The American Bahá’í/Volume 21/Issue 3/Text

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[Page 1]$24,000,000 urgently needed to complete reserve fund

Plans to initiate historic Arc project near final approval

TO ALL NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES KINDLY CONVEY ALL BELIEVERS NEWS PROGRESS HISTORIC MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS.

FOLLOWING STRENUOUS DETAILED NEGOTIATIONS TOWN PLANNING SCHEME ESSENTIAL FOR INITIATION OF PROJECTS WAS OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY LOCAL TOWN PLANNING COMMITTEE AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAIFA ON 11 OCTOBER 1989, CONFIRMING GOOD WILL TOWARD PROJECTS EXPRESSED BY CITY COUNCIL AT TIME INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION. SCHEME IS NOW BEFORE DISTRICT TOWN PLANNING COMMISSION FOR FINAL APPROVAL. THIS PLAN INCLUDES CANCELLATIONS TWO ROADS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED TO CROSS BAHÁ’Í LANDS, AND LOWERING LEVEL MAIN THOROUGHFARE THUS PERMITTING CONSTRUCTION TERRACES LINKING GARDENS SURROUNDING SHRINE BÁB WITH THOSE ADJACENT ARCHIVES BUILDING. GRANTING OF APPROVALS INVOLVES OUR COMMITMENT IMMEDIATELY START WORK.

GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS ANNOUNCED RIDVAN MESSAGE, REQUIRED FOR DESIGN FOUNDATIONS BUILDINGS ARC, NOW COMPLETED.

BUILDING PERMIT DRAWINGS FOR ARCH

New two-year teaching plan for Asia, E. Europe to be launched at Ridván

FAR-REACHING EVENTS BEING ENACTED WORLD STAGE, PARTICULARLY IN EASTERN EUROPE AND SOVIET UNION, ON THRESHOLD FINAL FATE-LADEN DECADE CENTURY OF LIGHT, PROVIDE FURTHER DRAMATIC EVIDENCE RESISTLESS OPERATION OF GOD'S MAJOR PLAN FOR TRANSFORMATION OF HUMAN SOCIETY. RAPID UNFORESEEN DEVELOPMENTS NECESSITATE CORRESPONDING PARALLEL ACCELERATION IN LIFE-GIVING ENTERPRISES BEING PURSUED BY INHERITORS BAHÁ’U’LLÁH’S RESPLENDENT REVELATION.

REJOICE THEREFORE ANNOUNCE LAUNCHING AT RIDVAN OF SUBSIDIARY TWO-YEAR TEACHING PLAN FOR VAST REMAINING REACHES EASTERN EUROPE AND ASIA. MOMENTOUS STEP INVOLVES FURTHER SYSTEMATIC UNFOLDMENT PROVISIONS TABLETS MASTER-PLAN OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ ALREADY IN ADVANCED STAGE OF OPERATION OTHER AREAS PLANET. REGIONAL ENTERPRISE, CONCEIVED IN CONSULTATION INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTER, DESIGNED SIGNIFICANTLY REINFORCE CURRENT SIX YEAR GLOBAL PLAN. OBJECTIVES INCLUDE ATTRACTION NUMEROUS NEW SUPPORTERS FAITH, GREAT INCREASE TRANSLATION, PUBLICATION AND DISSEMINATION BAHÁ’Í LITERATURE IN REQUISITE LANGUAGES ENTIRE AREA, AND EXTENSION BENEFICENT INFLUENCE DIVINELY APPOINTED ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER THROUGH ERECTION FRAMEWORK LOCAL NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í INSTITUTIONS IN AS MANY EASTERN COUNTRIES AS POSSIBLE UP TO AND INCLUDING RIDVAN 1992.

CALLING UPON THOSE NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES EUROPE, ASIA AND AMERICA WHICH BEAR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR INDIVIDUAL NATIONS INVOLVED, TO CONSULT WITH COUNSELORS AND FORMULATE DETAILS SPECIFIC GOALS INCORPORATING AND SUPPLEMENTING THOSE ALREADY ADOPTED AND IN PROCESS ACCOMPLISHMENT UNDER SIX YEAR PLAN.

MOVED PAY TRIBUTE PRESENT HOUR REMARKABLE UNSUNG ACHIEVEMENTS THOSE INSTITUTIONS AND INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS PRESENTLY LABORING ADVANCEMENT CAUSE IN EASTERN EUROPE AND SOVIET UNION, ACHIEVEMENTS WHICH HAVE BLAZED TRAILS FOR COMING LARGE-SCALE INITIATIVE. CALL UPON BAHÁ’Í WORLD ARISE SUPPORT DIFFUSION WORLD-REDEEMING MESSAGE FAITH GOAL AREAS THROUGH SETTLEMENT PIONEERS AND THROUGH DISPATCH STEADY FLOW TRAVELING TEACHERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH KNOWLEDGE LANGUAGES COUNTRIES AND REPUBLICS EASTERN BLOC.

CONCOMITANT THESE MEASURES, VITAL ONGOING PROCESS CHINESE TEACHING RECEIVING FURTHER IMPETUS.

BROAD VISTAS NOW OPEN TO FAITH GOD PROVIDE UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITIES WIN FRESH VICTORIES AS WORTHY OFFERING SACRED THRESHOLD BLESSED BEAUTY OCCASION COMMEMORATION FIRST CENTENARY HIS ASCENSION COMING HOLY YEAR, IMPLORING ABUNDANT OUTPOURING DIVINE CONFIRMATIONS PARTICIPANTS ALL FACETS HIS- TORIC SIX YEAR CAMPAIGN.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE FEBRUARY 8, 1990

House of Justice welcomes Bahá’í Chair's establishment

Signing the Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland in College Park as members of the National Spiritual Assembly look on are (left to right) Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly; Dean Murray Polakoff of the university's School of Social and Behavioral Sciences; and Dr. Abdel R Omran, acting director of the Center for International Development and Conflict Management.

To the Bahá’ís of the world

With feelings of thankfulness and joy we announce an achievement of immense importance to the accelerating progress of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. The University of Maryland and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States recently signed a memorandum of understanding, establishing "The Bahá’í Chair for World Peace" at that university's Center for International Development and Conflict Management. The stated purpose of the Chair is "to conduct and publish research, design courses and conduct seminars in the field of Bahá’í studies and world peace within an interdisciplinary context; to initiate public forums for discussing the issues proposed in the statement of the Universal House of Justice entitled 'The Promise of World Peace'; and to establish academic linkages with and provide technical assistance to Bahá’í institutions in the fields of peace education and international development."

This first initiative by a well-founded, significant institution of higher learning to formulate such a serious program of Bahá’í studies is a direct response to the peace statement, as is borne out by a letter addressed to us by the director of the Center for International Development and Conflict Management in which he said: "With this letter I am answering on behalf of CIDCM and the University of Maryland your call: 'If the Bahá’í experience can contribute in whatever measure to reinforcing hope in the unity of the human race, we are happy to offer it as a model for study.'"

Fully cognizant of Bahá’u’lláh's praise of knowledge as "wings to man's life" and of the importance which He assigns to its acquisition; of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's ad [Page 2]

Maryland U. establishes first Bahá’í Chair for World Peace

By LAURA H. ARTHUR

On January 26, the National Spiritual Assembly met with representatives of the University of Maryland in College Park to sign an historic Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the university's Center for International Development and Conflict Management (CIDCM).

Representing the university were Dr. Abdel R. Omran, acting director of the CIDCM; Dean Murray Polakoff of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences; and Dr. Soheil Bushrui, a Bahá’í who is a visiting professor at the CIDCM and director of the Bahá’í Chair.

The Chair for World Peace, the first Bahá’í Chair to be established at any university—marking yet another stage in the Faith's rapid emergence from obscurity—is "dedicated to the advancement of knowledge in matters of conflict resolution and the promotion of peace and prosperity throughout the world."

Its purposes, as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding, are:

(1) to conduct and publish research, design courses and conduct seminars in the field of Bahá’í studies and world peace within an interdisciplinary context;

(2) to initiate public forums for discussing the issues proposed in the Universal House of Justice's peace statement, "The Promise of World Peace"; and

(3) to establish academic relations with and provide technical assistance to Bahá’í institutions in the fields of peace education and international development.

The establishment of the Bahá’í Chair requires an endowment of $1.5 million. The Bahá’í community, aided by the CIDCM, will raise the necessary funds to enable the Chair to become operative no later than July 1991.

Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, the National Spiritual Assembly and CIDCM hosted a luncheon for 115 Bahá’ís and guests at the university's Center for Adult Education.

Dean Polakoff presided, explaining in his opening remarks the vital need for the spiritual perspective the Chair will provide in the study of world peace and conflict resolution.

Other speakers were Dr. James A. Norton, chancellor of the University of Maryland System; Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly; Dr. William F. Gibson, chairman of the National Board of Directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Assembly secretary for External Affairs; and Dr. Bushrui.

"Throughout the world," said Dr. Norton, "countries are tearing down the old systems of government and setting up new ones to help in the quest for peace and stability.

"Though fragile, these governments today hold great promise for helping achieve world peace tomorrow. Through the sort of academic discourse made possible by the Bahá’í Chair, we at the University of Maryland can be active partners in this evolving process."

After noting the historic significance of the occasion, Judge Nelson presented to Chancellor Norton and Dean Polakoff the National Assembly's check for $300,000 toward endowment of the Chair.

She then made the surprise announcement that another $50,000 had been contributed anonymously by a couple in the audience.

In his keynote address, Dr. Gibson related racism and ethnic conflicts to themes outlined in the peace statement.

"Prejudice and war," he said, "have been expressions of the immature stages in a vast historical process.

"As a civil rights leader who has seen America grow up, to some extent, and develop through similar stages of infancy and childhood in its race relations, I have faith, despite the many trials and tribulations we've faced in the 'movement,' that this nation and this world community will ultimately mature."

Dr. Kazemzadeh spoke about the purpose of the Chair, after which Dr. Bushrui closed the proceedings with a tribute to Dr. Edward Azar, director of the CIDCM, who first proposed the idea of a Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the university in a letter to the Universal House of Justice.

Dr. Azar's letter was a response to the House of Justice's statement in "The Promise of World Peace" offering the Bahá’í community as "a model for study" of the way in which people of diverse backgrounds can learn to live together in peace.

Dr. Azar, who was too ill to attend the signing and reception, was given nine red roses by the National Spiritual Assembly and CIDCM as a token of their appreciation for his work on behalf of the Chair.

Before the signing, Judge Nelson had received from Dean Polakoff two beautifully framed paintings commissioned by the CIDCM, entitled "Dawn of the Dove," as gifts from the university to the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly.

Cable from the Universal House of Justice

IVES BUILDING EXTENSION AND CENTER FOR STUDY OF THE TEXTS SUBMITTED, ENABLING CONSIDERATION APPLICATION BUILDING PERMIT RUN CONCURRENTLY LAST STAGE APPROVAL TOWN PLANNING SCHEME.

OF $50,000,000 CALLED FOR AS ESSENTIAL RESERVE FOR INITIATION CONSTRUCTION, APPROXIMATELY $26,000,000 SO FAR CONTRIBUTED. REMAINING SUM NOW URGENTLY NEEDED. EXECUTION STUPENDOUS COLLECTIVE UNDERTAKING GATHERING MOMENTUM, PARALLELING EXTRAORDINARY DEVELOPMENTS WORLD SCENE, ACCELERATION CONVERSION PEOPLES CAUSE GOD, WIDER DIFFUSION MESSAGE BAHÁ’U’LLÁH REMAINING AREAS GLOBE. SUPPLICATING BLESSINGS ALMIGHTY REINFORCE EVERY EFFORT HIS DEVOTED FOLLOWERS ACCOMPLISHMENT VITAL TASKS.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE JANUARY 23, 1990

Message from the Universal House of Justice

...vice that we should "seek to impart the Message to influential persons and become a cause of guidance to the learned and distinguished"; and of Shoghi Effendi's call for a "resolute attempt" to reinforce measures "for the establishment of closer contact with the leaders of public thought, with colleges and universities, we hail this seminal development both as a mark of the Faith's emergence from obscurity and as the harbinger of that day when hosts of scholars will devote their energies to the exploration, exposition and defense of the dynamic principles animating the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, thereby fulfilling the need identified by the beloved Guardian for "well-read, well-educated people, capable of correlating our teachings to the current thoughts of the leaders of society." On that day, we shall witness an expansion and consolidation of the community as has not yet been experienced.

May the Blessed Beauty enable the new Bahá’í Chair for World Peace to achieve its laudable purpose; may He shower upon all who support it His abundant confirmations.

The Universal House of Justice February 12, 1990 [Page 3]

Atlanta Bahá’ís play leading role in King Week events

More than a thousand Bahá’ís from at least 30 states capped a week of activities honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by marching January 15 in Atlanta's annual King Day parade behind a 35-foot banner proclaiming that "The Bahá’í Faith Teaches the Oneness of Mankind."

The sentiment expressed by the banner could be seen in the Bahá’ís themselves as young and old, rich and poor, black, brown, yellow, red and white marched arm-in-arm past the estimated 200,000 onlookers along the parade route.

The marchers were followed by a Bahá’í float on which rode children of all races with entertainers Red Grammer and "Swan," who are Bahá’ís. Nearly 40 members of the Atlanta Bahá’í Youth Workshop walked behind the float.

Some of the Bahá’í marchers held placards bearing the names of their home states while others carried signs with Bahá’í beliefs and principles written on them in English or Spanish.

The nationally televised event was the centerpiece of a week of activities that began January 7 with an interfaith service at St. Philip's Cathedral attended by more than 700 people.

Two Bahá’ís served on the planning committee for the service and were onstage with 25 members of the clergy to help read the litany to Dr. King.

Before the service about 20 young people including eight Bahá’ís attended a meeting to discuss current world issues and local racial issues.

Above: Bahd’f Roger Hogan speaks at King Day in Redding, California. Below: Bahá’ís prepare to march in New Orleans' King Day parade.

HMNITY IS ONE

On Tuesday, January 9, Bahá’ís from Gwinnett County, Decatur and Covington took part in a service for "Rededication to Peace and Justice" at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

On January 12, the Spiritual Assembly of North Fulton County sponsored a Business and Professional Luncheon at the Marriott Hotel. About 25 people including 10 seekers heard the keynote speaker, Deloria Bighorn, a Bahá’í from Salem, Oregon, address the need for racial harmony and the Bahá’í concept of oneness.

Before the luncheon she and Gary McDaniel, a Bahá’í from Acworth, attended a meeting of the Cobb County Human Services Coalition and helped plan a day-long seminar on race relations for that group.

On January 13, Jack McCants, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, was the speaker at a metro-wide fireside attended by more than 300 people.

Red Grammer performed at the fireside and later for the children while Studio East, an East Indian jazz group, entertained after Mr. McCants' talk.

The following day, 25 American Indians including two Bahá’ís consulted with representatives of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change about ways in which the Center could provide support for their concerns.

Bahá’ís in the Atlanta area had raised $20,000 to provide transportation and hospitality for the visiting American Indians among whom were members of the Sioux, Winnebago, Poarch Creek, Mohawk, Cherokee, Ute, Iroquois, Seneca, Navajo, Chippewa, Shoshone, Cree and other tribes.

In their ranks were three prominent Native Americans: Peter Catches, a medicine man revered as a holy man; Arvol Lookinghorse, the 19th generation keeper of the Sacred Calf Pipe given to the Sioux nation (Lakota and Dakota) by the White Buffalo Calf Woman, looked upon by those tribes as a messenger from God; and Ruben Snake, head of the Native American Church.

On January 14, Auxiliary Board member Soo Fouts emceed and other Bahá’ís took part in a public meeting, "Prayers Around the World for Peace and Justice," at the King Center.

The service was co-sponsored by the King Center, the Catholic Council for Interracial Justice, and the Bahá’ís. Among its highlights was a Lakota pipe ceremony performed by Mr. Catches.

Later that day, Bahá’ís were in the audience as Dr. King's widow, Coretta Scott King, delivered the annual "State of the Dream" address at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Also speaking at that event were the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Chinese student leader Chen Tong who was chosen to lead this year's King Day parade.

Among the performers at the "Salute to Greatness" reception that evening was a Bahá’í, Phil Morrison.

On the morning of the federal holiday honoring Dr. King, which this year coincided with what would have been his actual 61st birthday, Mrs. Fouts recited a part of the litany to Dr. King during a televised ecumenical service at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

After introducing to the audience Mr. Catches and Patricia Locke, two of the American Indians brought to Atlanta by the Bahá’ís, Mrs. King remarked that this was the first time that all of the races under the sun had gathered to observe King Day.

Mrs. Locke, who is not a Bahá’í, paid tribute to Dr. King, spoke of the great Indian leaders such as Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull and Chief Joseph who also had dreams of a united humanity, and closed with a Bahá’í prayer.

In the audience were such dignitaries as Gov. Joe Frank Harris; Jack Kemp, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson.

DIVERSITY= ASHLLE, TN HASH Bahá’í Faith MANKIND IS ONE

Above: Bahá’ís prepare to march in Atlanta's Martin Luther King Day parade. Below: Children (and Kingsley Swan) ride atop Atlanta's Bahd’ float.

On the reviewing stand with Mrs. King for the parade later that day were two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Alberta Deas and Robert Henderson; Mrs. Fouts; and Carole Miller of Roswell, co-chairman of the Committee for Religious Involvement of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission.

That evening Mrs. King invited several of the American Indians and a number of Bahá’ís to a special dinner. Meanwhile, a fireside sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Atlanta was held at the Bahá’í Center with about 20 people present.

