The American Bahá’í/Volume 23/Issue 12/Text

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[Page 1]...knowledge is a veritable treasure for man....'—Bahá’u’lláh

World Congress session on Day of Covenant to be televised via satellite

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Universal House of Justice has asked us to convey to you an important and thrilling announcement concerning the Bahá’í World Congress to be held in New York City on November 23-26 of this year. We are therefore happy to inform you that arrangements are being made for World Congress proceedings to be broadcast for four hours via satellite from New York to a number of sites in various parts of the world involving the five continents.

A contract recently signed with WTN Productions, a subsidiary of World Television News Corporation, has made it possible to plan for the broadcast from New York to be received at the following places: Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sydney, Australia; New Delhi, India; Nairobi, Kenya; Panama City, Panama; Bucharest, Romania; Moscow, Russia; Singapore; and Apia, Western Samoa. The Bahá’í World Center will also be connected with the World Congress by satellite.

The broadcast from New York to all sites will take place on November 26, the Day of the Covenant, continuing from 8 a.m. to noon New York time (1300-1700 GMT). During the first two hours, recorded activities of the previous three days of the Congress will be transmitted; the other two hours of transmission will include live broadcast of the final Congress session.

NATIONAL Spiritual Assemblies in the nine countries designated for receiving the broadcast are considering a recommendation to hold conferences built around the satellite transmission. These National Assemblies will announce their plans in due course for the information of the friends within their jurisdictions and in other countries nearby who may wish to attend.

Some other National Assemblies have asked to receive the transmission at their own expense. Any such interested Assembly may obtain detailed information from the Bahá’í World Congress Logistics Office at the U.S. Bahá’í National Center.

In the main, the broadcast will be transmitted internationally via the Intelsat system. The paths of the transmission will cover the globe; therefore, the broadcast from the Congress will be receivable anywhere in the world where there is appropriate equipment. Relevant details will be conveyed to all National Assemblies by the Satellite Broadcasting Task Force serving the World Congress.

The House of Justice is greatly pleased that the satellite broadcast will connect Bahá’ís around the world with the Congress and will cause the Name of Bahá’u’lláh to be proclaimed throughout the globe.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat July 20, 1992

'PATTERNS OF UNITY': National Spiritual Assembly hosts strategy session to set race unity agenda for American community

BY KEN BOWERS

Five members of the National Spiritual Assembly met July 11-12 with 15 selected Bahá’ís from across the country for a "Patterns of Unity" strategy session to discuss short- and long-term approaches for promoting the Bahá’í principle of race unity in America.

THE MEETING, characterized by frank, open consultation on local and national needs, resulted in a number of recommendations about specific issues raised by the National Assembly, as well as suggestions for its consideration.

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly present were William Davis, Alberta Deas, Tod Ewing, Robert Henderson and Firuz Kazemzadeh. Glenford Mitchell, a member of the Universal House of Justice, was a special guest for the discussions.

Other guests were chosen for their expertise in fields such as education, psychology, and conflict resolution, and for their experience as leaders of Bahá’í efforts to foster racial understanding. They were joined by members of the Bahá’í National Center staff who are directly involved in implementing and communicating National Assembly strategies.

Invited guests were Kelly Clark Boldt, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Burrell Bullock, Canoga Park, California; Joy Cross, Portland, Oregon; Jeanne Gazel, Lansing, Michigan; Jane Grover, New Hampshire; Jack Guillebeaux, Montgomery, Alabama; Thelma Khelghati, Lunenburg, Massachusetts; Billie Mayo, University City, Missouri; Idalia Morales, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Mary K. Radpour, Chattanooga, Tennessee; Raytheon Rawls, Atlanta, Georgia; Anthony Reid, Mountain View, California; Nathan Rutstein, Amherst, Massachusetts; Leonard Smith, See PATTERNS

Griffin, Georgia's Elbow Learning Lab designated 'Point of Light' by President Bush for contributions to family literacy education

Pictured (ce is Perry James, the first Bahá’í in the Griffin, Georgia, area to complete his requirements the GED (General Equivalency Degree). Mr. James is a graduate of the Elbow Learning Lat, co-founded by Bahá’í Clarence DuBois.

On June 28, the Elbow Learning Lab of Griffin, Georgia, was designated as the 814th "Daily Point of Light" by President George Bush.

A message from the White House, addressed to volunteers and staff, cited the Lab as a "shining example" of the standard of service that defines any successful life.

Founded in 1990 by Clarence DuBois, a Bahá’í who is a professional instructor in adult literacy, and Retha Brown, an elementary school teacher, the Elbow Learning Lab offers services in adult and child education free of charge to area residents.

The purpose of the Lab is to provide literacy and tutorial education for entire families, while at the same time strengthening family relationships so that learning will become a way of life. The Lab currently serves more than 175 children and parents.

This model has proven so successful that similar programs have been instituted in the same county. Now there are eight family literacy centers in the area, all operating on the Elbow Learning Lab model.

The Elbow Learning Lab has been cited for its innovative approach by local and state agencies, and was hailed at Georgia's Adult Literacy Symposium in April 1991 by the state's Assistant Commissioner of Adult Education and Literacy, who called it a "model for the entire state." It was nominated for its most recent honor by U.S. Rep. Newt Gingrich of Georgia.

The goal of the Elbow staff and their associates is to achieve complete literacy in the county by the year 2000. [Page 2]

Race unity activities in U.S. continue to accelerate

"Considering that it is already a whole century since the Blessed Beauty ascended, and given the crushing weight of the ills burdening the peoples of the world, and seeing that a veritable cry of anguish is issuing more loudly from the hearts of those who long for some hope of relief, we, His avowed servants, can neither falter nor fail in this primary and urgent duty." — The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 1992

DELAWARE: The Dover Institute for the Healing of Racism sponsored this year's Race Unity Day event, which drew 70 people. Many of the city council members were there, and the mayor spoke and issued a proclamation. The Institute has also networked with area chapters of the NAACP and is working with the National Spiritual Assembly to present the race unity statement to the governor.

GEORGIA: The Pupil of the Eye Institute in Atlanta has been meeting regularly for more than a year, focusing primarily on prayer, study and discussion of the race unity statement as a means for increasing unity within the Bahá’í community. Recently, the Institute has been exploring ways to reach its target population of young African-Americans; in May it met with members of Institutes from Boston, Kansas City and New York City to discuss strategies for emblazoning Bahá’u’lláh’s Name in African-American communities through service projects and other means.

KENTUCKY: Bahá’í efforts at interfaith consultation have led to a desire on the part of local religious leaders in Frankfort to form an organization to discuss spiritual solutions to social problems. Three black ministers have expressed a strong interest in such a program. The Bahá’ís have also been making inroads at Kentucky State University, where there have been strained racial relations. The president of the university has been invited to take part in the interfaith dialogues; the community also sponsored a concert at the university by the Bahá’í singing group, Swan.

Stories Wanted: Race Unity Activities

The National Teaching Office wants information on various efforts in which Bahá’ís are engaged to promote race unity. We would like to be able to share more news and information in upcoming issues of The American Bahá’í and create a network that will enable the friends throughout the country to replicate successful initiatives. Please send a summary of your efforts with photographs, when available, to: National Teaching Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: 708-869-9039. Fax: 708-869-0247.

MARYLAND: Four hundred people attended the second annual Race Unity Day celebration in Wicomico County. The event was featured in a front-page article in the local newspaper, and was covered by two television stations.

MICHIGAN: The Bahá’ís of Detroit and Grosse Point co-sponsored a public talk June 30 entitled "Truth and Fiction About Race." The talk was given by the president of the Detroit chapter of the NAACP, and drew 65 people from a variety of backgrounds, most of whom were not Bahá’ís. Copies of the race unity statement were distributed, as well as other information about the Faith. The believers plan to hold monthly meetings on interracial understanding.

On May 9, Bahá’ís from Lemon Grove, California, with help from other communities, took part in the town's Old Time Days celebration by presenting a booth whose theme was race unity. Children were invited to color paper doll figures in various colors to demonstrate that good neighbors come in all colors. Each child who helped make the paper doll chain—90 in all—received a balloon with a race unity logo. Fair-goers were able to help themselves to Bahá’í literature and to read about the Faith from display boards.

MISSISSIPPI: The Jackson Bahá’í community has presented the race unity statement to the mayor, city council, several churches and civic organizations, and three university presidents. The community also hosts monthly public meetings on race unity. The Bahá’í Club at Mississippi State University sponsored a Race Unity Day picnic that drew 12 people including a few non-Bahá’ís.

NEVADA: The Bahá’ís of Las Vegas sent a mailing in mid-July to the mayor, city council and other prominent persons. The mailing included "The Power of Unity," "The Vision of Race Unity" and "Models of Unity," as well as an invitation to discuss relevant issues with the local Bahá’í Race Unity Committee. The committee hosted deepenings on the race unity literature in preparation for the officials' response.

NEW MEXICO: The Bahá’í community of Gallup joined with the NAACP in April to hold a public panel discussion on race unity. The panel consisted of the sheriff, the mayor, an official from the school district, and a black minister, with a local Bahá’í serving as moderator. About 30 people attended, most of whom were not Bahá’ís. The Assembly is now planning a series of institutes on race unity which they hope to present to schools and other organizations.

OREGON: The Spiritual Assembly of Douglas County recently held a public forum on race unity led by a five-member panel that included one Bahá’í. The race unity statement was distributed to all 13 non-Bahá’ís present; one of them now attends firesides regularly. A report of the forum appeared in a local newpaper.

SOUTH CAROLINA: About 175 local believers gathered at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway for this year's Race Unity Day observance. The program began with prayers in English, Arabic and Chinese, and choral and instrumental music. Auxiliary Board member Jack Guillebeaux spoke on "Race Unity." Another speaker was nine-year-old Anisa Kintz, a Baha’i who was named the 750th Daily Point of Light by President Bush for her efforts to eliminate racism among children by helping to organize the recent "Calling All Colors" conference.

The American Bahá’i is published 19 times a year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’is of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Second class postage paid at Evanston, IL, and additional mailing offices. ISSN Number: 1062-1113. Executive editor: Jack Bowers. Associate Editor: Ken Bowers. Art director: Scot Corrie. The American Bahá’i welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Bahá’í Faith. Articles should be clear and concise; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials and correspondence to The Editor, The American Bahá’i, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Management Information Systems, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Copyright © 1992 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

TEXAS: The Bahá’ís of Port Arthur chaired the award ceremony for the World of Difference program in July. Believers also took part in this year's Juneteenth parade, at which 500 flyers with quotations from the race unity statement were distributed. An Institute for the Healing of Racism was recently started, which holds weekly public meetings at a local library.

UTAH: The Spiritual Assembly of Salt Lake City presented the race unity statement to the local Commission on Human Rights. Earlier this year the community sponsored its third annual "Young People's Peace Vigil," which drew 40 Bahá’ís and 360 guests, half of whom were children. Blacks, whites, American Indians and Asians took part. Black Baptist and Filipino choirs sang, and an American Indian group performed a "feather dance." The day's program also included a reading of a Bahá’í prayer for unity and several passages from Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings. The event was publicized in a local and was covered by three television stations.

VIRGINIA: More than 75 people attended this year's Race Unity Day picnic in Norfolk, organized by the intercommunity Race Unity Committee of Tidewater. The celebration was envisioned as the first of a series of events to culminate with a race unity conference in the spring of 1993.

WASHINGTON: The Bahá’ís of Bellingham held a public meeting for Race Unity Day this year, attended by members of the NAACP, Hispanic and Filipino groups, and the Rainbow Coalition. The mayor was also present to sign a Race Unity Day proclamation. About 30 Bahá’ís and 20 guests took part in a walk for race unity held after the meeting; 100 more people stopped by later for a race unity picnic. The events were covered by a local television station, which broadcast the report several times.

Professionals Sought for Race Unity Network and Referral Service

The National Spiritual Assembly is developing a network and referral system of professional individuals, corporations, and those active in the field of race unity to meet the needs of Bahá’í communities and other organizations who may request assistance with race unity initiatives. This network could assist local Bahá’í communities (on a minimal-expenses basis) by either personal visit, phone consultation, or, when developed, special materials, and assist organizations (educational, civic/governmental, or corporate) by operating in their professional capacities.

Professionals interested in becoming a part of this network should contact the National Teaching Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, phone (708) 869-9039. Correspondence should include the name of corporation/consulting firm, area of expertise (multi-cultural education for schools, experience with corporations, etc.), methodology (how the firm operates), range of fees for professional referral work, and availability to work on a minimal-expenses basis (could individuals volunteer, for example, once per month?). Professional participants would have the option to say, "No," to a particular situation which may be referred to them. [Page 3]

SULAYMÁNÍYYIH

Blessed Beauty chooses exile to preserve unity of the Cause

"Time and again We have admonished Our beloved ones to avoid, nay to flee from, anything whatsoever from which the odor of mischief can be detected....". Bahá’u’lláh

BY KEN BOWERS

The primary concept of the Bahá’í Revelation can be expressed in one word: unity. "Of such cardinal importance is this principle of unity," wrote Shoghi Effendi, "that it is expressly referred to in the Book of His Covenant, and He unreservedly proclaims it as the central purpose of His Faith."

The references in Bahá’u’lláh's Writings to the importance of the unity of humanity in this day and age are innumerable, as are the passages in which He directly links its establishment to His own Mission.

"We, verily, have come to unite and weld together all that dwell on earth," He revealed in one instance. And on another occasion He stated:

"The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men....This is the straight Path, the fixed and immovable foundation. Whatsoever is raised on this foundation, the changes and chances of the world can never impair its strength, nor will the revolution of countless centuries undermine its structure."

IF THE FAITH of Bahá’u’lláh were to realize such a glorious destiny, it was also important that its own unity never be violated, as had been the case with the religions of the past. For this reason the Blessed Beauty instituted His Covenant, an institution that, in the words of the Universal House of Justice, "protects the Cause from individuals who, through the assertion of their own wills, would try to force God's Cause into the paths of their own preference and thus divide the faithful and subvert the world-wide establishment of divine justice."

Moreover, Bahá’u’lláh repeatedly warned His followers against dissension and discord, charging them to avoid any acts that might result in disunity within their ranks. In passage after passage He warned the friends not to engage in mischievous behavior, apprised them of the dire consequences awaiting any individual who chose to ignore such commands, and made clear that all other interests, especially the personal agendas of the believers, were secondary to the unity and integrity of the Cause of God.

But He went far beyond words: in safeguarding the unity of the Cause of God Bahá’u’lláh spared no effort, Himself setting the standard for His loved ones to emulate. Perhaps no example of this is more dramatic than that which occurred during the earliest years of His Ministry, shortly after His exile to Baghdad.

BAHÁ’U’LLÁH IN IRAQ

The Blessed Beauty left His homeland at the order of Násiri’d-Dín Shah, arriving in the Ottoman province of Iraq in April 1853 after a horrific three-month journey over the mountains of western Iran, through bitterly cold weather for which He and His retinue were far from adequately prepared. In Baghdad He met with a number of Persian Bábís who had fled their homeland for the relative safety of that city.

Bahá’u’lláh found these souls to be in a state of utter spiritual and moral degradation. Dispirited at the loss of the Báb, severely persecuted and besieged with doubts, their only hope was in the appearance of "Him Whom God will make manifest," the Promised One Whose Revelation their martyred Master had bidden His followers to expect, and Whose speedy advent He had clearly prophesied.

At that time Bahá’u’lláh had not yet divulged the secret of His Station to anyone, and was still to outward appearances no more than another follower of the Báb, however distinguished. Nevertheless, He immediately set for Himself the task of the spiritual regeneration of the Bábí community. To these confused and intimidated souls He, relying solely on the power of the Spirit within Him, and still refusing to refer to His own Station in any more than the most allusive terms, offered moral guidance and spiritual sustenance.

It is important to remember that in those days there was no clear leadership in the Bábí community. The one person nominated by the Báb to guide the community pending the appearance of "Him Whom God will make manifest"—Mírzá Yahyá—proved weak and ineffective. Mírzá Yahyá, the half-brother of Bahá’u’lláh, had been so stricken with fear after the attempt on the Shah's life and its aftermath that he spent most of his time in hiding or in disguise, never bothering to defend the Cause in any way, or to live up to his sacred trust to the least degree.

TO FILL the vacuum in leadership there arose a number of misguided people who grandly claimed the Station of "Him Whom God will make manifest" for themselves. Many were led to take this step out of a sincere desire to unify the Bábís—most of them eventually recognized Bahá’u’lláh and repented of their misconduct—but there were also those who were motivated only by the lust for power and leadership.

Into this latter category fell Siyyid Muhammad-i-Isfahání, who proclaimed himself the "King of the Bayán," and who succeeded in misleading a few of his companions. This same Siyyid Muhammad would emerge in the years to come as Bahá’u’lláh's chief nemesis, the antichrist of the Bahá’í Revelation.

But in spite of the activities of Siyyid Muhammad and his minions, the healing influence of Bahá’u’lláh's presence soon began to have its effect, and the time came when the Bábís found themselves a people on the road to total rehabilitation, who once again felt pride in themselves and confidence in their Faith. The vast majority of the believers justly credited Bahá’u’lláh for this transformation, and He became the acknowledged Leader of the community.

This, however, only served to inflame the jealousy of Siyyid Muhammad, who, together with his band of associates, plotted to discredit Bahá’u’lláh and His followers. Siyyid Muhammad's hatred, and the lengths to which he was willing to go, knew no limits. Through a series of despicable acts engineered by him he succeeded in creating new doubts and divisions within the ranks of the Bábís, and in bringing the Faith and its acknowledged Leader into great disrepute with the authorities.

The situation became so grievous that Bahá’u’lláh's wonderful accomplishments were on the verge of being brought to nought. The Blessed Beauty, greatly distressed, was often heard to remark on the worthlessness of such unregenerate souls as dared to create such mischief, yet, not willing to risk a permanent breach in the unity of the Faith, He did not openly challenge His foes. During this period He revealed these words:

"The days of tests are now come. Oceans of dissension and tribulation are surging, and the Banners of Doubt are, in every nook and corner, occupied in stirring up mischief and in leading men to perdition....Suffer not the voice of some of the soldiers of negation to cast doubt into your midst, neither allow yourselves to become heedless of Him Who is the Truth, inasmuch as in every Dispensation such contentions have been raised. God, however, will establish His Faith, and manifest His light albeit the stirrers of sedition shall abhor it."

It was with such words, as well as His own example, that He had hoped to effect the regeneration of the Bábí community; but the disease being spread by Siyyid Muhammad proved too virulent. At last Bahá’u’lláh, as the siyyid's main target, was left with no option but to remove Himself from the scene.

WITHDRAWAL INTO SULAYMÁNÍYYIH

The Blessed Beauty, without informing anyone, including His family, left Baghdad on the morning of April 10, 1854, attended by a single companion. His destination was Kurdistan, a large territory to the north, inhabited by a people fiercely independent and historically inimical to Shi'ite Persians, whom they considered apostates from the true Faith, the Sunni branch of Islam.

Bahá’u’lláh was to dwell in that land for two years, at first as an obscure dervish living alone on a mountain called Sar-Galú, and then as an increasingly celebrated sage in the nearby town of Sulaymáníyyih, where the evidences of His knowledge and spiritual powers drew to Him a wide circle of friends and admirers, all of whom knew Him as Darvish Muhammad-i-Irání, and none of whom fully understood the reasons for His presence amongst them.

Much can be made of the parallels between this voluntary exile on the part of Bahá’u’lláh and similar events in the lives of other Manifestations of God. His torment is reminiscent of Jesus' ordeal in the wilderness; His meditations, in which He "communed with [His] spirit," remind us of Muhammad's reflections in the mountains near Mecca; and the physical and spiritual rigors of His exile recall those experienced by the Buddha in the years before His Enlightenment. During these periods They had all prepared Themselves in some way for Their momentous missions.

Bahá’u’lláh experienced all of these things, perhaps to a greater degree than any Messenger before Him. But there was another dimension to His retreat that makes this episode unique in the history of religion—that His main reason for leaving was to protect the unity of the community of believers. In the Kitáb-i-Iqán, revealed in Baghdad after His return, He affirmed this:

"The one object of Our retirement was to avoid becoming a subject of discord among the faithful, a source of disturbance unto our companions, the means of injury to any soul, or the cause of sorrow to any heart."

