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[Page 1]‘I am greatly pleased with the city of New York. The harbor entrance, its piers, buildings and broad avenues are magnificent and beautiful. Truly it is a wonderful city. As New York has made such progress in material civilization, I hope that it may also advance spiritually in the Kingdom and Covenant of God, so that the friends here may become the cause of the illumination of America: that this city may become the city of love and that the fragrances of God may be spread from this place to all parts of the world. I have come for this.’ —‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 3

The American Bahá’í

Volume 22, No. 11a ‘The real treasury of man is his knowledge.’—Bahá’u’lláh November 1991

Bahá’ís make ready for second World Congress

By KEN BOWERS

One year from this month some 35,000 Bahá’ís from all over the world will meet together in New York City to celebrate the centenary of the inauguration of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.

Both in terms of sheer numbers and the complexity of the planning involved, the second World Congress will be the single greatest gathering of believers since the inception of the Faith.

It will provide an opportunity for the followers of the Blessed Beauty to express their boundless gratitude to Him for the blessing of His mighty, world-unifying Covenant, their loyalty to and love for Him Who was the Center of that Covenant, and their faith in the Covenant’s power to protect and support them as they carry forward the work of establishing the Kingdom of God on Earth.

Such an assembly, marking the consummation of a full 100 extraordinary years since the Covenant’s establishment—years replete with grave crises and exhilarating victories—will also demonstrate to the world at large the efficacy and inviolable nature of Bahá’u’lláh’s great legacy to mankind. The Bahá’í World Congress will stand as testimony before all the peoples of the planet to “the profound fact of the appearance in the world of the Lord of the Covenant and the aims and achievements of His sublime mission.”

This celebration will be one of two “major world events” that are to take place next year. First will be the commemoration in May of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, an extraordinary aspect of which will be the gathering of the living Knights of Bahá’u’lláh with a world representation of believers in the Holy Land who will together bear witness to the “transcendent and victorious influence of Bahá’u’lláh’s liberated Spirit.”

There can be no doubt that these two great occasions are without parallel in the history of mankind.

“The prospect of such events,” wrote the Universal House of Justice, “should encourage the friends to study the history and meaning of the Covenant.”

The House of Justice also stated that “The friends everywhere must now orient themselves to the significance of these twin anniversaries. They must be spiritually prepared through prayer and study of the Teachings to obtain a deeper appreciation of the station and purpose of Bahá’u’lláh and of the basic meaning of His mighty Covenant.”

As indicated by the House of Justice, such an appreciation requires the perspective of history. Many are the instances in the annals of the Bahá’í Faith that illustrate the invincible power of the Covenant. There is one episode in particular which, when viewed in the light of upcoming events, demonstrates the profound influence of that force in our evolution as a community.

The Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City

By June 1912 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had been in the United States for several weeks. His schedule was one of unabated, exhausting activity. Already, He had spoken at scores of public meetings and numerous Bahá’í gatherings. He had attended the National Conference on Peace and Arbitration at Lake Mohonk, New York, as its featured speaker; completed a three-week tour of Bahá’í communities including Washington, D.C., where He had spoken at Howard University, among other places; and presided over the official laying of the cornerstone of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. He had also paid brief visits to Boston, Philadelphia, and New Jersey.

Most of the Master’s time, however, was spent in New York City which was home to one of the largest groups of believers in America. Immediately after His arrival in the United States He had ‎expresssed expressed‎ His admiration of the port city and His hopes for its future spiritual progress.

Among the highlights of His days in New York were His trip to the Bowery Mission, His talk on religion and science at Columbia University, His first address on race unity at the Kinney home, and the wonderful occasion of His first visit to the Church of the Ascension, during which He extolled the missions of both Christ and Bahá’u’lláh.

That meeting, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá later stated, would be remembered “thou-

Continued on page 4

INSIDE
2	Children and the Holy Year
3	Scholarships/lower prices
6	Map of New York City
7	Music/media
8	Persian page
9	Congress Q and A
10-11	First World Congress

[Page 2]

The Holy Year: A special time for children

National Assembly: There are many ways children can help those who plan to go to the World Congress

The National Spiritual Assembly knows that you, the Bahá’í children of America, are very important in helping the World Congress be a success and in letting people know about Bahá’u’lláh.

To the Dearly Beloved Bahá’í Children of the United States:

We live in a very special time, a time when your great-great-grandmother or your great-great-grandfather could have met Bahá’u’lláh.

It was in the time of your great-great-grandmother, 100 years ago, that Bahá’u’lláh died. You might think that remembering this time would make the Bahá’ís sad. But instead of being sad, the Universal House of Justice has told us that we will celebrate a wonderful year, a Holy Year, beginning in the spring. And when the Holy Year is over, the whole world will know about Bahá’u’lláh.

How do you think all the people in the world are going to hear about Him in the country and in the cities, on television and radio, in schools and neighborhoods? You and your parents are going to do it!

In November 1992, many of the Bahá’ís you know will be going to New York City to a meeting called the World Congress. When they get there, they will meet with thousands of Bahá’ís from around the world. There are many ways in which you can help them as they get ready for this very important meeting:

1. Say one prayer every day for your parents.

2. The trip to New York City will cost a lot of money. Are there ways in which you can help your parents save money for the World Congress? Can you earn money, save money from your allowance or give up something that you would like? Maybe you could decorate a special box or bottle and watch your pennies and nickels and dimes and quarters and dollars grow.

3. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited New York City. Ask your parents to tell you stories about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá while He was in New York. He was in New York.

4. Begin now to prepare a special folder and ask your parents to collect things to bring back to you in the folder. These could be postcards, pictures they have taken and other things that will help you see where they have been. One thing to do is to make a book with blank pages that your parents can use as a diary while they are away. Maybe your Bahá’í school class can help.

5. Call a family meeting so that everyone can share ideas about the Holy Year and the World Congress. Many people in your Bahá’í communities would like to hear your thoughts about this special time at the Feast.

The National Spiritual Assembly knows that you, the Bahá’í children of America, are very important in helping the World Congress be a success and in letting people know about Bahá’u’lláh. We hope that you will write to us and let us know how you and your family have decided to make this Holy Year an extra special time.

The National Spiritual Assembly

November 1991

Volunteers are needed to help before, during World Congress

As planning continues for the 1992 World Congress in New York, organizers are encouraging the friends to volunteer their services. Help is needed both prior to and during the event.

Volunteering is an important way to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Covenant. The friends can help make the event a safe and cost-effective one by helping in a variety of areas.

Among the volunteers needed are ushers, security guards, youth hosts/hostesses and bus escorts for the shuttle buses. Much help will also be needed at the Javits Convention Center and at the various hotels with registration and activity coordination.

Volunteers are asked to offer a minimum of 16 hours of their time during the four days of the Congress. Some friends have expressed concern about missing the Congress program by volunteering, but can be assured that, since the day’s program is repeated in two identical sessions each day, no one will have to miss a session. There will also be plenty of time left over for attending the other events.

The World Congress Logistics Office estimates that about 2,500 volunteers will be needed for various tasks. Most volunteers will not be needed until the week of the Congress, with training taking place for some positions on Saturday and Sunday, November 21-22. Volunteers can help us coordinate this tremendous effort by sending their application forms to the World Congress Logistics Office as soon as possible, and by remembering to enlist as many friends and family members to volunteer as they can.

Some help will be needed several months before the actual event. Friends should indicate on the Volunteer Application Form, available in the Congress Registration Packet, if they can be of service prior to the Congress.

There will be a special need for volunteer translators at the Congress. The official languages of the Congress will be English, Spanish and French, but translators will be needed in a number of other languages. Friends can indicate their proficiency in these languages on the Volunteer Application Form.

Children encouraged to take part in variety of activities planned for local communities during the Holy Year

Over the last several months the friends have raised questions as to why children under 12 will not be permitted to attend the second World Congress in New York City. A recent letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer explained the reasoning behind the decision.

In that letter the House of Justice expressed its general support of the view that children should be included in the activities of the Bahá’í community to the greatest extent possible. When the matter of providing a program and facilities to include young children in the Congress was considered, however, circumstances forced the conclusion that it would not be possible for them to attend the event.

Because of the size of the Congress and the nature of life in New York City, the letter stated, the extremely complex physical arrangements involved would make ‎accomodating accommodating‎ a large number of small children unbearably difficult. In any case, even if such arrangements could be made, the vast majority of Bahá’í children could not attend.

Because of the size of the Congress and the nature of life in New York City,...the extremely complex physical arrangements involved would make ‎accomodating accommodating‎ a large number of small children unbearably difficult.

The House of Justice noted in conclusion that the Congress will have special meaning for the entire world community of Bahá’ís, and not only for those who attend it. Related events around the world will be held to complement that pivotal event; and the highlights of the Congress will be conveyed to the friends by various means, involving, to some extent, all the friends in its spirit and effects.

The National Spiritual Assembly has emphasized the importance of cooperation on the part of the friends with decisions such as this. The well-being and physical safety of all the believers is the primary concern of the House of Justice and of the institutions and agencies responsible for planning the World Congress.

As indicated by the House of Justice, children should be encouraged to take part in other events connected with the Holy Year. Parents and teachers might consider classes and activities that will help them to understand the significance of the World Congress as it relates to this time in history. In this way it will be possible for the children to share in the spirit of the Congress. [Page 3]

Scholarship Fund established to help friends attend Congress

One of the purposes of the Bahá’í World Congress is to proclaim the "unifying power" of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh. To exhibit this power, it is important that the friends who come to New York reflect the diversity of the Bahá’í community.

For this reason the National Spiritual Assembly has established a Scholarship Fund to help the friends to attend this historic event. The National Assembly hopes that the fund will help enrich the World Congress with a wider ethnic, racial and socio-economic representation.

Partial or full scholarships

Individuals and Assemblies are invited to contribute to the Fund, which will provide partial or full scholarships for Bahá’ís from the U.S. community. Contributors will not be able to name individual recipients of their donations, but are free to specify groups they feel would best benefit from their contribution.

Contributions will be accepted by the National Spiritual Assembly through April 1992. Checks should be made out to the National Bahá’í Fund and earmarked for the World Congress Scholarship Fund.

If all seats are reserved before earmarked funds are used, the funds will be donated to the Universal House of Justice to help defray World Congress expenses. On the other hand, if funds are exhausted and there are still applicants who have not received responses, they will be informed by mail of the end of the scholarship program.

Again, the Scholarship Fund has been established for believers from the U.S. community only. Those who would like to contribute to the expenses of the friends from other countries should contact the National Treasurer's Office who will help you write to the National Spiritual Assemblies of the countries in which those believers reside.

How to Apply for a Scholarship

Applicants for the Scholarship Fund have from now through April 1992 to apply. Friends should apply through their local Spiritual Assemblies, or in the case of those who do not live in an Assembly area, to the nearest Assembly.

The local Spiritual Assembly will then forward to the National Spiritual Assembly a letter of recommendation and World Congress application form for each of those who qualify.

Funds will be disbursed by the National Spiritual Assembly on a first-come, first-served basis. Only those individuals who are recommended by local Spiritual Assemblies will be eligible. Please note that these awards will, of necessity, be based upon availability of both earmarked funds and seats at the Congress.

The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Guidelines for Selection of Scholarship Candidates

The National Spiritual Assembly asks that local Assemblies consider applications with the following criteria in mind:

• Above all, prospective fund recipients must have demonstrated records of service to the Cause.

• Consideration of current involvement in Bahá’í activities is suggested.

• The economic need of the individuals must be clear and evident. Local Assemblies must determine such need with wisdom and discretion.

...the National Spiritual Assembly has established a Scholarship Fund to help the friends attend this historic event. The National Assembly hopes that the fund will help to enrich the World Congress with a wider ethnic, racial and socio-economic representation.

• Diversity should be an important consideration in local Assembly deliberations. There is no age requirement other than the minimum of 12 years; anyone who is a member of the U.S. Bahá’í community and who meets the above criteria can be recommended.

Local Spiritual Assemblies will not receive special forms or materials regarding the World Congress Scholarship Fund. They can consider applications from the friends immediately, and may begin sending letters of recommendation with World Congress application forms on January 1, 1992.

It has been left to the local Assemblies to assess the needs of each prospective recipient, as they are in the best position to make a determination. The National Assembly is relying on them to render a fair appraisal.

Recommendations may be made for individuals or families. The amount of funds requested can be for any percentage of expenses up to the full amount.

The National Assembly has not fixed the maximum number of recommendations that a local Assembly can provide; however, all of the friends should be mindful that resources are limited and should be used for the benefit of as many localities as possible.

The American Bahá’í is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. Executive editor: Jack Bowers. Associate editor: Ken Bowers. Art director: Scot Corrie. The American Bahá’í welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Bahá’í Faith. Articles should be written clearly and concisely; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials and correspondence to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright ©1991 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

Congress price reductions have been achieved for hotels, airline fares

An important stage has been completed in the ongoing negotiations with hotels in New York City to reduce prices for the second Bahá’í World Congress based on registration responses received. Substantial reductions have been achieved in all categories.

This is due in large part to the prompt response of the friends in submitting their hotel registration deposits. Reductions will be credited back to those who have registered and paid in full and will be reflected on the invoices for final payment which will be sent to all registrants.

As stated in the registration materials, the World Congress organizers are engaged in ongoing efforts to obtain the best available rates at the time of the Congress, both from airlines and hotels. Reduced airline rates will soon be finalized.

Hotels and airlines have guaranteed that no lower rates or fares at the time of booking will be available, but the ultimate amount of savings depends in large part on the number of Congress registrations sold. The higher the number of reservations, the more advantageous a position the World Congress organizers will be in to obtain these savings, which in turn will benefit all attendees.

The National Spiritual Assembly has also announced that a Scholarship Fund has been established to enable some of those who could not otherwise attend to be a part of this great event. (See guidelines for the Scholarship Fund in this issue.)

Registration for the World Congress is still open, but will close as soon as the requisite number is reached or April 30, 1992, whichever comes sooner. [Page 4]

Bahá’ís to gather in ‘City of the Covenant’

Continued from page 1

sands of years hence.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá had showered the Bahá’ís in New York with His love and blessings. And on June 19 He would bestow upon them the greatest gift imaginable, one fraught with awesome potential.

On that day Juliet Thompson, a believer especially devoted to the Master, was called by Him to finish work on a portrait for which He had sat on a few previous occasions. She would later remember “a peculiar power...in the Master’s steps while coming down from His room...a fearful majesty...strange flashing of the eyes...” Lua Getsinger was also present. In her diary, Juliet recalled what happened next:

I had just begun to work, Lua in the room sitting on a couch nearby, when the Master smiled at me; then turning to Lua said in Persian: “This makes me sleepy. What shall I do?”

“Tell the Master, Lua, that if He would like to take a nap, I can work while He sleeps.”

But I found that I could not. What I saw then was too sacred, too formidable. He sat still as a statue, His eyes closed, infinite peace on that chiseled face, a God-like calm and grandeur in His erect Head.

Suddenly, with a great flash like lightning He opened His eyes and the room seemed to rock like a ship in a storm with the Power released. The Master was blazing. “The veils of glory,” “the thousand veils,” had shriveled away in the Flame and we were exposed to the Glory itself.