Besides appearing in the parade, the Bahá’í group "Swan" performed at a "Birthday Bash" at the King Center and at a reception which followed the "State of the Dream" address

Also during King Week, several See KING DAY page 13 [Page 4]

House of Worship sets dates for 1990 Special Visits, encourages friends to take part

"...the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár—the Administration’s mighty bulwark, the symbol of its strength and the sign of its glory."—Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 80

The dates for this year’s Special Visit Programs at the Bahá’í House of Worship have been set. The family program will be held Thursday, June 28, through Sunday, July 1, while the regular program (no separate children’s activities planned) will be held Thursday, August 30, through Sunday, September 2. These plans are conditional on the response of the Bahá’í community.

A registration form and more information are printed below. We encourage you to consider the spiritual bounties toward the teaching efforts and of your special relationship to the Mother Temple that can result from your special visit to the House of Worship.

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

Highlights of the Special Visit include the opening program and reception in the Visitors’ Center; an address by the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly; tours of the House of Worship, the National Archives, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, the Bahá’í Home and Bahá’í National Center; a workshop on volunteer service at the House of Worship; an in-depth presentation from the Writings on the importance of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár; and a farewell picnic lunch near Lake Michigan and the Haziratu’l-Quds. Morning devotions for the Special Visitors and the regular noontime devotions offer chances for all to participate as readers. Many other exciting programs and opportunities for service are a part of the visit.

It is not possible to express in words the bounties of taking part in daily devotions at the Temple. One cannot explain the feeling of joy that comes as you take an opportunity to serve as a guide or as a reader at the Mother Temple of the West, and the sense of humbleness as you view relics of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the National Archives. To gain more intimate knowledge to share with your home community, to form new friendships, to share tears of joy, and to heighten your sense of belonging to the larger Bahá’í community are all opportunities not to be missed. Please join us at "the Administration’s mighty bulwark" and see for yourself what it is all about.

Bahá’í House of Worship Special Visit Program Registration Form

Housing rates per night at Evanston Holiday Inn (near public transportation to Wilmette): single or double, $60; more than two persons, $65

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

There will be a $5 per person registration fee to help defray expenses of the program. Please make checks payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund."

For more information, please phone the Activities Office, 708-256-4400.

(Detach here and return) BAHÁ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP SPECIAL VISIT PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM

Please check program desired: Family Special Visit: June 28-July 1, 1990 Regular Special Visit: August 30 Sept 2, 1990 (no separate children’s programs

Name & Bahá’í ID: Address: City: Telephone (Area Code): ( ) State: ZIP:

List additional names and Bahá’í ID#’s here: (Give ages of children) The August Special Visit will not be a family program. You will be responsible for your children.

Make Registration Fee payable to Bahá’í Services Fund: Check or Money order please, no cash. Return with this form to: Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Office, Special Visit Program Wilmette, Illinois 60091

Forthcoming book recalls life of service of the Hand of Cause Zikrullah Khadem

Shortly after the passing of the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem, his wife, Javidukht, approached the National Spiritual Assembly about publishing a book on his life and service.

The National Assembly assured Mrs. Khadem of its interest, pledged its support, and encouraged her to embark on a project that has surpassed even her expectations.

The result is Zikrullah Khadem, the Itinerant Hand of the Cause of God: With Love. The book is a story of love of Mr. Khadem’s love of God, of the Central Figures of the Faith, and of his unfaltering devotion to Shoghi Effendi.

Part 1 is Mrs. Khadem’s tender portrait of her husband, depicting more than 61 years of service to the Bahá’í Faith.

She writes about his early life in Iran, their marriage and family life, and his appointment in 1952 as a Hand of the Cause of God.

She chronicles his international travels including trips to Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, and his involvement with Bahá’í schools, conferences and conventions around the world.

The common thread running through all of Mr. Khadem’s varied activities was his unflagging devotion to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and to the institutions of the Faith.

Part 2 contains five essays written by the Khadem children. Each essay, in its own way, captures the spirit of love and guidance that Mr. Khadem gave his children, and each one illustrates the emphasis he placed on obedience to the institutions, on Bahá’í family life and unity, and on fasting, prayer, pilgrimage and teaching.

Together, the five accounts provide a vivid and unique glimpse of what it is like to grow up in a family firmly grounded in the teachings of the Faith.

Part 3 is a collection of four articles written by Mr. Khadem on themes close to his heart, such as the significance of various Bahá’í holy places, important milestones in Bahá’í history, and the sufferings of the Central Figures of the Faith.

An appendix contains letters of remembrance from other Hands of the Cause of God, from Counselors, from Bahá’í institutions, and from many friends who were touched by his warmth and inspired by his zeal.

Zikrullah Khadem will be published this spring in hardcover and softcover editions and will include 53 photographs—most of which are being published for the first time.

Zikrullah Khadem, the Itinerant Hand of the Cause of God: With Love will inspire readers to live their lives as Mr. Khadem did—with unwavering commitment to the principles of the Bahá’í Faith. Mr. Khadem provides for all a shining example of steadfastness, humility and love.

David Hofman to speak at Chinese Symposium set March 29-April 1 at Center In San Francisco

David Hofman, a retired member of the Universal House of Justice, will be among the speakers at the Bahá’í International Chinese Symposium to be held March 29-April 1 at the Bahá’í Center in San Francisco, California.

Others scheduled to take part in the historic event include members of the Continental Board of Counselors and National Spiritual Assemblies (including the U.S.), members of the International Chinese Teaching Committee, the Bahá’í Committee for China, and the director of the Bahá’í Office of Public Information in Hong Kong.

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 to learn about Chinese culture and the most effective ways in which to share the Bahá’í teachings and principles with the estimated 800,000 Chinese living in the U.S.

Besides talks and panel discussions led by former Bahá’í pioneers to mainland China, the program will include a "Celebration of Chinese Culture" and a Southeast Asian Bahá’í Conference.

A number of Bahá’ís in the San Francisco area have graciously offered hospitality for those who plan to attend the symposium.

If you would like to attend but are unable to afford the cost of hotel accommodations, please phone the San Francisco Bahá’í Center, 415-431-9990, to see what other arrangements can be made. Hospitality is limited.

On-site registration will be available for those who have not yet pre-registered.

The participation of Bahá’ís, especially college students, in the symposium is quite important in view of the growing need for teachers of the Chinese. Many, however, may not have the financial means to attend the event.

The friends or institutions are encouraged to help sponsor one or more young Bahá’ís to attend, as this will give them a unique opportunity to learn about effective ways to share the Bahá’í teachings and principles with the Chinese.

Justice Society sets 1990 Conference in Evanston

The Bahá’í Justice Society announces that its fifth annual Conference will be held June 22-24 in Evanston, Illinois.

The Society invites the participation of Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís who work in, or are concerned with, issues of justice. Society members include lawyers, judges, para-legals, law students, and people from many other fields such as counseling, public administration, alternative dispute resolution, and international relations.

The theme and location of the conference will be announced in a future issue of The American Bahá’í.

Those who are interested in learning more about the Bahá’í Justice Society may phone the secretary, Ted Amsden, 313-568-6554. [Page 5]Friends nearby asked to lend support

As Riḍván Festival approaches, some local Assemblies need help to re-form

The Festival of Riḍván is fast approaching. A remembrance of the days in which Bahá’u’lláh declared His Mission, Riḍván is also the time when Bahá’ís all over the world gather to elect the divinely ordained Spiritual Assemblies in each locality of nine or more adult (21 years of age or older) believers.

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

Bahá’ís in surrounding communities are asked to help with teaching 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 that may not be able to re-form at Riḍván and that have not reported their current status should contact the National Teaching Committee office.

California: Antelope JD, Belmont, Campbell, Goleta, Lawndale, Los Osos, Martinez, Ramona, Rancho Cordova, Rocklin, San Pablo, Temple City, Victorville, Walnut Yosemite/El Portal.

Colorado: Durango, Manitou Springs, Wheat Ridge.

Delaware: Wilmington.

Florida: Daytona Beach, Martin County, St. John’s County.

Idaho: Nez Perce Reservation.

Illinois: De Kalb, Glen Ellyn, Morton Grove, Northfield Township, Park Forest, Winnetka.

Indiana: Lafayette.

Kansas: Derby, Newton.

Maryland: Harford County.

Massachusetts: Milford, Westborough Town.

Missouri: Jefferson City.

Minnesota: Anoka.

Montana: Helena.

Nebraska: Grand Island.

New Hampshire: Lebanon.

New Mexico: Paradise Hills.

New York: Greece Town.

Ohio: Beavercreek, Fairborn, Stow, Upper Arlington.

Oklahoma: Midwest City, Ponca City.

Oregon: Troutdale, Tualatin.

Texas: The Colony, University Park.

Vermont: Burlington.

Virginia: Orange County.

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

Wisconsin: Chippewa Falls, ‎Midd. ton. Middleton‎.

Wyoming: Cheyenne, Wind River.

New coordinator for Chinese teaching named

The National Teaching Committee is pleased to announce that Steven Townsend has joined its office as coordinator for Chinese teaching and the Northeastern states.

A pioneer to Hong Kong for eight years, he was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly there for five years and served as its secretary. If you wish to discuss the teaching of Chinese people or teaching efforts in the Northeastern states, please contact Mr. Townsend at the National Teaching Committee office.

From January 6-13, the National Teaching Committee hosted a training institute for prospective Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute. The youth who attended are slated to serve in Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Guyana, Honduras, and South Carolina. Auxiliary Board member Trudy White, along with returned volunteers Frank Robinson and John Levasseur, helped to facilitate the event. Any young Bahá’í who is interested in knowing more about the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps should contact the National Teaching Committee office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039, ext. 232).

Teaching Institutes: a closer look

Reports from across the country are flowing in to the National Teaching Committee regarding the formation of teaching institutes. Examining their format at this time may further help the friends to initiate teaching institutes and to make them effective instruments of teaching.

The International Teaching Center has clarified the concept of teaching institutes, stating, “If such a program can be fostered, one-third of its effort and resources should focus on spiritual development, one-third on teaching and one-third on developing materials appropriate to large-scale expansion.”

Spiritual development can be achieved through prayer, memorization of passages from the Writings, study of the Writings about teaching, and deepening.

The idea of memorizing passages from the Writings is perhaps a less familiar aspect of spiritual preparation for teaching than prayer or deepening. The Word of God has the power of being magnetic, creative and transforming. This power attracts people, affects them, and changes the spirit, renewing life and empowering the individual.

The ability to teach through use of the Word of God itself is a tremendous bounty that has been given to Bahá’ís.

Study of the Bahá’í writings on teaching is essential in understanding the process of teaching. Many of these writings have been outlined and compiled in books such as The Individual and Teaching, A Special Measure of Love, Effective Teaching and Building Unity of Thought on Teaching.

The National Teaching Committee recommends starting with the Effective Teaching workbook because it examines the nature and purpose of effective teaching and the need to make systematic teaching plans. It also offers practical advice for initiating teaching efforts.

Deepening enriches both the teachers and students. Developing courses for deepening not only benefits those who are already Bahá’ís, it ensures that new believers will be able to increase their knowledge of the Faith in such areas as its history, Central Figures and basic principles, and the Covenant, thus strengthening their bond to the Cause of God and confirming them in its service.

The International Teaching Center, in regard to the element of deepening that takes place within an institute, points out that “not every deepening activity of a group of Bahá’ís ... could be called an institute.” Deepening within the framework of an institute is to foster entry by troops.

Developed for use in deepening the friends’ knowledge of and appreciation for the Faith is the series of workbooks The Word of God; The Covenant: Its Origin and Meaning and Our Attitude Toward It, and The Significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.

Using these workbooks, along with Effective Teaching, allows the institutes to immediately focus their attention on the necessary work.

The second of the three aspects that teaching institutes should address is the work of teaching itself. The time devoted to teaching should involve an ongoing process of action and reflection, whereby teaching efforts are accompanied by evaluation of those efforts.

Teaching is, in a sense, experimental, and the institute can serve as a laboratory where various methods are tried. However, as not all experiments are successful, periodic evaluation is necessary so that the institute can proceed using the most effective methods possible.

The purpose of teaching activities is not to hold an event but to further a process that will generate even more teachers of the Faith, touch more hearts, and ultimately transform the world.

In teaching, many kinds of methods may be used, but the process is the same: teaching oneself, finding and attracting receptive souls, delivering the Message of Bahá’u’lláh with wisdom, nurturing souls to acceptance of the Cause, and confirming the students to active service where they are arising to teach on their own.

As many teaching institutes target a specific population (perhaps a minority or other group), the final aspect of institutes, the development of materials for use in teaching, becomes especially important.

Drawing primarily on the Bahá’í Writings, but allowing for the possible inclusion of other types of materials, members of teaching institutes can develop teaching tools, based on the needs and capacities of the target group, as well as capitalizing on the local resources of the friends involved.

Teaching people from another culture may require special materials. After studying the culture and finding what is most relevant to its members, teaching materials should be developed that relate directly to their concerns and interests.

Booklets including some prayers, writings and useful information have been developed and used successfully by some institutes.

Teaching institutes are indeed grassroots efforts, and the friends should include as little administrative machinery as possible and simply concentrate on the process of teaching.

Auxiliary Board members and their assistants are ready and vital resources for those who either have started or wish to start a teaching institute, and they should be called upon freely.

For more information about teaching institutes, please contact your nearest Auxiliary Board member or assistant, or phone the National Teaching Committee office, 708-869-9039.

BAHÁ’Í YOUTH SERVICE CORPS “sally forth ‘unrestrained as the wind’” For more information contact: National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, Illinois 60091 Phone: 708/869-9039, ext. 232

[Page 6]

Pioneering: more than moving, it’s ‘love in action’

Pioneering is not limited to a physical move or a change in material circumstances. It is a moving from old habits and ways of thinking to broader horizons—physical and/or spiritual. It is love in action. As the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, wrote:

“Pioneer service in these epoch-making days need not be confined to going out in foreign fields. The friends can pioneer on their Assemblies in helping to bring about a keener vision of what their duties are; they can pioneer in developing new local teaching methods, new contacts with new classes of people, indeed they can even be said to pioneer inwardly, finding new depth in their own souls and new ways in which their own God-given capacities can be put to use in serving the Faith.”

Everyone is able to serve Bahá’u’lláh in some capacity. Here in the Office of Pioneering, our vision of pioneering continues to broaden as we find ourselves exploring the concept of a lifetime of service.

As part of this process we are also reconsidering programs such as the Pioneer Training Institutes, originally designed to educate prospective pioneers about, and orient them toward their new field of service overseas.

We feel the Institute must evolve into a program that will respond to this broader vision. To achieve this change and at the same time provide for the needs of the friends going abroad, the focal point in most of the Institutes will continue to be the spiritual and practical preparation for pioneering, and each Institute will have modules covering such vital aspects of our lives as understanding the Covenant, developing cross-cultural/ethnic sensitivity, the family, and social and economic development.

We invite anyone who is interested in taking part in a Pioneer Training Institute to keep the following dates in mind and to please let us know which one you would like to attend.

In health, education, agriculture, engineering

April 5-8, 1990: Bahá’í National Center (Evanston, Illinois).

July 6-11: Louhelen Bahá’í School (Davison, Michigan).

Mid-August: Native American Bahá’í Institute (Houck, Arizona).

September 1-2: Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute (Hemingway, South Carolina).

October/November: Green Acre Bahá’í School (Eliot, Maine).

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

Glenwood Springs Bahá’ís offering classes in Russian

In January, the Bahá’í community of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, began offering weekly classes in Russian for residents in that area through the Soviet-American Cooperation Society, which was organized by Bahá’ís.

The first class, on January 11, drew 25 people, and 29 are presently enrolled in the course, whose teacher, Jaci Spuhler, has a degree in Russian from the University of California-Riverside.

Overseas events, projects, conferences

Alaska: Northern Star Project; needs traveling teachers to help the teaching work in the Aleutian Island chain villages, June-August 1990.

Canada: Yukon Bahá’í Institute, ongoing.

China: Sino-American Women’s Conference, June 25-28.

Fiji Islands: Radio communications volunteer needed to help produce radio programs for deepening local believers, ongoing.

Guatemala: Project Quiche, urgent need for Spanish-speaking teachers to help reach the Maya Quiche Indians, ongoing.

Puerto Rico: Brilliant Star Project, mass teaching, ongoing.

Trinidad: Ugo Giachery Teaching Project, ongoing.

Yugoslavia: Inter-University Centre Dubrovnik—“Future of Religion: Autonomy and Solidarity,” April 16-27.

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

U.S. personnel to remain in demand for positions overseas

The international job market is determined by the need for new information and technology. U.S. personnel are in demand overseas because certain skills are unavailable locally.

The role of the individual expatriate is to perform a specific task and transfer appropriate skills to local nationals. (Every country in the world will continue to preserve its jobs for its own citizens.)

The U.S. government will provide entry-level opportunities through various federal agencies.

Other entry-level positions include those with volunteer organizations and internship programs at a variety of international development organizations. Salaries are meager or non-existent, but one can gain an insider’s view of international development and enhanced networking capabilities.

The greatest number of opportunities and the most steady demand in the ’90s will be for those qualified in the following fields: education, health care, agriculture, and civil engineering.

Information management professionals will be in growing demand as industries adopt new computer systems to lower operating costs and increase efficiency.

Also, opportunities for business and financial professionals will grow as traditional trade barriers weaken or even disappear, especially in Japan, China, the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.

It is important to note that most of these positions will be part of the “hidden job market” (filled from within companies, not through outside recruitment advertising).

While employers hiring for international positions will continue to require candidates who have special skills and experience, anyone can work overseas if he or she is willing to forego immediate gratification and build an international career through participation in internships, volunteer programs or entry-level positions with U.S. government and ground floor opportunities at firms with international operations.

Prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá read at Chicago Human Relations Commission’s 44th luncheon

In January, the National Spiritual Assembly was invited to take part in the 44th annual awards luncheon of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations.

