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[Page 1]

The American Baha’!

Fee

Volume 23,.No, 19

House of Justice

conveys gratitude,

hails Congress as

‘triumph of spirit’

To the Baha'is of the World he Baha'f World Con I gress held in New York,

the second major event

of the Holy Year, ended on the Day of the Covenant in a blaze of celestial glory. Far exceeding the brightest expectation anyone might have entertained, it was a triumph of the spirit in which, on all continents, the friends in their magnificent diversity witnessed a solidarity of the Baha'f world community at a level new to their experience. Our hearts have not the capacity to contain, nor our minds the language to express, our joy and gratitude at the conspicuous outpouring of divine confirmations which made possible sucha spectacularcelebration and proclamation of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah.

The unity engendered among the 27,000 multifarious parti s from almost 180 countries evinced a new dynamic, which signifies a stage of evolvement of the Faith which was not evident before. We noted with immense gratifi

Above: Tom Price conducts the World Con— gress Choir and Orchestra. Above right: Lov— ing greetings via sate! Moscow, Rus: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center after one of the Congress plenary sessions.

ation the magnetic and transformative effects of this mani ing froma quality of personal conduct which, on such a vast, coll

realized at the World Congress, certainly indicated the new stature c seasoned in the truths and virtues of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah

Photos: Scot Corrie

e from the Baha'is of Right: The audience leaves the

ation of unity cale as was people becoming

and in this we

recognize one of the enduring gifts of the Holy Year.

As for those who devoted their specialized talents and expertise toward meeting the | al challenges of this conglomerate o fed the event, our admiration and loving appreciation know

programmatic and logisti of eager volunteers who st: no bounds.

Vitalized by such evidences of the potency of the Covenantas the Congress di: , wherever they reside and whatever their pers and demonstrate new determination in carrying ntly reinforced by the astounding success of the | ed in the City of the Covenant.

may the followers of Bahda'u'llé

circumstances, derive fresh coura forward the momentum so magnifi proclamation r

sion, and the thousands

The Universal House of Justice December 3, 1992

nowle ige4sia veritable treasure for man. ....—Ba

Rr

INSIDE Messages from House of Justice 2,3 The satellite broadcast 12

14

The Arc Projects presentation

Media coverage of the Congress 16 The Youth Movement Forum 18 The World Congress in pictures 21-24 Camegie Hall classical concert 26 Jazz concert at Carnegie Hall 29 Reactions to the Congress 30 | Entertainment at the Congress a The third Huququ'll4h Conference 32 Visitors from around the world 53

era

Sharaf 8£2149)/ December31, 1992.

History's largest Baha'i gathering pays homage

to Blessed Beauty

By Ken Bowers

he second Baha’ i World i Congress, commemorating the Centenary of the inauguration of Bahda'u'lla orld-redeeming Covenant, attended by more than 27,000 Baha’ fs from every corner of the globe, sanctified by an atmosphere of loving devotion to the King of Kings and to His Son, the Center of the Covenant, and characterized by a diversity of people witha unified spirit such as the world has never seen, was held November 23-26 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City

Comprising the largest number of Baha’is ever assembled onasingle occasion— aremarkable victory in and of itself—the World Congress was in essence a celebration of, and testimony to, the growth, the spread and the absolute and inviolable unity of the Cause of God for 100 years since the passing of His supreme Manifestation—an achievement unprecedented in the history of humankind.

The World Congress was the second of two “major world events” planned for the Holy Year, that “conscious year-long pause” which, in the words of the Universal House of Justice, would allow Baha'u'llah’ s followers “to pay fitting regard to the Centenary of [His] Ascension and of the inauguration of His worldunifying Covenant.”

These twin occasions would at once “give vent to the innermost sentiments of the Baha’is” and provide an opportunity for the community of the Most Great Name to “blazon the Name of Baha’u’llah across See WORLD page 26

Theme pavilion recalls ‘Abdu ‘Baha’ 's ‘Mission to America’

By Tom MeNNILLO rtistic talent and Baha'i scholarship A came together to produce the aweinspiring “‘Abdu’l-Baha: Mission to America” theme pavilion at the

second Bahé'f World Congress in New York City.

The 17,000-square-foot pavilion was

spread majestically over five contiguous third-floor ballrooms at the New York Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan.

John Kavelin, a former designer with Walt Disney Imagineering in California, created forita visual environment evoking the spiritual energy of ‘Abdu’ l-Baha's visit to North America in 1912 and detailing New York's pivotal role in His epic jour

a zabeth Martin researched and wrote all of the text, and produced a video documentary for the pavilion entitled “The City of the Covenant.”

The inspiring exhibit resulting from the labors of Mr. Kavelin, Mrs. Martin and a large number of dedicated, hard-working volunteers was visited by approximately

1,000 people an hour in a five-day span

before and during the Congress. “Abdu’I-Baha arrived in New York on April 11, 1912, aboard the SS Cedric. He spent eight months in North America, traveling across the country by train and visiting many large cities, but He made New York the focal point of his activit See PAVILION page 35

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THe Universat House oF Justice ACCLAIMS THE CONVOCATION OF THE SECOND VVorLD ConGREsS CELEBRATING THE CENTENARY OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE CovENANT OF BAHA"u'LLAH

The following statement of the Universal House of Justice was read by Amatu'l-Bahd Riihiyyih Khdnum at the opening session of the second Bahd't World Congress, November 23, 1992:

To the followers of Baha'u'llah attending the second Bahd'i World Congress Dearly loved Friends, nkful hearts, we

ith eager hopes and th im the convocation in New York of the s

second Baha'i World Congress on the occa sion of the worldwide celebration of the centenary of the inauguration of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah. That so wide a diversity of the human race as you represent has assembled at this commemorative event is in itself history-making and is, indeed, an impressive demonstration of the potency and potential of the Covenant as the instrument designed by the Lord of the Age for the unification and pacification of the nations and peoples of the earth.

We rejoice with exceeding gladness, for your coming together in such variegated array is an affirmation of the efficacy of this sacred leg; a fresh assurance that, despite recurrent trials and turmoil, its worldredeeming, world-revolutionizing purpose will ultimately be entirely realized.

Our emotions are deeply stirred as we reflect on the remarkable circumstances which heralded the birth of Bahé'u'll4h's Covenant. Melancholy and hopeful images alternatingly flash upon our mental screen: the tragic May night a century ago of the passing of Baha'u'llah, the Supreme Manifestation of God; the soul-crushing scenes of the grief-stricken many who converged on Bahjj to pay their respects to His. memory; the atmosphere of abject desolation caused by the loss of One Who had been Father and incomparable Friend to all.

But the setting of the Sun of Bahi € rise to the appearance of the Orb of the Covenant. Thus the

ajestic Figure of ‘Abdu’I-Baha came to impress itself indelibly upon the consciousness of the faithful, consoling their spirits and brightening their outlook, because in Baha'u'lléh's Book of the Covenant, the Kitdb-i-‘Ahd, this beloved Son was appointed His Successor and the Center of the Covenant. Thus was set in motion on the morrow of Baha'u'llah's ascension the divine process that will, during the course of the Baha'i

National Spiritual States, 1233 Central St.,

anston, IL, 60201. Se ditional mailing of

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be included whenever possible. Please address all materi and correspondence to The Editor, The American Bahd't, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Management Information Systems, Bahd't National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Co} the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’ States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U

Dispensation, guarantee the fulfillment of Hi

principal purpose for humankind, namely, the realization of its oneness. The initial momentum of this process was to

gather particular force in the West as the acts of the beloved Master dramatically revealed. It was during His epic journey to North America that ‘Abdu’ |-Baha, recently released from imprisonment, impressed upon the early occidental believers the pivotal importance of the new Covenant; and it was in New York City that He chose to disclose to His disciples the special characteristics of that Covenant and His true station as its appointed Center. The occasion won for this leading city of the western hemisphere the surname, City of the Covenant. Where else, then, but this signally blessed metropolis could serve as the fitting venue for the commemoration which

has so marvelously brought you together?

This Congress is the major occasion during the Holy Year for the evocation of a memory which enables us all to appreciate how, through the dynamic person and peerless office of the Center of the Covenant, the will of both the Abha Beauty and His Herald has been translated into viable means for actualizing the unity of mankind and building a world civilization.

Consider, for instance, how on the very night in May 1844 when He declared His prophetic mission, the Bab addressed a summons to the peoples of the West that they issue forth from their cities to teach the Cause of God. Has that summons not thoroughly been fused with the world-embracing purpose of Baha'u'llah, becom ing a shining reality within the framework of the Administrative Order, the child of the Covenant an Order which the Bab anticipated and extolled in His Writings? You have come to New York to reflect of” such triumphant realities with due solemnity and spiritual joy.

How heartwarming and noteworthy that the proceedings of this momentous gathering will be enhanced by the presence of the three Hands of the Cause of God, tried and true upholders of the Covenant chosen by Shoghi Effendi under his authority as Guardian of the

Furdta

Photo: Joe Ferguson

Muhammad Varga,

Faith appointed in the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’ |Baha!

We can never forget that by their selfless adherence to duty during the period of their custodianship following the sudden passing of Shoghi Effendi, the Hands of the Cause preserved the wholeness of the Community of Baha, while at the same time guiding the members of that expanding community to the victorious conclusion of the Guardian's Ten Year Global Plan. Nor can we

See THE HOUSE page 15

Photo: Sot Corrie

Among the visitors to the World Congress were these colorfully costumed American Indians.

aunenesenetens Lass opp

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[Page 3]SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

The statement of the Universal House of Justice to the Baha'is of the world broadcast during the satellite transmission November 26 at the second Baha'i World Congress in New York Ci

To the Baha'is of the World

full century has gone by

since the Covenant of

Baha'u'llah was estal

and set in motion. A: extend to the members of H. community our loving greetings as they are assembled today at the World Congress in New York and at auxiliary conferences on all continents, or as they otherwi: participate in the observance of this centennial occasion.

We are particularly pleased that we have been afforded a special opportunity to pause for a moment, together with our fellow-believers, to gather our thoughts, to see how we have fared since 1892, and to consider where we are now headed. This enables us to engage in a symbolic act which by its very nature exemplifies the purpose of the Covenant—a Covenant intended by its divine Author to unite the races and nations of the earth.

Sublime emotions surge in our hearts as we survey the dramatic history and amazing progress of these one hundred years. At the time of the passing of Baha'u'llah, the Baha'f community was contained within the borders of no more than 15 countries, the vast majority of its members in His native Iran. The community now embraces the entire planet. We rejoice at the spirit of unity which is evident in its steady consolidation through the workings. of the Administrative Order to which the Covenant has given birth. Our cumulated experience has clearly demonstrated the efficacy of the Covenant. The genuine unity it induces greatly encourages our expectation that all of humanity can and will be united.

We have toiled to build a community at a period when the world has witnessed startling changes which have profoundly altered the character of society and plunged it into an unprecedented state of worry and confusion. Indeed, the world in its current condition has lost its bearings through the operation of forces it neither understands nor can control. It is a period in which great dynasties and empires have collapsed in rapid succession, in which powerful ideologies have captured the hearts of millions only to expire in infam: which two world wars wreaked havoc on civilized life as it was known at the beginning of the twentieth century.

In the wake of such horrendous disruptions, there have been unexampled advances in the realms of science, technology and social organization; a veritable explosion of knowledge; and an even more remarkable burgeoning in the awakening and rise of masses of humanity which were previously presumed to be dormant. These masses are claiming their rightful places within the community of nations which has greatly expanded.

With the simultaneous development of communications at the speed of light and transportation at the speed of sound, the world has contracted into a mere neighborhood in which people are instantly aware of each other's affairs and have immediate access to each other. And yet, even with such miraculous advances, with the emergence of international organizations, and with valiant attempts and brilliant successes at interna

‘Dramatic history, an amazing progress

In a message of greetings to the World Congress, the House of Justice reviews the progress of the Cause during the past 100 years

David Ruhe, a member of the Universal House of Justice, reads the message from the Supreme Body transmitted via satellite from the World Center to the second Baha'i World Congress in New York City.

tional cooperation, nations are at woeful odds with one another, people are convulsed by economic upheavals, races feel more alienated than before and are filled with mistrust, humiliation and fear.

Collateral with these changes has been the breakdown of institutions, religious and political, which traditionally functioned as the guideposts for the stability of society. Even the most ient of these seem to be losing their credibility as they have become preoccupied with their own internal disorder. Thi attention to the emptiness of the moral landscape and the feeling of futility deranging personal life.

Thoughtful commentators write apprehensively about the fall of culture and the consequent disappearance of values, the los of the inner life, a technological ci g an increasingly serious © They write, moreover, of the human species as being at the end with its wisdom and being unable to control itself, of the need for divine wisdom and foresight, and of the human psyche as being far removed from recognizing this need.

These ominous comments reflect the universal consequences of a failed understanding as to the purpose of God for humankind. It is in this particular respect that the Revelation of Baha'u'llah sheds new light; it refreshes our thoughts; it clarifies and expands our conceptions. His Teachings imbue us with the abundance of God's love for His creatures; they impress upon us the indispensability of justice in human

relations and emphasize the importance of adhering to principle in all matters; they inform us that human beings have been created “to ¢ forward an ever-advaneing civiliation” and that the virtues that befit the dignity of every person are: “forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness, towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth.”

As the members of our community have pursued their plan for teaching H grown to appreciate more adequately the purpose of the multifarious processes of change which have been at work dur ng the course of the century

_ Simultaneous processes of fall, of integration and of disi gration, of order and chaos, with

9

their continuous reciprocal are,”

reactions to each other, our Teachings tell us, “but as greater Plan, one and indiv: whose Source is God, whos author is Bahd'u'l the theatre of whose operations is the entire planet, and whose ultimate objectives are the unity of the human race and the peace of all mankind.” Disunity is the crux of the

ems which so severely afflict the planet. It permeates attitudes in all departments of life. It is at the heart of all major conflicts between.

relations between ri within religions, vi spiritual and moral influence

which it is their primary purpose to exert. “Should the lamp of re! be obscured,” Baha'u'llah asserts, “chaos and confusion oH ensue, and the lights of f justice, of trang cease to shine.”

In an elaboration of these dreadful consequences, our Teachings state that “when, as a result of human perversity, the light of religion is quenched in men's heart: deplorable decline in the fortunes of humanity immediately sets in, bringing in its wake all the evils which a wayward soul is capable of revealing. The n of human nature, the degradation of human conduct, the corruption and dissolution of human institutions, reveal themselves, under such circumstances, in their worst and most revolting aspects. Human character is debased, confidence is shaken, the nerves of discipline are relaxed, the voice of human conscience is stilled, the sense of decency and shame is obscured, conceptions of duty, of solidarity, of rec’ procity and loyalty are distorted, and the very feeling of peacefulness, of joy and of hope is gradually extinguished.”

Such, unfortunately, is the state to which institutions and individuals have come in our time. Against this background the requirements of the Covenant assume even more critical importance than before. There can be no doubt that if our community is to cope with the situation, it must advance rapidly toward the next phase in its evolution. It will be a phase in which the Faith of Baha'u'llah must of necessity anticipate a deep encounter with the forces operating with such bewildering ferocity throughout the world. Let us, therefore, take this propitious occasion to review the covenantal arrangement which generates and sustains our actions.

The foundation of our belief rests on our recognition of the sovereignty of God, the Unknowable Essence, the Supreme Creator, and on our submission to His will See SUBLIME page 20

Photo: Scot Corrie

RRS ccm aE TY SS NT SuararF B.E. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THe American Bandi 3 [Page 4]SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

‘THE PLENARY SESSIONS

This summary of the four days of plenary sessions of the second Bahd't World Congress was compiled and written by Associate Editor Ken Bowers.

. New York’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center the site for the second Baha’i World s because it was the largest meeting fac

number of commodious secondary rooms, ious entrance . In these parts of 1, informational and registration

‘Baha'u'llah, the Promise of All Ages’

main hail of the Javits Center waited in joyous anticipation as the house lights dimmed on the morning of the first day of the second Baha'i World Congress. All eyes were fixed on a beautiful stage that in itself seemed a metaphor for the Covenant of Baha’ u’Ilaih.

The central podium, on a raised dais, stood in front of the ccupied by the 400-member International Baha’i Choir and 70-piece World Congress Orchestra. The stage and the choir stand, bathed in bright light, were of a material whose color and texture recalled the marble of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, the Shrine of the Bab, and the other sacred buildings on Mount Carmel.

Behind the choir area were four large video screens for easy viewing by the audience, a necessary convenience and a reminder of the progress in every field of human endeavor that has taken place as the result of the advent of the King of Kings. Appropriately interspersed between the screens were abstracts of skyscrapers symbolizing New York, the City of the Covenant, illuminated by multi-colored spotlights.

The choir itself, arranged in a semi-circle, was made up of Bahd’{ men and women from 36 countries. All were dressed in white shirts adorned with sashes of varying colors—teal, magenta, Spanish yellow, peach and purple. Directly across from them, and reflecting their diversity, was the semi-circle formed by the audience itself, with the podium forming the central point . Together the choir, orchestra and audience were a veritable garden of humanity, all facing a fixed center in unity and celebration.

Lovely floral arrangements enhanced the effect and heightened the sense of harmony and gladness. The entire setting was evocative of a spirituality that befitted both the joy and the solemnity of the occasion.

The day began with an air of victory as Judge James F. Nelson, chairman of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, read a message of greetings from President

ae nearly 13,000 Baha'is and guests seated in the

centers were set up, as were booths for selling commemorative items, and displays such as the international book exhibit and the banners from around the world. Other Congress-related facilities in these areas included one of the two media centers, a Baha’ public information representatives’ center, and a banking station.

The main hall, reserved for the plenary sessions, covered 250,000 square feet—about the area of five football fields. Even so, the hall was only large enough to accommodate comfortably half the friends at one time. For this reason similar plenary sessions

George Bush. Addressing “the American members of the Baha’f community and...the millions of Baha’is around the world,” the President noted the situation of the Iranian believers and stressed the commitment of the government of the United States to the cause of their emancipation.

Lauding the Baha’ fs for their support of racial and sexual equality and universal peace, “principles that all good people admire and support,” Mr. Bush closed with his “best wishes for a meaningful celebration.”

After this significant expression of support from the leader of “the Great Republic of the West,” Mr. Nelson introduced a special guest, Mayor David N. Dinkins of New York. Mayor Dinkins, after being greeted by a thunderous ovation from the Baha’ is, read a personal message of welcome that included these remarks:

“We are pleased that you have chosen the City of New York as the venue for the Baha’i World Congress celebrating racial and ethnic unity. Although we are not yet free of all racial and ethnic problems, New York ranks as one of the most tolerant towns in the world.

“There is no excuse for offi intoleran it is my hope that the spirit of tolerance and respect that we continue to establish in New York will someday be mirrored throughout the world.

“And it is in that spirit that L..welcome you to New York.

Mayor Dinkins then presented an official proclamation recognizing the importance of the Faith’s principle of the unity of mankind and proclaiming November 23, 1992, “Baha’i World Congress Day” in New York.

In return, Mr. Nelson presented the mayor with a plaque inscribed with ‘Abdu’ |-Bahd’s prayer that begins, “Bless Thou, O King of Kings, the city of New York...,” on behalf of the Baha’{ World Congress.

With these auspicious signs of the rising influence of the Cause of God, the second Baha’i World Congress got under way. After prayers in English, Persian, Hmong and Spanish, Mr. Nelson introduced the representative to the World Congress of the Universal House of Justice, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’|-Bahé Ruhfyyih Khanum.

She began by conveying to the friends the “greetings and love of the Universal House of Justice, the International Teaching Center, and the friends in Haifa.” She then remarked on the importance of the occasion and the great privilege it was for the friends to be associated with it.

The Hand of the Cause said that its significance lay not only in the Centenary and the location of the Congress in the City of the Covenant, but also in that the Faith is now becoming universally recognized. “We are being turned to,” she said, “by many people who are beginning to understand what the Faith has to offer.”

were held twice each day, in the morning and afternoon. t

For obvious reasons the sessions could not be absolutely identical; for example, the mayor of New York City did not make two personal appearances at the Congress. Instead, a video of his appearance in the morning was shown to the friends in the afternoon. The same was true of the live satellite broadcast on the final day of the Congress. There were also slight changes from one session to another in the content of talks and other minor details.

Message from the House of Justice Amatu'l-Baha Ruhfyyih Khénum then read the text of the message from the Universal House of Justice to the Baha’ { World Congress. “With eager hopes and thankful hearts,” the message began, “we acclaim the convocation in New York of the

second Baha’ { World Congress on the occasion of the auguration of the

worldwide celebration of th Covenant of Bahd’u’Iléh.

“That so wide a diversity of the human race as you represent has assembled at this commemorative event is in itself history-making and is, indeed, an impressive demonstration of the potency and potential of the Covenant as the instrument designed by the Lord of the Age for the unification and pacification of the nations and peoples of the earth.”

The message went on to recall the Ascension of

Photo: Scot Corrie

Prayers were offered in many languages.

Bahé@’u’Il4h a century ago, an occasion which, however melancholy and soul-crushing, had given rise to “the appearance of the Orb of the Covenant” in the person of ‘Abdu’ |-Bahé, thus setting in motion “the divine process that will, during the course of the Baha’{ Dispensation, guarantee the fulfillment of His principal purpose for humankind, namely, the realization of its oneness.”

The House of Justice then reflected on the triumphs of the Master during His “epic journey” to the West, especially noting the circumstances that had won for New York the surname, “City of the Covenant.”

