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[Page 1]

An open letter to Bahá’í community from National Teaching Committee

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

We greet you with excitement. Your response to the call of the International Teaching Center to form teaching institutes has been outstanding. In our conversations you have revealed that you feel a renewed sense of confidence in your ability to teach the Cause. To continue our dialogue we would like to share some observations about effective teaching institutes and offer guidance on achieving results more productive of growth.

Successful teaching institutes can have humble beginnings. One inspiring story is of a Bahá’í who taught and enrolled one new believer. Together, they formed a teaching institute which is growing, enrolling several new believers who are becoming more mature Bahá’ís and are actively involved in the teaching work. More often, however, teaching institutes begin with five to six people coming together on a regular, ongoing basis to engage in the process of teaching.

Some of the friends wish to model their teaching institutes after committees, complete with officers, minutes and relatively complicated planning. A complex structure is not necessary, however, to engage in the process of teaching, which simply involves deepening, finding and attracting receptive souls, delivering the Message with wisdom, leading seekers to acceptance of Bahá’u’lláh, and nurturing them to the point at which they are teaching others about the Faith. Teaching institutes do not require an excess of administration, and the friends should strive to remain focused on teaching.

Unfortunately, we are finding that some teaching institutes are not moving beyond the deepening phase to other aspects of the teaching process. While deepening is of course necessary, especially for new believers, it is imperative that the institutes focus their efforts on the entire process of growth, placing equal emphasis on spiritual development, actual teaching, and the development of materials necessary for teaching the targeted group of the institute.

As many have the desire to teach but may lack confidence or the knowledge of how to go about it, it is especially beneficial during the initial, formative stages of the institute to study the Writings regarding teaching in order to prepare for active participation in the teaching work. Effective Teaching, a booklet available through the Bahá’í Distribution Service which highlights the Writings on teaching, is designed to guide the friends through this stage of development and help them move on to find and reach out to receptive souls with the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. We suggest that all institutes start with the study of this booklet.

Teaching institutes are not a new campaign, to be completed and abandoned for a new activity by the next year. We hope that you will be engaged in this process for years to come. The Universal House of Justice first called for their formation in 1964; the clarification of teaching institutes by the International Teaching Center in 1988 refocused the attention of the Bahá’í community on the importance of preparing for entry by troops. The Universal House of Justice, in its Ridván 1989 message, reiterated the necessity to follow through on the entire process of teaching: "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." Teaching institutes foster a deeper understanding of this process and aid in the progress of the community.

To each of you we express our gratitude for your dedication and commitment to the process of teaching the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. We pray that the Blessed Beauty will confirm your efforts with abundant success.

National Teaching Committee January 1990

Bahá’ís prepare to assist UN in all-out attack on illiteracy

"The most immediate access to the dynamic influence of the sacred Word," the Universal House of Justice says in a letter to all National Spiritual Assemblies dated July 10, 1989, "is through reading.

"The ability to read," the Supreme Body continues, "is therefore a fundamental right and privilege of every human being."

To guarantee that right, the House of Justice says, the elimination of illiteracy from the Bahá’í community "must assume its proper importance as a continuing objective of that community."

In the U.S. and other parts of the world, Bahá’ís have begun to respond to that objective by initiating or taking part in literacy programs both within the community itself or in collaboration with other interested parties or agencies.

Their response comes at a time when the problem has been given worldwide recognition by the United Nations, which has designated 1990 as International Literacy Year (ILY).

The proclamation of ILY is linked to the development of a decade-long Plan of Action, under the guidance of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), designed to help Member States in all areas of the world eradicate illiteracy by the year 2000.

The UN estimates that there are nearly one billion adults worldwide who are illiterate, which is more than one-quarter of the entire adult population.

The goals for International Literacy Year are:

(1) increasing action by governments of Member States afflicted by illiteracy or functional illiteracy to eliminate these problems, especially through education in rural areas and urban slums, in favor of women and girls and among populations and groups having special education problems or needs;

(2) increasing public awareness of the scope, nature and implications of illiteracy as well as of the means and conditions for combating it;

(3) increasing popular participation, within and among countries, in efforts to combat illiteracy, particularly through activities of governmental and non-governmental organizations, voluntary associations and community groups;

(4) increasing cooperation and solidarity among Member States in the struggle against illiteracy;

(5) increasing cooperation within the UN system and, more generally, among all intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in the struggle against illiteracy; and

(6) using International Literacy Year for launching the Plan of Action for the eradication of illiteracy by the year 2000 and for addressing issues of critical importance to the progress of literacy such as reducing primary school drop-outs and establishing post-literacy programs to prevent relapse into illiteracy.

A number of governments are already planning large-scale actions to be launched during ILY. China, for example, has announced plans for an intensive five-year campaign to provide instruction to 80 million illiterates in the 12- to 45-year age-group.

The National Spiritual Assembly applauds efforts within the Bahá’í community to come to grips with this problem, and encourages local Spiritual Assemblies in areas where illiteracy exists to study the feasibility of programs designed to combat it.

If your community has already begun such a program, please send a report to the National Assembly, which will consider it for possible publication in The American Bahá’í.

To implement its own plans for ILY the UN has formed an International Task Force on Literacy (ITFL), one of whose members is the Bahá’í International Community.

On March 2 the Task Force, in cooperation with UNESCO, will hold an international press conference in more than 20 cities from Dakar to New York to introduce to groups in the voluntary and private sectors its plans for ILY.

The Bahá’í International Community was one of 27 non-governmental organizations that met December 10-12 in Chantilly, France, to plan the news conference and discuss over-all preparations for ILY.

For more information about International Literacy Year 1990, you may write to the International Task Force on Literacy, Coordinating Office, 720 Bathurst St., Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2R4, or phone 416-588-1211.

"Certainly," the Universal House of Justice says in its letter of July 10, 1989, "the willing participation..."

Accidental fall kills Alaska's Donald Anderson

Donald Anderson, who served as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska for almost 30 years including more than 20 as its treasurer, died last August 28 when he slipped from a roof he was repairing and fell into a ravine.

On hearing of the tragedy, the Universal House of Justice sent the following message:

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Donald Anderson who served the Faith for many years in Alaska with great distinction and exemplary dedication. Prayers will be offered in the Holy Shrines for the progress of his soul. Kindly convey our condolences to the members of his family."

Mr. Anderson was enrolled in the Faith on April 10, 1956, and helped form the first Spiritual Assembly of Ketchikan. The following year he pioneered to Juneau to help form its first Spiritual Assembly.

He served on the National Spiritual Assembly from Ridván 1960 until his death. He attended three International Conventions in Haifa including the historic first one in 1963 which witnessed the formation of the Universal House of Justice.

In 1970 Mr. Anderson, with other members of the National Assembly, was adopted as a Tlingit Indian in a moving ceremony in Petersburg.

81st Convention set at House of Worship

The 81st Bahá’í National Convention will be held April 26-29 in Foundation Hall at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

After seating of the delegates, less than 200 seats are available for the friends who may wish to observe the proceedings.

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

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

Counselors convey love, prayers

As the Board of Counselors reviewed the situation in each national Bahá’í community in the Americas, our hearts went out to you when we considered the effect of hurricane Hugo and the earthquake in San Francisco.

Your valiant community was remembered with ardent prayers that the destruction be repaired rapidly, that your common suffering become a cause of unity that will lead to teaching victories which bring the added confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh.

"Every created thing in the whole universe is but a door leading unto His knowledge, a sign of His sovereignty, a revelation of His names, a symbol of His majesty, a token of His power, a means of admittance into His straight path...." (Gleanings, p. 160)

With deepest love, Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas [Page 2]

Association for Bahá’í Studies works to promote scholarship, research via wide-ranging programs

September 1989, Irvine, California—"Full Partnership: An International Conference on the Equality of Women and Men," 800 participants.

⚫ October 1988, Ottawa, Canada—"Toward a Global Civilization: An International Conference on the Spiritual Foundations of Cultural Development," to launch the UN Decade of Cultural Development, 700 participants.

October 1987, Princeton, New Jersey—"Converging Realities: An International Conference on Science, the Humanities and Religion," 500 participants.

• August 1986, London, Ontario, Canada—"Beyond the Quest for Peace: Creating a New World Order," 2,000 participants.

Were you there? Did you hear Riane Eisler in Irvine? Did you see Kevin Locke perform the hoop dance or hear the choir members from the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute when they performed in Ottawa?

Were you dazzled by the convergences between Bahá’í principles and the findings of Karl Pibram and George Land when they spoke at Princeton? Were you inspired by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum's simple yet eloquent talk on the promise of world peace, given in London, Ontario?

If you were there, you know how exciting the work of the Association for Bahá’í Studies is. You experienced first-hand the dynamic energy of Bahá’í scholarship. And next year you'll probably be going to Atlanta to attend the Association's 15th annual Conference on "Models of Race Unity," to be held in collaboration with the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change.

But if you were not at any of these gatherings, and you have as yet no plans to go to Atlanta, you should know what you are missing.

Many people think that "Bahá’í scholarship" is a concern only for people with multiple university degrees. Not so!

The Universal House of Justice has described Bahá’í scholarship as the application of Bahá’í teachings and principles to the activities of our daily life. And while the Association for Bahá’í Studies does have distinguished academics as members, and one of its goals is to establish courses on the Bahá’í Faith at colleges and universities around the world, most of the Association's 2,500 members are people with a dynamic interest in applying Bahá’í teachings to some area of their lives—teachers and parents focusing on the education of children; painters, writers and actors on the arts; doctors discussing health issues; farmers on agriculture, and so on.

The participation of the friends in an undertaking of such importance to the upliftment of individuals and the consolidation of the Bahá’í community as a whole will attract divine favors and confirmations.

In fact, the Association presently has 13 special interest seminars/institutes that meet regularly at the annual Conference: agriculture, arts, business and economics, consultation and conflict resolution, education, environmental design, health, intercultural issues, marriage and family, science and technology, philosophy of science, the study of religion, and women's studies. Chances are, if you have a special interest, there's a seminar for you, or the Association can put you in touch with someone else who shares your interest.

While conferences may be the most visible activities of the Association, they are far from the only ones. The Journal of Bahá’í Studies, a quarterly tri-lingual publication, carries articles on everything from architecture to biographies of famous people who had some kind of contact with the Faith.

The ABS prints a monograph series, Bahá’í Studies, whose most recent title is "The Bahá’í Faith: Sect or Religion?" by Udo Schaefer, and also publishes conference proceedings including those from the conferences on the Bahá’í Faith and Marxism, and the Bahá’í Faith and Islam. The Association also publishes books such as Unity: The Creative Foundation of Peace by Hossain Danesh.

Ten regional committees of the Association are scattered across North America including Alaska, and many actively host regional conferences.

If you travel abroad, you may contact any one of 13 international fraternal ABS affiliates in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Great Britain, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Spain, Switzerland, or Trinidad and Tobago.

If you are a college/university student, your campus club can network with ABS groups on many campuses in North America and overseas, as well as call upon the Association as a resource for speakers, research needs and the like.

Quite a scope for an organization that started with a small but dedicated group in 1975!

If you are not a member of this dynamic group, why not consider joining? You'll receive a semi-annual bulletin giving you news of conferences and activities; publications; a listing of names of Bahá’í scholars with special interests and/or projects; four issues each year of The Journal of Bahá’í Studies, member rates for the purchase of monograph series publications; and discounts at the annual Conference.

You will also have the satisfaction of supporting one of the Universal House of Justice's Six Year Plan goals, "the spiritual enrichment of individual believers."

For more information, write to the Association for Bahá’í Studies, Ontario Canada KIN 7K4.

Other ways you can help the Association are by ordering a subscription to The Journal of Bahá’í Studies for your local library, and encouraging your local Assembly to take out an institutional membership in the Association.

With your support, the Association will continue to grow and reach people with the teachings of the Faith. Wouldn't you like to be part of such an agency?

Bahá’ís in Boise, Idaho, put up this booth for an annual "Streets for People" event in that community whose theme was racial harmony. About 100 flyers and Bahá’í pamphlets were handed out, with about 650 paper flowers in various colors with a quotation by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The quilt that formed the backdrop for the booth was borrowed from the Bahá’í community of Blackfoot.

News in brief

Charles Peter Jenkins, a member of the first local Spiritual Assembly of Chico, California, in 1970 and treasurer of that body for most of its 20-year existence, died September 22.

Mr. Jenkins, widely known in the city for his tireless efforts to promote the Bahá’í ideals of world peace and human rights, was twice a delegate to the Bahá’í National Convention and served as an assistant to the Auxiliary Board.

Although its epicenter was only eight miles away, the earthquake that struck the San Francisco Bay area October 17 did little damage to the Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California.

The school, along with all of Santa Cruz County, was without electric power for 36-48 hours. But most damage in the county was in downtown Santa Cruz, especially at the Pacific Garden Mall which was devastated with the loss of at least five lives.

Although some Bahá’ís' homes or businesses were damaged, no one was injured, and the Bahá’í Center in San Francisco suffered only minor damage.

After the quake, Bosch School officials contacted the Red Cross and Santa Cruz County to offer the school facilities as a shelter if needed.

More than 500 children and adults, some from as far away as Oregon, Nevada and Arizona, attended the third annual "Stepping Stones To Peace" Bahá’í Children's Conference last October 28-29 in Pasadena, California.

Included were workshops, discussions, games and entertainment that focused on the active role that children and youth can play in promoting world peace.

An article about the conference in the Pasadena Star News mentions that it was sponsored by "the Bahá’í Faith, a religion based on the 'Oneness of God, the Oneness of Mankind and a common foundation to the world's religions.'"

Bahá’ís had an exhibit November 9-10 at the New Jersey Education Association convention in Atlantic City.

The exhibit's theme, "Uniting the World One Heart at a Time" drew considerable attention from the thousands of educators who passed by. The friends reported that of the hundreds who stopped to talk, the majority had heard about the Faith and knew something about its principles.

Thirty people filled out interest cards asking for more information about the Faith.

"Race Unity—America's Challenge" was the theme of a three-day conference last September sponsored by the Bahá’í Association at the University of Texas in Austin.

The main program, which drew more than 100 non-Bahá’ís, featured a panel discussion whose Bahá’í representative was Nat Rutstein, an author and former [See BRIEFS page 14]

World Order marks 20th anniversary by offering highlights of two decades

It seems not so long ago that the first issue of World Order magazine, with a simple green and white cover, set forth the editor's intention to "stimulate, inspire, and serve thinking people in their search to find relationships between contemporary life and religious teaching and philosophy."

Now, 20 years later, an extra-large anniversary issue of World Order reprints some of the most interesting and evocative articles of the past two decades: "The Spiritual Revolution" by Douglas Martin; "Science and Religion" by Dr. William S. Hatcher; "World Education in Quest of a Paradigm" by Dr. S. Pattabi Rahman, and "Women—Attaining their Birthright" by Constance Conrader.

Glenford E. Mitchell's review of "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" and Robert Hayden's poem, "And all the atoms cry aloud," are also included, as are selections of editorials on persecution and martyrdom, the spiritual destiny of America, and the quest for world order.

World Order begins its second 20 years with an issue that looks to the past and to the future of our society:

Dr. Nader Saeidei, in a highly original article, discusses four aspects of the Bahá’í teachings on faith, reason, and society: the development of a democratic social and political order, an inclusive religious identity, a culture of critical and rational discourse, and a responsible utopianism. Dr. Saeidei also includes a comparison to alternative perspectives of fundamental religion and "the myth of total reason."

In "The City of Tomorrow," Alexander Garvin reviews the evolution of urban renewal in America, which has its roots in the writings of the French architect Le Corbusier, and examines how past mistakes can be avoided as we seek to create wholesome urban environments.

Bret Breneman's "Images of Peace in World Literature" examines those images in sacred and profane literature from many cultures and traditions. And, of course, there are poems, photographs, and an intriguing interchange of letters to and from the editor.

The 20th anniversary issue of World Order and the issue now at press can both be used in your teaching and proclamation efforts, for they contain articles for those interested in prerequisites to peace (the elimination of racism, the equality of men and women, universal education). They also contain articles for those interested in the environment, the role of religion in civilized life, and the spiritualization of the planet.

A one-year subscription to World Order (U.S., Canada and Mexico) is $10; a two-year subscription is $18. Single copies of current and back issues are available for $3 each. A listing of tables of contents and back-issue order forms are available on request from World Order Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 3]

Olean Bahá’ís mark 3rd UN Day of Peace

On September 19, more than 250 people gathered in a local park for the third annual observance of the United Nations International Day of Peace sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Olean, New York, and the Olean Area Camp Fire Council.

Sixteen speakers representing various area service, peace and religious groups took part.

The diverse group of all ages, races, ethnic and religious backgrounds came together for a common purpose: to promote the idea that peace is possible if people work and pray together.

After hearing of the observance, the senior class at Olean High School organized a Peace Walk around the school that same morning, a photograph of which appeared in the afternoon newspaper to help promote the event.

The older Bahá’í children and youth had special roles to play: lighting candles, handing flowers to speakers as they left the stage, and setting up chairs.

Several friends of the Faith were there to help including one new seeker, a music teacher, who learned the song "A Plea for One World" the night before the observance and taught it to the audience.

Newspaper response was quite good. The editor of the Olean Times Herald fully supported the event, and at least three articles and a letter to the editor were printed in the paper.

The weekly Independent News ran one front-page article before the event and another afterward, both written by Olean Bahá’ís.

Two local radio stations and two television channels carried news announcements, and posters were placed throughout the town.

The mayor proclaimed September 19 "International Peace Day" in Olean and sent a representative to speak at the observance.

After the program in the park, participants walked through town with lighted candles, singing "A Plea for One World" and stopping traffic as they crossed the main street with a police escort provided by the mayor and city council.

A reception followed at the Community Center with refreshments and a concert by two choirs, one white and the other black.

Children and adults light their candles and prepare to march for world peace during the third annual UN International Day of Peace observance September 19 in Olean, New York.

‘Greatly trusted, steadfast’ Kazem Kazemzadeh passes

DEEPLY GRIEVED PASSING GREATLY TRUSTED STEADFAST PROMOTER FAITH KAZEM KAZEMZADEH. HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICES RUSSIA, HIS EXEMPLARY PARTICIPATION IN ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES FRIENDS IRAN INCLUDING DISCHARGE HIS RESPONSIBILITIES AS SECRETARY NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY THAT COUNTRY, HIS TRANSLATION WORK INTO RUSSIAN, HIS UNDEVIATING LOYALTY INTERESTS BELOVED CAUSE AT ALL TIMES, ARE IMPERISHABLE TOKENS OF HIS SELF-SACRIFICING ENDEAVORS OVER SEVERAL DECADES. HIS REWARD ABHÁ KINGDOM UNDOUBTEDLY ABUNDANT. PRAYING PROGRESS HIS NOBLE SOUL WORLDS BEYOND. CONVEY DEAR MEMBERS HIS FAMILY OUR LOVING SYMPATHY.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE NOVEMBER 16, 1989

OUR HEARTS ARE FILLED WITH SORROW AT THE PASSING OF DISTINGUISHED SERVANT OF THE CAUSE OF GOD KAZEM KAZEMZADEH FROM THIS WORLD. HIS ACHIEVEMENTS IN SERVICE TO THE TWIN INSTITUTIONS AND TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE HUQUQU’LLÁH HAVE ENRICHED THE HISTORY OF THE BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY ON THREE CONTINENTS. THE WORK WITH WHICH HIS NAME HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WILL CONFER UPON HIM IMPERISHABLE GLORY AND HIS DEEDS WILL REMAIN AN EVERLASTING EXAMPLE AND INSPIRATION.

WE OFFER OUR PRAYERS TO THE ALMIGHTY TO GIVE THIS NOBLE SOUL HIS FULL SHARE OF DIVINE BLESSINGS AND TO BASE THE HEARTS OF HIS BEREAVED FAMILY.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

Listing of local Spiritual Assemblies In danger of losing status at Ridván

Listed here are local Spiritual Assemblies that have reported to the National Teaching Committee that, because their community membership has fallen below the nine adult believers necessary to form an Assembly, they are in danger of losing their Assembly status at Ridván.

Bahá’ís in surrounding communities are asked to help with teaching efforts in these areas. Traveling teachers are encouraged to arrange itineraries that include these Bahá’í communities. Prospective homefront pioneers are urged to consider them as pioneering posts.

Spiritual Assemblies which may not be able to re-form at Ridván and which have not yet reported their current status should contact the National Teaching Committee office so that they may be remembered in prayers at the House of Worship and added to our listing in future issues of The Direct Line and The American Bahá’í.

CALIFORNIA: Antelope JD, Belmont, Temple City, Walnut, West Sacramento.

IDAHO: Nez Perce Reservation.

ILLINOIS: Glen Ellyn, Morton Grove.

INDIANA: Lafayette.

MARYLAND: Harford County.

MASSACHUSETTS: Westborough Town.

NEW MEXICO: Paradise Hills.

NEW YORK: Greece Town.

OHIO: Beavercreek, Upper Arlington.

OREGON: Troutdale, Tualatin.

TEXAS: The Colony.

WASHINGTON: Kelso, Kennewick, Shelton, Spokane, Toppenish.

WISCONSIN: Chippewa Falls.

Service-oriented Issaquah Bahá’ís merit larger space at Salmon Festival

Thanks to their providing a needed service for fair-goers, the Bahá’ís of Issaquah, Washington (a suburb of Seattle) were given bigger and better booth space in the city's annual October Salmon Days Festival.

Instead of one booth, the Bahá’ís were able to have three including one used as a rest area and another at which ice water was served free of charge.

The main booth was an information booth where people could obtain maps of the weekend festivities and have questions about the Festival and the Faith answered.

The rest area included a table with Bahá’í brochures, peace buttons, and interest cards and fireside lists. At the back was a curtained area where mothers could take care of their babies' needs in private.

Many festival-goers expressed their appreciation for these services, and to top things off, a Bahá’í float from Yakima took part in the Salmon Days parade and won the Issaquah Kiwanis trophy.

Bahá’ís from nearby communities also helped including the Spiritual Assembly of Central King County.

Oregon host to ‘T’N’T’ Conference

About 175 people attended a recent T'N'T (Teaching and Transformation) Conference in Eugene, Oregon, hosted by the District Teaching Committee of Western Oregon and the Spiritual Assembly of Eugene.

The special guest speaker was William Davis, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, who shared news of exciting teaching victories around the world and related them to the potential for success in Oregon and elsewhere in the U.S.

It is the soul, he said, and not the intellect that responds to the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. As those who would teach transform faith into certitude through service and sacrifice, the power to influence souls is increased by Divine assistance.

Pointing toward the Holy Year 1992, during which some 20,000 Bahá’ís are expected to attend the World Congress in New York City, Mr. Davis asked, "What is the American gift we can bring before the world community?"

The answer, of course, is large numbers of new believers as a result of intensified teaching efforts throughout the country.