Before an audience that included Mayor Richard Daley and other dignitaries, Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary of the National Assembly, delivered the benediction and read the prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that begins, “O Thou kind Lord! Thou ‎has hast‎ created humanity from the same stock. . . .”

The Commission on Human Relations is the arm of city government dedicated to building stable multi-ethnic and multi-racial communities in Chicago, to building bridges of understanding among these groups, and to working with individuals and organizations to combat prejudice and discrimination.

Each year the commission presents awards to those who have made outstanding contributions to improving human relations in Chicago.

A Recognition Ceremony was held last October 12 to commemorate the formation at Riḍván of the first Spiritual Assembly of Glendale Heights, Illinois. On November 16, the new Assembly presented copies of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ to the village president and village board. Assembly members are (seated left to right) Barbara Breitlander, Sima Moazzaz, Maliheh Stoakley, Rebecca Koch-Percic, and (standing left to right) Hormoz Moazzaz, Behrouz Sabeti, Victoria Sabeti, Yvor Stoakley, James Percic.

Young Bahá’í profiled in college’s annual report

Mitchell (Rocky) Moncho, a Bahá’í from Botswana who is attending Bryant College in Rhode Island, was profiled in the college’s Report of the President for 1988-89 under the headline “African student works toward world peace.”

Mr. Moncho, it says, “credits his humanitarian aspirations to his Bahá’í faith, which asserts that mankind is one and that we should serve others.”

After graduation, the article continues, he “hopes to embark on an 18-month trek with a group of Bahá’í friends. Using two Jeeps, they plan to begin at the northernmost point of North America and drive to the southern tip of South America.

“From there, they will put the vehicles on ships and sail across the Pacific where they will resume their ‘round-the-world journey.’”

Mr. Moncho is a member of the U.S. National Youth Committee.

CORRECTION

We regret that Martin Ardekany of Davis, California, was inadvertently listed in the “In Memoriam” column in the January issue of The American Bahá’í, and wish to reassure his friends that Mr. Ardekany is alive and well. [Page 7]

‘THE FIRST CONDITION...

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

The message of January 23 from the Universal House of Justice, in which the urgent call is raised to gather the remaining $24 million needed to complete the initial reserve for the work on the Arc on Mount Carmel, has forcefully reminded us how brief is the time, how tremendous are the challenges, and how great are the opportunities that face this generation of Bahá’u’lláh’s followers.

A truly staggering amount of money is needed to fulfill, on the one hand, our stewardship of the Faith in this country, and, on the other, to assume a role in building the Arc that befits this nation of “spiritual descendants of the Dawn-breakers.”

We can choose to respond to these needs of the Cause in one of two ways: we can either feel overwhelmed by their magnitude, or we can accept them as keys to a deeper understanding of the meaning of the Faith and, in particular, of reliance on God. By sending its recent message, the House of Justice has shown that it knows which choice we will make.

When we look at ourselves and our communities, our first impression is that we simply are not equal to the task. Where will the people and the funds come from?

There will be many answers, and they will come from the consultation and the actions of all the believers in every field: teaching, praying, struggling to live the Bahá’í life.

We would like to share with you some passages from Paris Talks that we hope will facilitate your consultation and personal thinking:

“Remember not your own limitations; the help of God will come to you. Forget yourself. God’s help will surely come!

“When you call on the Mercy of God waiting to reinforce you, your strength will be tenfold.

“Look at me: I am so feeble, yet I have had the strength to come amongst you: a poor servant of God, who has been enabled to give you this message! I shall not be with you long! One must never consider one’s own feebleness, it is the strength of the Holy Spirit of Love, which gives the power to teach. The thought of our own weakness could only bring despair. We must look higher than all earthly thoughts; detach ourselves from every material idea, crave for the things of the spirit; fix our eyes on the everlasting bountiful Mercy of the Almighty, Who will fill our souls with the gladness of joyful service to His command ‘Love One Another.’” (pp. 38-39)

“...I love you all most dearly.

“Day and night I pray to Heaven for you that strength may be yours, and that, one and all, you may participate in the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh, and enter into the Kingdom..

“May this boundless love so fill your hearts and minds that sadness may find no room to enter and may you with joyful hearts soar like birds into the Divine Radiance..

“May your souls receive help and comfort, and, being so strengthened, may they be enabled to live in accordance with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

“I pray for each and all that you may be as flames of love in the world, and that the brightness of your light and the warmth of your affection may reach the heart of every sad and sorrowing child of God.

“May you be as shining stars, bright and luminous for ever in the Kingdom.” (pp. 95-96)

The Bahá’ís of Ventura County and Agoura Hills, California, observed United Nations Human Rights Day last December by presenting awards to two local women for their work in support of human rights and human dignity. Honored at a luncheon attended by 127 people including several dignitaries were Jeanne San Carlos (second from left), a long-time volunteer with the FLAIR literacy program for the disadvantaged in Santa Paula, and Carmen Ramirez (fourth from left), director of Channel Counties Legal Services Association, which provides legal aid for the poor and disadvantaged. Each of the honorees received a plaque designed and created by Vern Allie, a well-known sculptor from Los Gatos who is a Bahá’í. Articles about the event appeared in several local newspapers.

Bahá’ís at University of Texas work to spread Cause of God

Pictured are panelists at a program entitled “Racial Unity... America’s Challenge” presented last September by the Bahá’í Association at the University of Texas in Austin. About 250 people attended the event. Panelists included (left to right) Gary Bledsoe, chairman of the Austin chapter of the NAACP; author Nat Rutstein, who is a Bahá’í; John Hanson, host of a nationally syndicated talk show, “In Black America”; and Dr. Wright, director of the university’s Office of Afro-American Studies.

The 15-member Bahá’í Association at the University of Texas in Austin carried out a number of programs last year designed to spread the Teachings of the Faith on campus including:

1. Regular weekly firesides that have drawn as many as 50 seekers and led to the enlistment of many non-Bahá’ís as members of the Association and as participants in weekly deepenings.

2. A manned table in the campus mall that has offered invitations to firesides and various Bahá’í pamphlets and has been seen by an estimated 20,000 students.

3. A committee assigned to work on original videos in support of the Faith which has completed a half-hour program on a border teaching project, a 20-minute program on a community service project, and a six-minute promotional music video.

In addition to these ongoing programs, the Association last year took part in a service project to help the homeless; lent its support to the “Fuego de la Frontera” border teaching campaign in south Texas and northeastern New Mexico; and held a conference on campus entitled “Racial Unity... America’s Challenge” that drew an audience of about 250 including 100 non-Bahá’ís.

This year’s plans included a January conference whose theme was “The 1990s: Dawn of a New Millennium.” The Association has received widespread publicity for its events in local newspapers and on radio and television.

Bahá’ís in Louhelen Residential Program achieve outstanding academic success in college programs

The Council and staff of the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Davison, Michigan, are pleased to share news of the accomplishments of several of the students in the Louhelen Residential Program.

Shirlene Brown, a student from South Carolina and former announcer on WLGI Radio Bahá’í, is this semester’s recipient of the Walter Memorial Scholarship for the Performing Arts at Mott Community College, awarded for her “outstanding accomplishments in music.”

Leonda Williams, from Virginia, is completing her work in urban planning at Mott, and has been accepted into the competitive School of Natural Resources at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. She will transfer there in the fall of 1990.

Christopher Mehdi Mansouri, a mechanical engineering major at Mott, achieved an outstanding 4.0 grade point average last semester. Mehdi, from Quito, Ecuador, has been accepted at Michigan Technological University for the fall of 1990.

Students with grade point averages of 3.0 or better include Shamin Ahmadzadegan (from Haifa, Israel), Shirlene Brown, Khalila Cornell (Honduras), Lisa Mandeville (Japan). Tarnia Newton (the Bahamas), Aminata Turay (Sierra Leone) and Leonda Williams.

Information about the Louhelen Residential Program can be obtained from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033). [Page 8]

Understanding Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order

UNDERSTANDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAITH

Bahá’í Elections SC $1.95 from the Research Department of the Bahá’í World Center

Universal House of Justice sends compilation on Bahá’í Elections

The Sanctity and Nature of Bahá’í Elections, a new compilation prepared by the Research Department of the Bahá’í World Center is available in time to prepare for the Bahá’í elections at Ridván.

The Universal House of Justice refers to a tool “to increase the understanding of the believers regarding the nature and sanctity of these elections. . . .” It will also help Bahá’í and Bahá’í institutions prepare themselves for “the expected rapid increase in the number of believers.”

Although many of the quotations included in Bahá’í Elections are found in other sources, the Universal House of Justice provided the timely compilation to help the friends deepen on a topic that is vital to the health of the community. The new publication addresses many concerns, such as the spirit of unity during elections, the respect and honor due minorities, and the nonpolitical character of elections.

National and Local Spiritual Assemblies, Counselors, Auxiliary Board Members and Assistants, and “the rank and file of believers” are encouraged to study Bahá’í Elections and to begin “careful and sustained planning” for “an ongoing program for the deepening of the friends in the fundamentals of Bahá’í administration.”

FORTHCOMING TITLES

The Bahá’í Newsreel Winter Feast message highlighting teaching and development activities around the globe. VT $15.95 — Beta & VHS from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

The Eternal Quest for God by Julio Savi SC $15.95 This book discusses the deepest questions of existence using research from the Bahá’í writings. George Ronald, Publisher

Letters from Bonaire by Marion West SC $9.95 A warm and down-to-earth story of special interest to those contemplating short-term pioneering. George Ronald, Publisher

RECENT NEW TITLES / REPRINTS

Stirring of the Spirit SC $2.95 Compilation on the Nineteen Day Feast from the Universal House of Justice Bahá’í Publications Canada

The Promise of World Peace Audio CS $9.95 To the Peoples of the World from the Universal House of Justice Images International

The Bahá’í Faith SC $3.95 by Mary Perkins and Philip Hainsworth Ward Lock Educational

Social and Economic Development SC $7.95 A Bahá’í Approach by Holly Hanson Vick George Ronald, Publisher

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

Keeping Faith Amidst Change and Crisis CS $8.00 talk by Dr. Peter Khan Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

Raising Children as Peacemakers SC $17.95 by Peggy Goding Kalimát Press

Percival the Piano A Story for Naw-Rúz SC $5.75 by Mary Perkins George Ronald, Publisher

A Study of Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet to the Christians HC $16.50 / SC $9.95 by Michael Sours Oneworld Publications

Vision to Victory: From the American Dream to a New World Order VT $19.95 Beta or VHS talk by David Hofman Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

TEACHING AND SHARING THE FAITH OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Conservation of the Earth’s Resources SC $1.95 A Compilation of Extracts from the Bahá’í Writings on the Relationship between Humankind and the Environment from the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice at the Bahá’í World Center

Now available in booklet form, the compilation entitled Conservation of the Earth’s Resources from the Research Department of the Bahá’í World Center, gives us fresh perspective for “. . . assisting in endeavors to conserve the environment in ways which blend with the rhythm and life of our community” and for making these efforts “assume more importance in Bahá’í activities.”

The Universal House of Justice, in a letter introducing the compilation, states that “this compilation of extracts from the Bahá’í writings has been published to encourage a dynamic response to this invitation” of humanizing and spiritualizing the environment problem.

“These extracts will deepen our appreciation of the Bahá’í concept of nature, and enhance our understanding of humankind’s relationship to nature and of our responsibility to preserve the world’s ecological balance. They will also prove a valuable guide for those friends of the Bahá’í community who are interested in discovering more about the distinctive Bahá’í approach to the solution of pressing social problems. Armed with increasing knowledge of this important subject, Bahá’ís and those who share their concern for the planet will be encouraged in their efforts to make this world an earthly paradise.”

The new compilation explores fundamental principles such as Nature as a Reflection of the Divine; and the Relationship between Man and Nature; Protection of the Environment; and the Prospect for the Future.

SPECIAL REDUCED PRICE ITEMS / MARCH 1 — APRIL 30, 1990

LSA RESOURCE MATERIALS PACKET Includes six compilations now reduced and available individually or as a set. Combined price was $8.95. Set now $3.00, or individually at $.60. CENTERS OF BAHÁ’Í LEARNING, SC WAS $1.60 / NOW $.60 CONSULTATION COMPILATION, SC WAS $1.60 / NOW $.60 DECLARATION OF TRUST AND BY-LAWS OF THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY, SC WAS $1.10 / NOW $.60 LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY, SC WAS $.75 / NOW $.60 SPECIAL MEASURE OF LOVE, SC WAS $1.60 / NOW $.60 SPIRITUAL FOUNDATIONS, SC WAS $1.60 / NOW $.60

CONCORDANCE TO THE HIDDEN WORDS, SC WAS $1.60 / NOW $.75

PROMISED DAY IS COME, HC WAS $9.50 / NOW $4.75

TRAVELER’S NARRATIVE HC WAS $12.50 / NOW $6.25 SC WAS $7.95 / NOW $3.95

YOUTH IN THE VANGUARD, HC WAS $5.50 / NOW $2.50

IMMEDIATE POSITION OPENING:

Applications are being accepted for the position of Marketing Manager for the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and Distribution Service. If you feel you are qualified, please submit your resume to the Department of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center.

Bahá’í Distribution Service / 1-800-999-9019

415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091

Ordered by: (Please print or type)	Date
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Order through your Local Bahá’í Distribution ‎Representatve Representative‎, or send your order with payment to: 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091

1-800-999-9019 Order now through the Bahá’í Distribution Service [Page 9]

‘The Sanctity and Nature of Bahá’í Elections’

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Universal House of Justice feels it is timely to release a compilation on Bahá’í elections as a useful tool to help National Spiritual Assemblies to increase the understanding of the believers regarding the nature and sanctity of these elections, and to prepare themselves for the expected rapid increase in the number of believers. A compilation entitled "The Sanctity and Nature of Bahá’í Elections" has been prepared by the Research Department, and a copy is enclosed.

The study of this compilation will require careful and sustained planning by the National Spiritual Assemblies and local Spiritual Assemblies, and it should become part of the ongoing program for the deepening of the friends in the fundamentals of Bahá’í administration. The House of Justice urges all National Spiritual Assemblies to discuss the implementation of such a program with the Counselors, so that the rank and file of the believers, with the whole-hearted support of the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, will appreciate the importance of adhering to Bahá’í principles in this regard, and carry out all Bahá’í elections, on the national as well as the unit and local levels, in an exemplary manner, in full harmony with the spirit of purity and sanctity which must characterize them.

The Universal House of Justice wishes to stress at this point how important it is for all delegates allocated to the National Convention to be elected and the desirability of having all the elected delegates attend this vital national event. It has been noticed that, although attendance at most National Conventions is gradually improving, in several countries every year not all delegates are being elected, and in numerous instances, even when elected, they do not participate either in person or by sending in their ballots.

Be assured of ardent prayers in the Holy Shrines that your resolute efforts to improve the record of devoted and enthusiastic participation in delegate elections, National Conventions and local Assembly elections will attract the assistance and blessings of the divine Concourse.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat December 19, 1989

1. Fostering a spiritual attitude toward elections

From letters written by or on behalf of Shoghi Effendi

"On the election day, the friends must wholeheartedly participate in the elections, in unity and amity, turning their hearts to God, detached from all things but Him, seeking His guidance and supplicating His aid and bounty." (February 27, 1923, written by Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá’ís of the East; translated from the Persian) (1)

"Again I earnestly appeal to every one of you, and renew my only request with all the ardor of my conviction, to make before and during the coming Convention yet another effort, this time more spontaneous and selfless than before, and endeavor to approach your task—the election of your delegates as well as your national and local representatives—with that purity of spirit that can alone obtain our Beloved's most cherished desire. . . ." (February 23, 1924, written by Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá’ís of America, published in Bahá’í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932, rev. ed. Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1980, p. 65) (2)

"In discharging this sacred function no influence whatever, no pressure from any quarter, even though it be from the National Assembly, should under any circumstances affect their views or restrict their freedom. The delegates must be wholly independent of any administrative agency, must approach their task with absolute detachment and must concentrate their attention on the most important and pressing issues." (August 12, 1933, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published in "The National Spiritual Assembly," compiled by the Universal House of Justice. Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1972, p. 24) (3)

"Such a rectitude of conduct must manifest itself, with ever-increasing potency, in every verdict which the elected representatives of the Bahá’í community, in whatever capacity they may find themselves, may be called upon to pronounce. . . . It must be exemplified in the conduct of all Bahá’í electors, when exercising their sacred rights and functions. . . ." (December 25, 1938, written by Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, published as The Advent of Divine Justice. Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1984, p. 26) (4)

From communications written by the Universal House of Justice

"The conditions of limited manpower, of difficulties in traveling and of illiteracy among the local people are found in varying degrees in other countries of the world, and we have always and everywhere urged the National Spiritual Assemblies concerned to guide and teach the friends in proper Bahá’í administrative procedures, not only during the weeks immediately preceding local elections but indeed throughout the year, so that the friends would await the advent of Ridván with anticipation and determine to observe and uphold correct principles of Bahá’í administration." (From a letter dated September 24, 1973, to a National Spiritual Assembly) (5)

"The aim should always be so to educate the friends during the year that they consider their participation in Bahá’í elections not only as a right they exercise, but as a spiritual obligation which, when discharged in the proper Bahá’í spirit, contributes to the health and growth of the Bahá’í community." (From a memorandum dated June 18, 1980, to the International Teaching Center) (6)

2. Qualifications of those to be elected

From letters written by Shoghi Effendi

"Due regard must be paid to their actual capacity and present attainments, and only those who are best qualified for membership, be they men or women, and irrespective of social standing, should be elected to the extremely responsible position of a member of the Bahá’í Assembly." (In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter dated December 27, 1923, written on his behalf to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma, published in Dawn of a New Day. New Delhi: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1970, p. 4) (7)

