to shed light on the peace process and the role American Bahá’ís must play. PLEASE BRING: World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, The Promise of World Peace. Dr. Marvin Hughes.

1. 15 AUG 25-27 "COMMUNITY BUILDING THROUGH PERSONAL, SPIRITUAL GROWTH"

Develop an understanding of visioning and examine blocks to your own creativity. Identify and set goals for personal community development by integrating Bahá’í teachings with theories and models of personal growth and community building. Leonard Smith.

1. 16 SEPT 1-4 7th ANNUAL ASSOCIATION FOR BAHÁ’Í STUDIES REGIONAL CONFERENCE -- "SOCIAL CHANGE"

3 days/3 nights -- ends Monday 11 am. Add $27/adult, $12/child -- Gain a better understanding of the processes of social change and their inter-relationships in building the foundations of international peace and social justice. TOPICS: International Security, Social and Economic Development and small group sessions on Prerequisites for Peace. Sponsored by: The New England Regional Committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies.

For additional information and registration materials, please contact Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main Street, Eliot, ME 03903 (207)439-7200.

Bosch Summer Schedule:

To insure your reservation, please pre-register as soon as possible. Upon confirmation, a receipt and map to the school will be mailed to you. IF WE ARE UNABLE to confirm a reservation for you, we will refund your deposit. IF YOU ARE CONFIRMED, AND MUST CANCEL, please let us know as soon as possible, to allow someone else to attend. If you do cancel and let us know at least 10 days before the session starting date, we will retain only the portion of your deposit as follows: One person registered...$10.00; Two...$20.00; Three...$25.00; Four & up...$30.00. Entire deposit is non-refundable if cancellation occurs within the 10 days before your session starting date. Reservations are not transferable to others. Some sessions offer reduced rates for early registration. Please see individual session dates for rates and deposit requirements.

1. 1 JULY 1-6 General Session, classes for all ages - Religion, Psychology and Health: What are the relationships? Is there a Bahá’í model of healing? What are health issues in a spiritual context? Each day will begin with the study of The Seven Valleys

UNDERSTANDING SELF - Can we reconcile what the social sciences promote as a healthy "self" with the concept of "self" in the Writings? Who defines the "self"? Is guilt a useful motivator in spiritual growth? How do we understand "Love me that I may love thee"? Farzaneh Guillebeaux.

ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR - What are the ontological dimensions of ‎addictve addictive‎ behavior? Brought to a complete stop? Do the Writings have specific guidance? Joseph Galata.

CROSS-CULTURAL CONCERNS What are unique concerns of cross-cultural and interracial marriage? Guity Kiani will moderate a panel of interracial/intercultural couples. Among other presenters/facilitators: Pasha Mohajerjasbi, Laurie Appel, Dawn Smith.

Professionals in health-care fields are invited to submit additional topics in a one-page proposal for presentations or panels. Send to the school address by June 1.

There will be a study and critique of the Personal Transformation materials. Former facilitators of this program are urged to attend. Bring copies of the materials if you have them.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: During the week William E. Davis will balance our introspection with a world view: news of the Bahá’í community its successes and challenges.

1. 2 JULY 8-13 JUNIOR YOUTH WEEK A week for ages 12-15 -- Classes, recreation, devotions in a distinctive Bahá’í environment. Building confidence in yourself as a whole and healthy person with sound values, foundation of true liberty. Jr Youth Week Leaders: Tracy and Larry Gholar; Shirin and Chip Coleman; Sandara Douglas; Margie and Gary Bulkin; Miriam Nelson; Deborah and Kurt Fenolio. And a staff of outstanding youth counselors.

1. 3 JULY 15-20 General Session, classes for all ages. "THE BAHA’I FAITH IN AMERICA" -- Is a spiritual renaissance possible in North America? What are the limits of free expression in the Bahá’í community? Is the Bahá’í community prepared for active oppression? Can the Bahá’í movement fail to achieve its objective? Is the Faith subject to disintegration? Texts: Crises and Victory and The Covenant (compilations from the Universal House of Justice). Edward Diliberto.

"THE PROMISED DAY IS COME" (bring text) -- Who were "the most august and influential monarchs" to whom Bahá’u’lláh wrote? Who did Bahá’u’lláh describe as "that veiled and immortal, that most beauteous countenance"? Will there be a time when everyone will recognize Bahá’u’lláh and follow Him? Eileen Norman.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Dwight W. Allen will be with us some afternoons and evenings. Topics to be announced.

1. 4 JULY 22-27 General Session, classes for all ages -- Each day will begin with a study of selections from The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. Dwight W. Allen.

"OUR SPIRITUAL ANCESTORS" - Who are our spiritual ancestors? What is our history as Bahá’ís of the West? Slides, some rare and unpublished, with scholarly commentary. Program commemorating 50th anniversary of passing of Martha Root, "Star Servant", who died in Honolulu in 1939 on her way to a session at Geyserville Bahá’í School. The Life of Agnes Alexander by former archivist in Hawaii’s National Archives, Vice Chairman of National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii and author of biography of Miss Alexander. AMERICA’S SPIRITUAL DESTINY, Computer generated graphics program tracing the rise of the Administrative Order. Duane Troxel.

"HEROINES OF THE FAITH" - Dramatic readings and vignettes of Táhirih, Agnes Alexander, Juliet Thompson and others. Workshops in effective speaking, reading or drama. Artist in residence, Deborah Chicurel Conow.

1. 5 JULY 29-AUGUST 3 General Session, classes for all ages -- "CREATING RECEPTIVITY" -- How do we put into action ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s guidance: "The Friends of God should weave bonds of fellowship...when the friends sense receptivity to the Word of God, they should deliver the Message with wisdom?" An active workshop: videos, small groups, consultation, learning exercises, coaching, modeling. Jim Mulvaney.

There will be choices to be made for other classes, among them: THE WILL AND TESTAMENT OF ABDU’L-BAHA, an intensive study facilitated. Derek Cockshut.

"SOLVING THE PARENTING PUZZLE" - Bahá’í principles of child education and the skills to make them a reality. Positive, practical, effective things to DO to act out values in this most important responsibility. STEP (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) and other useful materials. An intensive workshop, 7 class hours. Elaine Offstein.

"PERSONAL GROWTH GROUP" - An intimate exploration group, enrollment limited. How to act out our guidance for personal development? Michael Bond.

SPECIAL: Sunday July 30 2 pm -- "INTERVIEWS FOR SERVICE AT THE BAHA’I WORLD CENTER" Barbara Barret, Former Editor Bahá’í International News Service, Haifa, Israel.

Sunday July 30 4pm -- "RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT THE BAHA’I WORLD CENTER" Donald M. Barrett, Former Secretary General of the Bahá’í International Community, Haifa, Israel.

1. 6 AUG 5-10 General Session, classes for all ages -- "MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE" -- What are our successes in developing good marriages and strong families? What can we learn about guiding our children, before and during their teen years, so that they become their true selves and healthy members of the world community? Jim and Lee Haslip.