The afternoon session included a discussion of teaching institutes and workshops directed toward teaching target audiences (African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, etc.). That evening, Mr. Davis spoke at a public meeting.

Pine Ridge Reservation

Pictured are some of the 43 people from six communities who attended a meeting for Bahá’í youth last October 20 on the Pine Ridge Reservation co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assemblies of Wounded Knee District and Pan Creek District, South Dakota.

Denver area Bahá’ís mark 77th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit

On October 29, Bahá’ís from 11 communities in the metropolitan Denver, Colorado, area celebrated the 77th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Denver with a breakfast meeting at the Oxford Hotel, which was blessed by the Master’s footsteps on October 28-29, 1912.

Richard Dodge of Arapahoe County gave a talk on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Denver, and materials gathered on the early history of the Faith in Denver and Colorado (1900-1921) by the metro-Denver Bahá’í History Club were shared. [Page 4]

Many countries have need for U.S.-trained educators

A perusal of international employment bulletins and letters from pioneers around the world received by the Office of Pioneering indicates that there are a variety of opportunities open for teachers from the U.S.

If you are looking for an overseas teaching position, it is important that you register for teacher recruiting fairs now (see addresses). These are an extraordinary source for first-hand information and interviews with school officials, without which you will more than likely not be hired.

We share with you excerpts from a letter recently received from pioneers to Bolivia, Gary and Kathy Marx, on their experiences in international education:

"In our opinion it is essential that a person be an educator first to succeed in international education. Education is a profession in international schools as it is in all schools.

"The first 'prerequisite' of the international educator is that he or she be a teacher. This is a particularly sensitive subject in international education. Schools are designed first and foremost to educate and not to provide international travel or cultural experiences for teachers.

"With this said, the international educator who is, first and foremost, an educator, also needs to be a person who is flexible, enjoys the challenge of not only meeting new cultures but living in them as well, and has the emotional stability to travel and live abroad.

"Working as a Bahá’í pioneer in the international schools presents an interesting assortment of opportunities. Generally speaking, the international educator is not really part of the host country's culture and not part of the U.S. culture.

"He or she lives in a 'third culture' in which the primary social group is composed of others in the same category. Most of one's immediate associates are the other faculty members and the school community.

"Many of them are from the upper levels of society—people who are often hard to reach by the general Bahá’í community. You often have a chance to socialize with people who might be inaccessible to the rest of the Bahá’í community.

"The wonderful thing about being an international educator is seeing in reality that as a Bahá’í your family is everywhere in the world. As soon as you arrive (at your post), you have a warm and loving community and things to do.

"It would be unfair not to point out that the advice given is based more upon our mistakes than on what we did 'right.'

"The best 'luggage' to take with you when pioneering is your unswerving and absolute reliance on Bahá’u’lláh. We can't guarantee that your experiences with international education will be anything like ours. Remember that the key word is flexibility. All the mistakes become opportunities and all the hardships become open doors.

"Warmest Bahá’í love, Gary and Kathy Marx"

For more information about overseas positions, working conditions, dealing with administrators, and more, please write to the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

First Sino-American Women's Conference to be held in Beijing

The first Sino-American Conference on Women's Issues will be held next June 25-28 in Beijing, People's Republic of China.

The U.S. National Spiritual Assembly is represented on the steering committee, and four Bahá’í women have been chosen to present papers along with 28 other American and 32 Chinese women.

The conference program is designed to promote interaction and interchange on such issues as employment and career advancement, family and child care, health and well-being, education and training. The conference will be held in Mandarin and English with simultaneous translations of keynote addresses.

For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

Bloomington raises $2,200 for Arc as part of 'million pennies' community campaign

In the summer of 1987 the Bahá’í community of Bloomington, Indiana, began a campaign to raise one million pennies for construction of the Arc on Mount Carmel by the end of the Six Year Plan, and in November sent its first installment of $2,200 (or 220,000 pennies) to the Office of the Treasurer.

The International Youth Conference in July 1988 helped raise a large part of this with Bahá’ís from Alamogordo and Las Cruces, New Mexico, contributing 13,100 pennies, those from Phoenix adding about 20,000 more, and Springfield, Illinois, and New Orleans adding substantial amounts.

"Although it looks like we won't quite reach our goal," the Assembly reports, "it has been a wonderful project for our community.

"The children and youth have especially enjoyed taking part in the project, and just about everyone has a penny jar at home to bring to Feast to help fill our community jar. It goes to show how simple things can have great results!"

Great gift idea

A contribution to the National Fund makes a wonderful Ayyám-i-Há gift. Be sure to include the name and complete address of all those you wish to have notified that they have been honored in this way.

The annual Midwest Overseas Recruiting Fair for Teachers

Where: University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. UNI Education Center, second floor.

When: Saturday and Sunday, February 17-18.

For registration information, write to: Overseas Placement Service for Educators, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.

Lincoln, Nebraska, sponsors six-week 'Cry from Heartland'

From mid-September through October, the Spiritual Assembly of Lincoln, Nebraska, sponsored a six-week project entitled "A Cry from the Heartland: Peace—A Basic Human Right."

Invitations were sent to more than 40 groups inviting them to consider taking part by sponsoring an event or supporting those that were scheduled.

The project began September 19 with a 24-hour prayer vigil for peace. Among other events:

"Heartland Peace Trek '89" on September 23 in which 69 people walked from the fountain on the University of Nebraska campus to the Nebraska state capitol building eight blocks away where more than 100 took part in a rally for peace on the capitol steps.

• Firesides by the Bahá’í Association at the university and by individual Bahá’ís in Lincoln and the area, and a Bahá’í-sponsored college retreat.
• Support for other peace-related efforts including those of UNICEF.

The Peace Trek was well-covered in the Lincoln Journal with an article and photograph, and in the university's student paper with a front-page article and photo. In all, more than 60 column inches were devoted to events in the project.

Faith is proclaimed at Citrus Heights mall

Twice each year thousands of people in the metropolitan Sacramento (California) area have an opportunity to learn about the Faith from the Bahá’ís of Citrus Heights when the Sunrise Mall opens its corridors to non-profit groups to allow them to sell their wares or promote their causes.

Bahá’ís in Citrus Heights have been taking part in these events for 10 years, and report that this fall's was the most exciting ever, with more people stopping to talk, asking for pamphlets, and taking with them inquiry cards and invitations to firesides.

Bahá’ís of Standish, Maine, win first place for parade float

The Bahá’ís of Standish, Maine, entered a float in last year's eighth annual Press Herald parade in Portland. The theme was 'Children's Books on Parade,' and the Bahá’í float, which consisted of a large box overflowing with children's books of all kinds, was based on a quote from the Writings: 'God's Greatest Gift... the Intellect.' The float cost about $9 to build, won first place in the non-profit division, and was given a $300 cash prize. The parade was carried live by a local television station and re-broadcast the following day. Also last summer, the float was entered in the Standish Festival parade where it received a first-place trophy in the non-commercial division.

National Assembly reserves the right to contact prominent persons, groups

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to remind the American Bahá’í community that in all matters relating to the Faith, the National Assembly reserves the right to contact or to do business with national institutions or persons of national importance.

Therefore, without the explicit direction or approval of the National Spiritual Assembly, local Spiritual Assemblies or individual Bahá’ís should not initiate any action that is designed to take up matters of a Bahá’í nature with representatives or agencies of the federal government, state legislatures or governors, nationally prominent individuals, national organizations, or national media of communication.

Should your community wish to contact a person or group that falls into any of these categories, please contact the National Spiritual Assembly at the Office of External Affairs, Washington, DC 20009 (phone 202-265-8830). [Page 5]

America’s destiny linked to its spiritual forebears

‘THE FIRST CONDITION . . .’

“The first condition is absolute love and harmony among the members . . .” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Recent Feast letters from the National Spiritual Assembly have framed the goals of the National Fund in terms of America’s spiritual destiny. What is our spiritual heritage, who conferred it upon us, and what is the connection between that destiny and the Fund?

In Citadel of Faith, the Guardian presents images to fill our hearts and minds with a vision of the greatness of our spiritual forebears.

He was describing them when he wrote: “Behind them is an imperishable record, brief yet illustrious, of feats performed over the entire range of the Western Hemisphere.”

The Guardian also described the epochs that were to follow, the epochs in which we now live:

“Before them stretches a vista alluring in its as yet hazy outlines, entrancing in its magnitude, reaching to the far horizons of as yet unconquered territories. . . . They now look forward to successive epochs ranging as far as the fringes of that Golden Age to be, glowing in the light of God-given promises, destined to be traversed at the cost of infinite toil and of heroic self-sacrifice.” (p. 21)

Who designated the Bahá’ís in America for this special destiny? Again in Citadel of Faith, the Guardian reminds us that we were “called into being,” cherished, protected and “nursed in the lap” of our beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

And what is our destiny? The Guardian quotes ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who expressed it this way:

“...I swear by Him Who causeth the seed to split and the breeze to waft, so great a light will shine from your faces as to reach the highest heavens, ... and ye will discover yourselves to be kings in the dominions of the Kingdom, and attired with the glorious crowns of the invisible Realm, and become the marshals of the army of peace, and princes of the forces of light, and stars shining from the horizon of perfection, and brilliant lamps shedding their radiance upon men.” (p. 30)

Shoghi Effendi also places the relationship between our spiritual history and our material resources into a touching and provocative context. Speaking of the Plan then under way, he writes:

“An outpouring of treasure, no less copious than the blood shed so lavishly in the Apostolic Age of the Faith by those who ... proclaimed its birth to the world, can befit their spiritual descendants, who, in the present Formative Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation, have championed the Cause, and assumed so preponderating a role in the erection of its Administrative Order. ...” (p. 69)

Our forebears laid the groundwork for our destiny by responding to the call of the Master; they carefully guarded for us, their heirs, the spiritual primacy this community had been given.

They purified their possessions through their material contributions, and their lives by using them to raise up Bahá’í communities at home and sister communities in faraway lands.

Those children, now entering their own maturity, are looking to us for an example of leadership that will show we have not become “careless” of this legacy. Again, from Citadel of Faith, we hear the call to “manifest before the eyes of the members of their sister communities, their countrymen and the whole world” the “potentialities inherent within them” and the “glories of the mission constituting their birthright.” (p. 63)

When the Universal House of Justice announced the beginning of the Fourth Epoch, the entire Bahá’í world, including America, was given the signal that certain milestones had been reached and that even more magnificent ones lay before us.

It is as if the flag were raised on a great marathon. With our sister communities beside us, the field is full and the stakes are high: nothing less than the spiritual leadership of the planet.

Ahead and behind us run our fellow Bahá’ís. Meanwhile, radiant souls gather around the beloved Guardian, watching, serene and confident; the Supreme Council stands ready to offer refreshment and encouragement at every step of the way.

Our team, perhaps, has been saving its greatest strength, but now is the time to quicken the pace and assure the victory.

Straining every nerve, let us surge relentlessly forward; seizing the winner’s cup, let us hold it aloft in the name of the Dawn-breakers of an earlier age, and pass it joyfully around to all mankind!

OVERSEAS RECRUITING FAIRS FOR TEACHERS

For registration information, write to:

Overseas Placement Service for Educators, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614 (319-273-2061).

National Teacher Placement Bureau of America (TORC), 3428 Memphis Avenue, P.O. Box 09027, Cleveland, OH 44109 (216-741-3771).

Latinos estudian Kitáb-i-Íqán en Green Acre

Este año el fin de semana Hispano en Green Acre se celebró los días 20 al 22 de Octubre.

La llegada el viernes bajo una lluvia torrencial parecía un mal augurio para los días que teníamos por delante.

Pero el sábado amaneció con un sol brillante y cálido—y esto fue verdaderamente un símbolo del espíritu caluroso que prevaleció en todas nuestras sesiones.

El Consejero Arturo Serrano, de Méjico, acompañado por su esposa Jeanne, presentaron dos sesiones sobre el tema “Enseñanza y Transformación.”

Esta importante presentación creó en todos una mayor comprensión de la importancia de nuestra transformación individual en cuanto a la puntual realización del triple proceso de maduración de nuestras instituciones, la terminación del Arco y la llegada de la paz menor.

Pero la mayor parte del fin de semana se dedicó a un magnífico curso de profundización sobre el Kitáb-i-Íqán presentado por el señor Pablo Lucas, coordinador de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de Méjico.

Al mismo tiempo que nos guiaba por las páginas de éste libro, que es el más importante de toda la literatura Bahá’í después del Kitáb-i-Aqdas, el señor Lucas nos deleitó con su repertorio de historias y anécdotas, lo cual hizo que todo el fin de semana fuese de lo más agradable.

Fue un verdadero privilegio y alegría poder compartir esos días con estas magníficas almas de nuestro vecino Méjico.—por Carlos Ioas

NOTICE

In ‎reponse response‎ to inquiries about how to get in touch with the Bahá’í in Recovery Fellowship, we are printing the following address:

BIRF, P.O. Box 1189, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240.

HUQÚQU’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, 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, 933 17th St., Santa Monica, CA 90402 (Tel: 213-394-5449); Dr. Daryush Haghighi, 20395 Beachcliff Blvd., Rocky River, OH 44116 (Tel: 216-333-1506).

Inquiries about Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, 20395 Beachcliff Blvd., Rocky River, OH 44116.

1st International Chinese Symposium In San Francisco to focus on sharing Teachings with 800,000 Chinese in U.S.

“Reaching the Chinese: The Time Is Now” is the theme of the first International Chinese Symposium, to be held March 29-April 1 at the Bahá’í Center in San Francisco, California.

The symposium has been called by the National Spiritual Assembly to serve as a forum for Bahá’ís in this country and around the world who are interested in learning about Chinese culture and the most effective means of sharing the Bahá’í teachings and principles with the 800,000 Chinese living in the U.S.

Guest speakers will include members of the Continental Board of Counselors, the National Spiritual Assembly, the International Chinese Teaching Committee, and others.

Pre-registration is encouraged. The form below should be filled out and mailed to the address shown. Please remember to include the materials fee ($15 per person), payable by check or money order to the San Francisco Bahá’í Fund and earmarked for the “International Chinese Symposium.”

A super shuttle operates between the San Francisco International Airport and the hotels ($10 per trip). Phone (toll-free) 1-800-535-6343.

Attendees are responsible for their own meals. A list of nearby restaurants will be provided at registration.

No one who is interested in Chinese teaching should miss this symposium because of financial hardship. Please contact your local Spiritual Assembly to see what arrangements can be made for your attendance.

Bahá’ís in Florida video tape oral history of early believers

Inspired by the example of early Bahá’ís in Florida, and encouraged and sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Pembroke Pines, two Bahá’ís in that state have produced a two-hour video that contains the recollections of nine of those stalwart servants of Bahá’u’lláh.

Entitled “In His Service—Bahá’í Memories,” the video is an oral history of the early days of the Faith in southeastern Florida and elsewhere as seen through the eyes of those who were an integral part of the experience.

The local Assembly is pleased with the result, and encourages communities elsewhere to consider similar projects designed to preserve in some way the early history of the Faith in a given area.

The Fund is the Life-Blood of the Faith

National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

Mail to: International Chinese Symposium, c/o Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco, 170 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94103 (phone 415-431-9990, Tuesdays and Thursdays)

Name (please print) __________________________________ Age _______ Bahá’í I.D. Number ____________

Confirmation address: Street ____________________________________________________________________

City ________________________________________ State _______ Zip ________________________________

Home tel. ____________________ Daytime (if different) ____________________

Materials fee: $15/person x ______ = __________

---

(cut here)------------------------------------------

ACCOMMODATIONS

All reservations must be made directly with the hotels. The following hotels offer special rates for those attending the symposium. These rates are in effect only through February 15. Accommodations are limited.

Travel Lodge (Central), 1707 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94103. Reservations (toll-free) 1-800-255-3050. 1 person/night, $59 + tax; 2 persons/night, $64 + tax; 3 or more/night, $69 + tax.

Holiday Inn Civic Center, 50 8th St., San Francisco, CA 94103. Reservations (toll-free) 1-800-465-4329. 1-2 persons/night, $79 + tax; 3-4 persons/night, $91 + tax.

Red Victorian Bed and Breakfast Inn, 1665 Haight St., San Francisco, CA 94117. Reservations, 415-864-1978 (one bus line from Bahá’í Center). 1 person/night, $45; 2 persons/night, $61; each additional person, $10/night.

When making reservations, please remember to specify that you are with the “Bahá’í conference” so you will receive the discount. [Page 6]

Understanding Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order

Teaching • Proclamation • Personal Development

UNDERSTANDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAITH

Stirring of the Spirit SC $2.95 Compilation on the Nineteen Day Feast from the Research Department of the Bahá’í World Centre

Now available in booklet form, this compilation on the Nineteen-Day Feast from the Research Department of the Bahá’í World Centre gives us new, Fourth-Epoch insights into an institution that is "an arena of democracy at the very root of society."

The Universal House of Justice, in a letter introducing this compilation, states that the Feast is a "link" connecting "the local community in a dynamic relationship with the entire structure of the Administrative Order." It joins the individual with the "collective processes" of building and restoring our society. "Aside from its spiritual significance, this common institution of the people combines an array of elemental social disciplines which educate its participants in the essentials of responsible citizenship." The Nineteen-Day Feast offers much room for variety and cultural diversity including music, talks, hospitality and a range of consultation—all of which contribute to "upliftment" and joy. "Rooted in hospitality," this "institution introduces a revolutionary new attitude to the conduct of human affairs... which is critical to the world unity" that is the "foundation" of a new world order. The compilation challenges us to attain a deeper understanding of the institution that brings "joy," fosters "agreement and unity," and is the key to "affection and fellowship."

The new compilation will expand our understanding of the Feast and covers the following topics: The Threefold Feast Celebration; Feast Times; Feast Locations; Attendance of Believers at the Feast; Restrictions Upon Feast Attendance; Youth and Children at Feasts; The Feast Celebration: Prayers and Scriptural Readings, Consultation, Socializing; and The Blending of Cultures in the Feast Celebration.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada

Vision to Victory VT$19.95 - VHS or BETA From the American Dream to a New World Order Talk by Mr. David Hofman, former member of the Universal House of Justice

Address to participants of the Los Angeles Vision to Victory Conference. Compares the American believers to the Dawn-breakers, and urges Bahá’ís to overcome the corruption in America through vigorous teaching and the enrollment of new believers. Can be used to set the tone at Feast, at a teaching institute, at conferences, or at home.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

The Covenant HC $16.50 / SC $9.95 Daily Readings from the Bahá’í Teachings compiled by Enoch Tanyi

A collection of daily readings designed expressly to help Bahá’ís understand God’s eternal covenant with mankind.

George Ronald, Publisher

Keeping Faith Amidst Change and Crisis CS $8.00 Talk by Dr. Peter Khan

Stressing the urgency of the critical period in which we live, this talk discusses the testing of the Western Bahá’ís and their eventual triumph. Inspiring listening for teaching institutes, winter schools and individuals.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

Social and Economic Development SC $7.95 A Bahá’í Approach Holly Hanson Vick

Emphasizing the spiritual basis for development, this book covers many facets, including the role of consultation, the value of universal participation, the need to preserve human dignity, and ways in which individuals can get involved.

George Ronald, Publisher

TEACHING AND SHARING THE FAITH OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

The Promise of World Peace CS $9.95

Now available in audio format, the action-inspiring message that helped spur teaching initiatives during the latter half of the 80s can add a new dimension to teaching. This tape makes the peace message accessible to those who are visually impaired or who have difficulty with written English.

Images International

The Bahá’í Faith SC $3.95 Mary Perkins and Philip Hainsworth

Updated and revised, this compact and generously illustrated introductory book gives a detailed history of the Faith, a description of fundamental principles, and a section on Bahá’í life. Ideal for seekers who desire more than a pamphlet.

Ward Lock Educational

A Study Guide to Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet to the Christians HC $22.95 / SC $13.95 Michael Sours

An examination of one of Bahá’u’lláh’s last and most important tablets. This commentary is an aid to those seeking to deepen their understanding of the relationship between Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings and the Bible.

One World Publications

Raising Children as Peacemakers SC $17.95 Peggy Goding

Practical tips that draw on the Bahá’í writings and on personal experiences to offer methods and ideas for parenting. Packed with detailed descriptions of activities and concrete suggestions to aid the busy parent. A timely resource for parents and educators striving to reach the goals of the Six Year Plan.

Kalimát Press

Percival the Piano A Story for Naw-Rúz SC $5.75 Mary Perkins

An old piano takes center stage in this story depicting a very special Naw-Rúz. Young readers will learn about consultation, the local spiritual assembly, and the meaning of Naw-Rúz.

George Ronald, Publisher

RECENT NEW TITLES / REPRINTS

Title	Price
Bahá’í Faith Teaching Booklet Bahá’í Publications Canada	Revised SC $1.00
The Promise of World Peace Presentation Edition Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States	Reprint SC $3.00
Bahá’í DateBook	CA $3.50
Bahá’í Pocket Calendar	CA Pkg./10 $3.50
Bahá’í Wall Calendar	CA $2.75
Bahá’í History Calendar Bahá’í Publishing Committee of Hawaii	CA $6.50
United Doves Steps for Racial Harmony 11" X 17" Poster Pamphlet • Pkg. 100/$30.00 2-up on 11-1/3" X 5-3/4" Invitation Blanks • Pkg. 200/$8.00 (Customize for your event. Print on these originals and trim to size) 5-3/4" X 2-7/8" Mini-pamphlet • Pkg. 100/$4.00 Special Ideas
Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States	SC $24.95 3-Hole Punched
The Search for a Just Society by John Huddleston George Ronald, Publisher	HC $39.95
An Evolutionary Approach to Teaching Institutes from the National Teaching Committee Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States	SC $.50
Prescription for Living by Rúhíyyih Rabbání George Ronald, Publisher	SC $6.50
Stay With Me — Doug Cameron Don’t Blink Music	CS $10.95
Confluence — Groundwork Don’t Blink Music	CS $10.95
Creating a Peaceful World Bahá’í Publications Australia	PA/100 $30.00 PA/each $.30
Iran Ayandeh by Jamshid Fanaian Bahá’í Publications Australia	SC $33.95

Note our new direct dial number: 1-708-251-1854

Order now through the Bahá’í Distribution Service

Bahá’í Distribution Service / 1-800-999-9019 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 7]

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 50091.

Please keep in touch

To the Editor:

This is a request to those precious souls who offered their services to Bahá’u’lláh over the past several years, especially in the summer, at the Amoz Gibson Project in Wanblee, South Dakota.

Many of you are probably wondering how the new believers are doing since you left. We applaud those of you who have kept in touch with those you taught: "Let him not be content until he has infused into his spiritual child so deep a longing as to impel him to arise independently, in his turn, and devote his energies to the quickening of other souls, and the upholding of the laws and principles laid down by his newly adopted faith." (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 44)

For those who have lost touch, please find a way to link back up to your spiritual child or children. If you remember the names of those you taught and brought into the Faith, please find out their addresses and write to them. People here would love to hear from you, although few of them are letter writers themselves. "General delivery" addresses are often returned unclaimed after four days, but keep trying.