"Let us recall His explicit and often repeated assurances that every Assembly elected in that rarefied atmosphere of selflessness and detachment is in truth appointed of God, that its verdict is truly inspired, that one and all should submit to its decision unreservedly and with cheerfulness." (February 23, 1924, to the Bahá’ís of America, published in Bahá’í Administration, p. 65) (8)

"It would be impossible at this stage to... overestimate the unique significance of the institution of the National Spiritual Assembly.... Supreme is their position, grave their responsibilities, manifold and arduous their duties. How great the privilege, how delicate the task of the assembled delegates whose function it is to elect such national representatives as would by their record of service ennoble and enrich the annals of the Cause!... it is incumbent upon the chosen delegates to consider without the least trace of passion and prejudice, and irrespective of any material consideration, the names of only those who can best combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience...." (June 3, 1925, to the delegates and visitors of the National Convention of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, published in Bahá’í Administration, pp. 87-88) (9)

"... the elector... is called upon to vote for none but those whom prayer and reflection have inspired him to uphold..." (May 27, 1927, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published in Bahá’í Administration, p. 136) (10)

"...I do not feel it to be in keeping with the spirit of the Cause to impose any limitation upon the freedom of the believers to choose those of any race, nationality or temperament who best combine the essential qualifications for membership of administrative institutions. They should disregard personalities and concentrate their attention on the qualities and requirements of office, without prejudice, passion or partiality. The Assembly should be representative of the choicest and most varied and capable elements in every Bahá’í community..." (In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter dated August 11, 1933, written on his behalf to an individual believer, published in Bahá’í Institutions. New Delhi: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1973, pp. 71-72) (11)

"If any discrimination is at all to be tolerated, it should be a discrimination not against, but rather in favor of the minority, be it racial or otherwise. ... every organized community enlisted under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh should feel it to be its first and inescapable obligation to nurture, encourage and safeguard every minority belonging to any faith, race, class or nation within it. So great and vital is this principle that in such circumstances, as when an equal number of ballots have been cast in an election, or where the qualifications for any office are balanced as between the various races, faiths or nationalities within the community, priority should unhesitatingly be accorded the party representing the minority, and this for no other reason except to stimulate and encourage it, and afford it an opportunity to further the interests of the community." (December 25, 1938, published as The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 35) (12)

"The electors... must prayerfully and devotedly and after meditation and reflection elect faithful, sincere, experienced, capable and competent souls who are worthy of membership...." (July 1, 1943, to the National Spiritual Assembly of Persia; translated from the Persian) (13)

From letters written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi

"... concerning the qualifications of the members of the Spiritual Assembly: there is a distinction of fundamental importance which should be always remembered in this connection, and this is between the Spiritual Assembly as an institution, and the persons who compose it. These are by no means supposed to be perfect, nor can they be considered as being inherently superior to the rest of their fellow-believers. It is precisely because they are subject to the same human limitations that characterize the other members of the community that they have to be elected every year. The existence of elections is a sufficient indication that Assembly members, though forming part of an institution that is divine and per- [text ends] [Page 10]very large numbers of individuals who have the qualities which make them fit for service on Spiritual Assemblies. Of these only a few can be elected at any one time. It is also expected that, through training and experience in the process and spirit of Bahá’í elections, the members of the electorate will have raised their consciousness of their responsibility to vote for only those who satisfy the requirements that the Guardian has outlined. They will, therefore, see it as their continuing duty to familiarize themselves with the character and abilities of those who are active in the community so that, when the time for an election comes, they will already have some idea of the people from among whom they must make their choice." (November 16, 1988, to the International Teaching Center)

fect, are nevertheless themselves imperfect. But this does not necessarily imply that their judgment is defective... " (November 15, 1935, to individual believers, published in "The Local Spiritual Assembly," compiled by the Universal House of Justice. Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1970, p. 9) (14)

"A believer has the right to vote for himself during the election time, if he conscientiously feels the urge to do so. This does not necessarily imply that he is ambitious or selfish, for he might conscientiously believe that his qualifications entitle him to membership in a Bahá’í administrative body, and he might be right. The essential, however, is that he should be sincere in his belief, and should act according to the dictates of his conscience. Moreover, membership in an Assembly or committee is a form of service, and should not be looked upon as a mark of inherent superiority, or a means for self-praise." (March 27, 1938, to an individual believer, published in Dawn of a New Day, pp. 200-201) (15)

"There is no objection in principle to an Assembly being re-elected, whether in toto or in part, provided the members are considered to be well-qualified for that post. It is individual merit that counts. Novelty or the mere act of renewal of elections are purely secondary considerations. Changes in Assembly membership should be welcome so far as they do not prejudice the quality of such membership. Once Assembly elections are over, the results should be conscientiously and unquestioningly accepted by the entire body of the believers, not necessarily because they represent the voice of truth or the will of Bahá’u’lláh, but for the supreme purpose of maintaining unity and harmony in the community...." (July 10, 1939, to an individual believer, published in "Directives from the Guardian," compiled by Gertrude Garrida. New Delhi: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1973, p. 23) (16)

"In regard to your question about qualifications of delegates and Assembly members: the qualifications which he outlined are really applicable to anyone we elect to a Bahá’í office, whatever its nature. But these are only an indication, they do not mean people who don't fulfill them cannot be elected to office. We must aim as high as we can. He does not feel the friends should attach so much importance to limitations—such as people perhaps not being able to attend Assembly or Convention meetings, because if they do, then the fundamental concept of everyone being willing to do Bahá’í service on administrative bodies will be weakened, and the friends may be tempted to vote for those who because of independent means or circumstances in their lives are freer to come and go but less qualified to serve." (October 24, 1947, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, published in Unfolding Destiny: The Messages from the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith to the Bahá’í Community of the British Isles. London: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1981, p. 207) (17)

From a memorandum written by the Universal House of Justice

"Also relevant to this question is the statement made by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in one of His Tablets to the effect that a voter should make his choice from among those whose good name has been widely diffused.

"Inevitably, in any form of election, worthy individuals fail to be elected simply because they are not widely known. This is true in the system that uses nominations and electioneering as it will be in the Bahá’í system. However, this is not the point. Election to an Assembly, from a Bahá’í point of view, is not a right that people are entitled to, or an honor to which they should aspire; it is a duty and responsibility to which they may be called. The purpose is that those who are elected to an Assembly should be the most worthy for this service; this does not and cannot mean that all those who are worthy will be elected.

"It is expected that in the future... there will be very large numbers of individuals who have the qualities which make them fit for service on Spiritual Assemblies. Of these only a few can be elected at any one time. It is also expected that, through training and experience in the process and spirit of Bahá’í elections, the members of the electorate will have raised their consciousness of their responsibility to vote for only those who satisfy the requirements that the Guardian has outlined. They will, therefore, see it as their continuing duty to familiarize themselves with the character and abilities of those who are active in the community so that, when the time for an election comes, they will already have some idea of the people from among whom they must make their choice." (November 16, 1988, to the International Teaching Center)

3. The non-political character of elections

From letters written by or on behalf of Shoghi Effendi

"Beware, beware lest the foul odor of the parties and peoples of foreign lands in the West, and their pernicious methods, such as intrigues, party politics and propaganda—practices which are abhorrent even in name—should ever reach the Bahá’í community, exert any influence whatsoever upon the friends, and thus bring all spirituality to naught...." (January 30, 1923, written by Shoghi Effendi to a Spiritual Assembly; translated from the Persian) (18)

"One's vote should be kept confidential. It is not permissible to make any reference whatsoever to individual names. The friends must avoid the evil methods and detestable practices of the politicians. They must turn completely to God, and with a purity of motive, a freedom of spirit and a sanctity of heart, participate in the elections...." (January 16, 1932, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a Spiritual Assembly; translated from the Persian) (19)

"Let them exercise the utmost vigilance so that the elections are carried out freely, universally and by secret ballot. Any form of intrigue, deception, collusion or compulsion must be stopped and is forbidden." (March 8, 1932, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a local Spiritual Assembly; translated from the Persian) (20)

"The strength and progress of the Bahá’í community depend upon the election of pure, faithful and active souls. . . . Canvassing is abhorred...." (April 9, 1932, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a local Spiritual Assembly; translated from the Persian) (21)

From letters written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice

"As you know very well, the method of Bahá’í elections is at complete variance with the methods and practices of elections in political systems. The beloved Guardian has pointed out to us that should we follow the method of the politicians in our Bahá’í elections, misunderstandings and differences will arise, chaos and confusion will ensue, mischief will abound and the confirmations of God will be cut off from that Bahá’í community. In view of these grave warnings, the utmost care must always be exercised so that the purity and spiritual character of Bahá’í elections are maintained and preserved.

"When one sees some inexperienced or immature Bahá’ís indulge in electioneering, either openly or secretly, far from being tempted to imitate them, one should resolutely arise and through proper administrative channels and procedures assist in eradicating such tendencies and cleansing the Bahá’í community from such evil influences." (December 6, 1971, to an individual believer) (22)

"... the Bahá’ís, particularly prominent Bahá’ís, should avoid doing anything which might create a wrong impression and give rise to accusations by uninformed Bahá’ís of electioneering." (April 15, 1986, to a National Spiritual Assembly) (23)

4. The absence of nominations

From letters written by or on behalf of Shoghi Effendi

"I feel that reference to personalities before the election would give rise to misunderstanding and differences. What the friends should do is get thoroughly acquainted with one another, to exchange views, to mix freely and discuss among themselves the requirements and qualifications for such a membership without reference or application, however indirect, to particular individuals. We should refrain from influencing the opinion of others.." (May 14, 1927, written by Shoghi Effendi to the Spiritual Assembly of Akron, Ohio, published in the U.S. "Bahá’í News Letter," no. 18, June 1927, p. 9) (24)

"... the practice of nomination, so detrimental to the atmosphere of a silent and prayerful election, is viewed with mistrust inasmuch as it gives the right to the majority of a body that, in itself, under the present circumstances, often constitutes a minority of all the elected delegates, to deny that God-given right of every elector to vote only in favor of those whom he is conscientiously convinced are the most worthy candidates...." (May 27, 1927, written by Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published in Bahá’í Administration, p. 136) (25)

"As to the practice of nomination in Bahá’í elections, this the Guardian firmly believes to be in fundamental disaccord with the spirit which should animate and direct all elections held by the Bahá’ís, be they of a local or national character and importance. It is, indeed, the absence of such a practice that constitutes the distinguishing feature and the marked superiority of the Bahá’í electoral methods over those commonly associated with political parties and factions. The practice of nomination, being thus contrary to the spirit of Bahá’í administration, should be totally discarded by all the friends. For otherwise the freedom of the Bahá’í elector in choosing the members of any Bahá’í Assembly will be seriously endangered, leaving the way open for the domination of personalities. Not only that, but the mere act of nomination leads eventually to the formation of parties—a thing which is totally alien to the spirit of the Cause.

"In addition to these serious dangers, the practice of nomination has the great disadvantage of killing in the believer the spirit of initiative, and of self-development. Bahá’í electoral procedures and methods have, indeed, for one of their essential purposes the development in every believer of the spirit of responsibility. By emphasizing the necessity of maintaining his full freedom in the elections, they make it incumbent upon him to become an active and well-informed member of the Bahá’í community in which he lives. To be able to make a wise choice at the election time, it is necessary for him to be in close and continued contact with all of his fellow-believers, to keep in touch with all local activities, be they teaching, administrative or otherwise, and to fully and wholeheartedly participate in the affairs of the local as well as national committees and Assemblies in his country. It is only in this way that a believer can develop a true social consciousness, and acquire a true sense of responsibility in matters affecting the interests of the Cause. Bahá’í community life thus makes it a duty for every loyal and faithful believer to become an intelligent, well-informed and responsible elector, and also gives him the opportunity of raising himself to such a station. And since the practice of nomination hinders the development of such qualities in the believer, and in addition leads to corruption and partisanship, it has to be entirely discarded in all Bahá’í elections." (February 4, 1935, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, published in The Light of Divine Guidance: The Messages from the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith to the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria. Hofheim-Langenhain: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1982, vol. 1, pp. 67-68) (26) [Page 11]Germany and Austria, vol. 1. Hofheim-Langenhain: Bahá’í-Verlag, 1982, pp. 67-68)

(27) "The elections, especially when annual, give the community a good opportunity to remedy any defect or imperfection from which the Assembly may suffer as a result of the actions of its members. Thus a safe method has been established whereby the quality of membership in Bahá’í Assemblies can be continually raised and improved. But, as already stated, the institution of the Spiritual Assembly should under no circumstances be identified with, or be estimated merely through, the personal qualifications of the members that compose it." (November 15, 1935, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to individual believers, published in "The Local Spiritual Assembly," pp. 9-10)

(28) From a memorandum written by the Universal House of Justice

"The fundamental difference between the system of candidature and the Bahá’í system is that, in the former, individuals, or those who nominate them, decide that they should be placed in positions of authority and put themselves forward to be voted into it. In the Bahá’í system it is the mass of the electorate which makes the decision. If an individual ostentatiously places himself in the public eye with the seeming purpose of getting people to vote for him, the members of the electorate regard this as self-conceit and are affronted by it; they learn to distinguish between someone who is well-known as an unintentional result of active public service and someone who makes an exhibition of himself merely to attract votes." (November 16, 1988, to the International Teaching Center)

5. Participation in elections

From letters written by Shoghi Effendi

(29) "These local Spiritual Assemblies will have to be elected directly by the friends, and every declared believer of 21 years and above, far from standing aloof and assuming an indifferent or independent attitude, should regard it his sacred duty to take part, conscientiously and diligently, in the election, the consolidation, and the efficient working of his own local Assembly." (March 12, 1923, to the Bahá’ís of the West, Japan and Australasia, published in Bahá’í Administration, p. 39)

(30) "It would also appear to me unobjectionable to enable and even to require in the last resort such delegates as cannot possibly undertake the journey to the seat of the Bahá’í Convention to send their votes. . . . It should, however, be made clear to every elected delegate—who should be continually reminded—that it is a sacred responsibility and admittedly preferable to attend if possible in person the sessions of the Convention, to take an active part in all its proceedings, and to acquaint his fellow-workers on his return with the accomplishments, the decisions, and the aspirations of the assembled representatives of the American believers." (October 24, 1925, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published in Bahá’í Administration, pp. 91-92)

(31) "I feel I must reaffirm the vital importance and necessity of the right of voting—a sacred responsibility of which no adult recognized believer should be deprived. This distinguishing right which the believer possesses however does not carry with it nor does it imply an obligation to cast his vote, if he feels that the circumstances under which he lives do not justify or allow him to exercise that right intelligently and with understanding. This is a matter which should be left to the individual to decide for himself according to his own conscience and discretion...." (In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter dated April 28, 1935, written on his behalf to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published in Messages to America: Selected Letters and Cablegrams Addressed to the Bahá’ís of North America 1932-1946. Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 1947, pp. 3-4)

(32) From communications written by or on behalf of the Universal House of Justice

"In the matter of attendance of delegates at Conventions, the desirability of the friends themselves being self-supporting should be pointed out by the National Assembly. If a delegate cannot pay his own expenses in attending the Convention, the local Assembly or the believers in the electoral unit from which the delegate comes should be encouraged by the National Assembly to defray such expenses, so that only when funds are unavailable from those sources, the National Assembly is approached to consider offering financial assistance...." (From a letter dated February 9, 1967, written by the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, published in Lights of Guidance: A Bahá’í Reference File, compiled by Helen Hornby. New Delhi: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1983, p. 143)

(33) "There is no minimum of ballots required for an election to be considered valid, either in the case of a local Spiritual Assembly or of delegates to the National Convention. Nevertheless, it is desirable that every eligible voter take part, and your Assembly should encourage all believers to do so...." (From a letter dated July 10, 1980, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly)

(34) "In general, if a delegate to the National Convention is unable to pay his own travel expenses, the believers from the electoral unit from which the delegate comes should be encouraged by the National Spiritual Assembly to defray such expenses. If funds are unavailable from this source, the National Spiritual Assembly may be approached to consider offering financial assistance. The National Assembly is not under obligation to do so. It may choose to pay only a portion of the travel expenses of a delegate, such as the return portion of the transportation cost....

"The Counselors should not hesitate to draw the attention of the National Spiritual Assembly to the need to foster good attendance of delegates at the National Convention, and to offer advice on the merits of provision of financial assistance to delegates. In addition, the Counselors should emphasize to the community, through the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, the value of believers in each unit area providing financial help to the delegate they have elected to participate in the deliberations of the National Convention. The vital responsibility of each delegate to cast his ballot by mail, if he is unable to attend in person, should also be emphasized." (From a memorandum dated November 14, 1988, written by the Universal House of Justice to the International Teaching Center)

Pictured on the front steps of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, are members of the security staff at the Bahá’í World Center. With them (front row fourth from right) is ‘Alí Nakhjávání, a member of the Universal House of Justice. The chief responsibility of the Security Department is to serve the House of Justice by protecting and preserving the spiritual and administrative centers of the Faith in Haifa and ‘Akká. In this photograph, which was taken in October 1989, are security guards and members of the administrative staff (in dark suits). Security personnel include many young Bahá’ís who have come to the World Center from such faraway places as Cameroon, Sweden, Germany, Botswana, France, Australia, Zaire, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, England, Guyana and the United States. If you are considering service at the World Center and would like more information about what positions are available and how you may apply, write to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039

6. The role of the National Spiritual Assembly

From letters written by or on behalf of Shoghi Effendi

(35) "The seating of delegates to the Convention, i.e. the right to decide upon the validity of the credentials of the delegates at a given Convention is vested in the outgoing National Assembly, and the right to decide who has the voting privilege is also ultimately placed in the hands of the National Spiritual Assembly." (January 29, 1925, written by Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published in Bahá’í Administration, p. 80)

(36) "He considers that the National Spiritual Assembly has every right to examine the ballots if there is some doubt as to the election having been properly conducted. By 'preservation' of the ballots is meant that they are preserved in the national files." (March 14, 1947, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand, published in Letters from the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand, 1923-1957. Sydney: National Spiritual Assembly of Australia, 1970, p. 66)

(37) [Page 12]

BIC hosts meeting in N.Y. to discuss women's issues

UNITED NATIONS

Seven representatives of various Bahá’í institutions and agencies met January 12 at the New York City office of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) to discuss issues and activities related to women.