“This Congress,” the House of Justice continued, “ the major occasion during the Holy Year for the evocation of the memory which enables us all to appreciate how, through the dynamic person and

ae a eR ER UT 4 Tue American BanA’i — SuararF B.£. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 [Page 5]

peerless office of the Center of the Covenant, the Will of both the Abhé Beauty and His Herald has been translated into a viable means for actualizing the unity of mankind and building a world civilization.”

Then, recalling the summons of the Bab to the peoples of the West to “issue forth from their cities to teach the Cause of God”; acknowledging the presence at the Congress of the Hands of the Cause, who had “preserved the wholeness of the community of Baha” during the years leading up to the formation of the House of Justice; expressing special pleasure at the presence of Amatu'l-Bahd Ruhfyyih Khénum, the consort of the Guardian, who also met ‘Abdu’ |-Baha; contemplating the first World Congress, “That unforgettable occasion in London some three decades ago” which “affirmed for the Baha’ is themselves that the Faith of Baha’u’ lah had truly emerged as a world religion with a world community”; and calling the second Congress the “mainspring” for activities that will “promulgate the Covenant as the axis of unity for all humankind,” the House of Justice stated that “A special expectation is therefore invested in you who are attending this focal event of the City of the Covenant.”

Calling upon the belivers to “strive as never before” to appreciate the Covenant, and to immediately translate that understanding into an attitude toward each other that demonstrates its unifiying power, the Supreme Body, stressing the fundamental importance of deeds as the truest form of proclamation, stated:

“May you do this with the resolve that what you practice toward each other during these few days will henceforth be sustained in your relations with all others elsewhere. Such active resolution will endow the second World Congress with the radiant power to impress upon the public the incontrovertible fact that the Baha’i Faith is a world religion worthy of its claims and, hence, of public recognition.”

After these inspiring words had been read, a monumental oratorio, “Baha’u’ll4h, the Promise of All Ages,” written especially for the Congress by Jack Lenz, Jim Seals, Graham Major and Tom Price, and orchestrated by Ron Huff, was performed by the choir, orchestra, reader and soloists.

“O Baha'u'llah! What hast Thou done?” the first reading began,

“Beneath the canopy of Your Presence,

we here now assembled acknowledge with our lives the truth You proclaimed...”

After the first reading, the choir chanted the names of the Promised One from the religions of the past. Then, after a stunning brass fanfare, the choir sang:

“See the light of His Glory, O people,

Shining before you, Baha'u'llah!

Lord of Lords, King of Kings,

He is Wondrous

Everlasting Father, Bahd’u’ lai f

The oratorio reprised the sufferings and achievements of the Best Beloved of the Worlds, from His imprisonment in the Siyéh-Chal, where the Maid of Heaven appeared to Him announcing His Mission, to the Garden of Ridvan, where He declared His own advent. Then, describing His exiles, imprisonment, and finally, His Ascension, it concluded as it had begun, based on the words of “Abdu’l-Baha:

“O Bahd’u'lléh, What hast Thou done?

How full were Thy days, how full were Thy days

With trials and tribulations!...

O Baha'u'llah!

How solid the foundation Thou hast lai¢

How glorious the banner Thou didst hoisi

What hast Thou done?

O Baha'u'llah!”

SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

The performance was magnificent, musically and esthetically. At its conclusion the audience, a great many of whom had been moved to tears, offered a long and enthusiastic standing ovation; for surely none of them had ever heard so sublime an anthem in praise of the Blessed Beauty.

A gift from Iran

Contemplation of the sufferings and victories of Bahé’u’lléh, so movingly recalled in the oratorio, evoked in the hearts of the friends feelings alternating between sorrow and spiritual exaltation. Now the Baha’ fs received a token of love from the believers in the Cradle of the Faith—a poignant reminder of those who continue to sacrifice their all for the Cause of God.

Sein Mene Chew, a member of National Spiritual Assembly of Hong Kong, called to mind the sufferings of the Persian believers in Iran whose situation is so severe that only a handful were able to attend the Congress. The believers in Iran, she said, were fully aware of the Congress and its importance, and had sent a gift to their fellowBaha’ is on this great occasion.

She then called for the gift to be presented. The audience arose spontaneously as bouquet after bouquet of roses, carnations and other flowers of various types and hues were carried to the stage and arranged in front of the podium.

As many of the friends wept openly, Ms. Chew announced that the Iranian Baha’ fs had also sent a message of love and greetings to the Congress. This was translated and read at a later session.

Congress.

Address by David Hofman

With the flowers from Iran remaining on stage, David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice, presented an address on the day’s theme: “Baha'u'llah, The Promised One of All Ages.”

At the heart of Mr. Hofman’s talk was the importance of this era in human history. “The great urgency for the entire human race,” he said, “is to grow from youth to adulthood. It is urgent because we only mature once.”

Commenting on the revolutionary changes in the world since the appearance of the Bab and Baha’u’ Il4h, Mr. Hofman said that these changes, also part of God’s Plan, had made possible the practical implementation of

Po

Photo: Scot Corrie

Mayor David Dinkins displays the plaque presented to him by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly on behalf of those attending the World

the Baha’i World Order.

He also spoke about two processes that will take place simultaneously: the completion of the remaining buildings of the Arc on Mt. Carmel and the maturation of the local and national institutions of the Faith— processes that, according to Shoghi Effendi, will synchronize with the emergence, by the end of this century, of the Lesser Peace.

Mr. Hofman reminded the friends of another development that will be closely associated with these processes, namely, the entry by troops of new believers into the Cause of God. He submitted that the friends must concentrate their efforts on teaching the Faith:

“This new-born baby of the Cause must fulfill the duty of all babies—to put on weight! ...

“It is our duty never to leave anyone with whom we have come in contact until we have taught the Faith to that person.”

In conclusion, Mr. Hofman emphasized that, because of the uniqueness of this stage in humanity’s evolution,

we who follow Baha’u’Il4h will never again have so opportune a chance to spread His message.

“The human race is crying out for love. Our teaching work must take a more personal, individual turn. ...To convey to the masses of humanity the love of Baha'u'llah is our most important task in teaching.”

Then, echoing the words of the prophet Isaiah, he said, “Let us send a message, a signal to the leaders of mankind, that they should ‘Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory.’ .. Ya Baha’u’1-Abha!”

World procession of Baha’is

A musical interlude separated Mr. Hofman’s address from the last featured event of the day—the Procession of the Covenant, composed of representatives of Baha’f communities from around the world.

More than 200 men and women, from every corner of the world and all dressed in native costume, filed from the rear to the front of the hall. Accompanied by music and a narration of their places of origin, they proceeded onto the stage until they were assembled, rank upon rank, in their spectacular array, before a wildly cheering audience of their fellow-believers.

The processionalists, living testimonials to both the world-embracing nature of the Cause and the unifying power of Baha’u’Ilah’s Covenant, joined the orchestra and choir in an anthem of praise. The program ended with the prayer, “All praise, O my God, be to Thee Who art the Source of all glory and majesty. ...”

‘SuararF B.E. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THe American BaHA’i 5

[Page 6]‘The Covenant and the Master’

T: second day’s program opened with songs of tribute to ‘Abdu’l-Bahd in Persian and English. followed by prayers in four languages. Dr. Amin Banani, a member of the U.S. Baha’{ community, med to the stage five individuals who had i ig the Master. amamoto, son of the first Baha’ f of Japanese ancestry, and Mrs. Betty Lunt Toomes were only infants when they were in ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s presence. Years later Mrs. Toomes was told that the Master had taken her in His arms and whispered something into her ear. As no one knew what it was He had si she had lived ever since in the hope that she would find out from Him personally in the Abha Kingdom!

Sylvia Parmelee was 12 when she saw the Master while on pilgrimage to Haifa. She shared with the audience her recollections of the sound of His voice, “rich, full, loving, the like of which I have never heard since.” She also said that the rest of her life had been affected by meeting Him.

Bahia Randall Winckler met ‘Abdu’I-Baha in England at the age of five. She remembered herself as a “naughty” child who did not like adults—they were always saying “no” to her. In fact, there were only two adults in the world whom she trusted—her parents.

On the very day the Master visited her home she had had an argument with her nurse about changing her dress for the expected Visitor. At first she did not want to, but then, after a feeling of “sunshine” suddenly enveloped her, she agreed to change. As the nurse fussed over her she made some scribblings with pencil and paper.

When ‘Abdu’ l-Baha at last arrived, the young girl presented Him with her work, saying, “This is a prayer for you!”

Ms. Winckler went on to describe His smile, the everpresent twinkle in His eye, and His radiant love. “Here is someone who loves naughty children,” she recalled thinking to herself. “I think He came here partly to see me.” She said that now there were three adults whom she trusted!

When ‘Abdu’ 1-Baha left the house the warm, cozy feeling of sunshine left with Him. Said Ms. Winkler, “I know I became a Bahd’{ at that moment.”

Aziz Yazdi was the last to share his reminiscences with the friends. For three years—1918 to 1921—he lived in the household of ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

In those days it was the custom for adults to be received by the Master at specific times, moreover, everyone was careful to behave with appropriate respect and reverence when in His presence. Mr. Yazdi, as a young boy, was free to come and go as he pleased, and, though well aware of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s station, did not always feel the same constraints as his elders.

“One day,” he recalled, “the Master passed by as I was playing in the garden at Bahji. | bowed. He smiled.

I don’t know why, but I followed Him. He never turned me away. I followed until we reached the garden around the Shrine of Baha’u’llah, which He used to water and tend personally.

“J still followed until we arrived at the entrance of the Shrine. We both entered. I can still see how He bowed and prayed, then stood up and chanted the Tablet of Visitation.

“I remember thinking, “Here I am in the Qiblih, alone

on when the Master the future glories of the and ‘Akka. A particular statement made by Him was that the two citi be connected in days to come, in one long string of lights encircling the bay.

“When He said this I thought it would take three or four hundred years to come true, but I saw it all happen in my 1 e!””

When these precious and greatly blessed individuals had finished, the choir and a soloist sang the well known Persian song, “Dastam Bigir, ‘Abdu’l-Baha” (Take my hand, *Abdu’l-Baha). Four early believers

Then the friends were thrilled by nary “visit,” in the form of a dram: tion, from four of the great chamy Faith in the days of ‘Abdu’ I-B; These immortal teachers told how their own experiences with the Center of the Covenant had transformed their understanding of the Faith and their very lives.

Juliet Thompson (played by Susan Hegarty), celebrated artist and devoted disciple of the Master, recounted the dramatic circumstances surrounding the revelation by Him of His station as Center of the Covenant. This momentous event, to which she was an eyewitness, took place in New York City on June 19, 1912. She also described some of the trials that taught her the meaning of wholehearted devotion to the Cause.

Lua Getsinger (Nikki Gundry), a close friend of Juliet’ s:and a shining heroine of the Faith, was appointed by ‘Abdu’ I-Bah: a Herald of the Covenant on the same occasion at which He announced Himself as its Center. She told humorous stories about lessons in obedience as taught to her by the Master.

Louis Gregory (George Davis), one of the first African-American Baha’ is, given the posthumous rank of Hand of the Cause of God by Shoghi Effendi, told of the way in which ‘Abdu’|-Baha taught the unity of the races, and shared the effect of those teachings in his own life.

Howard MacNutt (Philip Hinton), was one of the leaders of the early American Baha’ { community. At his initiative the film and voice recordings of ‘Abdu’1-Baha were made and the book of His speeches in North America, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, was compiled. He dealt frankly with his struggle to understand the Master’s true station, telling how He was able to help him grasp the truth ina loving and forgiving manner.This presentation, well acted and insightful, and containing both poignancy and humor, afforded the friends at the World Congress a fresh perspective on the personality of the Master and the lives of four immortal servants who were completely devoted to Him.

One significant aspect of this perspective is that the spiritual struggles faced by the early heroes and heroines of the Faith were similar to those faced by Baha'is today as we strive to understand the meaning of obedience to the Covenant.

Video presentation

After the choir and a soloist sang “Look at Me, Follow Me, Be As I Am,” the friends viewed a video presentation produced for the World Congress, entitled “The City of the Covenant.”

Chronicling the highlights of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s teaching activities in and around New York, and noting some of His many statements about the city, the film also recounted some of the spirit of America at the turn of the century, and reviewed the urgent social issues the

extraordipresentais of the

Master repeatedly addressed in His interviews and talks.

Among these issues were the status of women, racial prejudice, international peace, and economic justice. For all of these problems ‘Abdu’l-Baha had answers, all based on the Writings of Baha’u’Iléh and all having a common theme: the need for greater altruism and love.

The film listed some of the leaders who met ‘Abdu’lBaha during travels in North America, such as Theodore Roosevelt, Alexander Graham Bell, Andrew Carnegie and David Starr Jordan. Also recalled were some of His major public appearances, on such occasions as the Lake Mohonk Peace Conference and the third annual convention of the NAACP.

Photo: Laura Arthur Vocalist Susan Engle performs during the Oratorio.

Talk by Firuz Kazemzadeh

The day’s plenary address, “‘Abdu’l-Baha, Center of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah,” was given by Firuz Kazemzadeh. Dr. Kazemzadeh, professor emeritus of history at Yale University and an internationally known. scholar of the Faith, currently serves as the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly’s secretary for External Affairs.

Dr. Kazemzadeh opened by focusing on two issues that are faced in every religious dispensation. After the passing of every Manifestation of God questions have arisen concerning interpretation of His words and teachings, and authority over the spiritual and administrative affairs of the community of His followers.

In times past, he noted, religions have always split over these issues. The Baha’{ Faith was the first religion in history with a Divinely ordained mechanism for preserving its unity—the Covenant of Baha’w’Iléh. It is a Covenant that is absolutely necessary for this age, for if the purpose of the Faith is to unite mankind, its own

unity must never be violated.

The Center of the Covenant and its embodiment, said Dr. Kazemzadeh, was ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, described by Shoghi Effendi as Baha’u’llah’s “beloved Son, the apple of His eye, His vicegerent on earth, the Executive

i it a ce mS 6 The American BanA’i — SuaraF B.£. 149 / Decemper 31, 1992 [Page 7]

Stave or New York Executive CHAMBER, ALBANY

Members of the Baha'i World Congress:

On behalf of all the people of my State, I welcome the 30,000 members of the Baha'i community to New York for your World Congress.

It is fitting that your faith, with members in nearly all countries on earth, from virtually every ethnic, racial and religious background, is meeting in New York. Like the Baha'f community, New York is made up of people of all colors and origins, a gorgeous mosaic that enriches our State with its diversity.

All of us can learn from the central message of the Baha'i faith, which teaches that there is really only one race—the human race. The world would be a better place if your belief in universal equality and your nelecdty of prejudice guided the conduct of everyone.

As you honor New York with your presence to mark the 100th anniversary — of the passing of your founder, the prophet Baha'u'llah, I wish you the peaceful and harmonious future you wish for all humankind.

Sincerely,

Mario M. Cuomo November 25, 1992

of His authority, the Pivot of His Covenant, the Shepherd of His flock, the Exemplar of His faith, the image of His perfections, the Mystery of his revelation, the Interpreter of His mind, the Architect of His World Order, the Ensign of His Most Great Peace, the Focal Point of His unerring guidance—in a word, the occupant of an office without peer or equal in the entire field of religious history,” standing guard over the Faith,

“alert, fearless and determined to enlarge its limits, blazon abroad its fame, champion its interests and consummate its purpose.”

Dr. Kazemzadeh then described some of the features of the Master’s extraordinary life, including His exile from Iran

Photo: Joe Ferguson

Taking part in the Procession of the Covenant.

with His Father and family while a child, and His emergence in early youth as Baha’ u’lléh’s amanuensis, shield and chief deputy.

After the Ascension of Hi: ‘Abdu’l-Bahé oversaw the cons of the Western community, Hir undertaking a journey to Europe and North America for that purpose. As a result, the Faith moved far beyond the confines of Islamic society. But this was only one of many achievements.

““Abdu’l-Baha’s deeds,” Dr. Kazemzadeh concluded, “cannot be summarized. He was the Faith’s Interpreter. He laid the foundations of its Administrative Order. He was its Defender against Covenant-breakers and external enemies. His writings, together with Baha’ u’llah’s, make up our Scriptures. His Will and Testament is one of the fundamental documents of our Faith.

“He is our dearest Friend and our yardstick, our Master and the Servant of the Beloved.”

ing are remarks ion a gnerbes 23

ity of New York!

SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

Photo: Laura Arthur

Considering which of the many events to attend next.

Film of the Master

The film of ‘Abdu’l-Baha was then shown to a hushed and enraptured audience. Made in New York in 1912, it is the only known instance in which a motion picture of Him was taken.

All of the Baha'is present, for an all too brief moment, must have imagined themselves among the little group of people who had come to hear ‘Abdu’ lBaha on that day eight decades ago. Now pacing back and forth, now standing still; now lecturing us, now sitting with us; His every movement was a memory to be cherished for a lifetime.

The two and one-half minute s

lent

film, whose quality was greatly enhanced by a recent restoration, conveys a strong sense of the Master’s energy, majestic

0, the Rey. Dr. Martin

ead of a writer

welcome you to New.

home of our nation's media, we offer the potent “i saw during the very successful Democratic

bearing and warmth.

Having seen ‘Abdu’l-Bahé on film, the friends now longed to hear His voice. All rose to their feet, and the sounds of His blessed, lyrical, unforgettable voice filled the hall, transporting His lovers into the very heavens.

“Glad tidings! Glad tidings!” He prayed, repeating the phrase several times. His chanting, even for those who did not understand Persian, bespoke on the one hand His humilit is servitude to Baha’u’llah, His long life of sacrifices and sufferings; and on the other, the strength of His love, His certitude, His Faith in the ultimate victory of the ‘ Cause.

The day’s program ended with choir music and the recitation in French of the Tablet of Visitation for ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

er of tolerance—a gorgeous mosaic of 178 ethnic ‘e welcomed a million new immigrants during the gn-born. This diversity is what makes New York ic nature of our city.

the venue for the Baha'i World Congress celebrating e of all racial and ethnic problems, New York ranks

outright persecution of those of a tion. It is my hope that the spirit of

shin New York au someday be mirrored throughout the

SuararF B.£. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THe American BaHA’i 7 [Page 8]SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

The plenary sessions

WEDNESDAY

‘The victories of the Covenant’

ee third day’s sessions were preceded by message of greeting from the governor of Alaska, who expressed his wishes for a “successful and inspiring” World Congress. Also sending mes sages were tl Spiritual Assembly of Turkey and the Baha’ f the latter of whom, “with joyous hearts, and “awed” as they contemplated the worldwide ramifications of the marvelous event taking place in the City of the Covenant.

After opening prayers in four languages, eight regional choirs, situated in various places on the stage, took the friends on a musical tour of the world, performing Baha'i s iC) ‘hina, Afri Polynesia, the Ca J groups then ead forces, along with the che audience, for the song, “We are the people of Baha This stirring moment, which provoked a long, standing ovation from the friends, set the perfect mood for the day’s theme.

Testimonies to the Covenant

Juan Benejaro, a Guaymi Indian from Panama, was the first of three Baha’ is who shared with the friends wonderful testimonies to the power of Baha’u’llah’s Covenant. Mr. Benejaro, speaking through an interpreter, reported about a project that had been initiated by the Baha’ is to teach literacy and other subjects to his people. Implemented according to Baha’i principles, the program had, he said, “balanced the spiritual life” of the Guaymi. “What el he concluded, “could th humble people do but be instrument of Bah es

In Indore, India, the.Baha’i Vocational In: titute for Rural Women, sponsored by the National Spiritual po) of Indi and inspired by the Hand of the {jir, has been recogzed by Global 500, an international ecological association, for its cont ions to ecological undernding and development. Janak McGiligan, a member of the Baha’ i community explained that the Institute operates in an economically disadvantaged and caste-opressed society, where women enjoy few opportunities and literacy is not more than 4 percent. The Institute teaches women literacy, health and hygi: nd income s] long with Baha’f social principles, such as the elimination of caste prejudice.

Many of these women have emerged as community leaders, having helped to eradicate guinea worms in 302 villages. They are happy to credit the teachings of Baha’ u Ilah for their successes. “They are candles spreading the light of Baha’u’lldh,” said Ms. McGiligan. “They love Baha'u'llah.”

Brazil’s Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro last summer, was the largest gathering of world leaders in history, with more than 100 heads of state and 178 delegations in attendance. The Faith played a large role

House of Justice, greets the audience.

in this history-making event, which proved a unique opportunity for applying Baha’ u’lléh’s social principles to a collective world effort.

Venus Pezeshk, a Baha’i from Brazil, chronicled the efforts of the National Spritual Assembly of Bra the Baha’{ International Community’s Office of the Environment to help formulate three concrete proposals for various programs: Earth Charter, Environmental Legislation, and Men and Women: Partnérship for a Healthy Planet.

The Baha’is were also involved in the Global Forum, an international conference of non-governmental organizations held in conjunction with the Earth Summit, where they were the only religious group to give a presentation

In addition, visitors from 123 countries and journalists from 80 countries visited the Global Forum’s Baha’ { Booth. The Baha’ is prepared a children’s book, “Tomorrow Belongs to the Children,” in cooperation with UNICEF, and coordinated the Forum’s entertainment night, having been asked to do so, according to Ms. Pezeshk, because they were considered the only group capable of handling the diversity of people and of understanding the event’s importance.

The high point of the Earth Summit for the Baha’ is was the dedication of the Peace Monument. The construction of the monument and its dedication were coordinated entirely by the Baha’ fs, with the support of a great many individuals and groups. The monument itself, containing soil samples from every nation taking part in the Summit, was decorated on top with the Baha’f ringstone symbol and emblazoned across its front with the words of Baha’u’llah, One Country, and Mankind Its Citizen phrase was hailed by one prominent leader as tie motto of the two international gatherings.

