The American Bahá’í/Volume 22/Issue 11 Special/Text

←Previous

The American Bahá’í Volume 22, Issue 11a, Special Issue

Next→

Return to PDF view Proofread once

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

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."

"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."

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

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 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 "thousands of years hence." [Page 2]

CHILDREN AND THE HOLY YEAR

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

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.

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 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.

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 will it 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.

• 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.

Congress price reductions 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.

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.

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. [Page 4]

THE SECOND WORLD CONGRESS

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

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."

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.’

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

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

NEW YORK NEW JERSEY WEST END AVENUE HARLEM UPPER WEST SIDE UPPER EAST SIDE CENTRAL PARK LINCOLN TUNNEL CLINTON ELEVENTH AVENUE (north river) HUDSON RIVER THEATER DISTRICT MANHATTAN BAHÁ’Í INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY QUEENSBORO BRIDGE UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS MIDTOWN TIMES SQUARE West 39TH Street GARMENT DISTRICT West 34TH Street MURRAY HILL QUEENS MIDTOWN TUNNEL Jacob K. Javits Convention Center CHELSEA MANHATTAN NEW YORK BAHÁ’Í CENTER GREENWICH VILLAGE HOLLAND TUNNEL NEW YORK NEW JERSEY SOHO QUEENS EAST RIVER

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

EAST VILLAGE LOWER EAST SIDE WILLIAMSBURG BRIDGE LITTLE ITALY CHINATOWN BROOKLYN

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

MANHATTAN BRIDGE BATTERY PARK BROOKLYN BRIDGE FINANCIAL DISTRICT BROOKLYN-BATTERY TUNNEL [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."

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 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.

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.

Media Task Force maps global strategy to publicize second World Congress

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 world wide 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. [Page 8]

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CONGRESS

بیت العدل اعظم در پیام رضوان سال ۱۹۹۱ فرموده اند خاتمه نقشه شش ساله مقارن با آغاز سال مقدس ۱۹۹۲ ۱۹۹۳ است که به مدت يك سال به پیروان اسم اعظم فرصت میدهد تا به نحوی شایسته به تکریم و تخلید صدمین سال صعود حضرت بهاء الله و افتتاح دوران عهد و میثاقش که كافل وحدت عالم بشر است پردازند. برای این منظور مراسم مهم و شایسته ای ترتیب داده شده تا صفات مُميّزه 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 نيويورك گرد هم خواهند آمد و صدمین سال اعلان عهد و پیمان حضرت بهاء الله را جشن خواهند گرفت.

کنگره جهانی بهائی از لحاظ تعداد افرادی که در آن شرکت خواهند کرد و نیز از جهت پیچیدگی برنامه ریزی بزرگ ترین تجمع احباء در سراسر تاریخ بهائی خواهد بود. این تجمع تاریخی به پیروان جمال اقدس ابهی فرصت خواهد داد که سپاس بی پایان خود را به درگاه مبارکش جهت اعطاء ميثاق وحدت بخش 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 سبيل تأسيس ملكوت الهی بر پهنه زمین پدیدار سازند.

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

بيت العدل اعظم الهی فرموده اند که این دو واقعه باید باران را تشویق کند که مفهوم عهد و پیمان را دریابند و تاریخ آن را مطالعه نمایند. همچنین معهد اعلی گوشزد فرموده اند که احباء در هر کجا که باشند باید خود را با اهمیت این دو رویداد تاریخی آشنا سازند. به فرموده بيت العدل اعظم یاران باید از طریق دعا و مناجات و مطالعة تعاليم الهی ترتیبانی از لحاظ روحانی فراهم آورند که درک عمیق تری از مقام و مراد حضرت بها بالله و مفهوم میثاق عظیمش حاصل نمایند.

نکته ای که باید یادآور شد اینکه اگر یاران بخواهند به نحوی شایسته صفات مميّزة امر حضرت بهاء الله را به جهانیان بنمایند میباید اهمیتی که برای اجتماع ظاهری خود در نيويورك قائلند با نیت و شیوه و مرادشان از این اجتماع یکسان باشد.