"SELECTIONS FROM WRITINGS OF ‎ABDU’L-BAHA ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ‎": Jim and Lee Haslip.

"EDUCATION FOR PEACE" - Option for parents, teachers and others: Skills, methods, and materials useful for the education of children. What part does the education of children play in the Promise of World Peace? Can the ANISA education model be useful in this process? What about Montessori? Are there other peace education models or materials compatible with Bahá’í principles? As parents and teachers, how can we assist our children’s present educational system? Do we exercise the option of home schooling? How can education break down barriers of racism, sexism and economic inequalities? Facilitators: Dee Foxman, Sara J. Prince, Sharon Jensen, Lisa Janti, Cherri Veazey, and Jan McCrea.

TOPICS TO BE ANNOUNCED: Marsha and Ronald Gilpatrick.

SPECIAL: Sunday July 30 2 pm -- "INTERVIEWS FOR SERVICE AT THE BAHA’I WORLD CENTER" Barbara Barret, Former Editor Bahá’í International News Service, Haifa, Israel.

Sunday July 30 4pm -- "RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT THE BAHA’I WORLD CENTER" Donald M. Barrett, Former Secretary General of the Bahá’í International Community, Haifa, Israel.

AUG 12-17 General Session, classes for all ages - "BAHA’I PERSPECTIVES" -- What is the Bahá’í perspective on individualism, competition and "liberty"? What can I do daily to be an agent of change on issues of racism, equality of men and women, disparity between rich and poor? Hoda Mahmoudi.

"MEDITATIONS ON THE CREATIVE WORD": Arden Lee.

"WHAT IS TRUE HAPPINESS?" - If tests and difficulties are for our growth, and growth is why we’re here, can we also be happy? What is true happiness? Reference for the course: Blumenthal, To Understand and be Understood Jack Lee. [Page 16]

1. 8 AUG 19-24 Young Adult and Youth Week - For college students, young adults and other youth (15 and over). Classes on: The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh and The Advent of Divine Justice.

A variety of youth centered and youth directed activities are planned by: Walter Heinecke; Andy and Angie Allen; Terry Kneissler; Keith and Charyl Thorpe. Plus panels by: The NETWORKS of Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

SPECIAL: Sunday, AUG 20, 2 pm - Reunion of Cabin Counselors 1977-1989. Please make reservations for lunch at 12:45. Former cabin counselors are guests of the school. Bring swimsuits and musical instruments. If you cannot attend, please send photo and message for bulletin board and scrapbook.

1. 9 AUG 26-31, General Session, classes for all ages -- "UNDERSTANDING ISLAM" -- What responsibility did Shoghi Effendi give us in interpreting Islam in the West? What are we doing about it? What tools do we need? How do we get them? How can we increase our understanding of the Koran? Daniel E. Georges-Abeyie.

"PROMISE OF WORLD PEACE" Daniel E. Georges-Abeyie.

SELECTIONS FROM THE WRITINGS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ: Jalil Mahmoudi.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: During the week William E. Davis will bring us up-to-date on Bahá’í news in the US and the world.

In addition to courses and topics listed, each week the December 29, 1988 message of the Universal House of Justice on freedom of expression will be reviewed.

Rates for summer sessions 1989: Adult (21 and up): cabin $175 summer cabin $145; youth (11-20): cabin $145/summer cabin $125; children (1-10): cabin $110/summer cabin $95; infants: no charge for housing; RV sites: parking $50 + each person $25 + extra charge for meals.

All rates listed are for early registration, i.e. deposits received 3 weeks (21 days) prior to the session starting date. Late registrations, received less than 21 days before the session starting date, add $4/person/day. All rates are for the full session, all classes, activities and 5 overnights and 15 meals.

Deposit requirements: Junior youth week only....$50/person. All other weeks $30/person. Deposits may be made by check or VISA or MASTERCARD. Registrar, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-9615.

LOUIS G. GREGORY BAHÁ’Í INSTITUTE

Outline of Programs to be held over the summer session: April 14-19: Mr. David Hoffman Assistant’s Meeting: April 15-16 Summer School: May 22-25 Louis G. Gregory Day: June 10 Youth Academy: July 9-August 6 Peace Fest ’89: September 15-17

• On going programs are: Pioneer Teacher Weekends, Youth Workshop Weekends

Please call or write for further information: Louis G. Gregory Institute, Route 2, Box 71, Hemingway, SC 29554 (803) 558-5093

Bahá’í Regional Schools 1989 Summer Schedule

This summer promises to be an exciting, spiritually invigorating time for those of you are planning to attend a Bahá’í School. The Guardian encouraged youth in particular to attend these schools, and this year promises to be an especially good time for them to do so. We hope that each one of you will make every effort to attend a Bahá’í school this summer. National Teaching Committee

ALABAMA Dates: July 20-23, 1989 Location: ‎Monte Vallo Montevallo‎ State Univ., ‎Monte Vallo Montevallo‎, AL Facilities: Private dorm rooms with baths. Meals at the school cafeteria. Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Recreation: Gym is available for basketball, volleyball, and other games. Also swimming, tennis, soccer, and various table tournaments. Rates: Write or phone the registrar Registrar: Dick Detweiler, 2613 Del Norte Lane, Huntsville, AL 35810 (205)831-8463

ARIZONA (Spring School) Dates: May 27-29, 1989 Location: Native American Bahá’í Institute, Houck, AZ Theme: "Back to Basics - Bahá’í Life - Native American Culture" Facilities: Shade houses Rates: Call for information Registrar: Susan Sloan, 102 Rancho Circle, Casa Grande, AZ 85222 (602)836-9133

ARIZONA (Summer School) Dates: June 30-July 3, 1989 Location: Belmont Property, Flagstaff, AZ Theme: "The Covenant" and "Family Life" Facilities: Camping/hotel Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Rates: Adult (pre-reg) $20 - (on site) $25; Family rates (pre-reg) $50 - (on site) $60 Pre-registration: June 25 Registrar: Susan Sloan, 102 Rancho Cr., Casa Grande, AZ 85222 (602)836-9133

CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN Dates: Aug 26-30, 1989 Location: Pilgrim Pines, Yucaipa, CA Theme: "Two Years of Sacrifice" Facilities: Cabins, meals provided, bring bedding/linens Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Recreation: Swimming, hiking, ‎voleyball volleyball‎ Rates: Call for information Pre-registration: Aug 11 Registrar: Al Lewis, 4108 N Sano St., Los Angeles, CA 90065 (213)223-7781

COLORADO EASTERN Dates July 30 - Aug 4, 1989 Location: Long Scraggy Ranch, ‎Buffolo Buffalo‎ Creek, CO Theme: "The Promised Day Is Come" Facilities: Dining room, Bahá’ís serve as kitchen staff, dorms, camping (incl. water/power hook-up), central toilets/showers. Recreation: Indoor swimming pool, volleyball, basketball, tennis, hiking Rates: Adult $65; Youth (12-17) $60; Pre-Youth (6-11) $55; Children (3-5) $10; Day students $2-$7 Pre-registration: July 15 ($10 reservation) Registrar: Donald E. Brayton, Box 1033, Woodland Park, CO 80866 (719)687-3351