Therein lies an enduring lesson for His followers: that the Lord of mankind placed such importance on the unity and integrity of the Cause that He was ready to impose a difficult and heartbreaking exile on Himself in order to preserve it—He Who had every right as God's Messenger (albeit undeclared) to remain and rally the followers of the Báb around Himself.

SUBORDINATING His own prerogatives, and even His desire to be with His family and friends, for the good of the community, He proved that nothing was more important than its unity, not even He Himself.

When reports of the remarkable dervish reached Bahá’u’lláh's family in Baghdad, they knew that a person of such qualities could be none other than their Beloved. They commissioned one of their companions to go and petition Him to return, which He immediately did.

Upon His return the Blessed Beauty set about once again to resuscitate the small group of Bábís that still remained in Baghdad, who, deprived of His beneficial presence for so long, had sunk to even lower depths than before.

The condition of community steadily improved now that the Sun of Truth had again appeared in their midst. Indeed, after two years of spiritual darkness, they appreciated Its worth more than ever, and soon Bahá’u’lláh's ascendancy was firmly established.

Years later, in the Kitáb-i-Ahd, Bahá’u’lláh explained the motives behind His willingness to endure the many excruciating hardships that had come His way, and also took the opportunity to exhort the Bahá’ís to follow His example:

"The aim of this Wronged One in sustaining woes and tribulations, in revealing the Holy Verses and in demonstrating proofs hath been naught but to quench the flame of hate and enmity, that the horizon of the hearts of men may be illumined with the light of concord and attain real peace and tranquillity....

"O ye that dwell on earth! The religion of God is for love and unity; make it not the cause of enmity or dissension....Conflict and contention are categorically forbidden in His Book. This is a decree of God in this Most Great Revelation." [Page 4]

Reflections on being a pioneer for one year in El Salvador

Being a pioneer means Sacrifice It's sacrificing every day in large and small ways. Yet, It's never forgetting why you were put here. It's keeping joy in your heart despite the sufferings, the loneliness, the tests.

It's loving the country you're serving the people the Bahá’ís. It's tears of love, frustration, loneliness, anger, fear, success.

Growth Its dealing daily with those things you may have thought you left behind. If you're strong— It's growth; spiritual and emotional. It's learning to pray again— for prayer may be your only solace, your only friend.

It's patience It's making new friends— especially with yourself. It's seeing things in a new way Listening to new sounds. It's learning to be silent— to listen rather than speak. It's never feeling sorry for yourself even when everything seems to be falling apart.

Detachment It's retaining a sense of hope and knowl- edge that God and the Concourse on high are with you, supporting, assisting, there through all tests and difficulties. It's taking the little successes and measur- ing them without ego. It's honor—serving the Faith, the Friends, God. It's giving up home, family, friends, lan- guage, material ease. It's teaching the Faith in gestures and half sentences or just smiling a lot. It's detachment. Yet, It's keeping a good sense of humor, smil- ing and letting the world know, these are small sacrifices for the One you love the One you serve. Above all, Trust. It's serving with trust, love, dignity, hope and prayer It's remembering at all time, The Bounty The Bounty The Bounty

Judith Auslander—January 19, 1992

Youth Year of Service volunteers are needed overseas

The Bahá’í Youth Service Corps has recently received new requests from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of The Gambia, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Thailand, and the Maxwell International Bahá’í School for Youth Year of Service volunteers.

As a tremendous boost to the Bahá’í youth activities in that country, as well as a rewarding experience for the participants, the National Assembly in The Gambia has requested youth volunteers specifically to assist with the Holy Year activities.

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís in Thailand has identified its needs for youth to establish Bahá’í clubs in universities, participate in youth activities connected with border teaching projects in Thai-Laos-Cambodian borders, to assist in the Bahá’í school in Santitham Vitthayakom in Yasothon, and to teach English courses in the Bahá’í Centres.

The Maxwell International Bahá’í School needs several youth to volunteer in various capacities.

If you are interested, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, FAX requests for information to (708) 869-0247, or call (708) 869-9039.

Pioneer Training Institutes provide skills for teaching in new environment

Participation in a Pioneering Institute provides the spiritual and practical foundation upon which to focus one's prayers and actions in promoting the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in a new environment. The goal of a Pioneering Institute is to provide the prospective pioneer with skills and a perspective on service which will enhance his/her ability to be happy and effective in this most meritorious of services to Bahá’u’lláh. Because of limited space and the specialized attention to the needs of each participant, attendance must be by invitation only.

Upcoming Pioneering Institutes September 3-6, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í School, Hemingway, South Carolina. January 7-10, 1993—Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Early Spring 1993, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine. Late Spring 1993, Bahá’í National Center, Evanston, Illinois.

If you are interested in attending any of these Institutes, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 or telephone 708-869-9039 for additional information.

TRAVELING TEACHING CALENDAR

EAST GERMANY: July 4-October 11, 1992 GUYANA: International Visual Arts Conference, September 16-18, 1992 HUNGARY: September 7-20, 1992, Budapest SWITZERLAND: Summer 1992 TURKEY: October 1992

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

Townshend Bahá’í School set to open in September

The Townshend International Bahá’í School opens for grades 7-9 on September 9. For more information, see the Rahmat (June 24) issue of The American Bahá’í. The school office numbers are 0042-38 965552 (telephone) and 0042-38 965695 (fax).

ONGOING TRAVELING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

AUSTRALIA; ALBANIA; BANGLADESH; BELIZE; BULGARIA; BURKINA FASO; CAMBODIA; CHINA; CISKEI; COLOMBIA; COOK ISLANDS; COSTA RICA; DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; EAST GERMANY; EQUATORIAL GUINEA; FIJI; FRENCH POLYNESIA; GAMBIA; GERMANY; GUATEMALA; GUADELOUPE; GUINEA BISSAU; GUYANA; HAITI; HONG KONG; HUNGARY; ICELAND; INDIA; IRELAND; ITALY; MALAYSIA; MALTA; MOZAMBIQUE; NEPAL; NEW CALEDONIA; PAKISTAN; PANAMA; PHILLIPINES; PORTUGAL; PUERTO RICO; ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES; SAMOA; SIBERIA; SIERRA LEONE; SWEDEN; TAIWAN; THAILAND; TONGA; TRANSKEI; TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO; TUVALU; UGANDA; UNITED KINGDOM; VANUATU; WEST LEEWARD ISLANDS; YUGOSLAVIA; ZAMBIA.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Recruits specialists from variety of disciplines

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is the largest of the United Nations' specialized agencies, with more than 160 member countries. At any one time, there are about 2,000 or more field projects under way in more than 100 developing countries, where FAO experts provide technical help and training in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, nutrition and economic development.

FAO's wide variety of endeavors requires a number of specialists, as well as some "generalists." The specialists include not only agricultural and agriculture-related specialists, but many non-agricultural specialists, such as computer, administrative and media specialists.

(Excerpt from "International Employment Hotline." For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091; telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247, Attn: Office of Pioneering.)

Reminder: Bahá’í support of UN International Day of Peace replaces World Peace Day

In 1959 the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. initiated the commemoration of World Peace Day. World Peace Day was observed on the third Sunday in September.

On November 30, 1981, the United Nations General Assembly designated the third Tuesday in September as International Day of Peace and stated that it should be "devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideas of peace both within and among all nations and peoples."

In 1985 the National Spiritual Assembly replaced World Peace Day with Bahá’í support of the U.N. International Day of Peace.

A REMINDER TO OVERSEAS PIONEERS WHO MAY BE TRAVELING TO OTHER COUNTRIES OR RETURNING TO THE STATES FOR THE WORLD CONGRESS, A SHORT VISIT OR PERMANENTLY

PLEASE GET A MEMBERSHIP CARD OR A LETTER FROM YOUR NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY STATING THAT YOU ARE A BAHÁ’Í IN GOOD STANDING. YOUR U.S. MEMBERSHIP CARD IS NO LONGER VALID ONCE YOU HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER COUNTRY.

TRAVELING TEACHERS

Area/Country: Goal / Filled Ukraine: 100 / 185 Kazakhstan: 6 / 10 CIS (Other Republics): 150 / 247 Bulgaria: 5 / 14 Czechoslovakia: 30 / 44 DDR/East Germany: 10 / 4 Hungary: 35 / 19 Poland: 15 / 21 Romania: 10 / 40 Yugoslavia: 13 / 1 Mongolia: 35 / 91 China: 440 / 659 Totals: 970 / 1420

SHORT-TERM PIONEER GOALS

AFRICA: Goals (months) / Months Completed Ciskei: 24 / 8 Guinea-Bissau: 12 / 12 Liberia: 0 / 12 Nigeria: 19 / 36 Tanzania: 20 / 24 Uganda: 0 / 6 Zambia: 24 / 40 Totals: 144 / 87

AMERICAS: Goals / Completed Argentina: 24 / 0 Bahamas: 12 / 13 Barbados: 12 / 5 Brazil: 24 / 15 British V.I.: 12 / 0 Colombia: 24 / 0 Dominica: 12 / 0 Ecuador: 12 / 16 Guyana: 24 / 37 Honduras: 24 / 19 Jamaica: 24 / 13 Leeward Islands: 12 / 34 Martinique: 36 / 60 Mexico: 24 / 2 Nicaragua: 36 / 21 Panama: 24 / 0 Paraguay: 12 / 3 Puerto Rico: 24 / 1 Uruguay: 12 / 17 Venezuela: 12 / 14 Totals: 396 / 270

ASIA: Goals / Completed India: 24 / 0 Japan: 24 / 25 Pakistan: 12 / 0 Taiwan: 36 / 26 Totals: 96 / 51

AUSTRALASIA: Goals / Completed Mariana Islands: 24 / 0 Marshall Islands: 12 / 0 W. Caroline Islands: 12 / 7 Totals: 48 / 7

EUROPE: Goals / Completed Portugal: 24 / 1 [Page 5]

Growing field of service in international development

In a previous issue of The American Bahá’í, some issues were raised about community development in the U.S. and its possible impact on the life of American society.

IN ADDITION to taking an increasingly active role in this kind of development, through the creation of consulting groups connected with certain key principles of the Faith, or through the establishment of certain economic operations for the Bahá’ís, the National Spiritual Assembly is seeking ways of becoming increasingly active in the international development field.

The American Bahá’í community has a long tradition of service overseas. Even before the beloved Guardian launched his majestic plans, pioneers had left these shores to plant the standard of the Faith in faraway places. The efforts of these pioneers to teach the Faith, and with that teaching to promote a reawakening of human honor, dignity and self-reliance among their hearers, represent the very essence of the Bahá’í approach to development.

On an annual basis, the American community sends a greater number of pioneers than there are Bahá’ís in some national communities. Financial assistance has been generously given, whether through general deputization or to specific projects, such as the support recently given to the Bahá’ís of Samoa to rebuild local Centers in the wake of Cyclone Val.

The result of these endeavors has been the creation of a development network unlike any that exists anywhere in the world. Even with all the tremendous sums spent by governments, church organizations and the like, there is simply no comparable channel through which assistance, technology, and new ideas can reach the grass roots level. The interlocking structure of local and national Assemblies can ensure that the maximum, most beneficial result is obtained from every investment of time and money.

The question is how the strengths of this vast network, reaching tens of thousands of locations around the world, can best be realized. The National Assembly is now working, with the aid of a growing number of friends with experience in this field, to fashion a new beginning in this field.

The Mottahedeh Development Corporation, successor to the New Era Foundation for International Development, was created in March, 1992. Task forces of friends are looking at the basic organizational issues, as well as a list of project proposals that have come in to identify those that offer the greatest short-term potential.

ONE ASPECT of this work will be to study the series of highly successful projects under way since the 1950s in connection with India's New Era Development Institute in order to generalize a model that can effectively be used in other settings. Discussions are also in progress to finalize a fine woodworking project in Samoa which will enhance traditional skills of youth and adults, both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í, and thereby reinforce the islands' threatened family and village structures. Afforestation is also a principal objective of the project, in an effort to reduce the destructiveness of current methods.

A group of Bahá’í physicians has also established Health for Humanity to provide medical assistance in Albania, Guyana and Central America, all areas of intense teaching efforts and significant community growth.

A number of projects are slated for completion this summer, and will be reported to the friends at a later date.

The constant challenge in all these activities is to ensure that the service offered reflects the distinctive character of its source in the Bahá’í teachings.

Whether at home or abroad, the foundation of Bahá’í development is spiritual, not material. Money is essential, to be sure, as are other technical and material resources. But the purpose is not a new well or a better heart monitor in some faraway clinic: it is the promotion of honor, self-esteem and self-reliance among peoples who have seen the worst life has to offer.

As the Prime Minister of Guyana challenged us during his recent visit, "You can spend millions of dollars in my country, but it will not do any good unless the Bahá’ís are there building the moral and social basis of the community at the same time."

Bahá’í Newsreels not intended for broadcast

The National Spiritual Assembly is delighted that the Bahá’í Newsreels are being put to broad use by Bahá’ís. However, the friends need to be aware of some legal restrictions on the use of the videos.

Some of the material in the Bahá’í Newsreels is obtained from other producers. The National Spiritual Assembly does not have broadcast rights for all such material. Therefore, a complete Newsreel may not be shown on broadcast or cable television.

If Bahá’ís show a complete Newsreel on TV, the institutions of the Faith may be subject to legal action.

However, many segments of the Newsreels may be used as part of locally produced Bahá’í programs with the approval of the Newsreel producer in the Media Services Department at the Bahá’í National Center. Bahá’ís who wish to use such segments from the Newsreels should contact the Newsreel producer at 708-256-1361. The Media Services Department also can supply broadcast quality copies of approved Newsreel segments in several professional tape formats.

CORRECTIONS

The editors wish to correct two errors that appeared in the race unity "Timeline" (June 24) and another in an article headlined "Pavilion of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá among many events designed to enhance appeal of World Congress" (July 13).

Contrary to what was stated in the "Timeline," ‘Abdu’l-Bahá neither attended nor presided over the wedding of Louis Gregory and Louisa Mathews, although the marriage was a result of His inspiration. Also, the first Race Amity Conference in 1924 was not sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada; it was undertaken by an individual believer, Mrs. Agnes Parsons. The National Spiritual Assembly did sponsor a series of Race Amity Conferences beginning in 1924.

In the article on the Pavilion, it was stated that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá proclaimed the Covenant in the West in New York City on May 9, 1912. The actual date is June 19, 1912.

More than 200 attend regional conference at Kent State U.

On April 3-5, more than 200 Bahá’ís and seekers attended a regional conference at Kent State (Ohio) University honoring minority women and co-sponsored by the former National Committee on Women, the Spiritual Assembly of Kent and the university's Bahá’í Club.

David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice, opened the conference with a presentation on the Bahá’í Faith and the equality of women and men.

Following his talk, three members of the National Committee on Women took part in a panel discussion on the principle of sexual equality and shared with the audience their commitment to make this principle a part of their daily lives.

The evening ended with entertainment by the Bahá’í Women's Choir of Indianapolis, sign dancer Kathleen Colucci, and "Bahá’ís in Effect," the Northeast Ohio Youth Performance Group.

BAHAY NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON WOMEN

So it will come to pass that when women participate fully & equally in the affairs of the world, when they enter confidently & capably the great arena of laws & politics, war will cease...

Jan Smith (second from left facing camera), a member of the former National Bahá’í Committee on Women, conducts a workshop during a regional conference honoring minority women April 3-5 at Kent State (Ohio) University. The conference was co-sponsored by the committee, the Spiritual Assembly of Kent, and the university's Bahá’í Club.

Saturday morning's keynote address on the conference theme was given by Dr. Deborah Deas-Nesmith, a Bahá’í from Charleston, South Carolina, who is a practicing psychiatrist.

A series of workshops was then offered by the National Committee on Women and area Bahá’ís on themes of internalized oppression; the meeting of racism, sexism and classism; the effects of sexual inequality on men; and the shift from "dominator" to "partnership" social structures.

Children's classes followed a curriculum on equality developed by the National Committee on Women and resulted in the creation of murals illustrating peace and fellowship, and two songs on equality written and performed by the children with the help of Jerry Johnson.

Also presented on Saturday were a lecture on Bahá’u’lláh by Mr. Hofman and another on teaching values and virtues to children by Ed Muttart, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

A banquet that evening honored two area African-American women for their role as educators in their communities: Desiree Liddell of Ravenna and Dr. Norma Marcere of Canton. They shared the Jetalyn Andrews Award, named for a Bahá’í in northern Ohio who has devoted her life to education and who, at age 82, continues to serve her community.

Entertainment for the 85 people at the banquet was provided by Buford, Janet and Lorraine Williams, who combined various musical styles with quotes from the Writings to proclaim the Name of Bahá’u’lláh; and dramatist Ladjamaya from Colorado, who performed selections from her work "The Black Experience: A Cry for World Peace."

Ladjamaya repeated her performance on Sunday morning, whose session included more workshops on Saturday's themes and a performance by classical guitarist Michael Burns.

The Bahá’í community of Kent has decided to make the conference an annual event and is planning the next one for April 16-18, 1993.

If you are traveling outside the United States for any reason, please contact the Office of Pioneering (708-869-9039) for information. [Page 6]

Day of Glory

The Life of Bahá’u’lláh by Mary Perkins HC $24.95 SC $11.95

Beginning with the childhood of Bahá’u’lláh, this clear, straightforward, and readable sequel to Hour of the Dawn: The Life of the Báb briefly examines the same period as its companion volume, focusing on the life of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Also covered are His days as the exemplary Disciple of the Báb; His imprisonment in Tehran’s “Black Pit”; the intimation He received telling Him that He is the Promised One of all ages; His banishment from Persia; and His journeys in exile from Tehran to Baghdad, to Constantinople, to Adrianople, and finally to ‘Akká, the Most Great Prison on the edge of the Ottoman Empire. 8" x 5", 160pp. George Ronald, Publisher

The Hidden Words

by Bahá’u’lláh HC $14.95 SC $9.95

Brief and stirring epigrams express the essential message at the heart of all religion—God’s eternal love for the human race. Bahá’u’lláh described The Hidden Words as “the inner essence” of the Prophets, clothed in “the garment of brevity.” According to Shoghi Effendi, they rank next to The Kitáb-i-Íqán and hold a position of “unsurpassed preeminence” among Bahá’u’lláh’s ethical writings.* 5-¼" x 6-⅞", 112pp., introduction, illustrations, and brief biography of Bahá’u’lláh Nightingale Books

*Full color illustrations make these volumes ideal gifts

The Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh

by Adib Taherzadeh HC $39.95

This book provides material for the study of the Covenant. The eternal relationship of the human soul to its God is expressed today in faithfulness to the revelation of God’s will for humanity through Bahá’u’lláh, the Universal Manifestation. Mr. Taherzadeh refrained from discussing the Covenant in his series entitled The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh. Now, we have a wonderful tool for deepening our understanding of the instrument through which God’s will is expressed and His blessings are channeled. The Kitáb-i-‘Ahdí, Bahá’u’lláh’s own Will and Testament, and the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are quoted in full in this volume, and the historical events they refer to are explained. 6-¼" x 9-½", 504pp., 35 illustrations, table of contents, ‎forward foreword‎, introduction, prologue, appendices, bibliography, references, index George Ronald, Publisher

The Seven Valleys

by Bahá’u’lláh HC $14.95 SC $9.95

The intriguing and symbolic tale of the soul’s journey towards union with its Creator, through the Valleys of Search; Love; Knowledge; Unity; Contentment; Wonderment; to True Poverty and Absolute Nothingness. The summit of mystical composition, building upon the themes of the popular thirteenth century Sufi classic, The Conference of the Birds.* 5-¼" x 6-⅞", 128pp., introduction, illustrations, brief biography of Bahá’u’lláh, references Nightingale Books

*Full color illustrations make these volumes ideal gifts

Bahá’í Prayers

A Selection SC $.50

An inexpensive, introductory selection of prayers from the Bahá’í writings. Included is Blessed in the Spot, the short obligatory prayer, and prayers for assistance, morning, journey, night, children, youth, parents, healing, spiritual growth, forgiveness, the departed, mankind, teaching, and unity. Also included are selections from The Hidden Words and a calendar of the Nineteen Day Feast. An excellent gift. 3" x 4-½", 29pp., table of contents Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Malaysia

Special Times

by Susan Engle and Jean White CS $9.95

Popular songwriter Susan Engle has teamed up with Jean White, Priscilla Jeanne, and Nina Doering to produce a new cassette tape for children. The cassette is divided into seven sections that correspond to parts of Bahá’í life that are familiar to Bahá’í children: Waking Up, Morning Prayers, Bahá’í Schools, Teaching The Cause of God, Feast, Holy Days, and Going to Bed. Dialogue between a parent and child introduces each section. Instrumental accompaniment is intentionally sparse, says Susan Engle, to help “celebrate the use of the human voice and to encourage people to sing.” Quotations from the Bahá’í writings are both spoken and sung to aid memorization. If you enjoyed Come and Sing or Loving Hands, you’ll love this cassette. Approx. 60 minutes Shoestring Productions

Models of Unity

Racial, Ethnic, and Religious a project of the Human Relations Foundation of Chicago and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States SC $1.00 (net)

In the spring of 1991, the Human Relations Foundation of Chicago and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States established a joint project to identify successful examples of interracial unity in the greater Chicago area. They were convinced that models of unity were common, but both organizations were concerned that reports of interracial violence, confrontation, and conflict, far exceeded those of interracial harmony, peaceful coexistence, and unity. The Models of Unity reports on their success in finding such examples in the Chicago area. 8-½" x 11", 15pp.