Lua and I sat shaking and sobbing. Then He spoke to Lua. I caught the words, “Munaday-i-’Ahd” (Herald of the Covenant.)

Lua started forward, her hand to her breast.

“Man?” (I?) she exclaimed.

“Call one of the Persians. You must understand this.”

Never shall I forget that moment, the flashing eyes of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the reverberations of His Voice, the Power that still rocked the room. God of lightning and thunder! I thought.

“I appoint you, Lua, the Herald of the Covenant. And I am the Covenant, appointed by Bahá’u’lláh. And no one can refute His Word. This is the Testament of Bahá’u’lláh. You will find it in the Holy Book of Aqdas. Go forth and proclaim, ‘This is the Covenant of God in your midst.’”

A great joy had lifted Lua up. Her eyes were full of light. She looked like a winged angel. “Oh, recreate me,” she cried, “that I may do this work for Thee!”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá reportedly sent Lua down to the waiting people immediately to proclaim the Covenant to them. Later He spoke about His own station as the Center of the Covenant, and designated New York as “the City of the Covenant.”

The Master based the divulgence of His station on a Tablet revealed by Bahá’u’lláh while in Adrianople. Entitled the Tablet of the Branch, it had recently been translated into English. In it the Blessed Beauty lauded the station of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (The Branch), referring to Him as “the Trust of God,” “this sacred and glorious Being,” “this Branch of holiness,” “the Limb of the Law of God,” “the most great favor,” “this sublime, this blessed, this mighty and exalted Handiwork.” Bahá’u’lláh also said this about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:

“Well is it with him that hath sought His shelter and abideth beneath His shadow... They who deprive themselves of the shadow of the Branch, are lost in the wilderness of error,... and are of those who will assuredly perish.”

With this sudden, dramatic declaration, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had revealed Himself to the believers in the full glory of His power. The Master, the Son of Bahá’u’lláh and His chosen Successor, stood before them as “The Most Mighty Branch,” as “Him Whom God hath purposed,” the Wielder of that “mighty force,” that “consummate power” on whose “unifying influence” the Blessed Beauty, in the Book of the Covenant, had commanded His descendants to fix their gaze.

Moreover, He, the Center of the Covenant, had blessed the city of New York with the title of City of the Covenant.

What a tremendous bounty that was! ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had linked that city with Himself, investing it with immense capacity and ensuring that it would one day manifest to the world that transforming power which is the animating force behind God’s Cause.

At another time ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated that “New York will become a blessed spot from which the call to steadfastness in the Covenant and Testament of God will go forth to every part of the world.”

The Bahá’ís of the world, aware as they were of the special place held by New York City in the history of the Faith, were thrilled at the announcement made by the Universal House of Justice in its message of January 2, 1986, that a second Bahá’í World Congress would be held in the City of the Covenant in the Holy Year 1992.

In subsequent statements the Universal House of Justice shed further light on the purpose and significance of the Holy Year. The end of the Six Year Plan, at Ridván 1992, would mark the beginning of a “conscious year-long pause to allow His followers to pay fitting regard to the Centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh and of the inauguration of His world-unifying Covenant.”

On the importance of New York as the site of the World Congress, the House of Justice reminded the friends that it was there that “the beloved Master revealed the implications of His statement as the appointed Center of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh” and which He had called the City of the Covenant.

The House of Justice also pointed out the great hopes ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had expressed for the future of the city.

Activities to commemorate the Centenary would not be limited to New York, however. Related events both then and during the Centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Ascension would be planned on the local and national levels “to give vent to the innermost sentiments of the Bahá’ís.” As a corollary to these observances a statement on the life and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh would be published, to be used for public distribution and as a source of inspiration to the Bahá’ís themselves.

“In these and other ways,” wrote the House of Justice, “the community of the Greatest Name will endeavor to blazon the Name of Bahá’u’lláh across the globe, to make it a known eminence in the consciousness of peoples everywhere.”

Just as important, then, as the physical gathering of the Bahá’ís in New York will be the spirit behind it, if it is to properly demonstrate to the world the distinctive character of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.

On April 3, 1991, the House of Justice sent a message to all National Spiritual Assemblies in which counsel was offered as to the proper attitude the friends should have as they plan and take part in the celebrations associated with the World Congress:

“Celebration in this connection does not mean merely festive activities. It is primarily a spiritual celebration that is called for: occasions for deep reflection on the historic importance, the uniqueness, the meaning and the efficacy of the Covenant established by Bahá’u’lláh, on the outstanding results of its influence in raising up a worldwide community comprising a great diversity of members, and on the triumph of its virtues as a unifying power. At the heart of such reflections will be the contemplation of the peerless purpose, magnetic person, luminous character and exemplary acts of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His station as the Center and living embodiment of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.

“Consciousness of the exceptional and glorious stage in humanity’s spiritual evolution initiated by Bahá’u’lláh...

The Bahá’í World Congress will stand as testimony before all the peoples of the planet to ‘the profound fact of the appearance in the world of the Lord of the Covenant and the aims and achievements of His sublime mission.’

Boxes containing some of the 80,000 World Congress registration packets sent to Bahá’ís in some 165 countries are loaded on a truck for mailing from the Bahá’í National Center in Evanston, Illinois. [Page 5]An interior view of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, site of the second Bahá’í World Congress in November 1992.

THE SECOND WORLD CONGRESS

the Covenant, the awe such consciousness inspires and the thankful gladness it induces are of the essence of the celebration intended by the World Congress and all other events associated with this centenary. A major purpose of these events will therefore be to evoke this solemn consciousness, which is itself the wellspring of the most exquisite celebratory joy. In this spirit the commemorative activities around the world should acclaim and proclaim the Covenant as the pivotal center of unity for all humankind and illustrate its dynamic effect on the struggle, the spread, and the redemptive achievements of the Bahá’í community since the passing of the Blessed Beauty."

These achievements are intended to be showcased on several levels. First will be the presence of the believers in their magnificent diversity, representing an extraordinary spectrum of races and nationalities, and demonstrating to the public the worldwide scope of the Faith. Even more remarkable will be the atmosphere of love and reverence among the friends, proving that the Bahá’ís are a community united in spirit and in purpose.

The program of events will draw upon and stimulate the spirituality of the believers. It will, in its mixture of devotions, talks, music and dramatic presentations, arouse "an ineffable sense of significance such as to affect both the attitude of the Bahá’ís themselves and the quality of proclamation directed to the public."

Also, the World Congress, as well as the auxiliary activities connected with it, will offer a profound model of Bahá’í administration in action. Planned and executed wholly within a Bahá’í framework, the occasion will be a practical manifestation of the spiritual principle of unity that lies at the heart of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, and will demonstrate in a unique and unprecedented way that in His Revelation lies the power to translate ideals into reality.

For this reason even the logistical and practical arrangements must contribute their share to the over-all spirit of the Congress. All aspects must be coordinated well enough to allow the friends to devote themselves to the event itself, and not be distracted by the many problems normally associated with a stay in New York.

The institutions and individuals involved, in every detail of their preparations both within and without the Bahá’í community, must also, through strict adherence to principle, display to the world the viability and integrity of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order. A balance must be struck between humility and courage, selflessness and candor, patience and efficiency, cooperation and individual initiative, so that all will acknowledge the capacity of the Faith to govern people in a manner that respects the rights and recognizes the worth of both the person and the community.

Those who plan to attend the World Congress or one of the auxiliary celebrations need to do their part by supporting wholeheartedly the efforts of the institutions and their appointed representatives. They must arrive in New York aware that they will not be attending an ordinary conference, at which they can simply absorb the spirit of the proceedings and leave. They should be prepared to give to the Congress by manifesting in practical ways their belief in the power of united action.

Through close cooperation with the authorized planners of the Congress the physical safety of the friends will be better ensured, our power to negotiate for the best prices increased, and our public image greatly enhanced.

"Let all the friends," wrote the House of Justice, "—every man, woman and youth"—demonstrate through the high quality of their inner life and private character, the unified spirit of their association one with another, the rectitude of their conduct in relation to all, and the excellence of their achievements, that they belong to a truly enlightened and exemplary community; that their Best Beloved, whose Ascension they will commemorate, had not suffered His life on earth in vain."

The first Bahá’í World Congress, held in London in 1963, marked at once the end of the Ten Year Crusade and the Centenary of the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh. That "Most Great Jubilee" also followed by less than a week the formation of the Universal House of Justice, the supreme administrative institution of the Bahá’í world.

Coming on the heels of extraordinary victories in teaching and development, the first World Congress established in the eyes of the believers themselves that they were a truly global community.

In like manner, the second Bahá’í World Congress and the activities related to it will proclaim to all humanity that a new world religion has been firmly established—a movement that stands alone in its capacity to address the needs of the present age.

We cannot afford to underestimate the importance of this stage in history. We stand at the juncture of the age of prophecy and the age of fulfillment, and are moving closer to the time that will witness the "coming of age of the entire human race."

"O army of God! Through the protection and help vouchsafed by the Blessed Beauty...ye must conduct yourselves in such manner that ye may stand out distinguished and brilliant as the sun among other souls. Should any one of you enter a city, he should become a center of attraction by reason of his sincerity, his faithfulness and love, his honesty and fidelity, his truthfulness and loving-kindess towards all the peoples of the world, so that the people of that city may cry out and say: 'This man is unquestionably a Bahá'í, for his manners, his behavior, his conduct, his morals, his nature, and disposition reflect the attributes of the Bahá'ís.' Not until ye attain this station can ye be said to have been faithful to the Covenant and Testament of God. For He hath, through irrefutable Texts, entered into a binding Covenant with us all, requiring us to act in accordance with His sacred instructions and counsels." —Selections From the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p.71

The Holy Year 1992 marks a milestone, and perhaps a turning point, in the process of world transformation initiated by Bahá’u’lláh, a process that will be sustained to its full fruition through the power of His holy Covenant.

The rest of humanity is struggling for unity, yet its plight is becoming more and more desperate. In 1992 the Bahá’ís have a unique chance to offer "a signal of hope to those who despair." As we prepare ourselves for this wonderful year, let us look forward to the fulfillment, at least in part, of the words of our beloved ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:

"Deliver my greeting and praise and my abundant longings to my beloved ones in that city [New York] which hath become the City of the Covenant, and the town of the love of God. The signs thereof will surely appear as the sun at midday." [Page 6]

LOCATION OF SECOND WORLD CONGRESS

Start spreadin’ the news . . .

BAHÁ’ÍS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD WILL GATHER IN NOVEMBER 1992 AT THE JACOB JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER IN NEW YORK CITY FOR THE SECOND BAHÁ’Í WORLD CONGRESS

TO THE LEFT IS AN OVERVIEW OF MANHATTAN SHOWING THE LOCATION OF THE JAVITS CENTER AND OTHER NEW YORK CITY LANDMARKS [Page 7]

Music an important part of World Congress plans

Music and the arts will play an exciting and important role at the World Congress and at a number of related events in New York during the same week.

“According to the Writings, music is food for the human spirit and a ladder by which souls ascend to the realm on high,” said Jack Lenz, a member of the World Congress Music Task Force. “The program of the Congress has been designed to take full advantage of the power of music.”

Some of the musical highlights of the World Congress will be:

World Congress Choir and Orchestra

A choir consisting of Bahá’í singers from all over the world will perform during the main sessions of the Congress. “Bahá’ís from dozens of countries on every continent have volunteered to sing in the choir,” said choral director Tom Price. “Based on the number of applications we have received, the choir may have as many as 1,500 singers. It may also be the most diverse musical group ever assembled.”

‘DIZZY’ GILLESPIE

A complete symphony orchestra made up of Bahá’í professional musicians from all around the world will also perform at the Congress. The orchestra will accompany the choir and will provide live background music for special audio-visual segments of the program.

In addition to the main choir, plans include the use of smaller choruses from different areas of the world. These groups will perform at the Congress in their own languages and musical styles. It is hoped that these special choirs will include groups from Africa, India, South America, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean and the Far East, as well as an African-American ensemble singing Gospel-style music.

Special Concerts

A number of public concerts are scheduled to take place during the World Congress. On Sunday, November 22, a program in Carnegie Hall will feature such world-renowned artists as soprano Benita Valente, pianist Eugene Istomin, mezzo-soprano Tatiana Troyanos, baritone Norman Bailey, and pianist-composer Byron Janis. All of these outstanding performers, with the exception of Norman Bailey, are not Bahá’ís.

A highlight of the concert will be the premiere of a choral piece set to Bahá’u’lláh’s writings by the world-famous Polish composer, ‎Krzystoff Krzysztof‎ Penderecki.

On Wednesday, November 25, legendary jazz trumpeter John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie will be honored with a musical tribute at Carnegie Hall. Mr. Gillespie, a long-time Bahá’í, will appear with other well-known artists in celebration of his historic contributions to jazz.

Several other concerts are being planned including a public performance of World Congress music on Tuesday, November 24. The choir, orchestra and other Bahá’í artists are scheduled for that evening.

Several minor programs are planned for each night of the Congress involving music, dance or drama by Bahá’í performers from various parts of the world.

Can You Help?

“Letters have been pouring in to the Music Task Force office,” said Mr. Price. “We are reviewing Bahá’í songs and music from all over the world for possible use in either the main program or the auxiliary events of the Congress. We also have a steadily widening pool of musical talent to draw from.

“We would like the friends to know that we still need volunteers for all aspects of the musical program. People interested in singing in the choir, professional musicians for the orchestra, composers, and those with special talents are invited to contact the Music Task Force. We also need volunteers to help with the organization and administration of the music activities at the Congress.”

Bahá’ís who would like to help in any way should write to World Congress Music Task Force, P.O. Box 789, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA. Those who are interested in performing as independent soloists or groups in one of the concerts should send an audio or video tape with background information to Jack Lenz, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5A 2V1.

Media Task Force maps global strategy to publicize second World Congress

Members of the World Congress Music and Media Task Forces meet together to coordinate and map their respective plans for the extraordinary Holy Year event to be held in November 1992 in New York City.

In October 1990, the World Congress Program Committee appointed a Media Task Force to develop and coordinate a global strategy to publicize the World Congress and to convey to the public, through the communications media, the purpose of the Congress, the Station of Bahá’u’lláh and His plan for a world civilization, and the nature of the worldwide Bahá’í community.

The Media Task Force will coordinate contacts with international news organizations about the World Congress and provide National Spiritual Assemblies with information and materials to be used with national and local communications media.

The members of the Media Task Force are Bahá’ís with professional experience in radio, television, print journalism, public relations, advertising, and the external affairs of the Faith. The members of the Task Force are Guitty Ejtemai, Robert Harris, Shirley Lee, Brad Pokorny, Ronald Precht, Trish Swanson and Sandra Todd.

The Task Force recently held two conferences for Bahá’ís who are media professionals to discuss the best ways to attract media attention to the World Congress. More than 175 Bahá’ís from 22 countries attended the conferences in Los Angeles and New Jersey and generated some 500 suggestions for the consideration of the Task Force.

Professional public relations firms, experts in media relations, and communicators for other religions, as well as National Spiritual Assemblies and the Bahá’í International Community Office of Public Information, are being consulted to ensure that every effort is made for the Faith to receive unprecedented attention by international, national and local communications media.