The six pioneers in this area have no chance of maintaining quality contact with your 400 spiritual children from the Amoz Gibson Project teaching campaign, so your continued deepening contacts are absolutely vital.

For information about addresses you may need, please contact Sandy Frazier, Eagle Butte, SD 57625. She'll pass your request on to the DTC secretary in South Dakota. We hope to hear from you!

Louise Watson Martin, South Dakota

Yes, it is love!

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to Joseph Kohli's letter (September) in which he writes of the spirit at a Teaching Institute reminding him of the feeling of "falling in love."

That feeling is falling in love! Whether falling in love for the first time or rediscovering the love we have for Bahá’u’lláh, what better way to describe that glorious feeling?

We are talking about true love. It warmed my heart to hear of someone falling in love; it's like watching a beautiful love story unfold.

Actually, the most beautiful love story I can think of is falling in love with the Manifestation of God and realizing His Plan for the world and one's part in that Plan. As a pioneer who is in the States for a short time said recently, "There is just so much potential (in the U.S.), all we need to do is realize that potential."

I have spoken with several pioneers recently, and they are all feeling that same spiritual energy. We need to tap that potential; I truly believe the possibilities are limitless.

I would encourage everyone to talk with returning pioneers and traveling teachers and to share that special love they have for Bahá’u’lláh. We must use these precious human resources He has given us. The Teaching Institute is one wonderful way of catching the spirit.

Tamara Eaton Yorba Linda, California

Thanks from Thailand

To the Editor:

Thank you for the recent articles and photographs on Southeast Asian Bahá’ís resettling in the U.S.

While many are "lost" for awhile after arriving in this country, we are always warmed by the stories of those who are welcomed into the arms of their Bahá’í community in the U.S.

An English translation of part of a letter received recently at the National Center in Thailand is indicative of the love of the American friends toward these newly arrived Bahá’ís and is deeply touching to those of us who have the bounty of knowing the Bahá’í refugees in the camps here:

"November 2, 1988, left refugee camp, stayed three months in Chonburi. February 1989, arrived in Colorado, U.S.A. Now staying in Aurora since five months ago.

"Our family are well and fine. From your letter of recommendation, we contacted the Spiritual Assembly here. With your prayers and assistance of Bahá’u’lláh, we were received warmly by the Bahá’ís whom we do not know at all. Their hospitality and caring made our days warm and hopeful.

"I have found a job now. The friends have raised some money and rented a house for us. Our children are now attending school.

"Most precious of all, they (the Bahá’í friends) make time to teach us English and help us to write some textbooks. Language barrier may be there but through efforts, these difficulties will be solved."

We hope that this letter may serve to inspire all those communities that have Southeast Asian refugees in them. May Bahá’u’lláh forever bless the Bahá’ís of Aurora, Colorado.

Tim Schaffter Aranyaprathet, Thailand

The 'third condition'

To the Editor:

I was happy to see (August 1989) a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly focusing on the three conditions given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for attaining the station of an Apostle of Bahá’u’lláh.

Yet I was disappointed when I saw that the third condition (unlike the first two) was not given as a quotation from the Master but was in fact a rather watered down paraphrase of what He said.

As printed, the letter says we should "arise and teach," which sounds to my ears like an abstract Bahá’í cliché.

What ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says, on the other hand, is concrete and to the point: "The third condition: Teachers must continually travel to all parts of the continent, nay, rather, to all parts of the world..."

Teachers must travel everywhere, and they must do so continuously. This is the third condition.

We can sit at home and talk about firmness in the Covenant and fellowship and teaching, but until we leave our homes and go somewhere else we will never reach the station of an Apostle of Bahá’u’lláh, and we will never fulfill our destiny. Please God we may achieve it!

Tarry Mahony Taiwan

Plea for handicapped

To the Editor:

It is past time, I think, to speak out on an issue our community is not taking large enough strides to correct—that is, making our Bahá’í facilities and meetings accessible to the handicapped.

It is difficult to teach the Faith to someone in a wheelchair while knowing that many of the meetings will not be open to them.

In general, most American homes are not accessible; schools are not always accessible; even the House of Worship is not accessible.

I realize that this is another issue that can be solved with "more money," but it is also an example of apathy or lack of knowledge within the Bahá’í community.

I was pleased to see at the Louis Gregory Institute that not only do they have a ramp at one door, they have one at every door. This type of access is important to a person in a wheelchair. They want the dignity to come and go as they please. It isn't always possible to be "carried in" places. Have you figured the weight of a power chair with a 150-pound person in it?

When building a ramp it is important to know the national standards. These can be obtained from any Independent Living Center or Easter Seals program. It is my hope that communities will work to rectify this situation.

Debbie Wax Deland, Florida

It's now or never?

To the Editor:

The Universal House of Justice is saying in effect that it is "now or never" for teaching the Faith in America. We have also seen the National Teaching Committee publish a booklet on developing unity of thought around the concept of teaching.

Teaching, however, involves a message. What we have not yet developed, it seems to me, is unity over the central functional message of our Faith.

It may seem strange to say this, since the Writings are filled with passages asking us to do various things and manifest certain qualities. Yet when we ask what is the over-all plan, what is the "big picture," what is God really telling us to do together in this world, it seems to me that we sometimes

See LETTERS page 14

Sidebars and Events

Sheila Banani of Santa Monica, California, conducts a workshop on the Universal House of Justice's message concerning 'Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh' at the Nine Oaks Bahá’í Institute in Arroyo Grande, California. The workshop was held last October 29.

Two sessions on 'Teaching and Transformation' conducted by Counselor Arturo Serrano and a deepening on the Kitáb-i-Íqán led by Paul Lucas, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico, highlighted the 1989 Spanish-speaking Weekend last October 20-22 at the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Maine. Pictured are some of those who took part in this memorable event.

SOUTHEAST ASIAN LANGUAGE MATERIALS AVAILABLE FROM U.S. BAHA’I REFUGEE OFFICE

Two Bahá’í audio cassettes in the Khmer (Cambodian) language are available while supplies last from the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office: "Bahá’í Principles and History" ($3) and "The Nineteen Day Feast" ($3).

The following publications in the Lao, Khmer, Hmong and Chinese languages are also available while supplies last:

Description | Language | Price ---|---|--- Birth of the Bahá’í Faith | Khmer | $1.00 Bahá’í Administration | Khmer/English | $1.50 Flowers of One Garden | Khmer | $1.50 Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh | Hmong | $2.00 Bahá’í prayer book | Lao | $0.80 Teaching pamphlet | Lao | FREE Teaching pamphlet | Hmong | FREE Short obligatory prayer | Khmer | FREE Peace statement (summary) | Chinese | FREE

To order any of these items, please send a check or money order to: USBRO, c/o Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Supplies are limited! [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 BAHÁ’Í International Community is looking for an accountant for its office in New York City. Experience required. Please send résumé and background information to Dorothy Longo, Operations Officer, Bahá’í International Community, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017.

THE SCHOOL of the Nations, a Bahá’í-run social and economic development project in Macau (Asia), is seeking qualified elementary and secondary school teachers. If you are interested in pioneering to Macau and teaching at the school, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Morton Grove, Illinois, is in jeopardy. Needed are two Bahá’ís or a Bahá’í couple to help save the Assembly by Riḍván 1990. For more information please contact the Assembly secretary, Barbara Muench, 708-966-7797.

OWING TO the recent move back to Canada of a Bahá’í family, the Spiritual Assembly of Stow, Ohio, is in jeopardy with seven adult Bahá’ís and one child in the community. Stow, a fast-growing suburban community between Cleveland and Akron, has easy access to several hospitals and universities and the area has a varied employment market. For more information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Stow, Stow, OH 44224, or phone John or Rita Sauter, 216-688-0651.

WANTED: Dedicated Bahá’ís to become homefront pioneers to a Reservation Assembly in Toppenish, Washington. The area has a high percentage of Hispanics and Indians who work in agriculture and for the government. Indian lands are available for lease to farmers; other demand jobs are in nursing and auto repair. The Assembly is willing to help one look for housing and employment. Please answer our prayers by writing to the Spiritual Assembly of Toppenish, P.O. Box 284, Toppenish, WA 98948.

URGENT! Homefront pioneers are urgently needed to help the active but weak Assembly in LaPlace, Louisiana, ideally located within commuting distance of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Good schools, southern hospitality and great coffee. Please write to the Spiritual Assembly of LaPlace, LaPlace, LA 70068.

ONE YEAR, One Place, One Couple is needed to carry on a 21-year-old tradition on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona. For one year this couple would deepen new and old believers, help strengthen the Assembly, support a small literacy project, and take part in a committee working to build better relations between the San Carlos Apaches and local communities. Employment is available in the local school district, and perhaps with the tribe, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, or the Indian Health Service. For more information write to Marlowe Cassadore, chairman, c/o Postmaster, Peridot, AZ 85542, or phone Roosevelt Wilson, 602-425-9295.

ARE YOU looking for a place to serve the Faith, raise a family, and enjoy outdoor beauty and recreation? Then Logan, Utah, is for you. Logan (pop. 38,000), nestled in a wide valley in northern Utah, is the home of Utah State University and offers a variety of activity from shopping malls to fishing, hunting and skiing. Agriculture is the main source of income; however, there are 60 industries including printing, dairies, lumber, farm equipment, canning, meat packing, and electronics. Our incorporated Assembly is in jeopardy. If you could become a homefront pioneer to Logan, we would be pleased to have you join our community. For more information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Logan, P.O. Box 471, Logan, UT 84321, or phone 801-752-0706.

GET OUT of the city! Relocate to beautiful, rural Bainbridge Island, Washington, 35 minutes from downtown Seattle via ferry boat. The Bahá’í Group of Winslow is involved in establishing the first Bahá’í-run co-op housing project in the U.S.: affordable housing with a child-friendly atmosphere of 30 ethnically diverse families. Homefront pioneers are needed. Planning to move, to build your own home? This may be for you! For an information packet, send SASE to Winslow, WA 98110 (phone 206-842-9766).

MIDDLETON, Wisconsin, needs at least two Bahá’ís to maintain its Assembly status. This active, loving Bahá’í community is on the west side of Madison, the capital city, with the University of Wisconsin, state government offices, and many industries in the area. Middleton has an excellent public school system. Bahá’í families are eager to help in any way they can. For more information, write to Corrine Bahr, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Middleton, Middleton, WI 53562, or phone 608-831-3795.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

BAHÁ’Í couple needed to help re-establish Assembly in small community of Haines, Alaska. Employment opportunity as manager for apartment rentals available; Chilkat Valley Bahá’í school is located here. For information, write to Georgia Haisler, Haines, AK 99827, or phone 907-766-2664.

JOBS overseas: AFRICA—Burundi: resident adviser to the Ministry of Health. Kenya: resident electrical consultant; project director for medical and development projects. Nigeria: project adviser for child survival project; dentist; surgeon; senior electrical engineer; cost and pricing adviser. South Africa: motor mechanic; project/process engineer; electronics and fitters. Tanzania: mechanical engineering manager. Transkei: medical doctors. West Africa: ophthalmologist to serve as medical director. AMERICAS—Antigua: plant maintenance engineer. Barbados: information specialist for Caribbean Development Bank. Belize: primary health care project director and health educator. Cayman Islands: first cook, Holiday Inn. Grenada: standards advisers; orthopedic surgeon; anesthesiologist; MDs. Guyana: general family practitioner; technical personnel for ICU installation. Honduras: medic trainer; lab and X-ray technician; procurement specialist; AFSC field representative; textile engineer. Jamaica: visiting professor in social theory. Turks and Caicos: government architect; dentist; optometrist. Uruguay: food technology chemical engineers. Latin America: project manager; director of Colombia and Ecuador country programs; Latin American Protected Areas specialist. ASIA—Macau: elementary school teachers. Nepal: financial controller/administrator; native-speaking Spanish teacher; learning disabilities specialist; elementary/secondary school teachers. AUSTRALASIA—Western Samoa: tourism development adviser. Marshall Islands: laboratory education coordinator; nursing patient adviser; hospital administration adviser; physicians. EUROPE—Portugal: mechanical and electrical engineers. USSR: process engineers. MULTI-REGIONAL—university faculty for U.S. military bases; accountants; child development specialist for U.S. Navy Child Development Centers; director of International Outreach Programs; debt exchange/project developer. For information about any of these positions, please write to the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

SCHOOLS

GRADUATE or undergraduate students in education: the program director of the Bosch Bahá’í School will work with you or your educational adviser to develop an internship program for summer 1990 if you can spend 10 weeks at Bosch as staff teacher for children and youth. Room, board and stipend. For information, write to the program director, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or phone 805-933-1253.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking material documenting teaching activities on Indian Reservations including tape recordings, personal recollections and photographs of the first American Indian Teaching Conference, Camp Verde, AZ, November 1955, and the first four Indian Council Fires held at the Makah Reservation, Neah Bay, WA, 1963-66. Anyone having materials they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

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: Isabelle Stebbins Dodge, William Copeland Dodge (died Bluepoint, NY, 1973), Rosemarie Dollinger, Armin F. Doneis, Alice Doolittle (died Cleveland Heights, OH, 1947), Martha Dorrida (died Baltimore County, MD, 1966). 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 maintaining a mailing list of those who would like to receive copies of its duplicate book mail auction catalogs. The Archives has been having 2-3 mail auctions of duplicate books a year. If you would like to be on the mailing list, please send your name, address and Bahá’í I.D. number to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED

BAHÁ’Í professor of the history of education requests copies of letters written by Stanwood Cobb for a major study of his work. Please contact Dr. Nancy Moore, Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY 10577, or phone 914-694-2840.

AT RIḌVÁN 1990, the Bahá’í community of Madison, Wisconsin, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of its Spiritual Assembly and is seeking information about former Madison Bahá’ís—their names, dates when in Madison, present addresses (please state whether deceased), memories, photographs, etc. Any personal items such as photos will be handled with care and returned. Please send information to Jeffrey and Christine Javid, Madison, WI 53705.

HELP solve a mystery: What happened to the original letters of the Guardian to the Spiritual Assembly of Philadelphia and its community? As requested by the Universal House of Justice, the Philadelphia Bahá’í Archives Committee is seeking these precious letters so that they can be sent to the World Center for preservation. Evidence indicates that they were safe in the Assembly files in the early 1940s but they are not there now, and no one in Philadelphia recalls having seen them or knows their fate. Can anyone out there tell us anything? Did you live in Philadelphia in the 1940s or 1950s, or do you know anyone who did? Information as to where the Assembly records were stored (especially after 1951) would be greatly appreciated. Anyone with a clue is asked to write to Lorraine Appelbaum, Philadelphia, PA 19144, or to phone 215-438-3346. Thank you!

I AM compiling materials made by Bahá’ís for teaching children about the Faith and would like copies of newsletters, booklets or posters that teach children about Bahá’í Holy Days or Feast names. This collection will be organized according to the Bahá’í year and may be available to communities as a resource packet for Feast activities. Please include the designer’s name, address and phone number. Write to Melinda Armstrong, (Lee) Epping, NH 03042, or phone 603-659-5779.

MISCELLANEOUS

SEVERAL Bahá’ís have expressed an interest in starting a round robin Esperanto tape. If you are interested in receiving such a tape and adding to it, in Esperanto, please send your name and address to Victor Munson, editor, BELusono Newsletter, P.O. Box 1954, Ramona, CA 92065.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Department of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center is presently accepting applications for the following positions. For more information, applications, and position descriptions, please check the position(s) in which you are interested and return this form to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

— Bahá’í Publishing Trust: associate editor; shipping and receiving clerk	— Office of External Affairs, Washington, D.C.: national liaison to Non-Governmental Organizations; administrator of Office of External Affairs (please do not call the Washington office for information)
— Bosch School: morning cook, full-time September-June; maintenance assistant, full-time	— Office of the Secretary: administrative aide/District Convention coordinator
— Community Administration: administrative consultant	— Office of the Treasurer: assistant controller; administrative assistant; assistant cashier.
— Native American Bahá’í Institute: caretaker/host	— Persian/American Affairs Office: translator (must be fluent in Persian and English)
— National Teaching Committee Office: teaching coordinator, Hispanic desk (must be fluent in Spanish)	— U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office: refugee program assistant
— NSA Properties Inc.: administrative assistant	— Media Services: part-time assistant

Name ___________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________

City/state/zip ___________________________________________________

Phone (_____) __________________ (_____) __________________ home work

Positions available in World Congress Logistics Office

The Bahá’í World Congress Logistics Office, located at the Bahá’í National Center and responsible for planning and implementing the 1992 World Congress, is seeking qualified and dedicated Bahá’ís for the following positions:

Human Resources Administrator: strong HR background; experience in planning, developing and implementing personnel programs, recruiting and training a large work force.

Computer Systems Project Manager: must have ability to design, develop and maintain information systems; 3 years PC/MS-DOS, knowledge of PC networking, mainframe operations and systems integration.

Office Administrator: must be highly organized and able to manage heavy administrative tasks in efficient, professional manner.

These are full-time, paid positions with full employee benefits. Please send a current résumé to Human Resources, Attn: Lea Mallow, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

‎Arohitectural Architectural‎ draftsman sought

MT. CARMEL Projects needs an architectural draftsman with experience on CAD. Minimum of two years experience and a strong background in drafting both on board and on CAD are essential.

Please send detailed résumé to Mount Carmel Bahá’í Projects, P.O. Box 155, Haifa 30 001, Israel. [Page 9]

CONSERVATION OF THE EARTH’S RESOURCES

CONSERVATION OF THE EARTH’S RESOURCES Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

1. FOUNDATION PRINCIPLES

The approach of the world-wide Bahá’í community to the conservation and protection of the earth’s resources is based on a number of fundamental principles derived from the Bahá’í Writings. These include:

1.1 Nature as a reflection of the Divine

Nature is held in high regard. Bahá’u’lláh states that the contemplation of nature creates an awareness of the “signs” and “tokens” of God and constitutes proof of His existence. Thus:

“...whatever I behold I readily discover that it maketh Thee known unto me, and it remindeth me of Thy signs, and of Thy tokens, and of Thy testimonies. By Thy glory! Every time I lift up mine eyes unto Thy heaven, I call to mind Thy highness and Thy loftiness, and Thine incomparable glory and greatness; and every time I turn my gaze to Thine earth, I am made to recognize the evidences of Thy power and the tokens of Thy bounty. And when I behold the sea, I find that it speaketh to me of Thy majesty, and of the potency of Thy might, and of Thy sovereignty and Thy grandeur. And at whatever time I contemplate the mountains, I am led to discover the ensigns of Thy victory and the standards of Thine omnipotence.”

Nature reflects the “names and attributes of God.” It is the expression of “God’s Will...in the contingent world.” Bahá’u’lláh writes:

“Say: Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator. Its manifestations are diversified by varying causes, and in this diversity there are signs for men of discernment. Nature is God’s Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world. It is a dispensation of Providence ordained by the Ordainer, the All-Wise.”

1.2 The earth one country

Bahá’u’lláh expounds a world view which acknowledges that “the earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens” and He calls for the promotion of “the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá draws attention to the increasing interdependence of the world and the fact that “self-sufficiency” is no longer possible. He envisages that the trend toward a united world will increase and will manifest itself in the form of “unity of thought in world undertakings” and in other important realms of existence. One critical area for unified action is that of preserving the resources of the planet.

1.3 Man’s station and responsibility

‘Abdu’l-Bahá indicates that man, “by reason of the ideal and heavenly forces latent and manifest in him,” occupies a station that is “higher and nobler” than nature, that “man is ruler over nature’s sphere and province.”

“It is evident, therefore, that man is ruler over nature’s sphere and province. Nature is inert; man is progressive. Nature has no consciousness; man is endowed with it. Nature is without volition and acts perforce, whereas man possesses a mighty will. Nature is incapable of discovering mysteries or realities, whereas man is especially fitted to do so. Nature is not in touch with the realm of God; man is attuned to its evidences. Nature is uninformed of God; man is conscious of Him. Man acquires divine virtues; nature is denied them. Man can voluntarily discontinue vices; nature has no power to modify the influence of its instincts. Altogether it is evident that man is more noble and superior, that in him there is an ideal power surpassing nature. He has consciousness, volition, memory, intelligent power, divine attributes and virtues of which nature is completely deprived and bereft; therefore, man is higher and nobler by reason of the ideal and heavenly force latent and manifest in him.” 14

Man, possessed of an inner faculty which plants and animals do not have, a power which enables him to discover the secrets of nature and gain mastery over the environment, has a special responsibility to use his God-given powers for positive ends. The Universal House of Justice indicates that “the proper exercise of this responsibility is the key to whether his inventive genius produces beneficial results, or creates havoc in the material world.” 15

1.4 Approach toward the physical world—interaction of spiritual and material

‘Abdu’l-Bahá stresses that the development of the physical world and the happiness of mankind are dependent on both the “call of civilization, of the progress of the material world” and the “soul-stirring call of God, Whose spiritual teachings are safeguards of the everlasting glory, the eternal happiness and illumination of the world of humanity.” He states:

“However, until material achievements, physical accomplishments and human virtues are reinforced by spiritual perfections, luminous qualities and characteristics of mercy, no fruit or result shall issue therefrom, nor will the happiness of the world of humanity, which is the ultimate aim, be attained. For although, on the one hand, material achievements and the development of the physical world produce prosperity, which exquisitely manifests its intended aims, on the other hand dangers, severe calamities and violent afflictions are imminent.

“Consequently, when thou lookest at the orderly patterns of kingdoms, cities and villages, with the attractiveness of their adornments, the freshness of their natural resources, the refinement of their appliances, the ease of their means of travel, the extent of knowledge available about the world of nature, the great inventions, the colossal enterprises, the noble discoveries and scientific researches, thou wouldst conclude that civilization conduceth to the happiness and the progress of the human world. Yet shouldst thou turn thine eye to the discovery of destructive and infernal machines, to the development of forces of demolition and the invention of fiery implements, which uproot the tree of life, it would become evident and manifest unto thee that civilization is conjoined with barbarism. Progress and barbarism go hand in hand, unless material civilization be confirmed by Divine Guidance, by the revelations of the All-Merciful and by godly virtues, and be reinforced by spiritual conduct, by the ideals of the Kingdom and by the outpourings of the Realm of Might...

“Therefore, this civilization and material progress should be combined with the Most Great Guidance so that this nether world may become the scene of the appearance of the bestowals of the Kingdom, and physical achievements may be conjoined with the effulgences of the Merciful. This in order that the beauty and perfection of the world of man may be unveiled and be manifested before all in the utmost grace and splendor. Thus everlasting glory and happiness shall be revealed.”