STAR Series Pamphlets

The New Age

PA 10/pk $3.50 100/pk $25.00

Bahá’u’lláh said, “Wert thou to attain to but a dewdrop of the crystal waters of divine knowledge, thou wouldst readily realize that true life is not the life of the flesh but the life of the spirit.” The New Age is characterized by the individual’s pursuit of spiritual development. This pursuit leads to the investigation of truth for oneself and the realization that one person’s life is linked to everyone else’s. In this new age Bahá’ís are developing a holistic approach to healing, are recognizing that the world’s religions are one, and are championing the power of unity and consultation as the means to achieve world peace and usher in the golden age of Bahá’u’lláh. 6-panel, slimline format Bahá’í Booksource

The Life of the Soul

PA 10/pk $3.50 100/pk $25.00

This pamphlet contains a collection of quotations that discuss the nature, progress, development, and purpose of the human soul. It also addresses the soul’s passage through death into life in the next world, and deals with questions such as, “Will souls recognize one another in the spiritual world?” and “Does the soul live forever?” 6-panel, slimline format Bahá’í Booksource

The Bahá’í Faith, What Is It?

PA 10/pk $3.50 100/pk $25.00

This pamphlet answers the most frequently asked questions about the Bahá’í Faith, provides an excellent outline of the tenets of the Faith, describes what the Bahá’ís’ role in helping to improve the state of the world should be, discusses the importance of daily and feasts and firesides in Bahá’í community life, and concludes with a statement about the hopeful future of humankind. 6-panel, slimline format Bahá’í Booksource

Order now through the Bahá’í Distribution Service • 1-800-999-9019

[Page 7]

SOCIAL ISSUES

Prelude to The Lesser Peace

by Kathy Lee SC $6.00

Quoting extensively from the Bahá’í writings, Ms. Lee offers fresh perspectives and insights about the changes the world must undergo to achieve the peace prophesied in the Bahá’í writings. This book is an excellent companion piece to The Invisible Hand, in that it provides a means of achieving peace. Much like Nathan Rutstein, Ms. Lee hopes the friends will gain a greater understanding of their roles, and those of their Bahá’í communities in bringing about a peaceful society.

5-½" x 8-½", 195pp., bibliography Bahá’í Publishing Trust of India

Nearness to God

Readings for Morn and Eve SC $14.95

A selection of extracts from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, chosen to help us draw closer to God and appreciate more fully the spirit of His revelation. This high quality, beautiful publication has been designed to follow the rhythm of the Bahá’í calendar, and includes:

• Two readings per page, one for morning and one for evening.
• The obligatory prayers, and additional readings for Holy Days.
• Special treatment of the Feast at the start of each Bahá’í month.

Nearness to God will help to develop the spiritual pattern of daily reading and prayer. This excellent book can be a lifelong companion, and is an ideal gift for new Bahá’ís.

5"x7", 404pp., preface, introduction, references, bibliography, notes Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom

The Invisible Hand

Shaping the New World Order by Nathan Rutstein SC $9.95

We live in a rapidly changing world—one that has seen the collapse of the Berlin Wall . . . the end of the Cold War . . . the decline of communism . . . and a movement to abolish apartheid. There’s growing uncertainty about the direction this “New World Order” will take us. Nathan Rutstein says that these historical events are the work of “The Invisible Hand,” that we are on the verge of an even greater global reform. World leaders, politicians, scientists, and philosophers are beginning to examine the worldwide Bahá’í community as a working model of unified cooperation. Close consideration of this hopeful perspective is vital to anyone interested in exploring the full range and implications of today’s social, economic, and spiritual processes at work in the world.

5-⅞" x 8-⅞", 110pp., table of contents, introduction, bibliography Whitcomb Publishing, Inc.

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh

translated by Habib Taherzadeh with the assistance of a committee at the Bahá’í World Center PS $3.00 (net)

Sixteen of Bahá’u’lláh’s most significant and well-loved Tablets. Included is Bahá’u’lláh’s “Book of the Covenant,” which, along with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament, constitutes the “bedrock” of Bahá’u’lláh’s “entire administrative system” and the “stronghold of the faith of every Bahá’í.”

4-¾" x 7", 299pp., table of contents, notes, index Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the U.S.

Songs of the Ancient Beauty

conducted by Tom Price produced by Jack Lenz and Tom Price Cassette $10.95 Compact Disc $16.00

A brilliantly produced, devotional and/or recreational cassette tape of unaccompanied vocal music by the Bahá’í Chorale. Lush harmonies and fresh arrangements are brought to life with superior soloistic performances by Dash Crofts and Narges Nouhnejad (Fani). The excellent ensemble singing of the Bahá’í Chorale makes this cassette one of the finest the Distribution Service has offered.

60 minutes Water Music

Ride the Wave

by Cindy Savage SC $6.95

Have you ever wished that you had a book to give older children between the ages of nine and fifteen? This book may be the answer. Popular children’s writer Cindy Savage, author of Nothing in Common, launches an exciting new series for youth that focuses on a Bahá’í youth club in America. The Riverview High Bahá’í Club, in an effort to proclaim the Faith, puts together a special act for a school talent show. Much to their surprise their unity song, accompanied by sign language, wins first prize. Requests pour in from community organizations, and before they have time to take a deep breath they are a local sensation. But now they are faced with problems of an unexpected nature. This book, the first in the new series Youth Wave, introduces all the main characters in a lively, fast-paced story that explores teaching, consultation, and equality.

5-½" x 7-¾", 92pp. Oneworld Publications, Ltd.

BACK IN STOCK

Burial Ring with Silk Pouch	Garden of Bahá’u’lláh
$6.95	HC $9.95
Family Life	Success in Teaching
SC $3.50	SC $1.95

RECENT NEW TITLES

Basic Facts of the Bahá’í Faith	Education on Trial
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CHI: Bahá’u’lláh	The Martyrdom of the Báb
SC $3.00	HC $14.95
The Declaration of the Báb	O God, Guide Me!
HC $12.95	SC $4.00

CALENDAR SALE

Bahá’í Datebook (Australia)	Bahá’í History Calendar
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ADDITIONAL SALE ITEMS!

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Creating Patterns of Unity, Study Guide	My Baby Book
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[Page 8]

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial 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.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

HELP WANTED: The Los Angeles Bahá’í Center office and Bahá’í bookshop are accepting résumés for their files. Organizational, interpersonal, grammatical and computer skills required. Accounting and maintenance skills helpful. Send your résumé to the Bahá’í Center Director, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016. No phone calls or unsolicited interviews will be accepted. Résumés only, please.

THE MAXWELL International Bahá’í School in Canada regularly needs retired persons to volunteer in supervisory/managerial positions such as for the uniform shop, laundry service, front desk, etc. Youth volunteers are also needed in many areas. Room and board provided. If you are interested, please apply to the Service Coordinator, Maxwell International Bahá’í School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia VOR 2W0, Canada, or telephone 604-743-7144.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

DUBUQUE, Iowa, a city of 53,000 on the Mississippi River in the tri-state area of Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois, which has been striving to bring more diversity into its population, has an opening for a city manager. Dubuque has an eight-member Bahá’í Group whose goal is Assembly status as soon as possible. If you are interested in relocating there, or in looking into this or other employment opportunities, please write to M. McDowell, Dubuque, IA 52001, or phone 319-556-1982.

EXCELLENT opportunity for homefront pioneering in Smyrna, Tennessee, only a 30-minute drive from Nashville (a large Bahá’í community). Seize the Holy Year opportunity. For more information, phone Susan, 615-355-4981 or 615-355-1711.

THE Bahá’í Club at the University of California-Santa Cruz needs active Bahá’ís on campus. Located in the hills above Santa Cruz, and surrounded by a Redwood forest with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, UCSC boasts one of the most beautiful campuses in the country and offers an ideal study environment. The university is close to the Bosch Bahá’í School and about two hours south of San Francisco. The Bahá’í Club encourages all young Bahá’ís to consider UCSC when applying to universities this year. The club wants to plan many activities on campus, but needs new members to ensure success. For an application or information about the university, write to the University of California-Santa Cruz, c/o Office of Admissions, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or phone 408-459-2131. For other information, please write to the Bahá’ís of Santa Cruz, P.O. Box 8264, Santa Cruz, CA 95061.

THE Bahá’ís of Visalia encourage strong, deepened Bahá’í families to move to this area of the San Joaquin Valley in central California. It is mostly a farming and agricultural community in the heart of "the fruit basket of America." The community is mostly Persian, and there is a need for diversity to enhance teaching and consolidation especially among a large Hmong population whose members are embracing the Faith and need deepening. Energetic youth are encouraged to consider service in this area which has a large number of young people who need deepening and attention. The friends will help find employment for families or individuals; for youth, hospitality and transportation will be provided. Please write to the Bahá’ís of Visalia, c/o Mitra Lyons, Visalia, CA 93277, or phone Ms. Lyons at 209-625-9434.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: consider Abilene, Texas, where positions are presently available for ER physician, OB/GYN physician, and pediatrician. For information, write to Dr. Peter Garza, Abilene, TX 79608, or phone 915-691-9938.

HALL COUNTY, Georgia, a mountainous, lakefront recreational community 45 minutes northeast of Atlanta, is a fine place to raise a family. Much fertile teaching is taking place, especially regarding race unity. Diverse homefront pioneers are needed—all would be treasured. Large Hispanic population; employment opportunities available as well as two local colleges. The University of Georgia is an hour away. Affordable cost of living. For information, phone Robin Neiheisel, 404-535-1355, evenings or weekends.

WOODBURN, Oregon, is poised for entry by troops! Would you like to help? Spanish-speakers are especially useful, as most of those who have enrolled here so far speak Spanish. However, about 4,000 Russian-speakers and 10,000 English-speakers also need to hear about Bahá’u’lláh. There is work for everyone. Pioneers are most welcome, as are those who can come on vacation any time of the year. Anyone who is passionate about teaching can be of enormous help. Most will need to be self-supporting; housing is relatively inexpensive. We are planning to extend and strengthen a diverse effort that has included social and economic development and long- and short-term service projects. For example, we have ongoing nightly classes in English as a second language, and need more teachers. Musicians have been of great help, and there are many possibilities for using music in the teaching work. For more information, please contact the Woodburn Coordinating Committee, c/o Jan House, P.O. Box 167, Aurora, OR 97002 (phone 503-678-5162, home, or 503-678-1085, business).

DOCTORS and other health care professionals are desperately needed to serve Indian communities in Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. This homefront pioneering opportunity includes the potential for carrying Bahá’u’lláh’s Message to American Indians. For more information, please phone Ada James at the National Teaching Committee Office, 708-869-9039.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN, Hispanic and Korean Bahá’ís are invited to become homefront pioneers to Reno, Nevada. Also invited are financially independent Bahá’ís to manage the newly acquired Bahá’í Center in downtown Reno. The community is intensely unified, as are the surrounding communities, with primary emphasis given to children and family activities. Employment is abundant, real estate and housing rentals are available at reasonable prices, there are excellent schools including the University of Nevada-Reno and community colleges, a lovely environment and no state income tax. Continuous Bahá’í activities as well as recent enrollments prompt the Spiritual Assembly of Reno to invite prospective homefront pioneers to consider Reno as a teaching and consolidation post. Contact the Spiritual Assembly of Reno, P.O. Box 6447, Reno, NV 89513.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

AFRICA—Cambodia: health care specialists. Tanzania: English teachers. AMERICAS—Chile: regional officer to support the FAO's Women in Development program for Latin America. Honduras: elementary school teachers. ASIA—Singapore: software programmer. EUROPE—Czechoslovakia: history/social studies teacher. URGENT need in Tanzania for two qualified English teachers for the Ruaha Technical Secondary School, the first Bahá’í secondary school in Africa. For more information on any of these positions, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247, Attn: Office of Pioneering.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Silvia Margolis, Dimitri Marianoff, Irma Mariasche, Carrie Marsh, Lucy Marshall (died San Francisco, 1967), Charles Marshall-Dunkel, Gale Marsolais (died Monroe, WA, 1948), and Diana Martin. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who may have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives has available 10 sets of unbound issues of World Order magazine, 1966-83, vols. 1-6, 8-17. The sets are complete except for Vol. 7. The sets will be given to any local Spiritual Assembly or other Bahá’í institution that could use them for its library or to give to local public or college libraries. Please contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

WANTED

LOOKING for four steadfast souls who would like to become members of a full-time teaching team in a small southwestern town in central Arizona with a large Spanish-speaking population. Room will be provided; however, those who are interested must have their own funds or be deputized to be able to cover personal needs, and to contribute $125 per month to help cover the cost of food and utilities. The project begins September 5 and will continue until the end of the Holy Year. Individuals, institutions and/or families who desire the bounty of deputizing a team member for all or any part of the project are welcome to write to the Spiritual Assembly of Avondale, P.O. Box 507, Avondale, AZ 85323, or to phone the secretary, Pamela Hawley, at 602-280-9983. Part-time employment is available; fluency in English and Spanish a plus!

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Philadelphia is raising funds to purchase a Center in Philadelphia that will serve the Bahá’ís in that city, the suburbs, and nearby communities. A fund-raising concert is planned for September at which donated works of art will be auctioned. Artists are asked to donate items for the auction: paintings, drawings, and any other objects of art that are portable enough to be sent through the mail and carried home from the auction in the family car. Items should be sent to the committee c/o Feridoon Aryani, Wallingford, PA 19086. Please send items no later than the end of August. Anyone who needs help with shipping and handling may phone Mr. Aryani at 215-876-4249 or Nelson McMillan, 215-873-0356.

THE ESCUELA Bilingue Bahá’í Raúl Pavón in Otavalo, Ecuador, has been functioning for nine years. We have kindergarten through sixth grade and are known in the area for having the highest academic standards. We greatly need someone to take care of our youth library. It is not necessary to have a degree in library science, just a working knowledge. It's an ideal situation for a retired person: mild year-round climate, low cost of living, and gentle mannered local people. If interested, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

WANTED: Bahá’ís who are professional journalists to form a national association, federation, network, discussion group or information exchange. Print, radio, television and cable included. How many of us are there? Please contact Carol Grady, P.O. Box 7671, Louisville, KY 40257.

WANTED: help for the Bahá’í World Congress Youth Movement Forum in November. If you are a youth who is an experienced sound/lighting technician or stage manager, and if you plan to attend the Congress and would like to help, please contact the Bahá’í World Congress Youth Movement Forum, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 119, New York, NY 10017.

I AM LOOKING for stories about Bahá’í teaching in the former Soviet Union for a book that Lynda Godwin and I are compiling. Anyone who has traveled to those republics and has a memory or a story to share may write a paragraph or even a chapter. The Universal House of Justice has encouraged the project, saying it is "sure that this collection of personal stories will be of great interest to the present teachers and to those of the future." Please send materials to Linda Brown, Winter Haven, FL 33880 (phone 813-293-3584).

FOR SALE

FOR SALE by the Spiritual Assembly of Garden Grove, California: "Love of Bahá’," a one-hour cassette of Persian chants and original songs for the Holy Year, performed by Mrs. Goli Ataii accompanied by santour, piano, tombak and violin. All proceeds to go to the Bahá’í Fund. Please make checks payable to "LSA of Garden Grove" for $9 ($7 plus $2 for shipping) and send to the local Spiritual Assembly of Garden Grove, P.O. Box 1667, Garden Grove, CA 92640.

FEAST WITH FRIENDS cookbook is now available from the Dorothy Baker Project of Colorado Inc., a non-profit organization based on Bahá’í principles that provides emergency food, clothing and household items for those in need. Other assistance provided includes counseling, resource referrals, financial help with medical and/or dental needs, and emergency housing. The DBP is staffed entirely by volunteers. To order the cookbook, please send your name, mailing address and $10 plus $2 for postage and handling per book to DBP Inc., P.O. Box 4173, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126.

MISCELLANEOUS

A RESOURCE LIST of Bahá’í environmental professionals is being compiled, the immediate purpose of which is to include Bahá’ís in overseas environmental projects with international agencies. Opportunities may be short-term or long-term with a special focus on projects in Eastern Europe. The list is being compiled in consultation with the Bahá’í International Community Office of the Environment and the International Teaching Center. If interested, please forward your résumé to Alexander Tavangar, Geo-Environmental Consultants Inc., Malvern, PA 19355. Fax 215-251-2366; telephone 215-251-0900.

YOUTH and those of all ages! Come teach the Faith this summer in northern Ohio and western Pennsylvania with the Northcoast Necklace of Lights, lovingly dedicated to the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. Youth with two weeks to give as well as traveling teachers are welcome. For information, contact the Bahá’í Youth Board of Greater Cleveland, c/o Jenkins, Cleveland, OH 44122 (phone 216-283-8526), or Lynn Farnsworth, 216-247-2135.

NOTICE to vendors at the Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference, September 18-20: The National Spiritual Assembly has a policy that requires review and approval of all materials to be sold at Bahá’í conferences. All materials must be specifically Bahá’í in nature. Please contact the National Assembly for such review and approval. To sign up for space in the Exhibit Hall at the Green Lake Conference, write to M. Naysmith, Exhibit Hall coordinator, South La Crosse, WI 54601 (phone 608-782-5793).

Rights restored

The National Spiritual Assembly has restored the administrative rights of Shahraum Sobhani of Los Angeles, California. [Page 9]

World News

At 10:30 a.m. on May 28, the President of Brazil's Federal Chamber of Deputies, Ibsen Valls Pinheiro, opened a solemn session of the Chamber called to observe the centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh.

More than 45 Federal Deputies were present along with diplomats and other prominent persons. On the podium were President Pinheiro and the Secretary of the Chamber, Deputy Waldir Pires, former governor of the state of Bahia, who invited the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil to join them.

President Pinheiro delivered the first address, testifying to the magnitude of the personality and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and quoting on several occasions His utterances on the establishment of a new World Order.

Seven leading Deputies including one woman, representing various political parties, also presented eloquent testimonies on the life, teachings, vision and transforming power of Bahá’u’lláh.

These talks, which lasted about two hours, included direct references to the beleaguered Bahá’í community of Iran, "those who with their lives testify to the ideals of justice and brotherhood"; to the social projects developed by the Faith in Brazil and around the world; to the unity of the Bahá’í community, "free from divisions"; to the Name of Bahá’u’lláh, "The Glory of God—what a beautiful name!"; to His teachings, focusing on education, world government, the equality of women and men, elimination of prejudices, and protecting the environment, with emphasis on Bahá’í participation in the UNCED Conference and Global Forum.

This photograph, taken on June 3, shows progress on construction of the underground storage building near the Shrine of the Báb, a part of the Arc Project. The Pilgrim House is in the background. (Photo by Ruhi Vargha)

Some 150 guests were present including the director of the Bahá’í International Community's Office of the Environment, Lawrence Arturo; a representative of the Bahá’í community of Uruguay; five Auxiliary Board members; seven members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil (two others were in the Holy Land for the centenary commemoration); and Bahá’í delegations from 12 Brazilian states.