The global media plan will be presented to National Spiritual Assemblies in meetings in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, Australia and Canada between November and January. The National Spiritual Assemblies will shape the general plan to meet the needs of their countries and direct the activities of local Bahá’í communities to attract public and media attention.

During the World Congress, media centers will be established at the Jacob Javits Center and at the sites of major ancillary events to ensure that journalists receive accurate information about the World Congress and about the Bahá’í Faith. All such contacts with the media will be coordinated by the Media Task Force and the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly.

The National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of Public Information will provide details of the U.S. media plan soon. The plan will be sent to Bahá’í communities through the network of Bahá’í Public Information Representatives.

The media Task Force will coordinate contacts with international news organizations about the World Congress and provide National Spiritual Assemblies with information and materials to be used with national and local communications media. [Page 8]

کنگره جهانی بهائی

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CONGRESS

بیت‌العدل اعظم در پیام رضوان سال ۱۹۹۱ فرموده‌اند: «خاتمه نقشه شش‌ساله مقارن با آغاز سال مقدس ۱۹۹۲-۱۹۹۳ است که به مدت یک سال به پیروان اسم اعظم فرصت می‌دهد تا به نحوی شایسته به تکریم و تخلید صدمین سال صعود حضرت بهاءالله و افتتاح دوران عهد و میثاقش که کافل وحدت عالم بشر است، پردازند... برای این منظور مراسم مهم و شایسته‌ای ترتیب داده شده تا صفات ممیّزه و اهمیت خطیر این دو واقعه مهم را منعکس سازند.»

در ماه نوامبر سال آینده حدود ۳۵ هزار نفر از احباء از سراسر جهان در نیویورک گرد هم خواهند آمد و صدمین سال اعلان عهد و پیمان حضرت بهاءالله را جشن خواهند گرفت.

کنگره جهانی بهائی از لحاظ تعداد افرادی که در آن شرکت خواهند کرد و نیز از جهت پیچیدگی برنامه‌ریزی بزرگ‌ترین تجمع احباء در سراسر تاریخ بهائی خواهد بود.

این تجمع تاریخی به پیروان جمال اقدس ابهی فرصت خواهد داد که سپاس بی‌پایان خود را به درگاه مبارکش جهت اعطاء میثاق وحدت‌بخش الهی بدانان ابراز نمایند و وفاداری و محبت خویش را نسبت به مرکز عهد اظهار دارند و ایمان و اعتقاد خود را به نیروهای پنهان پیمان ایزدی برای حفظ آنان و مدد بدیشان در سبیل تأسیس ملکوت الهی بر پهنه زمین پدیدار سازند.

کنگره جهانی بهائی پیوند نزدیکی با تجمع دیگری خواهد داشت که در ماه مه سال آینده جهت یادبود صدمین سال صعود حضرت بهاءالله در ارض اقدس برگزار خواهد شد. قرار است آن عده از فارسیان حضرت بهاءالله که در قید حیاتند در مراسم مذکور شرکت نمایند. به فرموده معهد اعلی این رویداد عبارت است از «اجتماع نمایندگان عالم بهائی به اتفاق فارسیان امر حضرت بهاءالله در بهجی در جوار قصر یعنی محل صعود روح حضرت بهاءالله از عالم ادنی و استقرارش بر سریر سلطنت ملکوتی، و در مدخل آن لوحه افتخار شامل اسامی فارسیان امر حضرت بهاءالله قرار داده خواهد شد...»

بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی فرموده‌اند که این دو واقعه باید یاران را تشویق کند که مفهوم عهد و پیمان را دریابند و تاریخ آن را مطالعه نمایند. همچنین معهد اعلی گوشزد فرموده‌اند که احباء در هر کجا که باشند باید خود را با اهمیت این دو رویداد تاریخی آشنا سازند. به فرموده بیت‌العدل اعظم یاران باید از طریق دعا و مناجات و مطالعه تعالیم الهی ترتیباتی از لحاظ روحانی فراهم آورند که درک عمیق‌تری از مقام و مراد حضرت بهاءالله و مفهوم میثاق عظیمش حاصل نمایند.

نکته‌ای که باید یادآور شد این که اگر یاران بخواهند به نحوی شایسته صفات ممیّزه امر حضرت بهاءالله را به جهانیان بنمایند، می‌باید اهمیتی که برای اجتماع ظاهری خود در نیویورک قائلند با نیت و شیوه و مرادشان از این اجتماع یکسان باشد.

معهد اعلی فرموده‌اند که در مورد کنگره جهانی "بزرگداشت" الزاما به معنی "جشن" نیست. بزرگداشت صدمین سال اعلان عهد و پیمان در وهله اول به معنی تجلیلی روحانی است؛ فرصتی برای تأمل درباره اهمیت تاریخی و مفهوم میثاق امر حضرت بهاءالله است؛ تدبّر راجع به پی‌آمدهای برجسته تأثیر آن بر ایجاد جامعه‌ای جهانی است که حکایت از کثرت و تنوع اعضاء دارد؛ اندیشیدن درباره نتایج خصائل آن بعنوان نیروئی وحدت‌بخش است.

به فرموده معهد اعلی یکی از ویژگی‌های مراسمی که در جهان جهت بزرگداشت پیمان ایزدی برگزار می‌شود باید این باشد که سهم بنیادی و مهم عهد و میثاق الهی در مورد وحدت عالم انسانی گوشزد همگان شود.

مراسم بزرگداشت صدمین سال عهد و پیمان باید نمایانگر جوانب گوناگونی باشد. نخست نفس حضور پیروان اسم اعظم با تنوع باشکوه‌شان است که نمودار طیف شگفت‌انگیزی از نژادها و ملیت‌های گوناگون خواهد بود و ویژگی جهانی امر مبارک را به همگان نشان خواهد داد. علاوه

بر این حالت محبت و دوستی و احترامی است که یاران نسبت به یکدیگر دارند و این خود حاکی از این خواهد بود که اهل بهاء به ظاهر و باطن با یکدیگر اتحاد دارند. همچنین کنگره جهانی بهائی خواهد توانست الگو و نمونه مطلوبی از نظم بدیع را ارائه دهد.

به همین جهت است که باید همه جوانب و فعالیت‌های کنگره جهانی با هم هماهنگ باشد تا احباء بتوانند اوقات خود را به تمامی وقف شرکت در این رویداد نمایند و در نتیجه مشکلاتی که معمولا اقامت در نیویورک به همراه دارد، مزاحمشان نشود.

بنا بر این کسانی که قصد دارند در کنگره جهانی بهائی یا جلسات و فعالیت‌های مرتبط با آن شرکت نمایند باید حداکثر تلاش خود را مبذول دارند که از کوشش‌های مؤسسات امری مسؤول و نمایندگانشان حمایت نمایند. بدین معنی که باید هنگام ورود به نیویورک بدانند که کنگره جهانی مانند کنفرانس‌های معمولی نیست که احباء در آن شرکت کنند و از برنامه‌ها فیض ببرند و آنگاه بروند، بلکه باید آماده باشند که سهمی فعال بر عهده گیرند و در کنگره جهانی نیروی وحدت را در عمل به منصه ظهور رسانند.

اهل بهاء در نخستین کنگره جهانی بهائی که در سال ۱۹۶۳ در لندن برگزار شد، از یک سو پایان نقشه ده‌ساله، و جهاد کبیر اکبر و از سوئی دیگر آغاز تأسیس بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی، معهد اعلای نظم بدیع امر بهائی را جشن گرفتند.

آن کنگره که پس از موفقیت‌های چشمگیری انعقاد می‌یافت باعث شد که پیروان امر بهائی به چشم سر شاهد آن باشند که در واقع اعضای یک جامعه جهانی‌اند.

بیش از ۶۰۰۰ نفر از یاران در آن مؤتمر عظیم حضور یافتند و به خاطر داشتند که مولای مهربان، حضرت ولی‌عزیز امرالله شروع نقشه ده‌ساله را مقارن صدمین سالگرد اظهار خفی جمال اقدس ابهی در سیاه چال طهران تعیین فرموده بودند و کنگره جهانی برای بزرگداشت صدمین سالگرد اظهار امر جهری حضرت بهاءالله در بغداد و تجلیل از خدمات یارانی که در طول نقشه به تحقق ‎نوابای نواياى‎ مولای خویش توفیق یافته بودند، تشکیل می‌گردید. اعضاء جامعه جهانی بهائی از طرفی به موفقیت‌هائی که در طول نقشه نصیب جامعه بهائی شده بود افتخار می‌کردند و از طرف دیگر به مسؤولیت‌ها و وظایف سنگینی که در پیش داشتند، متوجه بودند.

دومین کنگره جهانی و فعالیت‌های مربوط به آن نیز به نوبه خود به جهانیان نشان خواهد داد که یک دیانت نوین جهانی سر از نهانگاه مجهولیت به در آورده و در جهان استوار گردیده و این تنها نهضت روحانی موجود است که خواهد توانست پاسخگوی نیازهای عصر کنونی باشد. افراد احباء در این زمان با تحولات حیرت‌انگیزی که در ۲۸ سال گذشته در مقدرات امر الهی حاصل گشته نظر دارند و خود را برای خدمات عظیمی که در پیش دارند، آماده می‌سازند.

پیامی به خردسالان بهائی

نورچشمان خردسال بهائی، حتما می‌دانید که در دوره مهمی زندگی می‌کنید، دوره‌ای که مثلا برای پدر پدربزرگ شما ممکن بوده که حضرت بهاءالله را زیارت کرده باشد. در همان زمان، یعنی نزدیک ۱۰۰ سال پیش بود که حضرت بهاءالله صعود فرمودند.

شاید فکر کنید که یادآوری این موضوع ممکن است به جای غمگین بودن باید خوشحال باشیم و تمام طول یک سالی را که از اول بهار شروع می‌شود — و به آن "سال مقدس" می‌گوئیم — جشن بگیریم و شادی کنیم. وقتی که این سال مقدس تمام شد، همه مردم با اسم حضرت بهاءالله آشنا خواهند بود.

بگذارید سؤالی از شما بکنیم: به نظر شما چه کسی قرار است همه مردم را در شهرها و آبادی‌ها و مدرسه‌ها و دانشگاه‌ها و رادیوها و تلویزیون‌ها با اسم حضرت بهاءالله آشنا کند؟ جواب به این سؤال این است که شما و پدر و مادرهایتان قرار است این کار را انجام دهید!

همانطور که می‌دانید در نوامبر سال آینده خیلی از بهائیانی که از همه جای دنیا در شهر نیویورک جمع خواهند شد تا در یک کنفرانس بزرگ و تاریخی شرکت کنند. اسم این کنفرانس "کنگره جهانی بهائی" است. وقتی احباء در آنجا جمع شدند، راجع به این موضوع صحبت خواهند کرد که چطور می‌شود همه مردم را با اسم حضرت بهاءالله آشنا کنند. شما عزیزان خردسال هم می‌توانید به آنها کمک کنید که به این هدف زودتر برسند. برای اینکه بتوانید به همه احباء کمک کنید چند موضوع را به شما پیشنهاد می‌کنیم:

۱- هر روز یک مناجات برای پدر و مادرتان بخوانید.

۲- سفر به نیویورک ارزان نیست. آیا می‌توانید به پدر و مادرتان کمک کنید که هر طوری که شده مقداری پول پس‌انداز کنند و بتوانند خرج سفرشان را تهیه کنند؟ یکی از کارهائی که می‌توانید بکنید این است که مثلا از خریدن اسباب‌بازی‌های تازه یا لباس‌های گرانقیمت صرف نظر کنید. این فداکاری و گذشت هم شخصیت شما را روحانی‌تر می‌کند و هم کمک بزرگی به مادر و پدرتان برای پس انداز خرج‌های کنگره جهانی خواهد بود.

۳- حضرت عبدالبهاء مدتی در نیویورک بودند. از پدر و مادرتان خواهش کنید برایتان از دوره‌ای که حضرت عبدالبهاء در نیویورک بودند، تعریف کنند.

۴- از همین الان از پدر و مادرتان خواهش کنید وقتی از نیویورک برگشتند چیزهائی مربوط به کنگره جهانی برایتان بیاورند که شما بتوانید همه آنها را در یک جا جمع کنید و یک کلکسیون از یادگاری‌های آن کنفرانس درست کنید.

۵- جلسه‌های خانوادگی درست کنید و در آن راجع به سال مقدس و کنگره جهانی بهائی حرف بزنید.

محفل روحانی ملی می‌داند که وجود شما عزیزان خردسال برای کمک به برگزاری کنگره جهانی مهم است. شما می‌توانید به همه احباء کمک کنید که مردم دنیا را با حضرت بهاءالله و امر مبارکش آشنا کنند. امیدواریم با ما تماس بگیرید و چیزهائی را که درباره سال مقدس و کنگره جهانی ‎بهانی بهائی‎ به فکرتان می‌رسد و کمک‌هائی را که کرده‌اید یا خواهید کرد، با ما در میان بگذارید.

اطلاعاتی درباره خردسالان زیر ۱۲ سال

در چند ماه گذشته بسیاری از احباء با دفتر محفل ملی تماس گرفته و پرسیده‌اند چرا کودکان کمتر از ۱۲ سال نخواهند توانست در کنگره جهانی شرکت کنند. در نامه‌ای که اخیراً از سوی بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به یکی از احباء ارسال گردیده این موضوع تشریح شده است.

در آن نامه بیت‌العدل اعظم فرموده‌اند که در مجموع باید خردسالان تا آنجا که امکان دارد در فعالیت‌های امری جامعه بهائی شرکت داشته باشند. اما هنگامی که مشکلات مربوط به برنامه‌های مخصوص کودکان در کنگره جهانی به میان آمد، نتیجه گرفته شد که با در نظر گرفتن اوضاع و شرایط زمان و محل تشکیل کنگره جهانی امکان شرکت خردسالان در آن وجود ندارد.

در نامه معهد اعلی یادآوری شده است که کثرت تعداد شرکت‌کنندگان در مجمع مذکور و چند و چون شرایط زندگی در نیویورک لازم می‌آورد که ترتیبات بسیار پیچیده‌ای فراهم شود و این کار با در نظر گرفتن تعداد بسیاری از کودکان غیرممکن به نظر می‌آید. حتی اگر این ترتیبات هم فراهم می‌شد باز هم اکثریت خردسالان نمی‌توانستند در آن شرکت کنند.

در خاتمه نامه بیت‌العدل اعظم آمده است که کنگره جهانی مفاهیم متعددی را برای جامعه بهائی در بر می‌گیرد و تنها اختصاص به شرکت در آن را ندارد. بنا بر این دیگر فعالیت‌هائی که در سراسر جهان در رابطه با کنگره جهانی انجام می‌شود، باید بعنوان متمّم آن تلقی شود و در این فعالیت‌ها شرکت همگان از هر سنی که باشند آزاد است.

بدین ترتیب باید خردسالان بهائی تشویق شوند که در برنامه‌های مربوط به کنگره جهانی بهائی و سال مقدس شرکت کنند. والدین و مبلغان می‌توانند کلاس‌های ویژه‌ای ترتیب دهند و اهمیت کنگره جهانی را برای نونهالان بهائی تشریح کنند و دلائل عدم شرکت آنان را نیز یادآور شوند. [Page 9]

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CONGRESS — QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Following are answers to some frequently asked questions about the World Congress:

CONGRESS ACTIVITIES

Question: In how many places will Congress activities take place?