Claire Friedland, president of the National Council of Women of the U.S. (NCW), joined the group at lunch time to consult on ways in which Bahá’ís might be of service to the Council which comprises 33 national women's organizations, one of which is the Bahá’í National Committee on Women.

Present at the day-long meeting were Juana Conrad, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; Katharine Bigelow of the National Assembly Office of External Affairs; Fafar Guillebeaux and Jan Smith, Bahá’í National Committee on Women; Nora El-Tobgy, Bahá’í International Office of Public Information; Mary Power, representative to the UN for the BIC (specializing in women's issues); and Shirley Lee, representative to the UN for the Bahá’ís of the United States.

Reports were presented on an extensive array of programs, activities and materials that have been implemented or are being prepared for community use.

The representatives of the National Committee on Women reported that materials are being produced for workshops on issues including "The Price Men Pay for Inequality"; "Internalized Oppression—Giving Up Our Negative Notions of Ourselves"; "Racism-Sexism"; "Spiritual Transformation—Examining the Extent of Our Damage from the Old World Order," and others. Guest editorials on similar topics will be submitted to The American Bahá’í.

Mrs. Conrad and Ms. Bigelow briefed the group on a preparatory meeting for the upcoming Sino-American Conference on Women's Issues to be held June 25-28 in Beijing, China. The conference is sponsored by Global Interactions Inc. and the All-China Women's Committee.

It is hoped that there will be about 750 participants from the U.S. and an equal number from China. The Faith is represented on the steering committee, several Bahá’ís will present papers at the conference, and Bahá’ís have also been called upon to chair workshops and provide other leadership skills.

The U.S. State Department recently held a meeting with representatives of women's organizations as a prelude to the meeting of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Mrs. Power and Ms. Bigelow attended the meeting, at which it was announced that the U.S. will introduce three resolutions aimed at including more women in pre-Commission consultations.

The Bahá’í representatives provided the State Department with BIC statements on women's issues and information about the work of the BIC and other non-governmental organizations on the "Advocates for African Food Security: Lessening the Burden for Women."

The Advocates project, in which there is major involvement by the BIC, was described in detail. Its aim is to focus attention on the contributions of women in Africa as the major providers of food for family sustenance. The Bahá’í International Community's Office of Public Information is developing a pamphlet describing the work of the Advocates.

Consultation with Ms. Friedland, the president of the NCW, was centered on setting a new focus, enhancing the role of the Council in social issues, celebrating the diversity of membership, and dealing with the issue of racism. It was noted that Bahá’ís can co-sponsor related events with other Council organizations on the national and local levels.

The quality and extent of the activities under way was impressive. It was decided to hold a similar meeting in August.

Pictured at a meeting on women's issues January 12 at the Bahá’í International Community's office in New York City are (left to right) Shirley Lee, UN representative, Bahá’ís of the United States; Juana Conrad, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; Fafar Guillebeaux, Bahá’í National Committee on Women; Claire Friedland, president, National Council of Women; Jan Smith, Bahá’í National Committee on Women; Katharine Bigelow, National Spiritual Assembly Office of External Affairs; and Mary Power, representative, Bahá’í International Community.

Bahá’ís in Atlanta work hard to support causes of world peace, race harmony

Bahá’ís in the Atlanta, Georgia, area continue working hard to maintain a visible presence among those who appreciate the need for world peace and racial harmony.

On December 31, C.T. Vivian, a nationally known speaker on race relations, attended a "Kwanza" (Afro-American celebration of culture and diversity) at Spelman College. Two of the organizers of the event were Bahá’ís, as were the majority of those in the audience.

On January 4, two Bahá’ís attended a gala kick-off celebration of the Atlanta "World of Difference" program sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith. This is a community-wide effort to reduce ethnic, racial and religious prejudice through a celebration of the diversity in American society.

Contacting news media, prominent persons

The National Spiritual Assembly would like to remind individual Bahá’ís and local Spiritual Assemblies that they should contact the National Spiritual Assembly at its office in Washington, D.C., before they write letters regarding the Faith to national publications (magazines, newspapers, book publishers) or to national electronic media (TV, radio networks). Contact with national media and with nationally prominent people has been under the guidance and direction of the National Spiritual Assembly for several decades.

A perception of urgency or timeliness by an individual Bahá’í is not sufficient justification to ignore this long-standing policy. Such communication is not merely a matter of reviewing letters from individual Bahá’ís, but coordinating Bahá’í relations with news media and prominent people.

Problem of illiteracy especially grave among world's developing countries

During the past two months articles in The American Bahá’í have introduced the United Nations International Literacy Year (ILY), encouraged the Bahá’í community to lend its support to this worthwhile endeavor, and stressed the importance placed by the Universal House of Justice on eliminating illiteracy from the Bahá’í community to ensure access to the Creative Word.

Plans for ILY were formally announced this month at press conferences in 20 cities by the UN's International Task Force on Literacy (ITFL), one of whose members is the Bahá’í International Community (BIC).

When assessing the impact of illiteracy on a global scale, perhaps the first question to ask is, How serious is the problem?

• The UN estimates that there are nearly one billion adult illiterates (15 years of age or older) in the world, which is more than one-quarter of the total population.
• Nearly 98 percent of the world's illiterates live in developing countries—a testament to the fact that illiteracy is both a cause and a consequence of poverty and under-development in the Third World.
• Asia has nearly 700 million illiterates, Africa nearly 170 million, and Latin America and the Caribbean about 45 million.
• In Africa, about 54 percent of the total population is considered illiterate.
• Globally, almost 35 percent of all female adults are illiterate, and about 20.5 percent of male adults.

In the least developed countries, two-thirds of the adults are illiterate. Some are confronting and resolving the problem, while in others—where nearly 90 percent of adults remain illiterate—the situation seems almost entrenched.

Illiteracy is clearly a problem of global dimensions which, directly or indirectly, affects and concerns all nations and peoples of the world.

Education would seem the obvious solution; however, there are presently more than 100 million children ages 6-11 in developing countries who are not enrolled in school. Furthermore, among those children who are fortunate enough to attend whatever schooling exists, educational standards are uneven and drop-out rates tend to be quite high.

The International Literacy Year initiative was launched with the premise that the eradication of illiteracy calls for worldwide cooperation, and that the process of education can make an indispensable contribution to the achievement of social progress, mutual understanding and cooperation among nations.

As the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) states in a recent booklet, Literacy, Human Rights and Peace, "If we are to avoid war, we must learn to live in peace, and learn to understand one another.

"...since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed."

Of course, literacy—the ability not only to read but to understand what one has read—is an essential part of that equation, and Bahá’ís can and should play an ever-widening role in worldwide efforts to eradicate illiteracy.

Speaking of ILY, the Universal House of Justice wrote (July 10, 1989): "...we commend the purpose of this special year to the attention of the entire Bahá’í world." [Page 13]

King Day

young Bahá’ís attended a College and University Conference on Non-Violence.

In all, the Bahá’í community provided outstanding support for King Week events with more than 150 of the friends directly involved in tasks to support the many activities.

The King Center staff recognized the dedication and spirit brought by the Bahá’ís and were delighted with the participation of the American Indians, which would not have been possible without the sponsorship of the Bahá’í community.

Atlanta's celebration of Dr. King's birthday was but one of a number of such events throughout the country in which Bahá’ís were involved. For instance:

•In Los Angeles, more than one-third of those marching in the King Day parade were Bahá’ís wearing T-shirts with Bahá’í slogans and carrying banners proclaiming the oneness of mankind.

•In Seattle, Washington, about 400 people, mostly students and faculty, attended a Bahá’í-sponsored public meeting at the University of Washington. The speaker was Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Assembly secretary for External Affairs, who traced the history of the civil rights movement from a Bahá’í perspective based on his observations since arriving in the U.S. as a young college student.

•In Eugene, Oregon, Bahá’ís joined forces with the NAACP to plan and carry out a number of programs honoring Dr. King including a public tribute at the City Council chambers; a Human Rights Fair; and a public meeting whose keynote speaker before an audience of more than 4,000 was Dr. King's daughter, Yolanda.

In Boston, Bahá’ís co-sponsored the Harvard-Radcliffe United Ministry's annual Martin Luther King Jr. service at Memorial Church, and Bahá’ís took part in many other commemorations of the holiday.

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bahá’ís co-sponsored a birthday tribute to Dr. King that drew an audience of more than 300, about 60 of whom were Bahá’ís. Also sponsoring was the NAACP's College Division at the University of New Mexico. The keynote speaker was Harold Gibson, an African-American Bahá’í from Espanola.

• In Glenwood Springs, Colorado, the three-member Bahá’í Group sponsored the community's King Day activities which included a potluck supper and a walk to a local cemetery to honor early black settlers who played an important role in Glenwood Springs some 100 years ago. The events received widespread media coverage.

• In Conway, South Carolina, the local Spiritual Assembly took the lead when local churches decided not to plan an observance of Dr. King's birthday, presenting a public program that drew an audience of more than 200, was covered by four television stations and broadcast live on WLGI Radio Bahá’í.

• In New Orleans, 25 Bahá’ís from six communities took part in the annual King Day parade which ended with a rally at a local gymnasium.

• In Speedway, Indiana, the Bahá’ís sponsored an observance that included songs, film footage of Dr. King's life including the march on Washington, D.C., and his famous "I have a dream" speech, and a discussion of various aspects of race prejudice and the need for unity.

• In Greenfield, Massachusetts, Bahá’ís co-sponsored "The Dream Continues," a public Martin Luther King Day observance at a local Unitarian church. About 50 people attended.

In Redding, California, Bahá’ís joined a number of interested groups to plan the King Day observance and provided the keynote speaker, Roger Hogan. Also on the program, which drew an audience of about 150, was a jazz dance by two Bahá’í youth, Danielle Hogan and Joyanna Kessler.

In Pendleton, Oregon, Bahá’ís co-sponsored the King Day observance with the local chapter of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. The keynote speaker was Leonard Bell, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Portland.

• In Tulsa, Oklahoma, 30 Bahá’ís from several communities marched in the city's third annual King Day parade under the auspices of the Spiritual Assembly of Tulsa. The Bahá’í float, one of more than 200 parade entries, was planned by the Bahá’í Inter-Community Media Committee with the theme "The Dream Lives: Education Is the Key."

• In Portland, Maine, Bahá’ís from throughout the state were involved in a number of activities commemorating Dr. King's birthday including a program at the A.M.E. Zion Church, a breakfast meeting attended by some 600 people, a children's program organized by the Bahá’ís of Greater Portland, and an awards and scholarship program.

Above: Children enjoy the King Day program in Portland, Maine. Below: The Bethlehem Church choir performs in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Prayer breakfast In Washington honors Dr. King's memory

On January 15, about 250 guests from around the world gathered in Washington, D.C., to remember the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the first Ecumenical Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Religious Involvement Committee of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission.

Carole Miller, a Bahá’í from Atlanta, Georgia, who serves as co-chairman of the Religious Involvement Committee, presided over the event with Bishop H.H. Brookins, presiding prelate of the Second Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church.

As a part of the program Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, recalled ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s address in 1912 to the fourth annual Convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and recited the "Prayer for America" revealed by the Master.

Other speakers were M. Dhammasiri, president of the Buddhist Vihara Society; Ronald H. Brown, chairman of the Democratic National Committee; His Excellency Stanislaus Chigwedere, ambassador of Zimbabwe; and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, founder and national president of the Rainbow Coalition.

Task force to address problem of Illiteracy

To support the United Nations International Year of Literacy 1990 (ILY), the National Spiritual Assembly recently appointed a special Task Force on Literacy (see article on ILY on page 12).

The task force is in the process of organizing itself and will make a statement in The American Bahá’í once this has been completed.

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

Convention seating taken

As this issue of The American Bahá’í went to press, the National Spiritual Assembly announced that seating for the 81st Bahá’í National Convention was no longer available.

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

Employment Opportunities on Indian Reservations

Numerous employment opportunities exist on or near Indian Reservations throughout the United States. Both the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service have publicized job listings. Mature Bahá’ís could be of service as homefront pioneers, particularly those who could respond to the crisis in medical care on Reservations. For more information contact:

National Teaching Committee American Indian Desk Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone: 708/869-9039 ext. 361

Thalland requests special prayers for Bahá’í refugees

The National Spiritual Assembly of Thailand recently informed the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office (USBRO) that the situation of the several hundred Khmer (Cambodian) Bahá’í refugees in camps on the Thai-Cambodian border has become very grave.

The National Assembly of Thailand asks that the "Tablet of Ahmad" be read each night for the protection and well-being of these Bahá’í refugees. [Page 14]

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 BOSCH Bahá’í School is accepting applications for summer employment. Positions available include children’s teachers, maintenance assistants, kitchen helpers and recreation director. Positions are from mid-June through August; room and board are provided with a small stipend. Those interested in applying are asked to send a brief résumé to the administrator, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

FAMILY physicians urgently needed with nurses, midwives and other medical personnel to live and serve on the Navajo Reservation near the Native American Bahá’í Institute and the Hopi Reservation. Ganado, Arizona, has an active Bahá’í community and offers a pleasing lifestyle. For information, write to Dr. Hannah Rishel, Ganado, AZ 86505, or phone 602-755-3432.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed to support an active Assembly in Cumberland County, North Carolina. The Assembly, which has sponsored socio-economic projects, district-wide deepenings, proclamation and teaching events, needs at least two pioneers to replace several Bahá’ís who have moved out of the area. Jobs are available in most fields. For more information, write to the Bahá’ís of Cumberland County, Fayetteville, NC 28303, or phone 919-867-2421.

TEMPLE, Texas, needs homefront pioneers, preferably a family or couple, one of whom does not work full-time and would be able to visit elderly and home-bound believers. Temple (pop. 80,000) is one-half hour from Fort Hood (Killeen), less than two hours from Austin, and less than three hours from Dallas/Fort Worth. Excellent public schools, first-rate community college, site of a medical school and VA hospital; job opportunities primarily in the fields of medicine and education. Enrolled Bahá’ís consist of about 85 mass-taught believers, mostly black, some Hispanic, about half of whom are adults, the rest children. For more information, phone Sandra Creech, 817-773-9961, ext. 325 (office), or 817-657-9164 (home).

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed in picturesque Lebanon, New Hampshire, which is striving to maintain its Assembly status. Lebanon, on the New Hampshire-Vermont border, is a hub of education, business and recreation. Employment opportunities abound in manufacturing, education and health care. Opportunities to teach the Faith are, in a word, unlimited. The community needs at least three Bahá’ís by Riḍván to secure its Assembly. Come and help us win some important goals for Bahá’u’lláh. For more detailed information, please contact Tim and Sue Brewer, 603-448-4586, or Anne Bouchard, 603-448-4586.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

JOBS available overseas: Americas: Honduras—kindergarten and elementary school teachers. Asia: Thailand—Montessori pre-school teacher. Australasia: Marshall Islands—general practice physician to serve as medical coordinator for a managed health-care program. Multi-Regional: chief school administrators, regional project managers, internal auditor, engineers and technicians. USAID Intern Program: accountant, administrative management officer, agriculture/rural development/natural resources officer, contract/commodity management officer, education/human resources development officer, health/population/nutrition officer, housing/urban development officer, program economist, private enterprise officer, program officer, project development officer. For more information about any of these positions, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Elboore Ebersole, Clara Edge (died Grand Rapids, MI, 1976), Bert Edgecomb (died Dunedin, FL, 1960), Mabel Edgecombe (died Binghamton, NY, 1948), Charles Edsall (died Montclair, NJ, 1937), Leonora Edsall (died Hamburg, NJ, 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, or to phone 708-869-9039.

WANTED

THE BOSCH Bahá’í School’s Youth Academy is seeking contributions of two personal computers, one Apple ‎McIntosh Macintosh‎ and one IBM compatible, to be used by students attending the Academy to prepare their research and class papers. Also, the school is seeking contributions of extra copies of The Advent of Divine Justice to use in the Youth Academy. We would like to establish a permanent set of 25 copies for the program. Anyone who is interested in making a contribution is asked to contact the school administrator through the Bahá’í National Center Bulletin Board System or by writing to the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

WANTED: young Bahá’ís to help older Bahá’ís in teaching projects in Sarasota County, Florida. Applying for college? Avoid walking to class in snow and ice; instead, enjoy the Florida sunshine and flowers. For information, write to the secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Sarasota County North, Sarasota, FL 34232.

MISCELLANEOUS

YOUTH: summer teaching trip to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, July 25-August 20, for youth ages 16-20 with at least some knowledge of Spanish. Cost: $400 per person plus air fare. Group will be limited to 12. Participants will attend the Mayan Indian Bahá’í Institute, teach in cities and villages, visit archaeological sites, and learn about pioneering and Mayan culture. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

AT RIḌVÁN the Bahá’í community of Waukegan, Illinois, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of its Spiritual Assembly and the 25th anniversary of the Assembly’s incorporation and would welcome information about and messages from people who have been members of the community or attended functions there. Please send information to Ellen or Laurie Frew, Waukegan, IL 60085.

AVAILABLE: Kitáb-i-Íqán study reference to Rodwell’s Qur’án; surih references to page and verse in Rodwell’s version. Compilation available for 1954 edition of the Íqán using 1968 Rodwell Everyman’s Library. If you would like one, please send $1 to cover cost of postage to BTX, Coconut Creek, FL 33073.