President Pinheiro crowned the event by presenting the message addressed to him by the Universal House of Justice, reading it with respect and emotion. He ended the session by reading the prayer contained in that letter.

The session was followed by the launching of a commemorative rubber stamp issued by the Brazilian Federal Postal Service. The stamp was first used by President Pinheiro and dedicated to the staunch Bahá’í community of Iran.

India Bahá’í Institute receives UNEP 'Global 500' award

In June, the Bahá’í Vocational Institute for Women, a non-profit educational project in Indore, India, was among 74 individuals and groups awarded the prestigious United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) "Global 500" award. The Institute was recognized for its work in educating villagers on the prevention and eradication of guinea worms caused by contaminated water in 302 villages in central India.

The award citation reads in part: "When the program began 752 people were infected and 211,813 were at risk. Today, the district is completely free of guinea worms."

Previous recipients of the "Global 500" award, which recognizes "individuals and organizations whose everyday actions and leadership in the front lines of the environmental agenda push forward the urgent goal of safeguarding the planet and building sustainable development," have included former President Jimmy Carter, distinguished marine explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and Chico Mendes of Brazil, who was killed because of his efforts to save the country's rain forest.

Bahá’ís of Homer, Alaska, recognized for support of environmental exhibit

An issue of the Alaska Bahá’í News focusing on the environment was seen last year by Betsy Pitzman, director of the Pratt Museum in Homer.

At the time, the museum was in the process of creating a traveling exhibition about the history, science and technology associated with the Exxon Valdez oil spill and clean-up efforts. The exhibit, entitled "Darkened Waters: Profile of an Oil Spill," was to be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and at other renowned museums in the continental United States.

Impressed by the Alaska Bahá’í News and wanting to include representation from the religious communities of Homer, Ms. Pitzman arranged to have an associate meet with the Spiritual Assembly of Homer to solicit its help in funding the exhibit.

After consultation, the Assembly decided to contribute $500 to the Darkened Waters exhibit and to write to nine other religious groups in Homer, asking that each contribute a similar amount. None responded, and the Bahá’ís of Homer were the only religious group to lend financial support to the exhibit. On more than one occasion the director of the Pratt Museum has expressed her appreciation for this help, and the museum has listed the Bahá’í community of Homer as one of the contributors to the exhibit.

Bahá’í children's classes are held every Friday afternoon in Visalia, California. Various aspects of the Faith are taught. Pictured with their teachers are children and youth from Visalia and Tulare including one of the Hmong families.

The remaining schedule for the exhibit: August 29-November 29-Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville; December 19-March 14, 1993-Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh; April 3-June 27-California Museum of Science and Industry, Los Angeles; July 17-October 10-San Diego Natural History Museum; October 30-January 23, 1994-The Children's Museum, Bettendorf, Iowa; February 12-August 21- Museum of Science, Boston; September 10-December 4-The Museum of Scientific Discovery, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; December 24-March 26, 1995-Burke Museum, Seattle, Washington.

IN BRIEF

News from Netherlands, St. Vincent & Grenadines

For the first time in the history of the Dutch Bahá’í community, two Bahá’í women (Roberta Law and An Mannen) were official participants in this year's membership meeting of the Dutch Woman's Association. Mrs. Law was official representative of the Dutch Bahá’í community; Mrs. Mannen presented an introduction to the Bahá’í International Community to the more than 40 delegates, representing the largest and most influential women's organizations in all of the Netherlands.

The Attorney General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Hon. Parnel Campbell, Minister of Justice and Ecclesiastical Affairs, delivered the keynote address this year at the Bahá’í commemoration May 29 of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, congratulating the friends for their religious tolerance and expressing the hope that persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran would cease. [Page 10]

UNCED: Bahá’ís take center stage at conference, Global Forum ’92

The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) June 3-14 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, commonly known as the "Earth Summit," was the largest summit conference in history with more than 30,000 participants including 108 heads of state, representatives of 173 governments and more than 1,400 non-governmental organizations (NGOs). At least eight of the government delegations included Bahá’ís.

A simultaneous parallel conference, the ’92 Global Forum, was the umbrella event under which a constellation of NGO activities took place. At least 140 Bahá’ís from every continent including members of the Continental Boards of Counselors, National Spiritual Assembly members and their representatives, and representatives from the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) attended. In all, the Forum drew more than 20,000 representatives of 11,000 NGOs from 170 countries. It is estimated that more than 400,000 visitors viewed the NGO booths and displays. The Global Forum was by far the largest gathering of NGOs in history.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil and the BIC Office of the Environment worked together for more than two years to assure an extensive, coordinated and unified Bahá’í presence at the Global Forum and to maximize Bahá’í impact on the UNCED process.

The stunning results of this collaboration were the Bahá’í booth and display at the Global Forum; the creation of "Tomorrow Belongs to the Children," a book of children's art and essays on the environment; the coordination of a series of 14 special cultural "Evenings in the Park" events; the erection of a permanent peace monument in Rio; the oral presentation of a Bahá’í statement to the plenary session of UNCED; a daylong symposium on "Values and Institutional Changes for a Sustainable Society," and the distribution of hundreds of thousands of specially created Bahá’í brochures.

STATEMENT TO PLENARY SESSION

The BIC was one of only 12 NGOs, of more than 1,400 accredited to the Earth Summit, to present oral statements to the plenary session, the only body to which statements were addressed.

The Bahá’í statement, "The Most Vital Challenge (full text on page 11)," was read to the plenary on June 4, and was the only statement read on behalf of a religion or religious group. The statement was so well received that several hundred copies were taken by government representatives, religious officials or NGOs. A live country-wide television broadcast of the plenary session engendered many requests for the statement from viewers.

"TOMORROW BELONGS..."

Bahá’í schools throughout the world were invited to submit entries of children's drawings and essays on the environment for judging. A selection was made from among the thousands of entries, and the final drawings were reproduced in a book entitled "Tomorrow Belongs to the Children."

The contest and book were undertaken and prepared by the BIC and the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil with support from UNICEF (the United Nations Children's Fund). The 15,000 first-run copies were financed by Asma. The BIC donated 7,500 copies to UNICEF for sale worldwide.

The book is prefaced by letters of introduction from the secretary-general of the Earth Summit, the administrator-general of the Bahá’í International Community, the executive director of UNICEF, and the president of Asma, a Brazilian-based association.

When a copy of the book was presented to James Grant, executive director of UNICEF, he promised to ensure that copies would be presented to every head of state in the world.

Bahá’í BOOTH, DISPLAY

The Bahá’í booth, at the crossroads of Forum terrain, drew an unending stream of visitors. A display of materials in four languages (English, French, Portuguese and Spanish) included a map of the world with the locations of Bahá’í development projects, radio stations, Houses of Worship, educational programs, and the Bahá’í World Center.

Included in the literature were "International Legislation for Environment and Development"; "Women and Men: Partnership for a Healthy Planet"; "Earth Charter," and "Spiritual Foundations for an Ecologically Sustainable Society" (English and Portuguese).

An estimated 60,000 visitors took literature, while 20,000 people from more than 103 countries spent additional time at the booth asking questions. At least 143 press representatives from more than 85 newspapers, television networks, radio stations and magazines visited the booth.

High-ranking officials who expressed an interest in the display included the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the President of Iceland, ambassadors, ministers, and U.S. senators and congressmen.

EVENING SERIES

Recognized for its experience in working with diverse groups of people, the BIC was given the responsibility for organizing a variety of musical and dance performances for each evening of the conference.

These events, called "The Evening Series in the Park," took place in the Flamenco Park Amphitheater in Rio. The programs were designed to showcase the diversity of humanity. Between 2,000-4,000 people attended each of the gatherings where, released from their own agendas, they could mingle and relax.

The final evening, a four-hour event called "The Unity Show," featured six Bahá’í performances. Brazilian dances, Lakota Indian flute music and dance, a children's choir, popular Brazilian music, Andean music, and jazz were interspersed with readings of excerpts from "The Promise of World Peace." The statements, projected on two large TV screens, were warmly applauded by the audience.

ONE-DAY SYMPOSIUM

"Values and Institutional Changes for a Sustainable Society" was the topic of a day-long symposium conducted by the BIC at the Global Forum. The keynote address was presented by Sir Geoffrey Palmer, former Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Panelists included Dr. Rosina Wiltshire, member of the board of directors, The Environmental Liaison Centre International; Koy Thomson, program director, International Institute for Environment and Development; Dr. Elizabeth Bowen, president-elect, Physicians for Social Responsibility; Dr. Eloy Anello, member of the Continental Board of Counselors; and Prof. Maria de Lourdes Montenegro Holzman, Federal University of Parana, Brazil. The focus of the workshop was "Redefining Leadership."

Many NGOs asked for the results so they could share them with their membership. A publication of the results will be made available as soon as it is compiled.

PEACE MONUMENT

The Bahá’í International Community and the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil commissioned this Peace Monument as a gift to the people of Rio de Janeiro and as a permanent symbol of the Global Forum held there in June.

The Peace Monument was an initiative of the BIC and the Bahá’í community of Brazil with support of the mayor's office of Rio de Janeiro and the ’92 Global Forum.

The monument was designed by Siron Franko, an internationally known Brazilian sculptor who declared his faith in Bahá’u’lláh during a radio interview prior to the dedication.

The monument will stand as a timeless symbol of the Earth Summit and the Global Forum and will remain as a gift to the people of Rio de Janeiro, the hosts of the historic conferences.

The monument, which is five meters (16 1/2 feet) high and designed in the shape of an hour glass, symbolizes the fact that time is running out for the nations of the world to achieve a lasting peace. The bottom half of the monument represents the material reality of the human condition; the top half represents the spiritual reality.

The monument's mid-section represents the point at which these two realities meet the point where concrete expression can be given to the lofty spiritual ideals of peace and unity.

The words "The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens—Bahá’u’lláh" are inscribed in four languages on the upper four sides, while on the lower four sides "World Peace" is inscribed in more than 40 languages. At the top of the monument is the Bahá’í ringstone symbol.

Children from various countries, representing the diversity of the human family, poured soil from nations around the world into the monument's hollow structure in a gesture symbolic of the international cooperation and unity required to establish world peace. Soil from other countries will be added each year on World Environment Day.

Invitations to the monument's dedication ceremony were delivered personally to all government delegations, many UN officials, a great number of media representatives, and thousands of NGO representatives. At the close of the dedication, dignitaries and other guests saw the unveiling of a bronze plaque with the inscription "Dedicated to the peoples and nations of the world" together with an explanation of the monument's symbolic meaning.

The hour glass sculpture, accepted as the official monument of the Global Forum, has become the de facto symbol of the Earth Summit as well, and is becoming a known landmark in Rio.

U.S. ACTIVITIES AT UNCED

The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States was, through its Washing- [Page 11]

THE MOST VITAL CHALLENGE

A paper presented by the Bahá’í International Community Office of the Environment to the Plenary of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, June 4, 1992.

Beyond such technical and political questions as what limits should be placed on greenhouse gases, how can sustainable development be promoted, and who will pay for it all, the fundamental question facing the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) is this: Can humanity, with the entrenched patterns of conflict, self-interest and short-sighted behavior, commit itself to enlightened cooperation and long-range planning on a global scale?

The UNCED process has highlighted both the complexity and the interdependence of the problems facing humanity. None of these problems—the debilitating inequities of development, the apocalyptic threats of atmospheric warming and ozone depletion, the oppression of women, the neglect of children and marginalized peoples, to name but a few—can be realistically addressed without considering all the others. None can be fully addressed without a magnitude of cooperation and coordination at all levels that far surpasses anything in humanity's collective experience.

The potential for such cooperation is, however, undermined by the general debasement of human character. Although not commonly discussed in relation to the challenges of environment and development, there are current in the world certain trends—including the widespread lack of moral discipline, the glorification of greed and material accumulation, the increasing breakdown of family and community, the rise of lawlessness and disorder, the ascendancy of racism and bigotry, and the priority given to national interests over the welfare of humanity—all of which destroy confidence and trust, the foundations of collaboration.

The reversal of these destructive trends is essential to the establishment of unity and cooperation. This reversal will require a deeper understanding of human nature. For, although economics, politics, sociology and science offer important tools for addressing the interdependent crises facing humanity, a true resolution of the dangerous state of affairs in the world can only be realized when the spiritual dimension of human nature is taken into account and the human heart is transformed.

Although there are mystical aspects that are not easily explained, the spiritual dimension of human nature can be understood, in practical terms, as the source of qualities that transcend narrow self-interest. Such qualities include love, compassion, forbearance, trustworthiness, courage, humility, cooperation and willingness to sacrifice for the common good—qualities of an enlightened citizenry, able to construct a unified world civilization.

The profound and far-reaching changes, the unity and unprecedented cooperation required to reorient the world toward an environmentally sustainable and just future, will only be made possible by touching the human spirit, by appealing to those universal values which alone can empower individuals and peoples to act in accordance with the long-term interests of the planet and humanity as a whole. Once tapped, this powerful and dynamic source of individual and collective motivation will release such a profound and salutary spirit among the peoples of the earth that no power will be able to resist its unifying force.

The fundamental spiritual truth of our age is the oneness of humanity. Universal acceptance of this principle—with its implications for social and economic justice, universal participation in non-adversarial decision-making, peace and collective security, equality of the sexes, and universal education—will make possible the reorganization and administration of the world as one country, the home of humankind.

John Major (left photo), Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, accepts information on the Faith from a young Bahá’í during Mr. Major's visit to the Global Forum '92 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Also visiting was Her Excellency President Vigdís Finnbogadóttir of Iceland (right photo), who was given information on the Faith and a description of Bahá’í activities at the Global Forum and UNCED conference by Bahá’í Guity Milani.

At the dedication ceremony for the Peace Monument in Rio, Sharokh Pezeshk (below left), coordinator of the Peace Monument project, talks with Siron Franko, the renowned Brazilian architect who designed the monument. Mr. Franko declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh during a radio interview a few days before the monument was dedicated. To their left is a display of soil for the monument received from 42 countries.

Washington, D.C., office, active for more than a year in NGO preparations for the Global Forum meetings in Brazil.

Peter Adriance, the National Assembly's liaison with Non-Governmental Organizations, is secretary of the U.S. Citizens' Network on UNCED, which includes more than 600 organizations involved in Earth Summit follow-up.

Mr. Adriance is co-chairman of the Network's working group that prepared a draft Earth Charter, part of a continuing effort by NGOs to influence an Earth Charter that, it is hoped, will eventually form the ethical framework for decisions on environment and development.

At the Global Forum, Mr. Adriance attended a briefing for U.S. citizens by 10 U.S. Senators and a "Town Meeting" with Congressmen, personally distributed to many national delegations invitations to the dedication of the Peace Monument, and hand-carried to the conference the sample of U.S. soil provided by the Soil and Conservation Service to be deposited in the Peace Monument.

As one of three spokespersons on the Earth Charter Treaty at a press conference, Mr. Adriance was later interviewed about Bahá’í perspectives on unity in diversity, consultation, and the independent search for truth.

On the last night of the "Evening Series in the Park," programs of entertainment planned by the BIC and National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil, U.S. Bahá’í Kevin Locke and his daughter performed traditional American Indian music and dance, while Bahá’í Mike Longo and his trio entertained the audience of several thousand with their superb renditions of American jazz.

THEME OF UNITY

A strong unity of purpose, dedication to service, the close collaboration of Bahá’í institutions, communities and individuals, and—undoubtedly—the spiritual energy released by the Holy Year combined to garner for the Bahá’ís an impact and influence undreamed of when initial preparations for these historic meetings were begun.

The theme of the unity of humankind, of the need to eliminate the barriers between nations and peoples and to recognize our essential unity, was put forward by many speakers in an unprecedented manner at both the Earth Summit and Global Forum. As Warren Lindner, co-chairman of the Global Forum, expressed it during the dedication of the Peace Monument, "These historic meetings are not about the environment or about development, they are about the words of Bahá’u’lláh on this monument: 'The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.'"

Bahá’í materials

There are some countries in which Bahá’ís must observe special caution with respect to what Bahá’í materials, including prayer books, jewelry and I.D. cards, can be brought into the country. These restrictions are determined by the laws of that country or by specific instructions from the Universal House of Justice. They are a protection not only for Bahá’ís who may reside in those countries, but also for the Bahá’ís who may be traveling there.

It is always helpful to contact the Office of Pioneering before taking any trip so as to be sure to receive any necessary information and advice. If you are planning a trip overseas, write to the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039. [Page 12]

Modesto community welcomes 26 new Bahá’ís in June

Excitement is building among the Bahá’ís in Modesto, California, where no less than 26 new Bahá’ís of Southeast Asian background were added to the community in June, nearly one per day.

THIS HAS come about as a result of a few Bahá’ís visiting Southeast Asians in the community for a couple of years, becoming their friends and earning their trust. Now each time the Bahá’ís pay a visit they find that friends or family members of the Southeast Asians are accepting the Faith. Following are parts of several reports received from a member of the Modesto Bahá’í community's Southeast Asian Teaching Institute:

"So much is happening here I don't know where to start. I am enclosing a declaration form for Ry Meng. I love her very much. She suffers from post-traumatic syndrome from her torture in Cambodia; she is barely able to speak. Cynthia [Christensen] and I have visited [her] and said healing prayers.

"Tony Arrington, a Bahá’í who relocated from Southern California and is acting chairman of the Central Valley Race Unity Task Force, accompanied me to visit Southeast Asians and said he felt 'a spirit [he] couldn't describe.'

"Sophean Yin, a Cambodian Bahá’í from Modesto, is an acting member of the Task Force. Her four-year-old nephew died recently. Cynthia purchased flowers for the funeral, and several Bahá’ís attended. The family was happy to see us there and was extremely gracious to us even at a time of great sorrow. I can't remember when I have been so moved, and am always reminded how much the Asian culture has to offer the world.

"ON JUNE 7, Seuth Bouthsing-khone's daughter, Ladda, celebrated her eighth birthday. Seuth and his wife, Somsavay, a long-time Laotian Bahá’í now living in Modesto, invited many of their relatives and friends to dinner, including myself and several other Bahá’ís. We had a wonderful time, and before the party was over four people had declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

"The Bouthsingkhones and the Keosavangs, another Bahá’í family, are teaching all of their friends and relatives, and have attracted many people to the Faith. Seuth Bouthsingkhone and Kamphay Keosavang carried a large TV into the backyard with a VCR and played a Bahá’í video for the adults. Wendy Scott (of Ceres, California) spoke briefly about Bahá’u’lláh, and Kamphay translated into Lao.

"On June 22, I visited Mom Chhun and her husband, Sophean. We had a good fireside with Sophean's mother and father and sister-in-law. All three declared, and Sophean said he has many friends he is teaching who want someone to explain more to them.

"I have contacted our assistant to the Auxiliary Board. She is willing to help our community and, as you know, is a competent and dedicated Bahá’í. We are overwhelmed, but we have such a wonderful problem!" —Jennifer Muratore

Pictured are Mrs. Somsamay Bouthsingkhone, Laotian Bahá’í Keosavang and Mrs. Somsavay California, who taught the Faith sisters now living in Modesto, to many people at a Lao New Year celebration.

National Assembly Secretariat for External Affairs moves

The National Spiritual Assembly's Secretariat for External Affairs has moved. As of August 1, the new address is 1320 Nineteenth St. N.W., Washington, DC 20036. The new telephone number is 833-8990.

Through its Secretariat for External Affairs, the National Spiritual Assembly coordinates U.S. Bahá’í relations with federal and state government agencies and officers, nationally prominent persons, and national non-governmental organizations.

33rd Annual Greenlake Conference

September 18-20, 1992 1:00 PM Friday to 1:00 PM Sunday Registration begins Friday at 11:00 AM, Kraft Administration Bldg.

"Know Thou The Value of These Days"

These words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá have been chosen as the conference theme during this Holy Year. An outstanding program will again bring together inspiring speakers, interludes of meditation and prayer, intertwined with exceptional creations by artists and performers, and unique audio-visual presentations. Children's programs are planned. Suheil Bushrui, Ernestine Berkey and Robert Harris will be integral components of an exciting Youth Program. Some of the major topics of the conference will be: Bahá’u’lláh, the Covenant, the Kitab'i'Aqdas, and the Holy Year.