Answer: The main program of the Congress will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The program will be repeated twice each day so that all the friends can be accommodated. There will also be activities taking place at some hotels, including special youth events, musical programs, speakers, audio-visual presentations, etc. A complete program will be printed and available upon your arrival in New York, and shuttle buses will be ready to take the friends from site to site.

Q: Will there be translation services available?

A: There will be simultaneous translation services in the three official languages designated by the Universal House of Justice: English, French and Spanish. We will monitor the language needs of the friends as indicated in the language section of the Individual Registration Form and consider additional translation services if sufficient need exists and finances permit.

Q: Will there be assistance for the handicapped, blind and hearing impaired?

A: Yes. We are monitoring the special needs of registrants as indicated in the Physical Disability and Special Needs sections of the Individual Registration Form. When we have more substantial data, decisions will be made as to what assistance can be provided. Be assured that every effort will be made to accommodate these needs.

Bahá’í National Center staffers help plan World Congress.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Q: Can I change my grade of hotel (either up or down)?

A: Yes, we can change the grade of your hotel. If you have roommates, you must be sure that all of them request the same change. If you are part of a Hotel Group, you must also make sure that you are deleted from that Group, unless the whole group changes its hotel grade.

Q: Can I choose a certain hotel?

A: We cannot guarantee hotel selection, but if you ask for a certain hotel in the Special Request section of the Individual Registration Form, we will do our best to meet your request.

Q: Can I stay in the same hotel with a group of my friends from another city?

A: Yes. We can coordinate your friends from anywhere in the world to stay in the same hotel with you. Simply fill out the Hotel Group portion of the Group Travel Form and follow the instructions in the Guide and on the Form. We can also arrange for you to travel with the group if you like.

Q: How can I find a roommate?

A: The World Congress Registration Office recommends that you approach your local Spiritual Assembly and consult with them about how you might find a roommate. You may also wish to contact other local Assemblies in your area, and perhaps your Auxiliary Board member.

Remember—when you find a roommate, be sure that you register together. If you have already registered, please inform us in writing of your roommate selection. Your roommate(s) must do likewise, in a separate letter.

"O my servants! There shineth nothing else in Mine heart except the unfading light of the Morn of Divine Guidance, and out of My mouth proceedeth naught but the essence of truth, which the Lord your God hath revealed. Follow not, therefore, your earthly desires, and violate not the Covenant of God, nor break your pledge to Him. With firm determination, with the whole affection of your heart, and with the full force of your words, turn ye unto Him, and walk not in the ways of the foolish. The world is but a show, vain and empty, a mere nothing, bearing the semblance of reality. Set not your affections upon it. Break not the bond that uniteth you with your Creator, and be not of those who have erred and strayed from His ways." -Gleanings, p.328

TRAVEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Q: On what airline will I be booked?

A: At this time it is not possible to tell you on which airline you will be scheduled. This will be determined after final negotiations on prices. You will be notified through your final invoice/confirmation approximately 2-3 months before the Congress.

Q: Can I change my air travel plans after I have sent my registration?

A: Yes, we will try to accommodate changes of this nature. The earlier you notify us, the easier it will be. You will then be notified of any increase/decrease in your amount due via an invoice, subject to the cancellation/refund policy.

Q: If I have already sent my Congress Services Fee, but did not order a travel package, can I order one now or at a later time?

A: Yes, it is possible to add a travel package at any time. Just fill out the travel package form(s) from the Registration Packet and send them in with a note stating that you have already sent in your Services Fee. Your travel package will be added to your Congress reservation.

Q: I am staying with friends in New York City. Can I still ride the shuttle buses to and from the Javits Convention Center?

A: You must send in your Individual Registration Form and Congress Services Fee to reserve a seat at the World Congress, whether or not you are staying at a hotel in New York. Your Congress Services Fee includes shuttle bus transportation. However, you will have to make your own way to one of the core hotels where the shuttle bus will stop. You will be taken from the core hotel to and from the Convention Center.

Q: You keep saying I will not be able to obtain any lower hotel rate or air fare than you will be quoting. Is this really true?

A: We have this guaranteed, in writing, by those hotels and airlines with which we have contracted. The friends are being misled by claims that lower prices can be obtained. Airlines are not even quoting fares for 1992 at this time and there is no limit on how high other air fares may go (remember that the week of the Congress is a blackout period for discount fares on most airlines). In addition, our air fares include transportation to and from the airport and all tips and gratuities for baggage handling. Hotel rates we are quoting include 21.25 percent room tax per day, an American breakfast each day of the Congress, and all tips and gratuities. These extra expenses could easily amount to an additional $50 per day. We are charged by the Universal House of Justice to provide the friends with the safest, most convenient and most economical travel packages available.

You are encouraged to read the information provided in the Registration Guide in the registration packet. You will find the answers to many of your questions in that booklet. [Page 10]

London 1963: The first World Congress

More than 6,000 jubilant Bahá’ís gathered in London during Ridván 1963 for the long-awaited first Bahá’í World Congress, held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh.

Designated by Shoghi Effendi as “The Most Great Jubilee,” the Congress also marked the culmination of the Ten Year Crusade, that historic, worldwide teaching campaign which began soon after the centenary of the “first intimation” of Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission received by Him while imprisoned in the Siyah-Chal of Tehran, and at its conclusion with the anniversary of the public Declaration of that Mission in the Ridván Garden in Baghdad.

The Crusade had fulfilled the goal set for it by the Guardian when he called for Bahá’í history to “move rapidly and majestically as it has never moved before since the inception of the Faith over a century ago.” The decade witnessed unprecedented achievements as record numbers of countries and territories were opened, new national and local Assemblies were formed and many new believers were enrolled.

‘An unassailable foundation’

Shoghi Effendi had linked the success of the Crusade with that of the Most Great Jubilee, for it would be that “fate-laden, soul-stirring” plan that would establish “on a world-wide scale, an unassailable foundation for Bahá’u’lláh’s Christ-promised Kingdom on earth, swelling thereby the chorus of universal jubilation wherein earth and heaven will join, as prophesied by Daniel, echoed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: ‘on that day will the faithful rejoice with exceeding gladness.’”

The Jubilee could not be held in Baghdad as originally planned. London was deemed the best alternative because it had been visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His travels in the West, and because it was there that the Guardian had been laid to rest just five and a half years before, at the midway point of the Crusade.

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum addresses the first World Congress.

Though painfully aware of Shoghi Effendi’s absence, the friends were heartened to see the evidences of his continued guidance in the wonderful victories that were achieved in the last years of the Crusade. A great deal of the credit was due to the selfless and heroic labors of the Hands of the Cause of God, who had derived their mandate and their inspiration from the beloved Guardian.

Another thrilling sign of God’s unfailing assistance was the presentation during the World Congress of the members of the newly-formed Universal House of Justice, ordained by Bahá’u’lláh as the supreme administrative institution of His World Order. The formation of the House of Justice re-established the line of continuing, infallible guidance that the Cause had enjoyed until the passing of the Guardian in 1957, and inaugurated a new epoch in the formative age of the Faith.

The program of talks and presentations at Royal Albert Hall added to the joy of the occasion. A special highlight was the talk given by Hand of the Cause of God Tarazu’llah Samandari, who shared with the Bahá’ís some of his personal reminiscences of Bahá’u’lláh. Others of the Hands of the Cause who spoke included Hasan Balyúzí, A. Q. Faizi, Ali-Akbar Furútan, Ugo Giachery, Paul Haney, Zikrullah Khadem, Rahmatulláh Muhájir, Enoch Olinga, John Robarts and William Sears.

But the most poignant moments of the Congress were reserved for its final session, dedicated to Shoghi Effendi, the Sign of God on earth. The Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, the wife of the Guardian, offered her tribute to the one without whom the victories of the Ten Year Crusade would have been inconceivable.

As the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh and a colorful representation of believers stood onstage behind her, she told of some of the great achievements of his 36-year ministry. And she shared, as she was uniquely qualified to do, her memories of the Guardian’s person and personality, thereby increasing the appreciation of the friends for his sacrifices, his suffering, and his matchless spiritual qualities.

She then enjoined her fellow-believers not to dwell on their own loss, however devastating it was, but to devote themselves as never before to the work of the Faith, so that they might make Shoghi Effendi happier than he ever was in this life.

A new vitality

The first Bahá’í World Congress instilled in veteran believers and newly-enrolled alike a new vitality and a greater appreciation of the glory of God’s Cause. The friends ended the Most Great Jubilee with a firm conviction that before them lay an era of achievements still more wonderful than any they had yet witnessed.

It is fascinating to reflect, as we look back over the events of the past 28 years since the first World Congress, upon the dramatic changes that have taken place both within and without the Bahá’í community.

We see, on the one hand, in the great increase in the number of believers, in the impressive spread of the Faith to many more nations and localities, and in the much higher level of administrative ‎delvelopment development‎, the swift forward march of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh; and on the other we can observe, in the steadily declining state of world affairs, the contrasting process of decay that will, as Bahá’u’lláh foresaw, prepare humanity for the inevitable emergence of His peerless World Order.

The second Bahá’í World Congress, like the first, will be a centenary celebration, taking place at the end of an historic teaching plan. The believers face now, as they did then, the challenge of further growth on a scale outstripping past accomplishments.

The resting place of the Guardian near London.

As we prepare ourselves for the coming Holy Year, let us appreciate the lessons of history and expect that the great events associated with it will open the way for an age unlike any we have known before. [Page 11]

‘THE MOST GREAT JUBILEE’

More than 6,000 Bahá’ís from around the world assemble in London’s spacious Royal Albert Hall for the historic first Bahá’í World Congress commemorating the Centenary of the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh in the Garden of Riḍván in April 1863.

Pictured (left to right) are the members of the first Universal House of Justice elected at Riḍván 1963: Alí Nakhjavání, David Hofman, Lutfu’lláh Hakím, Ian Semple, Borrah Kavelin, Hugh Chance, Hushmand Fatheazam, Amoz Gibson and Charles Wolcott.

The friends ended the Most Great Jubilee with a firm conviction that before them lay an era of achievements still more wonderful than any they had yet witnessed. [Page 12]

The second Bahá’í World Congress

World Congress Youth Movement Forum unique venue for dialogue

A special three-day program is scheduled for youth between 12 and 24 years of age as a complement to the regular sessions of the World Congress in New York City.

The Bahá’í World Congress Youth Movement Forum will provide a unique venue for dialogue among young believers, emphasizing both the legacy of youth contributions to Bahá’í history and the challenges of the present day.

The youth who will take part, representing a great diversity of backgrounds, will reflect the international nature of the World Congress as they contemplate the implications of their “recognition of Bahá’u’lláh” and discuss their “response to His Revelation.”

Youth will center the examination of their role in the Faith around three major questions:

• Who is Bahá’u’lláh?
• What is Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and Mission?
• What service can I render at this time in my life—at this time in history—that will please Bahá’u’lláh?

The Bahá’í World Congress Youth Movement Forum will provide a unique venue for dialogue among young believers, emphasizing both the legacy of youth contributions to Bahá’í history and the challenges of the present day.

Drawing on the spirit of the World Congress, the Forum will celebrate the power in youth that the Covenant releases and will provide ways for Bahá’í youth to respond to the challenge of taking the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh to the whole of humanity, thereby moving the world, transforming civilization, and fulfilling their own spiritual destiny.

The young people will attend both the main Congress sessions and the “Youth Movement Forum” program. In an inspiring three days, youth will take part in a wide range of activities including formal presentations, study sessions, youth gatherings, and a youth service opportunities exposition.

The Bahá’í World Congress Youth Movement Forum is designed to be a profound personal and collective experience for Bahá’í youth, one that will empower them to actively engage in the articulation and application of the spiritual teachings of the Bahá’í Faith as they minister to the needs of an ailing humanity and help to enlist an ever-growing army of youth committed to the spiritualization of the planet.

The Ansonia Hotel, at Broadway and 73rd Streets, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed during His first nine days in New York City in 1912. The hotel is now designated an historic landmark.

The American Museum of Natural History in New York City, which was visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb, July 9, 1912. Those who come to New York for the second World Congress in November 1992 may wish to ‘retrace the Master’s steps’ by visiting the historic Museum.

[Page 13]

WORLD NEWS

The National Spiritual Assembly of Kenya has begun consolidation work to reinforce the achievements of its recent “Victory Task Force” teaching campaign. During the campaign, the Faith was proclaimed to an estimated 12,900 people, teachers visited almost 2,000 households, 23 talks were given at schools, and more than 130 prominent people in Kenya were reached. Enrollments numbered 1,576 with 19 new local Spiritual Assemblies formed. During the same period, 136 inactive Assemblies were reactivated. The National Assembly began its consolidation of these gains with a two-day Deepening Institute for new believers. Seven-day institutes also were planned. ...

In August, the National Teaching Committee of Bulgaria reported that a youth teaching team had enrolled 13 people in the city of Varna. The committee said the group held a proclamation in one of the city’s central parks, attracting people through the use of music. ...

A teaching campaign held in conjunction with the North Cyprus Summer School led to the enrollment of 11 people, seven from the Gypsy community of Guzelyurt, one of the goal areas of the Six Year Plan in Cyprus. The summer school was held August 18-24 in Lapta with 41 Bahá’ís from Cyprus and Turkey taking part. Counselor Ilhan Sezgin and Auxiliary Board member Susan Mokhles were special guests. ...

The Bahá’í Faith was specifically mentioned in relationship to an agreement between the Cambridge Bay Housing Association and the Public Service Alliance of Canada, which allows workers to choose 10 designated paid holidays instead of taking the general holidays provided for in the Labor Code. The agreement allows workers to take time off from work for their own religious holidays, which means that Bahá’ís working for the Association can now legitimately observe all nine Bahá’í Holy Days on which work should be suspended.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Mauritius reports that a one-week teaching trip to Rodrigues Island resulted in the enrollment of 60 new Bahá’ís. Fifteen Bahá’ís took part in the campaign including three from the Seychelles. They performed three musical concerts, each of which was announced on the radio and drew an audience of about 400. During the trip, six new local Spiritual Assemblies were established. ...

On August 3, more than 75 men, women, youth and children launched the Rompe Olas Teaching Project with proclamation events in 69 of Puerto Rico’s municipalities. The National Spiritual Assembly reported that the level of participation was unprecedented, and that 20 people were enrolled in the Faith during the early days of the project. ...

In Swaziland, where the Bahá’í Faith has been a part of the curriculum at the University of Swaziland for the past four years, university officials have asked the Bahá’ís to develop a new curriculum on specific Bahá’í topics in relation to African customs and traditional beliefs. The National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland has appointed four people to teach the new courses. ...

An International Bahá’í Youth Conference held August 10-17 in Zimbabwe drew 70 young people from 11 countries. Counselor Daniel Ramoroesi was a special guest. Six people embraced the Faith during the conference, which was organized by Bahá’í youth between the ages of 13 and 18. ...

Teaching efforts by members of the National Youth Committee of New Caledonia have resulted in the enrollment of six people in La Foa: one adult, three youth and two pre-youth. Auxiliary Board member Ivan Olivari reports that enrollments are now being recorded among the principal racial groups represented in New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands—Caucasian, Caledonian, Martiniquais and Polynesian. ...