Ms. Pezeshl unity, steadfa: ‘Victories’ video

A video on the “Victories of the Covenant” presented

an outline of the growth and development of the Bal world community since the passing of ‘Abdu’ I-Baha,

attributed these great victories to the ness and faith of the believers involved.

Congres by Khénur , represel iti eave

Photo: Scot Corrie

with particular emph: on the great international teaching plans launched by Shoghi Effendi and based upon ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Tablets of the Divine Plan: the two Seven Year Plans and the Ten Year Crusade. The extraordinary progress of the Faith since the formation of the House of Justice was also noted.

At the end of this presentation homage was paid to the Hands of the Cause of God. The names and photographs of each of the Hands—from those who lived in the time of Baha’u’Iléh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahd to those appointed by the Guardian— were shown on the video screens to orchestral accompaniment and the narration of these words of the Blessed Beauty:

“Light and glory, greeting and praise be upon the Hands of his Cause, through whom the light of fortitude hath shone forth and the truth established that the authority to choose rests with God, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Unconstrained, through whom the ocean of bounty hath surged and the fragrance of the gracious

rr 8 Tue American BanA’i — SHaraF B.E. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 [Page 9]SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

favors of God, the Lord of mankind, hath been diffused.

We ech Him—exalted is He—to shield them through the power of His hosts, to protect them through the potency of His dominion and to aid them through His indomitable strength which prevaileth over all created things. Sovereignty is God’s, the Creator of the heavens and the Loy Kingdom of Names

The Hands of the Cause

Now came the time for the friends to greet the living Hands of the C: As they were introduced, a passage from the the Universal House ice was read, lauding the ievement of the

preserving the unity of the Cause after the passing of the Guardian, stating that history shows “no comparable record of such absolute loyalty” and “such complete selfabnegation,” and testifying that humanity owes them a debt of gratitude that is “beyond estimation.”

Office of the Mayor City of New York

Proclamation

WHEREAS: the International Community of Baha'is is holding “The Baha'i World Congress: Celebrating Racial and Ethnic Unity” at the Jacob K. Javits Center from the twenty-third through the twenty-sixth of November; and

WHEREAS: more than 30,000 Baha'is from 180 countries are attending this important Congress in our city—the largest and most diverse gathering in the Faith's 140-year history; and

WHEREAS: founded by Bahda'u'lléh in Iran in 1844, today the Baha'f F has members in almost every country; the Baha'{ Faith emphasizes the unity and equality of all people and teaches that there should be no barriers to this unity; the Founder's S' “Abdu'l-Baha, led New York City in 1912, calling it “The City of the Cove

WHEREAS: our city has long had a wonderfully diverse population; for centu people from countries throughout the world have come here to escape persecution and to build new lives for themselves and their families; we welcome the members of the Bahd'i Faith and join them in their wish for peace and unity among all the peoples of the earth,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, David Dinkins, Mayor of the City of New York, in recognition of this important gathering in our city, do hereby proclaim Monday, November 23, 1992 in the City of New York as

“BAHA'l WORLD CONGRESS DAY”

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of New York to be affixed.

David N. Dinkins Mayor

is is epitomized, she the Manifestations of God, Who have always instituted Covenants with thei: followers concerning the next Prophet. In this Dispe: have the added advan Baha’u llah’s unique Covenant, Whose Center was ‘Abdu’lBaha.

She pointed to the years 1957-1963, between the ministry of the Guardian and the formation of the House of sone of the significant of the Covenant’s power. t happened to other religions did not happen to t religion. And what’s more, it never going to happen to thi religion.

“When we leave here we’re going to leave not the kind of people we were when we came in...,” she concluded, “because we’ ve received the outpourings of Baha'u'llah, we’ ve felt the strength of our oneness, and we have a protective canopy over our heads in the Universal

House of Justice.

The Hands of the Cause, Amatu’l-Baha Ruhfyyih Khanum, ‘Ali-Akbar Furdtan and ‘Ali-Muhammad Varq4, made their way to the stage through waves of love in the form of a warm and sustained ovation. As each arose to speak, more such spontaneous expressions of loving gratitude erupted frorh the audience.

The first to address the gathering was Mr. Furdtan. Acknowledging his good fortune in having lived to see the great gathering of believers at the second World Congress, he called upon every ise and teach the Faith, as the ice is expecting. He then asked that God would allow him to live just a little longer so that he could see the results of the Cong!

ium. “I believe it!” He then spoke about the world situation at the time of ‘Abdu’I-Baha’s visit to

Photo: Scot Corrie

In the orchestra for the Baha'i Oratorio, Marvin (Doc) Holladay trades his usual instrument, the

baritone saxophone, for a bass clarinet.

America, plagued as it was with war and prejudice. Comparing the second World Congress with the first, he speculated about the effect it would have on the Baha’{ world community and the rest of mankind:

“We should recognize how great and powerful is the power of Baha’u’ lah, so that we can dedicate the rest of our lives to the Faith. ...In 1963, at the time of the first World Congress, there were about 500,000 Baha’is in the world, and 58 National Spiritual Assemblies. Now there are 165 National Assemblies!”

Dr. Vargd concluded by urging the Baha'is to “keep the spirit of ‘Abdu’lBaha when you leave the Congress and spread it everywhere you can!”

Amatu'l-Baha Ruihiyyih Khaénum spoke to the friends on the day’s theme, prefacing her remarks by reminding the Baha’ fs that she was a native of New York. She also commented on the city’s cultural and ethnic importance.

The Hand of the Cause said she is confident that the powers released by the Congress would be felt throughout the world. “We should visualize ourselves,” she said, “as pinpoints of light who will share what we have received here with everyone we meet.”

but he was also extremely humble. He always turned compliments aside. I myself found it almost impossible to pay the Guardian a compliment.”

Among the lessons taught us by the Guardian, she said, was that of proper respect for the Manifestations and for “Abdu’l-Baha.

“What the Covenant fundamentally means,” she continued, “is that God will

Concerning Shoghi Effendi, Amatu'l-Bahé Ruihiyyih Khanum said he was surprised

and shocked at being appointed to such a high office as the Guardianshi)

“Shoghi Effendi s most he thought ould happen was that he might be allowed to open and read the Will and Testament of *Abdu’l-Baha. He was crushed when he found out he had been made the Guardian!

“Many of us are familiar with the Guardian’s majesty,

“We're going to have great victories. ...We’re going to take {the Faith] to the far corners of the earth!”

Exhilarated by the words of the beloved Hands of the Cause, and inspired by the evidences they had d of Bahd’u’lléh’s power and ignty, the friends, after an enchanting rendition of “The Queen of Carmel,” adjourned for the day.

Photo: Jens von Krogh

One of the most enthusiastically received groups at the World Congress was the Gospel Choir whose soloists included Sandy Simmons (left) and Van Gilmer.

SuararF B.£. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THe American BanA’i 9 [Page 10]SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

‘Humanity's coming encounter

with Baha'u'llah’

he final session of the World Congress was preceded by yet another message of good-will, this time from Mario Cuomo, the governor of New York, who stated that “All of us can learn from the central message of the Baha’{ Faith, which teaches us that there is only one race—the human race.”

A different kind of tribute to the Faith came in the form of a gigantic ice sculpture, donated by local artist Earl Covington. Mr. Covington, co-owner of a New York ice company and not a Baha’ {, produced the sculpture in support of the Baha’f message of world peace. The finished composition, two doves supporting a globe of the world, was displayed outdoors on the upper level of the Javits Center.

With opening prayers and the song “Ya Baha’u’lAbhd,” the stage was set for the some of the most dramatic moments of the second Baha’ i World Congress. Messages of loving greetings, transmitted via satellite, were broadcast live to the Congress from nine Baha’{ communities across the globe. As each community reported, the friends in New York, carried away by the marvelous signs of the victory of the Cause, could not help but burst into sustained applause and cheers.

“Greetings from Western Samoa!” rang the first message, thrilling the hearts of the friends in a manner beyond description. A message from the King of Western Samoa, Malietoa Tanumafili II, the world’s only reigning Baha’{ monarch, was read by his daughter. His Highness expressed the hope that other world leaders would accept Baha’u'lléh’s teachings “so that be established.” ge came from Buenos Aires, where from all over South America had gathered, followed by greetings from Bucharest, Romania, expressing the excitement of a people whose contact with the world was only recently re-established after 40. years of communist rule.

Then New Delhi reported: “We...acknowledge the majesty and sovereignty of our well-beloved Lord. ..Allah’u’ Abha .

Next came a message from Moscow, to which the believers in New York responded with audible gasps of wonderment. In that city, until a few short y go the impregnable capital of communism, Baha’ is from more than 30 countries had gathered: “Only the Covenant of the King of power and glory could such a gathering possible in a country which for so long had prided itself on living without God.”

Baha’ fs speaking 30 languages, gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, expressed the hope that each of the friends would become “an emblazoner of His holy Name, so

that this world may become the mirror image of His Paradise.”

ie friends in Panama City, Panama, mbled in the Mother Temple of Latin merica, said, “We are overjoyed and thankful to Baha’ u’Ilah...to demonstrate to the world the organic unity of the Ba community.”

From Singapore, where 800 people from countri Asia and the Pacific had met, came a message of love on the occasion of the “unique and soul-stirring 4’ { World Congres: s well as an ion of gratitude to “the beloved

he friends heard from Sydney,

a, Where the Baha’ is pledged to vanize our efforts” to win victories for ‘ause of God.

Lastly came the poignant moment when the text of the mes: rom the Baha’ fs of lor Lally Lucretia Warren. The following excerpts convey a part of its spiri

“With deepest joy and fervor, in these iends in Iran welcome my of faithful lovers, who, in utmost 'y and purity, have gathered in this ificent historic Congr ng, the darksome clouds of inderstandings in Iran will gradually pass away. ...We rely on the divine bounties and are certain that the effects of the ardent prayers offered by those spiritual souls in their divine gathering will impart a new spirit to the world of humanity in this Holy Year.

“We beseech the one True God that the light of unity and oneness may shine upon this world...and that the present calamities of mankind, in every corner of the world, may be transformed into the ease and comfort of all hearts and souls. ...”

The message finished, the Baha’ fs in all the gatherings around the world joined for a universal chorus of the song “Allah’u’ Abha” in honor of the Persian Baha’i community.

These unforgettable messages, inducing tears of joy in many of the friends, created a tangible sensation of the oneness of the Faith around the world. The entire planet seemed alive, the Baha’i world community united in joy and love.

Humanity’s encounter with Baha'u'llah

A film interlude, showing scenes from the commemoration of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah in the Holy Land, was then shown. It included these words of the Guardian about Baha'u'llah:

“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 millenium, as the Ori; “Universal Cycle,” as the Establi: Pe: he Fountain of the Most Proclaimer of the coming of age of the enti race, as the Creator of a new World Order, and as the Inspirer and Founder of a world civilization.”

“Humanity’s Coming ih” outlined the two historic ses that are converging at this time in human social evolution. On ‘the series of revolutionary changes which are awakening the peoples of the world to their common humanity”; the other, “the rapid

A video presentation on Encounter With Baha’u

. unfolding of the new pattern of human society created

by Baha’u’Ilah’s Covenant.”

Humanity, previously contemptuous of the principles proclaimed by Baha'u'llah, is now beginning to turn to them as their only lifeline of hope. One of these is the issue of collective security. But even their best efforts

Two colorfully costumed participants in the Procession of the Covenant.

have failed so far. As the Guardian said: “Every system, short of the unification of the human race, has been tried, repeatedly tried, and found wanting.”

Only the Covenant of Baha’u’Il4h has the power to bring about a true and lasting peace. It has endowed the Baha’{ community with unity, universality, a moral foundation, the will and the means to accomplish it.

Elaborating on these means, the film recalled that the establishment of the House of Justice was envisioned by Isaiah:

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the Mountain of the Lord’s House shall be established in the top of the mountains...and all nations shall flow unto it. For out of Zion shall go forth the Law. ...”

By Christ: *

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

And by Baha’u’Ilah:

“Blessed art thou, O Earth. For thou hast been made the foot stool of thy God and been chosen as the seat of His mighty throne.”

Talk by Counselor Sorabjee

Counselor Zena Sorabjee of India spoke next on the theme of the day. She began by comparing the development of the Faith to the growth of an embryo in an egg, which in time must break free from the increasing corruption of its environment. Similarly, the Faith must eventually break free of a the old world order, a system whose equilibrium, like that of a newly fertilized egg, was upset through the coming of Baha’ u’lléh.

Continuing with the issue of the world’s equilibrium, Counselor Sorabjee observed that the peoples of the world, having tried and failed to successfully implement systems based upon n, nationalism and communism—which Baha'u'llah warned would not be possible—were now turning to theories that are in accord with the principles taught by the Blessed Beauty. Two major examples of this are the growing awareness of the need for collective security and rights for women.

She then offered examples of communit in India that have been transformed through obedience to the teachings of Baha’u’llah. One village, which had labored for centuries under the yoke of caste prejudice,

a a 10 ThE American BanA’i — SuaraF B.£. 149 / DeceMBER 31, 1992 [Page 11]SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

had elected during the Holy Year a local Spritual Assembly composed of eight “untouchables” and one upper caste believer. Even more important, she said, Baha’ fs from both castes are now mingling socially, going so far as to drink from each others’ teacups—an act previously unthinkable!

Mrs. Sorabjee went on to delineate some of the features that separate the Order of Baha’u’ll4h from other systems, focusing especially on the Universal House of Justice, referred to by the the last refuge of a tottering civilization.” She concluded with “salutations of praise and gratitude” to the Supreme Body

A ‘season of beginnings’ And now, in New York and in each one of the far-flung places of

the earth where the Bal had gathered, the hearts of the friends turned to the Holy Land, while before their eyes the members of the Universal House of Justice took their places for the climactic moment of the wi

House of Justice member David Ruhe read the historic message to the Baha’ fs of the world. The live image of the Supreme Institution was transmitted around the world along with its words of loving greeting.

The House of Justice called the broadcast itself “a symbolic act which by its very nature exemplifies the purpose of the Covenant— a Covenant intended by its divine Author to unite the races and nations of the earth.

“Sublime emotiot

urge In our hearts,” the message continued, “as we survey the dramatic history and amazing progress of these one hundred years.” It went on to outline the growth of the Faith, contrasting that with the corresponding decline in the rest of society, causing an increasing and universal despair reflecting “a failed understanding as to the purpose of God for mankind.

Performing at Wednesday's sessions were singing groups from around the world.

event's potential for change. She also thanked Mayor Dinkins for his appearance there three days before.

The Hand of the Cause then reminded everyone that the ssage of Baha'u'llah is essentially one of happiness:

““We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations,” ’u’lldh said. I think that is a singularly important and neglected statement of His.

“We should carry forward His message of happiness. The immediate future is dark, but the distant future is very bright. We also believe in the immortality of the soul. Therefore, we face the future with happiness, with courage and without fear for the future happiness of the entire world.”

The session closed with a prayer for New York City revealed by “Abdu’l-Baha. It was followed by “In This Day, Baha'u'llah,” sung by the choir and all the Baha'is. Afterward, the friends lingered a while, reluctant to ‘accept that the glorious week had come to an end

Photo: Laura Arthur

This attempt to describe the plenary sessions of the second Bahd’i World Congress was made with the realization that no words could ever do it justice. Nor was it our place to speculate on the effects it will have in the world, apart from from the knowledge that they will be wonderful. The real story must be told by the friends, in whose faces can be seen the light of reunion, and whose future actions will undoubtedly be the best and most lasting testimony to their love for the Abhd Beauty.

Photo: Scot Corrie

“Disunity is the crux of the problems which so severely afflict the planet,” the House of Jus Stated, adding that the breakdown of the old world makes the importance of strengthening the institutions of the Covenant all the more urgent if the Faith is to be able to cope with the situation. The Supreme Body then Congress) of such a widely varied pointed to the next phi th’s representation of the human race is an evolution, which will bring about “a affirmation of the unific power of the deep encounter with the forces operating — Covenant which the event was convened with such ferocity around the world. ... to celebrate.

“The oneness of mankind is the pivotal principle...of His Mission,” the message

pulsates in the heart of the world.’...

“The présence there [at the World

“In this season of beginnings and of

continued. This principle “implies an organic change in the structure of

present-day society, a change such as the

world has not yet experienced. ..

the commemorations of beginnings, we Baha’ is set for ourselves a new measure of effort. ...May our words proclaim, and our deeds demonstrate, that there is only

one God, only one religion, only one race. And few though we be, may we thus fulfill our duty toward Baha’w’Ilah, toward His Covenant, and, indeed, toward all humankind.”

Closing remarks

After the message from the Universal House of Justice was read, Amatu'l-Baha Ruhfyyih Khaénum, offering the closing remarks of the Congress, urged the friends to “take full advantage” of the

The Covenant is “the guarantee against schism.” Its ultimate effect will be “to ensure the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth, as promised in the Holy Books of old and as proclaimed by Baha’u’llah Himself. ...

“The Covenant of Baha’ u’llah gives ew meaning to humanity’s checkered istory; it imparts a fresh impulse to

hi human striving. ‘Like unto the artery,’ ‘Abdu’ 1-Baha states, ‘it beats and

Photo: Scot Corrie

SuararF B.£. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THE AmerICAN BaHA’i 11 [Page 12]f SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

Satellite broadcast: behind the scenes

Planning, hard work, long hours bring about technical ‘miracle’

By Des CLark

cores of people worked tirelessly to S bring about the historic two-way satellite broadcast at the second Baha'f World Congress, beginning three years ago when a fourmember Satellite Task Force was appointed. Last October that committee began to collaborate closely with the

was to open Charles Nolley, director of Media Services at the Bahd'f National Centerin Wilmette, was named executive producer of the satellite broadcast with Gil Muro as director.

The broadcast and production work was supported during the Congress by 85 volunteer workers from around the Id and six employees of U.S. Baha'i Media Services.

The World Television Network (WTN) was contracted to arrange for and buy satellite time, and BRS Video was signed on to supply equipment and expertise.

Electronic news-gathering and production equipment was housed in a post-production suite on the 14th floor of New York's Grand Hyatt Hotel, where video taped footage of Congres: sions and ancillary events was condensed into the highlights tape.

A moment for quiet meditation,

Segments included the opening day ceremonies showing hundreds of people from six continents in colorful native dress, the ‘Abdu’l-Baha “Mission to America” Pa

Congress session Thursday morning, two separate electronic activities were taking place behind the x cameras captured various angles of the action for the

Communications satellit tati 50 mile across the earth would require a se feet high at intervals of less than 50 mi

Satelli nous orbit: points in the sky.

transponders on board.

full circuit is completed.—Deb Clark

were developed to overcome broade: caused by the earth's curve. The ra The range can be increased by using towers, but relaying TV signals

satellites that send them back to receiver stations on earth. ravel more than 22,300 miles above the equator in geosynchroalso known as geostationary because they appear to be fixed

Earth stations include ground antennas used to send (uplink) and receive (downlink) satellite communications. The satellite receives a earth station, changes its frequency, amplifies it, and retransmits it to earth. A transponder is the part of the satellite that does this. Satellites carry many

When the earth signal beams up to the satellite and back down to earth, a

s of television service is

ions several hundred nals can be directed to

of repeate: . Instead,

al from an

vilion, the Carnegie Hall concert honoring jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, the presenion on the Mt. Carmel Proj: amemorial program for the 200 Bahd’is recently killed in Iran, and several of the evening concerts.

While the audience sat and enjoyed the

je

Photo: Scot Corrie

highlights tape and satellite broadcast, while a company called Sweetwater used four additional cameras to furnish the largescreen images for the Javits Center audience.

Meanwhile, outside at the loading dock, two trailers and a mobile unit housed the

-and you can name your own hours.

satellite gear. Each trailer bore a dish—a primary receiver and back-up—to catch the signal from the World Center. In the mobile unit, separate audio and visual comwere mixed together and broadcast.

Another ingredient in the mix was the Spanish slation. Lines connected the mobile unit to interpreters backstage who watched Congress events on a monitor, translated them simultaneously, and fed their Spanish-language versions back to the mobile unit. This was broadcast along with English but on a sepa channel, allowing viewers to flic switch to hear either language.

Besides the approved downlinks, other locations around the world received downlink information and confirmed their participation. Thirty other countries arranged to receive the broadcast but hadn't time to confirm before it took place.

Anyone in North America with a

satellite dish could pick up the broad cast but needed to get in touch with World

Congress committees to learn the correct

transponder number and satellite name for

their area in orderto aim their dish properly to pick up the signal.

Test signals began at 7 a.m. Eastern time Thursday. Eight satellites fed the program to the world: Panamsat covered Central and South America; Australia and the Palands aimed their dishes at Intelsat POR; Intelsat IOR reached Asia and into India; Intelsat AOR beamed to Europe and Eutelsat I F4 hed Europe, the Near East and North Africa and was also the satellite that Haifa beamed its broadcast on; Intelsputnik carried the signal to s ind an SGS-6 transponder 8 (Kuband) and a Galaxy 6 transponder 8 (Cband) covered Canada and the U.S.

The more powerful Ku-band was included to ensure that the signal was able to leave the Javits Center with enough strength to overcome possible interference from bad weather.

The friends at the World Center watched ion at Javits while relaying a television signal to New York so that the Conaudience could see them at the same separate transponder on the Eutelsat satellite was used.

Besides the Baha'f downlinks, a number of television networks asked for broadcast signal information including Romanian National Television, Australian network: London Sky News, Moscow Televisi and many cable stati hours of the broadcast were shown on national television in Bolivia, a TV network in Russia showed at least two hours of the satellite broadcast, and the Vision Satellite TV Network of Canada showed all four hours of the satellite broadcast and repeated it on November 27 and 28.