Speakers Include: Dr. Suheil Bushrui, Professor & Holder of First Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland Mrs. Javidukht Khadem, Auxiliary Board Member for Protection Mr. Robert Harris, Former member of the Continental Board of Counselors and Auxiliary Board now serving on Media Task Force for the World Congress Mr. Kevin Locke, Auxiliary Board Member for Propagation Dr. Jenna Khodadad, Doctor of Molecular Biology & Professor at Rush Medical School Mr. Robert Malouf, Auxiliary Board Member for Propagation Mrs. Ernestine Berkey, Commissioner on Black Affairs for the State of Oregon and Consultant for Synergy II

Two Friday Forums Each will be offered twice: 1-2:45 & 3:15-5 "Attracting the Holy Spirit"...Prayer and Meditation Robert Malouf, Manijeh Khorshidi "Bringing the Holy Spirit Home"...Family Life Dick & Ann Rundall Note: No child care available during Forums

Additional Program Information For additional program-related information or a copy of the conference flyer, contact: Carolyn Malouf, Secretary Covington Square Cedarburg, WI 53012 or call (414) 375-0159 after 6 PM

Children/Youth Program "Connecting the Heart to Bahá’u’lláh" Nursery through youth programs. Pre-registration correspondence should be directed to: Janine Petersen, Children & Youth Registrar, Stoughton, WI 53589, (608) 873-0962. All children and youth must pre-register!

Accommodations & Meal Registration All housing and meal registrations should be made as soon as possible directly with the American Baptist Assembly, Registration, Green Lake, WI 54941, Phone (414) 294-3323 or (800) 558-8898.

Conference Fees Ages up to 11- no charge Overnight adult 12 and up: $15.00 Overnight child under 12: $10.00 Day guests adults/children: $10.00 Maximum family fee: $40.00 Grounds fee-day guests: $ 2.50 Fees are payable at the time of registration only. Do not send payment in advance.

Louhelen invites applications for ‘Pathways to Service’ program

The Louhelen Bahá’í School invites applications from Bahá’ís accomplished in their vocations or professions to serve as distinguished faculty in its "Pathways to Service" program. The program has these goals:

(1) To honor the contributions and abilities of Bahá’ís who are accomplished in a wide variety of vocations and professions.

(2) To assure that the valuable knowledge, experience and skill of accomplished Bahá’ís is shared with the next generation in a way that encourages younger people to develop a spiritualized and practical vision of how they can serve humanity and the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

(3) To encourage an "apprentice-like" structure that links one mature and talented faculty with a maximum of three youth in an excellent mentoring relationship through which youth can be encouraged to develop a mature, deepened pattern of basic life skills and attitudes toward service.

(4) To help young people who are serious about personal development and service to gain some basic experience and knowledge in direct relation to spiritual deepening in a climate of the highest moral standards and aspirations to serve Bahá’u’lláh.

(5) To involve distinguished Bahá’ís directly in empowering the lives of others through sharing their own spiritual and material development process.

(6) To help the Louhelen Bahá’í School through the contributed service of Bahá’ís.

Applications to serve as distinguished faculty are warmly invited from Bahá’ís in a wide variety of vocations and professions. Degrees, professional honors or formal positions are not the primary criteria used to evaluate applications—the overall experience, evidence of professional or vocational contributions, attitudes toward service, and high moral character are most important.

We are seeking those whose lives speak strongly of devotion to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, mature understanding of service, and a desire and capacity to share their skills and understanding with others. Excellent cooks are as welcome as computer professionals, carpenters as much needed as fine librarians.

OUTLINE OF THE PROGRAM

Individual Bahá’ís or couples may apply. Sorry, families cannot be accommodated.

Those chosen will serve as distinguished faculty for at least one year, during which they will live at the Louhelen school and provide service in their area of expertise.

During the residency period, Louhelen will provide room and board and full participation in the school's active conference/workshop schedule.

"Pathways to Service" faculty will provide 30 hours of service per week in a "hands-on" teaching mode with youth also assigned to the service area.

The faculty, in consultation with Louhelen's administration, will also be directly involved in ongoing deepening programs with youth.

•No more than four distinguished faculty will be in residence at any one time, and a maximum of eight youth Year-of-Service participants will be in residence at any one time.

•Youth involved in the program will gain basic but solid training in a particular vocational area; will take part in a well-planned program of deepening and spiritual development; will learn first-hand about the rewards and challenges of service with the help of mature, experienced servants of the Cause; and will leave the program with tangible, relevant life skill experience that can provide a foundation for future life-long service.

•The highest standards of Bahá’í conduct will be expected of all participants in the program.

Youth who successfully complete the program will be given formal letters of reference specifically acknowledging tangible life skills gained, and as part of the program will receive help in developing communication skills including résumé writing.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Prospective distinguished faculty may receive application materials by writing to Dr. Rick Johnson, director, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033; fax 313-653-7181). Youth who are interested in exploring a Year of Service through the "Pathways to Service" program may write to the same address.

"...the paramount purpose of all Bahá’í activity is teaching. All that has been done or will be done revolves around this central activity, the 'head cornerstone of the foundation itself,' to which all progress in the Cause is due. The present challenge calls for teaching on a scale and of a quality, a variety, and intensity outstripping all current efforts." —The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 1988 [Page 13]

Innovation leads to victory in Green Bay, Miami (Ohio) Valley

Among the many communities now involved in activities to promote the Bahá’í vision of unity are several whose rewarding efforts have spanned months of careful planning and implementation. Key to their successes are a spirit of unified cooperation among the believers and the presentation of Bahá’í principles in well-considered and effective ways.

TWO outstanding examples are the communities of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the Miami Valley area of Ohio, where different approaches, in the spirit of the "unity in diversity of actions" called for by the Universal House of Justice, have led to unprecedented victories for the Cause of God in their respective areas.

The Bahá’ís of Green Bay began planning a multi-phased "Vision of Race Unity" project in late 1991. Phase I, a public meeting, took place in December, and featured a panel of Bahá’í speakers—one African-American, one American Indian, and one white—who gave presentations on race unity. The audience included more than 100 non-Bahá’ís of diverse backgrounds, among whom were many community leaders in education, law, religion and other fields.

Enthusiastic audience participation indicated a readiness and strong desire on the part of all present to pursue the vision of racial harmony in concrete ways, thereby setting the stage for Phase II in March of this year.

For this event—a dinner and discussion 200 diverse community leaders 1 to launching a local grassroots movement for improving human relations. Speakers included the mayor of the nearby city of DePere, the district attorney, the director of education for the Catholic Diocese, and six other community leaders.

After the presentations the 85 attendees consulted in groups of six to eight to identify sources of disunity, possible activities to promote harmony, and related topics. The suggestions gleaned formed the basis for Phase III, held in May.

THE GOAL of this meeting was to form strategies and working committees to develop the various aspects of unity outlined in Phase II. These included intercultural, racial, educational, service, media and children/youth approaches.

Attendance was far greater than expected, and included a state Senator and representatives from the U.S. Postal Service and the Social Security Administration.

Also attending, for the second time, were representatives of United Way, who had been about to launch a campaign similar to the one developed by the Bahá’ís. In the end, United Way decided to throw its support behind the Bahá’í effort, strongly recommending to its members and to other groups that they do likewise.

Press coverage for the event was outstanding. The city's largest daily newspaper ran a front-page article the same day, under the headline, "Bahá’í, United Way Join to Unite Area's Cultures." On the following day another front-page piece appeared, entitled "Taskforce Wages War on Racism." Two days later the newspaper published a highly favorable editorial. The meeting also received significant radio and television coverage.

A great many of those present volunteered to serve in various ways, and were organized into committees to prepare for the next general meeting, scheduled for the end of June.

ACTIVITIES IN MIAMI VALLEY

David Seagraves, a Bahá’í from Dayton, Ohio, was interviewed by a local television station at that community's Race Unity Day celebration held in the courthouse square. All three local stations aired coverage of the event. The Dayton Daily News published a feature article on the front page of the following day's Metro section.

Since 1977 the Bahá’ís of Ohio's Miami Valley have sponsored an annual Human Rights Award banquet to honor local groups and individuals who have performed meritorious services in that field. For many years the theme of the United Nations was used in selecting honorees.

IN 1991, however, after the publication of "The Vision of Race Unity," the banquet's planners decided to change the Race Unity." They also decided to hold a public workshop for healing racism, which was scheduled for the day before the Human Rights event.

More than 200 invitations announcing the meetings were sent to area organizations and individuals, including police and fire departments, social service agencies, local governments, school boards, university officials and prominent persons. One local television station broadcast public service announcements for a month before the events.

The "Healing Racism Workshop," held last December 14, attracted 66 people. Several of the non-Bahá’í guests expressed interest in an ongoing series of discussions. The next evening's Human Rights banquet drew 90 people. Half of these were not Bahá’ís, and many of them had attended the workshop.

The response to both events was remarkable: one young man enrolled in the Faith just outside the banquet room, and a woman who attended the banquet declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh the next day. Although both had studied in firesides, it was clear in each case that these gatherings were the catalyst for their acceptance of the Faith.

In January, area Bahá’ís met informally to deepen on The Power of Unity and study "The Vision of Race Unity," and to consult on further public presentations. The believers decided to establish several series of "Dialogues" on race unity, using the format of the Houston (Texas) Institute for the Healing of Racism.

Reports of race unity activities sought

What is your community doing to foster race unity? The National Spiritual Assembly is collecting reports of race unity-related activities from across the country. If you or your Bahá’í community are involved in such activities, please send a written report (with photos when available) to the National Teaching Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone the Teaching Office at 708-869-9039.

From January 7 to June 2, a total of 15 dialogues were held in Kettering and Dayton. An eight-session series is presently under way in Lebanon. Invitations to the attended the workshop and banquet, as well as to a few others. Attendance has ranged from 10 to 25, with some driving as far as 70 miles to attend. Feedback has been positive and strong bonds have been established among participants.

MANY CONTACTS were also made with groups working for racial understanding. Some of them have expressed interest in holding "in-house" dialogues in collaboration with the Bahá’ís.

Another significant development was the formation in 1990 of the "Unity Teaching Institute" in Dayton, which was responsible for this year's successful Race Unity Day celebration in Dayton's Courthouse Square.

Advance publicity was an important factor in the success of the event: a member of the Institute personally visited every media outlet in the Miami Valley. T-shirts bearing the slogan "Dayton, Ohio, Race Unity Capital, Year 2000" were printed and sold, and thousands of colorful fliers were distributed.

As a result, the celebration received extensive media coverage. One local radio station broadcast an interview with a member of the Institute, and all three television stations broadcast news of the event.

Miami Valley Bahá’ís plan to hold this year's Human Rights banquet on the theme of "The Oneness of Humanity." They plan to continue Dialogues on Racism, and believers from nearby cities have asked for help in planning similar efforts in their own communities.

DIVINE CONFIRMATIONS

In Miami Valley as well as in Green Bay, the friends have seen their work evolve in ways far beyond what was originally envisioned, and in virtually all of them patterns have been established for productive, ongoing teaching activity. Both areas are proof of the Divine assistance that confirms the efforts of those who arise with unity and purpose to obey the call to teach and proclaim the Cause of God.

'Brilliant Stars in Holy Year' weekend conference draws nearly 100 young Bahá’ís ages 5-14 to McKenna, Wash.

"Brilliant Stars in the Holy Year," a special weekend conference geared to Bahá’ís ages 5 to 14, attracted nearly 100 children and adults from Washington and Oregon May 2-3 at Brighton Creek Conference Grounds in McKenna, Washington.

Conference classes focused on three areas: "Who is Bahá’u’lláh and how can I please Him?"; "What makes us holy?"; and the "Who's, what's, why's, when's and how's of the World Congress in New York City."

Area youth, with help from the adults, taught the classes and inspired the youngsters with their energy, enthusiasm and knowledge.

One of the highlights of the weekend was an international dinner and celebration. Children dressed up in costumes from various countries and learned about the wide variety of cultures that will be represented at the World Congress in November.

Two American Indian youth performed a Friendship Song and Round Dance, which was followed by a candlelight ceremony in which children stood on a large world map to illustrate how Bahá’u’lláh's light has spread across the planet.

Children took home several craft projects including prayer beads and tie-dyed T-shirts. Children and adults also shared in making a "Blessed is the Spot" quilt to be sent to the World Congress. [Page 14]

Algunos pensamientos sobre profundización

Notas de una serie de charlas dadas por el Consejero Farzam Arbab, Octubre de 1989. Esta es la segunda parte del artículo sobre expansión que iniciamos en el número anterior.

Ya hemos mencionado que las palabras constituyen el instrumento básico de la enseñanza, pero las palabras que son penetrantes, que realmente conducen al entendimiento. Estas palabras tienen que venir de una persona quien, además de tener amor y fe y cumplir con un número de otras condiciones espirituales, también posee una cierta cantidad de sabiduría. El maestro tiene que ver las necesidades del buscador, ser capaz de conversar con el buscador, escuchar al buscador, y luego poder presentar la fe en una secuencia de ideas que realmente ayude a la persona a entender el mensaje de Bahá’u’lláh y alcanzar las orillas del mar de Su Revelación. Así, el maestro tiene que impartir el mensaje de tal forma que no agobie a la nueva alma; no es sabio tratar de decir todo lo que uno sabe al mismo tiempo. Uno tiene que pensar en las necesidades del buscador y decir como la persona pueda comprender en ese momento - ni más, ni menos. Las palabras tienen que ser de tal forma que el buscador se sienta liberado, liberado de las cadenas que lo sujetan. Y especialmente, las palabras tienen que ser tales que doten de poder al buscador. No es tan necesario que los nuevos creyentes sepan muchos detalles, pero sí tienen que sentir que al volverse Bahá’ís están siendo habilitados para realizar algo en este mundo. Puede ser que ellos aún no sepan qué es, pero simplemente el sentir que ya no serán más víctimas impotentes de la sociedad, que participarán en algo mucho más grande que ellos mismos, es algo que un maestro efectivo puede comunicar a cada nuevo creyente. Los nuevos creyentes pueden fácilmente comprender el hecho de que no importa qué tan pocos puedan contribuir, qué tan pequeñas sean sus capacidades, ellos van a poder efectuar cambios importantes en el mundo y contribuir al establecimiento del Reino de Dios sobre la tierra. Entonces, el mensaje tiene que ser otorgador de poder. La enseñanza no es simplemente un acto misionero de conversión; es un acto de liberar todo el potencial espiritual.

LA SIGUIENTE pregunta que uno puede hacerse es: Si la enseñanza es todo esto, ¿cuánto tiempo realmente toma el maestro antes de que se inscriba el nuevo creyente? Más que todo la gente ha oído de los problemas aparentes de lo que llamamos enseñanza en masa, ellos son los que tienden a decir: “¡Pero eso no se puede hacer en unos pocos minutos! ¿Cómo puede ser? Yo demoré tres años en sentir esos sentimientos. ¿Cómo puede alguien lograr ‎lo mismos lo mismo‎ en unas horas, aún en minutos?”. Ahora, este es un hecho que todos debemos aceptar: El tiempo no tiene nada que ver con lo que estamos hablando. Demora años para algunas personas alcanzar este punto de entendimiento, de sentirse realizados en todo su potencial; y para llegar allí parece que ellos necesitan saber toda clase de detalles de la Fe. Otros pueden hacerlo en pocos minutos y no necesitan saber todos los detalles; ellos lo sienten y aceptan. Eso no quiere decir que después no deban pasar por un proceso de profundización para aprender acerca de los detalles y mucho más importante que los detalles es el aumentar su conocimiento y entendimiento de las verdades básicas de la Fe. Entonces, no estamos diciendo que el conocimiento no es importante y que no toma tiempo absorber conocimiento nuevo. Es sólo que en el acto de aceptar a Bahá’u’lláh, como lo hemos descrito, el tiempo es relevante sólo en el sentido de que es distinto para diferentes personas. La aceptación puede ocurrir en un minuto o puede tomar cincuenta años. Y el error más grande que podemos cometer es decir: “Como yo me demoré tanto tiempo, no puedo creer que éste pueda hacerlo tan rápido”. Este es uno de los problemas que surgen a raíz de la incredulidad que muchos Bahá’ís muestran hacia la enseñanza en masa.

Si pudieran ver la historia de la Fe, verán que la aceptación no debió haber dependido mucho del tiempo. Para darles un ejemplo, cuando Mullá Husayn pasó por Isfahán la primera vez y conoció al cribador de trigo, quien más tarde participó en los acontecimientos de Tabarsí, ellos tuvieron una conversación y el cribador de trigo aceptó al Báb. ¿Qué piensan que le dijo Mullá Husayn? ¿Qué creen que el cribador de trigo, aparentemente un hombre sencillo, pudo haber sentido? ¿Cuánto tiempo creen que tomó ‎está esta‎ conversación? Aceptó o no aceptó al Báb? Pudo ser que alguien hubiera dicho, “¿Es él un verdadero Babí, o es un Babí de papel?” Claramente, él era un verdadero Babí. Pero, por supuesto, el maestro era Mullá Husayn; el fuego era extremadamente fuerte y condujo al encendimiento. El cribador de trigo fue dotado de poder. Ya no era un residente cualquiera de Isfahán. Estoy seguro que la transformación no ocurrió de la noche a la mañana; pasaron otras cosas en su vida antes de que fuera a Tabarsí. Pero el punto es que se inició un proceso de profunda transformación durante esa corta conversación inicial.

AHORA VAMOS a otro punto sobre la enseñanza que de tiempo en tiempo ha sido causa de desacuerdo entre los creyentes: la cuestión de la enseñanza individual versus la enseñanza en masa. Por una razón infortunada, que yo nunca he entendido, se ha creado una dualidad en las mentes de muchos creyentes, una clase de dicotomía que separa estos dos métodos de enseñanza. Alguien se preguntará, “¿Cuál es buena, la enseñanza individual o la enseñanza en masa? ¿Cuál es el verdadero camino?” Pero si lo piensa, la dicotomía no tiene ningún sentido. Al examinar los Escritos se hace evidente que la enseñanza individual es el deber de cada Bahá’í. Es una expresión natural de amor: “Yo amo este amigo. Entonces tengo que enseñarle. ¿Cómo no podría enseñarle?. Si tengo contacto con la gente, donde sea, y siento amor por ellos, aún si no es una relación muy profunda, sin embargo si siento algo de amor, es bastante natural que me gustaría enseñarles.” Esto es algo que debemos hacer durante nuestras vidas, aprovechando cada oportunidad. Al hacer esto, debemos usar todo método que sea digno y nos funcione efectivamente. De especial importancia para la enseñanza individual es, por supuesto, la idea de las hogareñas, las cuales cada individuo debe esforzarse por tener cada 19 días. Una hogareña es un medio de enseñanza muy efectivo, pero por supuesto tiene que ser una ocasión sumamente espiritual y enfocada. A veces las hogareñas se usan solamente como eventos de proclamación. Eso quiere decir, que aunque se llaman hogareñas, no van más allá de la diseminación de información sobre la Fe. Cuando las hogareñas están vibrando con el espíritu de la Fe, cuando están imbuidas con el espíritu del amor y la hospitalidad y conducen a conversaciones profundas sobre temas que llevan a los buscadores al nuevo entendimiento espiritual, es asombroso ver qué tan rápido y consistentemente conducen a declaraciones. Para que una hogareña tenga éxito, por supuesto, tienen que llevarse regularmente nuevos buscadores. Eso quiere decir que no se puede dejar al azar la enseñanza individual. Tiene que ser ejecutada en forma sistemática. Este concepto de enseñanza sistemática, el cual se aplica a la enseñanza individual y en grupo, será la siguiente idea que estudiaremos.

Si examinamos los Escritos, especialmente la guía del Guardián y luego la de la Casa Universal de Justicia, es muy claro que en adición a la enseñanza individual, hay también un llamado a lo referimos como enseñanza colectiva, enseñanza planeada por la comunidad. La enseñanza sistemática no es sólo para el individuo, como un deber personal de su propia vida; también leemos mucho sobre la enseñanza sistemática de la comunidad, de la comunidad local, regional y nacional, y hay mucho espacio para proyectos internacionales. Obviamente, existe en la Fe la necesidad de la enseñanza sistemática de la comunidad, la enseñanza colectiva planeada.