A teaching/consolidation institute was held July 28-August 1 in Oghara, Nigeria, to prepare participants for an intensive six-month teaching and consolidation project. Eighteen people took part including Counselor Kiser Barnes and two members of the National Teaching Committee. ...

The Bahá’ís of Alingsas, Sweden, had a three-week exhibit on the Faith in the municipal library; the municipal authority enclosed a cultural pamphlet with a prominent article about the exhibit in electric bills that went out to all area residents. In Sundsvall some 1,000 people were introduced to the Faith at a conference sponsored by the World Health Organization, at which the friends set up an exhibit featuring Bahá’í economic and social development projects from around the world. ...

The village of Rainy Mission, Transkei, South Africa, was opened to the Faith as the result of a teaching vigil held there at the request of the village’s sub-headman, who had become interested in the Faith through the efforts of Bahá’í travel teachers from nearby Umtata. More than 100 people attended the vigil, at which one woman declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh. The event marked the first time in the history of Transkei that a vigil had been held where no Bahá’ís were residing. ...

Local Spiritual Assemblies in Moissala, Chad, and Munich, Germany, pooled their resources to establish a mobile Bahá’í library to service outlying villages in Chad whose young people have little access to public libraries in the cities. The library began service in November 1990.

On September 23, friends and members of the family of Kim Ly Ngim gathered at her grave site to pray for the teaching work and unity of the Bahá’í community in Stockton, California, one year after the 11-year-old girl had prayed, on the day of her passing, that her death would serve to kindle the hearts of the believers. Within the next week, 20 new believers had joined the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in Stockton.

On July 15-21, Bahá’ís in Romania hosted the first European Bahá’í Youth Conference at Neptune, a town on the coast of the Black Sea. Participants at the conference launched the Táhirih II Neptune Teaching Project.

More than 100 attend Stockton conference designed to deepen new Cambodian believers

On September 22, 1991, a conference designed for new Cambodian believers was held in Stockton, California, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly in that city. It was attended by more than 100 Cambodian believers, about half of whom were children.

The program began with prayers and music, after which the children participated in special classes geared toward the memorization of the Sacred Writings while the adults watched a video tape especially prepared for this weekend in the Khmer language by Mr. Sen Soeurn of Lowell, Massachusetts. The tape discussed the history and obligations of the Faith, including praying, teaching, giving to the Funds, and fasting.

Auxiliary Board member Richard Groger then presented a keynote address based largely on the writings of Shoghi Effendi. Mr. Dy Bun, of Stockton, acted as the Khmer interpreter. Mrs. Puran Stevens, of the National Spiritual Assembly’s Refugee Office, was also on hand to give those at the gathering a heartfelt message of welcome and love.

One of the results of this special Khmer-language conference for new believers is a new focus on the training of the Bahá’í children. Stockton local Spiritual Assembly member Mr. Oeum Oeun will host weekly classes in his home with assistance from English-speaking members of the community.

An additional effort will be made to coordinate children’s training activities with the Bahá’ís of Modesto. Khmer-speaking Bahá’ís who were unable to attend the conference will also be given several opportunities to see the deepening tape by Mr. Sen Soeurn. [Page 14]

Bahá’u’lláh’s new World Order is theme of ninth Massanetta Springs Conference

The ninth annual Massanetta Springs Bahá’í Conference was held August 30-September 1 in Staunton, Virginia.

The conference theme was “Bahá’u’lláh and the New World Order.”

The main speakers were Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Auxiliary Board members Tahereh Ahdieh and James Sturdivant.

Dr. Henderson and Mr. Sturdivant related the Universal House of Justice’s statement on Bahá’u’lláh to daily living and the establishment of the new World Order.

The unity of mankind, Dr. Henderson said, will come about ‎no not‎ so much by learning new ways as by unlearning old ways. The essence of that Order, he said, “is to do things God’s way, not man’s way.”

Mr. Sturdivant pointed out that the ‎state-tent statement‎ in human nature” and explained how we can relate this with many events in the crumbling communist countries of Eastern Europe.

Dr. Ahdieh spent Saturday afternoon with the children and youth, inviting those young people who had spent the summer teaching the Cause to share their triumphs, their dreams, and their hopes for the future.

Dr. Henderson and Mr. Sturdivant conducted workshops, as did Mehrdad Bashiri (in Persian) and Dave and Helene Van Manen who also entertained children and adults with their delightful songs.

Saturday evening’s program, “An Evening to Remember,” honored through song, poetry and readings, in English and Persian, those Bahá’ís who have passed on to the Abhá Kingdom.

A “silent auction” of mementos left by the late Bill and Flora Brooks, who organized the first Massanetta Springs Conference in 1979, raised $2,614 for the Arc Fund.

Performing during the closing program at the Massanetta Springs (Virginia) Bahá’í Conference in September are (left to right) Mary Davis, David Draim, Helene Van Manen, Dave Van Manen, Steve Reisetter and Tressa Reisetter.

Bahá’ís from several communities in Maine attended a special weekend gathering for Bahá’í children August 16-18 sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Brunswick. The facilitator was Yael Wurmfeld (back row, left), a member of the National Teaching Committee. The goal of the weekend event was 'to help kids acknowledge and recognize their personal identification with their own faith, to become knowledgeable about it, and thereby be able to answer questions.'

The New World Order of Bahá’u’lláh

Seventh Annual Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference December 27 - 30, 1991 Hyatt Regency Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona

Confirmed Speakers are:

• Hand of the Cause, Ali-Muhammad Varqá
• Robert Harris
• Dr. Soheil Bushrui
• Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh
• Dr. Wilma Ellis
• Omid Forutan

For more information: Terry Agahi (602) 863-1919 Shervin Niknam (602) 998-3075

Images International marketing, distributing audio-visual aids on behalf of World Center

To help meet the needs of Bahá’ís around the world and to address a goal of the Six Year Plan, to “foster the use of Bahá’í literature...supplemented as needed by tape recordings and visual aids...,” Images International has begun on behalf of the Audio-Visual Department at the World Center aggressive marketing and distribution of slides, slide programs and videos.

This is the first of many ventures to be jointly coordinated by the World Center, the International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Office in Illinois and Images International, which is a not-for-profit corporation organized to produce, market and distribute materials that will help educate those who are interested in the Faith, its teachings, and their application to a wide range of subjects such as world peace, race unity, equality of the sexes, marriage and family life, social and economic development, and personal transformation.

The newest of the slides now available are the “generic” mini-slide sets, as they are affectionately called. These recent releases of the World Center’s Audio-Visual Department are grouped into eight topics: World Center Arc and Terraces; Bahá’í Holy Places; Bahá’í Houses of Worship; Peace; Women; Youth and Children; Literacy; and Bahá’í Social and Economic Development.

Each 20-slide mini-set retails for $9. All eight topics (160 slides) can be purchased for the discount price of $63. A written description accompanies each mini-set to help in identification and presentation.

Two other programs, produced at the World Center in the mid to late 1980s, are also welcome additions to Images International’s growing stock.

“The Bahá’ís and the Holy Land” (75 slides) surveys the historical and contemporary relationship between the Faith and the Holy Land. The accompanying narrative can be read easily in 20 minutes. The cost is $25 including shipping and handling.

“Bahá’í Social and Economic Development” is an 80-slide program depicting an array of worldwide Bahá’í-sponsored social and economic development programs. Included is a well-recorded 22-minute audio tape and printed script. The set is available for $30 including shipping and handling.

All the slides mentioned here can be shown in a variety of settings: summer or winter school classes, Feasts, deepenings, firesides, mobile institutes, as visual aids for public meetings, or in classrooms at colleges or universities.

Slides are also available as a stock supply of visual images for black and white prints, publicity photos, printed publications or television programs.

To order, write to Images International, P.O. Box 1051, Belchertown, MA 01007, or phone 413-323-5808.

National Assembly to co-sponsor Global Structures Convocation

The National Spiritual Assembly is one of 70 co-sponsors of the second Global Structures Convocation: Environment and Development, to be held next February 6-9 in Washington, D.C.

A representative of the National Assembly will conduct a workshop entitled “Earth Charter: Establishing the Values and Principles for International Laws and a Global Community.”

Designed as a working session for maximum participation, the Convocation will include as many as 20 simultaneous workshops on international legal, institutional and economic issues related to the implementation of the Earth Summit to be held in June 1992.

The first Global Structures Convocation, the 1989 Structures for Peace Convocation, led to the formation of the Alliance for Our Common Future, of which the Bahá’ís of the U.S. are a member organization.

Individual Bahá’ís are welcome to attend the Convocation in Washington. The National Spiritual Assembly will have official representation there, and kindly requests that those who attend notify its office at Washington, DC 20009 (phone 202-265-8830).

For more information about the Convocation, contact the Second Global Structures Convocation: Environment and Development, Washington, DC 20036 (phone 202-833-9585; fax 202-785-3942). [Page 15]

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 personally. Opinions expressed in these columns are those of the writers, and 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.

The Faith moves forward

To the Editor:

As I scan the most recent issue of The American Bahá’í I realize the extraordinary accomplishments of the Faith, not only in the U.S. but on a global scale. These words of Bahá’u’lláh have been taken to heart:

“Let your vision be world-embracing. Do not busy yourselves in your own concerns, let your thoughts be fixed upon that which will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind and sanctify the hearts and souls of men. This can best be achieved through pure and holy deeds, through a virtuous life and goodly behavior. Valiant acts will assure the triumph of this Cause, and a saintly character will reinforce its power.”

We are no longer that little band of people, but a victorious army that has taken hold of this planet. An army whose strength can now be seen, as global events shake the very core of our planet.

All around us we see systems, feared by many at one time, collapsing before our eyes as people cry out for freedom and justice. Diligently, Bahá’ís go on with the work asked of them, and quickly (it seems) results follow. People talk about miracles and how wonderful they are, but we Bahá’ís witness them constantly in our teaching work. That is why Shoghi Effendi said:

“If one seeks the confirmations of the Holy Spirit, he can find them in rich abundance in the teaching field. ...” “The all-conquering potency of the grace of God, vouchsafed through the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, will, undoubtedly, mysteriously and surprisingly, enable whosoever arises to champion His Cause to win complete and total victory.”

What we are asked to do is “to try, to persevere,” and then we are promised “complete and total victory.” Where else in the world are there such guarantees for one’s efforts?

It is inspiring and humbling to read and hear of the tremendous achievements of our fellow Bahá’ís. Also, it makes us realize how fortunate we are to live in these times. No wonder the prophets of old yearned to live in this Day!

The words of Bahá’u’lláh echo in my ears: “Should anyone arise for the triumph of Our Cause, him will God render victorious though tens of thousands of enemies be leagued against him. And if his love for Me wax stronger, God will establish his ascendancy over all the powers of earth and heaven. Thus have We breathed the spirit of power into all regions.”

Delia Lopez Sylmar, California

Dr. Carney

from page 1

human development, and she worked with early childhood development programs in Suffield, Connecticut; Hampden, Maine; and the Appalachian region of Ohio.

Dr. Carney was the author of a number of books and articles on education including Teaching: Issues, Perspectives and Definitions (1974), “Teaching Competence: An ANISA Definition” in The Constructive Triangle (1975), and (with Susan Theroux) Family Life and Child Rearing Practices Among Black Americans: A Review of the Research Literature (1977).

In November 1978 Dr. Carney came to Wilmette, Illinois, as the National Assembly’s assistant secretary, a position in which she served until appointed a Counselor in May 1983.

As a member of the International Teaching Center she helped coordinate, stimulate and direct the work of five Continental Boards of Counselors in promoting the spiritual, intellectual and social development of Bahá’í communities all over the world.

Dr. Carney had only recently returned to Haifa from the U.S. where she visited Bahá’í communities in a number of states as an unofficial “traveling teacher,” offering her love, support and counsel to those whose paths she crossed.

Her last formal appearance in this country was as presenter of the Louis Gregory Institute’s Peace Award during Peace Fest ’91 to the Rev. Antoine Campbell (see article on page 1, photographs on page 11).

On showing reverence

To the Editor:

Concerning the letter (September) about prayer books and other Bahá’í materials in one’s bathroom:

It is not the place where a prayer is offered, but the sincerity with which that prayer is offered that is important.

No one can claim to know the thoughts of another. To assume that finding a prayer book in one’s bathroom in any way shows disrespect is an error in judgment.

Bahá’u’lláh says that prayers are to be recited in privacy. In many households, the bathroom is the only place where one is guaranteed solitude.

Furthermore, some obligatory prayers call for the washing of hands and face. Modern plumbing has replaced the wash basins of the 1800s and taken personal hygiene out of the bedroom. How is one correctly to offer the medium obligatory prayer in a modern bedroom without washing facilities?

Are we to say that the presence of a washstand and chamber pot in the bedrooms of our ancestors made their morning and evening prayers somehow less respectful than our own?

Mariam Kirby La Jolla, California

To the Editor:

I agree with the writer (September) that every Bahá’í should be interested in showing reverence. More important, we are trying to be reverent, and that is a matter of intent and focus.

It is often difficult to keep one’s children still during a Feast or fireside without causing even more disturbance quieting them than they were causing by “walking around.” Having been raised in the silence of Quaker meetings before accepting Bahá’u’lláh in 1964, I find that a bit of activity challenges me to go deeper into prayer, lifting the level of my spiritual commitment.

While we must all teach our children to be reverent and conduct themselves appropriately, we must also be tolerant and loving, and accept “adversity” as a blessing, enabling us to grow in spirit and dedication.

Margaret N. Semola Cypress, California

To the Editor:

I would like to respond to some of the letters in the September issue, one of which reminds me of a story I heard about two monks from different monasteries who liked to smoke cigarettes. They were concerned about whether it was proper to smoke while saying their daily prayers, so they decided to ask their respective abbots.

When next they saw one another, one monk was dejected and explained that when he asked his abbot if he were allowed to smoke during prayers, he was given a severe reprimand for even considering the possibility.

The second monk smiled and said he had gotten quite a different response. He had asked his abbot if it was permissible to pray to God at all times, even when he was smoking. His abbot assured him that it was important to keep God in one’s heart and mind no matter what he might be doing.

I know that God loves me even when I am in the bathroom, so I suspect that He doesn’t mind my remembering Him while I am taking care of the body He gave me.

As for the letter condemning reading supermarket tabloids, I find it curious. In the Bahá’í writings, the word that is found alongside ‘backbiting’ is ‘fault-finding.’

I am sure the writer is sincere in his desire to reduce fault-finding in the community, but there are no laws concerning reading magazines, and we are not allowed to make up new laws for one another.

Instead, the writer may find it helpful to try what we are doing here in Albuquerque. During the social part of the Feast, we devote a few minutes to praising and thanking one another for who we are and what we have done for the community. Focusing on the positive always helps lessen our interest in the negative.

On that note, I would like to commend Mr. Neumann for his letter about teaching the Chinese. Not only was it informative, but it was written in a way that helped me feel good about teaching rather than guilty for not teaching.

It focused on ways to overcome barriers rather than on the damage that could be caused if we do not. If he teaches the Faith the way he writes, I am sure he is quite effective.

Jay Strain Albuquerque, New Mexico

(EDITOR’S NOTE: We have received a large number of letters in response to the letter (September) on showing reverence. The letters printed here are representative of those received.)