Bahá’u’lláh describes the fate of those whose lives demonstrate a heedlessness of spiritual values and a failure to act in conformity with such values. He comments:

...ye walk on My earth complacent and self-satisfied, heedless that My earth is weary of you and everything within it shunneth you....

Shoghi Effendi asserts that man’s negligence contributes to the decline of the “present-day Order” and impacts on the environment in a practical way:

“The violent derangement of the world’s equilibrium; the trembling that will seize the limbs of mankind; the radical transformation of human society; the rolling up of the present-day Order; the fundamental changes affecting the structure of government;... the development of infernal engines of war; the burning of cities; the contamination of the atmosphere of the earth—these stand out as the signs and portents that must either herald or accompany the retributive calamity which, as decreed by Him Who is the Judge and Redeemer of mankind, must, sooner or later, afflict a society which, for the most part, and for over a century, has turned a deaf ear to the Voice of God’s Messenger in this day—a calamity which must purge the human race of the dross of its age-long corruptions, and weld its component parts into a firmly knit world-embracing Fellowship—a Fellowship destined, in the fullness of time, to be incorporated in the framework, and to be galvanized by the spiritualizing influences, of a mysteriously expanding, divinely appointed Order, and to flower, in the course of future Dispensations, into a Civilization, the like of which mankind has, at no stage in its evolution, witnessed.” 21

2. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MAN AND NATURE

The relationship between man and nature is very complex. An appreciation of the dimensions of this subject requires consideration of some of the characteristics of nature described in the Bahá’í Writings and an awareness of certain values and attitudes that guide individual behavior and the establishment of priorities.

2.1.1 A unified system

‘Abdu’l-Bahá indicates that the “temple of the world” has been “fashioned after the image and likeness of the human body.” He explains that:

“By this is meant that even as the human body in this world, which is outwardly composed of different limbs and organs, is in reality a closely integrated, coherent entity, similarly the structure of the physical world is like unto a single being whose limbs and members are inseparably linked together.

“Were one to observe with an eye that discovereth the realities of all things, it would become clear that the greatest relationship that bindeth the world of being together lieth in the range of created things themselves, and that co-operation, mutual aid and reciprocity are essential characteristics in the unified body of the world of being, inasmuch as all created things are closely related together and each is influenced by the other or deriveth benefit therefrom, either directly or indirectly.

“Consider for instance how one group of created things constituteth the vegetable kingdom, and another is the animal kingdom. Each of these two maketh use of certain elements in the air on which its own life dependeth, while each increaseth the quantity of such elements as are essential for the life of the other. In other words, the growth and development of the vegetable world is impossible without the existence of the animal kingdom, and the maintenance of animal life is inconceivable without the co-operation of the vegetable kingdom. Of like kind are the relationships that exist among all created things. Hence it was stated that co-operation and reciprocity are essential properties which are inherent in the unified system of the world of existence, and without which the entire creation would be reduced to nothingness. 24

In another passage ‘Abdu’l-Bahá describes the interconnectedness of “every part of the universe” 25 [Page 10]angels in the highest heavens, announcing the glad-tidings of the approach of that spiritual spring, and the sweet music of their voices is causing the real essence of all things to move and quiver." 13

and the importance of maintaining balance in the system:

"Reflect upon the inner realities of the universe, the secret wisdoms involved, the enigmas, the interrelationships, the rules that govern all. For every part of the universe is connected with every other part by ties that are very powerful and admit of no imbalance, nor any slackening whatever...."

2.1.2 Subject to law and organization

‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that "The phenomenal world is entirely subject to the rule and control of natural law." He contrasts nature's "absolute organization" and its lack of "intelligence" and "will" with man's ability to "(command) the forces of Nature" through discovery of "the constitution of things".

"This Nature is subjected to an absolute organization, to determined laws, to a complete order and a finished design, from which it will never depart—to such a degree, indeed, that if you look carefully and with keen sight, from the smallest invisible atom up to such large bodies of the world of existence as the globe of the sun or the other great stars and luminous spheres, whether you regard their arrangement, their composition, their form or their movement, you will find that all are in the highest degree of organization and are under one law from which they will never depart.

"But when you look at Nature itself, you see that it has no intelligence, no will. For instance, the nature of fire is to burn; it burns without will or intelligence. The nature of water is fluidity; it flows without will or intelligence. The nature of the sun is radiance; it shines without will or intelligence. The nature of vapor is to ascend; it ascends without will or intelligence. Thus it is clear that the natural movements of all things are compelled; there are no voluntary movements except those of animals and, above all, those of man. Man is able to resist and to oppose Nature because he discovers the constitution of things, and through this he commands the forces of Nature; all the inventions he has made are due to his discovery of the constitution of things. For example, he invented the telegraph, which is the means of communication between the East and the West. It is evident, then, that man rules over Nature.

"Now, when you behold in existence such organizations, arrangements and laws, can you say that all these are the effect of Nature, though Nature has neither intelligence nor perception? If not, it becomes evident that this Nature, which has neither perception nor intelligence, is in the grasp of Almighty God, Who is the Ruler of the world of Nature; whatever He wishes, He causes Nature to manifest."

2.1.3 Change and motion

Change is a law governing the whole of physical creation. It is seen in the passage of the seasons. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá writes:

"The earth is in motion and growth; the mountains, hills and prairies are green and pleasant; the bounty is overflowing; the mercy universal; the rain is descending from the cloud of mercy; the brilliant Sun is shining; the full moon is ornamenting the horizon of ether; the great ocean-tide is flooding every little stream; the gifts are successive; the favors consecutive; and the refreshing breeze is blowing, wafting the fragrant perfume of the blossoms. Boundless treasure is in the hand of the King of Kings! Lift the hem of thy garment in order to receive it."

"Soon the whole world, as in springtime, will change its garb. The turning and falling of the autumn leaves is past; the bleakness of the winter time is over. The new year hath appeared and the spiritual springtime is at hand. The black earth is becoming a verdant garden; the deserts and mountains are teeming with red flowers; from the borders of the wilderness the tall grasses are standing like advance guards before the cypress and jessamine trees; while the birds are singing among the rose branches like the angels in the highest heavens, announcing the glad-tidings of the approach of that spiritual spring, and the sweet music of their voices is causing the real essence of all things to move and quiver." 13

‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that "absolute repose does not exist in nature," that "movement is essential to existence." In relation to existence He describes the processes of "composition and decomposition":

"...consider the phenomenon of composition and decomposition, of existence and non-existence. Every created thing in the contingent world is made up of many and varied atoms, and its existence is dependent on the composition of these. In other words, through the divine creative power a conjunction of simple elements taketh place so that from this composition a distinct organism is produced. The existence of all things is based upon this principle. But when the order is deranged, decomposition is produced and disintegration setteth in, then that thing ceaseth to exist. That is, annihilation of all things is caused by decomposition and disintegration. Therefore attraction and composition between the various elements is the means of life, and discord, decomposition and division produce death. Thus the cohesive and attractive forces in all things lead to the appearance of fruitful results and effects, while estrangement and alienation of things lead to disturbance and annihilation. Through affinity and attraction all living things like plants, animals and men come into existence, while division and discord bring about decomposition and destruction."

He also explains that, in the physical world, the course of evolution is in the direction of increasing levels of complexity:

"In the physical creation, evolution is from one degree of perfection to another. The mineral passes with its mineral perfections to the vegetable; the vegetable, with its perfections, passes to the animal world, and so on to that of humanity..."

2.1.4 Diversity

‘Abdu’l-Bahá describes diversity as "the essence of perfection and the cause of the appearance of the bestowals" of God, and He states:

"Consider the flowers of a garden: though differing in kind, color, form and shape, yet, inasmuch as they are refreshed by the waters of one spring, revived by the breath of one wind, invigorated by the rays of one sun, this diversity increaseth their charm, and addeth unto their beauty. Thus when that unifying force, the penetrating influence of the Word of God, taketh effect, the difference of customs, manners, habits, ideas, opinions and dispositions embellisheth the world of humanity. This diversity, this difference is like the naturally created dissimilarity and variety of the limbs and organs of the human body, for each one contributeth to the beauty, efficiency and perfection of the whole. . . .

"How unpleasing to the eye if all the flowers and plants, the leaves and blossoms, the fruits, the branches and the trees of that garden were all of the same shape and color! Diversity of hues, form and shape, enricheth and adorneth the garden, and heighteneth the effect thereof...."

The extent of the diversity of the "world of created beings" is underlined in the following passage:

"...the forms and organisms of phenomenal being and existence in each of the kingdoms of the universe are myriad and numberless. The vegetable plane or kingdom, for instance, has its infinite variety of types and material structures of plant life—each distinct and different within itself, no two exactly alike in composition and detail—for there are no repetitions in nature, and the augmentative virtue cannot be confined to any given image or shape. Each leaf has its own particular identity—so to speak, its own individuality as a leaf...."

2.1.5 Serves the human world

‘Abdu’l-Bahá describes the "causes and circumstances" of the "perfection" of the mineral, vegetable and animal worlds, and He distinguishes this from their "real prosperity" which conduces to the honor of the various kingdoms.

"The honor and exaltation of every existing being depends upon causes and circumstances.

"The excellency, the adornment and the perfection of the earth is to be verdant and fertile through the bounty of the clouds of springtime. Plants grow; flowers and fragrant herbs spring up; fruit-bearing trees become full of blossoms and bring forth fresh and new fruit. Gardens become beautiful, and meadows adorned; mountains and plains are clad in a green robe, and gardens, fields, villages and cities are decorated. This is the prosperity of the mineral world.

"The height of exaltation and the perfection of the vegetable world is that a tree should grow on the bank of a stream of fresh water, that a gentle breeze should blow on it, that the warmth of the sun should shine on it, that a gardener should attend to its cultivation, and that day by day it should develop and yield fruit. But its real prosperity is to progress into the animal and human world, and replace that which has been exhausted in the bodies of animals and men.

"The exaltation of the animal world is to possess perfect members, organs and powers, and to have all its needs supplied. This is its chief glory, its honor and exaltation. So the supreme happiness of an animal is to have possession of a green and fertile meadow, perfectly pure flowing water, and a lovely, verdant forest. If these things are provided for it, no greater prosperity can be imagined. For example, if a bird builds its nest in a green and fruitful forest, in a beautiful high place, upon a strong tree, and at the top of a lofty branch, and if it finds all it needs of seeds and water, this is its perfect prosperity.

"But real prosperity for the animal consists in passing from the animal world to the human world, like the microscopic beings that, through the water and air, enter into man and are assimilated, and replace that which has been consumed in his body. This is the great honor and prosperity for the animal world; no greater honor can be conceived for it."

2.1.6 Imperfection of nature

Two views of nature are contrasted—one which holds that the "world of nature is complete," and one which declares that it is "incomplete" because "it has need of intelligence and education." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that the "mineral, vegetable, animal and human worlds are all in need of an educator".

"The materialists hold to the opinion that the world of nature is complete. The divine philosophers declare that the world of nature is incomplete. There is a wide difference between the two. The materialists call attention to the perfection of nature, the sun, moon and stars, the trees in their adornment, the whole earth and the sea—even unimportant phenomena revealing the most perfect symmetry. The divine philosophers deny this seeming perfection and completeness in nature's kingdom, even though admitting the beauty of its scenes and aspects and acknowledging the irresistible cosmic forces which control the colossal suns and planets. They hold that while nature seems perfect, it is, nevertheless, imperfect because it has need of intelligence and education. In proof of this they say that man, though he be a very god in the realm of material creation, is himself in need of an educator. Man undeveloped by education is savage, animalistic, brutal. Laws and regulations, schools, colleges and universities have for their purpose the training of man and his uplift from the dark borderland of the animal kingdom...

When we consider existence, we see that the mineral, vegetable, animal and human worlds are all in need of an educator.

"If the earth is not cultivated, it becomes a jungle where useless weeds grow; but if a cultivator comes and tills the ground, it produces crops which nourish living creatures. It is evident, therefore, that the soil..." [Page 11]...needs the cultivation of the farmer. Consider the trees: if they remain without a cultivator, they will be fruitless, and without fruit they are useless; but if they receive the care of a gardener, these same barren trees become fruitful, and through cultivation, fertilization and engrafting the trees which had bitter fruits yield sweet fruits....

"The same is true with respect to animals: notice that when the animal is trained it becomes domestic, and also that man, if he is left without education, becomes bestial, and, moreover, if left under the rule of nature, becomes lower than an animal, whereas if he is educated he becomes an angel...." 54

2.2 Attitudes and values

The Bahá’í Writings articulate certain spiritual values and attitudes that guide the relationship of man toward nature. These include:

2.2.1 Appreciation

An awareness of the fact that the earth is the "source" 36 of man's "prosperity" 57 is tempered by the realization that "the honor and exaltation of man must be something more than material riches." 57 Thus:

"Every man of discernment, while walking upon the earth, feeleth indeed abashed, inasmuch as he is fully aware that the thing which is the source of his prosperity, his wealth, his might, his exaltation, his advancement and power is, as ordained by God, the very earth which is trodden beneath the feet of all men. There can be no doubt that whoever is cognizant of this truth, is cleansed and sanctified from all pride, arrogance, and vainglory...." 54

"What is it of which ye can rightly boast? Is it on your food and your drink that ye pride yourselves, on the riches ye lay up in your treasuries, on the diversity and the cost of the ornaments with which ye deck yourselves? If true glory were to consist in the possession of such perishable things, then the earth on which ye walk must needs vaunt itself over you, because it supplieth you, and bestoweth upon you, these very things, by the decree of the Almighty. In its bowels are contained, according to what God hath ordained, all that ye possess. From it, as a sign of His mercy, ye derive your riches. Behold then your state, the thing in which ye glory! Would that ye could perceive it!" 59

"Then it is clear that the honor and exaltation of man must be something more than material riches. Material comforts are only a branch, but the root of the exaltation of man is the good attributes and virtues which are the adornments of his reality. These are the divine appearances, the heavenly bounties, the sublime emotions, the love and knowledge of God; universal wisdom, intellectual perception, scientific discoveries, justice, equity, truthfulness, benevolence, natural courage and innate fortitude; the respect for rights and the keeping of agreements and covenants; rectitude in all circumstances; serving the truth under all conditions; the sacrifice of one's life for the good of all people; service in the Divine Kingdom; the guidance of the people, and the education of the nations and races. This is the prosperity of the human world! This is the exaltation of man in the world! This is eternal life and heavenly honor!" 60

2.2.2 Moderation

The Bahá’í Writings encourage detachment from "this world and the vanities thereof," since "attachment" distracts the individual from awareness of God. This does not, however, constitute a form of asceticism or imply a rejection of life's pleasures. Bahá’u’lláh explains:

"Should a man wish to adorn himself with the ornaments of the earth, to wear its apparels, or partake of the benefits it can bestow, no harm can befall him, if he alloweth nothing whatever to intervene between him and God, for God hath ordained every good thing, whether created in the heavens or in the earth, for such of His servants as truly believe in Him. Eat ye, O people, of the good things which God hath allowed you, and deprive not yourselves from His wondrous bounties. Render thanks and praise unto Him, and be of them that are truly thankful."

The standard is moderation:

"In all matters moderation is desirable. If a thing is carried to excess, it will prove a source of evil...."

2.2.3 Kindness to animals

Bahá’u’lláh calls for man to "show kindness to animals" 65 and He warns against "hunting to excess." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá writes:

"Briefly, it is not only their fellow human beings that the beloved of God must treat with mercy and compassion, rather must they show forth the utmost loving-kindness to every living creature. For in all physical respects, and where the animal spirit is concerned, the selfsame feelings are shared by animal and man. Man hath not grasped this truth, however, and he believeth that physical sensations are confined to human beings, wherefore is he unjust to the animals, and cruel.

"And yet in truth, what difference is there when it cometh to physical sensations? The feelings are one and the same, whether ye inflict pain on man or beast. There is no difference here whatever. And indeed ye do worse to harm an animal, for man hath a language, he can lodge a complaint, he can cry out and moan; if injured he can have recourse to the authorities and these will protect him from his aggressor. But the hapless beast is mute, able neither to express its hurt nor take its case to the authorities. If a man inflict a thousand ills upon a beast, it can neither ward him off with speech nor hale him into court. Therefore is it essential that ye show forth the utmost consideration to the animal, and that ye be even kinder to him than to your fellow-man.

"Train your children from their earliest days to be infinitely tender and loving to animals. If an animal be sick, let the children try to heal it, if it be hungry, let them feed it, if thirsty, let them quench its thirst, if weary, let them see that it rests.

"Most human beings are sinners, but the beasts are innocent. Surely those without sin should receive the utmost kindness and love—all except animals which are harmful.... But to blessed animals the utmost kindness must be shown, the more the better. Tenderness and loving-kindness are basic principles of God's heavenly Kingdom. Ye should most carefully bear this matter in mind." 7

The Bahá’í Writings also assert that the consumption of meat is not a prerequisite to health:

"Regarding the eating of animal flesh and abstinence therefrom, . . . he (man) is not in need of meat, nor is he obliged to eat it. Even without eating meat he would live with the utmost vigor and energy.... Truly, the killing of animals and the eating of their meat is somewhat contrary to pity and compassion, and if one can content oneself with cereals, fruit, oil and nuts, such as pistachios, almonds and so on, it would undoubtedly be better and more pleasing."

2.2.4 Development of nature

In the Bahá’í view, physical creation is dynamic and evolving from "one degree of perfection to another." It is, however, "incomplete," since it lacks "intelligence and education." It stands in need of development by man in order to create not only a higher degree of order and beauty, which are standards upheld in the Bahá’í teachings, but also to increase its fertility and productivity. In relation to the creation of order and beauty in the realm of nature ‘Abdu’l-Bahá writes:

"Nature is the material world. When we look upon it, we see that it is dark and imperfect. For instance, if we allow a piece of land to remain in its natural condition, we will find it covered with thorns and thistles; useless weeds and wild vegetation will flourish upon it, and it will become like a jungle. The trees will be fruitless, lacking beauty and symmetry..." 7

"And if, as thou passest by fields and plantations, thou observest that the plants, flowers and sweet-smelling herbs are growing luxuriantly together, forming a pattern of unity, this is an evidence of the fact that that plantation and garden is flourishing under the care of a skillful gardener. But when thou seest it in a state of disorder and irregularity thou inferrest that it hath lacked the training of an efficient farmer and thus hath produced weeds and tares."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá also mentions the contribution of cultivation as a means of increasing the fertility of the earth and its productivity. He states:

"If we should relegate this plot of ground to its normal state, allow it to return to its original condition, it will become a field of thorns and useless weeds, but by cultivation it will become fertile soil, yielding a harvest. Deprived of cultivation, the mountain slopes would be jungles and forests without fruitful trees. The gardens bring forth fruits and flowers in proportion to the care and tillage bestowed upon them by the gardener.. 76

"A grain of wheat, when cultivated by the farmer, will yield a whole harvest, and a seed, through the gardener's care, will grow into a great tree...

While the world of nature stands in need of development, man's approach to such development must be tempered by moderation, a commitment to protecting the "heritage (of) future generations," and an awareness of the sanctity of nature that pervades the Writings of the Bahá’í Faith. For example, Bahá’u’lláh states:

"Blessed is the spot, and the house, and the place, and the city, and the heart, and the mountain, and the refuge, and the cave, and the valley, and the land, and the sea, and the island, and the meadow where mention of God hath been made, and His praise glorified." 77

2.2.5 Importance of agriculture

Bahá’u’lláh states that "Special regard must be paid to agriculture." He characterizes it as an activity which is "conducive to the advancement of mankind and to the reconstruction of the world."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá asserts that "The fundamental basis of the community is agriculture,—tillage of the soil... 30

He describes agriculture as "a noble science" whose practice is an "act of worship," and He encourages both women and men to engage in "agricultural sciences." He indicates that should an individual "become proficient in this field, he will become a means of providing for the comfort of untold numbers of people."

In relation to the economic and social development of the nations, the Universal House of Justice underlines the importance of "agriculture and the preservation of the ecological balance of the world."

2.2.6 Use of science

Science is described as "the governor of nature and its mysteries, the one agency by which man explores the institutions of material creation":

"...man through the exercise of his scientific, intellectual power... can modify, change and control nature according to his own wishes and uses. Science, so to speak, is the breaker of the laws of nature.

"Consider, for example, that man according to natural law should dwell upon the surface of the earth. By overcoming this law and restriction, however, he sails in ships over the ocean, mounts to the zenith in airplanes and sinks to the depths of the sea in submarines. This is against the fiat of nature and a violation of her sovereignty and dominion. Nature's laws and methods, the hidden secrets and mysteries of the universe, human inventions and discoveries, all our scientific acquisitions should naturally remain concealed and unknown, but man through his intellectual acumen searches them out of the plane of the invisible, draws them into the plane of the visible, [Page 12]exposes and explains them. For instance, one of the mysteries of nature is electricity. According to nature this force, this energy, should remain latent and hidden, but man scientificall breaks through the very laws of nature, arrests it and even imprisons it for his use.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá links scientific endeavor with the implementation of a noble goal. He states:

"In brief, man through the possession of this ideal endowment of scientific investigation is the most noble product of creation, the governor of nature.

"This endowment is the most praiseworthy power of man, for through its employment and exercise the betterment of the human race is accomplished, the development of the virtues of mankind is made possible and the spirit and mysteries of God become manifest."

And He enumerates the general principle that "...any agency whatever, though it be the instrument of mankind's greatest good, is capable of misuse. Its proper use or abuse depends on the varying degrees of enlightenment, capacity, faith, honesty, devotion and highmindedness of the leaders of public opinion."

3. PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

A number of issues pertinent to the protection of the environment are addressed in the Writings of the Bahá’í Faith. Several of these are set out below.

3.1 Preservation of resources

Shoghi Effendi links the preservation and reclamation of the earth's resources with both the "protection (of the) physical world and (the) heritage (of) future generations." He affirms that the work of such groups as the Men of the Trees and the World Forestry Charter is "essentially humanitarian," and he applauds their "noble objective" of reclaiming the "desert areas (of) Africa."

It is interesting to note that among the "powers and duties" of the Universal House of Justice are "the advancement and betterment of the world" and "the development of countries."

3.2 Control of natural resources

The Bahá’í Writings envisage that the protection, exploration and exploitation of the earth's "unimaginably vast resources" must, inevitably, in the long term, come under the jurisdiction of a "world federal system." Such a system, based on recognition of the "unity of the human race," will not only exercise "unchallengeable authority" over the earth's resources, but will also ensure economic and social justice. Shoghi Effendi writes:

"The unity of the human race, as envisaged by Bahá’u’lláh, implies the establishment of a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and classes are closely and permanently united, and in which the autonomy of its state members and the personal freedom and initiative of the individuals that compose them are definitely and completely safeguarded. . . . In such a world society, science and religion, the two most potent forces in human life, will be reconciled, will cooperate, and will harmoniously develop. . . . The economic resources of the world will be organized, its sources of raw materials will be tapped and fully utilized, its markets will be coordinated and developed, and the distribution of its products will be equitably regulated.