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 clerks (2)
• — Bosch School: morning cook, full-time (September-June); maintenance assistant, full-time
• — Department of Human Resources: personnel secretary/receptionist
• — Native American Bahá’í Institute: caretaker/host
• — National Teaching Committee Office: secretary to the NTC secretary; youth activities coordinator
• — Office of External Affairs, Washington, D.C.: national liaison to non-governmental organizations (please do not call the Washington office for information)
• — Office of the Secretary: administrative aide/District Convention coordinator
• — Office of the Treasurer: assistant controller; administrative assistant
• — Persian/American Affairs Office: translator (must be fluent in Persian and English)
• — U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office: refugee program assistant

Name _________________________________

Address _______________________________

City/state/zip __________________________

Phone ( ) ____________ ( ) ____________          home               work

Bahá’ís in DeLand, Florida, proclaim the Cause via library bulletin board, peace-related events

This bulletin board was placed last December in the children’s section of the local public library by the Bahá’í Group of DeLand, Florida.

In December, the Bahá’í Group of DeLand, Florida, placed a large bulletin board in the children’s section of the local public library.

The board featured children of various races wearing T-shirts, each of which displayed a message of peace, and included a tag indicating that the board was created by the Bahá’ís of DeLand. The board was well-received by the children’s librarian and by library patrons.

Next, a member of the Bahá’í community offered to help on a committee organizing the fourth annual Peace Vigil sponsored by the First Christian Church in DeLand. Bahá’ís have taken part in that event since its inception, both as audience and as speakers.

Because Bahá’ís from all over central Florida came to support this year’s vigil, when the program hostess asked each religious community to identify itself by a show of hands, the 21 Bahá’ís present outnumbered every other group including the host church.

On the program, nine-year-old Shezel Rohani read a Bahá’í prayer, Joe Killeen participated in a reading arranged by the church, Tony Killeen sang a prayer for unity, and Gail Radley presented a deluxe copy of the peace statement to the organizers on behalf of the Bahá’í community.

In January, three Bahá’ís served on a committee that planned the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, the largest held to date in DeLand with some 350 people attending a breakfast program at Stetson University.

That program, which began with a quotation from the Bahá’í writings, was followed by a march to city hall where Bahá’í Gail Radley was one of two speakers.

75 Bahá’ís of all ages attend Winter School at Louis Gregory Institute

On December 29-31, 75 adults, youth and children attended a Bahá’í Winter School at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina.

The adult session, whose theme was “Individual Rights and Freedoms,” focused on the letter of December 29, 1988, from the Universal House of Justice to the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the U.S.

Classes for youth and children were held in conjunction with the adult classes. All talks and workshops were taped for broadcast on WLGI Radio Bahá’í.

On January 14-16, the Gregory Institute hosted 14 young people and supervisors preparing for a year or more of service to the Faith.

The sessions were sponsored by the National Teaching Committee’s Bahá’í Youth Service Corps.

For traveling teachers

Bahá’ís who are interested in traveling teaching in Mexico, please contact: National Teaching Committee, c/o Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 312-869-9039. [Page 15]

March-April Brilliant Star examines fascinating topic of 'lost and found'

Hold onto your hats! The March-April issue of Brilliant Star magazine will whisk you away as it examines the topic of lost and found.

Losing and finding are a part of life. The topic is presented to children in this issue through poetry by Susan Engle, articles by Deborah Bley, and fiction by Richard Eldridge, Sa'di and R. Gregory Shaw.

Our new feature, "What's Good Out There!" shares "finds" that kids themselves have made of good movies, songs and video games that don't compromise Bahá’í principles. We invite other children to share their "finds" with us.

You'll also find in this issue a delightful photo essay of Naw-Rúz among Vietnamese and Khmer Bahá’ís and one about a Ridván tree!

"Make a Memory Tape," an idea by Peggy Goding, is a wonderful activity that children can do to help themselves or others learn the sacred verses by heart.

And of course, you'll find our usual features—music, activities, Book Nook, Profile, and Parents' Page all topped with an exquisite cover by Terri Schultz.

If you're not already finding Brilliant Star in your mailbox every other month, you can subscribe for $12 (six issues). Simply send a check or money order to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Don't lose out—find Brilliant Star!

New York 'Rap on Racism' draws 100 to city Center

"Rap on Racism: Youth Speak Out" was the theme of a public meeting last December 10 at the Bahá’í Center in New York City.

About 100 people attended the event, which was planned by the Bahá’í community's Sunday Public Meeting Committee.

The program included talks by moderator Hillary Chapman and Lisa Jones, a member of the Connecticut Bahá’í Youth Workshop; several dance numbers by the Workshop; a "rap" relating Bahá’í principles; and a three-member panel of youth who discussed various facets of racism and the Bahá’í concept of one human family.

New compilation on Bahá’í elections appears in Bahá’í National Review, available as booklet

The Sanctity and Nature of Bahá’í Elections, a new compilation prepared by the Research Department at the Bahá’í World Center, appears in this month's Bahá’í National Review, pp. 9-11. It becomes available this month as a booklet for $1.95 from the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

The Universal House of Justice refers to Bahá’í Elections as a tool "to increase the understanding of the believers regarding the nature and sanctity of these elections...." It will also help Bahá’ís and Bahá’í institutions prepare themselves for "the expected rapid increase in the number of believers."

Although many of the quotations included in Bahá’í Elections are found in other sources, the Universal House of Justice provided this timely compilation to help the friends deepen on this topic that is so vital to the health of the community. This new publication addresses many concerns, such as the spirit of unity during elections, the respect and honor due minorities, and the non-political character of elections.

National and local Spiritual Assemblies, Counselors, Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, and "the rank and file of believers" are encouraged to study Bahá’í Elections and to begin "careful and sustained planning" for an "ongoing program for the deepening of the friends in the fundamentals of Bahá’í administration."

Pictured are some of the 65 young Bahá’ís and one non-Bahá’í guest who attended the second annual Thanksgiving Youth Retreat at the Golden Cross Ranch in New Caney, Texas, co-sponsored by the District Teaching Committee of East Texas No. 2 and the Regional Youth Committee. The 110-acre ranch was perfect for fellowship and learning, with classes held on 'Sexism,' 'Racism,' 'The Role of Youth in World Peace,' 'The Kitáb-i-Íqán,' and "What It Means to Be a Bahá’í." Also on the program were dawn prayers, games, dancing and a talent show.

As a follow-up to a recent program on world peace, the Bahá’ís of Rocky River, Ohio, presented a unique piece of ceramic art to the Cowan Pottery Museum at the Rocky River Public Library. The museum displays the works of artists who were instrumental in developing art forms and glazes which have never been reproduced. Pictured (left to right) are Bahá’ís Margaret Greene and Richard Cunningham; assistant library director Patricia Belcastro; and museum curator Victoria Peltz.

LETTERS

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

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

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

Esperanto a 'valuable tool'

To the Editor:

On leaving the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, I began a teaching trip through the Eastern bloc countries, the Soviet Union and China. The most valuable tool I carried was a knowledge of Esperanto.

As a member of the World Esperanto Association, I was able to contact delegates in all the cities I visited and receive help in spreading the Faith. I couldn't have asked for more gracious hosts or more good-hearted people. The Esperantists already believe in one of the basic principles of the Faith; I was able to find many people who wanted to talk about religion, especially the Bahá’í Faith.

This is not a discussion of what the definitive international language might be. Esperanto is alive and well now. I live now, and need a useful language for communicating on a worldwide basis.

As a traveling teacher, its value was clearly demonstrated for me. In the regions where I traveled I found English to be of little use, and I didn't have time to learn the native tongues. From Budapest, Hungary, to Shanghai, China, I was invited to give presentations on the Faith to Esperantists. With only two languages I was able to talk about the Faith to at least 1,000 people.

You can't imagine the joy, promised by Bahá’u’lláh, of direct communication with other people, other cultures until you try it. Dear friends, the Bahá’í Esperanto-Ligo would love to welcome you to the ranks of international communicators.

Cynthia E. Libby Richmond, California

Reunion with natural parents

To the Editor:

It was felt that the information given below might be helpful for Bahá’ís. It appeared in a daily newspaper in Northampton, Massachusetts.

When adopted children are planning to marry and must secure permission from biological parents, they often encounter difficulty in locating their natural parents. Registering with the bureau mentioned here might obviate much of the problem:

"... biological parents can register with International Soundex Reunion Registry, P.O. Box 2312, Carson City, NV 89702. Adopted children may also register, and when they become of legal age, if both parties are registered and want to find each other, a match is made."

M.R. Garis, secretary Spiritual Assembly of Amherst, Massachusetts

Thank you, Milwaukee

To the Editor:

I would like to applaud the efforts of the Spiritual Assembly of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for its exceptional program celebrating World Religion Day.

Their observance, which was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and endorsed by the Mil... [Page 16]

مهاجرت

PIONEERING

حضرت ولی امرالله در یکی از مراسلات خود بیانی به این مضمون فرموده‌اند که مهاجرت در این برهه دوران‌ساز تاریخ بشری تنها به معنی سفر به خارج از اوطان احباء نیست، بلکه یاران می‌توانند به کمک محافل روحانی محلی بشتابند و آنان را یاری دهند که به وظائف خود آگاهتر شوند و روش‌های تبلیغی بهتری بیایند و با همه طبقات مردم تماس حاصل نمایند. حتی یاران می‌توانند مهاجرت را امری باطنی تلقی کنند: در نفس خود تأمل نمایند، به ژرفای روح خود دست یابند و قوای خداداد خود را کشف کنند و از آن قوا جهت خدمت به امر مبارک بهره گیرند.

هر يك از یاران می‌تواند در حد خود به امر حضرت بهاءالله خدمت نماید. در دفتر مهاجرت نیز هر روزه راه‌های نوینی برای مهاجرت پدیدار می‌شود. به همین جهت دفتر مذکور نیز در مورد "مؤسسات آموزش مهاجران" Pioneer Training Institutes تجدید نظر کرده است.

این مؤسسات در آغاز جهت آموزش مهاجران آینده و آشنا ساختن آنان با زندگی در نقاط خارج از کشور تأسیس شده بود. حال به نظر می‌رسد که برنامه مؤسسات مذکور باید با توجه به مفاهیم جدیدتر مهاجرت توسعه یابد. بدین جهت مؤسسات مهاجرت آماده ساختن احباء را هم از لحاظ روحانی و هم از نظر عملی پیشنهاد همت خود خواهند نمود. برنامه‌های برنامه‌رسانی راجع به درک بهتر مفهوم عهد و میثاق و آشنا ساختن یاران با مسائل نژادی و فرهنگی و اهمیت حیات خانواده و برنامه‌های عمرانی و اجتماعی طرح خواهد نمود.

یارانی که به شرکت در "مؤسسات آموزش مهاجران" علاقه‌مند باشند، می‌توانند در یکی از برنامه‌های زیر شرکت نمایند:

- ۶ الی ۸ اپریل سال ۱۹۹۰، دفتر محفل روحانی ملی در ایلینوی.

- ۱ الی ۱۱ جولای سال ۱۹۹۰، مدرسه بهائی لوملن در میشیگان.

- اواسط آگست سال ۱۹۹۰، مؤسسه بهائی آمریکائیان بومی در آریزونا.

- ۱ الی ۲ سپتامبر سال ۱۹۹۰، مؤسسه بهائی لوئیس گریگوری در کارولینای جنوبی.

- اکتبر و نوامبر سال جاری، مدرسه بهائی گرین ایکر در مین.

صورتی از اسامی محافل در معرض اضمحلال در صفحات انگلیسی درج شده است. یاران می‌توانند به آن صفحات رجوع نمایند. همچنین علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر مهاجرت محفل روحانی ملی تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۹۰۲۹-۸۶۹ (۷۰۸).

Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091

مراسم روز مارتین لوتر کینگ

MARTIN LUTHER KING PARADE

بیش از يك هزار نفر از یاران از حد اقل ۲۰ ایالت در برنامه‌هائی که جهت بزرگداشت دکتر مارتین لوتر کینگ در آتلانتا برگزار شده بود، شرکت نمودند. احباء در روز ۱۵ ژانویه در راهپیمائی سالانه روز مارتین لوتر کینگ شرکت جستند. دوستان در این راهپیمائی پرچمی به طول ۲۵ فوت به دست داشتند که روی آن نوشته شده بود "امر بهائی مروج وحدت عالم انسانی است".

آنچه در این پرچم نوشته شده بود در جمع احباء آشکار بود، زیرا یاران از خردسال و جوان و بزرگسال و پیر از هر نژاد و رنگی در این راهپیمائی شرکت داشتند و از جلوی ۴۰۰ هزار نفر گذشتند. همچنین در پشت اتوموبیلی که تزئین شده بود ۱۰ نفر از جوانان بهائی آتلانتا راه می‌رفتند. برخی از احباء پلاکارهائی در دست داشتند که روی آن نام ایالت آنان یا برخی از تعالیم امری نوشته شده بود.

این مراسم که از طریق شبکه‌های تلویزیونی در سراسر آمریکا پخش می‌شد، نقطه اوج فعالیت‌هایی بود که روز ۷ ژانویه با يك مراسم بین‌الادیان در کلیسای سینت فیلیپ آغاز شده بود. دو تن از احباء در کمیته برنامه ریزی این مراسم عضویت داشتند. قبل از مراسم ۲۰ نفر جوانان که ۸ جوان بهائی در میانشان بودند، جلسه مذاکره‌ای ترتیب دادند و در آن راجع به مسائل مربوط به روابط نژادی در سطح محلی و جهانی مباحثاتی داشتند.

در روز ۱۲ ژانویه آقای جک مکنتس Jack McCants یکی از اعضای محفل روحانی ملی در جلسه تبلیغی بزرگی که در آن بیش از ۳۰۰ نفر شرکت نمودند، سخنرانی کرد. بعد از سخنرانی آقای مکنتس يك برنامه موسیقی جاز اجرا گردید.

احبای آتلانتا توانستند ۲۰ هزار دلار جهت مخارج حمل و نقل و تأمین محل اقامت رؤسای قبایل سرخپوست که از اطراف مملکت برای شرکت در این مراسم به آتلانتا آمده بودند، جمع آوری نمایند. این اولین بار بود که نمایندگان سرخپوستان در این مراسم شرکت می‌کردند.

در روز ۱۴ ژانویه احباء در جلسه‌ای با عنوان "دعا کردن در سراسر جهان برای برقراری صلح و عدالت" شرکت نمودند. نکات جلسه را خانم سو فوتس Soo Fouts عضو هیئت معاونت و عضو سابق محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده، بر عهده داشت. این جلسه با همکاری "مرکز مارتین لوتر کینگ" و "شورای کاتولیکی عدالت نژادی" و احباء، تشکیل شده بود.

در روز تعطیل رسمی بزرگداشت مارتین لوتر کینگ (۱۵ ژانویه) که اتفاقاً مصادف با شصت و یکمین سالگرد تولد او نیز بود، خانم ‎فاتس فوتس‎ در کلیسای باپتیستی ابنیزر Ebenezer Baptist Church قسمتی از دعائی را که برای مارتین لوتر کینگ نوشته شده بود، قرائت کرد.

عصر آن روز همسر مارتین لوتر کینگ چند تن از سرخپوستان آمریکائی و عده‌ای از احباء را جهت صرف شام به رستورانی دعوت کرد. يك جلسه تبلیغی هم آن شب در ‎حکیمةالقدس حظيرةالقدس‎ آتلانتا تشکیل شد که یکی از سرخپوستان مذکور در آن شرکت نمود.

به طور کلی جامعه امری كمك شایانی به برگزاری مراسم مارتین لوتر کینگ نمود و بیش از ۱۵۰ نفر از یاران به طور مستقیم در فعالیت‌های گوناگون این مراسم شرکت داشتند. کارکنان مرکز کینگ از خدمات احباء و مشارکت آنان در مراسم مذکور قدردانی کردند. افراد مذکور بخصوص از شرکت سرخپوستان در مراسم بزرگداشت اظهار امتنان نمودند. شرکت سرخپوستان در این مراسم بدون كمك جامعه بهائی میسر نمی‌بود.

بغیر از آتلانتا در سایر شهرهای آمریکا نیز مراسمی برگزار شد که جمعی از احباء در آن شرکت نمودند. از جمله در لس آنجلس بیش از يك سوم شرکت کنندگان در راهپیمائی روز کینگ از احباء بودند.

در ‎سپاتل سیاتل‎ در ایالت واشینگتن ۱۰۰ نفر که اغلب آنها از دانشجویان و کارکنان دانشگاه بودند، در جلسه‌ای که با كمك احباء تشکیل شد، شرکت کردند. ناطق این جلسه دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده، عضو محفل روحانی ملی بود. دکتر کاظم‌زاده با نگرش بهائی ‎بیاناتي بیاناتی‎ در مورد تاریخ جنبش تأمین حقوق سیاه‌پوستان ایراد نمود.

استخدام در مناطق سرخپوست نشین

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS

فرصت‌های گوناگونی جهت کار در منطقه‌های سرخپوست نشین و حوالی آن در سراسر ایالات متحده وجود دارد. "اداره امور سرخپوستان" The Bureau of Indian Affairs و "بنیاد خدمات بهداشتی سرخپوستان" The Indian Health Service صورت استخدامی خود را منتشر نموده است. یاران و به ویژه افرادی که بتوانند کمکی به رفع نیازهای بهداشتی در مناطق سرخپوست نشین نمایند، می‌توانند بعنوان مهاجر به نقاط مذکور مهاجرت کنند.

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی یا لجنه ملی نشر نفحات الست مخصوص سرخپوستان آمریکا تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۹۰۲۹-۸۶۹ (۷۰۸).

Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091

سال بین المللی مبارزه با بیسوادی

INTERNATIONAL LITERACY YEAR

در شماره‌های قبلی این نشریه به استحضار یاران گرامی رسید که سازمان ملل متحد سال ۱۹۹۰ را بعنوان "سال بین‌المللی مبارزه با بیسوادی" معین نموده است. از احباء تقاضا شده است که به هر نحوی که ممکن باشد، از این جهاد روحانی حمایت نمایند.

نقشه‌های مربوط به "سال بین‌المللی مبارزه با بیسوادی" در ماه فوریه سال جاری اعلان گردید. اطلاعات زیر توسط سازمان ملل متحد تهیه شده است:

- در حال حاضر تعداد بزرگسالان بیسواد جهان (۱۵ سال به بالا) حدود يك میلیارد نفر تخمین زده شده است. این رقم بیش از يك چهارم کل جمعیت جهان است.

- ۹۸ درصد بیسوادان جهان در کشورهای در حال توسعه به سر می‌برند. این آمار حاکی از آن است که بیسوادی هم علت و هم معلول فقر و عقب ماندگی در جهان سوم است.

- آسیا ۷۰۰ میلیون و افریقا ۱۷۰ میلیون و آمریکای لاتین ۴۰ میلیون بیسواد دارد.

- ۵۴ در صد جمعیت افریقا بیسواد است.

- ۳۵ درصد کل زنان جهان و ۲۰ درصد مردان جهان بیسوادند.

در کشورهای توسعه نیافته دو سوم بزرگسالان بیسوادند. برخی از این کشورها در پی چاره جوئی بر آمده‌اند اما در بعضی کشورهایی که حدود ۹۰ درصد بزرگسالان آن بیسوادند، مشکل بیسوادی غیرقابل حل به نظر می‌رسد.

بی‌تردید بیسوادی مشکلی با ابعادی جهانی است که به طور مستقیم یا غیرمستقیم بر احوال همه مردم جهان تأثیر می‌دهد. البته آموزش و پرورش بهترین راه حل است. اما در حال حاضر بیش از ۱۰۰ میلیون كودك از ۶ الی ۱۱ ساله در کشورهای در حال توسعه از تحصیل محرومند.

بعلاوه در میان اطفال خوشبختی که در مدرسه به تحصیل اشتغال دارند، سطح تحصیلات نامساوی است و تعداد کسانی که ترك تحصیل می‌کنند رو به افزایش است.

اقدام برای اختصاص يك سال به مشکل بیسوادی بر این اصل قرار گرفته است که از میان بردن بیسوادی فقط با همکاری همه کشورهای جهان میسر می‌شود و سوادآموزی سهم مهمی در مورد حصول پیشرفت اجتماعی و همکاری متقابل میان همه ملل ایفاء می‌نماید.

چنانکه یونسکو در کتابچه‌ای با عنوان "سوادآموزی و حقوق بشر و صلح" ذکر نموده است، "اگر انسانها بخواهند از جنگ دوری گزینند باید بیاموزند که در صلح زندگی کنند و با هم تفاهم ایجاد نمایند... از آنجا که جنگ در ذهن افراد انسان آغاز می‌شود، دفاع از صلح نیز باید اول در ذهن افراد صورت گیرد."

به همین سبب است که برای اهل بهاء مسأله سوادآموزی از اهمیت خاصی برخوردار است و یاران می‌توانند در این راه سهم مهمی ایفاء نمایند.

محفل روحانی ملی اخیراً هیئت خاصی را به منظور پشتیبانی از برنامه‌های سال بین‌المللی سواد آموزی سازمان ملل متحد تعیین نموده است. هیئت مذکور مشغول سازمان دهی به فعالیت‌های خویش است و در آینده نزديك اطلاعیه‌ای در این باب در نشریه امریکن بهائی منتشر خواهد نمود.

نوروز و شروع سال بهائی ۲۱ مارچ ۱۹۹۰ است

مجموعه "انتخابات بهائی" "BAHÁ’I ELECTIONS" COMPILATION

اخیراً مجموعه‌ای به نام "حرمت و کیفیت انتخابات بهائی" Sanctity and Nature of Bahá’í Elections توسط دارالتحقیق بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی منتشر گردیده است.

معهد اعلی از این جزوه بعنوان وسیله‌ای "جهت افزایش درك و آگاهی احباء در خصوص کیفیت و حرمت انتخابات بهائی" یاد فرموده‌اند.

متن جزوه مذکور در شماره کنونی "امریکن بهائی" درج شده است. همچنین یاران می‌توانند جزوه مذکور را از طریق مؤسسه توزیع آثار امری به مبلغ ۱/۹۵ دلار خریداری نمایند. [Page 17]

پیام‌های بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

MESSAGES FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

ترجمه تلگراف بیت‌العدل اعظم خطاب به کلیه محافل روحانی ملی

لطفاً اخبار مربوط به پیشرفت مشروعات تاریخی کوه کرمل را به جمیع یاران ابلاغ نمائید.

در روز یازدهم اکتبر سال ۱۹۸۹ به دنبال يك سلسله مذاکرات دقیق و طولانی، طرح شهرسازی که لازمه شروع اجرای مشروعات کوه کرمل است، رسماً به تصویب کمیته محلی شهرسازی و شورای شهرداری حیفا رسید و حسن نیت شورای مزبور را که هنگام انعقاد کانونشن بین‌المللی در ارتباط با طرح بناهای کوه کرمل اظهار شده بود، تأیید نمود. طرح مذکور در حال حاضر برای تصویب نهائی به کمیته ناحیه‌ای شهرسازی ارجاع گردیده است. تصویب طرح شامل حذف برنامه از پیش تصویب شده ایجاد دو جاده‌ای است که قرار بود از اراضی متعلق به امر عبور کند. همچنین این طرح متضمن پائین آوردن سطح پله جاده اصلی است که از میان باغ‌های حول حرم اشرف می‌گذرد. بدین ترتیب ساختن طبقاتی که باغ‌های مجاور مقام اعلی را به باغ‌های مجاور دارالآثار متصل سازد، امکان می‌یابد. تصویب این طرح مستلزم تعهد جامعه امر جهت شروع فوری عملیات ساختمانی است.

بررسی‌های زمین شناختی لازم جهت پی‌ریزی ساختمان‌های قوس حول مرقد مطهر، که در پیام رضوان اعلام گردیده بود، اکنون انجام یافته است.

نقشه‌های ساختمانی لازم جهت صدور اجازه ساختمان بنای "بیت‌الآثار" و مرکز مطالعه نصوص مبارکه به مقامات مربوطه تسلیم گردیده است تا همزمان با مراحل نهائی تصویب طرح شهرسازی، تقاضای اجازه شروع ساختمان نیز مورد مطالعه و تصویب قرار گیرد.

در حال حاضر از مبلغ ۵۰ میلیون دلار ذخیره مالی که برای شروع عملیات ساختمانی لازم است، تقریباً ۲۶ میلیون دلار جمع شده و باقیمانده این مبلغ مورد نیاز فوری است.

اجرای این اقدام عظیم جمعی به موازات تحولات خطیری که در پهنه زمین رخ نموده است و نیز افزایش میزان اقبال مردمان به امر حضرت یزدان و گسترش دائره انتشار پیام حضرت بهاءالله در سرزمین‌های غیرمفتوح کره زمین نیرو و جنبش جدیدی یافته است.

عنایات حق قدیر را جهت تأیید و تقویت جمیع مساعی پیروان مخلص امر اعظمش جهت ایفای وظائف خطیرشان ملتمسیم.

بیت‌العدل اعظم ۲۲ ژانویه ۱۹۹۰

سرلوحه اداره آرشیو بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

دوستار باوفای جمال سبحان،

اداره آرشیو بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی جهت شناسائی کامل مخاطبین الواح و آثار مبارکه از جمیع دوستان الهی و خانواده‌ها و بستگان نفوسی که مفتخر به دریافت لوحی و یا توقیعی از قلم مبارک حضرت بهاءالله، حضرت رب اعلی، حضرت عبدالبهاء و حضرت ولی امرالله گردیده‌اند، مستدعی است که اطلاعات موثق خود را در مورد تاریخچه خانوادگی و نسبت افراد با یکدیگر (شجره‌نامه خانوادگی) تهیه نموده، برای ما ارسال دارند.

ضمناً اگر فتوکپی اثر مزبور و معرفی خاطب آن نیز تهیه و ارسال گردد، بسیار سپاسگزار خواهیم بود.

نهایت تشکر و امتنان را از همکاری یاران عزیز داریم و امیدواریم که با تأییدات غیبیه و همکاری و کمک‌های شما عزیزان الهی بتوانیم در انجام وظائف محوله توفیق حاصل نمائیم.

با تقدیم تحیات بهائی اداره آرشیو بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

لطفاً اطلاعات مذکور را به آدرس ذیل ارسال فرمائید: Baha’i World Center, Archives Office P.O. Box 155 31001 Haifa, ISRAEL.

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم خطاب به پیروان جمال قدم در سراسر عالم

۸ فوریه ۱۹۹۰

وقایع پر دامنه‌ای که در آستانه دهه سرنوشت‌ساز و نهائی قرن انوار در صحنه گیتی بویژه در اروپای شرقی و اتحاد جماهیر شوروی روی می‌دهد نمایش شگفت‌انگیز دیگری از کیفیت تجلی نقشه کلی الهی است که تقلیب جامعه بشری را بنحو غیر قابل مقاومتی تحقق می‌بخشد. این دگرگونی‌های سریع و غیر منتظره چنین ایجاب میکند که متناسب با سرعت فزاینده حوادث جاری جهان اقدامات مهم و حیات‌بخشی که ‎وزات وزارت‎ امر جلیل حضرت بهاءالله بدان مأمورند نیز سرعت و افزایش بیشتر یابد.

بنا بر این با کمال مسرت اعلام می‌داریم که در عید رضوان، نقشه دوساله تبلیغی مشخصی برای مناطق وسیع باقیمانده در اروپای شرقی و آسیا آغاز خواهد گردید. این اقدام خطیر متضمن تحقق یافتن متمّم اهدافی است که در الواح نقشه عظیم تبلیغی حضرت عبدالبهاء پیش بینی شده و هم اکنون در سایر نقاط جهان به مراحل اجرائی پیشرفته‌ای رسیده است.

این مشروع منطقه‌ای که با مشورت دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی طرح گشته به نحو بارزی سبب توسعه و تقویت نقشه جهانی شش ساله خواهد گردید. اهداف این نقشه متمم افزودن تعداد کثیر بر حامیان امر اعظم، ازدیاد ترجمه و طبع و توزیع انتشارات امری به السنه متداول در سراسر این منطقه، وسیع و توسعه نفوذ مطلوب نظم اداری است. نظمی که از جانب الله تأسیس گشته و از طریق ایجاد تشکیلات و مؤسسات بهائی محلی و ملی استقرار خواهد یافت. انتظار میرود که این امر با قیام رضوان در تعداد هر چه بیشتری از کشورهای شرق اروپا و ماوراء آن امکان پذیر گردد.

از محافل ملیه‌ای که در اروپا و آسیا و آمریکا مسؤولیت اصلی اقدامات مربوط به هر يك از ملل واقعه در این منطقه را بر عهده دارند دعوت می‌شود تا با مشورت با اعضای هیئت‌های مشاورین قاره‌ای اهداف تفصیلی این نقشه متمم را تعیین کنند به نحوی که متضمن و مکمل اهدافی شود که با حال در کل نقشه شش ساله در نظر گرفته شده و در جریان اجراء است.

اکنون موقع آن فرارسیده است که به قدر دانی و تمجید از موفقیت‌های شایان مؤسسات امریه و افرادی از احباء بپردازیم که در این ایام به منظور پیشرفت امر در اروپای شرقی و اتحاد جماهیر شوروی بدون توقع تشویق و تحسین به بذل مساعی و مجاهدت مشغولند و خدماتشان راهگشای اقدامات وسیعی است که بزودی آغاز خواهد شد. عالم بهائی را به قیام و پشتیبانی از انتشار پیام نجات‌بخش جهانی امر الهی در مناطقی که در این نقشه در نظر گرفته شده دعوت می‌کنیم تا از طریق استقرار مهاجرین و اعزام مستمر خیل مبلغین سیار مخصوصاً نفوسی که به السنه ممالک و جمهوری‌های بلوک شرقی تسلط دارند به این امر خطیر بپردازند.

به موازات این اقدامات بجاست که مساعی جاری برای تبلیغ چینها از تأکید و سرعت بیشتری برخوردار گردد.

هم اکنون آفاق وسیعی که برای انتشار امر الهی پدیدآمده فرصت‌های بی‌سابقه‌ای برای فتوحات جدید فراهم آورده است که به مناسبت تکریم یکصدمین سالگرد صعود حضرت بهاءالله یعنی سال مقدسی که در پیش است شایسته تقدیم به آستان مقدس جمال قدم جل ذکره الاقتحم است. شمول تأییدات ‎لایهالی لایزالی‎ الهیه را برای نفوسی که به انحاء مختلف در این جهاد تاریخی نقشه شش ساله شرکت دارند ملتمسیم.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم خطاب به بهائیان جهاد

۱۲ فوریه ۱۹۹۰

با احساس امتنان و مسرت موفقیتی را که در تسریع پیشرفت امر حضرت بهاءالله حائز اهمیتی بس شایان است اعلام می‌کنیم. اخیراً به منظور تأسیس "کرسی مطالعات بهائی برای صلح جهانی" در "مرکز عمران بین‌المللی و رفع تعارضات جهانی" وابسته به دانشگاه مریلند موافقت‌نامه‌ای بین دانشگاه مریلند و محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده به امضاء رسید. هدف و وظیفه‌ای که برای این کرسی مطالعاتی تعیین شده از این قرار است: "اقدام به مطالعه و تحقیق و انتشار نتایج حاصله، طرح دروس و دوره‌های آموزشی و اداره سمینارهائی در زمینه مطالعات بهائی و صلح جهانی با مشارکت شعب و رشته‌های مختلف دانشگاهی، انعقاد اجتماعات و جلسات عمومی برای بحث درباره مطالبی که در بیانیه صلح بیت‌العدل اعظم یعنی 'وعده صلح جهانی' ذکر شده است، و برقرار ساختن روابط آكادميك با مؤسسات بهائی و ارائه کمک‌های فنی به مؤسساتی که در زمینه تعلیم و تربیت برای صلح و عمران بین‌المللی فعالیت میکنند."

این نخستین اقدام به وسیله یکی از مؤسسات مهم و معتبر آموزش عالی برای بوجود آوردن چنین برنامه‌ای جدی جهت مطالعات بهائی، پاسخ مستقیم به بیانیه صلح است زیرا در نامه‌ای که مدیر "مرکز عمران بین‌المللی و رفع تعارضات جهانی" به بیت‌العدل اعظم ارسال داشته چنین مینویسد: "با این نامه از طرف مرکز عمران بین‌المللی و رفع تعارضات جهانی و دانشگاه مریلند به صلایی که داده‌اید پاسخ میگوییم: 'اگر تجربه بهائی بتواند به نحوی از انحاء افزایش امید بشر در ایجاد وحدت عالم انسانی کمک و مساعدتی معنوی بنماید، ما با کمال منت و سرور آن را بعنوان نمونه و مثال برای تحقیق و مطالعه جهانیان برطبق اخلاص می‌نهیم.'"

با عطف توجه کامل به تمجیدی که حضرت بهاءالله از علم فرموده‌اند که "بمنزله جناح است از برای وجود" و اهمیتی که برای تحصیل آن قائل شده‌اند، و توصیه حضرت عبدالبهاء که میفرمایند: "باید به تبلیغ نفوس مهمه پردازی و سبب هدایت فضلا و نفوس ممتازه شوی" و یادآور حضرت ولی امرالله برای بذل "جهد بلیغ" جهت تقویت اقدامات در "تماس و ارتباط نزديك‌تر با پیشوایان افکار عمومی، دانشکده‌ها و دانشگاه‌ها"، ما از این موفقیت که درحکم نطفه‌ای برای بوجود آمدن مشروعات مشابه در آینده است استقبال می‌کنیم، زیرا هم نشانه‌ای است از خروج امر الهی از مرحله مجهولیت و هم بشارت دهنده روزی است که افواج محققین قوای خود را وقف انکشاف و ابراز و شرح و دفاع از اصول حیات بخشی خواهند ساخت که منشاء تحرك نظم بدیع جهان آرای حضرت بهاءالله است و بدین ترتیب نیازی که حضرت ولی امرالله مشخص فرموده بودند با قیام "افرادی با مطالعات وسیع و تحصیلات عالی که بتوانند تعالیم بهائی را با افکار امروزی رهبران جامعه مرتبط سازند" (ترجمه) برآورده خواهد گردید. در آن هنگام شاهد توسعه و تحکیم جامعه‌ای خواهیم بود که تا پیش از آن چنین فرصتی را نیامده است.

امید چنان است که جمال قدم جلّ ذكره الاعظم این کرسی مطالعات بهائی را موفق سازد تا به اهداف تحسین آمیزش جامه عمل پوشانده و نفوس را که در خدمت و مؤید آن هستند مشمول تأییدات لادنایه خویش فرماید.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

(*) ‎پیان پیام‎ مزبور قسمتی از بیانیه صلح است که در نامه مدیر مرکز عمران بین‌المللی و رفع تعارضات جهانی عیناً نقل شده است.

اطلاعیه درباره نشریه "بانگ سروش"

A PERSIAN PERIODICAL

به استحضار یاران فارسی زبان می‌رساند که نشریه "بانگ سروش" که توسط احبای ایرانی مقیم پاکستان تهیه می‌گردد، مورد عنایت معهد اعلی و همچنین محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده قرار گرفته و مطالعه آن به یاران عزیز توصیه شده است.