Video crew members remained in the post-production suite after Thursday to complete, by December 3, a video newsreel of the World Congress.

12 Tue American BanA’i — SuararF B.£. 149 / DecemBeR 31, 1992 [Page 13]

SATELLITE

Unprecedented broadcast links Baha'i communities around the world in spirit of love and unity

By Des CLark

aha'is all over the world were united electronically B as well as spiritually on Thursday, November 26, when satellite broadcasts were sent by and received at the second World Congress i

Congress attendees at the morning Javits Convention Center, representi an historic live satel iss World Center of the message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahd'fs of the world, read by one of its members, Dr. David Ruhe.

They also heard loving greetings relayed via satellite from Apia, Western Samoa; Buenos Aires, Argent Bucharest, Romania; New Delhi, India; Mo: Nairobi, Kenya; Panama City, Panama; Singapore, Ma laysia; and Sydney, Australia.

Atthe same time, viewers at those and other sites around the world were watching a live broadcast from the Javits Center.

The morning session broadcasts were video taped for replay at the Javits Center for the afternoon audience.

A network of eight satellites and 11 transponders was used in this historic two-way audio/video hook-up, sharing the teleconference with thousands of downlink sites in more than 80 countries.

Baha'fs tuned in at 8 a.m. (Eastern time) for a two-hour sequence of highlights taped during the first three days of the Congress, watched a live broadcast of the Congress session from 10 a.m. to noon, including the transmi from the World Center, and heard greetings from the nine cities around the world.

nat the Jacob ig 180 count

Ataround 10:15 a.m. EST, spokespersons from the nine designated sites were held on the telephone until their voices could be transmitted into the auditorium. Videos of maps, stills, and footage illustrating each city had been pieced together in the post-production suite. These were mixed in the mobile unit outside the auditorium with the voices from distant lands and sent by cable into the Javits Center.

+ Apia, Western Samoa, a few miles from the Mother Temple of the Pacific, where Baha'is from American Samoa, Australia, the Cook Islands, Hawaii, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu had gathered for the broadcast, was the first to convey greetings. His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, ina message read by his daughter, invited other heads of state to join him in leading their people according to Baha'u'lldh's teachings.

+ In Buenos Aires, the city where May Maxwell (early Baha'{ teacher and mother of the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu'l-Bahé Ruhiyyih Khanum) gave her life for the Cause in 1940 and where the first local Spiritual A‘ in Argentina was formed that same year, Baha’ Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Urugay added their message of greeting as part of a program that had begun there the previous day.

¢ The friends in Bucharest, Romania, whose Queen Marie was the first monarch to accept Baha'u'llah's teachings, rejoiced that Romania was part of such an historic broadcast after having lived in isolation for 40 years. Nearly 1,400 Eastern Europeans met at the Teatrul National for a three-day conference leading up to the broadcast.

• More than 2,000 people, speaking 16 languages and

representing hundreds of ethnic groups, gathered in tents

SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

i

Photo: Laura Arthur

A message via satellite from the Baha'is of Bucharest, Romania.

at the National Baha'i Center in New Delhi, India, for a two-day conference that culminated in the satellite broadcast.

• The next message of greeting, which was met with

cheers and thunderous applause in the Javits Center, came from Moscow, where about 750 people representing 30 nalities watched the broadcast at Excursion Hall. Six hundred Baha'is speaking 30 languages sent a message of warmest best wishes from Nairobi, Kenya.

• Baha'is in Panama City, not far from the second House

ship to be built in the Americas, expressed their id best wishes to the audience in New York and around the world.

• Greetings from Singapore were conveyed on behalf

of some 800 people from Australia, Hong Kong, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand and Thailand, as well as 50 members of the Iban tribe, who had gathered for the broadcast.

+ In Sydney, Australia, about 2,500 Baha’ Pacific area sent greetings from the Baha't House of Worship, where they had assembled to witness the historic event.

Following the mi

ages from the nine cities, the friends

around the world listened to the statement of the Universal House of Justice, in which the Supreme Body examined the past century of Baha't es against a backdrop of a confused world, and considered the future course of God's Faith.

The House of Justice pointed out that “disunity is the crux of the problems which so severely afflict the planet,” and stressed that the problems it engenders make “the requirements of the Covenant assume even more critical importance than before.”

The Baha'f community must, the Supreme Body continued, “advance rapidly toward the next phase in its evolution” in anticipation of “a deep encounter with the forces operating with such bewildering ferocity throughout the world.”

In outlining the nature of the Covenant, the House of Justice described how itembodies what is needed to effect “an organic change in the structure of present-day society, achange such as the world has not yet experienced.” This new Age inaugurated by Baha'u'llah makes possible “the beginning of a wholly new relationship between humanity and its Supreme Creator.”

Photo: Scot Corrie

‘SuararF B.£. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THe American BaHA’i 13 [Page 14]SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

THE ARC

On Mount Carmel, the work continues

By Jupy A. Mappox escribed in the World Congress program guide as “an intimate, audio-visual look at the development of the Arc on Mount Carmel in Haifa,” the Mt. Carmel Projects presentation met its goal with room to spare.

Project Manager Fariburz Sahba entranced each audience at the New York Hilton Hotel with personal stori construction, ‘history and det; Are projects. Because of limited seating, four presentations were given during the Congress in the hotel's Grand Ballroom.

The Universal House of Justice had called for the presentation, believing that it was essential that the Arc and its progress be brought to the attention of the friends during the Congress.

It was designed to give the Baha'is a special feeling for the various projects whose development and planning has encompassed more than 50 years. Mr. Sahba's presentation was a visual delight, employing some 150 slides that included three-dimensional computer-generated vi s (also shown in the satellite broadcast on Thanksgiving day) and project maps in addition to photographs of construction.

To illustrate some of the problems encountered in early planning, Mr. Sahba showed maps of Haifa and the Arc Project, as it was originally proposed, and of the finally approved version.

The key difference lay with several roads that were planned or already existed at the Arc site. The Haifa city planners wanted to build one new road and widen two others along the Baha'f property. On the finally approved map the two roads had been widened, but on the other side from the Baha'i property, while the new road had been canceled and changes to an existing road, which Bahd'f planners had wanted to turn into an underpass, had also been approved.

It was this last road, said Mr. Sahba, that presented the largest stumbling block to the project. It went right across the project area at the surface level. The Arc engineers wanted to lower it to create an underpass so that a level walkway could be built over it, but one man consistently blocked the efforts. to secure approval. As he was an important man in the community, the planners were reluctant to override his objections. Finally, the Bahd'f project team decided to meet with him.

After all the reasons presented by the team had failed to change his position, Mr. Sahba said to him, “I've appealed to youas a professional; now I'll appeal to youas a Baha'i.”

After explaining the significance of the project to Bahd'fs and non-Baha'is alike, Mr. Sahba told him, “You have two choices. You can oppose this project, and it will be built anway. Or you can bring your children and grandchildren and show them the beauty and majesty of this wonderful project and tell them that you were a part of at

During a meeting some time after approval to change the road into an underpass had been given, the man was asked why he had changed his mind after so strenuously opposing the change. He replied simply, “Under the present circumstances, there was no other choice.”

Haifa's project

The Are Project has not only been approved by Haifa's city planners, it is also being supported by the city fathers who have decided, independently, to restore the German Templar area below Mount Carmel to the way it looked at its inception—during the time of Baha'u'llah. This means that the Pathway of the Kings will be completed, as was

Above: Fariburz, Sahba, manager of the Mount Carmel Projects, shares news of the Arc. Right: Meanwhile, work continues at the World Center.

Photo: Scot Corrie |

promised by ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

The project, undertaken solely by the city of Haifa, will be a complete restoration including removal of all newer buildings around the area and changing the main road leading to Mount Carmel into a pedestrian-only thoroughfare.

Today, Haifa's tour guide brochure includes an artist's rendition of what the future Haifa will look like when the two projects are completed. At the top of the picture is the Shrine of the Bab and the Arc's gardens and buildings. Below, a path travels down the page from the Mountain of God through the Templar community area to the sea. As Mr. Sahba remarked, “This is one more indication that [the Arc Project] is in God's hands, not ours.”

Astaff of 21 Baha'is works full-time on the [Arc]

Project,

helped by 16 consultants and experts

from around the world.

An impossible dream?

“Ask any child,” said Mr. Sahba, “where is the most unsuitable place to undertake such a project. The answer would be Israel. Ask that same child when would be the most unsuitable time for such a task. The answer would be now.

“And who, let us say is not the most unsuitable, but has the fewest resources with which to undertake such a project. Of course, the Baha'is. Why? Because most of the Bahd'{s are poor; some aren't even able to afford bus fare to go to the Nineteen Day Feast.

“But the fact that such people, at such a time, have undertaken the largest foreign-invested project in Israel, indicates again the higher authority under which this project is undertaken. It is the Hand of God that has done this.

Several years ago, Mr. Sahba said, when the Universal House of Justice presented the peace statement to the world, many Bahd'fs thought the statement was optimistic, to say the least, but now, he said, everyone is talking about, and embracing, the idea that world peace is obtainable and that we are on the edge of a new era.

By the end of this century, he said, after completion of the Arc Project, which is another “optimistic” endeavor, “we will walk on the Mountain of God and marvel at what has been done.”

A staff of 21 Baha'is works full-time on the project, Mr.

Photo: Run Vargha, Bah Intemational News Service

Sahba said, helped by 16 consultants and experts from around the world. As small as this number seems to be, he added, every Baha’f is actually a member of the team. Some are assigned specific duties such as designing, building or advising, while most contribute in other ways, through donations to the Funds or, most important, their prayers for the project's success.

Baha'is, he said, are special people. The Babis dreamed of this day; the early Baha'is longed to see its dawning. Today, Bahd'fs have the bounty of helping the Arc become. a reality. Figures from the Universal House of Justice indicate that an initial $50 million has been raised, and now another $15 million for each of the next eight years must be contributed to see the project through to its

completion.

A history of sacrifice

This isn't the first time, Mr. Sahba pointed out,

that a major Bahd'f project has been accom plished through the sacrifices of individual be lievers. The money to purchase the property for

the House of Worship in India, he said, was

donated by a former runaway slave who had

worked all his life to buy a small coffee shop. When one day he overheard a conversation by Baha'is about the need for money to buy the land they had found, he reached into a small box, removed his life savings, and presented the money to them.

After they had counted the money and found it was still a little short of what was needed, the man reached into his cash box, took out everything and gave it as well. When the friends implored him to keep at least some money for himself, he replied, “If Baha'u'llah wants this money and I don't give it, He'll take it anyway and then give it back to me.”

When the Temple was nearly completed the former slave, now an old man, was visited by representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly of India who brought him a plane ticket so that he could visit the Temple. Instead of accepting their offer, he pulled from beneath his pillow a worn picture of the Temple, saying, “I don't need to go. I have this. Take the money for the ticket and use it for the Temple too.”

Mr. Sahba used the story about one man's sacrifice to underscore the importance of individual contributions to undertakings such as the Arc Project, which today is the most important project in the Baha'f world.

At the close of the program, William Davis, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, referred to the man in Haifa who had questioned the Arc Project, telling the friends, “You have two choices...and it's up to you.”

a 14 Tne American BanA’i — Suarar B.£. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 [Page 15]

The Baha'i World Congress Choir and Orchestra thrilled the audience at the opening sessions of the Congress with their performance of the breathtaking Baha'i Oratorio written especially for the event.

SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

mo ~

59

Photo: Scot Corrie

The House of Justice acclaims convocation of World Congress

FROM PAGE 2

cease to appreciate their continuing, tireless services in the propagation and protection of our glorious We are particularly pleased that our represen the Congress is one of these high-ra consort and helpmate of our beloved herself attained the presence of ‘Abdu’ I-Bah:

It was Shoghi Effendi who called for the firs Congress which jubilantly marked the one hundredth

anniversary of Baha'u'llah's declaration of His divine mission. With admirable resourcefulness the Hands of the Cause planned and executed it. That unforgettable occasion in London some three decades ago, coming at the end of the Ten Year Crusade, affirmed for the

Ba themselves that the Faith of Baha'u'llah had truly emerged as a world religion with a world community.

Now at this moment, throughout the Baha'f world, we are engaged in another centennial observance for the

Photo: Laura Arthur

purpose not only of celebrating the unique history of the Covenant, but also of proclaiming abroad its aims and unifying power. The second World Congress now convened is the mainspring in the launching of worldwide commemorative activities which will promulgate the Covenant as the axis of unity for all humankind and broadcast its qualities for reforming human society. Moreover, through these activities and other extended measures, the community at all levels—local, national, continental and international—will exert immense effort to spread across the planet the Name of the World Reformer, Baha'u'llah, that hearts may be attracted and minds illumined.

But we speak of a proclamation which has more to do with deeds than words; and in this regard, we must, everywhere in our world community, attain a new awareness of the urgency of the times and of our sacred duties toward the Promised One of All Ages.

A spe expectation is therefore invested in you who are attending this focal event in the City of the Covenant. For these four special days of commemoration, may you all strive as never before to appreciate more adequately the life-transforming character and unific spirit of the Covenant, and to immediately demonstrate this heightened appreciation in the spiritual attitude you show among yourselves. May you do this with the resolve that what you practice toward each other during these few days will henceforth be sustained in your relations with all others elsewhere. Such active resolution will endow the second World Congress with the radiant power to impress upon the public the incontrovertible fact that the Baha'f Faith is a world religion worthy of laims and, hence, of public recognition.

In a Tablet to the Baha'is in New York, ‘Abdu’l-Baha expressed a hope which it is propitious to recall on this opportune occasion: “/ eagerly anticipate the day,” He wrote, “when New York will become a blessed spot from which the call to steadfastness in the Covenant and Testament of God will go forth to every part of the world. ...” Surely, through the auspicious circumstances ded by this Congress, you will attempt thus to gratify His Spirit in the Abha Realm, so that from His retreats on high you may receive the benediction of His abiding good pleasure and strengthening grace

In our supplications at His blessed Shrine we shall entreat Him graciously to secure and in abundance vouchsafe to the entire community of His dedicated lovers the favors and-confirmations of the Lord of the Covenant

The Universal House of Justice November 23, 1992

SuaraF B.E. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THe American BanA’i 15 [Page 16]

SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

The media: blazoning His Name

Task Force sees unprecedented coverage of of World Coraatess news media around the world

t was a dizzyingly high goal that members of the World Congress Media Task Force set out to accomplish.

By the end of the second Baha'f World Congress, that goal proposed, everyone on earth who has access to the media wouldatleasthave heard the Name of Baha'u'llah.

While only time can tell how close the Task Force came to realizing its lofty objective, the effort to draw worldwide attention to the Faith through the news media has borne ample fruit.

Many articles were published before and during the World Congress by newspapers in the U.S. and abroad including The New York Times and The Washington Post, and electronic media such as National Public Radio, the BBC and the Voice of America broadcast the message to millions of their listeners.

Additional dividends are expected in future years as the international and U.S. networks of Baha'f public information officers put in place for the Congress continue to proclaim the Faith.

The Task Force's work began two years ago with a broad-ranging mandate to:

• generate newsworthy events

• arrange for media coverage of the World Congress

• nurture the press: international, national and local

(New York)

+ identify target populations for the message

• recruit and train an international public information

network to work with the press.

• arrange for national delegations’ access to international media while in New York for the Congress

• prepare and help distribute background materials on

the Faith and Congress An enormous task

Members of the Task Force readily admit they were “scared to death” by the enormity of their charge. But they settled quickly to work, convening conferences in May and June 1991 in Los Angeles and New York, respectively, to “pick the brains” of Baha'i media professionals.

Those at the conferences were asked to generate ways to use the World Congress to “blazon the Name of Bah‘ u'llah

Preliminary summary of media coverage of World Congress

• The New York Times published an article about the Faith and World Congress on Sunday, November 22, and carried a large

photograph in its Metro section on Tuesday, November 24. On December 4, The Times published an editorial about the Congress and the continuing persecution of Baha'is in Iran.

• The Associated Press filed an article about the Faith and the Congress on November 20. It has appeared in newspapers throughout

the country. An AP reporter attended the Congress and issued a story on Monday, November 23. We understand that it also has appeared in newspapers across the country and outside the U.S. The AP also issued three stories on November 23 about the UN report on Iran with information about the persecution of Baha'is in that country.

+ A television network in Russia showed at least two hours of the satellite broadcast Thursday morning, November 26; VISN Satellite TV Network of Canada carried all four hours of the satellite broadcast and repeated it later that day and on November 27; and there was a two-hour broadcast that day on Bolivian television, while Korean television carried at least a half-hour of the broadcast.

• WLGI Radio Baha'{in Hemingway, South Carolina, broadcast the final session of the Congress and several interviews with those

attending the event.

• A reporter for the Reuters News Agency attended the first day of the Congress and filed a story.

• UPI ran several brief articles about the Congress. At least two UPI reporters wrote articles about the event.

• Margot Adler, a reporter for National Public Radio, attended the first day of the Congress, recorded the talk by David Hofman

and the message from the Universal House of Justice, and interviewed Ron Precht of the National Office of Public Information. The story (about eight minutes long) was broadcast on November 25 on “All Things Considered” and on November 26 on “Morning Edition.” Apparently, it was repeated on Saturday and Sunday on NPR.

• Robert Henderson, secretary-general of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, was interviewed on PBS-TV's “Charlie Rose

Show” in New York City. The program is also shown in several other cities in the U.S.

• New York 1, an all-news cable TV station in New York, aired a story several times on the second day of the Congress, and

produced a second story about the last two days of the event that was broadcast on Friday, November 27.

+ Fox-TV News attended the third day of the Congress and carried a story on November 25.

• WNBC, the flagship station of the NBC television network, aired a brief story about the Congress on November 24 which was

made available to NBC affiliates across the country.

• Channel 11 TV in New York City broadcast a story about the Congress on its 11 p.m. news.

The Chicago Tribune carried an article on November 20 that highlighted the Congress.

• The New York bureau chief of the Chicago Daily Defender attended two days of the Congress, conducted several interviews,

and wrote a feature article about the Faith and the Congress.

• On November 24, the Newark (New Jersey) Star-Ledger published an article with photographs.

+ A reporter for the Boston Globe attended the first day of the Congress and an article was published on November 24.

+ The Religious News Service sent a reporter to the Congress and released an article on November 24.

• VISN, anational religious TV network carried by more than 1,200 cable systems in the U.S., interrupted its regular programming

at 2 p.m. December 5 to carry a one-hour summary of the Congre:

• The Voice of America sent three reporters to the Congress. Stories were broadcast on the Hindi Service, the Farsi Service and

in English. Guitty Ejtemai of the Media Task Force filed a story for the Farsi Service on November 26. The VOA interviewed the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum and Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary for External Affairs of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly.

• Amatu’I-Bahé Ruhiyyih Khanum; Juana Conrad, a member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly; and Becky Murphy of the

Baha'f International Community were interviewed by UN Radio.

+ Radio Free Europe sent a reporter to the Congress who interviewed several Russian Baha'is for a story that we understand was broadcast on November 25.

A Persian- language radio station that broadcasts nationally from Los Angeles aired a story about the Congress and an interview with Ms. Ejtemai

+ Two Persian-language TV stations, Pars TV and Television Melli, carried highlights of the Congress to several areas of the U.S.

• Dr. Kazemzadeh was interviewed by a reporter from the Russian news agency TASS.

• The following national news agencies were among those who sent reporters to the Congress, conducted interviews, and/or

recorded parts of Congress sessions: Agence France-Presse, Le Monde, TV Mexico, GlobalVision, Canadian Broadcasting Company, BBC World Service, Indian Journal, India Abroad, Eye on Asia, NHK-TV (Japan), Radio New Zealand, TV networks from Portugal and Spain; Dutch television; the Times of London, and newspapers from Turkey, Czechoslovakia and China.

unter resources during the Congre: nesses Or Omissio1 thinking as it developed a comprehensive media plan; and develop means at all levels to entice the media to cover the World Congress.

The two-day sessions yielded a large volume of suggestions for attractive yet dignified approaches to news outlets, plus strategies for drawing on the friends in local communities around the world to help make the World Congress a “local” event:

By November 1, 1991, a two-phase global media campaign had been drafted and approved.

Clear and simple focus

Phase One recognized the need for a clear and simple focus in any attempts to enlist media coverage. The message to draw journalists’ attention, according to the plan, would be this:

“The Baha'i. World Congress is the largest gathering of Baha'is in history. It will also be the most diverse gathering of Baha'is ever—and perhaps the most diverse gathering of people ever held anywhere.

“Ttrepresents a ‘coming out party’ for the worldwide Baha'i community, anda chance for journalists in one stop to do a comprehensive story on this distinctive, global community. It is time, now, to do a major story on the Baha'i Faith and its diverse worldwide community.”

How would the Task Force and its volunteers attract the attention of journalists and other media? The strategy rested on three “superlatives” identified by the Task Force:

(1) The Baha’ Faith is one of the fastest-growing independent religions in the world.

(2) The Faith is the second-most widespread religion in the world, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, with a significant presence in at least 205 countries.

(3) The Faith is the world's newest independent religion and has a number of unique features that set it apart such as its administration, unity, and integration of spiritual and social principles.

With journalists’ curiosity piqued, according to the plan, the Task Force and public information representatives could launch Phase Two of the plan by elabo

16 Tne American BanA’

— Suarar B.£E. 149 / December 31, 1992 [Page 17]

rating on those themes:

“The Baha'i world community offers a definitive model for a peaceful and sustainable future; it embod: progressive and positive trends and ideals of the modern age; in this diverse community is a living laboratory for global transformation; Baha'u'llah is the Architect of this Cause; the World Congress represents its unveiling, a chance for the world to come and look at this community in action.”