"National rivalries, hatreds and intrigues will cease, and racial animosity and prejudice will be replaced by racial amity, understanding and cooperation. The causes of religious strife will be permanently removed, economic barriers and restrictions will be completely abolished, and the inordinate distinction between classes will be obliterated. Destitution on the one hand, and gross accumulation of ownership on the other, will disappear. The enormous energy dissipated and wasted on war, whether economic or political, will be consecrated to such ends as will extend the range of human inventions and technical development, to the increase of the productivity of mankind, to the extermination of disease, to the extension of scientific research, to the raising of the standard of physical health, to the sharpening and refinement of the human brain, to the exploitation of the unused and unsuspected resources of the planet, to the prolongation of human life, and to the furtherance of any other agency that can stimulate the intellectual, the moral, and spiritual life of the entire human race.

"A world federal system, ruling the whole earth and exercising unchallengeable authority over its unimaginably vast resources, blending and embodying the ideals of both the East and the West, liberated from the curse of war and its miseries, and bent on the exploitation of all the available sources of energy on the surface of the planet, a system in which Force is made the servant of Justice, whose life is sustained by its universal recognition of one God and by its allegiance to one common Revelation—such is the goal toward which humanity, impelled by the unifying forces of life, is moving."

"In brief, man through the possession of this Ideal endowment of scientific Investigation is the most noble product of creation, the governor of nature."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

3.3 Approaches to protecting the environment

The conservation and protection of the environment must be addressed on the individual and societal levels. Shoghi Effendi, in a letter written on his behalf, states:

"We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment outside us and say that once one of these is reformed everything will be improved. Man is organic with the world. His inner life moulds the environment and is itself also deeply affected by it. The one acts upon the other and every abiding change in the life of man is the result of these mutual reactions.

"No movement in the world directs its attention upon both these aspects of human life and has full measures for their improvement, save the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. And this is its distinctive feature. If we desire therefore the good of the world we should strive to spread those teachings and also practice them in our own life. Through them will the human heart be changed, and also our social environment provides the atmosphere in which we can grow spiritually and reflect in full the light of God shining through the revelation of Bahá’u’lláh."

And, with regard to the solution of the world's problems, he indicates that:

"We need a change of heart, a reframing of all our conceptions and a new orientation of our activities. The inward life of man as well as his outward environment have to be reshaped if human salvation is to be secured."

On a governmental level, the Universal House of Justice calls for "global cooperation of the family of nations in devising and adopting measures designed to preserve the ecological balance this earth was given by its Creator." The House of Justice asserts:

"Until such time as the nations of the world understand and follow the admonitions of Bahá’u’lláh to wholeheartedly work together in looking after the best interests of all humankind, and unite in the search for ways and means to meet the many environmental problems besetting our planet, the House of Justice feels that little progress will be made toward their solution..."

The Universal House of Justice sets out the role of the individual Bahá’í and of Bahá’í communities in relation to saving "the wildlife and natural condition of the world" as follows:

"...the best way in which you can help save the wildlife and natural condition of the world is to exert every effort to bring the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the attention of your fellow-men and to win their allegiance to His Cause.

"As the hearts of men are changed, and they begin to work in unity in the light of Bahá’u’lláh's teachings, they can begin to implement many practical improvements to the condition of the world. This is already beginning in the efforts at social and economic development in those areas where large Bahá’í communities have been founded. Of course, you can also assist those with whom you come into contact who have an interest in improving the environment, but the fundamental solution is the one that Bahá’u’lláh has brought."

In addition to addressing the issue on a fundamental spiritual level, collaboration with individuals and groups interested in improving the environment is encouraged. The Bahá’í communities are called upon to make the conservation of the environment an integral part of their ongoing activities by "...assisting in endeavors to conserve the environment in ways which blend with the rhythm of life of our community."

4. PROSPECT FOR THE FUTURE

‘Abdu’l-Bahá sketches the following picture of the future state of life on earth:

"The Lord of all mankind hath fashioned this human realm to be a Garden of Eden, an earthly paradise. If, as it must, it findeth the way to harmony and peace, to love and mutual trust, it will become a true abode of bliss, a place of manifold blessings and unending delights. Therein shall be revealed the excellence of humankind, therein shall the rays of the Sun of Truth shine forth on every hand."

REFERENCES

1. Bahá’u’lláh, Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1987), se CLXXVI, p. 272. 2. ibid. 3. ibid. 4. Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1984), sec. XC, p. 178. 5. Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed after the Kitdb--Agdas, rev. ed. (Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1982), p. 142. 6. Ibid. 7. Gleanings, sec. CXVII, p. 250. 8. ibid. 9. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, rev. ed. (Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1982), sec. 15, p. 32. 10. ibid. 11. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912, 2d. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1982), p. 178. 12. ibid. 13. ibid. 14. ibid. 15. The Universal House of Justice, from a letter dated May 19, 1971, written on its behalf to an individual believer. 16. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sec. 225, p. 283. 17. ibid. 18. ibid., sec. 225, pp. 283-85. 19. Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1985), Persian no. 20, pp. 28-29. 20. Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated April 1957, published in Messages to the Bahá’í World 1950-1957 (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1971), p. 103. 21. ibid. 22. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from a Tablet translated from the Persian. 23. ibid. 24. ibid. 25. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sec. 137, p. 157. 26. ibid. 27. The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 17. 28. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1985), p. 3. 29. ibid. 30. ibid. 31. ibid. 32. ibid., pp. 3-4. 33. ibid. 34. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of Abdul-Baha Abbas, vol. III (Chicago: Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 1930), p. 641. 35. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of Abdul-Baha Abbas, vol. II (Chicago: Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 1940), pp. 318-19. [Page 13]

References

36. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks: Addresses Given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912, 10th ed. (London: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1979), p. 88.

37. ibid., p. 89.

38. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sec. 225, p. 289.

39. ibid., pp. 289-90.

40. Paris Talks, p. 66.

41. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sec. 225, p. 291.

42. ibid.

43. Paris Talks, p. 51.

44. The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 285.

45. Some Answered Questions, p. 78.

46. ibid.

47. ibid.

48. ibid., pp. 78-79.

49. The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 329.

50. ibid.

51. ibid.

52. Some Answered Questions, p. 7.

53. The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 329.

54. Some Answered Questions, p. 7.

55. Bahá’u’lláh, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1979), p. 44.

56. ibid.

57. Some Answered Questions, p. 79.

58. Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 44.

59. Gleanings, sec. CXVIII, pp. 252-53.

60. Some Answered Questions, pp. 79-80.

61. Gleanings, sec. CXXVIII, p. 276.

62. ibid.

63. ibid.

64. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 69.

65. Gleanings, sec. CXXV, p. 265.

66. The Universal House of Justice, A Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book of Bahá’u’lláh, 1st ed. (Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1973), note 34, p. 63.

67. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sec. 138, pp. 158-60.

68. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from a Tablet translated from the Persian.

69. Paris Talks, p. 66.

70. The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 329.

71. ibid.

72. ibid., p. 308.

73. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sec. 225, p. 290.

74. The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 353.

75. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sec. 104, p. 132.

76. Shoghi Effendi, from a cable dated May 23, 1951, to the New Earth Luncheon, London, U.K.

77. Bahá’u’lláh, in Bahá’í Prayers: A Selection of Prayers Revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1985 ed. (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1985), frontispiece.

78. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 90.

79. ibid., p. 89.

80. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in "Star of the West," vol. 4, no. 6 (June 24, 1913), p. 103.

81. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from a Tablet translated from the Persian.

82. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sec. 126, p. 145.

83. ibid., and The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 283.

84. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from a Tablet translated from the Persian.

85. The Universal House of Justice, Department of the Secretariat, from a letter dated March 31, 1985, to an Association for Bahá’í Studies.

Family Reunion Tapestry

This tapestry, Family Reunion, New Mexico Style,’ was created by Vickie Hu Poirier, a Bahá’í from Las Cruces, New Mexico. The 6 by 12-foot appliqued, beaded and embroidered tapestry was unveiled last July at the city's Branigan Cultural Center and was hung the following month at the International Women's Conference in Dallas and the National Business and Professional Women's Conference in Albuquerque. Articles about the tapestry, each of which mentions its theme in connection with the Bahá’í belief in the oneness of mankind, have appeared in all the local newspapers in Las Cruces.

Boulder City Council

On October 13, Auxiliary Board member Carol Brooks (left), representing the Bahá’ís of Boulder, Colorado, presented a 10-minute televised talk on racism and its solutions at a meeting of the Boulder city council attended by about 300 people representing 40 groups in that area who are concerned about the problem of racism. In offering the Bahá’í view of racism and its solutions, Ms. Brooks quoted extensively from ‘The Promise of World Peace.’ Afterward, the Bahá’ís were asked to prepare a written statement of their views.

References (Continued)

86. The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 29.

87. ibid., p. 30.

88. ibid., p. 31.

89. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Secret of Divine Civilization, 2nd ed. (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1983), p. 16.

90. Shoghi Effendi, from a cable dated May 23, 1951, to the New Earth Luncheon, London, U.K.

91. Shoghi Effendi, from a cable dated May 21, 1956, to the World Forestry Charter Luncheon, London, U.K.

92. ibid.

93. Shoghi Effendi, from a cable dated May 22, 1957, to the World Forestry Charter Luncheon, London, U.K.

94. The Universal House of Justice, "The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice" (Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1972), p. 5.

95. ibid.

96. ibid.

97. Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated March 11, 1936, published in The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh: Selected Letters, rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1982), p. 204.

98. ibid.

99. ibid., p. 203.

100. ibid., p. 204.

101. ibid., pp. 203-4.

102. Secretary to Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated February 17, 1933, to an individual believer.

104. The Universal House of Justice, Department of the Secretariat, from a letter dated October 18, 1981, to an individual believer.

105. ibid.

106. The Universal House of Justice, Department of the Secretariat, from a letter dated June 14, 1984, to an individual believer.

107. ibid.

108. The Universal House of Justice, from the 1989 Ridván message to the Bahá’ís of the world.

109. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sec 220, p. 275.

‘The Promise of World Peace’ Booth

‘The Promise of World Peace’ was the theme of a Bahá’í booth sponsored by the Greater Peoria (Illinois) Bahá’í Teaching Committee which was set up last June 23-25 at Peoria's Northwoods Mall. Shown manning the booth are Chuck Mouldenhauer (left) of East Peoria and Tom Smith of Medina Township.

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Boulder Youth Fireside

Pictured at a party and fireside last September 16 in Boulder, Colorado, are Bahá’í youth and their guests. The Bahá’ís planned the party as a follow-up to a public meeting on racism, inviting young people from local high schools who had expressed an interest in racism and its solutions. [Page 14]

Excellence in all things...

"Make ye then a mighty effort, that the purity and sanctity which, above all else, are cherished by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, shall distinguish the people of Bahd; that in every kind of excellence the people of God shall surpass all other human beings; that both outwardly and inwardly they shall prove superior to the rest; that for purity, immaculacy, refinement, and the preservation of health, they shall be leaders in the vanguard of those who know. And that by their freedom from enslavement, their knowledge, their self-control, they shall be first among the pure, the free and the wise." (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, p. 150)

Michael Fitzgerald, a Bahá’í from Winchester, Virginia, was nominated for the 1989 Pulitzer Prize in poetry for his book, Living the Boundaries. Mr. Fitzgerald, who teaches creative writing at Shenandoah College and studied writing at the famed Iowa Writers' Workshop, is a member of the Academy of American Poets whose third book of verse, "New World Suite," will be published this year by Northwoods Press. "All my poetry," he says, "is undergirded by Bahá’í values. I hope to work with the materials of the self and the world within that framework."

Dr. Manucher Javid, a Bahá’í who is chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, recently received the Distinguished Alumnus Award on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of neurosurgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Dr. Javid, who completed his residency at Massachusetts General in 1952, was cited for introducing a drug in the mid-1950s that significantly reduces brain pressure during surgery, considered a major breakthrough in brain operations. For his many accomplishments in the field of neurosurgery, Dr. Javid was elected in 1980 to the Xerion Honor Society, a mark of esteem bestowed on only 15 other neurosurgeons worldwide.

Farrokh Sabeti, a Bahá’í from Dearborn, Michigan, is one of 22 recipients of the 1989 Arch T. Colwell Merit Award, given annually to recognize excellence of content and presentation of a technical paper in any field covered by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Mr. Sabeti was honored for his paper, "Analytical Optimization of Chassis Components for Reduction of Vehicle Sound and Vibration," presented at SAE's Vehicle Structural Mechanics Conference. He co-authored the paper with David L. Flanigan and Lung-Hsiang Wu.

Chris Lee, a Bahá’í from Brown County, Indiana, has been honored with an award from the Governor's Conference for Persons With Disabilities for his play, "Always a Chance for Change," written to promote awareness and acceptance of the disabled. Although severely handicapped himself by cerebral palsy, Mr. Lee has written several plays and scripts including "The Camel Who Wanted to Dump the Hump," a story relating to scoliosis (curvature of the spine), a condition that afflicts Mr. Lee. He is unable to use his hands or arms, and composes on a computer keyboard adapted to respond to the clicking of his tongue.

Jessica Schmidt, a Bahá’í from Brunswick, Georgia, is one of four students in Glynn County to be named 1989 Georgia Scholars. The program recognizes graduating seniors in Georgia high schools who exhibit excellence in all phases of school life, community activities, and the home. Georgia Scholars are eligible to receive Governor's scholarships of $1,461 for each of four years' attendance at any of the state's public or private colleges or universities. Miss Schmidt, an honor graduate, was one of two STAR Students in the county schools and was a National Merit Scholarship Program finalist.

Scott Elliot Tyler, a Bahá’í of Makah Indian descent, was graduated last June from the University of Washington School of Medicine. He is the first American Indian from western Washington state to be accepted into the university's School of Medicine and the first Makah Indian to receive the degree of Doctor of Medicine.

Donnalee S. Blaine, a member of the Bahá’í community of New Castle County, Delaware, was recently named a Community Builder of the Year by the Delaware region of the National Conference of Christians and Jews. Mrs. Blaine, who is a member of the Spiritual Assembly and serves as coordinator of its international refugee placement program, was honored for her coordination of the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Services and for her work in prejudice-reduction programs in the local public schools.

Martha Ann Carlton, a Bahá’í who is studying psychology, was graduated with honors last June from the University of Southern Colorado. She won at least six awards for excellence in academics and research, was named USC's psychology student of the year, and presented research papers at the Western States Psychology Conference in Reno, Nevada.

Eshragh (Rocky) Salim, a Bahá’l who is a senior at Stillwater (Oklahoma) High School, recently won a two-week trip to Washington, D.C., as one of 53 state winners in the Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour Contest sponsored by the Central Rural Electric Cooperative. The youngsters toured the White House, had breakfast with the Oklahoma Congressional delegation, visited the Senate and House chambers, and attended a dinner-dance with more than 1,600 winners from across the country.

David Thompson, a Bahá’í who is a senior at Williamsville East High School in East Amherst, Massachusetts, was among 350 outstanding students from across the country chosen to take part in the 1989 Congressional Youth Leadership Council National Young Leaders Conference, held last October in Washington, D.C.

Metro Denver's UACT (Unified Action Campaign for Teaching) helped three suburban communities—Golden, Arvada and Lakewood—with parade entries last August and September. The two signs in the picture were carried along with 'One Planet, One People... Please balloons which were given out along the parade routes. An estimated 35,000 people were at the three parades.

Letters

We have the image of "carrying forward an ever-advancing civilization," but this is so broad that it is hard to use for purposes of teaching.

"Global self-government guided by God to establish the Most Great Peace" is a more narrowly focused image that I have found effective in talking about the aims and purposes of the Faith, and I offer it to the friends for whatever benefits it may bring to them.

To really unpack this image and examine the various contexts in which it can be used would take more space than is available here. What is does for me, however, is provide a point of unity from which I can move in almost any direction, whether it be toward prophecy, theology, international law and relations, world peace, the psychology of the individual in a global village, "deeds, not words," the relation of religion to government and of God to the world, the role of consultation and communication, the role of Bahá’ís vis a vis the rest of society, the harmony of scientific inquiry and spiritual principle, and so on.

In short, it is a broad yet functional image that reflects a great deal of what the Faith is about. When coupled with accessory information, it enables me to talk to almost anyone from fundamentalist Christians to ardent Communists in a way that conveys to them the feeling that this Faith "means business" and is not simply a naïve human philosophy or a synthesis of former religions. It tells people what we Bahá’ís are trying to bring about in this world, allows us to explain how we are bringing it about, and, finally, it is an open invitation for them to delve into what motivates us to do so.

It tells them that there is something new, spiritually, in the world, that we Bahá’ís connect our efforts with God and the fulfillment of Messianic promise, and that every self is important in the global process of self-government.

In essence, it "opens up" communication with the world, whereas many of the ways we have talked about the Faith up to now, if analyzed at a deep level, seem to me only marginally effective in stimulating further conversation and creative engagement.

In our teaching, we need to present the Faith through images and messages that will release more energy into the community and relate the distant future to the immediate present—messages and images that have the capacity to empower the masses, that are relevant to the process of global life-support management, to the interests of vast millions of people in how we can govern ourselves together to bring about world peace, and to how religions and scientific inquiry must work together to improve the over-all human self-governing process.

Global self-government guided by God to establish the Most Great Peace is, to me, effective in doing these things.

John T. Dale Jr. Falls Church, Virginia

Herald of the South

To the Editor:

May I call the attention of the Bahá’f community once again to Herald of the South, a magazine of outstanding excellence.

Any non-Bahá’í receiving a subscription to Herald of the South is compelled by its quality, beauty and elegance to appreciate not only the magazine but the Bahá’í Faith which inspired it.

Unfortunately, the Herald is published only quarterly, and its subscription rate is fairly high, but inasmuch as each issue is a gem of uneclipsed brilliance—not something that can be glanced at briefly and then tossed—may I suggest that individual copies could be sent or given to seekers as part of the Six Year Plan to carry the Message to the generality of mankind?

Leonard D. Godwin Eugene, Oregon

Briefs

Bahá’ís interested in Traveling Teaching in Mexico, please contact: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: (312) 869-9039.

NBC and ABC newsman who presently heads a production company that is producing a documentary film on biomedical waste.

The other panelists were Gary Bledsoe, president of the Austin chapter of the NAACP; John Hanson, host of the nationally syndicated radio program "In Black America," and Dr. George C. Wright, the university's director of Afro-American Studies. The discussion was followed by a concert by the musical group "De Groove Factor."

The Spiritual Assembly of Monterey, California, used the occasion of the International Day of Peace (September 21) to hand out copies of the Universal House of Justice's peace statement at the local post office.

With the permission of the postmaster, they stood outside the post office for three hours that morning, explaining to local residents the significance of the Day of Peace and presenting more than 200 copies of "The Promise of World Peace" to those who expressed an interest in them.

Bahá’ís in Fort Worth, Texas, helped plan and took part in an interfaith Thanksgiving service of music, dance, poetry and song November 19 at Texas Christian University.

The planning committee has been chaired for the past two years by the Bahá’í representative, Nancy Dobbins.

Included on the program were American Indians and representatives of the Buddhist and Hindu religions. Fifteen adult choirs took part along with the Texas Boys' Choir.

The program was widely publicized in newspapers and on radio and television.

Teachers needed overseas

WORLDTEACH, a non-profit program of Harvard University's social service organization, the Phillips Brooks Association, is looking for graduating seniors and college graduates to teach in Kenya, China, Thailand, Costa Rica and other developing countries.