معهد اعلی فرموده اند که در مورد کنگره جهانی بزرگداشت الزاماً به معنی "جشن" نیست. بزرگداشت صدمین سال اعلان عهد و پیمان در وحله اول به معنی تجلیلی روحانی است فرصتی برای تاتل درباره اهمیت تاریخی و مفهوم میثاق امر حضرت بهاء الله است تدبّر راجع به پی آمدهای برجسته تأثیر آن بر ایجاد جامعه ای جهانی است که حکایت از کثرت و تنوع اعضاء دارد اندیشیدن درباره نتایج خصائل آن بعنوان نیروئی وحدت بخش است.

به فرموده معهد اعلی یکی از ویژگیهای مراسمی که در جهان جهت بزرگداشت پیمان ایزدی برگزار میشود باید این باشد که 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 شگفت انگیزی از نژادها و ملیتهای گوناگون خواهد بود و ویژگی جهانی امر مبارك 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 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 معمولاً اقامت در نيويورك به همراه دارد مزاحمشان نشود.

بنا بر این کسانی که قصد دارند در کنگره جهانی با جلسات و فعالیتهای مرتبط با آن شرکت نمایند باید حد اکثر تلاش خود را مبذول دارند که از کوششهای مؤسسات امری مسؤول و نمایندگانشان حمایت نمایند. به این معنی که باید هنگام ورود به نيويورك بدانند که کنگره جهانی مانند کنفرانسهای معمولی نیست که احباء در آن شرکت کنند و از برنامه ها فیض ببرند و آنگاه بروند بلکه باید آماده باشند سهمی 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 يك سو پایان نقشه ده ساله جهاد کبیر اکبر و از سوئی دیگر آغاز تأسيس بيت العدل اعظم الهی، معهد اعلای نظم بدیع امر بهائی را جشن گرفتند. آن کنگره که پس از موفقیتهای چشمگیری انعاد می یافت باعث شد که پیروان امر بهائی به چشم سر شاهد آن باشند که در واقع اعضای يك جامعه جهانیند.

بیش از ۶۰۰۰ نفر از یاران در آن مؤتمر عظیم حضور یافتند و به خاطر داشتند که مولای مهربان حضرت ولی عزیز امر الله شروع نقشه ده ساله را مقارن صدمین سالگرد اظهار خفی جمال اقدس ابهی در سیاه چال طهران تعیین فرموده بودند و کنگره جهانی برای بزرگداشت صدمین سالگرد یعنی اظهار امر جہری حضرت بهاء الله در بغداد و تجلیل از خدمات بارانی که در طول نقشه به تحقق نوایای مولای خویش توفیق یافته بودند تشکیل می گردید. اعضاء جامعه جهانی بهائی از طرفی به موفقیتهایی که در طول نقشه نصیب جامعه بهائی شده بود افتخار میکردند و از طرف دیگر به مسؤولیتها و وظائف سنگینی که در پیش داشتند متوجه بودند.

دومین کنگره جهانی و فعالیتهای مربوط به آن نیز به نوبه خود به جهانیان نشان خواهد داد كه يك ديانت 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 احیاء در این زمان به تحولات حیرت انگیزی 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

نور چشمان خردسال بهائی حتما میدانید که در دورۀ مهمی زندگی میکنید دوره ای که مثلاً برای پدر بزرگ شما ممکن بوده که حضرت بهاءالله را زیارت کرده باشد. در همان زمان یعنی نزديك ۱۰۰ سال پیش بود که حضرت بهاءالله صعود فرمودند.

شاید فکر کنید که یادآوری این موضوع ممکن است بهائیان را غمگین کند اما بیت العدل اعظم به ما فرموده اند که به جای غمگین بودن باید خوشحال باشیم و تمام طول يك سالی را که از اول بهار شروع میشود - و به آن سال مقدس می گوئیم جشن بگیریم و شادی کنیم وقتی که این سال مقدس تمام شد همۀ مردم با اسم حضرت بها الله آشنا خواهند بود.