Una cosa que es importante considerar en este contexto es que un plan de enseñanza no puede reducirse a la declaración de principios y una lista de cómo deben ser las cosas idealmente. Por ejemplo, un comité puede decir, “Tenemos un plan de enseñanza y consiste en pedir a todos los creyentes en la comunidad que oren y enseñan todos los días”. Bueno, este no es un plan; es una declaración de principio. Un plan sistemático para una comunidad, promovido por una institución de la Fe, una Asamblea Local, un comité, una Asamblea Nacional, debe tener ciertos elementos sin los cuales es difícil ver cómo está sucediendo la enseñanza sistemática en realidad. Me parece que una de las condiciones más importantes es que el plan debe enfocar la atención de la comunidad en una población específica. No puede simplemente enseñarse en abstracto. No se puede decir, “Bueno, el plan es que todos vivan la vida y vean a quién Dios le pone en su camino”. Es una declaración válida pero no constituye un plan sistemático de acción. Estoy seguro de que hay otras formas de pensar en un plan, pero de las más efectivas que yo haya visto son las que enfocan la atención en una grupo específico: “Vamos a enseñar a esta gente, a los habitantes de estas veredas, a los de los barrios de nuestra ciudad, a los alumnos de estos colegios, a los trabajadores en estas fábricas, a los comerciantes en nuestra ciudad, a los estudiantes extranjeros en esta universidad, a los miembros de tales y tales movimientos”. Deben escoger alguna población de entre la población total del mundo. Por supuesto, no tenemos que enfocarnos solamente en una población. Si nuestra comunidad es fuerte, tendremos planes simultáneos para la enseñanza de muchas poblaciones.

Cuando ya se ‎escoje escoge‎ una población, uno tiene que crear un plan para enseñarles. La enseñanza sistemática implica pensar en nuestros recursos, en cómo estos recursos pueden aumentarse. El recurso más importante es el factor humano. ¿Quiénes son los maestros y administradores que actualmente llevan a cabo el plan y aseguran su éxito? Otra vez, no es suficiente que un comité diga, “Hemos informado a la comunidad acerca del plan y ahora estamos esperando su respuesta”. Los recursos humanos tienen que movilizarse. Un buen plan de acción considera no solamente el buen uso de los talentos de todo el mundo sino también provee los medios para elevar los espíritus de los amigos a niveles cada vez más y más altos. Un buen plan contiene medidas para asegurar que se alcancen consistentemente niveles más altos de energía, y que la expansión y la consolidación continuamente ganen ímpetu. Pues, si vamos a ocuparnos en la enseñanza colectiva, de alguna forma debemos asegurar que vamos a obtener más que la mera suma de individuos enseñando.

La enseñanza sistemática también involucra algo más, que desafortunadamente nos olvidamos a menudo. Involucra el desarrollo de toda una forma de presentación de la Fe que sea apropiada para la población. Entonces, supongamos que estamos enseñando con éxito algunos de nuestros amigos estudiantes, presentándoles ciertos argumentos y pruebas, dándoles cierta información sobre la historia de la Fe, luego llamando su atención a la situación del mundo y después mostrándoles cómo las enseñanzas de la Fe y nuestro amor por Bahá’u’lláh nos dan el poder para cambiar el mundo. Si tenemos éxito entonces hemos encontrado la presentación apropiada para este grupo de personas. Pero puede ser que este mismo argumento no sea la mejor forma de presentación para utilizar en la enseñanza de, por ejemplo, una población de gente del campo. Un plan sistemático de enseñanza implica, necesariamente, que la comunidad haya pensado bastante sobre este asunto y esté ‎concientemente conscientemente‎ desarrollando una presentación que sea apropiada para la población bajo consideración.

LA ENSEÑANZA sistemática también implica métodos apropiados. ¿Cómo llegar a un número más y más grande de la población? ¿Dónde hablar? ¿Qué se hace después? ¿Qué clase de materiales se deben usar? Todas esas preguntas necesitan responderse antes de embarcarse en un plan sistemático de enseñanza. Pero sobre todo, la metodología de la enseñanza sistemática es de aprendizaje. Esto implica la profundización inicial del grupo de maestros. Esto se acompaña por acción paralela: reuniéndose con la gente, enseñando, profundizando a los nuevos creyentes. Una gran cantidad de oración va paralela con la acción, y todo esto es simultáneo con bastante consulta sobre qué está pasando y qué se está aprendiendo. ¿Cómo mejoramos nuestros métodos? ¿Cómo mejoramos nuestra presentación? ¿Cómo mejoramos nuestros materiales? Es un involucramiento simultáneo en estas actividades paralelas: profundización - oración - acción - consulta - profundización - oración - acción - consulta... es este ciclo continuo la metodología fundamental de la enseñanza básica de una población definida en los planes de una comunidad. En este momento de nuestra historia, hasta donde yo sé, el enfocarse en ciertas poblaciones realmente sólo se ha hecho según un método básico y un sólo argumento, y se ha dirigido a la gente que vive en los pueblos y en ciertos barrios de las ciudades y, en general, a la gente que es pobre materialmente o por alguna otra razón es oprimida por la sociedad. El término “gente marginada” se usa a

Vea PROFUNDIZACIÓN página 19 [Page 15]

Holy Day observance held in former home of Martha Root

The first Holy Day observance to be held in one of the former homes of the Hand of the Cause of God Martha Root in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, took place in May as 38 adults, youth and children from Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York state commemorated the anniversary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh.

In addition to the celebration, plans were made for a two-week youth service and teaching project in the Cambridge Springs area as part of the late Hand of the Cause of God William Sears’ call for a “Necklace of Lights” teaching/service program.

On June 21, about 25 youth and their counselors arrived in Cambridge Springs from greater Cleveland, Akron, Kent, Toledo and Cincinnati, Ohio. They were joined later by young Bahá’ís from Edinboro, New Castle, Warren and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The youth presented musical programs using sign language as a dance form to senior centers and nursing homes in Cambridge Springs and Meadville, and at the borough hall in Edinboro.

They delivered “meals on wheels,” did house-cleaning, and washed windows for elderly shut-ins; painted a house, cut firewood, cleaned a community-owned beach, installed a rural mail box, and scraped and painted the front porch of the Martha Root House. On the weekend, two of their fathers helped the young people repair the porch roof and install new gutters and downspouts.

Several community groups and individuals invited the Bahá’í youth to come back to perform services for other public organizations.

Accommodations for the young people were provided at the Martha Root Farm and Martha Root House and at two Bahá’í homes in nearby Edinboro.

Youth, their parents or home communities paid their expenses during the two-week project.

WORLD CONGRESS YOUTH FORUM

Three-day experience to celebrate power of the Covenant

Complementing the Bahá’í World Congress will be a unique three-day experience for youth called the Bahá’í World Congress Youth Movement Forum. The purpose of the Forum is to celebrate the power that the Covenant releases, and to help youth find ways to respond to the challenge of taking the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to humanity.

The program will include dialogue, lectures, entertainment and other presentations, and will center on the following three questions (with passages from the Writings added so that we can begin to meditate on them now!):

1. WHO IS BAHÁ’U’LLÁH?

“And since there can be no tie of direct intercourse to bind the one true God with His creation...He hath ordained that in every age and dispensation a pure and stainless Soul be made manifest in the kingdoms of earth and heaven....These Essences of Detachment, these resplendent Realities are the channels of God’s all-pervasive grace....They are commissioned to use the inspiration of Their words, the effusions of Their infallible grace and the sanctifying breeze of Their Revelation for the cleansing of every longing heart and receptive spirit from the dross and dust of earthly cares and limitations. Then, and only then, will the Trust of God, latent in the reality of man, emerge....

“Through the Teachings of this Day Star of Truth every man will advance and develop until he attaineth the station at which he can manifest all the potential forces with which his inmost true self hath been endowed.” (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 66-68)

“He Who in such dramatic circumstances was made to sustain the overpowering weight of so glorious a Mission was none other than the One Whom posterity will acclaim, and Whom innumerable followers already recognize, as the Judge, the Lawgiver and Redeemer of all mankind, as the Organizer of the entire planet, as the Unifier of the children of men, as the Inaugurator of the long-awaited millennium, as the Originator of a new ‘Universal Cycle,’ as the Establisher of the Most Great Peace, as the Fountain of the Most Great Justice, as the Proclaimer of the coming of age of the entire human race, as the Creator of a new World Order, and as the Inspirer and Founder of a world civilization.” (God Passes By, pp. 93-94)

2. WHAT IS BAHÁ’U’LLÁH’S REVELATION AND MISSION, AND HOW DO THEY RELATE TO ME AND MY GENERATION?

“By the righteousness of God! It is not Our wish to lay hands on your kingdoms. Our mission is to seize and possess the hearts of men. Upon them the eyes of Bahá are fastened.” (Gleanings, p. 212)

“This generation of Bahá’í youth enjoys a unique distinction. You will live your lives in a period when the forces of history are moving to a climax, when mankind will see the establishment of the Lesser Peace, and during which the Cause of God will [triumph]... who will be called upon in the years to come to stand at the helm of the Cause in the face of conditions and developments which can, as yet, scarcely be imagined.” (Universal House of Justice, letter dated July 4, 1983, to the European Youth Conference, Innsbruck, Austria)

3. WHAT SERVICE CAN I RENDER AT THIS TIME IN MY LIFE AT THIS TIME IN HISTORY—THAT WILL PLEASE BAHÁ’U’LLÁH?

“Bahá’u’lláh...hath, during His last days on earth, given the most emphatic promise that, through the outpourings of the grace of God and the aid and assistance vouchsafed from His Kingdom on high, souls will arise and holy beings will appear who, as stars, would adorn the firmament of divine guidance....

“These shall labor ceaselessly, by day and by night, shall heed neither trials nor woe, shall suffer no respite in their efforts, shall seek no repose, shall disregard all ease and comfort, and, detached and unsullied, shall consecrate every fleeting moment of their lives to the diffusion of the divine fragrance and the exaltation of God’s holy Word....They shall reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom, and manifest unto everyone the signs of God. They shall burn brightly even as a candle in the heart of every assembly, and beam forth as a star upon every horizon. The gentle breezes wafted from the garden of their hearts shall perfume and revive the souls of men, and the revelation of their minds, even as showers, will reinvigorate the peoples and nations of the world.

“I am waiting, eagerly waiting for these holy ones to appear; and yet, how long will they delay their coming? My prayer and ardent supplication, at eventide and at dawn, is that these shining stars may soon shed their radiance upon the world.” (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 251-252)

Children in Charlotte raise $1,229.35 for National Fund

Fifteen children from Bahá’í communities in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area recently raised $1,229.35 for the National Fund by taking part in a Read-a-Thon.

The activity was the children’s response to a letter, sent late last year by the Universal House of Justice, which spoke of the urgency of moving ahead without delay on construction of the Arc on Mount Carmel.

After asking for and receiving pledges from Bahá’ís that they knew, the children read a total of 119 Bahá’í books from last December 31 to April 21.

UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAYS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES

September 8 International Literacy Day

September 15 International Day of Peace

October 24 United Nations Day

October 31 UNICEF Day (United Nations Children’s Fund)

December 10 Human Rights Day

VIDEO AVAILABLE

A video has been prepared by the World Congress Youth Movement Forum Task Force to provide detailed information about the program and to help youth prepare for the World Congress and reflect on the Holy Year.

The video should be especially useful at summer schools, youth workshops and other gatherings. To order your copy please send $10 (payable to...) to Laura Cessna, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Atlanta Bahá’í Youth Workshop performs at Gainesville’s annual Rainbow Festival

Members of the Atlanta Bahá’í Youth Workshop perform at the second annual Rainbow Festival sponsored by the Race Unity Coalition of Gainesville, Georgia.

On May 30, the Atlanta Bahá’í Youth Workshop traveled to Gainesville, Georgia, to perform at the second annual Rainbow Festival sponsored by the Race Unity Coalition of Gainesville.

More than 300 children, youth and adults took part in the festival which included a wide range of entertainment and music in addition to educational booths and refreshments.

The Bahá’í community of Gainesville was invited by the Race Unity Coalition, a non-Bahá’í group with only one Bahá’í member, to sponsor a booth to provide information about the Faith and its efforts to establish race unity.

The Workshop performed twice during the festival; at the close of each performance, a brief talk about the Faith was given and the audience was invited to find out more by going to the Bahá’í booth.

Some Workshop members were able to help man the booth, and a number of contacts were made with community leaders, educators and social service professionals who were interested in the concept of the Workshop and its message of unity.

It was apparent that the Bahá’í community of Gainesville, though small in numbers, is working hard to emblazon the Name of Bahá’u’lláh in that community and to promote a vision of race unity.

The Workshop, which has always been an effective means for proclaiming and teaching the Faith and for being an example of service to others, has made several visits in the past six months to the Atlanta Women and Children’s Shelter.

Besides donating toys and clothing, the Workshop members have spent a great deal of time playing with and talking to children at the shelter.

If you would like information about the Atlanta Youth Workshop, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Spalding County, Georgia, or phone Maryam or Glenn Evans, 404-438-6563. [Page 16]

جلسه وحدت نژادی

RACE UNITY CONSULTATION

در روزهای ۱۱ و ۱۲ جولای سال جاری ۵ تن از اعضای محفل روحانی ملی با ۱۵ نفر از احباء از سراسر امریکا جهت مذاکره درباره برنامه های ملی و دراز مدت برای گسترش اصول وحدت نژادی در امریکا دیدار کردند. جناب گلن فورد، عضو محترم بیت العدل اعظم نیز در این مذاکرات شرکت داشتند.

این دیدار که حاوی مشاورات صمیمانه و صریح درباره پیام‌های عملی و راه حل بود، منجر به ارائه پیشنهادهایی درباره مسائلی شد که مورد توجه محفل روحانی ملی است.

دکتر رابرت هندرسن، منشی محفل روحانی ملی مذاکرات را با خواندن گزارشی دربارۀ تاریخ فعالیت‌های جامعه امری امریکا در خصوص وحدت نژادی آغاز کرد و پس از آن خلاصه‌ای از فعالیت‌های جاری جامعه امری را باز نمود و به افزایش همکاری جامعۀ امری با دکتر هندرسن اشاره کرد.

به طور خلاصه دکتر هندرسن اظهار داشت از زمان امضاء بیانیه وحدت نژادی فعالیت‌های مربوط به مسائل نژادی چنان افزایش یافته است که در هر نقطه این کشور آثاری از آن را می‌توان دید. علت این افزایش تلاطم مردم نسبت به موضوع است که نیز ناشی از برخوردهای نژادی است که در سراسر کشور صورت گرفته است.

"جامعه امری به سرعت به صورت متخصصان مشکلات نژادی در آمده است و البته این موفقیت به حق به آنان تعلق دارد چراکه احباء کارنامه درخشانی از پیروزی‌های مربوط به اختلافات نژادی دارند و بسیاری از این پیروزی‌ها که با دشواری به دست آمده قابلیت یکتای امر مبارک را برای پیوند دادن دل‌های مردم به اثبات می‌رساند."

دکتر هندرسن همچنین گفت که یکی از اولین مسائل مورد توجه محفل روحانی ملی یافتن راه‌های تکاملی برای کمک به جوامع محلی است که بتوانند به پیشنهادهای عملی دیگر گروه‌ها پاسخ دهند. یکی دیگر از نیازهایی که محفل روحانی ملی تشخیص داده ایجاد ساختاری برای حل اختلاف و ایجاد تفاهم است. توسعه مؤسسات باقیمانده مشرق‌الاذکار، و کمک به اقدامات مربوط به امر صلح، مسائل اجتماعی و اقتصادی، برنامه‌ها و وسائل آموزشی، و کمک اداری و مالی به برنامه‌های محلی و ملی نیز در فهرست نیازهایی است که مورد نظر محفل روحانی ملی است.

یکی از جنبه‌های مهم این جلسه آگاهی حاضران از کمک‌هایی بود که هر یک از احباء می‌توانند به ایجاد تفاهم نژادی نمایند.

جناب میچل در بیانات خود در پایان جلسه به گوناگونی نژادی حاضران اشاره کرد و آن را نشانی از نیروی حضرت بهاء‌الله دانست که نسبت به شرکت‌کنندگان به رغم تفاوت‌های نژادی و ملی با وحدت و محبت در کنار هم تلاش نمایند و پیشرفت امر مبارک‌اش را سبب شوند. جناب میچل سخنان خود را با خواندن فقراتی از الواح کمال مروّت که دربارۀ لزوم در امان بودن از استقامت و بی‌باک بودن در برابر اهل شرور نازل شده، پایان داد.

کنفرانس محیط زیست سازمان ملل

U.N. CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT

چنانکه دوستان آگاهی دارند اخیراً سازمان ملل متحد کنفرانسی با عنوان محیط زیست و توسعه ترتیب داد که از ۳ تا ۱۴ جون جاری در برزیل برگزار شد. این گردهمایی تاریخی بزرگترین کنفرانس بین‌المللی بود که تا کنون در جهان صورت گرفته است. بیش از ۳۰ هزار نفر از جمله ۱۰۸ تن از رؤسای ممالک جهان و نمایندگان ۱۷۲ کشور و بیش از ۱۴۰۰ سازمان غیردولتی در این کنفرانس شرکت داشتند و بهاییان دست کم در ۸ هیئت نمایندگی کشورهای مختلف عضویت داشتند.

همزمان با این کنفرانس، مجمع دیگری نیز تشکیل شد که شرکت کنندگان آن را نمایندگان سازمانهای غیردولتی تشکیل می دادند. دست کم ۱۴۰ تن از احباء از جمله اعضای هیئت مشاورین قاره ای و اعضاء یا نمایندگان محافل روحانی ملی و بنیادهای جامعه جهانی بهایی در مجمع مذکور شرکت داشتند.

حدود ۳۰ هزار نفر از نمایندگان ۱۱ هزار سازمان غیردولتی از ۱۷۰ کشور در این مجمع حضور یافتند و حدود ۴۰۰۰ غرفه آثار و غرفه‌هایی که ترتیب داده شده بود، دیدار کردند.

دفتر محیط زیست جامعه جهانی بهایی و محفل روحانی ملی برزیل بیش از دو سال برای تمهیدات کنفرانس فعالیت داشتند تا جامعه جهانی بهایی به نحوی هماهنگ و متحد در آن حضور یابد و تاثیر بسزایی در جریان کنفرانس داشته باشد.

در این امر همکاری موفقیت‌های بسیاری به دست آمد که شرح آن بدین ترتیب است:

• ایجاد نمایشگاه و غرفه بهایی در مجمع نمایندگان سازمان‌های غیردولتی؛
• تهیه کتابی با عنوان "فردا به کودکان تعلق دارد" مشتمل بر آثار هنری و مقالات کودکان راجع به محیط زیست؛
• تدارک ۱۴ برنامه فرهنگی با عنوان "غروب در پارک"؛
• ساخت بنای یادبود صلح در پایتخت برزیل، ریو دوژانیرو؛
• قرائت بیانیه بهایی در جلسه عمومی کنفرانس محیط زیست؛
• ایجاد جلسه یک روزه‌ای با عنوان "نظام ارزش‌ها و تغییرات سازمانی برای جامعه‌ای پایدار"؛
• توزیع صدها هزار جزوه بهایی که مخصوص کنفرانس تهیه شده بود.

جامعه جهانی بهایی یکی از ۱۲ سازمان غیردولتی از میان ۱۴۰۰ سازمانی بود که قرار بود در جلسات کنفرانس مبارزه با جوع در جلسه عمومی کنفرانس خوانده شد و تنها بیانیه‌ای بود که در قالب یک جامعه دینی ارائه می‌شد. بیانیۀ مزبور مورد استقبال گرمی واقع شد که به نمایندگان دول و سران ادیان و دیگر سازمان‌های غیردولتی صمیمانه صفا و ‎دعا زدودند ضیا بخشیدند‎. همچنین بخش خبری تلویزیونی برنامۀ جامعۀ مذکور در سراسر کشور باعث شد که بسیاری از بینندگان خواستار نسخه‌هایی از آن شوند.