For more information, please write to the Office of Pioneering Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039. [Page 15]

Bahá’í Publishing Trust & Distribution Service Price List

‘Abdu’l-Bahá—color litho, 11" X 14", PP 8.00 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Centre of the Covenant, SC 16.25 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Ctr/Covenant, PC 14.80 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, HC 17.50 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, SC 6.50 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Master, HC 8.50 Achieving Peace by the Year 2000, SC 5.95 Acquiring Virtues—card game, GM 5.95 Ad Sicks—various subjects, PR .75 Address to Parents and Children, CS 8.00 Advent of Divine Justice, HC O/S Advent of Divine Justice, SC O/S All Flags Flying, HC 13.00 All Flags Flying, SC 8.95 All Things Made Now, HC 19.95 All Things Made New, SC 10.95 America’s Spiritual Destiny, SC 8.50 Ancient Beauty, CD 16.50 Ancient Beauty, CS 9.95 Another Song, Another Season, SC 2.00 Anthology for Bahá’í Children, SC 3.95 Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh, CS 8.00 Are You Happy?, CS O/S Ark of Destiny—Beta/VHS, VT 25.00 Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, SC 2.95 Atlanta Monthly Article—reprint, PR 3.00 Ayyám-i-Há, PC 1.80 Ayyám-i-Há Camel, SC 8.95

B

B. J. Language of the Woodland, SC 4.95 Bábí and Bahá’í Religions, HC 25.00 Bábí and Bahá’í Religions, SC 14.75 Bahá’í Calendar, PC 1.60 Bahá’í Consitn: Lamp/Guidance., SC 3.25 Bahá’í Datebook, 147 B.E., CA 3.50 Bahá’í Education—compilation, SC 4.95 Bahá’í Ed. for Peace /Cur Guide, Vol 1, HC 15.75 Bahá’í Ed. for Peace/Cur. Gde, Vol 2, HC 10.95 Bahá’í Faith—50/pkg, PA O/S Bahá’í Faith—10/pkg., PA 3.00 Bahá’í Faith in America: 1892-1900, HC 19.95 Bahá’í Faith and the Arts—100/pkg., PA 24.50 Bahá’í Faith and the Arts—10/pkg., PA 2.50 Bahá’í Faith: The Emerg. Global Rel., HC O/P Bahá’í Faith: /Emerg. Global Rel., SC 9.95 Bahá’í Faith introduction—Beta/VHS, VT 19.95 Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction—Faizi, SC 1.50 Bahá’í Faith and Marxism, SC 9.95 Bahá’í Faith—Perkins/Haynesworth, SC 3.95 Bahá’í Faith Presentat’n Fidr—Aus., FD 1.50 Bahá’í Faith Teaching Booklet, SC 1.00 Bahá’í Faith: Eyes/Young/Bahá’ís, VT 25.00 Bahá’í Faith Unites Minkd—100/pk, PA TBA Bahá’í Faith: Unity/Diversity, VT 25.00 Bahá’í Faith World Com—10/pkg., PA 2.75 Bahá’í Faith World Com—50/pkg, PA 10.50 Bahá’í Faith/World Rel. Stats—10/pkg., PA 8.00 Bahá’í Focus on Development, SC 6.50 Bahá’í Focus on Human Rights, SC 6.50 Bahá’í Focus on Peace, SC 5.00 Bahá’í: Follower of the Light, SC 3.95 Bahá’í Funds: Contrib/ Administration, SC 2.50 Bahá’í History Calendar, 1990, CA 6.00 Bahá’í Marriage/Family Life—comp, SC O/P Bahá’í Marriage Fam. Life Study Guide, SC 3.75 Bahá’í Peace Program—5pkg, PA 4.50 Bahá’í Pocket Cal. 147 B.E—10/pkg. CA 3.50 Bahá’í Prayers, HC 9.95 Bahá’í Prayers, SC 5.50 Bahá’í Prayers—British edition, HC 5.95 Bahá’í Prayers and Holy Writings, SC O/S Bahá’í Principles for Children, SC 2.50 Bahá’í Readings, SC 9.00 Bahá’í References to Judaism, etc., SC 14.95 Bahá’í Religion, SC 5.95 Bahá’í Ringstone—illuminated print, PP 5.00 Bahá’í School Lesson Plans, PC 22.50 Bahá’í Statement on Nature, SC 1.75 Bahá’í Studies 2: Science of Religion, SC 5.00 Bahá’í Studies 6: Violence-Free Society, CC 5.00 Bahá’í Studies 11: Concept/Spirituality, SC 5.00 Bahá’í Studies 12/13: Persecution, SC 5.00 Bahá’í Studies 15: Abiding Silence, SC 5.00 Bahá’í Studies 16: Bahá’í Faith: Sect or Rel., SC 4.00 Bahá’í Studies Notebook Mar/ Family, SC 7.50 Bahá’í Teachers Guide/Children, PC 44.60 Bahá’í Teachings (large print), SC 2.00 Bahá’í Wall Calendar, 147 B.E, CA 2.75 Bahá’í World: Volumes 1-12 (set), HC 335.00 Bahá’í World: Volume 1 (I), HC 14.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 2 (II), HC 20.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 3 (III), HC 20.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 4 (IV), HC 27.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 5 (V), HC 34.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 6 (VI), HC 33.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 7 (VII), HC O/P Bahá’í World: Volume 8 (VIII), HC 33.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 9 (IX), HC 33.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 10 (X), HC 32.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 11 (XI), HC 32.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 12 (XII), HC 33.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 13 (XIII), HC 27.00 Bahá’í World: Volume 14 (XIV), HC 16.00 Bahá’í World: Volume 15 (XV), HC 21.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 16 (XVI), HC 23.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 17 (XVII), HC 26.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 18 (XVIII), HC 40.00 Bahá’í Writings on Music, SC 3.50 Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, HC 13.50 Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, SC O/P Bahá’u’lláh/New Era—British ed., SC O/P Bahá’u’lláh/New Era/Study Gde., PC 4.00 Bahá’u’lláh: The Word Made Flesh, SC 6.25 Bahíyyih Khánum: Grtst. Holy Leaf, HC 19.95 Bahíyyih Khánum: Grtst. Holy Leaf, SC 10.50 Barley Bread and Reindeer Milk, CS O/S Basic Bahá’í Dictionary, HC 9.95 Basic Bahá’í Dictionary, SC 16.40 Basic Facts/Bahá’í Faith—100/pkg., PA 13.00 Basic Truth Series: Set 1-3/pkg. SC 8.95 Basic Truth Series: Set 2-3pkg., SC 8.95 Because We Love the Faith, CS 8.00 Becoming Your True Self—5pkg, PA 7.00 Being a Spiritual Revolutionary, CS 8.00 Beyond Disarmament, SC 1.50 Birth Announcements—10/pkg.CD 4.50 Blessed Is the Spot, HC 11.50 Blessed Is the Spot—Beta/VHS, VT 25.00 Blessed is the Spot/Lesns/Rever., PC 6.40 Blessings Beyond Measure, HC 13.50 Building the Arc: Adv./King, of God, CS 8.00 Building a Unified Community, PA 3.25 Burial Ring with silk pouch, JW 5.00

C

Call to the Nations, HC 6.95 Can You Sound Just Like Me?, CS 8.95 Carmel: Mountain of God, CS 8.00 Centers of Bahá’í Learning, SC 1.60 Chaste and Holy Life, SC 3.25 Children's Feast Packets-1-Spring 32.50 Children's Feast Packets-2-Sum'r 32.50 Children's Feast Packets-3-Fall 32.50 Children's Feast Packets-4-Winter 32.50 Children's Feast Pckts-19 mo. pckt. 114.00 Children's Prayer Scroll, PS O/S Children's Progs/Bahá’í Schl. Dirs., PC 6.00 CHIN/ENG: Hidden Words, HC 14.95 CHIN/ENG: Peace Scroll, PS O/S CHIN: Prayer Book, SC 4.95 CHIN/ENG: Purity My Heart, SC 3.00 Christ and Bahá’u’lláh, SC 4.95 Christian Century Article—reprint, PR .30 Circle of Peace, SC 11.95 Circle of Unity, SC 12.95 Come On, Rise Up, CS 8.00 Commentary/Will /Test/‘Abdu’l-Bahá, SC 3.50 Community Life, CS 9.95 Companions/Crimson Coloured Ark, CD 16.50 Companions/Crimson Coloured Ark, CS 9.95 Compr/Deep/Prog: Bahá’í Election, PC 9.60 Compr/Study Outline/Children, PC 10.60 Concord. to the Hidden Words, SC 5.00 Concord. to the Writings /Bahá’u’lláh, HC 55.00 Confluence, CS 10.95 Constitution/Universal House/Justice, SC 1.50 Consultation—compilation, SC 1.60 Consultation, SC 7.95 Continental Board of Counselors, SC 4.50 Conversations, SC 11.95 Corinne True: Faithful Handmaiden, HC 18.95 Corinne True: Faithful Handmaiden, SC 11.95 Counsels of Perfection., HC 6.95 Covenant—compilation, SC 2.95 Covenant: Daily Readings, HC 16.50 Covenant: Daily Readings, SC 9.95 Covenant: Its Meaning, Origin, etc., SC 2.50 Creating/Peaceful World—100/pkg., PA 28.00 Creating a Peaceful World, PA .30 Creating a Successful Family, HC 18.95 Creating a Successful Family, SC 11.95 Creative Circle, SC 13.95 Creative Dramatics and Music, PC 14.60 Crisis and Victory, SC 4.50 Crown of Beauty—World Centre, HC 21.95

D

Dawn-Breakers—"British" edition, HC 14.95 Dawning Place, low-priced HC 10.50 Dawning Place, low-priced SC 5.50 Dawning Place of the Pacific, SC 8.00 Days to Remember, SC 8.50 Death: The Messenger of Joy, SC 3.95 Declaration of Trust/By-Laws/NSA-LSA, SC 1.10 Desire of the World, SC 7.50 Devel. Distv. Bahá’í Communities, SC 24.95 Diamond in the Darkness, SC 4.50 Diary of Juliet Thompson, SC 13.95 Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, SC 4.00 Dispensat’n/Bahá’u’lláh Study Gde., PC 2.80 Divine Art of Living, SC 8.95 Divine Therapy, HC O/P Divorce: Writings Discouraging Divorce, SC 2.00 Do’a. The Early Years, CD 16.50 Do-It-Yourself Sticker Kit, CA 3.25 Door of Hope—World Centre, SC 17.95 Dragons of Rizvania, SC O/P Drawings, Verse & Belief, HC 19.95 Drops from the Ocean, SC 6.95

E

E. G. Browne and the Bahá’í Faith, HC 17.95 Earth Is But One Country, HC 16.50 Earth Is But One Country, PS 6.50 Echoes from the Lotus—set of 4, CS 32.50 Echoes from/Lotus—various artists, CS 9.95 Education and the Bahá’í Family, HC 16.50 Education and the Bahá’í Family, SC 8.95 Education/Trustees—Beta/VHS, VT 30.00 Effective Teaching, CS O/S Effective Teaching Instructor's Guide, SC 2.50 Effective Teaching Workbook, SC 2.50 Eminent Bahá’ís/Time Bahá’u’lláh, HC 35.00 Eminent Bahá’ís/Time Bahá’u’lláh, SC 19.95 Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, HC 11.95 Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, PS 5.95 Equal Circles, SC 5.50 Eternal Covenant, HC 16.20 Everlasting Covenant/Grtr. Cov., PC 2.75 Evolutionary Approach/Tchg. Institutes 25.00 Excellence/All Things—"Aus." ed., SC 3.50

F

Facts Sheet Set/3 (NSA), PR 1.00 Family Life—compilation, SC 3.50 Family Repairs/Maint. Manual, SC 7.95 Family Worship, HC 9.00 Fast and Naw-Rúz, PC .80 Fasting: A Bahá’í Handbook, HC 11.95 Fasting: A Bahá’í Handbook, SC 7.95 Films of A. Q. Faizi—Beta/VHS, VT 49.95 Finding the Real You, SC 7.50 Fire on the Mountain Top, SC 3.95 Fire Tablet/Holy Mar—Ara/Eng/Per, HC 19.50 Flickerings—coloring book, SC 5.50 Fly Away Home, SC 5.50 Foundations of Learning, CS 8.00 Foundations of World Unity, HC 12.50 Four on an Island, SC 7.25 Fourth Epoch Opens—Beta/VHS, VT 19.95 From Behind the Veil, SC 4.95 From Copper to Gold, HC 16.50 From Mountain to Mountain, HC 19.95 From One Parent/Anoth—100/pkg., PA 16.95 From One Parent to Another—10/pk, PA 2.00 From Strength to Strength, SC 2.00 Fund, PC 2.80

G

Gemstones—Deepening Program, SC 7.00 George Townshend, SC 15.95 Gift of Life—10/pkg. with envelopes, CD 13.50 Gleanings Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, HC 17.95 Gleanings Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, PS O/S Gleanings/Writ. Bahá’u’lláh—Brit. ed, HC 12.95 Glorious Journey, SC 7.95 God and His Messengers, SC 7.50 God Loves Laughter, SC 8.50 God Passes By, HC 24.00 God Passes By, SC 14.00 God's Creation, Level I—age 6-9, SC 10.95 God's Creation Par/Tchr Gde, Lev.I, SC 9.95 God's Creation, Level II—age 9-13, SC 10.95 God's Creation Par Tchr Gde, Lev.II, SC 9.95 God's Great Plan, SC 2.25 Golden Rule, SC 8.25 Gospels and the Christs, SC 7.95 Gr. Name—CR, asst. colors—10/pk. 5.00 Greatest Name—CR, white/gold/blck. 1.50 Greatest Name—illum'd print, 5.00 Greenlight Expedition—Beta/VHS, VT 39.95 Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, HC 19.95 Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, SC 13.95 Guebe and the Toy Truck, SC 4.50 Guidelines for Bahá’í Archives, SC 7.50 Guidelines for Parents, SC 2.00

H

Handmaidens of God: Prayers/Women, SC 2.00 Heart of the Lotus—Beta/VHS, VT 25.00 Hidden Words, HC O/S Hidden Words, SC O/S Hidden Words—deluxe edition, HC 13.95 Hidden Words—deluxe edition, SC 6.95 Hidden Words—British edition, SC 3.50 Hidden Words—Chinese/English—silk, HC 14.95 Hidden Words/Sel. Holy Writings, SC O/S Horse of the Moonlight, SC 4.25 Hour of the Dawn: The Life of the Báb, HC 18.75 Hour of the Dawn: The Life of the Báb, SC 8.50 Huqúqu’lláh—compilation, "Brit." ed., SC 4.95 Huqúqu’lláh—compilation, "Canada" ed, SC .85

I

I Am a Bahá’í—Sunflower Set 2, SC 5.95 Imperishable Dominion, SC 14.50 Imp. of Deep/Know/Und/Faith, SC 3.00 Index: Dev. Distv. Bahá’í Communities FREE In the Days of the Guardian, CS O/S In Galilee, HC 8.95 In His Presence, CS 8.00 In His Pres: Visits /‘Abdu’l-Bahá, HC 12.95 In Search of Nirvana, SC 8.95 In Search of the Supreme Talisman, SC O/P India Temple—poster, 11"x17", PP 10.00 India Temple—poster, 22" X 28", PP 15.50 Ind. Rgts/Free W. Order/Bahá’u’lláh, SC 3.00 Individual and Teaching—compilation, SC O/S Iranian Refugees in America, SC 1.00 Inspirational Music, CS 8.95 Inspirational Music Book, SC 4.95 Inspiring the Heart, HC 11.50 Inspiring the Heart, SC 8.25 Iran Persecution Background Pkg, WB 4.00 Iran's Secret Pogrom, SC 3.50

J

Jewel of the Lotus—various artists, CS 8.00 Journal of Bahá’í Studies (cur. iss.), SC 5.00

K

Keeping Faith/Change/Crisis, CS 8.00 Kaab-i-qan, HC O/S Kitáb-i-Íqán, PS 6.50 Kitáb-i-Íqán—British edition, HC 13.95 Kitáb-i-Íqán—"British edition, SC 9.95

L

Leaf of Honey, SC 17.25 Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’í Faith, HC 19.95 Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’í Faith, SC 11.95 Let It Be This Generation—var. artists, CS 8.00 Let Thy Breeze Refresh Them, HC 6.50 Letters and Essays: Mirza Abul-Fadl, HC 14.95 Lidia: Daughter/Founder of Esperanto, SC 14.95 Light of Bahá’u’lláh, SC 5.50 Light of Div. Guid 2Let Germ./Aust. HC 21.95 Light Upon Light, CS 9.95 Lights/Guidance: Bahá’í Refer File, HC 29.95 Living the Life, SC 3.50 Local Spiritual Assembly, SC .75 LSA Chairman's Manual, SC 2.00 LSA Secretary's Manual, SC 2.00 LSA Treasurer's Manual, SC 2.00 Loving Hands, CS 9.95

M

Magnified Be Thy Name, HC 5.50 Major and Minor Plans of God, CS 8.00 Mama Buzurg Is Coming, SC 4.50 Man's Dual Nature, PC 12.20 March of the Institutions, HC 8.50 Marriage: A Fortress for Well-Being, HC 16.50 Marriage: A Fortress for Well-Being, SC O/S Marriage Prayer Scroll, PS 1.50 Martha Root: Lioness at the Thrshid, HC 24.00 Martha Root: Lioness at the Thrshid, SC O/P Master in ‘Akká, HC 18.95 Meditations on the Eve of Nov. 4th, HC 4.50 Meeting the Master—Beta/VHS, VT 19.95 Meeting the Master, Volume 1, CS 8.00 Memorials of the Faithful, HC 12.50 Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, HC 13.50 Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, SC 7.50 Messages/Universal House of Justice, HC 2.80 Messages/Universal House of Justice, SC 2.00 Microfilm: Am. Bahá’í, Natl B. Rev. 75.00 Miracles and Metaphors, SC O/P Mission of Bahá’u’lláh, SC .50 Mona with the Children, CS 8.00 Mona Music Video—Beta/VHS, VT 45.00 Mulla Husayn, SC 3.50 Mulla Husayn: Disciple at Dawn, HC 19.95 My Baby Book, HC 12.50 My Memories of Bahá’u’lláh, SC 9.95 My Name Is Nabil, SC 7.95 My Only Desire, CS 8.00 Mystery of God, HC 19.95 Mystery of Sacrifice, PC 16.80

N

Naming of Femi's Brother, SC 3.75 National Spiritual Assembly, SC O/S New Gospel, HC 11.95 New Gospel, SC 8.95 Nightingale, CS 8.00 Nineteen Day Feast, PC 4.80 Nothing In Common, SC 5.25 Now You Are Bahá’í, SC 2.25

O

Objectives/Bahá’í Child/Ed. Program, PC 2.80 O God, Guide Me, SC O/S O God, My God, HC 8.95 Ocean of My Words, SC 3.50 Once to Every Man and Nation, SC 7.50 One Universal Faith—100/pkg, PA 13.00 Open Door—10pkg with envelopes, CD 12.50 Ornament of Hope, CS 9.95 Our Children: A Bahá’í View—Pkg/10 2.35

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Paris Talks, SC 5.95 Pattern of Bahá’í Life, SC 3.50 Peace—compilation, SC 2.95 Peace Bible, HC O/S Peace: More Than an End to War, HC O/P Peace: More Than an End to War, SC 9.95 Peace Note Cards—pkg with eps, CD 2.95 Peace Pamphlets: asst-10pkg, SC 2.25 Peace Pamphlets: asst-100 pkg, SC 12.95 Peace Pamphlets: Genl Intro-50pkg, PA 7.95 Peace Pmpt: More/End War-50/pkg, PA 7.95 Peace Pmpt: One Religion-50/pkg, PA 7.95 Peace Pmpt: Race Unity-50/pkg, PA 7.95 Peace Pmpt: World Govt-50pkg, PA 7.95 Peace. The Promise, CS 8.00 Peace... The Promise—Beta/VHS, VT 25.00 Peace Quotation Scroll, PS 4.50 Pearls of Wisdom: Deepening Comp. SC 1.95 Percival the Piano, SC 5.75 PER/ARA: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, HC O/P PER/ENG/ARA: Fire Tab./Holy Mar, HC 19.50 PER: Aalvah-i-Vasaya-y-Mubaraki-yi Hadral-i-’Abdu’l-Bahá, SC 2.00 (Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá) PER: ’Adam-i-Mudakhilih dar Umur-i-Siasi, CS 3.00 (Non-Involvement in Politics) PER: Amr Va Khalq, Volume 1 & 2, HC 23.50 (Revelation & Creation, Volume 1 & 2 - Bahá’í Laws and Principles) PER: Amr Va Khalq, Volume 3 & 4, HC 29.50 (Revelation & Creation, Volume 3 & 4 - Bahá’í Laws and Principles) PER: Amrika Sarzamin-i Muhajirin, SC 2.00 (America: A Nation of Immigrants) PER: Anchich Kunadu Kunad, HC 15.50 (He Doeth as He Pleaseth—compilation on Bahá’í Laws & Principles) PER: Athar-i Guharbar, HC (Prec. Pearls) 13.95 PER: Badi’u-Athar, Volume 1, HC 18.95 (Mahmud's Diary, Volume 1) PER: Badi’u-Athar, Volume 2, HC 19.50 (Mahmud's Diary, Volume 2) PER: Bahíyyih Khánum, HC 16.50 PER: Bisháratu-Núr, HC 22.50 (Tablets for the Departed) PER: Chand Bahth-i-Amri, SC 4.00 (Some Bahá’í Discourses) [Page 16](Collection of Tablets and Prayers) PER: Dianat-i Bahá’í Yik

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(Tablets/Bahá’u’lláh After Kitabi-Aqdas) Quddus, SC

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PER: Muntakhabari Az Atbart Hadrat Bahá’u’lláh, HC 19.50 (Gleanings/Writings of Bahá’u’lláh) Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 4, HC Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 4, SC RUSS: Pathway to Peace, SC 29.50 19.50 SPM: La Peria Inspreciable, SC (Priceless Pearl) 12.95 Unfolding Destiny, HC 12.50 TBA PER: Muntakhabati az Payámha-yi RUSS: Peace Statement, SC TBA SPN: El Poder de la Asistencia Divina, SC (Power of Divine Assistance) Unity: Creative Foundation of Peace, SC 8.95 75 Unity in Diversity, CS 15.25 Umumi-y-Baytul 'Ad-i A'zam-i tahl 8 SPN: El Poder del Convenio, SC 1.25 Khatab bi Yaran-i Irani, SC 6.95 (U.H.J. Massages to Iran) Samoa: The Dawning Place, VT Science and Religion, SC 25.00 (Power of the Covenant) United Doves-Invitations, 200/pkg, PP United Doves-Mini-pmph., 100/pkg., PP United Doves-Poster, 100/pkg PP 8.00 4.00 30.00 7.50 SPN: Portales a la Libertad, SC 4.35 Universal House of Justice, SC 3.95 PER: Muvaffaqiyyat dar Tabligh, SC 1.25 (Success in Teaching) Scroll Calendar, 147 B.E-sik, CA Scroll Calendar, 147 BE-wood, CA 4.50° (Portals to Freedom) Unrestrained As the Wind, SC Os 4.50 SPN: Principios de Admin. Bahá’í, SC 3.75 Unto Him Shall We Ratum, SC 8.95 PER: Når va Núr, HC Fire and Light) 14.95 Search for a Just Society, HC 39.95 (Principles of Bahá’í Administration)

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پیامهای بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

MESSAGES FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

ترجمهٔ پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم خطاب به جمیع محافل روحانی ملی

دوستان عزیز بهائی پیامبران الهی کلمات منزلهٔ الهیه را همواره بعنوان واسطهٔ فیض ربانی و سرچشمهٔ جمیع ترقیات مادی و اجتماعی و روحانی، تقدیس و تکریم نموده‌اند. استفاده از کلمات مقدسه، مطالعهٔ مداوم و به کار بستن آنها در زندگانی روزانه برای تلطیف حیات شخصی نفوس انسانی و ظهور تغییر و تحولی که خواهان وصول به ‎آتیم آتیه‎، امری حیاتی محسوب می‌گردد. جلوه نهائی و جهانی کلیهٔ کلمات ظهور تمدن الهی است که موعود کلّ جهان‌آرای حضرت بهاءالله می‌باشند.

قوت‌هایی که از این کلمات مبارکه حاصل می‌شود در حکم نازله در ام‌الکتاب اهل بهاء یعنی کتاب مستطاب «اقدس» مستطر است که می‌فرمایند: «اغتمسوا فی بحر بیانی لعل تطلعون بما فیه من لئالی الحکمة و الاسرار» و نیز در همان سفر کریم تأکید می‌فرمایند: «اتلوا آیات الله فی کل صباح و مساء.» و نیز این بیان اعلی که در یکی از الواح مبارکه از قلم اعلی نازل گشته، تأثیر نهائی و شگفت‌انگیز آثار منزله الهیه را مکشوف می‌سازد زیرا می‌فرمایند: «اقرء یا عبد ما وصل الیک من آثار الله بمرئات المقربین لتجذب بها نفسک و تستجذب من نفحاته افئدة الخلائق اجمعین. و من يقرء آیات الله فی بیت وحده لينشر نفحاتها الخافقة الناشرات الى كل الجهات و ينتدب بها كل نفس سليم و لو ان يستشعر فى نفسه ولكن يظهر عليه هذا الفضل في يوم من الايام.»

مستقیم‌ترین طریق استفاده از قوای خلاقهٔ کلمات الهیه، قرائت و زیارت آن آثار مبارکه است. بنابراین نونهالانی خواندند از حقوق و امتیازات اصلیه هر یک از افراد بشر محسوب می‌گردد. حضرت بهاءالله در آیه «قد كتب على كل أب تربية ابنه و بنته بالعلم و الخط» که در کتاب مستطاب «اقدس» نازل شده، والدین را موظف می‌فرمایند که پسران و دخترانشان را بخوانند و نوشتن بیاموزند. به این دلیل اسامی در پیام رضوان اخیر توجه یاران را به این نکته معطوف داشتیم که به قصد نهائی از بین بردن بیسوادی در جامعه بهائی اقدامات منظمی مبذول دارند و این امر را چنان مهم شمرده که به صورت یکی از اهداف مستمرة جامعه درآید.