COLORADO WESTERN Dates: June 23-25, 1989 Location: Camp Ilium, Telluride CO. (Beautiful mountains, rustic setting at 8,000 ft., cool nights, some tent space available) Theme: "‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Focus on excellence and maturation of local communities" Facilities Main lodge, dorms/cabins (with separate toilet and shower facilities) bring sleeping bags, bedding, linens. Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes (music/talent show) Recreation: Hiking, basketball, soccer Rates: Adult $26; Youth $21; Children $16; 0-5 yrs $10 Pre-registration June 5 Registrar: John David, P.O. Box 69, Clifton, CO 81520, (303)242-9565

FLORIDA SUMMER Dates: June 30 - July 4, 1989 Location: Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL Theme: "The "A"merican "B"ahá’í "C"ommunity - Back to Basics" Facilities: Dorms, meals included Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Recreation: Swimming pool, tennis, organized games Rates: Please contact registrar Pre-registration: June 15 Registrar: Donna Everts, 1193 SE 2nd Ave., Deerfield Bch, FL 33441 (305)421-8979.

GEORGIA Dates: July 26-30, 1989 Location: Middle Georgia College, Cochran, GA Theme: "Teaching is the food of the Spirit:...’Every individual...man, woman, youth and child...is summoned to this field of action.’" Facilities: College dorm accommodations, and meals in the cafeteria Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Recreation: Pool, outdoor tennis, recreational field and indoor gym Rates: Please contact the registrar Pre-registration July 12 Registrar: Janet New, 318 E. Wayside Rd., Carrollton, GA 30017, (404)834-0352

GREEN LAKE CONFERENCE

Dates: Sept. 15-17, 1989 Location: American Baptist Conf. Ctr., Green Lake, WI Theme: (to be announced) This is the 30th Anniversary celebration. Facilities: Wide variety-campsites, dorms, cottages, cabins, hotel rooms; meal package provided please call the conference center for specifics. Classes Programs for ‎nursury nursery‎, children, pre-youth, youth, adults Recreation: Acres of woodlands, indoor pool, bicycling, boating, fishing, tennis, golf, miles of scenic trails. Rates: Call American Baptist Conference Ctr. directly (414)294-3323 or 1-800-558-8898 rates vary widely. Pre-registration 0-20 ages pre-register as soon as possible. Registrar: Sue Schaut, 1482 Ivory Drive, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 (608)837-8609

IDAHO Dates: June 16-18, 1989 Location: Camp Sawtooth, Sun Valley/Ketchum, ID Theme: "The Covenant: Clinging to the Cord" Facilities: Dorm-cabins, family style dining in lodge, bring warm bedding/sleeping bags, Mountain setting rustic and subject to rain/snow in early June; may also have very warm days - be prepared. Classes: Adult/youth, children’s classes Recreation: Volleyball, basketball Rates: 10 + up $50; 4-9 $35; day students $42 Pre-registration: June 5 Registrar: Jim Wilcox, 404 Dewey, Blackfoot, ID 83221, (208)785-4562

ILLINOIS - HEARTLAND Dates: July 19-23 Location: Camp Wokanda near Peoria, IL Theme: "When the Troops Come Marching In" Facilities: Dorms, cabins, tent sites, nearby motels; group meals in dining hall Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes (no air-conditioning) Recreation: Swimming, hiking, Rates: (subject to change) Adult $70; 10-18 $55; 3-9 $35; infants $15 Pre-registration: July 5 (late registrations add $10) Registrar: Scott and Debbie Martin, 113 Marshall Place, Carmi, IL 62821 (618)382-3771

IOWA Dates: July 13-16, 1989 Location: Simpson College in Indianola, Southeast of Des Moines, IA Theme: "Crisis and Victory" Facilities: Dorms, air cond. rooms, cafeteria type meals, camping Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Recreation: Gym, track, pool Rates: Call registrar for information Pre-registration June 15 Registrar: Rebecca Thompson, 1201 38th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 (319)364-4277

KANSAS Dates: July 7-9, 1989 Location: Kansas St. Univ, ‎Manhatten Manhattan‎, KS Facilities: Dorms, meals cafeteria style Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Rates: Adult 2/room $55 by 6/1/89; Adult (single) $65; Youth (9-17) $50; children (3-8) $40; day students $5. Pre-registration: June 1 Registrar: Genay Snyder, 1014 Market, Emporia, KS 66801 (316)343-3135

LOUISIANA Dates: November 24-26, 1989 Location: Please call the registrar for final details and for definite facility location. Theme: "The Most Challenging Issue" Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Pre-registration: November 10 Registrar: Marlene Detienne, USL Box 42781, Lafayette, LA 70504-2781 (318)233-4447

MARYLAND - DAYSPRING Dates: Aug 4-7, 1989 Location: Frostburg St Univ Frostburg, MD Theme: "Our Time is Now" (Teaching- dedicated to the Guardian) Facilities: Food/lodging on site with camping facilities nearby Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes [Page 17]Recreation: Swimming, volleyball, tennis Rates: Adult/youth $85-95; 3-10 $65-85; day $45-$60 Pre-registration: July 7 for discount; PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED by July 15 Registrar: Mavis Vaughan, c/o Washington DC Bahá’í Center, 5713 16th St, NW, Washington DC 20011

MASSANNETTA - VIRGINIA

The Massannetta Springs Conf. Ctr. has been closed by the Presbyterian Church. They may reopen in 1990. Look for a possible Bahá’í Massannetta Conference in 1990. The school committee is looking for another site. Look for announcements for one-day/weekend schools in 1989. For more information call Flora Brooks, 301 Copeland Dr., Staunton, VA 24401 (703)885-6247.