بیانیه کنفرانس محیط زیست

THE MOST VITAL CHALLENGE

جامعه جهانی بهایی بیانیه ای است که توسط دفتر امور محیط زیست جامعۀ جهانی بهایی تهیه شده و در زمرۀ اسناد رسمی کنفرانس محیط زیست و توسعه سازمان ملل متحد قرار داشت. ترجمۀ خلاصه‌ای از این بیانیه مهم برای آگاهی یاران درج می‌گردد:

فرایند تمامی پرسش‌هایی که در کنفرانس محیط زیست و توسعه در زمینۀ آلودگی زمین و هوای آن و چگونگی تأمین مخارج مربوط به بازسازی محیط زیست مطرح می‌شود، پرسش دیگری را باید طرح کرد و آن اینکه آیا می‌توان، به رغم دشمنی‌ها و ملاحظه منافع خصوصی و کوته‌فکری، به تصمیم‌گیری برای همکاری و طرح نقشه در سطح جهانی توفیق یافت؟

این کنفرانس هم پیچیدگی مشکلاتی را که جامعه بشری با آن روبرو شده نمودار ساخت و هم ارتباط متقابل آن مشکلات را آشکار نموده است. از بازبینی ‎فایع وقایع‎ گذشته و عصر حاضر، این حقیقت مسلم است که: ناپایداری فلج کنندۀ توسعه و عمران، و خطرات وحشت‌انگیز مربوط به جو زمین، و صدمات زندگی، و غفلت از کودکان، نمی‌تواند به طور مجزا و به تنهایی برطرف شود و هیچکدام بدون همکاری عظیم همگانی قابل حل نیست.

اما امکان این همکاری با تحولات عمیق انسانی کاهش یافته است. رنج‌هایی در جهان امروز دیده می‌شود که عموماً در رابطه با مشکلات محیط زیست مورد ‎مذاره مذاکره‎ قرار نمی‌گیرد. این روندها عبارتند از: عدم انضباط اخلاقی و بازپرداخت حرص و مال اندوزی و در نتیجه افزایش خانواده و افزایش هرج و مرج و هیچ شمردن تعصبات و اعتقاد به نژادی و ملی اولویت منافع ملی بر منافع کل عالم بشری. همۀ این روندها حس اعتماد و اطمینان را که اساس همکاری است از میان می‌برد.

برای تأسیس وحدت و همکاری، تغییر این روندها ضرورى است و این تغییر مستلزم درک عمیق از طبیعت انسانی است. هر چند سیاست و اقتصاد و علم و صنعت وسائل لازم برای حل مشکلات را فراهم می‌آورند، اما جائی واقعی مشکلات آنگاه به دست می‌آید که بعد روحانی طبیعت انسانی مورد توجه قرار گیرد.

این بعد روحانی را می‌توان به عنوان سرچشمۀ صفاتی که از منافع محدود شخصی فراتر می‌روند شناخت. این صفات که انسان متمدن را قادر به ایجاد یک تمدن متحد جهانی می‌سازد، عبارت است از: عشق، محبّت و میهمانی و مدارا و اعتماد و شجاعت و فروتنی و خدمت و فداکاری برای نفع عمومی.

تغییرات بنیادی و وحدت عمل و نظری که لازمۀ جامعه‌ای آگاه از اهمیت محیط زیست است، تنها با تقلیب قلوب مردمان امکان می‌یابد و تنها در سایۀ این تغییرات است که می‌توان نقشه‌های درازمدت را برای حفظ محیط زیست تأمین نمود.

حقیقت روحانی عصر حاضر وحدت عالم انسانی است. قبل عام این اصل که مشتمل بر عدالت اجتماعی و اقتصادی و شرکت همگانی در تصمیم‌گیری و صلح و امنیت عمومی و برابری زن و مرد و تعلیم و تربیت همگانی است، این امکان را فراهم خواهد آورد که جهان را به عنوان یک وطن و مردمان را به عنوان شهروندان آن بازسازی کنیم.

بنای یادبود صلح

PEACE MONUMENT

یکی از اقدامات جامعه جهانی بهایی و جامعه بهایی برزیل که از پشتیبانی دفتر شهردار ریو دوژانیرو برخوردار بود، ایجاد بنای یادبود صلح برای یادبود سازمان‌های غیردولتی کنفرانس محیط زیست برای یادبود ساخته شد.

‎سرون سیرون‎ فرانکو Siron Franco مجسمه‌ساز برزیلی که شهرتی جهانی دارد، بنای یادبود را از مجموعه توده بتون و بتون طی یک مصاحبه رادیویی پیش از بهره‌برداری از آن به ابقاء خود را به امر مبارک اعلام نمود.

بنای یادبود صلح ‎نشان نشان نشانگر‎ کنفرانس محیط زیست و هدیه‌ای به مردم شهر میزبان کنفرانس در ریودوژانیرو به جا خواهد ماند.

بنای مذکور ۵ متر ارتفاع دارد و به صورت یک ساعت شنی طرح شده که در قسمت بزرگ آن که در بالا قرار دارد، صلح پایدار در میان ملت‌های جهان رو به اتمام است. نیمه پایین این بنا حاکی از جنبه مادی و نیمه بالای آن نمودار جنبه روحانی ذات انسان است و عمل نمادین این دو جنبه در وسط آن قرار دارد.

در قسمت بالای این بیان حضرت بهاء‌الله حک شده است: "عالم یک وطن محسوب و اهل زمین اهل آن" و در قسمت پایین عبارت صلح جهانی به بیش از ۷۰ زبان نقش بسته است. نقش اسم اعظم در بالای این بنا قرار دارد.

دعوت‌نامه‌های مربوط به مراسم پرده‌برداری از این بنا ضمناً به نمایندگان کشورها و بسیاری از ادیان سازمان ملل متحد و نمایندگان رسانه‌های همگانی و هزاران نفر از شرکت‌کنندگان در کنفرانس داده شد. در پایان مراسم پرده از روی پلاک برنزی برداشته شد که بر روی آن نوشته شده بود تقدیم به مردممان و ملت‌های جهان.

این بنای یادبود به عنوان نشان رسمی مجمع سازمان‌های غیردولتی پذیرفته شد و بصورت علامت شناسایی کنفرانس محیط زیست در آمد. [Page 17]

ترجمه ابلاغیه دارالانشاء بیت‌العدل اعظم

LETTER FROM THE WORLD CENTER خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی مورخ ۲۰ جولای ۱۹۹۲ کنگره جهانی بهائی

یاران عزیز الهی،

بیت العدل اعظم مقرر فرموده اند اخبار مهم و هیجان‌انگیز ذیل را درباره کنگره جهانی بهائی که قرار است از ۲۳ تا ۲۶ نوامبر امسال در نیویورک برگزار شود به استحضارتان برسانیم. جای بسی خوشحالی است که ترتیباتی داده شده تا جریان کنگره جهانی به مدت چهار ساعت از طریق ماهواره از نیویورک به تعدادی از مراکز گیرنده در نقاط مختلف در پنج قاره جهان مخابره گردد.

اخیراً قراردادی برای این منظور با مؤسسه دبلیو. تی. ان. پروداکشنز W.T.N Productions که یکی از شرکت‌های تابعه کمپانی اخبار تلویزیونی جهان World Television Corporation می‌‌باشد، به امضاء رسیده است تا پخش برنامه را از نیویورک در مراکز بوئینس ایرس (آرژانتین)، سیدنی (استرالیا)، دهلی نو (هند)، نایروبی (کنیا)، پاناما سیتی (پاناما)، بخارست (رومانی)، مسکو (روسیه)، سنگاپور و آپیا (ساموآی غربی) میسر سازد. مرکز جهانی بهائی نیز از طریق ماهواره با کنگره جهانی مرتبط خواهد بود.

پخش برنامه از نیویورک به تمام این مراکز در روز ۲۶ نوامبر یعنی "یوم میثاق" از ساعت ۸ صبح تا ۱۲ ظهر به وقت نیویورک (ساعت ۱۳ تا ۱۷ به وقت گرینویچ) انجام می‌شود. در دو ساعت اول قسمت‌هائی از برنامه‌های سه روز اول کنگره که ضبط شده است، مخابره می‌گردد و در دو ساعت بعدی جریان آخرین جلسه مستقیماً و به طور زنده عرضه خواهد گردید.

محافل روحانی ملی در ممالکی که برای دریافت برنامه انتخاب شده‌اند، مشغول بررسی امکان انعقاد کنفرانس‌هائی همراه با پخش برنامه ماهواره‌ای هستند. این محافل برنامه‌هائی را که در نظر دارند، به موقع خود به اطلاع یاران علاقه مند در منطقه تحت اشراف خود و کشورهای مجاور خواهند رسانید.

بعضی محافل ملی دیگر نیز تقاضا کرده‌اند که به هزینه خود این برنامه ماهواره‌ای را دریافت کنند. محافل ملی مذکور می‌توانند اطلاعات لازم را از دفتر امور اجرائی کنگره جهانی بهائی در دفتر محفل ملی آمریکا دریافت دارند.

به طور کلی این برنامه از طریق سیستم اینتل ست Intelsat (ماهواره بین المللی) مخابره می‌شود و نحوه پخش برنامه طوری است که همه کره زمین را در بر می‌گیرد. بنابراین مخابره برنامه از کنگره نیویورک به هر نقطه از جهان که دارای وسائل لازم باشد، امکان پذیر خواهد بود. اطلاعات تفصیلی در این مورد به وسیله هیئت اجرائی این برنامه ماهواره‌ای به اطلاع محافل ملی خواهد رسید.

بیت العدل اعظم بسیار مسرورند که ارسال ماهواره‌ای این برنامه بهائیان را در سراسر جهان با کنگره نیویورک مرتبط خواهد ساخت و سبب خواهد شد که نام مبارک حضرت بهاء‌الله در سراسر کره ارض اعلان گردد.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی دارالانشاء بیت العدل اعظم

مجمع جوانان در کنگره جهانی

WORLD CONGRESS YOUTH MOVEMENT FORUM

جوانانی که در کنگره جهانی بهائی شرکت کنند، خواهند توانست از برنامه جلسات سه روزه ویژه‌ای که تحت عنوان "نهضت جوانان" تهیه شده است، بهره گیرند. غرض از تشکیل این مجمع یکی بزرگداشت نیروی روحانی است که عهد و پیمان الهی در جوانان به ظهور می‌رساند و دیگر کمک به جوانان برای یافتن راه‌هائی جهت انتشار پیام حضرت بهاء‌الله است.

برنامه مجمع شامل گفتگو و سخنرانی و برنامه‌های هنری و غیره است و تمرکز آن بر سه پرسش خواهد بود که عبارت است: ۱- حضرت بهاء‌الله کیست؟ ۲- امر و آثار و مأموریت حضرت بهاء‌الله کدام است و این سه چگونه به جوانان و هم نسلانشان مربوط می‌شود؟ ۳- در دوره جوانی و در این برهه از تاریخ بشری چه خدماتی می‌توان کرد که مورد رضای حضرت بهاء‌الله واقع شود؟

شرکت جوانان در کنگره جهانی و خاطره فراموش نشدنی آن چه بسا که مسیر زندگی بسیاری از آنان را معین کند.

خدمات جوانان

YOUTH YEAR OF SERVICE

اخیراً محفل روحانی ملی گامبیا و محفل روحانی تایلند و همچنین مدرسه بین المللی بهائی مکسول از سپاه خدمات جوانان بهائی درخواست داوطلب کرده‌اند.

محفل روحانی ملی گامبیا برای افزایش فعالیت‌های جوانان بهائی آن کشور از جوانان در خواست کرده است که به ویژه برای فعالیت‌های مربوط به سال مقدس داوطلب شوند.

محفل روحانی بهائیان تایلند جهت دائر کردن کلوپ‌های جوانان در دانشگاه‌ها و شرکت در فعالیت‌های جوانان در رابطه با تبلیغ در مرز تایلند و لائوس و کامبوج و نیز کمک به یک مدرسه بهائی و آموزش زبان انگلیسی درخواست داوطلب نموده است.

مدرسه بین المللی بهائی مکسول نیز به تعدادی جوان داوطلب برای خدمات گوناگون احتیاج دارد.

علاقه مندان می‌توانند برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر مهاجرت در دفتر محفل ملی تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۹۰۳۹-۸۶۹ (۷۰۸) شماره فکس: ۰۲۷۴-۸۶۹ (۷۰۸).

حضرت بهاء‌الله در بغداد

BAHÁ’U’LLÁH IN BAGHDAD

پس از آنکه بر ناصر‌الدین شاه مسلم شد که حضرت بهاء‌الله در حادثه سوء قصد نسبت به او دست نداشته‌اند، از قتل آن حضرت منصرف شد و حکم کرد که جمال قدم به عراق تبعید شوند.

به هیکل مبارک یک ماه فرصت داده شد که ایران را ترک گویند. حضرت بهاء‌الله پس از آزادی از زندان چندان رنجور و بیمار بودند که تاب تحمل سفر را نداشتند. خانه مبارک غارت و ویران شده بود و دو همسر و فرزندانشان در یکی از نقاط دورافتاده کشور به سر می‌بردند. حضرت بهاء‌الله چند روزی را در منزل برادر خود، میرزا رضاقلی سپری فرمودند و بعد از آن در ۱۲ ژانویه سال ۱۸۵۳ عازم عراق شدند.

همراهان مبارک عبارت بودند از: حضرت عبدالبهاء (که در آن هنگام ۹ ساله بودند) و آسیه خانم و بهائیه خانم (حضرت ورقه علیا که ۷ ساله بودند) و دو برادر مبارک جناب میرزا موسی کلیم و جناب میرزا محمد‌قلی. این سفر بسیار سخت بود و سه ماه در زمستان سرد به طول انجامید. بیش از ۵۰ سال بعد هنگامی که حضرت عبدالبهاء سفرهای تاریخی خود را در آمریکا و اروپا ادامه می‌دادند، درباره این سفر فرمودند: "به درجه ای برف و سرما بود که پاهای مرا برف زد و هنوز در زمستان انگشت های پای من متأثر می‌شود." (بدایع الآثار ج ۱، ص ۱۷)

حضرت بهاء‌الله در ۸ اپریل سال ۱۸۵۳ وارد بغداد شدند. چند روز بعد به کاظمین تشریف بردند که در ۳ مایلی شمال بغداد قرار دارد و مدفن امام هفتم و امام نهم شیعیان است. اولیای امور از هیکل مبارک تقاضا کردند که به بغداد باز گردند و بدین ترتیب پس از یک ماه اقامت در کاظمین به بغداد بازگشتند و در منزل حاجی علی مدد به طور موقت اقامت کردند و بعد از مدتی به بیت سلیمان غنام نقل مکان کردند. این بیت مبارک "بیت اعظم" نام دارد و یکی از متبرک‌ترین اماکن بهائی است.

دیری نگذشت که میرزا یحیی وارد بغداد شد و تحت نفوذ و تحریک سید محمد اصفهانی به شایعه سازی و دروغ پرداخت در نتیجه باعث اندوه فراوان حضرت بهاء‌الله شد و آزار را به حدی رساند که هیکل مبارک به همراه آقا ابوالقاسم همدانی در ۱۰ اپریل سال ۱۸۵۴ بدون آگاهی احدی راهی کوه‌های سلیمانیه در کردستان عراق شدند و مدت دو سال در آنجا به سر بردند. در کتاب مستطاب ایقان می‌فرمایند:

"چون فی الجمله بر امورات محدثه بعد اطلاع یافتم از قبل مهاجرت اختیار نمودم و سر در بیابان‌های فراق نهادم و دو سال وحده در صحراهای هجر به سر بردم و از عیونم عیون جاری بود و از قلبم بحور دم طاهر. چه لیالی که قوت دست نداد و چه ایام که جسد راحت نیافت.... قسم به خدا که این مهاجرتم را خیال مراجعت نبود... و مقصود جز این نبود که محل اختلاف احباب نشوم و مصدر انقلاب اصحاب نگردم و سبب ضرر احدی نشوم.... غیر از آنچه ذکر شد خیالی نبود و امری منظور نه."

ابوالقاسم همدانی مورد حمله سواران محافظ قافله‌ای قرار گرفت و کشته شد و خبر قتلش به بغداد رسید و به فرموده حضرت عبدالبهاء، "از قرائن ما فهمیدیم که...باید در حدود سلیمانیه تشریف داشته باشند، آن بود که احباء را با عرائض تضرع و ابتهال فرستادیم و رجا و مسئلت در مراجعت جمال قدم به بغداد نمودیم." (بدایع الآثار، ج ۱، ص ۳۲۶)

بدین ترتیب حضرت بهاء‌الله در تاریخ ۹ مارچ سال ۱۸۵۶ به بغداد مراجعت نمودند. به تدریج اهالی بغداد به مقام مبارک پی بردند به طوریکه از هر طبقه به حضور مبارک می‌شتافتند. در اثر بازگشت هیکل مبارک به بغداد به فرموده حضرت ولی امرالله "روح حیات در کالبد سرگشتگان بادیه فراق و گمگشتگان وادی ضلال جاری و ساری شد. عزم الهی بر استحکام امر جدید و دفع مفاسد و تزکیه اخلاق و تربیت نفوس و انتشار آثار و ارتفاع شأن جامعه ابرار و تشتیت شمل اعداء و اظهار امر اعز اشرف افخم ابهی قرار یافت." (توقیعات مبارکه، نوروز ۱۰۱، ص ۳۲)

حضرت بهاء‌الله پس از گذراندن ۱۰ سال در عراق بر اثر فشار دولت ایران و به حکم دولت عثمانی به اسلامبول تبعید شدند. به فرموده حضرت ولی امرالله نخستین مرحله از سفر چهارماهه جمال قدم به اسلامبول ۲۲ اپریل سال ۱۸۶۳ آغاز شد.

ASMA B.E. 149 / AUGUST 20, 1992 [Page 18]

Excellence in all things...

DR. SHAFFIQ AHMED, professor of materials at Youngstown (Ohio) State University who became a Bahá’í last March, recently received his second U.S. patent for NASA-related research. The patent deals with the development of a solidification process under an electric field. The process enhances the materials' properties and service performance without requiring further thermal or mechanical treatment while also improving the structure of the materials.

KAY L. MALONEY, a Bahá’í from Great Falls, Montana, has won the newly created Thurgood Marshall Award from the local chapter of the NAACP, presented, it states, for her "outstanding contributions to civil rights in Montana." Ms. Maloney, a former pioneer to Micronesia, began publishing the NAACP bulletin in 1990, took part in efforts to gain state recognition for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and helped set up a statewide Human Rights Network Conference on racism ("Confront Bigotry: Celebrate Diversity").

NATALIE BLAKE, a Bahá’í from St. Vincent, West Indies, who is a senior at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, is one of 70 graduating seniors from 53 liberal arts colleges and universities in the U.S. to receive a prestigious Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, established in memory of the founder of IBM. With her $13,000 award, she plans to study pottery in Indonesia—where she spent her spring semester last year—and in Africa.

MICHAEL FITZGERALD, a Bahá’í from Winchester, Virginia, has won the Shenandoah Arts Council Award for literature; has read his poetry at the Folger Shakespeare Library and for Visions International in Washington, D.C.; has worked on a film project for the Smithsonian Institution; and has a new book of poetry and photographs, New Seeds, to be published this year by Rainbow’s End Books.

VAFA GHAEMMAGHANI, a 17-year-old Bahá’í from Pasadena, Texas, who came to this country with his family from Iran in 1980, was graduated this year as valedictorian of his high school class. A member of the National Honor Society, he recently won first place in the Academic Decathlon Top Ten competition, was first chair violin in the school orchestra, and was captain of the school water polo team. An active Bahá’í teacher, Vafa serves as an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Robert Ramirez.

GILBERT L. RUCKER, a Bahá’í from Victoria, Texas, was named runner-up this year at the city’s annual Volunteer of the Year awards luncheon. Mr. Rucker, a Bahá’í since 1957, spends two evenings a week teaching probationers from the Adult Probation Department who lack basic literacy skills.