هر یک از محافل روحانی ملی و محلی باید بنا بر مقتضیات و احتیاجات در صدد تحقق این هدف باشند و حتی اگر به فوریت موفقیت کامل در این امر میسر نشود، فرصت‌هایی فراهم آورند که سوادآموزی تدریجاً و منظماً پیشرفت نماید. هر یک از این محافل باید مطمئن باشند که نمونه درخشانی که جامعه بهائی ایران، یعنی آنجوامع عالم بهائی، در ظل تعالیم مبارکه حضرت بهاءالله و در اثر تأکیدات حضرت عبدالبهاء و حضرت ولی امرالله بر رفع بیسوادی در جامعه بهائی ایران ارائه داده‌اند، میزان و مقیاسی است که همه می‌توانند از آن پیروی نمایند. در سال‌های شروع این قرن، حتی در زمانی که در ایران برنامه‌ای جامع و منظمی برای آموزش و پرورش عمومی وجود نداشت، بهائیان فرصت را از دست نداده و به اقدامات وسیعی در این زمینه همت گماشتند. محافل بهائی در تأمین و ترویج تعلیم و تربیت کودکان و جوانان و سالمندان چنان ممتاز گشتند که موجب پیشرفت بارز احبای ایران گردید و نتیجه باهر، آن ظهور جامعه بهائی باسواد در ایران بود. برخی از جوامع ملی و محلی بهائی می‌توانند به جوامعی تأسی جویند که به طرق مختلف اقداماتی برای سوادآموزی معمول داشته‌اند و موفقیت‌های شایانی نصیبشان شده است. برخی دیگر از جوامع ممکن است به شرکت در برنامه‌هایی که سازمان‌های دولتی و ملی (غیردولتی) ترتیب داده‌اند، علاقمند باشند. هر جامعه‌ای باید تصمیم بگیرد که به یکی از این دو طریق اقدام نماید و یا هر دو روش را همراه با هم اتخاذ کند. پیشرفت در این امر محدود و مختص به اقدامات مربوط به آموزش اطفال نیست بلکه اقدامات جدی در تعلیم سواد به سالمندان مشتاق به فراگرفتن هنر خواندن را نیز شامل می‌گردد. این قبیل یاران را باید تشویق نمود و با کمال محبت و احترام یاری و مساعدت کرد تا به آنچه آرزوی دل و جان است توفیق یابند. یقیناً مشارکت مشتاقانه یاران در این امر بسیار مهم در بهبود وضع افراد و به طور کلی تقویت و تحکیم جامعه بهائی جانب و جالب تأییدات و عنایات الهیه خواهد شد.

سازمان ملل متحد سال ۱۹۹۰ را سال بین‌المللی سوادآموزی اعلان کرده است تا مشوقی مساعی و مجهودات عمومی برای رفع بیسوادی در سراسر عالم گردد. طرح‌های سوادآموزی که در جوامع بهائی در جریان است و طرح‌های دیگری که ترتیب داده و اجرا خواهند شد، مطمئناً این اقدام بین‌المللی شریف و ضروری را تأیید و تقویت خواهد کرد. بنابراین توجه جامعهٔ بهائی را در سراسر جهان به هدف بین‌المللی این سال بخصوص معطوف می‌داریم. دفتر جامعهٔ بین‌المللی بهائی در دبیرخانه سازمان ملل متحد اطلاعات مربوط به اقدامات سال بین‌المللی سوادآموزی و نحوه مشارکت جامعه بهائی را در اقدامات مزبور برای محافل روحانی ملی ارسال خواهد داشت. به علاوه مؤسسات مرکز جهانی بهائی که در برنامه‌های سوادآموزی «دولت دارا»، راهنماهای لازم را به منظور مساعدت به جوامع بهائی ارائه خواهند داد. اما به منظور طرح و اجرای برنامه‌های مورد نظر خود لازم نیست که محافل روحانیه برای وصول این اطلاعات و راهنمائی‌ها منتظر بمانند.

با کمال اطمینان منتظر وصول بشارات موفقیت آمیز یاران و ‎باالبق بالحق‎ تحقق کامل این هدف که برای پیشرفت جامعه بهائی و در حقیقت همه جامعه بشری بسیار اساسی است، هستیم و مائده همیشه یاران را به ادامه مستمره در اعتاب مقدسه برای موفقیت در اقدامات و مجهودات مبذوله اطمینان می‌دهیم.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی بیت‌العدل اعظم ۱۰ جولای ۱۹۸۹

صعود جناب کاظم کاظم‌زاده

PASSING OF MR. KAZEM KAZEMZADEH

ترجمهٔ تلگراف بیت‌العدل اعظم

ابهی جمع از صعود مدافع معتمد و ثابت‌قدم امرالله جناب کاظم کاظم زاده عمیقاً مغمومند. خدمات ممتازش در روسیه و مشارکتش در خدمات اداری یاران در ایران که متضمن ایفای وظیفه بعنوان منشی محفل روحانی ملی در آن اقلیم بود، و نیز مهارتش به ترجمه آثار امری به زبان روسی و وفاداری انعطاف ناپذیرش نسبت به مصالح امرالله در جمیع اوقات، آیات جاویدانه‌ای از مجاهدات فداکارانه‌اش در طی سالیان متوالی به شمار می‌رود. بی‌شبهه اجرش در ملکوت ابهی جزیل است. جهت ارتقای روح پرفتوحش در عوالم اخری دعا می‌شود. مراتب همدردی مهرآمیز این جمع را به اعضای خانواده گرامیش ابلاغ نمائید. بیت‌العدل اعظم ۱۶ نوامبر ۱۹۸۹

پیام محفل روحانی ملی

MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

ترجمهٔ پیام محفل روحانی ملی قلوب این جمع از صعود خادم ممتاز امرالله جناب کاظم کاظم زاده سرشار از اندوه است. توفیقاتش در زمینه خدمت به مؤسسات درگاه امرالله (انتخابی و انتصابی) و نیز به امنای حقوق‌الله، تاریخ امرالله را در سه قاره جهان پربارتر ساخته است. سجیات جمیله‌اش جلائی جاودانی نصیبش خواهد نمود و حیات پرافتخارش چون سرمشق و نمونه‌ای ابدی الهام بخش یاران خواهد بود.

از درگاه حی قدیر مسئلت می‌شود که سهم مکفی از عنایات الهیه را نصیب روح پرفتوحش نماید و قلوب مغموم اعضای خانواده‌اش را آسایش عطا فرماید. محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده

مرقومهٔ هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای

MESSAGE FROM THE CONTINENTAL BOARD OF COUNSELLORS

هنگامی که هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای در حال بررسی اوضاع امری در هر یک از جوامع ملی در قاره آمریکا بودند، وقتی اثرات طوفان هوگو و زلزله سان فرانسیسکو را در دفتر آوردند، ادعیه و قلوبشان خصوصاً متوجه یاران ایالات متحده بود. آن جامعه دلاور را در حین تلاوت ادعیه حاره به یاد داشتیم به این امید که خرابی‌های حاصله بزودی بازسازی شود و رنج مشترک آن عزیزان باعث ایجاد اتحاد گردد و به افتخارات تبلیغی بهائیان و موجب حصول تأییدات حضرت بهاءالله شود. به فرموده مبارک: «کل شیء من الاشياء باب لمعرفته و آیة لسلطانه و ظهور من اسمائه و دليل لمحبته و اقتداره و سبيل الى صراطه المستقيم.»

با اشواق قلبیه هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای در ‎قارت قاره‎ آمریکا

نامهٔ لجنهٔ ملی نشر نفحات

LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE

دوستان عزیز بهائی درود پر شور ما بر شما عزیزان باد! براستی به علایق دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی مبنی بر تأسیس «مؤسسات تبلیغی» پاسخی درخور داده‌اید. در مذاکرات خود با این جمع اخبار داشته‌اید که حس اعتماد جدیدی نسبت به توانائی خود برای تبلیغ امرالله یافته‌اید. در طی این نامه بر آنیم که مطالبی را درباره «مؤسسات تبلیغی» شمربخش با شما در میان بگذاریم و مواردی را در خصوص بهره‌برداری بیشتر در زمینه رشد امرالله خاطر نشان سازیم.

«مؤسسات تبلیغی» موفق ممکن است آفاتی بسیار ساده داشته باشند: یکی از یاران موفق شد فردی را تبلیغ کند و سپس او را به تسجیل رساند. این دو تن متفقاً به «مؤسسه تبلیغی» تأسیس کردند که اکنون در حال رشد است و چندین نفر تلامذة‌حق را تسجیل کرده و از آنان بهائیان راسخ‌تری ساخته است که ثلاله در زمینه تبلیغ خدمت می‌کنند. اما اغلب اوقات «مؤسسات تبلیغی» با پنج یا شش نفر آغاز به کار می‌کنند که پیوسته جلسات تشکیل می‌دهند و در مورد موضوع تبلیغ امر مبارک به مذاکره می‌پردازند.

برخی از دوستان «مؤسسات تبلیغی» را مطابق نمونه لجنات با انتخاب دادم و منشی و صندوق‌دار و نوشتن خلصه‌ مذاکرات و طرح نقشه‌ها پایه‌ریزی می‌کنند. اما چنین ساخت پیچیده‌ای برای تبلیغ امرالله لازم نیست. تبلیغ یعنی مطالعه دقیق آثار مبارکه و یافتن و جذب نفوس مستعد و ابلاغ کلام الهی با ملاحت، حکمت و ارشاد طالبان به قبول حضرت بهاءالله و تثبیت روحانی آنان تا جائی که این افراد خود به تبلیغ امرالله بر خیزند. لازم نیست که «مؤسسات تبلیغی» به صورت یکی از تشکیلات اداری درآیند. یاران باید کوشش‌های خود را صرفاً بر محور تبلیغ بگردانند.

با تأسف باید گفت که برخی از «مؤسسات تبلیغی» از مرحله مطالعه آثار فراتر نرفته و به سایر مراحل نرسیده‌اند. هر چند که مطالعه دقیق آثار مبارکه به ویژه برای تلامذة‌الحق لازم است، اما این مؤسسات باید کوشش‌های خود را متوجه همه جنبه‌های گسترش امرالله سازند که متضمن اهمیت دادن به رشد روحانی و ابلاغ کلمة‌الله و ایجاد مواد لازم برای تبلیغ آن گروهی است که هدف تبلیغی «مؤسسه تبلیغی» است.

از آنجا که بسیاری از یاران از دل و جان مایلند که به تبلیغ امرالله موفق شوند، اما به اندازه کافی اعتماد به نفس و یا معلومات لازم برای تبلیغ را ندارند، مطالعه آثاری که راجع به تبلیغ امرالله باشد بسیار سودمند خواهد بود تا آنان را جهت شرکت در فعالیت‌های تبلیغی آماده نماید. جزوه‌ای به نام «توفیق در تبلیغ» Effective Teaching تهیه گردیده که محتوی نسوج مبارکه در خصوص تبلیغ امر الهی است و برای کمک به یاران جهت یافتن نفوس مستعد برای قبول پیام حضرت بهاءالله فراهم آمده است. پیشنهاد این جمع آن است که جمیع «مؤسسات تبلیغی» بخش مطالعه آثار خود را با خواندن این جزوه آغاز نمایند.

«مؤسسه تبلیغی» پیشنهادی نیست که جهت اجرای نقشه خاصی به وجود آمده باشد و پس از اتمام نقشه به کنار گذاشته شود. امید است که سالیان متمادی احباء در این مشروع شرکت داشته باشند. بیت‌العدل اعظم اول بار در سال ۱۹۶۴ به تشکیل این مؤسسات اشاره فرمود و دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی در سال ۱۹۸۸ اهمیت آنها را جهت تحقق وعده «یدخلون فی دین الله افواجاً» خاطر نشان ساخت. بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی در پیام رضوان سال ۱۹۸۹ چنین می‌فرمایند: «اگر چه اعلان عمومی شریعت الهی امری لازم است، اما به تنهایی کافی نیست. ازدیاد تعداد مسجلین هر چند ضروری است، اما نباید تنها به آن اکتفاء رود. نفوس باید بکلی تقلیب شوند و بدینوسیله اساس جوامع امری استحکام یابد و در نتیجه مثال و نمونه‌های جدیدی از حیات بهائی در منصه ظهور رسد.»

«مؤسسات تبلیغی» درک گسترده‌تری از این معنی را ممکن می‌سازند و به رشد جامعه کمک می‌کنند. مراتب سپاسگزاری خود را به فرد فرد آن عزیزان جهت فداکاری و وقف اوقات خود به تبلیغ امر مبارک و توجه به ابلاغ امر حضرت بهاءالله اظهار می‌داریم. از درگاه جمال مبارک مسئلت می‌نمائیم که آن یاران را در خدمات خود به آستان الهی توفیق بخشد.

لجنهٔ ملی نشر نفحات ژانویه ۱۹۹۰

حقوق الله

HUQUQU’LLAH

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

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA. 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116

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

[Page 18]"كل اهل يك عالميد و از يك كلمه خلق شده‌اید. نیکوست حال نفسی که به محبت تام با عموم انام معاشرت نماید." حضرت بهاءالله

سال بین‌المللی سوادآموزی

INTERNATIONAL LITERACY YEAR

جامعه بهائی ایالات متحده بسهم بسیاری از جوامع امری در سراسر جهان دست به طرح و اجرای برنامه‌هائی جهت ریشه کن کردن بیسوادی زده است. در برخی موارد این برنامه‌ها توسط جامعه امری طرح گردیده است و در برخی دیگر با همکاری با سایر مؤسسات.

سازمان ملل متحد سال ۱۹۹۰ را بعنوان "سال بین‌المللی سوادآموزی" اعلام کرده است. بر طبق تخمین سازمان ملل حدود یک میلیارد نفر در سراسر جهان از نعمت سواد محرومند. این رقم تقریباً یک چهارم مردم کره زمین را در بر می‌گیرد.

اهداف "سال بین‌المللی سوادآموزی" از قرار زیر است:

۱- افزایش اقدامات دولت‌هائی که با مشکلات دچار بیسوادی است از طریق آموزش در نقاط روستائی و محله‌های فقیرنشین شهرها با تأکید بر آموزش زنان و در میان گروه‌هائی که افرادشان مشکلات خاصی در زمینه تعلیم دارند.

۲- افزایش آگاهی مردم نسبت به شمول و کیفیت و نتائج بیسوادی و همچنین طرق و شرایط مبارزه با آن.

۳- افزایش مشارکت عمومی در داخل کشورها و در میان آنها جهت مبارزه با بیسوادی خصوصاً از طریق فعالیت‌های مؤسسات دولتی و غیردولتی و گروه‌های داوطلب.

۴- افزایش همکاری و همبستگی در میان کشورهای عضو جهت مبارزه با بیسوادی.

۵- افزایش همکاری با نظام سازمان ملل متحد و به طور کلی در میان سازمانهای دولتی و غیردولتی در خصوص مبارزه با بیسوادی.

۶- استفاده از "سال بین‌المللی سوادآموزی" جهت طرح و اجرای برنامه‌های جهت محو بیسوادی تا سال ۲۰۰۰ و مذاکره درباره مسائل مهم مربوط به پیشرفت سوادآموزی مانند کاهش موارد ترک تحصیل توسط دانش آموزان دبستانها و تاسیس برنامه‌هائی جهت جلوگیری از بازگشت به بیسوادی.

محفل روحانی ملی کوشش‌های یاران را در جامعه بهائی جهت مبارزه با این مشکل ارج می‌نهد و از محافل روحانی محلی در نقاطی که بیسوادی وجود دارد، درخواست می‌نماید درباره برنامه‌هائی در زمینه مبارزه با بیسوادی به مذاکره و چاره‌اندیشی بپردازند.

مسأله وحدت نژاد

U.S. Bahá’ís RACE UNITY LEADERS

در یکی از فقرات "کلمات مکنونه" این بیان نازل شده است: "به سلطنت فانیه، ای ابنای من، از جبروت باقی من گذشتید و خود را به اسباب زرد و سرخ می‌آرائید و بدین سبب افتخار می‌نمائید. قسم به جمالم که جمیع را از خاک یکرنگ تراب برآورم و همه این رنگ‌های مختلفه را از میان بردارم مگر کسانی که به رنگ من درآیند و آن تقدیس از همه رنگ‌هاست."

بهائیان امریکائی با مفهوم تعصب و تبعیض از دیرباز آشنا بوده‌اند. از نخستین دم حیات آن را به تجربه آموخته‌اند. چه بسا که والدینشان به "جرم" بهائی بودن، رسماً مطرود به حساب نیامده‌اند و بدین سبب فرزندانشان از آغاز زندگی آماج تیر تعصب و تبعیض گشت و غیرمطبوع قلمداد شده‌اند.

اما هر چند مورد تبعیض واقع شدن به خودی خود آزمونی تلخ و دردناک است ولی می‌تواند دست کم خوش داشت که این مرارت و ناروائی را بار و بری هست، و آن آموختن درس‌هائی از همدردی و انسان‌دوستی است. از این رهگذر است که احبای ایرانی، از آنجا که خود دردمندند، همدلی بیشتری از خود پدیدار می‌سازند. چون خود رنج برده و خون دل خورده‌اند، بهتر از کسانی که از هر تعصبات مصون بوده‌اند، می‌توانند غمخوار رنجوران و روانخستگان باشند. چون ایرانیان ساکن ایالات متحده خود در این کشور اقلیت به شمار می‌روند، به آسانی می‌توانند با سایر اقلیت‌ها و کسانی که مورد هجوم تیر تبعیض و تعصب بوده‌اند از در دوستی درآیند و مورد اعتماد آنان واقع شوند.

تشکیلات امری در ایالات متحده همواره در پی آن بوده‌اند که مولد وحدت نژادی را تا آنجا که در توانشان است، از میان بردارند. بدین منظور به تشکیل مجامع و جلساتی درباره وحدت نژاد مبادرت نموده و با فعالیت‌هائی که در این مورد صورت گرفته است، شرکت جسته‌اند. شرح برخی از این فعالیت‌ها در زیر خواهد آمد. از یاران ایرانی نیز تقاضا می‌شود با حضور در چنین مجامع و شرکت در اینگونه فعالیت‌ها باعث تسریع رفع تبعیضات و تعصبات نژادی شوند.

در ماه سپتامبر سال ۱۹۸۹ کنفرانسی توسط کلوب بهائی دانشگاه تکزاس در شهر آستین Austin درباره تعصبات نژادی منعقد گردید. برنامه اصلی این کنفرانس که در حدود ۱۰۰ نفر غیربهائی در آن شرکت جستند، مشتمل بر پنلی بود که در آن نمایندگان جامعه بهائی و چند تن خبرنگار و نمایندگان سیاهپوستان به مذاکره پرداختند.

در روز ۷ اکتبر سال ۱۹۸۹ حدود ۴۰ نفر غیربهائی در کنفرانسی که در Auburn Alabama واقع در ایالت آلاباما، درباره تعصبات نژادی تشکیل شده بود، شرکت جستند. کنفرانس مذکور به همت کلوب بهائی دانشگاه آوبرن و دفتر برگزاری مراسم دانشگاه تشکیل شده بود. چند روز پس از کنفرانس مقالاتی درباره تعصبات نژادی در سرمقاله روزنامه دانشگاه به چاپ رسید که در یکی از آنها مطالبی راجع به کنفرانس نوشته شده بود و دیگر شرح مصاحبه‌ای با یکی از احباء در مورد جلسات دعای مشترک با پیروان ادیان گوناگون بود.

در روز ۸ اکتبر سال ۱۹۸۹ نمایندگان محفل روحانی ملی در سی و سومین ضیافت شام سالانه "امکانات مساوی" مربوط به "اتحادیه ملی شهری" National Urban League شرکت نمودند. این ضیافت جهت بزرگداشت افرادی که خدمات شایانی به امر تساوی امکانات کرده‌اند، منعقد می‌شود. در ضیافت بعد از مراسم، نمایندگان محفل روحانی ملی توسط هیئت عامله اتحادیه مذکور به همه حاضران معرفی شدند.

احبای شمال شرقی تکزاس در برگزاری میهمانی ناهاری که توسط بخش محلی "سازمان ملی پیشرفت سیاهپوستان" NAACP تشکیل شده بود، شرکت کردند. برای این میهمانی اغذیه مختلف سرخپوستی و انگلیسی و ایرانی تهیه شده بود. برنامه با تلاوت پیام مناجات بهائی آغاز شد و یکی از احباء نیز مطالب مختصری درباره امر بهائی به اطلاع حاضران رساند.

ملاقات یکی از احباء با خانم بوش

VISIT TO MRS. BUSH

خانم میترا متحده، یکی از احبای ساکن ایالت کنتیکت Connecticut، ضمن صرف ناهار با خانم باربارا بوش، همسر رئیس جمهور کنونی ایالات متحده، نسخه‌ای از بیانیه "وعده صلح جهانی" بیت‌العدل اعظم را همراه با نامه‌ای از جانب محفل روحانی ملی خطاب به رئیس جمهور ایالات متحده جناب جورج بوش تسلیم معظم لها نمود. خانم متحده ضمن گفتگو با خانم بوش اظهار داشت که احباء افتخار دارند که جناب رئیس جمهور دعوت آنان را به شرکت در کنگره جهانی بهائی که قرار است در سال ۱۹۹۲ تشکیل شود، بپذیرند.

محفل روحانی ملی در تاریخ ۲۷ اکتبر سال ۱۹۸۹ نامه‌ای از کاخ سفید دریافت نمود. در این مراسم وصول نامه محفل روحانی ملی و نیز نسخه "وعده صلح جهانی" با اظهار سپاسگزاری اعلام گردیده است.

محافل روحانی در معرض انحلال

JEOPARDIZED ASSEMBLIES

صورتی از محافل روحانی محلی در معرض انحلال که اگر تعداد اعضایشان تا رضوان سال ۱۹۹۰ بالغ بر نه نفر نشود، تشکیل نخواهند شد، در صفحات انگلیسی درج گردیده است. از یاران درخواست می‌شود که به آن صورت مراجعه نمایند. نقاط مذکور از جمله نقاط مهاجرتی محسوب می‌شوند.

از محافلی که در آن صورت مذکور نگردیده‌اند ولکن ممکن است در معرض انحلال باشند، تقاضا می‌شود که با دفتر لجنه ملی نشر نفحات تماس حاصل نمایند تا در صورت قبول ثبت شوند و در مشرق‌الاذکار درباره بهبود وضع آنها و شمول امدادات الهی دعا شود.

اولین کنفرانس مشترک چین و امریکا درباره مسائل زنان

FIRST SINO-AMERICAN CONFERENCE ON WOMEN’S ISSUES

اولین کنفرانس مشترک چین و امریکا درباره مسائل زنان از ۲۰ الی ۲۸ ژوئن در شهر پکن در چین کمونیست منعقد خواهد شد.