MINNESOTA

Dates: Aug. 23-27, 1989 Location: Camp Onomia, Onamia, MN Theme: “Challenges of the Fourth Epic” (special activities celebrating the 25th anniversary of Bahá’í summer school in Minnesota) Facilities: Central camp, cabins with private rooms for families/individuals; meals provided; bring bedding (linen rental $4), camping with bath facilities, campers can cook some of their own meals. Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Recreation: Hiking, fishing Rates: Call for information (special wkend rates‎)) )‎ Pre-registration: August 13 Registrar: Mr. Stephen Grams, 1227 SW 17th St., Willmar, MN 56201 (612)235-6530

MISSISSIPPI

Dates: June 23-25, 1989 Location: Roosevelt St. Park, Morton, MS Theme: “Vision to Victory/An Update” Facilities: Rooms & meals available Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Rates: Call for information Registrar: Sudi Clayton, Route 1, Box 119Z, Madison, MS 39110, (601)856-2964

MONTANA

Dates‎; :‎ Aug 7-13, 1989 Location: Luccock Pk Camp, Livingston, MT Theme: “On Becoming a Bahá’í Community” Facilities: Cabins/meals provided, camping available Recreation: Fishing, hiking, basketball, softball Pre-registration: August 1 Registrar: Jahan Lohrasbi, 3568 Hartford Ave., Butte, MT 59701 (406)494-6627

NEBRASKA - GREAT PLAINS

Dates: Aug 3-6, 1989 Location: Halsey 4-H Camp, National Forest near Halsey, North of North Platte Theme: “Knowing and Sharing our Faith” Facilities: Dorms/family cabins, tent or RV camping with central dining hall Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes in beautiful 2 story rustic pine lodge Recreation: Pine forest hiking, canoe or tube down Loup River, swimming Rates: School, room/meals (less if camping or no meals) 17+ $60; 8-16 $50; 5-7 $36; 2-4 $18; under 2 free Pre-registration: June 30 Registrar: Colin Taylor, 1721 W First Street, North Platte 69101 (308)534-4939

NEVADA - NORTHERN

Dates: July 7-9, 1989 Location: Clear Creek Youth Camp; 5 miles outside Carson City, NV. Theme: “Oh God Refresh and Gladden My Spirit” Facilities: Dorms/meals included Classes: Adult/youth, children’s classes Recreation: Gym, hiking Rates: $4/per night/per person + $3 per meal Pre-registration June 15 Registrar: Susan Methany, 4137 Kings Canyon Road, Carson City, NV 89703, (702)883-7814

NEW JERSEY

Dates: June 2-4, 1989 Location: Georgian Court College, Lakewood, NJ Theme: “The Time is Now” Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Facilities/Rates: Call for information Registrar: Navid Ziyaeen, 82 Mariners Cove, Freehold, NJ 07728, (201)780-7708

NEW MEXICO NORTHERN H. BORRAH KAVELIN SCHOOL

Dates: MAY 26-29, 1989 Location: Isleta-Pueblo Lakes Indian Reservation (6 miles north of Albuquerque on 125 and State Hwy 47) Theme: “Administrative Order and the Institutions and the Relationship to Individuals” Facilities Camping, tents Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Recreation: Hiking, volleyball, fishing, playgrounds Rates: Call for information Registrar: Hannah Rowell, 15 Blue Hill Rd., Los Lunas, NM 87031 (505)865-3195

NORTH CAROLINA

Dates: Aug 5-9, 1989 Location: Univ. of Nth Carolina, Asheville Theme: “Living the Life: Sacrifice and Action” Facilities Dorms - accommodating families/meals included Classes: Adult, youth, pre-youth, children, ‎nursury nursery‎ Recreation: Swimming, trails, gardens Rates: Call for information Pre-registration: June 29 Registrar: Diane McKinnley, 315 Indigo Dr., Carey NC 27513 (919)469-2783

NORTH DAKOTA

Dates: July 1-4, 1989 Location: International Peace Garden (Border of N. Dakota and Canada) Theme: “Reunion of North Dakota Bahá’ís and Friends” Facilities Camping/motels-hotels/food service available Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Rates: $3 registration Registrar: Marian Kadrie, 1726 14th ST., So., Fargo, ND. 58103 (701)235-3725

OKLAHOMA

Dates: Oct 21-23, 1989 Location: Dwight Mission, near Vian, OK Theme: “Dynamic Unity” Facilities: Dorms with family accommodation, meals included Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Recreation: Hiking, volleyball, fishing Rates: Call for information Registrar: Gail Bigler, 104 E Jackson Ave., S., Sapulpa, OK 74066, (918)227-0659

OREGON EASTERN

Dates: Aug 18-22, 1989 Location: Camp Hidaway, 20 miles from Ukiah, OR Theme: “The Family of Man within the Covenant” Facilities: Meals in dining hall (optional); some rustic cabins available, tent or RV spaces available (no hook-ups); outhouses and chemical toilets. Classes adults, youth, children’s classes* Recreation: Mineral hot springs, swimming pool, volleyball, horseshoes, hiking, wading in small creek. Rates: Tuition: Age 3-11 $2/person; Age 12-adult $5/person; Lodging: cabin $20/person or $60/family; Camping: $10/person or $30/family; meals: dining hall age 3-11 $16/person; age 12-adult $22/person (you may bring/cook your own food) Pre-registration July 31 Registrar: Pat Stephenson, 630 Foothill Dr., Ontario, OR 97914, (503)889-2694

• Scholarships available, with a particular emphasis on encouraging Native Americans, Black, Hispanic and Asian friends. This school will be a departure from middle-class comfort. It is rustic, but highly spiritual. Prospective pioneers are welcome. Youth program will be ‎lead led‎ by former members of the LA Bahá’í Youth Workshop.

OREGON WESTERN - BADASHT

Dates: Aug 9-13, 1989 Location: Camp Myrtlewood; SW Oregon Theme: “Teach the Message Now” Facilities: Cabins, tent space/RV spaces (no hook-ups), meals in dining hall Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Recreation: Swimming, field sports, nature hikes Rates: Adults $55; 9-21 $45; 2-8 $33; Max. family rate: $175 Registrar: Star Stone, 1466 SE Main, Roseburg, OR 97470 (503)673-3737

TENNESSEE

Dates: Sept 1-4, 1989 Location: DuBose Conf. Ctr. Monteagle Theme: “The Appointed Hour” Facilities: 3 categories from ‎delux deluxe‎ to camp cabins and eight wonderful meals starting with breakfast on Sat 9/2 and ending with lunch on Monday. Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Recreation: Swimming pool, volleyball, hiking trails Rates: Rooms from $6 to $27/night/person; 8 meals: adults-jr youth $43; 3-12 yrs $33.50; 0-3 yrs free. Pre-registration by Aug 15: $7 for all ages 3 & up; after Aug 15 $12 Registrar: Mr. Chuck Hendrickson, 9407 Berkshire Cr., Chattanooga, TN 37421 (615)855-1370

TEXAS - NORTHERN

Dates: August 24-27, 1989 Location: Bridgeport Conference Ctr., Bridgeport, TX Theme: “The many Approaches to Teaching” Facilities: Closed campus, meals provided; bring bedding/linen, air-conditioned; semi-privates available to families with children Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Recreation: Swimming pool, summer sports, talent(or ‎untalent untalented‎) show Rates: Age 16-Adult $90; ages 10-15 $84; ages 3-9 $75 (day students $16.50 includes lunch/dinner; $7 - no meals) Day students are discouraged at summer school due to limited seating/eating facilities. Pre-registration: Due by Aug 15 - (space is limited to 180 people—pre-registering is strongly encouraged as the facilities were full last year. Late registrants may be turned away.) Contact: Dale R. Ricklefs, 4205 Oro Ct., Georgetown, TX 78628 (512)869-1936.