Those less fortunate

Dear Editor:

I have been a Bahá’í for many years, during most of which I have participated fully and frequently in the entire range of activities offered in my community. After my divorce, however, it became difficult to attend functions which involved any financial expense. With a child to support, it has been hard to do so much as bring food to a potluck or give to the Fund as I once did. As a result I have ceased to go to the kinds of events that I know will involve more cost than I can afford.

It has occurred to me that there may be others whose economic circumstances make it a problem for them to take part in events that most would consider easily affordable. There may even be those who feel embarrassed or uncomfortable enough not to come to other meetings.

We Bahá’ís desire to reach and include as many people in our world society as possible. Maybe we need to look more closely at each other and strive to be more sensitive when planning community functions. Perhaps anonymous contributions could be made to help pay for things like group dinners, which would make them available to a wider range of believers. Some can afford more than others and would gladly contribute a larger share to provide for a less fortunate member of the community who would like to participate, but cannot bear the added expense.

Carolyn I. Thomas Marion, North Carolina

Caption for photo

The Bahá’í communities of Deerfield, Highland Park and Northbrook, Illinois, joined forces to produce this attractive float depicting ‘Peace through Unity’ for the annual Fourth of July parades in all three villages. In Northbrook, the float won the Chairman’s Award. It marked the third year in which the Bahá’ís have entered a float in these parades, and the second in which they have won a trophy.

[Page 16]

جوانان می‌توانند جهان را به حرکت آورند

YOUTH CAN MOVE THE WORLD

در یکی از دستخط‌های بیت‌العدل اعظم خطاب به جوانان آمده است که نسل کنونی جوانان بهائی امتیاز ویژه‌ای یافته است. جوانان در دوره‌ای به سر می‌برند که نیروهای پنهانی تاریخ رو به سوی نقطه اوجی دارند و جهان بشری شاهد تأسیس صلح اصغر خواهد بود و امر الهی سهم بزرگی در بازسازی جوامع انسانی بر عهده خواهد داشت. در سال‌های آینده در قلمرو اوضاع و تحولاتی که فعلاً در گمان آدمی هم نمی‌گنجد جوانان بهائی در رأس فعالیت‌های امری قرار خواهند داشت.

همچنین معهد اعلی گروهی از جوانان روحانی و مصمم را فرا خوانده‌اند که به پا خیزند و قوا و نیروهای خود را به میزانی روزافزون وقف پیشرفت امر مبارک و انتشار آن نمایند.

در پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم اشاره شده است که بی‌تردید در حیطه توان و امکان جوانان هست که سهمی بزرگ در ساختن جوامع بشری در قرن آینده داشته باشند: "جوانان می‌توانند جهان را به حرکت آورند."

اخیراً جهت کمک به جوانان برای درک بهتر و عمیق‌تری از وظایف روحانی خطیری که بر عهده دارند، کتابی با عنوان "جوانان می‌توانند جهان را به حرکت آورند" تهیه شده است. این کتاب بر مبنای آثار مبارکه جمع‌آوری شده و دارای هشت فصل است. توصیه می‌شود که یاران عزیز و به ویژه جوانان بهائی این کتاب را تهیه نمایند و از آن استفاده کنند.

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند این کتاب را که قیمت آن ۳ دلار است از طریق مؤسسه توزیع مطبوعات امری خریداری نمایند. تلفن: ۱۸۵۱-۲۵۱ (۷۰۸).

خدمات شایان تقدیر

WORTHY SERVICE

هنگامی که احبای مودستو Modesto در ایالت کالیفرنیا آگاهی یافتند که چند هزار بهائی از جنوب شرقی آسیا در آمریکا به سر می‌برند که از وضع و محلشان اطلاعی در دست نیست، تصمیم گرفتند که کوششی به عمل آورند و احبای آسیائی را پیدا کنند و در تزیید معلومات امریشان بکوشند.

هر روز یکشنبه داوطلبان بهائی سوار اتوموبیل می‌شوند و به مجموعه‌های ساختمانی که محل سکونت کامبوجی‌هاست می‌روند که کودکانشان بتوانند در کلاس‌های درس اخلاق بهائی شرکت کنند.

این برنامه در تابستان سال ۱۹۹۰ با ۴ کودک بهائی آغاز شد و در حال حاضر ۲۰ کودک بهائی و غیربهائی را در بر می‌گیرد. این کلاس‌ها بعضی اوقات در منازل دائر می‌شود و گاهی هم در خارج از خانه‌ها تشکیل می‌شود. شرکت‌کنندگان در آن کلاس‌ها با استفاده از مناجات و موسیقی و داستان دربارهٔ حضرت باب و حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت عبدالبهاء آگاهی می‌یابند.

در عین حال احباء هم از بسیاری از عقاید بودائی کامبوجی‌ها آگاه شده‌اند و دریافته‌اند که آنها اهمیت زیادی برای روابط خانوادگی قائلند.

پدر و مادران کودکان غیربهائی به خاطر دوستی و مهربانی و ادبی که احبای مودستو از خود نشان داده‌اند، به آنها اعتماد دارند. بعضی از این مهاجران آسیائی به امر مبارک علاقه‌مند شده‌اند و چند نفر هم تصدیق کرده‌اند. همانطور که یکی از احبای ایرانی مودستو می‌گفت: "همه دین‌ها یکی هستند و همۀ مردم اعضای يك خانواده‌اند."

سفر جناب دکتر قدیمی به نیویورک

DR. RIAZ GHADIMI TO VISIT NEW YORK

جناب دکتر ریاض قدیمی به دعوت محفل روحانی ملی در روزهای ۹ و ۱۰ نوامبر سال جاری در جلساتی در حظیرةالقدس نیویورک شرکت خواهند کرد. در این جلسات جناب قدیمی طی برنامه فشرده‌ای مطالبی درباره حیات بهائی و وظائف افراد احباء در زمان حاضر و معنی تبلیغ امرالله و اشاعه امر مبارك ایراد خواهند کرد. بدیهی است یارانی که در نیویورک و حومه آن زندگی می‌کنند از این فرصت استفاده خواهند نمود و با حضور در جلسات مذکور از بیانات جناب دکتر قدیمی فیض فراوان خواهند برد.

تبلیغ سرخپوستان امریکا

TEACHING AMERICAN INDIANS

از ۱۰ تا ۱۲ ژانویه سال ۱۹۹۲ دفتر مهاجرت محفل روحانی ملی کنفرانسی برای "تبلیغ سرخپوستان امریکا" در سان فرانسیسکو تشکیل خواهد داد. مشاور قاره‌ای خانم جکلین دلاهانت Jacqueline Delahunt و عضو محفل روحانی ملی جناب کوین لاك Kevin Locke برنامه این کنفرانس را اداره خواهند کرد.

به یارانی که در صدد تبلیغ سرخپوستانند توصیه می‌شود که در این کنفرانس شرکت نمایند. علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با خانم جولی کانینگهام Julie Cunningham در حظیرةالقدس سان فرانسیسکو تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۹۹۹۰-۴۳۱ (۴۱۵).

اطلاعیه انجمن ادب و فرهنگ ایرانی

Persian Arts and Culture Association

بدینوسیله به اطلاع علاقه‌مندان به مطالعات بهائی به زبان فارسی و ادب و فرهنگ ایرانی می‌رساند که دومین کنفرانس انجمن از ۹ تا ۱۲ ژانویه ۱۹۹۲ در حظیرةالقدس لس‌انجلس برگزار خواهد گردید.

ثبت‌نام: بدلیل محدودیت محل کنفرانس تقاضا می‌شود هر چه زودتر با تکمیل برگ ثبت‌نام و ارسال وجه برای شرکت در کنفرانس نام‌نویسی نمایند. مهلت نام‌نویسی تا ۱۵ دسامبر ۱۹۹۱ می‌باشد.

موضوع اصلی کنفرانس "نعیم اصفهانی، ادیب بهائی" است. تعدادی از سخنرانی‌ها درباره زندگی و آثار و خدمات ایشان و برخی دیگر دربارهٔ موضوعات گوناگون مربوط به فرهنگ و زبان و موسیقی ایرانی می‌باشد.

محل اقامت: طبق اطلاعیه‌ای که داریم هتل رامادا Ramada Hotel در محله بورلی هیلز Beverly Hills در صورتی که ۵۰ اطاق یا بیشتر توسط شرکت‌کنندگان در کنفرانس گرفته شود نرخ کرایه اطاق را از ۹۵ دلار در هر روز به ۸۰ دلار کاهش خواهد داد. این قیمت برای اقامت يك تا چهار نفر در هر اطاق است. لطفاً در صورت تصمیم به اقامت در آن هتل این نکته را در برگ ثبت‌نام کنفرانس قید نمائید.

وسیله نقلیه: هتل رامادا همچنین آماده است که وسیله آمد و شد از فرودگاه به هتل و بر عکس و همچنین رفت و آمد روزانه از هتل به محل کنفرانس را به نرخ ۵۰ دلار برای هر نفر تأمین نماید.

نرخ مخصوص کنفرانس فقط برای کسانی که تا ۲۷ دسامبر مراجعه نمایند تضمین شده است. بعد از آن تاریخ تنها در صورت موجود بودن جا و به قیمت عادی اطاق به افراد داده خواهد شد. متمنی است برای گرفتن اطاق و ثبت‌نام برای وسیله نقلیه مستقیماً با Ramada Hotel به نشانی زیر مراجعه فرمائید. هنگام مراجعه به هتل یادآور شوید که برای شرکت در کنفرانس Persian Arts & Culture اطاق می‌خواهید.

Ramada Hotel Beverly Hills 1150 S. Beverly Drive Los Angeles, CA 90035 (213) - 553- 6561

برگ ثبت‌نام Registration Form
نام و نام‌خانوادگی: .......................................................................................................................
نشانی: .........................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................
شماره تلفن: (کار) ........................................ (منزل) ........................................
وجه ثبت‌نام: ( ) یکنفر ۱۵ دلار ( ) دو نفر ۲۵ دلار ( ) سه نفر به بالا ۳۰ دلار
نام دیگر شرکت‌کنندگان:
۱- .........................................................	۲- .........................................................
۳- .........................................................	۴- .........................................................
۵- .........................................................	۶- .........................................................
شماره چك پرداختی: ................................. لطفا چك‌ها را در وجه Bahá’í National Fund مرقوم فرمائید.
آیا در هتل رامادا اقامت خواهید داشت؟ ( ) بله ( ) خیر
لطفاً برگ ثبت‌نام و چك را به نشانی ذیل ارسال فرمائید:
Persian/American Affairs Office Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

۱۲ نوامبر روز ولادت حضرت بهاءالله ۲۸ نوامبر روز صعود حضرت عبدالبهاء [Page 17]

پیام‌های بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

MESSAGES FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم خطاب به جمیع محافل روحانی ملی عالم ۱۰ اکتبر ۱۹۹۱

صعود ناگهانی امة‌الله مادالن م. کارنی خادمة شجیعهٔ امر حضرت بهاءالله و عضو دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی سبب حزن و اندوه شدید گردید. خدمات بلانقطاعش به امر الهی که قریب سی سنه ادامه داشت در مجاهدات تبلیغی در مناطق جنوبی ایالات متحدهٔ امریکا بسیار مؤثر و نیز شامل سیزده سال عضویت در محفل روحانی ملی آن کشور بود که تا سال ۱۹۸۳ یعنی زمان انتصابش به عضویت دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی ادامه یافت. ایمان راسخ، ثبوت بر عهد و میثاق و روحیهٔ از خود گذشتگی و صفای قلب و دلبستگی صمیمانه‌اش به تعلیم و تربیت نونهالان و جوانان از جمله صفات برجسته‌ای است که همواره با خاطرهٔ باشکوه حیات پرفعالیتش به یاد می‌ماند. از آستان مقدس ترقیات آن روح پاک را در جمیع عوالم الهی صمیمانه ملتمسیم.

توصیه می‌شود محافل تذکر به یاد آن متصاعده الی‌الله در جمیع مشارق اذکار و جامعه‌های بهائی در سراسر عالم منعقد گردد.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

ترجمه مرقومهٔ دارالانشاء بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی

مورخ ۱۱ سپتامبر ۱۹۹۱

یاران عزیز الهی،

اجرای طرح‌های تاریخی ساختمان ابنیه حول قوس و طبقات کوه کرمل حال با سرعت کامل در جریان است و بیت‌العدل اعظم مقرر فرموده‌اند چگونگی پیشرفت کار را به اطلاع یاران برسانیم.

اجرای طرح‌های فوق‌الذکر شامل مراحل مشخصی است. مرحلهٔ اول عبارت از استحکام و روسازی دیوار دویست متری محافظ طبقهٔ اصلی مقام اعلی بود. این مرحله از کار با وجود مشکلات فراوان در خلال بحران خلیج فارس ادامه داشت و اکنون به پایان رسیده است.

چنانچه قبلاً اعلام شد، قرارداد اجرای مرحلهٔ دوم در ۱۷ جون ۱۹۹۱ به امضاء رسید. این مرحله شامل خاک‌برداری محل ساختمان مرکز مطالعهٔ نصوص و الواح و بنای ضمیمهٔ دارالآثار و نیز امتداد ساختمان طبقهٔ اصلی مقام اعلی به سوی مشرق و تکمیل عملیات تسطیح هشت طبقهٔ تحتانی مقام است. کار این مرحله در سه ناحیه ذیل در جریان است:

در محل ساختمان مرکز مطالعهٔ نصوص و الواح و بنای ضمیمهٔ دارالآثار نردهٔ محافظی در اطراف محوطهٔ عملیات ساختمانی نصب شده تا آن را از بنای دارالآثار و باغ‌های پائین جادهٔ قوس مجزا سازد. راه‌های فرعی لازم نیز برای انتقال مواد حاصله از خاک‌برداری ایجاد شده است. مرحلهٔ اول خاک‌برداری به اتمام رسیده و میله‌های فولادی برای تثبیت و تحکیم بدنهٔ کوه کار گذاشته شده تا بتوان ساختمان اولین دیوار حائل را آغاز نمود.

توسعهٔ طبقهٔ اصلی مقام اعلی به طرف مشرق به منظور قرینه ساختن آن با نیمهٔ طرف غربی انبار زیرزمینی بزرگی را به وجود آورده که برای حفظ وسائل و رسیدگی به امور باغبانی بسیار مفید و مناسب است. خاک‌برداری برای امتداد این طبقه به طرف مشرق نیز به پایان رسیده و پی‌ریزی آن آغاز شده است.

در محل طبقاتی که از مقام اعلی به طرف پائین به سوی خیابان عباس امتداد دارد، متجاوز از دویست اصله درخت پرارزش با کمال دقت از جای خود خارج گشته و به طور موقت در اراضی مشرق‌الاذکار کاشته شده تا پس از خاتمهٔ شیب‌بندی مجدد به ناحیهٔ اولیه انتقال داده شوند. اکنون مشغول برداشتن درختان باقیمانده و بوته‌ها و خاک‌های سطحی و بقایای ابنیهٔ موجود در روی زمین می باشند. آنچه در اثر خاک‌برداری در اطراف قوس از محوطه مزبور خارج می‌شود، به این منطقه منتقل می‌گردد تا برای پر کردن اراضی تحتانی طبقات مقام مورد استفاده قرار گیرد.