نمایندگان محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده نیز در کمیسیون برنامه‌ریزی این کنفرانس عضویت دارند. ۲۳ ناطق امریکائی و به همان تعداد ناطق چینی در این کنفرانس شرکت خواهند داشت. از خانم بهائی دعوت شده است که از جمله سخنرانان امریکائی در کنفرانس مذکور باشند.

غرض از انعقاد این کنفرانس همکاری و تبادل آراء درباره مسائلی چون کاریابی و امور خانواده و نگهداری اطفال و بهداشت و تعلیم و تربیت است. سخنرانی‌های کنفرانس مزبور به دو زبان چینی و انگلیسی ایراد خواهد شد و بحثهای اصلی همزمان ترجمه خواهد شد.

علاقمندان می‌توانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر مهاجرت محفل روحانی ملی تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۹۰۲۹-۸۶۹ (۲۰۸)

سمپوزیوم بین‌المللی درباره چین

INTERNATIONAL CHINESE SYMPOSIUM

از تاریخ ۳۰ مارچ الی اول آپریل سال ۱۹۹۰ "سمپوزیوم بین‌المللی چین" در سانفرانسیسکو تشکیل خواهد شد. مطابق ارشاد و هدایت معهد اعلی، محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده نظر به تحولاتی که اخیراً در مورد تبلیغ چینیان صورت گرفته، مبادرت به انعقاد سمپوزیوم مذکور نموده است.

از آنجا که چینیان بیشترین تمرکز را در سانفرانسیسکو دارند، و نیز به این علت که چینیان آن محل از جناب دیوید هالن، عضو سابق بیت‌العدل اعظم، به گرمی استقبال نمودند، آن شهر برای انعقاد این سمپوزیوم انتخاب گردیده است.

غرض از انعقاد سمپوزیوم مذکور این است که احبائی که مایلند راجع به فرهنگ چین و مؤثرترین طرق ابلاغ پیام الهی به بیش از ۸۰۰ هزار چینی ساکن ایالات متحده، مطلبی فرا گیرند، در آن شرکت نمایند.

علاقمندان می‌توانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر به صفحات انگلیسی این شماره مراجعه فرمایند.

از نامه‌های یاران

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: PERSIAN PERIODICALS

جناب دکتر علی توانگر نامه‌ای به دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی ارسال داشته‌اند که گزیده‌ای از آن در زیر درج می‌شود:

نشریات و مجلات امری

در بیاناتی که از جانب حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله نگاشته شده، چنین مذکور است:

"و دیگر از بیاناتی که با کمال تأکید از لسان مبارک ظاهر و امر به تحریر آن صادر، این است که امروزه یکی از وسائل مهمه به جهت انتشار افکار و فواید ملیه ترویج روزنامه‌جات است و توسیع دوائر مطبوعات و نشر اخبار مفیده و بسط مضامین و دلائل علمیه و انتشار مسائل مهمه. و فرموده که من مکرر به احبای الهی نوشتم و این امر را مؤکد داشتم که احباء در اشتراک روزنامه‌جات و مجلات امریه نهایت مضایقه ننمایند و در هر اقلیمی مطبوعات و مجلات بهائی سایر اقالیم را خریداری کنند و در نشر اخبار و مسائل روحانیه بی‌اختیاری ننمایند و در اینگونه امور از سایر اقوام اگر سبقت نجویند، لااقل از دیگران عقب نمانند. لهذا مکرر فرموده که در متحدالمال‌های عدیده این مسأله را توضیح نمایند و با کمال تأکید ترویج فرمایند و در اشتراك احباء با روزنامه‌ها و مجله‌های امری سعی بلیغ مبذول دارند..."

هزاران نفر از احبای ایران بر طبق مشیت غالیه الهی، بعضی به اختیار و بعضی به اجبار در اکناف عالم مخصوصاً امریکا پراکنده و ساکن شده‌اند و به فضل پروردگار به وسیله تشکیلات محکم بدنه جهانی کنفسی واحد متشکل و به وظائف روحانی و حیات مادی و معنوی خود مشغول و مألوف و در رشد و توسعه می‌باشند.

یکی از وسائل مهم ارتباط و رشد روحانی و ارتقای معنوی جامعه و افراد بهائی، نشریات بهائی است. پس از انقلاب ایران که سه "آهنگ بدیع" و "اخبار امری" و "ورقاء" در محاق تعطیل قرار گرفت، در سرزمین‌های دیگر به قلم‌های دیگر و جلوه‌ای افزونتر طالع شد. به دستور و راهنمائی‌های معهد اعلی و یاری محافل مقدسه روحانی جمعی از احبای فعال و با ذوق و دانشمند برای تهیه نشریاتی به زبان شیوای فارسی در سطح وسیع جهانی دامن همت بر کمر زدند و شروع به فعالیت و انتشار نمودند.

اکنون سالهاست که آن صحائف مرغوب و رقائم مطلوب به دست بسیاری از احبای الهی که در اطراف جهان مهاجر و یا ساکنند می‌رسد و از آن مائده‌های معنوی که مشتمل بر گزیده‌هائی از الواح و آثار و مقالاتی سودمند و اشعار و اخبار امری جهان امر است، بهره‌مند می‌گردند.

اما متأسفانه بسیاری از احبای عزیز منور از وجود این نشریات اطلاعی ندارند و اگر مطلعند، به علت مشاغل و گرفتاری‌های گوناگون توجه چندانی به آنها نداشته‌اند و محروم مانده‌اند.

با زیارت و توجه به ابلاغیه مبارک فوق که حضرت ولی محبوب امرالله خطاب به احبای ایران در این موضوع صادر فرموده‌اند، وظیفه ما روشن می‌گردد. به تجربه محقق گردیده که پیروی و اطاعت از راهنمائی‌های حق همواره به سود جامعه و عامل آن بوده و عدم توجه به آن موجب خذلان و خسران گشته است. به قول لسان الغیب شیراز در غزل "ساحل رود ارس":

من که قول ناصحان را خواندمی بانگ رباب گوشمالی خوردم از رندان که آیدم پند بس

چون ممکن است بعضی از احباء کیفیت اشتراك و آدرس آن را ندانند و طالب باشند، لذا در زیر ذکر می‌شود:

۱- "پیام بهائی" Mr. A.F. Imani P.O. Box 9 96240 Beausoleil, FRANCE

۲- "عندلیب" Thornhill, ON. Canada. L3T 6L8

۳- "پیام بدیع" Dr. T. Bassari P.O. Box 698 Clifton, NJ. 07012

۴- "پیام محبوب" محفل روحانی ملی نروژ. ۵- "ورقاء" محفل روحانی ملی هندوستان. ۶- "بانگ سروش" محفل روحانی ملی پاکستان.

وجه اشتراك هر یک سالیانه در حدود ۲۵ دلار است که در برابر مخارج سالیانه هر کس مبلغی ناچیز است ولی از ذکر مسائل امری و منافع معنوی فردی ارزش آن را نمی‌توان تعیین نمود... خداوند همه ما را به راه خود موفق بدارد.

علی توانگر [Page 19]

Robert Quigley, former member of National Spiritual Assembly, dead at 77

DEEPLY SADDENED PASSING DEARLY LOVED ROBERT QUIGLEY. PROFOUNDLY GRATEFUL HIS LONG CONSTANT DEVOTION CAUSE BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, DISTINGUISHED BY HIS OUTSTANDING, SACRIFICIAL SERVICES AS PIONEER AFRICA TOGETHER WITH HAND OF THE CAUSE WILLIAM SEARS AND HIS MEMBERSHIP NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY UNITED STATES. HUMOR WITH WHICH HE ENCOURAGED SERVICE AND LIGHTENED BURDENS OTHERS WARMLY REMEMBERED. ARDENTLY PRAYING PROGRESS HIS RADIANT SOUL DIVINE WORLDS. KINDLY CONVEY OUR LOVING SYMPATHY DEAR KEITH AND FAMILY. UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE NOVEMBER 30, 1989

WE MOURN THE PASSING FROM OUR MIDST OF OUR LONG-TIME COLLEAGUE ROBERT QUIGLEY WHOSE MEMBERSHIP ON THIS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AS ITS VICE-CHAIRMAN HONORS THE ANNALS OF THE INSTITUTION. HIS SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE AUXILIARY BOARD IN SOUTH AFRICA, WHERE HE PIONEERED WITH HIS FAMILY DURING THE TEN YEAR CRUSADE, WILL LONG BE REMEMBERED. HIS WARMTH AND LOVING SPIRIT KEEP HIS MEMORY CLOSE AND THE BOOKS HE HAS CO-AUTHORED WITH HIS BELOVED FRIEND THE HAND OF THE CAUSE OF GOD WILLIAM SEARS WILL BE ENJOYED BY GENERATIONS TO COME. HIS GOOD WORKS CAN BE FOUND IN THE WORLD OF THEATRE AND TELEVISION WHERE HIS PROMINENCE PROVIDED HIM WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO PROMOTE THE CAUSE OF GOD UNCEASINGLY, UNTIL THE ILLNESS THAT PREVENTED HIS PHYSICAL PURSUIT OF SUCH ACTIVITY. WE BESEECH THE ALMIGHTY TO WELCOME OUR DEAR BROTHER WHOSE SOUL JOYOUSLY SEEKS REUNION WITH ITS BELOVED AND TO HIS BELOVED WIFE, KEITH, AND THEIR CHILDREN, MAY AND JIM, WE OFFER OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY AND OUR PRAYERS FOR THEIR SOLACE IN THIS TIME OF SEPARATION. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

Robert Quigley, a former member of the National Spiritual Assembly and one of Hollywood’s outstanding television producers, died November 27 in Los Angeles. He was 77 years old.

Mr. Quigley, who served on the National Assembly from 1963-68, was a pioneer to South Africa from 1956-59 and co-authored the book, The Flame, with his longtime friend, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears.

The New York City native began his career in television as an actor and writer before forming a partnership with Merrill Heatter in the early 1960s that resulted in 20 popular TV series, among them “Gambit,” “The Hollywood Squares,” “The Magnificent Marble Machine” and “The Celebrity Game.”

Architect Robert McLaughlin dies in Princeton; served on National Assembly in 1954-57

DEEPLY DEPLORE LOSS STEADFAST, OUTSTANDING SERVANT BAHÁ’U’LLÁH ROBERT W. McLAUGHLIN. GENTLE-NESS, DILIGENCE CHARACTERIZED HIS UNSTINTING SERVICES CAUSE GOD OVER PERIOD MANY YEARS, DISTINGUISHED BY EXPERTISE WHICH AS ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTANT HE LENT TO MANY BAHÁ’Í PROJECTS INCLUDING TEMPLES WILMETTE, PANAMA CITY, APIA AND WHICH INVOLVED HIM PROMINENTLY IN CREATION PRELIMINARY PLANS TOWARD REALIZATION CONCEPT FOR DEVELOPMENT SACRED PROPERTIES MOUNT CARMEL. HIS MEMBERSHIP NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY UNITED STATES AND ACTIVITIES CONNECTED WITH GREEN ACRE SCHOOL AND AS TRAVELING TEACHER GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGED.

ARDENTLY PRAYING HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS NOBLE SOUL ABHÁ KINGDOM. OUR LOVING SYMPATHY SURROUNDS DEAR KATHERINE AND FAMILY FOR WHOSE CONSOLATION AND WELL-BEING PRAYERS ARE ALSO BEING OFFERED. UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

OUR DEEP SORROW OCCASIONED BY THE PASSING OF OUR DEARLY LOVED AND LONG-TIME COLLEAGUE, ROBERT McLAUGHLIN, WILL SURELY BE MATCHED BY THE INESTIMABLE REWARD DESTINED FOR HIS NOBLE SPIRIT. THE EXEMPLARY SERVICES WHICH HE RENDERED THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY AS A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY, IN HIS EXPERT LABORS IN BEHALF OF THE MOTHER TEMPLE OF THE WEST AND THE GREEN ACRE BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL, AND IN HIS UNFLAGGING COMMITMENT TO TEACHING THE CAUSE ARE ETCHED FOREVER IN OUR MEMORY. THEY WILL REMAIN AN INSPIRATION TO FUTURE GENERATIONS.

AS HIS SOUL ATTAINS REUNION WITH ITS BELOVED, OUR OWN HEARTS EMBRACE KAKINE AND WE OFFER PRAYERS FOR THE COMFORT AND SOLACE OF HIS FAMILY. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

Robert W. McLaughlin, a former member of the National Spiritual Assembly and emeritus professor of architecture at Princeton University, died November 30 at the Princeton Medical Center. He was 89 years old.

Besides serving on the National Assembly, Mr. McLaughlin lent his expertise and talents as consulting architect for Bahá’í buildings and gardens and as author of a scholarly text, These Perspicuous Verses.

After earning his BA and MFA degrees from Princeton, Mr. McLaughlin won a fellowship to continue his studies of architecture in Europe.

From 1930-52 he was a partner in Holden, McLaughlin and Associates, specializing in the design of public housing and schools, and community planning.

In 1932 he founded American Houses Inc. where he did pioneering work in prefabrication and was awarded more than 20 U.S. patents for new building techniques.

He also served as architectural adviser to the State Department for the design of the U.S. Embassy in London.

In 1952 Mr. McLaughlin was appointed director of the School of Architecture at Princeton, a post he held until his retirement in 1965.

National Assembly represented at 33rd Urban League dinner

On October 8, representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly attended the National Urban League’s 33rd annual Equal Opportunity Day dinner in New York City.

The event honors individuals who have made substantial and long-term contributions to the cause of equal opportunity.

This year’s honorees were Dr. Mathilda Krim, pioneering research scientist and head of the American Foundation for AIDS Research; Mrs. Mollie Moon, organizer and president of the 47-year-old National Urban League Guild; and Edgar M. Bronfman Sr., prominent businessman, philanthropist and outspoken advocate of human rights.

At the post-banquet reception the National Assembly’s representatives, Marilyn Ellis Greene and Neal McBride, were introduced to League officers and members including its president, Dr. John E. Jacob, who mentioned having received copies of “The Promise of World Peace” and To Move the World in 1987.

Terah Cowart-Smith, who taught the Faith for many years throughout the U.S. and overseas and served as a charter member of the Bahá’í United Nations Speakers’ Research Committee, died last October in Greensboro, North Carolina. Mrs. Cowart-Smith, a native of Georgia, lectured for more than a decade beginning in 1947 about the Bahá’í Faith and its relationship to the UN.

IN MEMORIAM

Francisca Ammeraal New Port Richey, FL October 12, 1989	Corrine Hollingshead Union Springs, AL Date Unknown	Hazel Rasmus Lake Stevens, WA June 1989
Martin Ardekany Davis, CA Date Unknown	Jean Hutchinson Downey, CA October 14, 1989	Marion Roe Corvallis, OR October 8, 1989
Melinda Barrett Redford Twp., MI October 10, 1985	Mitchell Jack Hopland, CA 1989	Randall A. Rowe Houston, TX October 22, 1989
Jean Besocke Morristown, TN August 23, 1989	Bruce Johnson San Jose, CA November 6, 1989	William Russell Apple Valley, CA October 18, 1989
Faez Bolbolan Greenville, SC August 1989	Kazem Kazemzadeh Pacific Palisades, CA November 14, 1989	Ruhaniyyah Sayyah Reno, NV Date Unknown
Minnie Bowens Union Springs, AL 1988	Clair Kuhnle Marysville, WA October 15, 1989	Ralph Schall Glendale, CA September 23, 1989
Theodore Braukman Denver, CO July 1989	George Lewis Avondale, AZ April 14, 1989	Pete Schmucker Marana, AZ July 21, 1989
Steven Bunting Pétitionville, Haiti October 21, 1989	Charles D. Lyon Manteca, CA Date Unknown	Martin Schwagler Jr. Oneida, NY October 2, 1989
Matthew Burns Arlington, VA September 22, 1989	Claire Maloney Madison, CT April 1988	Helen Sherwin Saginaw, MI November 17, 1989
Clara Carnes Santa Fe, NM September 23, 1989	Hazel McCurdy Luxembourg August 1989	Susie L. Smart Union Springs, AL 1988
Roy Colwell Norwalk, CT November 1989	Betty McKenzie Union Springs, AL Date Unknown	Cynthia S. Smith Marietta, GA October 2, 1989
Roosevelt Cooper Union Springs, AL February 1968	Robert McLaughlin Princeton, NJ November 30, 1989	Terah Cowart Smith Greensboro, NC Date Unknown
Debra Cunningham Lakewood, OH November 22, 1989	Albert McLeod Manning, SC Date Unknown	Etta Steckler Milwaukee, WI September 18, 1989
Julia Mae Davis Holly Hill, SC November 16, 1989	Josh Meyers Lone Star, SC Date Unknown	Claude Sullivan Jefferson, SC Date Unknown
Edith DeGraw Ocean Springs, MS June 17, 1989	Edward C. Parker Omega, NM May 23, 1983	Zella Svendsen Mesa, AZ November 8, 1989
Mohammad Foroutan-Sabzeb Alexandria, VA September 26, 1989	Esther Peterson Atlantic Mine, MI August 19, 1988	Louis Tometich Jr. Ft. Myers, FL October 4, 1989
Gerda Freeman Cloverdale, CA October 25, 1989	Adelia Picciano Huntington Beach, CA October 29, 1989	Charles Toole Hermosa Beach, CA November 1989
Robert Furrows Denmark, SC Date Unknown	Leo Powell St. Louis, MO Date Unknown	John Von-thurn Taxis Chicago, IL November 7, 1989
Geneva Graham Darlington, SC October 23, 1989	Robert Quigley Beverly Hills, CA November 27, 1989	Sylvia Wheeler El Paso, TX March 23, 1989
Rufus Harrell Hemingway, SC Date Unknown	Elsa E. Rackow Rogers, AR October 7, 1989	Delores Washington Chicago, IL 1988
Nolan Hayles El Paso, TX November 12, 1989	Gladys Radford Salmon, ID August 15, 1989	Keller B. Wright New York, NY Date Unknown

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Portland Bahá’ís praised for role in promoting racial understanding

The more than 800 people who attended the Bertrand Russell Award Banquet of the Northwest Coalition Against Malicious Harassment last October 28 in Portland, Oregon, heard keynote speaker Dick Bogle praise the Bahá’ís in several Oregon communities for their role in furthering racial understanding.

Mr. Bogle, a city commissioner in Portland, had sent a memo to state legislators and school boards urging them to host a public forum to “rally Oregonians to the banner of racial and ethnic harmony” following an episode of racial harassment at a high school football game.

The only ones who acted on the memo, he said, were the Bahá’ís because “somehow it (the memo) fell into their hands.”

The memo was distributed to Spiritual Assemblies in Oregon by the Spiritual Assembly of Linn County, one of whose members serves on a local school board.

The Bahá’í communities of Roseburg and Douglas County cosponsored a forum, and the Bahá’í community of Pendleton held a “Prejudice-Free Pendleton” panel discussion.

Mr. Bogle’s remarks, focusing mainly on the Pendleton event, were a pleasant surprise to the handful of Bahá’ís at the Russell Award Banquet.

Several other Bahá’í communities in Oregon, stirred by Mr. Bogle’s memo, are considering plans to host public forums focusing on “combating racism and bigotry” in the state.

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
1.
2.
3.
4.

B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS:	C—NEW MAIL ADDRESS:
House/Space #, Street or Description	P.O. Box or other Mailing Address
City, State, Zip	City, State, Zip

D—NEW COMMUNITY:
Name of new Bahá’í community	Moving date

E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:	F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Area Code, Number	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 I.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.

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

As a community service project, the Bahá’ís of Boulder County, Colorado, have “adopted” two miles of highway, cleaning up trash and debris in the area four times a year and ending each clean-up session with a picnic. Besides advertising the effort with a large sign, and becoming better acquainted with people in the area while promoting a cleaner environment, the friends have found a new source of Fund revenue—recycling the bottles and cans they pick up.

National Peace Essay Contest seeks entries from students in grades 9-12

The National Peace Essay Contest, sponsored each year for high school students by the U.S. Institute of Peace, opened last November 1 with completed applications due by February 16.

The contest is open to all students in grades 9-12 in public and private high schools in the U.S., District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and Overseas Dependent Schools.

Contestants are not required to be U.S. citizens.

State winners at three levels will receive college scholarships. State first-place winners also win an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony June 25-29, 1990, at which national winners will be announced.

For information about the National Peace Essay Contest, or to receive application materials, write to Nan Kyle, National Peace Essay Contest, U.S. Institute of Peace, P.O. Box 27720, Central Station, Washington, DC 20038.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February 3: “Rights and Responsibilities in the Bahá’í Family System,” a conference at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Sponsored by the North Central Regional Committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies. For information, write to David Carlson, registrar, 1405 Boundary Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55119, or phone 612-739-7031.

February 9-11: North Carolina Regional Bahá’í Winter School, Penn 4-H Center, Reidsville, NC. Contact: Diane McKinley, 919-469-2783.

February 16-18: Vision to Victory conference, Denver, Colorado. Task Force phone contact: Judy Bartell Uknavage, 303-841-6067.

February 26-March 1: International Bahá’í Conference—Uniting the Americas, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Commemorating the life of May Maxwell. Special guest: Mrs. Maxwell’s daughter, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum. For more information, you may write to the Bahá’í International Conference—Uniting the Americas, Argentine Bahá’í Center, Otamendi 215, 1405 Buenos Aires, Argentina, or phone (54)(1) 901 1078/901 1077 or 901 1363/790 9486.

March 29-April 1: Bahá’í International Chinese Symposium, Bahá’í Center, San Francisco, California. Theme: “Reaching the Chinese: The Time Is Now.” Pre-registration is encouraged and must be received by Friday, March 23. For information, write to the San Francisco Bahá’í Center, 170 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94103, or phone the Symposium coordinator, Sharon Kirk, 415-431-9990 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pacific time.

March 30-April 1: Vision to Victory conference, Portland, Oregon. Task Force contact: Ernestine Berkey, 1221 Geary St. SE, Albany, OR 97321. Phone 503-967-7994 (home) or 503-928-0051 or 378-2969 (work).

March 30-April 1: Vision to Victory conference, Cleveland, Ohio. Task Force contact: Angela Maldonado, 4216 Mapledale Ave., Cleveland, OH 44109. Phone 216-631-2077.

April 7: “Realizing Global Solutions: A Conference of Science, Humanities and Arts,” Haverford (Pennsylvania) College. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies. For information and/or a brochure, send your name and address to Scott Duncan, 1530 Riverside Dr., Trenton, NJ 08638.

April 13-15: Vision to Victory conference, Birmingham, Alabama. Task Force contact: Jackie Logue, 3543 Brookwood Rd., Mountain Brook, AL 35213. Phone 205-871-2115 (home) or 205-783-5328 (work).

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091