DEBORAH V. DEAS-NESMITH, a third-year resident in psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and member of the Spiritual Assembly of Adams Run, is one of 25 outstanding research persons chosen to take part in a Research Seminar/Workshop on HIV Infection and AIDS sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). She was chosen as a result of her concept paper entry, "Research on Severely Mentally Ill Persons at High Risk of or with HIV Infection." Dr. Deas-Nesmith was among 10 "Mini-Fellows" chosen to attend the annual meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

ADAM SMITH, a 13-year-old Bahá’í from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, won first place in the "Simple Machines" event at the National Science Olympiad at Auburn University in Alabama. Adam was part of a 14-member team from Morse Middle School in Milwaukee, where the eighth-grader also captains the four-member Morse "Math Counts" team that won the state championship in March.

MARY GRAY, a Bahá’í from Boone, North Carolina, is one of three people recognized recently by Appalachian State University's Environmental Issues Committee for promoting environmental awareness at the local, national and international level. Ms. Gray was honored for her work with community environmental groups including SAVE and the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League and as founder of the group Positive Options for the Future. Her book, Growing Into Peace, explores the relationship of the environment and human nature with building world peace.

NOAH J. BARTOLUCCI, a 23-year-old Bahá’í from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, who is a student in the School of Journalism at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, has won third place for feature writing in the 1991 editorial competition sponsored by the North Carolina Press Association. While Mr. Bartolucci was taking a year off from school to take part in a "youth year of service" project, one of his articles was submitted to the Press Association on his behalf by the editor of the UNC newspaper, The Daily Tar Heel.

NEVIN JENKINS, a young Bahá’í from Warrensville Heights, Ohio, has been named 1992 Student of the Year at his high school by the Warrensville Heights Optimist Club. Criteria for selection include academics, sociability, citizenship, community service and extra-curricular activities. In his acceptance speech, Nevin, who is white and attends a school whose student population is 99 percent black, said, "I would like to thank God and Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, for instilling positive beliefs in me. Because of the Bahá’í Faith, I believe that all races are equal, that we belong to one human family, that men and women should be totally equal in society, that all the religions of the world believe in the same God, and that there will be world peace one day."

DON CAMP, a Bahá’í from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of 100 artists in this country to be interviewed by the Smithsonian Institution's "Archives of American Art" oral history program. Mr. Camp, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Philadelphia, is an experimental and conceptual photographer.

LEEWITT CROUCH, a 17-year-old Bahá’í from Laramie, Wyoming, is one of 350 young people from across the country chosen to attend this year's National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. The criteria for selection include academic achievement, leadership and citizenship. Leewitt, a senior at Laramie High School, plans to become a math teacher.

Patterns

(from page 1)

Amherst, Massachusetts; and Richard Thomas, East Lansing, Michigan.

Dr. Henderson opened the discussions with a brief survey of the history of race unity efforts in the American Bahá’í community. He then presented an overview of recent and current Bahá’í activities, noting the extraordinary increase in involvement with groups of all kinds, and pointing out that a true national movement is now under way in the community.

"Since the publication of the race unity statement last year," he observed, "the pace of race unity activities has quickened to the point that there is now no area of the country that is not sharing in the phenomenon.

"THIS IS due in part to increased receptivity on the part of our countrymen in the wake of racial incidents, but must also be attributed to the spirit of 'rededication to our sacred tasks,' as called for by the House of Justice, and to the spiritual empowerment which is the result of our reflections during the Holy Year.

"We are quickly establishing ourselves in the public eye as leaders in the area of interracial understanding, and rightfully so. We have a long history of hard-won victories that demonstrate the Faith's unique capacity for unifying the hearts of all peoples. Our challenge now is to be ready to jump into action as greater numbers of individuals and groups come to us saying, 'Show me!'"

Dr. Henderson said the immediate concern of the National Assembly is to find various ways of helping local communities respond to concrete proposals from other groups, one of which would be a referral system through which experienced believers could be called upon for help.

The first phase of this process, he said, was to establish close and regular contact with all local communities pursuing race unity activities, which has already begun. The National Assembly has also begun compiling a list of individuals who might serve as a network of consultants.

Among the needs identified by the National Assembly for the long term were the establishment of consultative entities for conflict resolution and race unity issues that could provide services to the public on a fee-for-services basis; developing the remaining institutions of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, supporting existing socio-economic development initiatives such as the Mottahedeh Development Corporation and Health for Humanity, and creating more such entities; developing educational and other materials; and developing financial and administrative support for local and national programs.

The group spent the bulk of the weekend in consultation on these issues, and concluded with several recommendations for consideration by the National Spiritual Assembly.

ALL THOSE present shared an awareness of the contributions Bahá’ís can make toward racial understanding. It was observed that the Bahá’í community is unique in its history and experiences, in its administrative structure, in the infallibility of its guidance, in its understanding of the sources of prejudice, and in its dedication to the unification of the peoples of the world.

And most importantly, the Bahá’ís have the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, and with it the assurance of a glorious destiny. Although the community itself has not realized its full potential, the believers know that it will grow in perfection and strength for ages to come.

Mr. Mitchell, in closing the meeting, pointed out the evidences of Bahá’u’lláh’s power in that very room, where people of various races had come together in love and unity to discuss how to advance the cause of God. This power of united effort, he said, makes the Faith invincible. He concluded with the words of Bahá’u’lláh as quoted by Shoghi Effendi in The Advent of Divine Justice:

"Say: O people of God! Beware lest the powers of the earth alarm you, or the might of the nations weaken you, or the tumult of the people of discord deter you, or the exponents of earthly glory sadden you. Be ye as a mountain in the Cause of your Lord, the All-Mighty, the All-Glorious, the Unconstrained."

"Say: Beware, O, people of Bahá, lest the strong ones of the earth rob you of your strength, or they who rule the world fill you with fear. Put your trust in God, and commit your affairs to His keeping. He, verily, will, through the power of truth, render you victorious, and He, verily, is powerful to do what he willeth, and in His grasp are the reigns of omnipotent might."

"I swear by My life! Nothing save that which profiteth them can befall My loved ones. To this testifieth the Pen of God, the Most Powerful, the All-Glorious, the Best-Beloved."

Faith is represented at annual meeting of Council of Chapters and Division Presidents of UNA-USA in Denver

The Faith was represented June 26-28 at the annual meeting of the Council of Chapters and Division Presidents of the United Nations Association of the United States (UNA-USA) in Denver, Colorado.

Invited to attend along with the Presidents were Shirley Lee, representative to the UN for the National Spiritual Assembly and chairman of the UNA-USA's Conference of UN Representatives in New York, and Werner Fornos, president of the Population Institute and past chairman of the Washington, D.C., Conference of UN Representatives.

The National Spiritual Assembly belongs to the 132-member Council of Organizations of the UNA-USA.

At a panel discussion on education, during a meeting on closer cooperation between the Council and its chapters, and in a talk at a luncheon for the participants, Ms. Lee presented a well-received packet of information to be used to foster education about the UN in U.S. schools.

The packet, entitled "The United Nations in the Classroom: A Program of Action for Citizens and Educators," includes a plan of action, a list of groups that are members of the UNA-USA Council of Organizations, a list of UN achievements from 1988-92, lists of recommended educational materials, reference materials for high school and public libraries, and a listing of special UN events days and weeks.

The packet can be ordered for $5 from UNA-USA Publications, 485 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017. [Page 19]

'Path to Unity' presented

"A Path to Unity," a program devoted to the Bahá’í Faith, was presented April 30 by the Interreligious Forum of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as a part of its continuing interest in promoting better understanding among people of diverse religious beliefs.

Included was a presentation on Bahá’u’lláh and His Mission by guest speaker Anita Ioas Chapman of Washington, D.C. Afterward, Mrs. Chapman answered questions from the 20 people of various religious backgrounds who attended.

The mayor proclaimed May 8 as "Interreligion Day" in Harrisburg, and each religion had a display in a downtown shopping square. The theme of the Bahá’í display was "The Vision of Race Unity."

Emilie Zeigler, secretary of Peoria Assembly for 33 years

Emilie K. Zeigler, who served for 33 years as secretary of the local Spiritual Assembly of Peoria, Illinois, died June 17 at the Lutheran Home in Peoria. She was 90 years old.

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veces para describir estas poblaciones, pero me gustaría mencionar un punto de atención acerca del uso de este concepto. Una cosa es crear planes de enseñanza para la gente indígena de las Américas, las tribus de Africa, los aldeanos de la India, con el entendimiento de que por alguna razón, años de opresión y sufrimiento, les han hecho receptivos a la Fe. Ahora, otra cosa es ir a buscar drogadictos y mujeres de cierta reputación en alguna ciudad y decir, "Ellos son la gente marginada, enseñémosles!" He visto en alguna ocasión en las consultas entre los amigos el término "enseñanza en masa" evocar imágenes de esta segunda clase de gente marginada y así volverse este término fuente de mucha resistencia. Por supuesto, debemos enseñar a todo el mundo, pero acuérdense que cuando hablamos de la enseñanza en los pueblos del mundo de hoy día, estamos hablando de personas básicamente saludables, por lo menos tan saludables como la humanidad puede serlo en estos días. Tienen problemas, a menudo toman alcohol. En ciertas culturas tienen problemas con el concepto de matrimonio, y así sucesivamente, pero al juzgarlos dentro de su propia cultura son personas moral y espiritualmente saludables.

Si miran alrededor del mundo verán un amplio espectro de este mismo tipo de enseñanza en masa. Pero la esencia del proceso es básicamente igual. Debido a que las poblaciones de las cuales estamos hablando son muy abiertas a otra gente, se les puede visitar fácilmente y hablar con ellos, por supuesto, si se poseen ciertas cualidades. Si no se tiene prejuicio y se siente amor por la gente, se puede hablar con ellos y abiertamente darles el mensaje de Bahá’u’lláh. Generalmente la primera frase es muy sencilla: "Tengo un mensaje para usted. Se trata de una religión maravillosa que quiere unir a toda la humanidad en una familia." La mayoría de las veces la respuesta inmediata es que les encantaría escucharla y puede empezar a hablarles de la Fe. Y en muchas, muchas poblaciones, después de oir de la Fe presentada en una manera apropiada, un buen porcentaje de la población se hace Bahá’í. Sin embargo, debo mencionar aquí que aún en el contexto de este método básico uno observa variaciones de maestro a maestro.

Peace essay contest set

The United States Institute of Peace has announced the 1992-93 National Peace Essay Contest for students in grades 9-12. The contest will run from September 1, 1992, to February 1, 1993. Students are asked to research and write a 1,500-word essay on America's role in world peace and how this country should direct its resources to help avoid or resolve international conflicts.

More than 150 college scholarships will be awarded with the top three prizes of $10,000, $5,000 and $3,500. This is an excellent chance for young Bahá’ís to express the Faith's views on world peace while competing for valuable scholarships. For an official Contest Kit, please write to the United States Institute of Peace, 1550 M St. N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20077.

$42,000 raised for Arc

Almost $42,000 was raised for the Arc Fund at a concert and silent auction April 19 sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Oregon, in collaboration with its Persian Teaching Committee.

Performing in the concert for an audience of more than 150 was the internationally renowned Persian singer, Ahdyyeh Badi Pakravan, accompanied on electric piano by her son, Hoosein.

Mrs. Badi brought with her several pieces of exquisite jewelry donated by other Bahá’í friends especially for this fund-raising event. She also donated her own six-carat square-cut emerald and diamond dinner ring.

The auctioneer was a member of the District Teaching Committee of Western Oregon.

House of Justice offers guidance on Bahá’í support of political candidates

The National Spiritual Assembly has received inquiries about Bahá’í support of third-party or independent candidates. In response to the National Assembly's request for clarification, the Universal House of Justice has offered the following statement:

"Active support...of an individual who has announced his candidacy for political office is not permissible to Bahá’ís. Even if the person is not attached to a political party, the very fact of promoting his candidacy over that of other competitors is an act of partisanship, which is inimical to the principles of the Faith.

"As you well know, campaigning and nominations are forbidden in Bahá’í elections. The friends should endeavor to keep in mind the non-partisan character of the Faith and to employ the attitude of non-partisanship, to the greatest extent possible, in the exercise of their civic responsibilities as voters.

"Bahá’ís are, of course, free to vote, except in primaries, but should not express support for any candidate."

The Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat May 25, 1992

Holy Days on NCCJ calendar

Bahá’í Holy Days are among the holidays listed on an Intercultural Calendar distributed throughout the public school systems of Orange, Seminole and Oceola counties in Florida by the Interfaith Council of the National Conference of Christians and Jews (NCCJ).

Corrections are being made to the calendar to add six more Bahá’í Holy Days on which work is to be suspended to the three that already appear (Naw-Rúz, the first Day of Ridván, and the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh). A second printing will incorporate these changes.

The calendar was made possible through a special funding arrangement with the NCCJ Interfaith Council, the Jewish Federation of Central Florida, and other member groups.

Journalists must have credentials to cover World Congress in NYC

Bahá’í journalists who wish to write articles or otherwise cover the second Bahá’í World Congress as professionals must obtain credentials in advance. Send your journalistic credentials or résumé, including professional references, to the Bahá’í World Congress Media Task Force, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 119, New York, NY 10017.

The Task Force will refer each such request to the appropriate Spiritual Assembly for its recommendations. Only those Bahá’ís who submit their credentials for review and are subsequently approved will be invited to cover the World Congress.

In June, several Bahá’ís from the Chicago area welcomed Pham Tan Thu and members of his family, Vietnamese Bahá’ís who had arrived in the U.S. via a refugee camp in the Philippines. On his arrival, Mr. Thu wrote to the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago, introducing himself as a Bahá’í and expressing his desire to meet with the friends and become involved in Bahá’í activities. A few days later, the Thu family was taken on their first visit to the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, and are pictured in the gardens there. Also, Mr. Thu has already attended his first Feast in Chicago. Because of his skills as an English-Vietnamese translator, Mr. Thu was asked by the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office to prepare a provisional translation of a Bahá’í teaching booklet into Vietnamese, a task he accomplished in less than a week using a typewriter and adding diacriticals by hand.

Hazel Wing, 98, long-time member of Everett Assembly

Hazel Wing, a Bahá’í since 1927 and a long-time member of the Spiritual Assembly of Everett, Washington, died June 13 at a nursing home in Everett. She was 98 years old.

IN MEMORIAM

Allie C. Atmore Elsmere, DE June 8, 1992

Luis Ayala Guadalupe, CA June 28, 1992

Joseph Coultier Downers Grove, IL June 26, 1992

Reginald Cox Jamaica, NY Date Unknown

Abdullah Eshraghi Spring Valley, CA June 3, 1992

Gwendolyn Gilbert New Orleans, LA June 11, 1992

John Hopkins Grand Junction, CO September 30, 1991

Albert Munday Lake Harbor, FL Date Unknown

Grace E. Platts Bristol, NH July 12, 1991

Johnny Robles Corona, NY 1990

Rigg Bryce Scott Springdale, AR April 22, 1992

Graham Stewart Safford, AZ Date Unknown

Soleiman Vahdatian Beverly Hills, CA June 16, 1992

Gladys Wellman Jackson, MI Date Unknown

Opal H. Winans Rogers, AR June 29, 1992

Emilie K. Zeigler Peoria, IL June 17, 1992 [Page 20]Pictured are members of the Minnesota Bahá’í Youth Workshop, formed in the fall of 1991 to proclaim and teach the Faith through the performing arts. The Workshop is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Roseville. Its members would like to establish a network of similar workshops in the U.S. and to start a workshop newsletter to develop personal relationships and to share teaching and performing ideas. Members of other workshops may contact the MBYW through Nancy Wong, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (phone 612-870-9931).

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.

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

A. NAME(S): 1. ID.# Title: 2. LD. # Title 3. ED. # Title 4. I.D. # Title

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

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

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

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

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area code Phone number Name

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): Area code Phone number Name 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 ID. number(s) listed above.

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 numbers, and the correct address so that we will receive only one copy.

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 my name, I.D. number and address above.

AUGUST

28-30: 10th Bahá’í Conference at Massanetta, Harrisonburg, Virginia. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Staunton. Theme: "Bahá’u’lláh, His Revelation and His Covenant." Please register by July 15. For registration/information, Jim Lamb, Staunton, VA 24401 (phone 703-885-6996).

28-30: Alabama Bahá’í School, Camp Saddlerock, Mentone. Adults $40; maximum per family $100. For information, contact Keitha Hudson, Birmingham, AL 35222, or phone 205-595-9905.

29: Day of Unity and Unity Walk, Burnham Park, Chicago. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago with the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations, the Human Relations Foundation of Chicago, and the Chicago Urban League. Day of Unity events begin at noon, with the Walk for Unity at 4 p.m. and a picnic in the park at 6 p.m. Registration is free. For information, phone Cher Gupta, 312-456-7745.

SEPTEMBER

3-6: Pioneering Institute, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 708-869-9039.

4-7: Homecoming 1992, Louhelen Bahá’í School. Phone 313-653-5033.

8-12: Third International Dialogue on the Transition to a Global Society: The Transition to a Just Society, Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland. For information, phone 41-71-91 91 31; fax 41-71-91 43 01.

11-13: "Expanding Our Horizons," the annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. For people of all ages. Speakers to include Auxiliary Board member Steven Gonzales, historians Marie Griffith and Duane Troxel. Also, performing arts, workshops, special youth excursion, children's classes, nursery. Pre-registration (adults) $15. Additional fees for activities. For information, please phone Cyndi Hogan, 303-625-3932.

14-20: Joint Conference on Social and Economic Development (OSED) and Agriculture and Rural Development (ISARD), Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland. For information, telephone 41-71-91 91 31; fax 41-71-91 43 01.

18-20: 33rd annual Green Lake Bahá’í Conference, Green Lake, Wisconsin. Theme: "Know Thou the Value of These Days." Confirmed speakers: Javidukht Khadem, Jenna Khodadad, Kevin Locke, Robert Malouf, Robert Harris, June Thomas. For accommodations and meal reservations, phone 1-800-558-8898.

18-20: Peace Fest '92 and Peace Week activities, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

26: Sixth annual "Stepping Stones to Peace" Pasadena (California) Civic Center. Theme: "Mankind Is One Family...The Stepping Stone to Peace." Pre-registration is required, as space is limited to 500 children and youth; registration fee is $10. For a registration form, phone 818-797-6216.

OCTOBER

16-18: National Hispanic Bahá’í Conference, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Gilroy, California, and El Ruiseñor The Nightingale. Registration $35 per person; children 3-12, $25; under 3, free. For information, phone the Bosch School, 408-423-3387; Los Angeles, 818-836-7967; San Jose, 408-842-7531.

22-25: "The Role of Music in a Changing World," Landegg Academy, Switzerland.

28-31: Conference on the Role of Women in a United Europe, Landegg Academy, Switzerland. For information, phone 41-71-91 91 31; fax 41-71-91 43 01.

30-November 1: "Rendezvous of the Soul," a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

NOVEMBER

5-9: First Sino-American Seminar on Women's Issues, sponsored by the Shanghai Municipal Women's Federation. Theme: "Women Today and Tomorrow." For information, contact Seminar on Women's Issues, Duette J. Rochelle, Kapaa, HI 96746 (phone 808-822-5756 or 808-335-3566; Fax 808-335-0065).

26-December 1: Radio Bahá’í International Conference (sponsored by IBAVC, the Louis Gregory Institute, and WLGI), Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

DECEMBER

11-13: "Rendezvous of the Soul," a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

25-28: Eighth annual Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Phoenix, Arizona. Rooms from only $40. Youth workshops, entertainment, top speakers (Dr. William Roberts, Dr Suheil Bushrui, others). For more information please phone the GCBC hotline (24 hours a day), 602-375-9951.

JANUARY

7-10: Pioneer Training Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone 708-869-9039.

15-17: "Rendezvous of the Soul," a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

FEBRUARY

26-28: "Rendezvous of the Soul," a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

SPRING

Pioneer Training Institutes, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine, and Bahá’í National Center, Evanston, Illinois. For information, phone 708-869-9039.

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

ASMÁ B.E. 149/ AUGUST 20, 1992

The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office would like to remind the friends of the National Spiritual Assembly's standing policy that local Bahá’í communities welcome Southeast Asian Bahá’í newcomers to the U.S. whether or not they have credentials from overseas.

Please feel free to include these friends in your Bahá’í community activities. Bahá’í membership transfer/enrollment forms for Southeast Asian newcomers are available on request from: U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039, ext. 216).