That established, it was time to put the global networks in place and train them to carry out the campaign. To further that end, regional conferences were convened in several countries and in the U.S.

Periodic bulletins went out with recommended .approaches to the media. Advisories were placed on the Baha'i National Center Bulletin Board Service. Public information officers were encouraged to share local articles about the World Congress with the Task Force.

Meanwhile, Task Force members cultivated their own contacts with major national media outlets. Although rebuffed in some attempts, they won commitments from dozens of newspapers, radio and television stations and networks to come to New York.

Asthe World Congress began, media centers—one each for news media and public information officers—were opened and staffed at the Jacob Javits Convention Center and the Hilton Hotel.

The centers were well-stocked with approximately 20 fact sheets on various aspects of the Faith, and were equipped with telephones, word processors and fax machines for use by journalists.

The two centers also provided areas for those who wished to interview Baha'is from their home countries or Baha'is with a particular expertise.

Bahda'f volunteers stood ready to perform a variety of tasks from sending news stories on the fax machines, greeting and answering questions from journalists, answering telephones and escorting journalists to their reserved seating in the general sessions to helping to arrange interviews.

Nevertheless, the question remained: Who would actually show up?

The answer soon became apparent. The press was here! First came The New York Times, then The Boston Globe and The Washington Post. The Associated Press sent a dispatch on the first day of the Congress that was picked up by hundreds of its affiliates.

Among print media covering the Congress were Reuters and UPI wire services, the New Yorker magazine, Le Monde, the Russian news agency Tass, USA Today, De Morgen-Belgium, and journalists from China, Japan, Cote D'Ivoire, the India Journal and India Abroad.

Broadcast media included NBC, CBS, National Public Radio, Radio Free Europe, the British and Canadian Broadcasting Companies, Mexico TV, and Global TV.

Several radio interviews were given over telephones at the media centers to countries on at least three continents.

The coverage snowballed, with the presence of Agence France-Presse perhaps summing up best the remarkable turnabout.

After all, the Task Force had “pitched” the idea of covering the Congress to the French wire service over a period of months, and had finally been told, in essence, “Don't bother us. We're simply not interested.”

Photos: Scot Corrie

The news media conducted many interviews during the World Congress including one with Judge James Nelson (top photo), chairman of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly.

On Wednesday, November 25, representatives of Agence France-Presse showed up at the Javits Center and conducted three interviews—another victory for the Cause of God.

“The light of the Covenant hath illumined all strata of society, inasmuch as it is shed from the Concourse on high, and hath thus encompassed this nether world; the contingent world is astir by virtue of the breezes wafting from the Garden of the Covenant. The East and the West are inebriated by the wine of this divine mystery, and the nightingales of the rose garden of holiness are enchanted and have burst in songs at the sight of this Flower of God's holy Testament.”

With deepest joy and fervor, in these historic days, the friends in Iran welcome this army of faithful lovers, who, in utmost serenity and purity, have gathered in this magnificent historic Congress.

Most certainly the hearts and souls of the countrymen of the beloved Blessed Beauty, those of us residing in Iran, are united with you in the world of spirit, and are linked to you through prayer and meditation. Even though we may

A message from the Baha'is of Iran

appear to be far from you, the resplendent rays shining from the daystar of loving-kindness are manifest and evident.

God willing, the darksome clouds of misunderstandings in Iran will gradually pass away. Our relationship with our fellow countrymen is improving. The presence of anumber of friends from the Cradle of the Faith in that great Congress sign of this process.

Our heartfelt hope is that in the future we will witness an increase of freedom in all areas. We are assured that this freedom and attainment will bring joy and pleasure to the hearts of the servants of our allforgiving Lord.

We rely on the divine bounties and are certain that the effect of the ardent prayers offered by those spiritual souls in that divine gathering will impart a new spirit to the world of humanity in this Holy Year.

We beseech the one true God that the light of unity and oneness may shine upon this world, that disunity

and war amongst the nations may be permanently eliminated, and that the present calamities of humankind, in every corner of the world, may be transformed into ease and comfort of all hearts and souls. To attain such a divine and worthy objective, we all raise our hands in supplication to the Almighty, and humble ourselves, and say:

“Assist Thou, O Thou forgiving God, this gathering and grant Thy bestowals, that it may illumine the world with the light of unity, and that the East and the West may be enlightened with the rays of love and harmony.

“O Thou generous and kind Lord! Resuscitate the souls through the breaths of the Holy Spirit, and brighten the faces even as radiant candles, that they may envelop the world with celestial splendors, and bestow on the hearts heavenly attributes.

“Thou art the Giver, the Bestower, and the Compassionate.”

Suarar B.£. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THe American BanA’i

17 [Page 18]

By Noax Barrotucci

y the thousands, Bahd'f youth from all over the world came to the

Sheraton Hotel in New York City to

take part in the Baha'i World Congress Youth Movement Forum—two days of spirited dialogue and dramatic presentations that were focused on the power of young people to change the world.

The Forum, held November 22-23, brought together about 5,000 young people ages 12-24 from 52 countries. While most were from North America, some came from as far away as Honduras, Luxembourg and Czechoslovakia.

“T am so happy to be here,” said Wilmer Ochoa Aguiar, a Baha'i youth from Venezuela, as he sat, face beaming, in the Sheraton Hotel's vast ballroom and waited for the Youth Movement Forum to begin.

The 22-year-old Aguiar, who became a Bahd'{ two years ago, said he had never been to New York before the Congress. He had never been to a large Baha'f gathering, he said, and in fact had never even ventured far from his home country.

“T've learned a lot from the Congress,” he said, “and it has inspired me. I need to share the Faith with everyone—my friends, the secretary at the office, the plumber...everyone.”

Included in the Forum were the “Common Ground” teaching experience, dialogue sessions, arts workshops, and service opportunity exhibits. But the unqualified highlights were two dramatic performances in the hotel's grand ballroom.

The first paralleled the struggles of a Bahda'f youth named “Josh” with the experiences of several heroes of the Faith. Josh, who is on a year of service, falls asleep in the first minutes of the play and dreams that he encounters Badi’, Juliet Thompson and the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga. The three tell Josh how they came to serve Baha'u'llah.

Despite problems with the sound system, the performance sent a strong message to its young audience who gave the

SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

Photo: Joe Ferguson Members of the audience show their appreciation at the Youth Movement Forum.

about the spiritual journey aid its director, Shidan ijidi. “It's about how ordinary young people meet tests and trials to ascend to great heights through a spirit of love and sacrifice. The second play recounted the story of Ruhi Jahanpour and the 10 young women who were hanged in Iran on June 18, 1983. The performance depicted the oppression of Iranian Baha'is and how it affected Miss Jahanpour's youth group.

‘Incredible strength’

Hoda Ghadirian, a 14-year-old Baha'i from Montreal, said she found the performance moving: “They were so happy to give their lives for Baha'u'llah. It showed incredible strength.”

Miss Jahanpour, who was released from prison a day before the executions, attended the performance, saying the production captured the spirit of the experience.

“Tt brought back many memories,” she said. “We loved Baha'u'llah, and there was no way they could take

The sessions also served to highlight the importance of study and deepening in the Sacred Texts, provide an opportunity to promote a greater awareness and understanding of the Administrative Order, and give youth an open forum for discussion.

In the evening, the young people could attend the “Common Ground” teaching forum that highlighted ways in which youth have been inspired by and used the Creative Word to develop through the performing arts ways of promoting the Faith.

At least two young people signed declaration cards during the Youth Movement Forum.

“When I got here,” said 15-year-old Damion Boergardine, an American who just spent a year in Namibia, “I felt the presence of something. I wanted to declare right then.”

Seventeen-year-old Nicole Dobbs of California also declared her faith in Bahd'u'll4h during the Forum.

“When I saw thousands of Baha'is coming together from all over the world for this Congress,” she said, “I could visualize for

Youth Movement Forum offers spirited dialogue, compelling drama

More than 5,000 young people from 52 countries deepen, study, explore service opportunities at World Congress

the first time the unity of humanity.”

Throughout the Forum, the young people streamed through the Youth Service Opportunities Exposition. People at 20 tables handed out information about service posts from Albania to Zimbabwe. Several of the youth said they were planning to undertake a year of ser 5

Mostaghim Soha, a young Baha'f from Luxembourg, traveled 10 hours by plane to attend the Congress. In her country, she said, many people become suspicious when she offers them the Message. “People here [in New York] are much more open,” she said.

But the Congress, she emphasized, had moved her to redouble her efforts. She was planning to host a series of firesides in her flat in Luxembourg.

“My friends and professors know about the Faith,” she said, “and I'm sure they will feel a difference when I return. All that is happening in the world shows that the Baha'i Faith is necessary—people are waiting for us.”

that away from us.” = Said Mina Fazel, a 21-year-old Baha'f from Birmingham, England: “The performances were incredibly moving. They showed the sacrifices that youth in our own generation have made. Such sacrifice should be a part of our lives too. It challenged the way we are living.” The daily Dialogue sessions gave youth a forum in which toreflecton their experiences at the Congress and to probe more deeply into such pertinent questions as: (1) Who is Baha'u'llé (2) What is Baha'u'llah's Revelation and Mission, and how does it relate to me personally and to my generation? (3) What service can I render at this time in my life, at this time in history, that will please Baha'u'llah?

Photo: Jens von Krogh

Audiences appreciated the spirit and vitality of El Viento Canta.

18 Tue American BaHA’i — SuaraF B.E. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 [Page 19]SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

A FEAST FOR THE EYES—AND EARS

400-voice World Congress Choir, 70-piece orchestra make beautiful music to lift Congress-goers’ spirits

By EuizaBetH ANDERSON

colorfully costumed 400-member choir representing some 36 countries provided

a feast for the eyes and ears while

contributing greatly to the unity of hearts at each plenary session of the second Baha'i World Congress.

The choir's impact was felt almost immediately at the opening session as the audience of more than 13,000 was awestruck by the spiritual depth and musical power of the premiere performance of “Bahd'u'llah, the Promise of All Ages,” a monumental Bahé’f oratorio for choir, orchestra, soloists and readers written especially for the World Congress by Jack Lenz, Jim Seals, Graham Major and Tom Price, and orchestrated by Ron Huff.

The over-all effect of harmony in diversity was visual as well. Choir members were given sashes and arranged so that five colors—teal, Spanish yellow, +h, magenta and purple— alternated down each line. The purple sashes were reserved for members of the Gospel Choir. Each sash was adorned with a World Congress logo and gold trim. The men wore jackets and white silk ties.

‘From where we are [on the stage] we can see waves of people,“ said choir member Linda Cote of Old Hickory, Tennessee. “The hair stood up on my arms. from the sheer excitement of it.”

Working day and night

The choir prepared for its pivotal role by rehearsing day and night, often with a 70-member orchestra, for three days before the start of the World Congress. Choir Director Tom Price and Mr. Lenz, the World Congress music director, reworked and polished arrangements while the Music Task Force worked day and night copying out parts for the various. instruments. Russ Garcia composed and directed the music for the colorful Procession of the Peoples of the World.

Swiss-born choir member Fritz Affolter was one of two readers chosen to narrate the list of ethnic groups enrolled under the banner of Baha’ Ilah as their costumed representatives came onstage. The two readers’ voices (male and female) were recorded in advance because of the precise timing required during the procession.

irring performance on Monday, November 23, the choir and orchestra went back to the 18th. floor of the Ramada Hotel for more rehearsals late into the night.

“Jack Lenz was inspirational,” said Tim Alford, a choir member from Fairhope, Alabama. “He helped us overcome all the difficulties we faced.”

Among the members of the orchestra was a Russian cellist who had won a Tchaikovsky competition. He was a soloist professionally but wanted to be a part of the World Congress orchestra.

The résumés of other musicians were equally varied and colorful: a 15-year-old violinist; master santour

Photo: Joe Ferguson The World Congress Choir, Or-ombined their me of the most memorable moments at the second

chestra and sol talents to produc

World Congress.

player Dr. Manoochehr Sadeghi; violinist Bill Allmart, a former symphony orchestra member now working at the Baha’i National Center’s Office of the Treasurer; and several members of the jazz-oriented Baha'i Peace Orchestra.

Choir members were chosen from audio tape auditions. Those selected were sent a book of mus practice before rehearsals in New York City that began November 20. At the first day’s rehearsal, each choir member received a new music book and audio tape which they played back over and over on tape recorders they had brought from home.

A particular favorite among many in the audience at Wednesday's sessions was the performance of regional Baha’i songs by costumed groups from Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, China, India, Iran, Polynesia and Spain.

Performing last and representing North America was the Gospel Choir which received an enthusiastic welcome from the audience. Besides closing the Congr ssion, the Gospel Choir also performed Tuesday evening at the Ramada Inn. lo one [at the Ramada] wanted to let them leave because they felt the spirit,” Robert Henderson, secretary-general of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, told choir members. “Now we have to find a way to take that spirit to the world.”

Because of the many long hours of rehearsal required for their performances, members of the choir and orchestra were unable to attend any of the evening entertainment programs (except those at which they performed) or to see any of the daytime exhibits.

Photo: Ken Francisco

Photo: Scot Corrie

Special arrangements were made for them to tour the ““Abdu’l-Baha: Mission to America” theme pavilion and to visit the Congress commemoratives kiosks.

“T've learned a lot about teaching from this experience,” said Blair Nichols of the Omaha Indian Reservation in Nebraska. “This is beyond my comfort level. My legs are swollen, my feet are swollen. I’m tired. I’m hungry. But this is service. You can’t stop because you are tired or hungry. You need to keep on going.

“I will take this back to my teaching. With every sacrifice there is a gift.”

84th National Convention to be held May 20-23 at Baha'i House of Worship

The 84th Baha’{ National Convention will be held May 20-23, 1993, in Foundation Hall at the Baha’{ House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

After seating of the delegates, less than 200 seats remain available for Baha’ fs who wish to observe the proceedings. Seats for visitors are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis determined by postmark.

Requests for seating should be postmarked on or after January 4, 1993, and will be honored until seating is filled.

For each person requesting a seat, please send name, address, Baha’{ 1.D. number and telephone number: to: National Convention Seating, Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Seating is available by advance registration only.

SuararF B.E. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THE American BaHA’’ 19 [Page 20]we

SECOND BAHA’i WoRLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

‘Sublime emotions surge in our hearts. . .’

FROM PAGE 3

as revealed for thi e by Baha'u'llah. To accept the Messenger of God in His Day and to abide by Hi: bidding are the two essential, inseparable duties which each soul was created to fulfill. One exercises these twin duties by one's own choice, and by so doing performs an act which may be regarded as .

the hig! expression of free will with

which every human being is endowed by an all-loving Creator. The vehicle in this

resplendent age for the practical fulfillment

of these duties is the Covenant of

Baha'u'llah. It is the instrument by which

belief in Him is translated into constructive

deeds.

The oneness of humankind is the pivotal principle and ultimate goal of His mission. This principle means far more than the reawakening of the spirit of brotherhood and goodwill among people: “It implies an organic change in the structure of present-day society, a change such as the world has not yet experienced.” The Covenant of Bahd'u'llah embodies the spirit, instrumentality and method to attain this essential goal.

In addition to laying down, in His Book of Laws, the fundamentals for a new World Order, Baha'u'llah, in the Book of His Covenant, confirmed the appointment of His Son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahi, as the interpreter of His Word and the Center of His Covenant. As the interpreter, ‘Abdu’ l-Baha became the living mouth of the Book, the expounder of the Word; as the Center of the Covenant, He became the incorruptible medium for applying the Word to practical measures for the raising up of a new civilization.

The Covenant is, therefore, unique as a divine phenomenon, in that Baha'u'llah, further to conferring upon ‘Abdu’I-Baha the necessary authority to fulfill the

requirements of His singular office, vested in Him the virtues of perfection in personal and social behavior, that humanity may have an enduring model to emulate. In no annals of the past is there recorded such an arrangement for ensuring the realization of the purpose of the Manifestation of God.

This Covenant is the guarantee against schism; that is

In addition to laying down, in His Book of Laws, the fundamentals for a new World Order, Baha'u' ‘lah, in the Book of His Covenant, confirmed the appointment of His Son, “Abdu'l-Baha, as the interpreter Word and the Center of His Covenant.

why those who occasionally attempt to create a cleavage in the community utterly fail in the long run. Similarly, the incessant persecution the community has been forced to endure for more than a century in the land of Bahd'u'lldh's birth has not succeeded in destroying its identity or undermining its organic unity. The glorious, ultimate effect of this arrangement will be to ensure the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth, as promised in the Holy Books of old and as proclaimed by Baha'u'llah Himself.

“The Day of the Promise is come,” He clearly announces, “and He Who is the Promised One loudly proclaimeth before all who are in heaven and all who. are on earth: ‘Verily there is none other God but He, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting!’ I swear by God! That which had been enshrined from eternity in the knowledge of God, the Knower of the seen and unseen, is revealed. Happy is the eye that seeth, and the face that turneth towards, the Countenance of God, the Lord

of all being.” Indeed, the coming of Bahé'— u'lldh ushered the world into a new

age, making possible the beginning of a wholly new relationship between humanity and its Supreme Creator. The characteristics of this relationship are summed up in the Covenant et anti upon His

Ss are a pattern for the healing of the ills afflicting our fractured societies and defective social systems.

The Covenant of Baha'u'llah gives new meaning to humanity's checkered history; it imparts a ft impulse to human striving. unto the artery,” ‘Abdu’ l-Baha states, it “beats and pulsates in the body of the world.” The pervasive influence it exerts is at the heart of the derangement of human affairs; it drives the accelerating transition from the old order to the new World Order envisaged by Baha'u'llah. “Soon,” He writes, “will the present day Order be rolled up, and a new one spread out in its stead.” And He explains: “The world’s equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this Most Great, this new World Order. Mankind's ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System, the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed.”

Let those seriously concerned about the state and fate of the world

Photo: Jens von Krogh

20 Tue American BanA’i — Suarar B.E. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992

reter of His

give due attention to the claims of Baha'u'llah. Let them e that the storms battering at the found: of

'y will not be stilled unless and until ples are actively engaged in the search for solutions to social problems.

Let us, the followers of Baha'u'llah, redouble our efforts in the exercise of our sacred duty to acquaint all humanity with the animating purpose of the worldwide Law of Bahd'u'llah. Let them discover that, “Far from aiming at the subversion of the existing foundations of society, it seeks to broaden its ba to remold its institutions in a manner consonant with the needs of an ever changing world.” Let us, with patience and humility, respond to challenging or skeptical ques: tions while unfolding the purposes of this Law. Let them know that it “can conflict with no legitimate allegiances. nor can it undermine essential loyalties. Its purpose is neither to stifle the flame of a sane and intelligent patriotism in men’s hearts, nor to abolish the system of national autonomy so essential if the evils of excessive centralization are to be avoided.”

Let us by word and example show that “it does not ignore, nor does it attempt to suppress, the diversity of ethnical origins, of climate, of history, of language and tradition, of thought and habit, that differentiate the peoples and nations of the world.” Finally, let them appreciate that “it calls for a wider loyalty, for a larger aspiration than any that has animated the human race”; that “it insists upon the subordination of national impulses and interests to the imperative claims of a unified world”; that “it repudiates excessive centralization on the one hand, and disclaims all attempts at uniformity on the other”; that “its watchword is unity in diversity.”

It is especially noteworthy that coincidental with this Bahd'f Holy Year are the commemorations of other world-shaking occurrences which, centuries ago, commenced processes destined to attain their glorious consummation in the Promised Day of God. The ultimate resolution of the profound issues to which they gave rise, and which have ripened with the passage of time, ernible in the eventual realization of the world-embracing System of Baha'u'lléh.

Our thoughts turn to the history of ‘Abdu’1!-Baha's epic journey to the West and particularly to North where, in New York, He disclosed to His ations of the Covenant of s ense, an act of renewal, ee specie of the consolidation of the union of the Old and New Worlds into one global entity. Surnamed by Him “City of the Covenant,” New York resonates with the effects of that experience of 80 years ago. Then it the major entryway to the “Land of Promise” llions of people seeking new horizons. Now it is as a gathering place for the leaders of an international venue for efforts at achieving unity in the political realm. Its very atmosphere vibrates with the hopes of a world seeking to set its affairs in order.

Today, the hearts of the Baha'is throughout the earth are focused on this City of the Covenant wherein many thousands of their fellow-believers, from all parts of the planet, have assembled in the second Baha’ World Congress. The presence there of such a widely varied representation of the human race is an affirmation of the unific power of the Covenant which the event was convened to celebrate.

In this season of beginnings and of the commemorations of beginnings, we Baha’ measure of effort, one mor before. May our words proclaim, and our deeds demonstrate, that there is only one God, only one religion, only one race. And few though we be, may we thus fulfill our duty toward Baha'u'llah, toward His Covenant, and, indeed, toward all humankind.

The Universal House of Justice November 26, 1992

[Page 21]

@ WE DESIRE THE GOOD OF

@) THE WORLD AND

THE HAPPINESS OF ra ta THENATIONS

BAHA UILAH

BAHA’W LLAH

PG LC LS ig gOS

PRUE RU hile ned

Pa Ma od Ca * GARDEN

Many Baha'is see satellite broadcast at House of Worship in Wilmette

Many Baha’’js attending the World Cons included in their itinerary a visit to ha’ { House of Worship in Wilmette, Some 1,500 believers from five continents reinforced the spiritual impact of the Congress by taking part in a variety of programs held both before and after the celebration in New York.

A highlight of the House of Worship programs was the observance of the As

ion of “Abdu’l-Bahd, held Friday z, November 27. The event, which

World Congress Choir, drew a capacity audience of 1,200, most of whom were visitors to the area.