چون در یکی از شماره‌های پیشین نشریه "امریکن بهائی" وجه اشتراك نشریه "بانگ سروش" به اشتباه درج شده بود، لذا از دوستانی که مایل به کسب اطلاع دقیق درباره وجه اشتراك و چگونگی دریافت آن نشریه باشند، تقاضا می‌شود با جناب سهراب قهرمانی، نماینده آن نشریه در ایالات متحده تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ٢٢٩٤-٢٦٤ (٢١٣).

Santa Monica, CA. 90403 [Page 18]

Murfreesboro’s human rights award given to founder of city’s Food Bank

On December 12 the Bahá’ís of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, Tennessee, presented their Human Rights Day Award to Josephine Call, founder of the Murfreesboro Food Bank.

Mrs. Call was given a plaque and prayer book in recognition of her service to the Murfreesboro community.

She founded the Food Bank in 1976, following her retirement as a nurse, and was its director until forced by a recent illness to step down after having found and trained a successor.

In 1987, in a room donated by the Red Cross, Community Helpers was begun as a further extension of the Food Bank offering more comprehensive human services to people in the Murfreesboro area.

To foster the spirit of unity that can lead to entry by troops, Bahá’ís in western Washington state have begun an effort to make available to every Bahá’í in the area the video “The Seat of God’s Throne.”

A committee sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Kitsap County South is circulating copies of the video and listing those who have seen it. To help assure universal participation, committee members and a group of young Bahá’ís from across the state have offered to take the video anywhere in the state and show it to any size audience.

In a separate but related effort, several of the friends have pledged to make a donation to the Arc for every Bahá’í, youth and children included, who views the video by Riḍván.

The Spiritual Assembly of Houston, Texas, sponsored a Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless and needy last November at the Bahá’í Center in Houston.

A large sign outside the Center announced the free dinner, and flyers were distributed in the surrounding neighborhoods.

As a result, Bahá’ís from Houston and nearby communities served about 200-250 meals at the Center and in the neighborhoods. Included were turkey, a variety of other dishes, fruits and desserts.

The response of those sharing the dinners was enthusiastic and appreciative. When they were asked, the Bahá’ís gave information about the Faith.

The three-year involvement of the Bahá’í community of Oyster Bay, New York, on the Interreligious & Human Needs Council of Northeast Nassau County led first to the establishment of a Committee on Prejudice and Relationships and then to the drafting by the committee of a Statement of Purpose and Intent, read publicly and signed last November at an interreligious Thanksgiving Day service.

In spite of their differing beliefs, the statement says, committee members are “committed to ongoing dialogue, so that we can understand each other better, grow in mutual respect and find increasing avenues for cooperation among ourselves and in our community.”

Teach Peace

National Spiritual Assembly seeks resumés

The National Spiritual Assembly would appreciate receiving resumés from Bahá’í professionals working in the fields of child development, children’s education, child advocacy, juvenile rights, and children’s health as a resource for the National Assembly to call upon when professional representation on behalf of the Bahá’í community is required at conferences, for the submission of papers, articles and the like. Please address correspondence to: National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, Office of External Affairs, 1606 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20009.

Fact sheet on Bahá’í funeral practices available

A new one-page fact sheet about Bahá’í funeral practices and Bahá’í teachings on life after death is now available from the Office of Public Information and the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups can use the fact sheet with the Press/Presentation Kit to educate funeral directors about the nature and teachings of the Faith and to clarify the requirements for Bahá’í funerals.

You can order a packet of five fact sheets from the Bahá’í Distribution Service for $1.25. “Bahá’í Funeral Practices” is also available from the Office of Public Information for 25 cents each plus postage.

Bahá’í Subscriber Service plans to distribute Australia’s popular Herald of the South magazine

Bahá’í Subscriber Service is pleased to announce that it soon will begin to distribute Herald of the South, a general-interest Bahá’í magazine produced quarterly by the National Spiritual Assemblies of Australia and New Zealand.

Subscriber Service will accept new subscriptions and process renewals for Herald of the South beginning with the April 1990 issue.

Herald of the South examines history and art, nature and science, and peoples and places from the perspective of Bahá’í teachings, laws and principles. Past issues have profiled Bahá’í scholars, educators, architects and feminists, and featured the works of such artists as Reginald Turvey, Marion Jack, Bernard Leach, Fritz Mann and David Villaseñor.

Readers enjoy the magazine’s lovely color photography and appreciate the distinctive view of the world from “down under.”

With the addition of Herald of the South, Subscriber Service now distributes magazines and newsletters for readers of many ages, sensibilities and interests, whether Bahá’ís or not, including Bahá’í News, World Order magazine, Brilliant Star children’s magazine, U.S. Bahá’í Report and The American Bahá’í.

Bahá’í magazines and newsletters promote and encourage deepening, teaching, consolidation and education—all from the perspective of the coming World Order and the promised Most Great Peace.

For extra copies of subscription forms, and more information and ideas about how you can use these publications in your plans and activities, please write to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039 (Fax 708-869-0247).

PERIODICAL	ONE YEAR	TWO YEARS	FREQUENCY
Bahá’í News	$12.00	$20.00	12 x year
World Order	$10.00	$18.00	4 x year
Brilliant Star	$12.00	$20.00	6 x year
U.S. Bahá’í Report	$10.00	$18.00	4 x year
Herald of the South	$24.00	$43.00	4 x year
The American Bahá’í (foreign only)	$15.00	$28.00	12 x year

Foreign prices available upon request. Please make check payable to: Bahá’í Subscriber Service.

Dr. Amin Banani, professor of Persian and history at the University of California at Los Angeles, and an expert on Middle Eastern affairs, discusses the question ‘Can Peace Come to the Middle East?’ during a public meeting last October 29 at the Nine Oaks Bahá’í School in Arroyo Grande. A concert by violinist Peter Bresler and pianist Ina Davenport preceded Dr. Banani’s talk.

The Bahá’ís of Central Ohio had this display booth last November 11-12 at the 1989 Columbus International Festival whose theme was ‘A Child’s Right to a Peaceful World.’ The brightly colored canvas backdrop, which shows children raising the letters ‘P-E-A-C-E,’ was made for the Peace Pavilion at the 1989 Ohio State Fair. The booth incorporated Bahá’í writings and principles among three tall trees with round photos of children’s faces appearing in places where fruits might be expected. Rented video equipment was used to show Bahá’í videos in the ‘auxiliary’ part of the booth. About 100 copies of the peace statement were taken with a variety of other Bahá’í literature from a plexiglas rack next to the video area. [Page 19]Six Girl Scouts from Delaware, Ohio, one from a Bahá’í family and the others from various Christian denominations, recently received the Bahá’í Unity of Mankind emblem earned over a six-month period as third grade Brownies. The program, offered by the National Spiritual Assembly and the Girl Scouts of America, was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Westerville and administered by the Bahá’í Group of Delaware. The recipients were (left to right) Courtney Robinson, Cara Weiser, Christina Mengerink, Chanette Turner, Tasha Murphy and Dori Hancock.

Traveling teachers for Chinese now in U.S.

Many traveling teachers experienced in reaching the Chinese people will be available following the International Chinese Teaching Symposium to be held March 29-April 1 in San Francisco, California.

Among these traveling teachers are Farzam Kamalabadi and Kit Ying Kiang. Mr. Kamalabadi, who speaks both Mandarin and Cantonese, is a resident of Macau where he serves on the Bahá’í Committee for China. He has extensive experience in direct teaching among the Chinese in Macau and Hong Kong, as well as in working with the Chinese news media.

Mr. Kit, a Malaysian-born pioneer to Taiwan, has many years of experience as an Auxiliary Board member. He will be working primarily with the Metro 1000 Project in the San Francisco/San Jose area for more than three months.

The National Teaching Committee invites communities interested in reaching the Chinese to host these or other traveling teachers. For more information, please contact the National Teaching Committee office, Chinese desk, at the Bahá’í National Center, 708-869-9039, ext. 231.

Letters

from page 15

waukee Association of Interfaith Relations, had as its theme “Religion ... Exalting the Arts.”

Included in the program was a reflection of Hindu arts by a representative of that faith; a Hindu Temple dance; a percussion presentation by a representative of paganism (who explained that the original meaning of “pagan” was one from a rural area who celebrated his African roots); poetry by a black American poet read and interpreted by Carolyn Ritacca; a Mosque slide presentation by a Muslim; a contemporary Gospel group; an ancient Sikh song by representatives of Sikhism; a dance interpretation of a Hebrew prayer; a Catholic choir; and a ‎Gohozon Gohonzon‎ chant by Buddhists.

The keynote speaker was Phil Lucas, an American Indian film-maker and a Bahá’í. The printed program included symbols of major religions in a beautifully designed arrangement by talented artist Colette Smith who is a Bahá’í.

The well-attended program was received with enthusiasm and provided an opportunity for significant intermingling of diverse people. It also emphasized the important relationship of religion to the development of art, culture and devotional practices.

At the threshold of the emergence of Bahá’í culture, we benefit immensely from the reminder that we can contribute to the art forms that will reflect the spirit of Bahá.

Thank you, Milwaukee, for a job well done.

Anne Gordon Atkinson

Wilmette, Illinois

Trust in Bahá’u’lláh, and ...

To the Editor:

On a bus ride from Chicago to Madison, Wisconsin, I sat next to a friendly stranger. After the trip, I got off the bus feeling guilty for not having mentioned the Faith to him.

That was on a Sunday night. I had no idea what Bahá’u’lláh had in store for me for the next seven days.

That week a professor of anthropology told his students to conduct an interview with someone of an uncommon nationality, ethnicity or religion. Surprisingly, not one but three of my peers asked me about the Faith.

By Wednesday I had given three personal firesides. I thanked Bahá’u’lláh for pacifying those feelings of guilt from the previous Sunday. Little did I know that He wasn’t through with me yet.

My roommate, who is proficient in French, had to present an oral report by Monday. For days she pondered what to discuss.

When I told her about my interviews, it occurred to her that since I already had enough practice discussing the Faith, it wouldn’t hurt to talk about it again. She presented the Book of Laws and Book of Certitude with visual aids to a class of 20 students while speaking in French about the history and principles of the Faith.

The week was not yet over. Some time ago I had met a Marxist at college and had given him a copy of The Bahá’í Faith and Marxism.

That week I shared a few personal problems with him, and his first response was, “Trust in Bahá’u’lláh.”

I was astonished. He said he was doing research on the Faith for a term paper, as he found the teachings very appealing.

I learned something valuable that week: no matter how challenging, unsolvable or impossible our daily tasks seem, if we strive wholeheartedly and with selfless motives, assistance from the Concourse on high is unfailing.

If we “trust in Bahá’u’lláh” with pure hearts, all our goals will be met and our problems solved.

Nilufar Rezai

Madison, Wisconsin

The Bahá’í Group of Lafayette, Colorado, put together an information booth for the week-long celebration last October of the city’s 100th birthday. Thanks to help from nearby communities, the booth had a banner, panels, a large photograph of the House of Worship, and literature which was given to a number of visitors including a Catholic nun. A flyer was also offered inviting people to a fireside on unity in diversity.

IN MEMORIAM

Agnes (Pat) Beveridge Palm Springs, CA January 22, 1990	Florence Mae Felder Henderson, GA 1989	Stuart Kittredge E. Hartford, CT December 18, 1989	Virginia Reveal St. Paul, MN December 18, 1989
Chief Buffalo Sr. Charlottesville, VA November 27, 1989	Amelia Folster Sidney, NE June 13, 1989	Stephen A. Koehl Stuart, FL January 15, 1990	George Rivers Burton, SC Date Unknown
Charles Coates Kathleen, GA 1989	Lois Abas Foster Glenrock, WY January 27, 1990	Russell LeVell Pomona, CA August 11, 1989	Randall Rowe Houston, TX October 22, 1989
Frances Crichet Elephant Butte, NM August 1989	Lizzie Giles Salters, SC Date Unknown	Ralph Martinez Tucson, AZ Date Unknown	Robert Lee Ruiz Brentwood, CA December 16, 1989
Sylvia Cummings Del Rey Oaks, CA September 16, 1985	Ann Goode Burton, SC October 1989	Vincent Mendello Marina Del Rey, CA December 26, 1989	Michael D. Sauce Avondale, LA November 25, 1989
Dania M. Dale South Bay, FL 1989	S.J. Herting Lewisville, TX December 6, 1989	Lawrence Mitchell Minneapolis, MN January 8, 1990	Gretchen Schultz Springfield, IL February 15, 1989
David David Brentwood, CA August 1989	Lucile Holmes Florence, SC August 29, 1986	Marie O’Brien Orange, CA January 10, 1990	Arash Valizadeh San ‎Ramone Ramon‎, CA October 3, 1989
Vera S. Eresli Chicago, IL January 31, 1990	Verna Johnson Garden Grove, CA January 16, 1990	Leo Powell Jr. St. Louis, MO October 1989	Mary B. Wallice Vero Beach, FL September 1988
Julie Farrell New York, NY January 3, 1990	Helen Keisch St. Cloud, MN December 15, 1989	Yadullah Rafatt Saratoga, CA November 29, 1989	Lena Wells Lewisville, TX November 4, 1989

[Page 20]These are the days for rendering the divine Cause victorious and effective aid! The victory of God’s Faith is dependent upon teaching; and teaching is conditional upon righteous actions and goodly deeds and conduct. The foundation-stone of a life lived in the way of God is the pursuit of moral excellence and the acquisition of a character endowed with qualities that are well-pleasing in His sight. The Bahá’ís should adorn themselves with this holy raiment; with this mighty sword they should conquer the citadels of men’s hearts. People have grown weary and impatient of rhetoric and discourse, of preaching and sermonizing. In this day, the one thing that can deliver the world from its travail and attract the hearts of its people is deeds, not words; example, not precept; saintly virtues, not statements and charters issued by governments and nations on socio-political affairs. In all matters, great or small, word must be the complement of deed, and deed the companion of word; each must supplement, support and reinforce the other. It is in this respect that the Bahá’ís must seek distinction over other peoples and nations, whom the Pen of the Most High has epitomized in the following words: ‘Their words are the pride of the world, and their deeds are the shame of the nations.’ —Shoghi Effendi, Trustworthiness, p. 19

For nine years a float created by Arnie Eckland of Yakima, Washington, and sponsored by the Central Washington Float Committee and the Spiritual Assembly of Yakima CCD No. 3 has been winning awards and promoting the name ‘Bahá’í’ throughout the state. In 1989 the float was a part of 14 parades and won 11 trophies.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

March 29-April 1: Bahá’í International Chinese Symposium, Bahá’í Center, San Francisco, California.

March 30-April 1: Vision to Victory conference, Portland, Oregon.

March 30-April 1: Vision to Victory conference, Cleveland, Ohio. For hotel reservations, please phone 216-663-4100.

April 5-8: Pioneer Training Institute, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, Illinois. Anyone who is planning or interested in pioneering, traveling teaching, or is involved in teaching people of other cultures in the U.S. or abroad is urged to attend. Contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

April 6-8: Spring Celebration of Victory, Louhelen Bahá’í School (especially for new believers, seekers and youth) with Auxiliary Board members Javidukht Khadem and June Thomas and assistants.

April 6-8: Association for Bahá’í Studies Conference, Birmingham, England.

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, 357 N. Post St., Trenton, NJ 08638.

April 9-19: Bahá’í Spring School, Cyprus.

April 13-15: Vision to Victory conference, Winfrey Hotel, Birmingham, Alabama. Keynote speaker: Dr. Robert C. Henderson. Registrar: Bobbie Piper, 1129 Gentilly Dr., Birmingham, AL 35243 (phone 205-967-0334). Make hotel reservations directly (205-987-1600) and mention that you are attending the conference to secure special rates.

April 13-15: Senior Youth Conference, Louhelen Bahá’í School.

April 13-15: 10th annual Touchstone Conference for Youth at John Knox Ranch near San Marcos, Texas. Theme: “Bahá’í Youth: International Perspective/Personal Issues.” Ages 12 and older. To register, contact Lorna Hamency, 512-467-7245; for information, phone 512-353-3339.

April 13-19: Youth Symposium: The Environment (English), Landegg Academy, Switzerland.

April 19-22: Seminar for Youth: Heading East (German), Landegg Academy, Switzerland.

April 22: EARTH DAY 1990. For information on how you and your community can take part in this world-wide event, contact the U.S. Bahá’í UN Office: Bahá’ís of the U.S., 866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017 (phone 212-751-1282).

April 26-29: 81st Bahá’í National Convention, Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois. Seating by advance reservation only.

April 28: Riḍván celebration, Louhelen Bahá’í School.

May 4-6: Parent-Child Conference (with Counselor Robert Harris), Louhelen Bahá’í School.

May 23-28: Study Session: Spiritual Dimensions of Health (German), Landegg Academy, Switzerland.

May 25-27: 17th annual Conference of Nur, Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) College. Theme: “The Unity of the Races.” Speakers: Counselor Wilma Ellis, James Sturdivant, Nat Rutstein. For accommodations, costs and additional information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, P.O. Box 3108, Harrisburg, PA 17105, or phone 717-232-9163.

June-August: Northern Star Bahá’í Project, Alaska.

June 14-17: Bahá’í International Chinese Symposium, Kingston, Jamaica.

June 25-28: First Sino-American Conference on Women’s Issues, Beijing, People’s Republic of China. For information, phone Global Interactions Inc., 602-272-3438.

June 29-July 5: Seventh annual Bahá’í Teacher-Training Conference, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone Karen Olin, 805-466-1077, or the Louhelen School, 313-653-5033.

August 10-12: Caribbean Youth Conference, Barbados.

December 21-27: Bahá’í International Summer School, Malawi.

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:		Moving date
Name of new Bahá’í community
E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:	F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Please indicate in the right-hand space whose work numbers these are.
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. [ ] We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) whose name(s) and I.D. number(s) are listed above. [ ] The last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their 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

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