بگذارید سوالی از شما بکنیم به نظر شما چه کسی قرار است همه مردم را در شهرها و آبادیها و مدرسه ها و دانشگاهها و رادیوها و تلویزیونها با اسم حضرت بهاء الله 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 بهائی ها از همه جای دنیا در شهر نيويورك 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 امر حضرت بهاء الله آشنا کنند. شما و عزیزان خرد سال هم میتوانید به آنها کمک کنید که به این هدف زودتر برسند برای اینکه بتوانید به همه احباء كمك کنید چند موضوع را به شما پیشنهاد میکنیم:

۱ هر روز يك مناجات برای پدر و مادرتان بخوانید.

۲ سفر به نيويورك ارزان نیست. آیا میتوانید به پدر و مادرتان کمک کنید که هر طوری که شده مقداری پول پس انداز کنند و بتوانند خرج سفرشان را تهیه کنند؟ یکی از کارهائی که میتوانید بکنید این است که مثلاً از خریدن اسباب بازیهای تازه یا لباسهای گران قیمت صرف نظر کنید. این فداکاری و گذشت هم شخصیت شما را روحانی تر میکند و هم کمک بزرگی به مادر و پدرتان برای پس انداز خرج های کنگره جهانی خواهد بود.

۳ حضرت عبدالبهاء مدتی در نيويورك بودند از پدر و مادرتان خواهش کنید برایتان از دوره ای که حضرت عبدالبهاء در نيويورك بودند، تعریف کنند.

۴ از همین الآن از پدر و مادرتان خواهش کنید وقتی از نيويورك برگشتند چیزهایی مربوط به کنگره جهانی برایتان بیاورند که شما بتوانید همۀ آنها را در يك جا جمع كنيد و يك کلکسیون از یادگاریهای آن کنفرانس درست کنید.

۵ جلسه های 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 كمك كنيد که مردم دنیا را با حضرت بهاء الله و امر مبارکش آشنا کنند امیدواریم با ما تماس بگیرید و چیزهائی را که درباره سال مقدس و کنگره جهانی به فکرتان میرسد و کمکهائی را که کرده اید 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 پرسیده اند چرا کودکان کمتر از ۱۲ سال نخواهند توانست در کنگره جهانی شرکت کنند. در نامه ای که اخیرا از سوی بیت العدل اعظم الهى خطاب به یکی از احباء ارسال گردیده این موضوع تشریح شده است.

در آن نامه بیت العدل اعظم فرموده اند که در مجموع باید خردسالان تا آنجا که امکان دارد در فعالیتهای امری و 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 شرکت کنندگان در مجمع مذکور و چند و چون شرایط زندگی در نیویورك لازم میآورد که ترتیبات بسیار پیچیده ای فراهم شود و این کار با در نظر گرفتن تعداد بسیاری از کودکان غیر ممکن به نظر میآمد حتی اگر این ترتیبات هم فراهم میشد باز هم اکثریت خردسالان نمیتوانستند در آن شرکت کنند.

در خاتمة نامة بيت العدل 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 فعالیتهایی که در سراسر جهان در رابطه با کنگره جهانی انجام میشود باید بعنوان متمم 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 برنامه های مربوط به کنگره جهانی بهائی و سال مقدس شرکت کنند. والدین و مبلغان میتوانند کلاسهای ویژه ای ترتیب دهند و اهمیت کنگره جهانی را برای نونهالان بهائی تشریح کنند و دلائل عدم شرکت آنان را نیز یادآورد شوند. [Page 9]

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CONGRESS - QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

BOHY

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

CONGRESS ACTIVITIES

activities places will Congress a

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.

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.

Bahá’í National Center staffers help plan World Congress.

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 night, 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.

"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 [Page 10]

'THE MOST GREAT JUBILEE'

To celebrate Centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Declaration

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 new 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.’”

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

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.

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’lláh 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.

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.

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 Ruiyyih Khanum, 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 the 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.

The resting place of the Guardian near London.

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, 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.

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] 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 Ridván in April 1863.

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CONGRESS SPECIAL EDITION 'THE MOST GREAT JUBILEE'

Pictured (left to right) are the members of the first Universal House of Justice elected at Ridván 1963: Alí Nakhjavání, David Hofman, Lutfu’lláh Hakim, 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]

WORLD CONGRESS SPECIAL EDITION

New York City: November 1992 The second Bahá’í World Congress

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.

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?

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.

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

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.