Other activ included a special Archives display that featured holy reli i Baha'u'llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha and rare photographs of the Master; slide presenta

tions on the history of the House of Worship; presentations on the Temple restora; tours of the U.S. Baha’f Nar, and special devotional hours. The Baha’{ bookstore also kept extended hours to accommodate the friends.

About 300 people, including a few nonBaha’ is, came to the House of Worship to view the satellite broadcast of the final session of the World Congress. The broad

cast included taped highlights from the first three days of the Congres: After the program many Bal mained at the Temple for devotions in honor of the Day of the Covenant. A video of the broadcast was shown later that day. It was reported that two people, a mother and her 11-year-old son, declared their beliefin Baha’u lah after seeing the satellite broadcast at the House of Worship.

[Page 22]8 SECOND BAHA’i WorLD CONGRESS ~ NOVEMBER 1992

[Page 23]SECOND BAHA’i WoRLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992 4

"SHARAF B.E. 149 / Decemser 31, 1992 — Tue American Banat 23 [Page 24]at

ne of the distinctive features of the second Baha'i

‘orld Congress illustrating the growth, develop ment and diversity of the Baha'f community was a isplay of Baha'i literature from around the world.

This was surely the most extensive and diverse public display of Baha'i publications ever prepared, and was a befitting celebration of the impact of the message of Baha'u'll4h on the generality of humankind and a demonstration of international cooperation and collaboration within the Baha'i community.

The concept of a book display resulted from consultation about whether there should be book sales during the World Congress. In its reponse regarding book sales, the Universal House of Justice approved instead the book display, saying in a letter written on its behalf, “There is great merit in the...proposal that a major international display of current Baha'i publications be mounted to demonstrate the growth and development of Baha'fliterature, and the House of Justice requests that such a display be included in the plans of the Congr iB

A book display task force was appointed and a floor plan developed. National Spiritual Assemblies and Baha'i publishers were invited to prepare booths displaying their publications, history and current plans.

In February 1992 the plan was presented for consideration to Bahd'f publishers gathered in England for the formation of the International Association of Baha'f Publishers. The decision of the publishers there was that individual booths would be too expensive and that most of them could not afford to take part. They recommended the development ofacombined display, which would be more practical and less expensive.

Based on that recommendation, a new combined book display plan was developed. Letters were sent to National Assemblies and Baha'i publishers, inviting suggestions of titles appropriate for the display.

Current publications were requested, focusing on the writings, life and ministry of Baha'u'llah, His Covenant, the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, the Holy Year, and books expressing the themes of the Covenant in daily life.

Responses from the National Assemblies and publishers were reviewed, and letters were sent asking that approved titles be sentto the Baha'i International Community offices in New York City for storage.

More than 125 National Spiritual Assemblies and Baha'i publishers responded, sending literature in nearly 100 languages. The parcels and boxes arrived slowly at first, and more quickly as the Congress grew nearer.

Staff at the Baha'i International Community office received and sorted the packages, and communicated with staff at the Baha'i National Center who catalogued the materials and sent follow-up letters. Many publications were hand-carried to the Congress, where a spacious hall was set up for the book display.

The materials were attractively arranged ina two-tiered

Photo: Scot Corrie

display by continent and publisher, spread over a series of tables 36 inches wide by 256 linear feet long. It was a heartwarming confirmation of the powerand spread of the Faith to note the universality and cooperation of the Baha'i community represented in the many translations of basic literature and materials.

The names and locations of the contributing National Assemblies and publishers were placed on a map of the world to illustrate graphically the spread and availability of Baha’iliterature across the globe. The resulting display was truly an immersion in the ocean of God's Word.

Special displays were developed by the Baha'f Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom, the first Trust to be formed in the Baha'i world. One displayed publications of the Perspective Series, published in many languages by the Bahd'{ International Community's Office of Public Information; another illustrated literature in African languages published by the United Kingdom in fulfillment of a goal of the Ten Year World Crusade.

Many publishers provided historical information, which was placed near their publications.

Thousands of catalogs, order forms and price lists, many prepared especially for the World Congress, were arranged in a separate area of the book display. The friends were encouraged to take copies of the catalogs and to place their order forms in a special collection box.

While prominence was given to the word of God and other Bahda'f literature, the role of audio/visual materials was not overlooked. The International Baha'i Audio Visual Center (IBAVC), afield agency of the Universal House of Justice, was asked to prepare a special display illustrating its role in cataloging and promoting the use of audio/visual materials around the world.

IBAVC's Visual Services Office prepared a special catalog and order form for a variety of video tapes offered by Baha’ producers. Highlights from the tapes in their catalog were shown continuously on four television monitors while selected video tapes were shown in five video theatres in the book display hall.

Nearly 1,400 orders for video tapes were accepted during the Congress, providing new opportunities for growth for the Visual Services Office.

After the Congress, the extensive collection of books and other materials was donated to the library of the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, in the hope that it would continue to inspire the public and the Baha'fs with the depth and universality of the message of Baha'u'llah.

Book display

A special World Congress commemorative first-day stamp was issued by the U.S. Post Office especially for those attending the Congress.

[Page 25]

At historic Carnegie Hall

Tae.

SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

Concert celebrates ‘vision of world peace’

By Vicky Encuish

oy and harmony were the dominant J themes of the Baha'i World Con gress Gala Concert “Celebrating the Baha'f Vision of World Peace” on Sunday, November 22.

A sell-out crowd filled the 2,784 seats of New York City's historic Carnegie Hall to hear a dozen renowned musical artists and the Baha'f World Congress Choir perform a mixture of classical favorites and Baha'i selections.

The program was the first official event of the second Baha'i World Congress and one of two events open to the public. Both were held at Carnegie Hall.

It would be hard to imagine a more diginified, fitting setting for the concert; Carnegie Hall, built by industrialist/philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1891, was, even during ‘Abdu’I-Baha's visit to North America in 1912, considered one of the premier concert halls in the world. That Baha'fs were able to produce not one, but two concerts in this prestigious hall within the space of three fies to the Faith's growing prominence in the world.

The program itself boldly emblazoned the Name of Baha'u'llah to the musical community. Concert-goers received with the traditional stagebill a handsomely printed program containing information about Baha'u'llah, the Faith and the World Congress, and quotations from Baha'u'llah and the Universal House of Justice on world peace.

Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, welcomed the audience, which included UN diplomats and civic leaders from New York, explaining that the concert was one of the public components of the second Baha'f World Congress that brought together nearly 30,000 believers from 180 countries around the world to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of Baha’ 's Covenant.

A 42-voice acapella choir, chosen from the 400-member World Congress Choir, opened both parts of the program with music based on the Creative Word. The choir was conducted by Tom Price, music director of the Baha'i House of Worship Choir in Wilmette, Illinois.

The choir, composed of Baha'is from around the world and representing the diversity of the human race, had only two days to rehearse. Despite this, the quality of their performance was superb, and was deeply appreciated by the audience.

The choir's repertoire included two selections premiered at the dedication of the Mother Temple of India—“Whither Can a Lover Go,” adapted by Graham Major from The Hidden Words, and “O My Servant,” by Ravi Shankar, also based on excerpts from The Hidden Words; a short but moving piece entitled “O God, My God,” based on the words of the Bab; and “Dastam Bigir ‘Abdu’ |-Baha” (Take Thou My Hand, ‘Abdu’l-Bah4), a traditional favorite of Persian Bah:

The growing stature of the Faith was reflected in the roster of world-renowned musicians who performed at the concert.

• Grammy Award-winning pianist Eu

gene Istomen is one of the leading artists of our time. Noted for his virtuosity, he has played in literally every corner of the world. Mr. Istomen performed two impromptus, Opus 90, Nos. 2 and 3, by Franz Schubert.

• Bas itone Norman Bailey, a longtime Bahd'f, has been acclaimed throughout Europe and other parts of the world for

his Wagnerian operatic roles. He is frequently seen on the BBC and on PBS Television. Mr. Bailey sang Ella Giammai M’amo’ from Verdi's “Don Carlos.”

• Mezzo-soprano Tatiana Troyanos is

one of the first ladies of opera. A leading member of the Metropolitan Opera Company, she was one of the artists chosen to open the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Her marvelous stage presence was much in evidence as she sang the Habafiera and Seguidilla from Bizet's opera “Carmen,”

• Soprano Benita Valente, another wellestablished performer at the Met, has sung

with every important conductor of the last two decades and is known for her versatility and wide-ranging repertoire. For her

selection, she chose Lascia ch’io pianga from Handel's “Rinaldo.”

Following their solos, Troyanos and Miss Valente returned to perform together the lovely Barcarolle from Jacques Offenbach's “Tales of Hoffman.”

• Pianist Warren Jones, who accompanied each of the vocal performs regularly with many of today's top recording

ari

• Byron Janis, who opened the second

half of the program performing Chopin's Nocturne No. 2 in D-flat major, Opus 27, is internationally renowned as one of the world's outstanding concert pianists. He was the first American artist to be sent to the Soviet Union, opening the cultural exchange between East and West, and is actively involved in global and environmental issues.

• David Shifrin has brought new prestige

to the clarinet as a solo instrument, eliciting the sort of ecstatic audience response usually reserved for keyboard virtuosos. Widely recorded, he has appeared with many prestigious chamber groups includ

ing the Guarnieri, Emerson and Tokyo String Quartet

• The Cleveland Quartet, which performed Mozart's Quintet in A major for

Clarinet and Strings, K. 581, with Mr. Shifrin, is one of the country's premier string quartets. Performing on a matched set of Stradivarius instruments, it tours regularly around the world.

Also on the program was the Carnegie Hall debut of 20-year-old Baha’ violinist Vali Phillips, a student at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, who has been winning international competitions since he was nine years old. His rendition of Ravel's Tzigane masterfully captured the soulfulness of a Persian chant.

Mr. Phi was accompanied by pianist Chandra Lowery, a Baha'{ from Rochester.

Audience response to the concert was warm and enthusiastic, making the event an artistic success and an inspiring prelude to the memorable second Baha'i World Congress.

Congress Commemoratives: Now you see

By Laurie B. Rosenrieto

The friends who attended the second Baha'i World Congress must have been acutely aware of its historical significance, because the Commemorative Kiosks were often busy with long lines of people waiting to purchase mementos of the occasion.

Attendees stood in line until closing time, from the first day of the Congress until the last, stamping their commemorative items with the official World Congress. logo. In fact, by the end of the first day the thousands of postcards thathad been printed especially for the Congress were sold out.

Two books whose publishing dates corresponded with the opening date of the Congress were made available. It was overheard that some of those who bought copies of Call to Remembrance, acompilation of extracts mostly by Baha'u'llah about His life, and Transform My Spirit, an English/ French/Spanish-language prayer book published especially for the World Congress, purchased extra copies to be presented to children and grandchildren on their 1Sth birthdays.

Ten dollars from each sale of Call to Remembrance at the Congress is to be placed in an endowment fund to support publication of the Sacred Texts. Based on sales figures from the Congress, this should amount to approximately $70,000.

There were commemorative items for every budget and purpose. Especially lovely were the porcelain items, a mug and lobed tray designed by Mildred Mottahedeh.

Bronze medallions were bought as life-long remembrances, and for those who wanted more functional items, leather bookmarks were available along with tote bags in which to carry everything home.

Brilliant Star, the Baha'i children's magazine, published a special com

memorative issue, while a magazine, “The ” produced by the Bahda'f International Community's Office of Public Information, was available to serve as a teaching tool while presenting to future believers a unique perspective about the state of the world and the Faith at this historic time.

The tote bags, seen almost everywhere, often were filled to overflowing with posters being brought home for loved ones unable to attend the Congress. Two eleg:

children, depicting the children of the world in joyous colors, was bought by many parents for children too young to attend the event.

Also offered as commemoratives were two video tapes, The Prisoner of ‘Akkd and The World Congress Commemorative

them. . .

Video.

Last, but certainly not least, many of those attending ordered video tapes of the Congress itself. Because photography was not permitted during the plenary sessions or in special places such as the ‘Abdu’lBaha “Mission to America” Pavilion, these video tapes will provide one more way for the friends to retain their special memories of this unique once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The volunteers who worked tirel for long hours at the mmemorative Kiosks deserve the appreciation and thank of all those who attended the Congr Always serving long lines and answering innumerable questions, they exhibited remarkable patience and cheerfulness, even ‘on the last day when few items were left for sale.

Photo: Scot Corrie

Cangress Commemoratives drew large crowds...and sold out fast.

Suarar B.£. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THe American BaHA’i

25 [Page 26]SECOND BAHA’Ii WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

FROM PAGE 1

the globe, to make it a known eminence in the consciousness of peoples everywhere.”

The commemoration of the Ascension of Baha’ Ildh, held in Haifa last May, was attended by representatives of the entire Baha’{ world, together with the Hands of the Cause, the members of the House of Justice, and most of the living Knights of Baha’ llah. This memorable event, along with similar ones undertaken by the Baha'is in every country, bore eloquent testimony to the “transcendent and victorious influence of Baha’u’Ilah’s liber:

Six months later the Bal again, this time in New York City. Worldrenowned symbol of modern civilization, New York was immeasurably blessed by ‘Abdu’ l-Baha’s presence during His North American tour in 1912, distinguished as the site whei i Western believers the implications of His station as the Center of Baha’ wu’ Ilah’s Covenant, imbued with immense potential through His expressed hopes for its future spiritual glory, and immortalized by Him with the designation “City of the Covenant.”

Most fitting venue

The Master had also prophesied that New York would become “a blessed spot from which the call to steadfastness in the Covenant and Testament of God will go forth to every part of the world.”

For these reasons it was deemed by the House of Justice to be the most fitting venue for this historic occasion. Through the World Congress that city has now been shown a glimpse of the spiritual capacity with which it was, through it ation with the Master, so richly endowed.

For four unforgettable days the friends, nearly 30,000 strong from 180 countries, demonstrated to all the peoples of the planet

“the profound fact of the appearance in the world of the Lord of the Covenant and the achievements of His sublime

The opening of the Congress coincided with the release of a report by the United

Nations Special Representative on Human Rights in Iran, which cited evidence of “anew wave of official discrimination against members of Iran’s largest religious minority group,” and affecting “a whole generation of Baha’is in the Islamic Republic. ...”

In sharp contrast to the dark cloud under which the Persian Bahd’i community continues to exist, pe es sof the Baha’ f worl the Congres adeeeacentie i ily forward, suming an increasingly prominent role in world affairs, and enjoying the recognition and respect of the majority of the peoples and nations of the earth.

On the occ

ion of the Congress the Baha’ fs of the world received messages of greeting from the President of the United States and the governors of New York and Alaska. The mayor of New York City appeared at the Congress to deliver his personal greetings and welcome the Baha'is. These messages of regard, to gether with the extensive news coverage of the Congress, comprised a fitting sequel to the tributes paid to Baha’u’Ilah by various governments and rulers on the Centenary of His Ascension.

Hands of the Cause present

The World Congress was blessed with the presence of all three living Hands of the Cause of God: Amatu’l-Bahaé Ruhiyyih Khanum, Ali-Akbar Furttan and Muhammad-‘Ali Varqéa—the last remaining members of that group whose brilliant services and selfless devotion to the Faith will evoke the admiration and gratitude of countless generations to come.

Lauded by Baha’ u’Ilah Himself as those “through whom the light of long-suffering hath shone forth, ...the sea of bestowal

Photo: Scot Corrie

‘Does this bus go directly to the Javits Center?’

Photo: Scot Corrie

The audience is seated for one of the general sessions.

hath moved, and the breeze of the favor of God...hath wafted”’; specifically charged by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in His Will and Testament to be obedient to the Guardian of the Cause and to “manifest the fear of God by their conduct, their manners, their deeds and their words”; and designated by Shoghi Effendi as the “Chief Stewards of Baha’ u’llah’s embryonic World Commonwealth,” it was the Hands of the Cause whose crowning achievement was to preserve the unity of the Faith during the nearly six years between the Guardian's passing in November 1957 and the formation of the Universal House of Justice.

Also present was another distinguished Baha'i, David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice. Mr. Hofman, whose services to the Faith span six decades, was elected to the Supreme Body at the time of its formation in 1963. Since i i 1988 he has traveled cea: lessly, meeting with Baha'is in countries throughout the world and joining them in their efforts to promote the Cause of God.

The plenary sessions

The heart and soul of the Congress were its four plenary sessions, whose mixture of devotions, music, talks, audio-visual and dramatic presentations succeeded in arousing that “ineffable sense of significance” called for by the House of Justice, designed to “affect both the attitude of the Baha’ fs themselves and the quality of proclamation directed to the public.”

Beautifully balanced and flawlessly orchestrated, each session, though distinct from the others in theme and content, centered on the unique

ness and power of Baha’ u’Ilah’s Covenant. Together they acclaimed and proclaimed the Covenantas “the pivotal center of unity for. all humankind,” and illustrated “its dynamic effect on the struggle, the spread, and the redemptive achievements of the {community since the passing of the Blessed Beauty.”

‘The majesty and power of the Covenant was felt in every corner of the auditorium ssions as the friends listened to an audio recording of achant by “Abdu’l-Bahé and saw a two and one-half minute film of the Master, both made during His visit to New York City in 1912.

Highlights of the plenary sessions included the reading by Amatu’l-Baha Rthiyyih Khénum of the message to the Congress from the House of Justice; an address by Ruhfyyih Khaénum on the victories of the Covenant; a video presentation on the Hands of the Cause, followed by greetings from each of the Hands; the presentation of flowers sent by the believers in Iran as a gift to the Congress, and a m sage of greetings from the Iranian Bah community; a satellite linkup with nine Baha’ { communities in five continents and the Pacific, which included a message from Malietoa Tanumafili Il of Western Samoa, the world’s only reigning Baha’ f monarch; a procession of believers from countries around the world dressed in native costume; personal reminiscences from five Baha'is who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahé; testimonies to the transforming power of Baha’u’llah’s Covenant, as provided by representatives from three Baha’ f communities; and addresses by Mr. Hofman, Firuz Kazemzadeh and Counselor Zena Sorabjee on various aspects of the Covenant.

Adding to the consciousness on the part of the Baha’fs of the “exceptional and glorious stage in humanity’s spiritual evolution intitiated by the Covenant” were three video presentations, on “The City of the Covenant,” “The Victories of the Covenant,” and “Humanity’s Encounter with

26 Tue American Band’!

SuararF B.£. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 [Page 27]

SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

Photo: Jens von Krogh

An exterior view of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

as well as a dramatic presentation depicting four early American believers who were in the presence of ‘Abdu’ IBaha.

Also contributing their share to the atmosphere of “awe,” “thankful gladness” and “exquisite celebratory joy” that, 2 House of Jus! tated, were essent on, were the marvelous and varied musical performances of the 400-voice international choir and 70-piece orchestra, highlighted by a stirring Oratorio dedicated to Baha’u’Ilah, and featuring a number of other works composed especially for the World Congress.

Soloists and groups from around the world added their talents to a musical program which, by its profound reverence and matchless quality, moved the friends to the depths of their souls.

The climax of the second Baha’i World Congress, reserved for its final hours, was the message from the Universal House of Justice to the Baha’is of the world, presented live via satellite from the World Center in Haifa, Israel.

Tens of thousands of Baha'is in New York and around the world were thrilled by this richly symbolic gesture, which, ii the act itself and the medium by which it was conveyed, demonstrated the unifying impact of Bahd’u’llah’s Covenant on the history of humanity in general as well as on the community of His faithful followers.

The primary theme of the message was totake note of the developments both within and without the Cause of God since the Ascension of Baha’ u’ lah, observing especially the relationship of the Covenant to “such simultaneous processes of rise and fall, of integration and disintegration, of order and chaos, with their continuous and reciprocal actions on each other,’ which, as the Teachings explain, ‘are but aspects of a greater Plan, one and indivisible, whose Source is God, whose Author Baha'u'llah, the theatre of whose operations is the entire planet, and whose ultimate objectives are the unity of the human race and the peace of all mankind.’” Congress activities

To complement the plenary sessions the House of Justice approved a number of significant auxiliary events, which further enhanced the opportunity for “deep reflection on the historic importance, the uniqueness, the meaning and efficacy of the Covenant established by Baha’u’ lah.”

As the House of Justice stated, “the con

templation of the peerless purpose, magnetic person, luminous character and exemplary “Abdu’l-Baha in His tion as the Center and li ing embodiment of the Covenant of Baha’ u’ lah” were to be at the heart of the reflections of the World Congress.

To this end, in addition to the aspects of the main program devoted to the Master, a theme pavilion, ““Abdu’l-Baha: Mission to America,” was set up in the New York Hilton. Comprising five ballrooms, the exhibit offered a visually and aurally spectacular walk-through glimpse of the extra— ordinay journey of the Master through North America and especially of His time spent in New York City.

The theme pavilion, which was open to the media as well as to Baha'is and others attending the Congress, was the product of many months of masterful research and design work. Painstaking care was taken to convey a thorough understanding of ‘Abdu’lBahé’s importance in Baha'i history, the central features of His teachings, and the state of the society in which He lived.

Containing a number of the Master’s writings and personal relics, and with many photographs and porf both ‘Abdu’ lBahdand His contemporaries, the exhibit became for the observerajourney of the spirit, an opportunity toappreciate anew the beauty and majesty of the life of Him Who

An ice sculpture created for the World Congress by a local artist, Earl Covington, who said he wanted ‘to do something for world peace.’

enant.

Another major ancillary event was the series of presentations on the Mt. Carmel Projects, given by Fariburz Sahba, the project manager. Also held at the Hilton, the presentations provided the latest news about the construction work in the Holy Land and offered an informative look at the significance of the project.