مرحلهٔ سوم شامل ساختمان مرکز مطالعهٔ نصوص و الواح و بنای ضمیمهٔ دارالآثار خواهد بود که قرار است در جولای ۱۹۹۲ آغاز گردد. پس از آن مراحل دیگری برای تکمیل این طرح‌ها آغاز می‌گردد که اخبار مربوط به مراحل مزبور به موقع منتشر خواهد شد.

بنابراین ملاحظه می‌شود که عملیات ساختمانی به نحو کامل در جریان است. لذا تقدیم تبرعات برای تأمین هزینهٔ این عملیات نیز باید به همین ترتیب بدون وقفه ادامه یابد. بیت‌العدل اعظم اطمینان دارند که پیروان حضرت بهاءالله از هیچ کوششی فروگذار نخواهند کرد تا این مرحله از تحقق نوایای حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله را نیز در تأسیس مرکز جهانی اداری امر الهی به سرعت به اکمال رسانند.

معهد اعلی یاران عزیز را در سراسر جهان مطمئن می‌سازند که برای اکمال موفقیت‌آمیز مشروعات عظیمه‌ای که در یکی از بحرانی‌ترین ادوار تاریخ بشری جامعه جهانی بهائی برای انجام آن قیام نموده در اعتاب مقدسه علیا دعا خواهند فرمود.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی دارالانشاء بیت‌العدل اعظم

کنفرانس آستین تگزاس

CONFERENCE IN AUSTIN, TX

از ۲۷ تا ۲۹ سپتامبر امسال کنفرانسی با عنوان «آمادگی برای سال مقدس» برای یاران ایرانی تشکیل شد. این کنفرانس به تقاضای دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی و به همت محفل روحانی بهائیان آستین و کلوب بهائی دانشگاه تگزاس در آن شهر در محل دانشگاه برگزار گردید.

نزدیک ۴۰۰ نفر از یاران از شهرهای ایالت تگزاس و اوکلاهما در کنفرانس مذکور شرکت نمودند. سخنرانی‌های گوناگونی در کنفرانس ایراد شد. موضوع این سخنرانی‌ها عبارت بود از: «نقشهٔ شش‌ساله، آغاز عهد چهارم عصر تکوین»، «صدمین سال صعود حضرت بهاءالله»، «قوت میثاق: محور وحدت عالم انسانی»، «حقوق‌الله»، «کتاب اقدس، اُم‌الکتاب شریعت بهائی»، «جوانانی که جهان را به حرکت آوردند».

همچنین برنامه‌های نمایش اسلاید و دکلمه و موسیقی ایرانی و کلاسیک پر شور و هیجان شرکت‌کنندگان می‌افزود. اینگونه برنامه‌ها در غروب شنبه به اوج خود رسید. حاضران افتخار آن را یافتند که فیلم ۸ دقیقه‌ای سفر حضرت عبدالبهاء در آمریکا را زیارت کنند و همچنین صوت مناجات آن حضرت را به گوش بشنوند.

صبح روز یکشنبه دو نفر از اعضای هیئت معاونت، جناب رابرت رامیرز Robert Ramirez و جناب فیروز ملاتیان مطالبی دربارهٔ برخی اهداف تبلیغی مانند تبلیغ در نواحی مرزی و ابلاغ کلام الهی به سرخپوستان آمریکا و تبلیغ در نقاطی که ساکنان اسپانیولی زبانند، به آگاهی یاران رساندند.

قرار است اعضاء هیئت معاونت جلساتی برای مشورت دربارهٔ تبلیغ امر مبارک و رسیدن به اهداف فوق در شهرهای تگزاس و اوکلاهما تشکیل دهند تا یاران بتوانند در پایان نقشهٔ شش‌ساله پیروزی‌های بیشتری به دست آورند و سعادت خود و دیگران را ضمانت نمایند.

دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی به دنبال موفقیت حاصل از تشکیل این کنفرانس مراتب سپاس خود را از کوشش‌های بی‌دریغ محفل روحانی بهائیان آستین و کلوب بهائی دانشگاه تگزاس ابراز می‌دارد. محفل روحانی و کلوب دانشگاه سهم بزرگی در برگزاری و موفقیت کنفرانس آمادگی برای سال مقدس بر عهده داشتند. همچنین زحمات سخنرانان عزیزی که با ارائهٔ مطالب و نکات مهم یاران را با موقعیت خطیر خود در تاریخ معاصر امر الهی آگاه ساختند و آنان را در خصوص نحوهٔ خدمات جدید راهنمائی نمودند مورد نهایت قدردانی و امتنان است.

استقبال گرم یاران عزیز از این کنفرانس موجب خوشوقتی دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی است. اما با تأسف باید گفت که برخی از یاران اعلان تشکیل کنفرانس را یا بسیار دیر دریافت نمودند یا اصلاً آن را دریافت نداشتند. امید است که در آینده این کوتاهی نیز جبران گردد.

اقبال یک نویسنده و انسان‌شناس نامی

A PROMINENT SCIENTIST EMBRACES THE FAITH

روز ۲۱ آگست سال جاری جان آدر John Adair نویسنده و انسان‌شناس نامی تصدیق امر مبارک کرد.

آقای آدر که آثارش بر محور سرخپوستان آمریکا استوار است ورقهٔ تسجیل خود را در طی کنفرانس بهائی سرخپوستان آمریکا در آریزونا امضاء کرد. بر طبق اظهار آقای آدر تصمیم او در مورد تسجیل پس از شرکت در یک جلسهٔ الفت صورت گرفت.

آقای آدر که در نزدیکی ویلمت در ایالت ایلینوی بزرگ شده می‌گفت که به خوبی به خاطر دارد که از کنار مشرق‌الاذکار می‌گذشته و در آن زمان احباء مشغول ساختن گنبد آن بودند.

سپس با تعدادی از احباء دوست شده است که دو تن از آنها فرانکلین و چستر کان از اعضای محفل روحانی ملی بوده‌اند و او با آنان وقتی خردسال بودند حدود ۵۰ سال پیش آشنا شده است. همچنین بن‌کان برادر کوچکتر آن دو تن در آشنا ساختن آقای آدر با امر مبارک سهیم بوده است. آقای بن‌کان می‌گفت: «سال‌هاست که جان را می‌شناسم. وقتی همسرم لورین برای اولین بار او را دید به من گفت جان بهائی خواهد شد. جان مثل پدر بزرگ من است و خیلی خوشحالم که حالا یکی از اعضای خانوادهٔ روحانی من شده است.»

گرچه آقای آدر با آثار خود در زمینهٔ انسان‌شناسی شهرتی به دست آورده با اینهمه شاید شهرت او بیشتر در خصوص آشنا ساختن سرخپوستان ناواهو با صنعت فیلم بوده‌ است.

آقای آدر اکنون در ۷۸ سالگی رسماً بازنشسته است اما عملاً به تحقیقاتش در زمینهٔ سرخپوستان ناواهو ادامه می‌دهد تا از این رهگذر بتواند از چگونگی دگرگونی‌های اجتماعی آنان در نسل‌های اخیر درک بهتری حاصل کند.

تکفل پناهندگان جنوب شرقی آسیا

SPONSORING S.E. ASIAN REFUGEES

غالباً جمعیت‌های بهائی که به یک یا دو نفر برای تشکیل محفل روحانی یا تقویت جامعهٔ خود احتیاج دارند، در این نشریه اعلاناتی درج می‌کنند. در عین حال دفتر امور پناهندگان نیز معمولاً در پی یافتن افراد یا گروه‌هایی است که بتوانند تکفل خانواده‌های پناهنده‌ای را که وارد آمریکا می‌شوند، بر عهده گیرند.

به همین جهت بی‌فایده نخواهد بود اگر جوامع امری که مایل به افزایش تعداد احباء و تنوع و کثرت آنها باشند، برنامهٔ کفالت پناهندگان را نیز در نظر بگیرند.

دفتر امور پناهندگان قادر است اطلاعاتی در مورد خانواده‌هائی که در اردوگاه‌های پناهندگی در جنوب شرقی آسیا به سر می‌برند، در دسترس جوامع امری قرار دهد.

محافل و گروه‌ها و افراد علاقه‌مند به تکفل این پناهندگان می‌توانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر National Teaching Committee تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن ۹۰۳۹-۸۶۹ (۷۰۸). [Page 18]

Oral history: An important aspect of Archival research

‎Bahá’is Bahá’ís‎ today have a unique role—not only are they making history, they are recording it. On paper, in local records, on microfiche, in the National Bahá’í Archives, and on tape, the American Bahá’í community is preparing for the mature administration of the Cause by keeping accurate records, and making Bahá’í scholarship possible by maintaining historical documents. One aspect of this process is oral history.

“‎Bahá’í is Bahá’ís‎ cannot always be sure what information will be important in the future,” says Dr. Robert Stockman, director of the Bahá’í National Center Research Office. “Oral history is one of the easiest ways to preserve potentially valuable information that might not be preserved in letters, minutes and articles.”

Older believers are a tremendous source of local history. Often they can tell us who the first Bahá’í in a town was, what it was like to teach the Faith in the early days, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Oral history can capture for posterity what might otherwise be irretrievably lost due to people’s lack of time, inclination or ability to write down their reminiscences.

In the future the residents of every town and city in the world will want to know about their areas’ earliest believers. They will wonder what those people were like, how they taught the Faith, what obstacles they faced, and how they ultimately succeeded in establishing the Cause. Oral history is one of the best ways to gather this information.

Many ‎Bahá’í Bahá’ís‎ have pioneered on the forefront or overseas, and oral history is an effective and interesting way to obtain information from them about their experiences. Pioneers and traveling teachers are important sources because, as outsiders, they form impressions that are different from believers who are long-time residents of a locality. Their experiences may be compared to snapshots, as opposed to motion pictures.

Often people who live in an area a long time have trouble remembering which events happened when, and how Bahá’ís’ attitudes toward the Faith or the world evolved, whereas visitors can sometimes date events and attitudes quite precisely.

Recent additions to the National Bahá’í Archives oral history collection include interviews of Joseph and Margaret Varqa, the first native Wyoming Bahá’ís; Sunni (Norma) DaVar, the first native Bulgar Bahá’í, who pioneered to Puerto Rico; Dr. Sarah M. Pereira, former member of the Continental Board of Counselors; and Dr. Elsie Austin, Trustee of the ‎Huququ’lláh Huqúqu’lláh‎.

If you are interested in conducting local history interviews to add to the National Bahá’í Archives’ collection of tapes, please contact the Director of Oral History, Sarah Lee, 649 Squires Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40515 for guidelines on conducting interviews, suggestions of people to interview, biographical questionnaire forms and copies of the form used to legally donate interviews to the Archives.

All that is needed is access to a tape recorder and a desire to be a part of preserving history.

Young Bahá’í is speaker at NCCJ Conference

Shaheen Mohajer, a 15-year-old Bahá’í from Orlando, Florida, was one of 100 young people who attended the National Conference of Christians and Jews Metro-Town Labor Day conference August 30-September 2 in Orlando.

Mr. Mohajer spoke several times during the conference, on race unity and the Bahá’í teachings, on the history and principles of the Faith, and on his family’s harrowing escape from Iran in 1985 after the Islamic Revolution. After reading Bahá’u’lláh’s remarks about the prerequisites for peace (Gleanings, pp. 249-50), he was given a standing ovation.

The Hmong Teaching Institute of Sacramento, California, began one rainy Saturday in January 1988 when two Bahá’ís went door-to-door in West Sacramento in an effort to save the jeopardized Spiritual Assembly. Pictured are fewer than one-third of the active members of the institute, including long-time Bahá’ís and recent declarants, who gathered recently after school to welcome Puran Stevens of the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office. During the meeting, the children recited prayers from memory and the adults consulted on various aspects of the Faith. The teaching institute has met many challenges while engaged in the twin processes of expansion and consolidation, and is reaching out to a newly arrived family of Bahá’í refugees in Marysville, a city without any other Bahá’ís about 40 miles north of Sacramento.

L.A. columnist praises statement on race unity

The National Spiritual Assembly’s statement, “The Vision of Race Unity,” was quoted extensively by A.S. (Doc) Young in a laudatory column September 19 in the black-oriented Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper.

“Both here in Southern California and in the Chicago area,” writes Mr. Young, “I know, have known, or have met more than a few members of various races who have found peace, understanding, security, a great outlook on life as a result of their Bahá’í Faith.”

After commenting on a number of paragraphs from the National Assembly’s statement, Mr. Young concludes: “The Bahá’ís, I can say as a result of some involvement with and larger observations of them over the years in the areas mentioned, practice what they preach. If you are interested in learning more about the Bahá’ís, I suggest that you contact (name and phone number).

“You may be glad that you did!”

National Assembly reserves right to contact American Indian tribal chiefs

The National Spiritual Assembly has received complaints from an American Indian tribal chief who has been given multiple copies of the peace statement by well-meaning Bahá’ís. The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to remind the friends that in all matters relating to the Faith, the National Assembly reserves the right to contact or to do business with national institutions or persons of national prominence.

Therefore, without the explicit direction or permission of the National Spiritual Assembly, local Spiritual Assemblies and individual Bahá’ís should not initiate any action of a Bahá’í nature with representatives or agencies of the federal government, state legislatures or governors, nationally prominent individuals, national organizations or national media.

Should any individual Bahá’í or Bahá’í institution wish to contact a person or group falling into any of these categories, please contact the external affairs secretariat of the National Spiritual Assembly, 1606 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20009 (telephone 202-265-8830).

Arts program highlights summer classes at NABI

The highlight of summer classes this year at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Houck, Arizona, was a performing arts program led by Rosanne Groger, who brought her talents and experience to NABI for the sixth year in a row.

Her group, called The Children of Burntwater, gave several performances during the summer including those at the Spiritual Unity of Tribes gathering in Nambe, New Mexico, and the Navajo Nation Fair in Window Rock, Arizona.

After dancing and singing at the Fair, the group was asked to give an encore performance to be televised as part of a local station’s coverage of the event. The half-hour performance was televised in four of the five agencies of the Navajo Nation.

The performing duo ‘Lifelong Friends’ (Melody and Ray Dodd) were among the entertainers appearing at the Environmental Rally in September sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Garland, Texas.

Garland, Texas, community sponsors Labor Day rally on environment to help educate residents

On September 8, the Bahá’í community of Garland, Texas, sponsored an environmental rally to follow up its Labor Day parade activities.

Among those taking part were Morine Kovich, director of the Texas Committee on Natural Resources, who showed her audience what happens when forests are clear-cut for lumber; JoAnne Hill, the Committee’s recycling chairman, who explained how the preservation of nature begins in one’s home through recycling; and Scott Hakala, professor of economics at Southern Methodist University, who spoke about the long-term cost of pollution from an economic and spiritual point of view and stressed the responsibility Bahá’ís have to care for the environment and protect it for future generations.

Jinna McLaurin, a member of the Bahá’í community of Garland, read excerpts from “The Bahá’í Statement on Nature.” [Page 19]HELP WANTED Experienced, intelligent person, energetic, good language skills, computer experience helpful but not necessary. Apply in person.