UTAH

Dates: Sept 1-3, 1989 Location: Camp Utahba, Ogden Canyon Facilities: Cabins, meals included Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Recreation: Swimming, baseball, volleyball, hiking Rates: Please call the registrar Registrar: Harold Wilkinson, 23 West 400 North, Orem, UT 84057 (801)225-6166.

WASHINGTON - SHELTERING BRANCH

Dates: July 2-8, 1989 Location: Camp Wooten State Park, in the Blue Mountains, 30 miles from Dayton, WA Facilities: Main lodge, outside amphitheatres, dorm-style cabins, bring sleeping bags. Some family cabins available. Meals family style. SUPPORT SERVICES PERFORMED BY THOSE ATTENDING Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Recreation: Hiking, indoor heated pool, roller skating, tennis, volleyball, canoeing, archery, fly fishing Rates: 60 yrs + $70; 18-59 $90; 15-17 $65; 11-14 $50; 6-10 $40; 1-5 $25; 0-1 $15; family rate $320; sponsored children $65 Registrar: Wendy Diessner, 1425 9th Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501, (208)746-0273

WASHINGTON WEST

Dates: May 26-29, 1989 Location: Bay Horizon Park, Birch Bay, WA (near Blaine, WA Exit 270 off I-5, go west) (This is a retired Air Force Base) Theme: “The Critical Connection: World Peace and the Most Vital & Challenging Issue” Facilities Barracks, bring sleeping bags (bunks/mattresses provided)* Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes Recreation: Gym, hiking Rates: Adult 13+ $50 US; 4-12 $35 US; full time students family maximum $135 US. Day students 13 + $20 US; Children $15 US; family rates: $55 US Pre-registration April 25 Registrar: Harry A. Taylor, 235 N Olympic Ave #4, Arlington, WA 98223 (206)435-8245

• We are using the facility off-season. This is a working school and everything must be handled by participants: kitchen, dining room and sleeping quarters. All clean-up is done by the students. We are trying to arrange less expensive schools. Let’s make it a success!

WISCONSIN SOUTHERN

Dates: July 17-21, 1989 Location: Byron Center, Brownsville, WI (just south of FondDuLac) Theme: “From Words to Deeds” Facilities Rooms with semi-private baths 2-4 people/room; camping with/without electricity; meals family style in dining room. Classes: Adult, youth, children’s classes, ‎nursury nursery‎ care* Recreation: Swimming pool, hiking, large field for games, horseshoes Rates: 14-Adult $135; 4-13 $65; under 4 $7 registration: June 30 or when rms are full Registrar: James C. Hannen, 203 W. Sadd St., North Prairie, WI 53153 (414)392-3304

• Minors under 18 without parent must have an adult sponsor—one minor per sponsor

[Page 18]

Ridván

It is therefore with profound thanksgiving and joy that we announce the release of the vast majority of Bahá’í prisoners in Iran. Even as we rejoice we cannot forget that there remain to be realized the full emancipation of the Iranian Bahá’í community and the assurance of the human rights of its members in all respects.

In the gladness of the moment, we extend a warm welcome to the two National Spiritual Assemblies being formed this Ridván: one in Macau in Southeast Asia, the other in Guinea-Bissau in West Africa.

Through the shadow of confusing deranging present-day society, there is a far glimmer, yet so faint but discernible, of an approach, slow but definite, toward the culmination of the three collateral processes envisaged by the beloved Guardian, namely: the emergence of the Lesser Peace, the construction of the buildings of the Arc on Mount Carmel and the evolution of National and local Spiritual Assemblies. Indeed, throughout the Six Year Plan, during this fourth epoch of the Formative Age, and particularly during the year just ended, this glimmer, still so distant, has drawn closer.

For who could have imagined, even at the beginning of this Plan, the sudden changes of attitude moving political leaders in some of the most troubled spots on the planet to break away from seemingly intractable positions—changes which in recent months have prompted editorial writers to ask: "Is peace breaking out?" To any observer conscious of the divine Source of such occurrences, this development must certainly be encouraging, although the precise circumstances attending the establishment of the Lesser Peace are not known to us; even its exact timing is concealed in the Major Plan of God.

The two other processes, however, are directly influenced by the degree to which the followers of Bahá’u’lláh fulfill their clearly delineated tasks. There is good reason to take heart. For have not the architectural concepts for the remaining buildings on the Arc been adopted and the detailed specifications which will effect their realization as splendid monumental structures been undertaken? Have we not witnessed the increasing strength of National and local Spiritual Assemblies in their ability to conceive and execute plans, in their capacity to deal with governmental authorities and social organizations, to respond to public calls upon their services and to collaborate with others in projects of social and economic development? Are these Assemblies not reinforced by the alert, loving support of the Continental Counselors, the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, all of whose burgeoning energies are being skillfully coordinated by the International Teaching Center—an institution whose augmented membership has already displayed a verve, a vision and a versatility evocative of warm admiration?

Tempting as it may be to dwell upon the positive features of our progress, better that we should be spurred on by them than that we should rest on our achievements. Let us continue, therefore, undeflected and confident, to seize the magnificent possibilities which the mix and blend of these ongoing processes and events allow for actualizing the immediate interests of our sacred Cause.

These interests, to be sure, are identified in the major objectives of the Six Year Plan, on the second half of which we are now embarked, fully conscious of the not-too-distant approach of the Holy Year, 1992-1993, and its significant commemorations.

In conjunction with the ever-widening thrust of teaching, we must proceed by every possible means with projects of the most critical importance. Work is continuing on the preparation for publication in English of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Mother Book of the Bahá’í Revelation. Arrangements must now be made for a befitting commemoration in the Holy Land of the Centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh. The plans for the World Congress in 1992 in New York must continue to advance on schedule. Moreover, further systematic attention needs to be given to the eventual elimination of illiteracy from the Bahá’í community, an accomplishment which would, beyond anything else, make the Holy Word accessible to all the friends and thus reinforce their efforts to live the Bahá’í life. Similarly, assisting in endeavors to conserve the environment in ways which blend with the rhythms of life of our community must assume more importance in Bahá’í activities.

Regarding the projects on Mount Carmel, the Office of the Project Manager has been established, and a technical staff is being assembled. Geological testing at the sites of the designated buildings on the Arc is about to begin—a step preliminary to the ground-breaking anticipated by the entire Bahá’í world. Hence, we seize this opportunity to apprise you of the urgency for the required funds both to initiate construction and to sustain this work once it has begun.

All these requirements must and will surely be met through reconsecrated service on the part of every conscientious member of the Community of Bahá, and particularly through personal commitment to the teaching work. So fundamentally important is this work to ensuring the foundation for success in all Bahá’í undertakings and to furthering the process of entry by troops that we are moved to add a word of emphasis for your consideration.

It is not enough to proclaim the Bahá’í message, essential as that is. It is not enough to expand the rolls of Bahá’í membership, vital as that is. Souls must be transformed, communities thereby consolidated, new models of life thus attained. Transformation is the essential purpose of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, but it lies in the will and effort of the individual to achieve it in obedience to the Covenant. Necessary to the progress of this life-fulfilling transformation is knowledge of the will and purpose of God through regular reading and study of the Holy Word.