Both the theme pavilion and the Arc presentation were handled so that limited numbers of the friends were admitted at any one time, thereby preserving theirdignity and spiritual atmosphere and providing for the most enriching experience possible.

Other significant programs included the Youth Movement Forum and Youth Services Exposition, which addressed the ch; lenges presented to young Baha’ is at this time in history and allowed

Photo: Joe Ferguson

the opportunity for fellowship and discussion of other issues related to the Faith; a classical concert celebrating the Baha’{ vision of world peace, held at Carnegie

Hall and open to the public; a public jazz concert in honor of the world-famous musician and Baha’ {, Dizzy Gillespie, also at Carnegie Hall; an international exhibit of Baha’{ literature from 125 National Assemblies and publishing trusts illustrating the growth and development of Baha’ publishing in the last century; a Baha’ i film festival, which ran every day of the Cons; specially produced commemoratives ranging from postcards and videos to exquisite porcelain items; more than 200 banners from around the world made especially for the Congress; and a wide of evening programs featuring musical and dramatic entertainment from around the world, all centering on the Faith, and each in its own way demonstrating its universal character. Special rooms were also reserved in most of the hotels, where the Baha’ fs could meet with friends old and new.

Expectations of the future

The Universal House of Justice, in its message to the Congress, described the event as “the major occasion during the Holy Year for the evocation of a memory which enables us all to appreciate how, through the dynamic person and peerless office of the Center of the Covenant, the will of both the Abha Beauty and His Herald has been translated into viable means for actualizing the unity of mankind and building a world civilization.”

The House of Justice also noted: “That so wide a diversity of the human race as you represent has assembled at this commemorative event is in itself history-making and is, indeed, an impressive demonstration of the potency and potential of the Covenant as the instrument designed by the Lord of the Age for the unification and pacification of the nations and peoples of. the earth.

“We rejoice with exceeding gladness,” the message continued, “for your coming together in such variegated array is an affirmation of the efficacy of this sacred legacy—a fresh assurance that, despite recurrent trials and turmoil, its world-redeeming, world-revolutionizing purpose will ultimately be entirely realized.”

vein

Y

was the Center of Baha’u'llah’s Cov

A time for meeting or renewing acquaintances with ‘family members’ from around the world.

SuararF B.£. 149 / DecemMBER 31, 1992 — THE American BaHA’i

Photo: Scot Corrie

27 [Page 28]

SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

‘All aboard!’

town of Woodstock, Illinois, I knew I was in for an adventure.

After all, I was going to the Baha'i World Congress in, of all places, New York City. Little did I know that by the time I reached New York, the train on which I was a passenger would have become a real Peace Train!

I pulled my luggage onto the Metra commuter train h g into Chicago, feeling somewhat sad at leaving my husband and two young sons at home, especially during Thanksgiving week. And I was not looking forward to a 19-hour train

At about the fifth stop, a group of happy-' looking people, also with too much luggage and many bags of food, clambered aboard the commuter t were black and white, youn; |\—unified in their efforts to get all that ge on board. I knew they had to be Baha'fs! nough, I had found a group of people who immediately “adopted” me and took me under their collective wing. When we arrived in Chicago, a friendly Red Cap (baggage handler) did likewise, giving us special attention

While waiting for him to escort us to the train, we noticed some other passengers sporting World Congress T-shirts. Gathering them to us like family, we were seated as a group on the No. 48 train to New York City—all nineteen of us!

g traveled by train, I didn't realize how much socializing goes on. By the time lights were turned out, we knew that there were many other Baha'is on the train in other compartments.

S etting off, by myself, by train from my small

For some, getting to the World Congress was half the fun

By Laurie B. Rosenrieto

On Sunday morning, Chris Mayberry, a folk singer and songwriter from Waukegan, Illinois, took out his guitar and led us in singing train songs and Baha’ “fireside” songs.

Up and down the train the word went out, and Baha'i singers came and went, adding their voices and enthusiasm to our songs where they could, or simply clapping or humming along where they didn't know the words.

A non-Baha'i couple from Trinidad, who spoke little English, came and “sang” for awhile. Marinell Rhine, a Baha'i from Boise, Idaho, shared many of her original songs with us including the song she wrote for and performed at the wedding of her son and daughterin-law, Rick and Bobba Rhine of Columbia, Missouri.

Songs were sung in Persian, French and English. On the train, we learned, were more than 50 Baha'is from Indian Reservations, Canada, Ireland, and state: far away as California, Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma.

Chris Mayberry had been composing a new song for several weeks, but hadn't been able to write the verse. The unity and diversity on the train inspired him, and this is the song he finished writing that day: Chorus:

Though we're many different people,

We are One,

We are One. Though we're many We are One.

We have come from many diffexent lands,

ferent people,

And traveled many roads. Though we're many different people, We are One. . The same Father Sky above us, The same Mother Earth below. Though we're many different people, We are One. And the moon that walks your night time Is the same that brightens mine. Though we're many different people, We are One. Oh, the sun in your morning Also shines on me in time. Though we're many different people, We are One. Though our histories are different, Our future is the same. Work to win the Most Great Peace, Seek to know the Greatest Name. Repeat Chorus (© 1992 Chris Mayberry, Waukegan, IL; used by permission) Needless to say, this wonderful beginning was the best possible way to start a week that would touch and change the lives of everyone on board this train.

many of the same people formed ace train” on the way home from the laughing, singing and teaching the Faith. , New York, they even observed the anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’-Bahd. A true World Congress experience, door to door.

UN Special Representative for Human Rights in Iran issues new report detailing persecution of country's Baha'i community

In a report presented to the United Na resentative for Human Rights Reynaldo Galindo Pohl,

of jobs and pensio

s, of edu:

tional oppor Ahderom, senior representative of the

tions on November 23, the opening day of the second Baha'i World Congress, a UN special representative who has monitored since 1986 Iran's compliance with international human rights agreements said that the Iranian Baha'i community has entered anew phase of persecution and now stands in constant fear of “reprisals of all kinds.”

The report, authored by UN Special Rep

provi extensive documentation that Iran's Baha'i commu continues to be the target of systematic oppression based on religious bel

The report notes, for example, that at least one Baha'i [Bahman Samandari] was summarily executed earlier this year, that two others currently face death sentences, and that thousands more remain deprived

tunities and the right to practice freely their Bal

religion.

“With Baha'is from all over the world gathered in New York this week ina living demonstration of the possibilities for peace and harmony among all peoples, it is sad indeed that the Iranian government continues to persecute and oppress the Baha'i community in that country,” said Techeste

Photo: Joe Ferguson The World Congress Choir and Orchestra receive well-deserved applause following the magnificent Baha'i Oratorio.

'{ International Community to the United Nations.

“As the world can see, Bahd'is pose no threat to any government,” Mr. Ahderom said. “Their only desire is to practice their religion freely and to contribute in whatever way ible to the well-being and peaceful development of their own national communities—Iran included.”

Since 1979, some 200 Baha'is have been executed in Iran and hundreds more imprisoned in a campaign of systematic persecution by the government. Although the rate of killings has slowed in recent years, the execution of Mr. Samandari last April, and the death sentences given to two other Baha'fs last summer, have raised anew the specter of wholesale killings in Iran.

“The renewed use of executions and the recent and sudden intensification of action against the Baha'is, particularly regarding confiscation of their properties and expulsion from their homes, raise the fear that the country is entering a phase of harassment and denial of rights in some regions, a new phase of open persecution of these Iranian citizens,” wrote Prof. Galindo Pohl. “In any event, the actions described are sufficient to keep this group in constant fear of reprisals of all kinds.”

Prof. Galindo Pohl urges the General Assembly to appeal to the government of Iran to adopt immediate measures aimed at avoiding a repetition of the human rights violations cited in his report.

28 Tue American BaHA’i — SHarar B.E. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 [Page 29]

JAZZ

At Carnegie Hall, a loving tribute to an all-time giant of America's music, legendary trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie

By Des CLark

n November 26, a number of wellknown jazz musicians gathered at New York's famed Carnegie Hall for a 75th birthday tribute to legendary trumpeter John Birks (Dizzy) Gillesp

The celebration was held as a part of the

second Baha'i World Congress. Mr. Gillespie, a Bahd't for more than 20 years, had hoped to be there, but was unable to attend because of illness; the performance was video taped so that it could be shared with him later. Enclosed with the program notes given sold-out Carnegie Hall was an embossed booklet that described the Baha'i ih, introduced Bahé'u'lléh, quoted from “The Promise of World Peace,” and outlined the purpose of the second Baha'i World Congress.

Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, a member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, opened the program by relating key moments in Dizzy Gillespie's career:

• On September 29, 1947, he played the first of his 26

concerts at Carnegie Hall, leading a 16-piece band with guest appearances by saxophonist Charlie Parker, pianist Tadd Dameron, drummer Kenny Clarke and vocalist Ella Fitzgerald.

• In 1956, he was the first musician appointed by the

U.S. State Department as an ambassador for its international jazz tours to the Middle East and South America. During the Cyprian crisis, a Greek newspaper called him “a better diplomat than all the diplomats the U.S. has ever had in this part of the world.”

• Invited to play at the White House during the Reagan

administration, Dizzy asked Mrs. Reagan if she would mind if he removed his tie because he had “played here before.”

• He also performed at the 1986 Summer Olympics in

Los Angeles where, during an interview, he compared progressive revelation to a relay race in which Moses assed the baton to Jesus, Who passed it to Muhammad,

ion Orchestra, formed in 1988 and composed of musicians from many nations, has played in 18 countries, proclaiming the oneness of humankind and the need for world peace. In 1990, Dizzy told an audience in Prague, Czechoslovakia, that “there can be one world or none at all.”

Joining a rhythm section of pianist Mike Longo,

assist Paul West and drummer Al Harewood for the allstar concert were saxophonists James Moody, Paquito D'Rivera and Marvin (Doc) Holladay; trumpeters Jon Faddis, Roy Hargrove and Lew Soloff; and trombonist Slide Hampton.

Mr. Longo, who opened the program in a trio setting with the drummer Mr. Harewood and_ the bassist Mr. West, is a Baha'i who was the only white member of Mr. Gillespie's band in the early 1960s.

On one occasion, when Dizzy was asked by officials in one troubled city to help cool down riotous crowds, Mr. Longo was struck in the head by a thrown bottle. Dizzy appeared on television that evening to say. leaves of one branch and drops of one ocean. Mike is my

“We're all the *

SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

Performing at the gala Carnegie Hall concert honoring trumpeter Diz to right) trombonist Slide Hampton, saxophonist James Moody, bas:

friend, and I don't want you to hit him anymore.”

After three selections by Mr. Longo's trio, the audience welcomed Mr. Moody, a three-time winner of the Downbeat jazz critics’ poll who toured with Dizzy from 196369. Mr. Moody said he owes everything he has done musically to Dizzy, who gave him his first job 47 years ago when Mr. Moody was 21.

After soloing on two selections with the trio, Mr. Moody was joined onstage by Jon Faddis, director of the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra, and Paquito

bg

Photo: Mark Sadan 'y Gillespie on his 75th birthday are (left Paul West and trumpeter Jon Faddis.

then joined the others for several selections. The finale, performed by the entire group, was “A Night in Tunisia,” one of Dizzy's best-known compositions, with each frontline member of the group prolonging a single tone at the end of the infectious Middle East-tinged melody before launching into an unaccompanied solo.

The standing ovation that followed was not only for the musi , it was for the beloved guest of honor whose absence was deeply felt by everyone.

D'Rivera to play “Birk's Works,” a tune written by Dizzy and recorded in 1953 on his DeeGee label.

Mr. D'Rivera, who performed as soloist with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra in 1965, when he was 19, won a Grammy Award as musical director of the United Nation Orchestra and has made a dozen recordings as a leader.

Dizzy's ties with Cuban musicians are deep; he is credited with being the first jazz musician to incorporate Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and Caribbean music into a style known as “Cubop.”

Mr. Holladay, a Baha'i who was attending the Congress and has played baritone sax with such outstanding big bands as those of Stan Kenton and Mercer Ellington, was next on the program. He soloed with the trio on one of his own compositions, “The Universal Garden,” and referred to ‘Abdu’ -Bahd's statement that music is a “ladder” for the soul.

Mr. Hampton then joined the group onstage to end the first half of the concert with Dizzy's composition, “And Then She Stopped.”

Following the intermission, film clips of Dizzy’s varied career were shown including a three-minute segment that includes the only existing footage of saxophonist Charlie (Bird) Parker, who with Dizzy pioneered the revolutionary bebop movement thatall butreinvented the music, moving jazz forward from traditional and swing to what is known today as contemporary or modern.

‘The trumpeters Mr. Hargrove and Mr. Soloff

SuararF B.£. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THe American BanA’i

‘Welcome to the second Baha'i World Congress!’

Photo: Scot Corrie

29 [Page 30]SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

saint

Members of the audience...

By Joan Rankin

he queues wound around poles, down corridors, through doors as the

ends at the Baha't World Congress in New York City registered, exchanged ticket vouchers, visited exhibii

A casual observer may have wondered what these people were so patiently waiting for, sometimes for hours. These serene, friendly people laughed, chatted, sometimes sang.

And what were they feeling? Initial reactions were perhaps more visibly than verbally conveyed: smiles shining on faces exhausted from travel; tears of joy shed at the wonder of simply being there; shrieks of delight as friend found friend among the 30,000 faces; warm embraces as family members separated for many years were reunited.

A common reaction in the first days, one expressed by Maria Dolores of the Canary Islands, was, “It's the best moment of my life, being in New York at this World Congress.”

“Tt's unbelieva Marilyn Lee of since 1975, “It

le that I can attend,” Zast Malaysia, a Bah like a dream, all the faces, the music. I feel as if I'm living ina dream.”

As the sessions began on Monday and the spiritual magnitude of the event began to be felt in the hearts of the friends, many could find no words to describe their reactions, their thoughts.

“A new word should be created to describe this experience,” said Shalla Farzaneh-Far from the United Kingdom. “None of the old ones work. Magnificent, overwhelming, wonderful—none of these superlatives can adequately convey what we are feeling.”

Some were able to express what seemed to be common threads of thought: “I can see the vision of Baha'u'llah in the faces of the people,” said Ella Washington of Massachusetts. “I am moved by the banners from all over the world. To me, the greatness of the Faith is no longer something that lives in my imagination. It has become concrete—and it is much bigger than my

imagination!”

Autumn Donfeld, a young woman from Missouri attending the Congress with her mother, echoed those sentiments: “Tt is the spirit of unity that is most impres wt she said. “The proc sion of the countries on the first day was most memorable. People from smallercommunities can see that everything is so much bigger, and what we do at home is important.”

Autumn, who grew up ina Baha'{home, signed her declaration card on the final day of the Congress.

Deeply moved by the superb audio-visual, musical and theatrical portions of the Congress, many found those experiences to be the most stirring.

Cinzia and Hessam Youssefian, from Verona, Italy, agreed: “The variety in the programs is dynamic. We have not used theatre and music much at home, and we can see now how effective it is. The arly believers have been made we can see their struggles. This Congress displays the best aspects of Baha'i life: high standards, splendid organization, wonderful spirituality.”

e,

Shidan Hemmat, a 13-year-old Baha'i from Venezuela, and his mother, Kathy Hemmat, a Baha'i for 24 years, expressed similar perceptions: “Sharing the experience with our fellow Bahd’is in growing closer to ‘Abdu’l-Bahé through hearing His voice, seeing Him move in the film, hearing the stories told by those who were

Photo: Jens von Krogh

Photo: Scot Corrie

«enjoy music by the World Congress Choir and Orchestra.

EACTIONS Tears of joy, wonder, awe and gratitude

Photo: Scot Corrie

The joy of greeting friends and relatives was an important aspect of the World Congress.

in His presence...this has been most won derful.”

For many, one of the more emotional moments came when the satellite br cast brought voices from the former Soviet Union into the auditorium.

Oleg Korneichey, a Baha’ from Archangel, Russia, who had come to New York with the help of Baha'is in the U.S., spoke candidly: “This is proof of what the traveling teachers told me. I can see and hear people from all over the world with my own eyes and ears. .

“Living in the conditions at home, I

sometimes wondered about the condition of the world, where it was going. When I see the example of the solidarity of the people, it takes me away from feeling depressed. It gives me hope. I am especially grateful to the Baha'is in Maine who helped me come here.”

As the week drew to a close, the

thoughts of the friends became both reflective and anticipatory.

“Until we heard Ruhfyyih Khanum speak on the last day,” said Alta Denlinger of Missouri, “everything was so spiritually charged that it was overwhelming, almost unreal. But when she began to tell her stories, it made everything real for me. I felt a deep sense of commitment.”

Said Reginald Barrow of Cameroon: “The thing that affected me most deeply was the message on Thursday from the Universal House of Justice. it gave me something to do, actions to take. I have to pay attention to that.”

Parting words were filled with emotion as the friends prepared to leave New York and return home: “The unity of the people here. ...People at home don't think world peace can happen. But now I can tell them yes! it can happen: Itishappening!” “We are sorry to leave, but now we have the courage to go home and do our work. Now we know what to do.” “It has been heaven on earth!”

And what of those around us—the hotel employees, the bus and taxi drivers, the people on the street? From a security guard at the Ramada Hotel: “Excellent! Very orderly people.”

The American Baha'i Subscription Rates

Surface Air One Year $24 $32 Two Years $45 $60

30 THe American BAHA’i — SHARAF

149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 [Page 31]

Photo: Anthony Worley Diane Varga and Buddy Childers make beautiful music.

By EvizasetH ANDERSON

he musical and dramatic talent at the second

Baha'f World Congress was so plentiful that it

easily encompassed 25 evening performances,

each show unique unto itself with its own color, depth, energy and spirit.

From Monday through Wednesday evening there were at least three programs to choose from at Carnegie Hall, the Waldorf-Astoria, the Ramada, the Hyatt Regency, the Sheraton or the New York Hilton. Serving as masters of ceremonies for many of the performances were Continental Counselors.

On Sunday afternoon, famed Carnegie Hall featured classical music performed by such worldrenowned artists as soprano Benita Valente, Baha'i bass-baritone Norman Bailey and mezzo-soprano Tatiana Troyanos; pianists Warren Jones, Eugene Istomin and Byron Janis; clarinetist David Shifrin and the Cleveland String Quartet. They were joined by the 42-voice Baha'i World Congress Choir and 21-year-old Baha’ violinist Vali Phillips.

Legendary jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie was honored at Carnegie Hall Wednesday evening. Although unable to attend because of illness, Dizzy was serenaded by a number of his good friends and fellow musicians including trumpeters Jon Faddis, Roy Hargrove and Lew Soloff; saxophonists James Moody, Paquito D'Rivera and Marvin (Doc) Holladay; trombonist Slide Hampton; pianist Mike Longo; bassist Paul

Sometimes one couldn't resist the urge to get up and dance to the music.

SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

and drummer Al Harewood.

youth presented two evening

at the Sheraton, Tuesday and

i The first, “To Walk in His

a play about a young Baha’

vice to Latin America who

ing some of the early heroes

of the Faith. It was preceded by a wonderfully choreographed dance designed

to show off the energy, dance skills and diversity of

styles of the troupe.

The second performance by the youth consisted of a drama about the martyrdom in 1986 of 10 young women Bahd'fs from Shiraz, Iran.

The Bahd'f Gospel Choir, which performed Tuesday evening at the Ramada and Wednesday at the WaldorfAstoria, was so electrifying the audience did not want to let them leave.

On Wednesday night, the choir followed a dramatic presentation about the life of Louis Gregory with an old Gospel tune, “Sing ‘til the Power of the Lord Comes Down,” which brought the audience to its feet in appreciation.

Priscilla Triplett, a soloist with the Gospel Choir, said she felt the warmth of the audience response to gospel music, regardless of musical and cultural backgrounds.

“T felt there was a charge going through the audience,” she said. “Gospel music seems somehow to capture the spirit that rejuvenates all of us Baha’ is. It seems to be something the world needs.

“Maybe it’s because of what black Americans have been through. You have to have felt the pain in Gospel music to be able to express it. Several quotes from the Writings come to mind, how sorrow and joy embrace, how there will come a time when the black Americans shall rise up, how we are the pupil of the eye,” she said.

“Sometimes when working in the Baha’i community becomes a testing ground, and I want to go on because of my love for Baha’u’llah but need to be nourished, I turn to what gives me joy. When I sing I pray, and I feel the connection.”

Also featured in the Gospel Choir were Van Gilmer, Geraldine Jones, Sandy Simmons and Sergio Minervini.

ona ye eams

The South American sounds of El Viento Canta, a group that has toured Russia with its traditional folkloric songs, filled the Ramada’s grand ballroom Monday night. Performing with them were Bob Porter, Fritz Kersting, Tommy Kavelin, Roberta Graham de Escobedo, Kamel aghian, K.C. Porter and the World Congress Latin Ameri

Photo: Laura Arthur

Entertainment

Evenings at the World Congress were marked by an abundance

of talent as performers from

all over the world took center stage to present marvelous programs

can Choir.

Approximately 1,000 filled the Grand Ballroom of the WaldorfAstoria for Monday night’s entertainment. Zhu Ming Ying, who sin 26 dialects and languages, has recorded albums, one of which went gold.

She told her audience she was part of a Baha'i musical tour through her country. “Chinese people love the Faith,” she said. She delighted the audience with her dance and rendition of a Chinese folk song about a young married woman returning to visit her mother.

Dash Crofts sang “Forever Like The Rose,” a song inspired by a photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Baha; “One Planet, One People...Please,” written by his long-time partner Jim Seals, and “Tomorrow Belongs to the Children.”