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 ads 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 and care in responding to them.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

AFRICA: Benin: primary school teachers. Transkei: medical doctors. Zambia: director and teachers for newly founded Banani girls’ school. Uganda: co-op development specialist to direct co-op agribusiness project, chief technical advisor for forest rehabilitation project. Swaziland: physician to run rural clinic and Bahá’í service project. ASIA: Macau: pre-school, primary and secondary school teachers. AUSTRALASIA: American Samoa: architect with U.S. registration. Tinian: teachers, doctors, nurses. Marshall Islands: elementary school teachers. MULTI-REGIONAL: health care personnel for assignments in Africa; economists for assignments with the International Monetary Fund. International Scientific & Information Services, Inc. (ISIS) is recruiting individuals to teach English at universities and research institutions in China. Assignments are for one year (renewable) and are in a variety of locations including Beijing, ‎Shangai Shanghai‎, Jingdezhen, ‎Hefei Hefei‎, Changchun and Fuzhou. SUMMER INTERNS NEED TO APPLY NOW. Many major programs have application deadlines in late October or early November. Programs generally do not include an overseas assignment, but offer an opportunity to focus on international issues within the framework of an international organization. The United Nations (Internship Coordinator, Recruitment Program Section, Room 2475, United ‎nations Nations‎, New York, NY 10017) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (Intern Coordinator, PM/CSP, U.S. Agency for International ‎development Development‎, Washington, D.C. 20523) sponsor several internship programs throughout the year. Write directly to the organization to receive information on internship programs and application materials. For more information on any of the above, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or telephone 708-869-9039.

THE CLINIC at Unalaska, fifth largest international fishing port in the world, needs a doctor with both general practice and trauma experience to serve its population of more than 20 nationalities. Unalaska has a moderate climate and dramatically beautiful landscape. There are three active believers in Unalaska who would welcome someone of professional capacity to help them reach and teach the Faith to other professionals, local and visiting dignitaries and frequent Soviet visitors. Housing is sparse but a single person or a couple are welcome to share quarters at the Bahá’í Center until private housing is available. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette 60091, or telephone 708-869-9039.

PIONEER to American Samoa: Architect with U.S. registration and general experience wanted by small construction management firm. Please send resumé to Paul Fritz, manager, DeBye and Associates, P.O. Box 4889, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799. Phone 684-633-2769; fax 684-633-4298. Alternate fax, 684-633-2858.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Sarasota, Florida, need a few energetic, dedicated Bahá’ís to help maintain their 31-year-old Assembly. Would like to have a more diversified community to reflect the city’s diverse population. Despite the popular notion that residents of Florida’s Gulf Coast are all retired or elderly, most of those in Sarasota are much younger. There are several colleges including New College, the Ringling School of Art and Design, and the FSU/Asolo Film Conservatory, which trains students for careers in film and television production. Sarasota also has great weather, excellent health-care facilities, and a friendly atmosphere in which to live and work. If you are interested, please contact the Assembly secretary, Patricia (Trish) Wicker, Sarasota, FL 34236, or phone 813-955-3073.

WANTED: Homefront pioneer family for the small town of Quincy in northern Florida, 25 minutes from the capital city, Tallahassee, and two strong local Assemblies. Mass-taught Bahá’ís in Quincy need committed resident(s) to teach and consolidate. Lovely countryside with low cost of living within easy commute of two major universities, a community college and state government offices. For information, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Tallahassee, P.O. Box 20114, Tallahassee, FL 32316, or phone 904-656-6381, 904-878-3937, or 904-575-4097.

TWO ADULT Bahá’ís who are also choral singers are needed in Greenwood, South Carolina, to help activate its local Assembly and start a choir. This new choir will sing challenging music from gospel to classical, with emphasis on honing a group that will be versatile, professional and unique. Non-singers would be welcome too. If interested, write to Jane Craig, Greenwood, SC 29646, or phone 803-223-1972.

RETIRED? Join seven active Bahá’í seniors at a 400-acre retirement village in the heart of Florida’s resort area. Exciting, challenging. For brochures and price list, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Osceola County, c/o Alice Winget, Kissimmee, FL 34746, or phone 407-933-1104.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives has available several free information sheets on local archives and records. Any local Spiritual Assembly wanting a copy should write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

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: Edna A. Johnson, Emma S. Johnson, Eva B. Johnson, Irving Rydell Johnson (died Chicago, 1936), Jennie O. Johnson, Ruby B. Johnson, William Johnson, Maud B. Johnstone (died Pasadena, CA, 1952), and Arthur M. Jones. 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

ONEWORLD Publications is seeking innovative teaching and proclamation ideas. If you as an individual, or your community, have found some interesting way of proclaiming the Faith involving community affairs, parade events, displays, conferences, seminars, newspaper or magazine articles, games, signs, and so on, please share your ideas with us. Oneworld plans to compile your contributions into a booklet and publish it so that everyone can benefit from the wide range of creativity in the Bahá’í community. Send to: Proclamation Ideas, Oneworld Publications, Oxford OX2 7AR, United Kingdom.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Alton, Illinois, is seeking donations of Bahá’í materials including books and pamphlets to help establish a Bahá’í library. Used, extra, or just plain worn out, we’ll use ‘em up! Send to the Spiritual Assembly of Alton, c/o Allen L. Gambrell, P.O. Box 711, Alton, IL 62002.

VIDEO help needed. We need to find video tapes on 1/2-inch tape suitable for use on public access television. If anyone has anything we could use, please send the information to the Spiritual Assembly of Santa Fe City, P.O. Box 9686, Santa Fe, NM 87504, or phone 505-982-3788.

WANTED by Bahá’ís in Florida: Information on Knights of Bahá’u’lláh Ethel and Arthur Crane who pioneered to Key West in 1953 and later returned to Broward County where they died in the late 1960s. The Florida Bahá’ís want to find people who knew them so that their story can be told. If you have any information about the Cranes, or know someone who does, please write to Larry Schwandes, Gainesville, FL 32606.

PLEASE HELP me find copies of “I, Mary Magdalene” by Juliet Thompson and “Unrestrained as the Wind” (and study guide, if possible). Can reimburse in U.S. dollars. Peggy True, Canary Islands, Spain 38870.

FOR A BOOK in progress for Oneworld Press on Martha Root, Keith Ransom-Kehler, May Maxwell, Marion Jack, Lua Getsinger, Hyde and Clara Dunn, Susan Moody, Dorothy Baker and Ella Bailey, I would like anyone with personal reminiscences of any of them to contact me. Write to Janet Ruhe-Schoen, Chile, South America.

WANTED: Bahá’ís who are interested in forming a Bahá’í computer professional association to foster an exchange of ideas and information, share experiences, provide support, and form links between those needing the information technologies and the Faith. For more information, please contact Neil Krandall, Cincinnati, OH 45224, via the Bahá’í National Center Bulletin Board System, or phone 513-681-1677.

MISCELLANEOUS

MEDIA SERVICES at the Bahá’í National Center seeks professional-quality slides and photographs of Bahá’í events for possible use. Especially needed are formal and informal shots of Spiritual Assemblies, teaching events, children’s activities, and diverse groups of people meeting, working, and enjoying recreational activities together. Please send slides or photos with a letter specifying whether they should be returned to: Bahá’í Media Services, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

ISOLATED Bahá’í youth with a computer modem hookup might be interested in starting an international hookup with young Bahá’ís in other countries. Contact Monib Moayyed, Nelson, New Zealand (phone 0064-03-5480746).

EL RUISEÑOR (The Nightingale), a quarterly bi-lingual (Spanish-English) magazine sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly, is available to Bahá’ís on a subscription basis. The magazine’s editorial content is varied and includes items of interest to the Bahá’í community around the world: current developments and goals of the Cause, articles aimed at deepening our understanding of the Bahá’í teachings, reports of victories in the Hispanic community worldwide, ideas from the friends, a cultural page, letters to the editor, a calendar of national and international events, and other items of special interest to Bahá’ís everywhere. The subscription price is $12 a year (U.S. and Canada) and $15 a year overseas. Donations from Bahá’í institutions and individual Bahá’ís are welcomed. To subscribe, write to El Ruiseñor, P.O. Box 512, San Fernando, CA 91340 (phone 818-896-9268).

Service/Employment opportunities at the Bahá’í National Center

The National Spiritual Assembly is seeking qualified people for the following positions:

Department	Position
House of Worship	Office manager
Human Resources	Administrative assistant
Media Services	Operations services manager
	Librarian/archivist
Management Information Systems	Customer services representative/receptionist
	Electronic communications coordinator
	Subscriber Services coordinator
	Director
NSA Properties Inc.	General maintenance with emphasis in plumbing
World Congress Logistics office	Registration processing specialist
Office of Public Information	Administrative aide (part-time)
Office of the Secretary	Administrative assistant
	Administrative aide
	Secretary/receptionist
Office of the Treasurer	Customer service representative/receptionist
Bahá’í Publishing Trust	Customer service representative/receptionist

If you, or people you know, are interested in learning more about any of these positions, or would like an application sent, please write to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone Diana Harris, 708-869-9039, ext. 320.

Please note: Some of the positions listed may not be available as of the date of publication of The American Bahá’í, as the deadline is one month before publication.

Teaching Committee seeks information on teaching by children and youth

The National Teaching Committee is asking the American Bahá’í community to share information on teaching efforts relating to children and youth. Please report on efforts in which children are teachers of the Cause and where they have been the focus of teaching efforts.

We would also appreciate hearing about experiences of youth teaching institutes and teaching teams. Please also share stories and materials about Bahá’í schools and youth experiences in local communities.

Children and youth themselves, as well as adults and Bahá’í institutions, are encouraged to help us gather information, which will be used in upcoming issues of The American Bahá’í. Please contact the National Teaching Committee office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 20]

Expanding Knowledg

The newly reorganized Bahá’í Club at Northern Illinois University received first place in the best display contest during the school's third annual Organizational Expo '91. More than 100 student groups and volunteer agencies set up booths to promote their clubs and recruit members. Pictured at the Bahá’í booth is Gary McLaughlin, vice-president of the NIU Bahá’í Club.

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, II, 60091, as soon as you know what your new address will be

A. NAME(S): 1. LD. Title Full name No nicknames please! 2. LD. Title Full name 3. LD. 4. ID Title Full name Title Full name

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: Street address Apartment (If applicable) City State

D. NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í Community 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.

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box or Other mailing address Apartment (If applicable) City Zip code State Zip code

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area code Phone number Name Moving date

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): Area code Phone 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) and LD. number(s) listed above. Area code Phone number the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their ID members, and the correc- nissantions so that we will receive only one copy.

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

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

H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY: Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed ny name, LD. number and address above.

November

26-30: Second International Chinese Teaching Symposium, Macau. Sponsored by the International Chinese Teaching Committee. For information, phone the National Chinese Teaching Committee, 708-869-9039.

28-December 1: Desert Rose Bahá’í School, Tucson, Arizona. Participants to include the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and Dr. Jalil Mahmoudi. For information, write to the Desert Rose Planning Group, Tucson, AZ 85737.

28-December 1: Florida Bahá’í Winter School, Leesburg. Theme: "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory." Registrar: Jim Lanier, Largo, FL 34640. Phone 813-584-2080.

28-December 1: Oregon (West) Bahá’í School, near Portland. Theme: "Bahá’u’lláh." Registrar: Star Stone, Roseburg, OR 97470 (phone 503/673-3737).

29-December 1: Kansas Bahá’í School, Junction City. Theme: "The Mission of Bahá’u’lláh." Registrar: Shahrokh Khaze, Topeka, KS 66609 (phone 913-266-2419).

29-December 1: Louisiana Bahá’í School, Fountainbleau State Park. Theme: "Bahá’u’lláh, the Comforter." Registrar: Nathaniel West, Avondale, LA 70094 (phone 504-436-4958).

December

20-26: Seminar on Participatory Learning especially for Bahá’í youth. Among those taking part will be Counselor Donald Rogers from the International Teaching Center in Haifa. For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

21-27: "Preparing Bahá’í Youth for European Service," the Bosch Bahá’í School Youth Institute Winter Program (limited enrollment). A five-day, disci- plined, intensive training course for European projecteers under the direction of Auxiliary Board member Edward Diliberto. Cost: $180; deposit, $75. Prerequisites for admission: (1) a decision to pioneer, carry out a year of service, or take part in a summer project in Eastern or Western Europe in 1992; (2) a satisfactory personal/ phone interview with the Admissions Officer; (3) a recommendation by an institution of the Faith, or one of their agencies. Please apply to the Admissions Officer, Mrs. Angelina Allen, Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007 (phone 619-944-6441).

27-29: South Carolina Bahá’í Winter School, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

27-29: Illinois Bahá’í Winter School, Champaign. Theme: "The Vision of Race Unity." Registrar: Leon Stevens, Salem, IL 62881 (phone 618-548-3274).

27-30: Texas Bahá’í School, Bridgeport. "Bahá’u’lláh: His Life and Teachings." Registrar: John Leonard, Grand Prairie, TX275052 (phone 214-641-6566).

27-30: Southern California Bahá’í School, Pilgrim Pines, Yucaipa. Theme: "Emblazoning the Name of Bahá’u’lláh Across the Planet...in Preparation for the Holy Year. To register, contact Farhad Shahriary, registrar, Chino Hills, CA 91709, or phone 714-987-7129.

27-31: Regional Youth Conference, Moreland Hills, Ohio (one-half hour east of Cleveland). Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Warrensville Heights. For information, write to Nevin Jenkins, registrar, Cleveland, OH 44122, or phone 216-283-9526.

27-January 2: "Forum '91,"Landegg Academy, Switzerland. Theme: "Alterna- tive Fu-tures: The Bahá’í Model in Perspective." For a brochure, write to Landegg Academy, CH-9405, Wienacht, Switzerland, or phone René Steiner, 41-71-91 91 31 (fax 41-71-91 43 01).

January

9-12: Second Persian Arts and Culture Conference, "Na'im Isfahani," Los Angeles Bahá’í Center. For information, contact the Persian/American Affairs Office, 708-869-9039.

10-12: Pioneering Institute for American Indian Teaching, San Francisco, California. Sponsored by the National Office of Pioneering. Participants to include Counselor Jacqueline Delahunt and Kevin Locke, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly. For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

10-12: Education Conference, "A Curriculum with a World-Embracing Vision," Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

17-19: Second Eastern Bahá’í Music and Arts Conference, Old Colony Inn, Alexandria, Virginia. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Alexandria. Work- shops, seminars, ex-hibits, jam sessions, variety shows, and a Race Unity banquet/ proclamation event. Pre-senters to include Marvin (Doc) Holladay, Dave and Helene Van Manen, Mark Ochu, Anne Atkinson and Randy Armstrong. Musicians and artists sought to perform for children and adults. For information, write to Bonnie Cote, coordinator, Music and Art Task Force, Springfield, VA 22150 (phone 703-569-2371), or Lucinda Huttlinger, Arlington, VA 22202 (phone 202-687-6433).

April

4-5: Third Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies Mid-Atlantic Region, Western Maryland College, Westminster. Theme: "Global Renaissance: The Significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation." For information, write to the Association for Bahá’í Studies Mid-Atlantic Regional Committee, Levittown, PA 19057, or phone 215-949-1157 or 215-949-0699.