Beloved friends: The momentum generated by this past year's achievements is reflected not only in the opportunities for marked expansion of the Cause but also in a broad range of challenges—momentous, insistent and varied—which have combined in ways that place demands beyond any previous measure upon our spiritual and material resources. We must be prepared to meet them.

At this mid-point of the Six Year Plan, we have reached a historic moment pregnant with hopes and possibilities—a moment at which significant trends in the world are becoming more closely aligned with principles and objectives of the Cause of God. The urgency upon our community to press onward in fulfillment of its world-embracing mission is therefore tremendous.

Our primary response must be to teach—to teach ourselves and to teach others—at all levels of society, by all possible means, and without further delay. The beloved Master, in an exhortation on teaching, said it is "not until the candle is lit that it can shed the brightness of its flame; not until the light shineth forth that its brilliance can dispel the surrounding gloom." Go forth, then, and be the "lighters of unlit candles."

Our abiding love, unabating encouragement, constant, fervent prayers accompany you wherever you may go, whatever you may do in service to our beloved Lord.

The Universal House of Justice Ridván 1989

Upcoming UN Days to celebrate

June 5: World Environment Day September 8: International Literacy Day Remember 1990 is International Literacy Year

World Center needs many qualified Bahá’ís to serve

The Bahá’í World Center remains in need of qualified Bahá’ís who would like to sacrifice a limited amount of time for voluntary service at the World Center and experience the great privilege of serving the Universal House of Justice.

Terms of service depend upon the position: six months, a year, 18 months or two and one-half years. Individuals work scheduled hours as in any business; the actual times differ depending upon the position.

Staff are housed in rented or owned apartments scattered over the Haifa area. Each Bahá’í is expected to take care of his/her own food preparation, cleaning, shopping and transportation. In other words, living and working conditions are the same as for anyone living in a fair-sized city.

But service at the World Center differs from that in the non-Bahá’í society in which career development and salary are the most important factors.

Here, believers serve as volunteers who receive an allowance to cover basic expenses. Although their work may help them in career development, the greater benefit is likely to be an enhanced orientation to the work of the Cause and a deeper understanding of the significance of the Administrative Order.

Many factors are taken into consideration when choosing staff: education and work experience, family and financial responsibilities, needs of the applicant's country or community, ability to get along with others, etc.

A basic knowledge of English is required. Health is also taken into consideration, for several reasons: Haifa is on a mountainside, and a considerable amount of walking is required; the air, heavily polluted by local industry, has an effect on one's breathing; and health care, although excellent, is limited.

All applications are welcome, but there can be no assurance that anyone who volunteers for service at the World Center will be invited to serve.

The Personnel Office is obligated to choose those who are best suited for the specific positions that are open, and must, at times, decline offers of service from highly devoted and skilled Bahá’ís whose qualifications do not match the available positions. All applications are kept on file for future consideration.

Although there are many openings at this time, priority has been given to the following areas: Secretariat, Personnel Office, International Teaching Center, Data Processing, Works Office, Purchasing, Finance, the Mt. Carmel Project, and the Gardens Office.

Administrative assistants and executive secretaries with backgrounds in Bahá’í administration are needed for the Secretariat and International Teaching Center. Vacancies in the Personnel Office need to be filled with staff experienced in personnel work.

Bahá’ís are needed with skills in main frame computers including computer programmers and hardware technicians.

Tradesmen from all fields are needed to serve in the Works Office, which is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the Holy Places and Bahá’í housing needs.

These electricians, plumbers, painters, drywall and plaster specialists, auto mechanic, gardens mechanic, construction workers, draftsmen, etc. may be needed in the future to work on the Mt. Carmel Project—the building of the Arc and terraces. Others are needed to serve in purchasing as storekeepers and buyers.

The Finance Office is looking for experienced workers to serve as investment officers, payments clerk, mail analyst, quality controller, etc.

The Gardens Office needs both laborers and professionals in the fields of horticulture, agriculture and gardening to serve in positions such as gardener, soil and turf specialist, compost specialist, irrigation specialist, pest control specialist, and farmer familiar with orchards and crops grown in Israel. Many other positions are open.

For a complete listing of needs over the next year, please read the classified ads in The American Bahá’í.

Bahá’ís who have skills in areas other than those listed here are welcome to apply, since in some positions flexibility and a spirit of service to the Cause are the primary consideration. Many of these positions involve either clerical work or physical labor.

For more information and/or an application, those who are interested should contact Karen Crenshaw, World Center Staffing Representative, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone her at 312-869-9039, ext. 264.

Spiritual Assembly of Alexandria, Virginia

Members of the Spiritual Assembly of Alexandria, Virginia, are pictured during the recent observance of the 45th anniversary of the formation of the Assembly. Among the members of that first Assembly in 1943 were the Hand of the Cause of God Paul Haney and his wife, Mariam. The present members are (left to right) M. John Fazlollah, Carla Buczinski, Euradell Atkins, Paul Glist, Miriam Wiener, Harvey Wiener, Shamsi Sedaghat, Ghamar Aghdassi, and Steven Buczinski.

Northern Lights Conference in Maine

About 120 adults, youth and children attended a Bahá’í-sponsored "Northern Lights Conference" February 18 at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham.

The conference theme was "Building a Unified World: Making the Dream a Reality."

At least 22 non-Bahá’ís took part in the event including two of the speakers: Neville Knowles, president of the Maine chapter of the NAACP, and Evangeline Berry, a past president of the chapter.

Also speaking were two Auxiliary Board members, Mara Khavari and James Sturdivant.

Vladimir Strejcek, a Quaker minister active in promoting world peace, led a workshop with a Bahá’í.

The spirit of fellowship and unity was palpable, and it was obvious to everyone at the conference that Bahá’ís mean what they say about the elimination of racism and the oneness of mankind. [Page 19]Donna Taylor (right), a Bahá’í pioneer to Africa since 1970 who died last December 24 at her post in Swaziland, is pictured in 1985 with a Bahá’í friend in Uganda.

Many Bahá’ís drawn to ‘Experiment in Living’

Friendship among all the people of the world is the common concern of Bahá’ís and the School for International Training (SIT) in Brattleboro, Vermont.

Another common theme is world peace through international cooperation, and through unity in diversity.

The School has successfully served hundreds of Bahá’ís by giving them the practical skills to carry out their religious goals.

"Our highest aspiration is for a more peaceful world, achieved through improved intercultural understanding, environmental and population balance and economic and social development," says the mission statement of The Experiment in International Living.

Its academic arm, the School for International Training, has become a natural training and degree center for Bahá’ís.

While dedicating their lives to social change, Bahá’ís have found a common bond with SIT, which offers degree-earning programs in international administration, world issues, and language teaching.

"The Experiment's purpose," says Peter Hayward, a Bahá’í who runs the Professional Development Resource Center at The Experiment's School, "is to educate people toward global understanding, whether through exchange, development, training, or in academic programs.

"For Bahá’ís," he says, "attending SIT is a natural progression—you have the international community aspect, and a shared philosophy which is bringing about understanding and peaceful coexistence among people.

"It's a place where you can get the international training and skills you need to work successfully in developing countries."

SIT prepares students at the undergraduate and graduate levels for international careers in management, teaching, and dealing with contemporary world issues.

Graduates work abroad or with multi-cultural populations in the U.S. and hold responsible positions worldwide with major international development and service organizations, educational institutions, community service agencies and international corporations in law, business, and health care.

Students from many cultural backgrounds enjoy an outdoor break for refreshments at the School for International Training (SIT) in Brattleboro, Vermont.

For those Bahá’ís attending two-year colleges who may wish to transfer in their junior year, SIT offers the World Issues Program, a two-year, upper-level undergraduate degree program that features a seven-month internship in another culture.

After junior year classroom work covering the environment, Third World concerns, social development and global peace studies, students are required to go into the field and apply the theory they've learned in an international internship.

The World Studies Program, a four-year collaborative undergraduate program offered by the School in cooperation with nearby Marlboro College, is another option for Bahá’ís. It focuses on international studies and includes a six to eight-month internship in another culture.—Joyce Marcel

Donna Taylor, long-time pioneer to Africa, dies

The Office of Pioneering was saddened to receive in February the following letter from the National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland:

"Our National Spiritual Assembly has the sad duty to inform you that one of the most capable, dedicated, selfless and detached pioneers Africa has had, Donna Taylor, has winged her flight to the Abhá Kingdom.

"She suffered a stroke and was in a coma from 29th November and passed on 24th December 1988.

Donna, born September 27, 1926, in Amarillo, Texas, became a Bahá’í in the early '60s and had been pioneering in Africa since April 1970.

A talented artist who had worked before pioneering as a painter for cartoons in Studio City, California, she was also a fine pianist who composed music including Bahá’í songs.

Donna brought her "high-spirited, courageous, tireless and devoted" services to many communities in Africa. During her 18 years as a pioneer there, she served in Uganda, Tanzania, Swaziland, Rwanda, Burkina Faso and Mozambique.

Through political turmoil, and severe trials involving physical, mental and spiritual suffering, she would not consider leaving her African home and the native people whom she loved so dearly.

The staff of the Office of Pioneering over the years will remember Donna for her volumes of wonderful letters, drawings, poems, jokes, feathers and other mementos of Africa.

We know that the friends in Africa will miss her unique services, and pray that she will continue to bring blessings upon that continent from the Abhá Kingdom.

Jan Conley, pioneer to Virgin Islands, loses courageous battle with cancer

After nearly three years of courageous struggle against cancer and a stroke, Jan Conley, a pioneer to the U.S. Virgin Islands, died January 17.

She became a Bahá’í in 1955 after her sister, Jean Randazzo, took her to her first Bahá’í meeting. Soon after her enrollment in the Faith, Jan and her sister moved to Lawrence, Kansas, as homefront pioneers. In 1966, Jan began eight years of service at the World Center where she served the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land for two years, then moved on to work for the Universal House of Justice. At the time of her service at the World Center, there were only five people on staff.

After leaving Haifa in 1974, Jan and Jean pioneered to the Virgin Islands. Jan was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Virgin Islands in 1981, the first year of its existence, and served as its secretary from 1982 until her illness in 1986.

Jan's focus as a Bahá’í was on the Plans given to us by the Universal House of Justice, and she felt strongly about fufilling all the goals of each Plan. Shortly before her death, Jan was privileged to receive a letter from the House of Justice recalling her services to the Faith and assuring her of their prayers for "fresh opportunities for devoted service." This assurance brought great comfort in her last days. Upon her death, the National Spiritual Assembly received the following cable from the Universal House of Justice:

"KINDLY CONVEY JEAN RANDAZZO OUR CONDOLENCES UPON PASSING DEAR SISTER JAN CONLEY LONG RECORD LOYAL WORKER CAUSE. HER SERVICE WORLD CENTER AND YEARS PIONEERING VIRGIN ISLANDS WARMLY REMEMBERED. ASSURE ARDENT PRAYERS PROGRESS WORLDS GOD HER DEVOTED SOUL."

Environment keys teaching efforts by Bahá’ís in Raleigh

The Bahá’ís of Raleigh, North Carolina, are teaching the Faith through environmental concerns.

For example:

On March 11, an "Environmental Awareness" picnic drew 12 seekers including students from China and India and a professor and scholar on the life of Mahatma Gandhi to hear a discussion of environmental issues by Dan McFarland, a community development programmer with N.C. Alternative Energies.

Bahá’ís donated their services to a local television station that is involved in a program called "Save Our Sounds" hosted by former CBS News anchorman Walter Cronkite.

The Bahá’í College Club at North Carolina State University held a fireside for students and faculty on "environmental ethics."

MID-SOUTH CONFERENCE

"Vision of Hope." Memphis, Tennessee, May 26-28. Featured speakers: Jack McCants, Auxiliary Board members Sam McClellan and Mary Kay Radpour. Classes for children will be held. For information, please phone Peter Heintz, 901-756-5701.

IN MEMORIAM

Lon Baker, Loganville, GA, Date Unknown Edna Brockington, Andrews, SC, Date Unknown Thomas Brockington, Andrews, SC, Date Unknown Rufus Bromell, Georgetown, SC, Date Unknown Roy Brown, Independence, KS, July 25, 1987 Theresa Buckley, Wakpala, SD, December 22, 1988 Cassandra Canty, Myrtle Beach, SC, 1988 Arthur Collier, Holly Hill, SC, Date Unknown Joe Cueva, Imperial, CA, Date Unknown Churby Dossie, Conyers, GA, January 10, 1989 Florence Farrell, Nantucket, MA, March 6, 1989 Ethel Fowler, Happy Camp, CA, October 31, 1988 Lillian Garnett, Atlanta, GA, Date Unknown Clara Humes, Orange, VA, Date Unknown Jack Johnson, Culpeper, VA, Date Unknown Joseph Lynch, N. Kingston, RI, January 26, 1989 Alex Morris, Nesmith, SC, Date Unknown Marion Plack, Greenwich, CT, February 16, 1989 Anthony Pressley, Nesmith, SC, Date Unknown Albert Profit, Holly Hill, SC, Date Unknown Hutson Robinson, Holly Hill, SC, 1988 Norwell Robinson, Holly Hill, SC, 1987 Sylvester Sharp, Graham, TX, August 22, 1988 Joseph Tate, Conyers, GA, 1988 Ada White, Holly Hill, SC, 1987 Leola Williams, Beaufort, SC, February 14, 1989 Lilly Williams, Georgetown, SC, Date Unknown Major Williams, Longs, SC, January 1989 Vernon Williams, Culpeper, VA, Date Unknown Katherine Wollins, Orangeburg, SC, February 27, 1989 Edgar Wright, Barnesville, GA, August 22, 1988 Alvin Yellow Earrings Sr., Little Eagle, SD, November 3, 1985 [Page 20]

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of The American Bahá’í, send your new address and your mailing label to MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be.

This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.

A ID Title Full name-Please DO NOT use nicknames

2. ID# Title Full name

3. ID# Title Full name

4. ID# Title Full name

B-NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS:

House/Space #, Street or Description City State Zip

C-NEW MAIL ADDRESS:

P.O. Box or other Mailing Address City State Zip

The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears (shown explaining the Bahá’í ringstone symbol on a Navajo sand painting by Mitchell Silas) and his wife Marguerite were special guests March 5 at the opening of the Bahá’í Information Center in Clarkdale, Arizona. Fifty-nine Bahá’ís attended the opening of the Center, which is in the Verde Valley in the center of the state and is designed to draw seekers from the nearby Indian Reservation as well as from predominantly Mexican neighborhoods in the Clarkdale area.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 26-28: Mid-South Conference, Memphis, Tennessee. Theme: "Vision of Hope." Speakers: Jack McCants, Sam McClellan, Mary Kay Radpour. Children's classes. For information, phone Peter Heintz, 901-756-5701.

June 9-11: Bahá’í Justice Society Conference, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. Theme: "Economic Justice: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor." Speakers: Judge James Nelson, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly; Greg Dahl, economist with the International Monetary Fund; J.J. Ebaugh, president of Planet Live; and Jack Guillebeaux, Auxiliary Board member and deputy director of the Federation of Child Care Centers of Alabama. Hotel accommodations: University Inn (800-654-8591); North East Inn (404-636-8631); Sheraton Century Center, 800-325-3535). Conference begins at 4 p.m. Friday with registration and hospitality, ends at 2 p.m. Sunday. Registration: Uda Miller, registrar, c/o Atlanta Bahá’í Office, 600 River Valley Road, Atlanta, GA 30328 (phone 404-250-0721).

June 11-ongoing: "Kavelin-True Teaching Campaign," Alamogordo, New Mexico (for Mexico, Texas and New Mexico) to "revive the hearts of the people" in that area. For information, contact the Rio Grande Valley Teaching Campaign, 1970 Bayard Court, Las Cruces, NM 88001, or phone Alice Janavaris, 505-524-2689, or Robert Mitchell, 505-434-3508.

June 15-18: Conference on equality of the sexes, Bosch Bahá’í School. Sponsored by the National Committee on Women, For information, write to Steven Gonzales, secretary, 1010 Michigan Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823, or phone 517-351-1415 (home) or 517-699-1312 (business).

June 17: Second annual Walk for Unity in Diversity, Chicago. For information, contact the Chicago Bahá’í Race Unity Task Force, 2421 W. Pratt, Suite 1276, Chicago, IL 60634, or phone 312-225-1919.

June 29-30: Peace Conference, University for Peace, Costa Rica. Theme: "Seeking the True Meaning of Peace." For information, please contact the conference director, Dr. Abelardo Brenes, University for Peace, Box 199-1250, Escazu, Costa Rica.

July 1-4: "Unity Gathering," International Peace Gardens, sponsored by the Bahá’ís of North Dakota. Registration ($3 for those 18 or older) by June 15. Send to Mrs. Marian Kadrie, secretary, 1726 14th St. South, Fargo, ND 58103.

July 1-6: "Religion, Psychology and Health," general session, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Speakers: Farzaneh Guillebeaux, Montgomery, Alabama; Joseph Galata, Reno, Nevada. Also taking part: William Davis, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly. For information, phone 408-423-3387. To register, send a deposit of $25 for each family member to Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or register by phone/charge card at the number above.

July 6-9: Regional Youth Conference, Columbia, South Carolina. Theme: "Race Unity: The Time Is Now!" Emphasis on teaching; come for the summer or stay for two weeks of teaching after the conference. To register, contact Shiva Vafai, 1840 Robin Crest Drive, West Columbia, SC 26169, or phone 803-791-7555.

September 15-17: Association for Bahá’í Studies, 14th annual Conference, Irvine (California) Hilton and Towers. Theme: "The Equality of Women and Men." For information, write to the Association for Bahá’í Studies, 34 Copernicus St., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada KIN 7K4, or phone 613-233-1903.

D-NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í community

E-HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area Code Number

Moving date

F-WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Please indicate in the right-hand space whose work numbers these are. Area Code Number Name Area Code Number Name

G We receive extra copies because: we do not have the same last name. the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly. 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. 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 Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, I.D. number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

Two Boston radio stations interview Mr. Hofman

On March 15, the first day of his recent visit to Massachusetts, David Hofman, a retired member of the Universal House of Justice, was interviewed for a total of nearly four hours on two radio stations, WROR and WBZ.

Mr. Hofman also taped an interview at the Braintree cable television station and was interviewed by a reporter from the Patriot-Ledger newspaper.

Many Bahá’ís reported that they had heard Mr. Hofman on the radio, while more than 30 people either called the Bahá’í phone number or attended a public meeting as a result.

On Saturday, March 18, Mr. Hofman discussed the goals of the Six Year Plan with more than 300 of the friends near Worcester. Also at that meeting was Counselor William Roberts.

"The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh" was the main topic of discussion when 26 young people gathered January 20-22 for a Bahá’í Deepening Retreat in Lynchburg, Virginia.

The weekend program, which was organized by Navid Haghighi, included a deepening on the Covenant conducted by Sorour Payman.

At the request of the Bahá’í Esperanto League (BEL) and with the approval of the National Spiritual Assembly, the United States Association of Bahá’í Esperantists (UABE) has been formed.

Serving as officers of the new group are Janet Bixby, chairman; John Dale, vice-chairman; Robert Smales, secretary; and Roberta McFarland, treasurer.

The Annual Meeting will be held July 21-27 during the Esperanto Congress of America's Congress at DePaul University in Chicago.

Information about UABE can be obtained from Roberta McFarland, 100 Ellinwood Drive, Apt. 126, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.

To help reach the local Hispanic community, the Bahá’ís of Santa Ana and Irvine, California, had 1989 calendars made with selections from The Hidden Words and the prayer "Blessed Is the Spot" printed in Spanish.

A telephone number was included for anyone who wanted more information about the Faith.

In January, 1,000 of these calendars were distributed door-to-door in the Hispanic community and at several Mexican shopping plazas in Santa Ana.

Also, a small ad for the Faith was placed in the weekly Spanish-language newspaper Azteca News for four weeks from December 14-January 4.

Campus

coming school year are also on the horizon along with newsletters for college clubs and all youth, all of which will be fueled by a new level of commitment to the Cause.

Bahá’í with ideas on how to effectively teach on campus are encouraged to contact the National Youth Committee office.