Photo: Anthony Worley Singer Vic Damone entertains.

The Bob Alcivar band performed, and trumpeter George Graham thrilled the audience with his solo on “Beauty and the Beast,” saying by way of introduction, “Tf this girl who could probably have anybody she wanted fell in love with the beast, then surely we can fall in love with humanity.”

A program entitled “‘Abdu’l-Baha in the City of the Covenant” at the Hilton on Wednesday evening featured a 100-member chorus and vignettes from the lives of Louis Gregory, Lua Getsinger and Juliet Thompson, who was the first reporter to interview ‘Abdu’! Baha. Tom Price served as narrator and music director.

Also performing at various sites Monday evening were the World Congress Chinese Choir, Mike and Bev Rodgers, Godwin Olinga, Les Arnauds, Leslie & Kelly, Manoochehr Sadeghi, Red Grammar, Trace Dreyer, Wes Baker, Shokouh Rezai, Provost & Dube, Jamie Toth, Marty Kauslo and Farzaneh Moghimi.

A classical concert Tuesday evening at the Wal— dorf spotlighted bass-baritone Norman Bailey, harpsichordist Nancy Lee Harper, guitarist Robert Bassett and violinist Vali Phillips.

Other Tuesday performers included Roland Ashby, the Atlanta Baha'f Jazz Quartet, Anne Atkinson, Eddie Byrne, Philip Hinton, the World Congress Indian Choir, Sia Siamimi, Mary Davis, Yvonne Varis, Ashit Desai, Swan, Travis Williams, Bill George, Hillhouse. Shurnell Anderson, Shenping Lu, Russ Gar nd his orchestra (with surprise guest Vic Damone), Sandy Simmons and Diane Varga.

See ENTERTAINMENT page 32

SuaraF B.E. 149 / December 31, 1992 — THe American Bandi 31 [Page 32]SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

Huqutqu'llah

The third International Conference

By Forp Bowers

nthe eve of the second Baha'f World Oboes the Trustee of the

Huqtiqu'lléh and Hand of the Cause

of God *Ali-Muhammad Varga met in New York City with a number of his deputies, representatives and assistants from around the world, representatives of the International Teaching Center, the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, and the Office of Huqtiqu'llah at the World Center for the third International Huqtqu'llah Conference.

On Sunday, November 22, 150 participants from many countries around the world gathered to discuss various topics relating to the Law of Huqtiqu'llah, deepen in the institution of Huqtg, share experiences during the course of the Six Year Plan with implementation on a universal level of the Law of Huqtqu'llah, and consider goals for education in, and consolidation and expansion of this sacred law.

Inhis keynote address, Dr. Vargé commented on the development of the institution of the Huqtiq and the parallel development of the Faith around the world, marveling at the expansion of the institution from the appointment by Baha'u'llah of its

A part of the audience at the third International Huqiqu'll4h Conference.

second Tru tee, Haji Amin, to its present size of 300 deputies, representatives and assistants.

Pointing toward the goals that lie ab for thos volved in educating the believers about

the Law of Huqtqu'llah, Dr, Vargd read from a letter addressed to him by the Universal House of Justice:

“The primary need at t me, we believe, is not for an elaboration of the details of the application of the law—adequate explanations have already been provided, especially through the codification which was supplied by the Research Department to accompany the compilation—the need is rather for the friends to be encouraged to understand and accept the responsibility which rests on every true-hearted follower

of the Faith to apply the principles of the law to the specific details of his or her own condition.”

The chairman of the conference, Dr. Daryush Haghighi, a member of the B of Trustees of Huqtiqu'lléh in the U.S. that when one understands more clearly the essence of the law, he or she naturally becomes more obedient to it. Indeed, he added, heightening the awaren of the believers concerning the spiritual significance of obedience to the law and the dynamic forces that such obedience sets in motion has been and will continue to be a primary function of the members of the institution of Huqtiqu'llah. Contributions rise

In reviewing national and regional reports on Huqtiq from around the world, it was noted that the number of contributors and the amount contributed has risen dramatically since universal application of the Law of Huqdiqu'llah was introduced at the beginning of the Holy Year. In fact, contributions for the first six months of this year were double those of the same period a year ago, and the number of contributors to Huqtiqu'llah_ has tripled from a year ago.

Presentations by Drs. Amin Banani, another member of the Board of Trustees in the U.S., and

Photo: Scot Corrie

Photo: Haynes McFadden

Pictured are many of those who attended the Third International Huqiqu 'll4h Conference in New York City.

Shapoor Rassekh, a member of the Board of Trustees in Europe, on worldwide education in the Law of Huqtiqu'llah covered a wide range of topics with two of the more significant aspects being the future role of the Huqtiq in bringing about a spiritual solution to the economic problems facing humanity, and the importance of having a working model to present to the nations of the world.

Dr. Banani said it is the institution of Hugqtiqu'll4h that will furnish the means through which high-minded ideals such as the elimination of poverty and the disparity between rich and poor can be realized.

Underscoring that point, Dr. Rassekh said the Huqtiq would be a model for the future world order, a truly spiritual solution to economic problems since its ol vance is left to the conscience of each individual and thus marks a complete revision of present-day economic thought into an economy based on spiritual and ethical principles.

It was at the end of a lively group discussion on the practical aspects of educating the friends on these and other significant aspects of the law that Dr. Varq4 rose and presented to the gathering perhaps the best advice about how to carry out their tasks as representatives of the institution of Huqtiqu'llah: “To create love in the heart of the believer—that is the answer to the problem.”

Entertainment

FROM PAGE 31

The Waldorf was host to another classical concert Wednesday evening, with performers including violinist Rahmatollah Badiyi, pianist Mamk Dahnad, cellist Gwendolyn Watson and vocalist Nikki Bergsmo.

Also performing Wednesday evening were Nancy Ward, Tierney Sutton, 2 Che, Matthew Levine, Bob Alcivar and his orchestra, Donna Kime, Dan Seals, Fred Johnson, the Lowrey Brothers, Anna Constance, Ruben Malan, Jamak Kharza, Fritz Kersting, Atieno Mboya,

Judy Rafat, Kiu Haghighi, Uno Mundo, Do'ah, the World Congress Persian Choir, Gilmer Family & Friends, Faezeh Bowers, Atkinson & Co., Ahdich

Pakravan, Su: George Davis and §

san Hegarty.

in Engle, Narges Fani, Nikki Gundry,

Photo: Joe Ferguson

32 Tue American BanHA’i — SuaraF B.£. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 [Page 33]SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

Photo: Mark Sadan

‘MOVING’

For most, one simple word sums up feelings about the second World Congress

By Laurie B. Rosenrietp

“Moving.” From every race and culture, the word used to describe the second Baha'f World Congress was “moving.”

Also heard many times each day were the word “emotional” and the phrase “I cried a lot.” Canadians, Americans and Europeans described the magnificent Oratorio presented during the opening session as the Baha'i equivalent of Handel's Messiah, and even those visitors with no cultural connection to the Messiah commented on the powerful effect the music had on them.

Before the first session, foreign visitors and Americans alike delighted in relating their adventures in coming to the Congress. A woman from Switzerland was able to find her current unemployment a bl na because she had no conflicts to keep her from attending.

A man from Australia spoke with awe about being at the House of Worship in Sydney one day, the House of Worship in Wilmette the next, and in the City of the Covenant the following day.

After the first session, the talk was of blessings.

Everywhere, people were discussing the profound s they had shared on Monday, partaking of ind hearing the messages of greeting from the Universal House of Justice and others.

A Baha'i from a small town in Peru spoke of feeling like a small point in an ocean of people, but said he soon came to understand that “all of this has been made possible by the power of Baha'u'llah.”

A Scottish believer, who could not say enough about how moved he was, said of the opening session, “It was like a spiritual feast.”

Several others mentioned how they finally understood why the Master had designated New York City the “City of the Covenant”—because it is like a “microcosm” of the world where people from hundreds of national and ethnic backgrounds live together.

To add breathtaking color to Mayor David N. Dinkins' address of greeting, proclaiming Monday to be “World Congress Day” in New York City, the opening session ended with a parade of “The People of Baha” —

hundreds of Baha'is, in native costume, from all over the world. A woman from Nairobi, Kenya, described it as “seeing all of the people of the world at the same time.”

The second day of the Congress, whose over-all theme was the Covenant and ‘Abdu’l-Baha's unique station as its appointed Center, and which included a silent film of the Master and His recorded voice chanting a prayer, evoked an overwhelming emotional response from itors from around the world.

“Indescribable,” said one young woman from the Philippines, adding that she never imagined she would actually hear the Master's voice.

“Eloquent” and “insightful” were among the words used to describe the vignette of early American believers Louis Gregory, Lua Getsinger, Juliet Thompson and Howard MacNutt. “It gave me a sense of the power of the Covenant,” said a Baha'f from the United Kingdom.

The ‘Abdu’l-Baha “Mission to America” pavilion was “very beautiful,” said a woman from the Netherlands, “especially the last room with the flowers. The voice of ‘Abdu’|-Baha was quite disarming.”

A Persian Baha'i who now lives in Canada became animated when talking about the presentation on the Arc. Having been on pilgrimage only two years ago, he said, he was excited to see the remarkable advances made in so short a time, and was thrilled by the computer images of how work on the Mountain of God is progressing.

non Thursday that included greetings satellite from Bah: in a number of countries, a woman from Switzerland confessed that “the transmission from Moscow...it brought tears to my eyes.” Many others spoke of the historic satellite transmission as yet another significant step toward the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth.

For many of the visitors, no matter where they were from, the most memorable moment of the Congress took place on the first day,

when the audience was greeted by a message from the Baha'is in Iran.

Although most were unable to attend the event, the friends in Iran said they were there in spirit, and wanted to share in the Congress in some small way. Charged with emotion by the depth of sacrifice these Baha'fs i the Cradle of the Faith had to make, the audience watched in silence as a lovely array of flowers was brought onstage. One by one, more vases were carried from the wings until the front of the stage area was filled with red and white blossoms.

During the week, tears welled up, not in most, but in everyone's eyes whenever the gift of these flowers was mentioned. One woman from the Dominican Republic said her English was not good enough to describe her feelings as she witnessed the enormous sacrifice of the Persian Baha’

This writer, whose livelihood is based upon the English language, does not have the words either.

Photo: Ken Francisco

Checking the day's schedule of events.

SuararF B.E. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THE American BaHA’i 33 [Page 34]SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

rg

By Rosert GuntHer ‘id

Wi: have four hours to do a three-day job,” Tom Howe, a senior producer of the Baha'i World Congress satellite broadcast. He was seated in the editing suite at New York's Grand Hyatt Hotel at 2 a.m. Wednesday, one day before the global broadcast was to begii

“This is the first time in my career,” he said, “that I've been under such pressure. I've been staying up all night for days on end. It's a live event that needs to be immediately condensed into a highly focused program. It's like producing three Academy Award shows at the same time.”

“The people who are running the production truck have worked all kinds of major events including the Democratic Convention,” said executive producer Charles Nolley, sinking into an armchair for a brief respite from the round-the-clock taping at 3:30 a.m. Dozens of video tapes leaned like dominoes in rows across the carpet.

“They tell me they've never seen anything like this Mr. Noliey said. “They say it's a model of lion, and that it's hard to believe we haven't ever done this before.

“We've never tried to do anything even remotely this complex before,” he said, “in the broadcast or the Congress. We're moving two small cities in and out of that hall [the Javits Center] every day.”

The satellite broade: ff was nearly all-volunteer—more than 80 Bahd'f professionals from Austra

lia; Canada, England, Guam, Ireland, New Zealand, New Guinea, Puerto Rico, the U.S., Zaire and other

countries.

During the first three days of the World Congress, 10 camera crews filmed more than 350 tapes. Nine cameras fed signals from the cavernous Jacob Javits Convention Center to editors who pored through hundreds of hours of footage at the six viewing and editing rooms

Long-distance runners

Putting on the World Congress satellite broadcast was literally an around-the-clock endeavor

in a suite at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Gary Bulkin, a Baha'i who owns a production company in the San Diego area, spent 14 hours, from Sunday afternoon to Monday morning, filming a segment at the ‘Abdu’l-Baha pavilion in the Hilton Hotel, then spent the entire night Tuesday editing and dubbing those tapes into a five-minute segment for broadc

“You have a chance to see and feel the pavilion,” he said. “But then you have to focus on your work. I was starting to get aheadache, but just being able to be there for 14 hours was great.”

At 2:45 a.m. Wednesday, Mr. Bulkin was looking far and wide in the hotel for a female voice. Kathleen Colucci, a Baha'f from Chicago who was helping with logistics at the Congress, found herself drafted into the recording studio to do the yoiceover of a translation into English of remarks by a Spanishlanguage visitor to the “Abdu’|-Baha pavilion.

Ms. Colucci stood in a makeshift “recording studio” in a closet at the Grand Hyatt—a large microphone surrounded by brown foam egg-carton-shaped padding on the walls—and read from a script.

“Itis a very beautiful relationship with ‘Abdu’ |-Bahd,” she read. “At every moment we can extend our hand and say, take my hand, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, and allow Him to lead us in the development of our qualities.” .

Technical assistant Doug Crawford, listening from outside, opened the door to the closet. “Once more,” he asked,

Technicians backstage control programming for the audience at Javits.

Photo: Scot Corrie

“but with a little more feeling.”

is is done with state-of-the-art technology,” zewski, one of Mr. Nolley's assistants at

, Baha'i Media Services in Wilmette, “But the message is spiritual. We're on.the cutting edge technologically, but now it has a spiritual side to it.”

“The [satellite] broadcast has to interpret this gathering to the world outside,” said Mr. Nolley. “It will reach millions of people. It seems to me that what is happening here, and also in the World Congress, is going to give us a lot more confidence in who we are as a community.

“Itreally demonstrates the power of unity,” he added. “Tt was not because of our experience or professionalism [that we were able to accomplish this], but because the power of unity overcame every obstacle.”

Congress communications network affords ‘instant access’

Among the host of specialized services required for an event such as the second Baha’{ World Congress was that of a communic: system that would coordinate activities both within the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and the many sites in New York City and New Jersey where activities were taking place. .

The goal of the communications network was to allow groups and individuals to be in instant contact, whenever necessary, with other groups or individuals. The many activities being coordinated included bus transportation, security, and a number of others.

Putting such a system in place was no simple task. In the end 112 telephones and telephone lines were installed for the World Congress operations, along with 183 radios, 58 cellular phones and 203 pagers. Computer and fax lines were also installed, as well as a broadcast hookup for live coverage of the Congress by WLGI Radio Baha’f in Hemingway, South Carolina.

Operations command and security centers for the World Congress were set up in the New York Hilton, with subordinate

centers in the various activity hotels and the Javits Center.

“Our approach was to install a system that was sophisticated enough to deal with all of the needs of the Congress, yet simple enough for people to learn to use relatively quickly,” said Art Stanwood, a Baha'f from Louisville, Kentucky, who coordinated the network. “When everything was in place people were able to pick up their equipment and start working immediately, with almost no training.”

Indeed, flexibility and ease were crucial requirements. The security team alone, for example, included 50 managers and some 1,200 other volunteers who served for one or more days as floor monitors and ushers.

Mr. Stanwood praised the conscientious attitude displayed by the Bahd’fs who handled the delicate and expensive electronic equipment with almost no damage resulting. He also commented on their high degree of competence:

“It's a great blessing that we have so many eager and capable people who are ready to give their time in service to the Faith. Sometimes the demands were very

great. I'll never forget one woman I saw carrying three radios, one cellular phone and a pager, and using all of them!

“Over-all, things worked out well. Itwas very satisfying to see it all come together.” —Juliette Soderberg

Baha'i artist's exhibit at New York gallery. proclaims Faith during World Congress

Perfectly timed to coincide with the second World Congress, Baha'i artist Walter Hatke's latest exhibit opened November 24 at New York City's Babcock Galleries.

Although relatively small, the exhibit was powerful, as have been Mr. Hatke's previous shows in New York, with large, magnificently detailed oil-on-canvas realism of landscapes and interiors.

What was most exhilarating for Baha'is who saw the exhibit was the subtle way in which Mr. Hatke uses his art to bring to public notice aspects of the Baha'i Revelation.

In his paintings of rooms, for example, he will discreetly paint on a wall a framed picture with Baha'i significance: the Shrine of the Bab, the Seat of the Universal House

of Justice, or perhaps a “tree of life” under which is printed “1844-1863,” or one of several Bahd't holy places.

The quality of the exhibit was in keeping with the spirit of the World Congress— spiritually and esthetically pleasing. Mr. Hatke, an associate professor of art at Union College in Schenectady, former member of the Baha'i community of New York City.

Also timed to coincide with the World Congress, two photographic exhibits, “Meditations on the Blessed Beauty” and “Tablet of Carmel” by Mark Sadan, a Baha'i from Ossining, New York, were held at Niekrug Photographic Ltd. and the New York City Baha'f Center, respectively.

a i RR RR I 34 Tue American BanA’i — Suarar B.£. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 [Page 35]

Pavilion recalls

FROM PAGE 1

turning many times during the course of

jon to America was to express the role of religion in society, to emphasize its power to eradicate the problems plaguing humankind, and to encourage the growth of the fledgling American Baha'f community.

“The ballrooms were chosen specifically for their period decor, wh the era of 1912 that the pavilion celebrates,” said Mr. Kavelin. “The color scheme of the designed panels reflects the antique colors of the room:

Media representatives and New York political and religious dignitaries toured the pavilion following areception on Tuesday, November 24.

Invitees to the reception were addressed by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu'lBaha Réhiyyih Khaénum who greeted them asa fellow New Yorker—born, she said, in a home on Fifth Avenue 82 summers ago.

The Hand of the Cause urged her audience to help restore New York to the “beautiful city” she recalled from her youth, and to work for political peace, understanding among all peoples, and environmental protection. he flavor of 1912 New York was immediately apparent to visitors on entering Room One of the pavilion.

Setting the tone was a large painting of “Abdu’l-Bahd and a quotation: “True religion promotes the civilization and honor, the prosperity and prestige, the learning and advancement of a people.”

Next came a diorama depicting a city that was then emerging as a crossroads of the world. It was accompanied by head

lines and articles from news; pers of the time heralding the by the “Persian sage” Who was the leader of the little-known Baha'i Faith.

Room Two carried the theme forward with quotations from the Baha'i writings on the station of “Abdu’l-Baha and on the spiritual power of God's renewed Covenant with humankind.

“The lamp of the Covenant is the light of the world, and the words traced by the Pen of the Most High alimitless ocean,” read a quotation in the entryway.

Visitors to the room were reminded that it was on June 19, 1912, in New York City that “Abdu’l-Baha revealed His position as the Center of the Covenant.

Excerpts from the Tablet of the Branch and the Book of the Covenant, presented on large back-lit panels of custom calligraphy, explained the Master's unique station. Another panel contained “Abdu’l-Baha's “Prayer for the City of New York,” aprayerwhich sealed that metropolis's position as the City of the Cover

Moving to Room Three, visitors feasted their eyes on panel after panel detailing Baha’ principles and chronicling ‘Abdu’ |Bahd's tireless work for their realization while in North America.

A quotation on divine civilization underscored the theme: “God has given us eyes that we may look aboutus at the world lay hold on whatsoever will further zation and the arts of living.”

it

SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

the Hilton Hotel. About z

Historic photographs of gatherings held in ‘Abdu’l-Baha's honor during His trip

and of memorable speeches he delivered in North America rounded out the room's presentation, along with panels honoring early American believers and the first Western pilgrims to the World Center of the Faith.

Included was a parade diorama and dis

from ‘Abdu’ l-Bahd's train travels to 23 American cit

isitors admire displays in the ‘Abdu’I!-Baha:

lission to America Pavilion.

is laying of the foundation stone of the first Baha'{ House of Worship

in the West in Wilmette, Illinois; and His efforts to overcome the practice of racial segregation.

Room Four, by contrast, was singular in focus. The 10-minute video, “The City of the Coyenant,” held the rapt attention of viewers.

The video spotlighted a city that in 1912 embodied an age of aspiration for material progress— progress that ‘Abdu’lBaha cautioned must be accompanied by spiritual growth for lives to be truly transformed and a lasting peace brought about.

In Room Five the

nce of the pavilion gave way, fittingly, to contemplation and prayer.

The circular space, a place for quiet reflection before leaving the pavilion, included a floral cen terpiece around which visitors gathered to hear recorded passages from the Bahd'f writings con Photo: Laura Arthur

recalling the Master's visit to North America in 1912.

Photo: Scot Corrie

Large crowds were the order of the day at the ‘Abdu’I-Baha: Mission to America Pavilion i room pavilion with its exhil

hour came to view the five cerning ‘Abdu’-Bahd. Ona small pedestal in the center of the room were a taj [headdress] worn by the Master and prayer beads used by Him.

At the end of the soundtrack was the recorded voice of the Master chanting a Bahd' prayer in Persian.

Amatu'l-Bah4 Rihiyyih Khanum echoed the feelings of many who visited the magnificent pavilion when she said: “The

presentation of the Faith has reached anew level of excellence.”

Photo: Laura Arthur ‘Juliet Thompson’ (Susan Hegarty) pre— pares to paint a portrait of ‘Abdu’l Miss Hegarty and three other Gundry (playing Lua Getsinger), George Davis (Louis Greg— ory) and Philip Hinton (Howard Mac— Nutt)—presented a well-received dra— matic skit at a session of the Congress.

SuararF B.E. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THE AmericaN BaHA’i

35 [Page 36]SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

and soul of the Congress could be seen in their smiling faces

By Euizaseth ANDERSON Frcs silks, tattoos, furs, beads,

lace: ceremonial dress from more than 180 countries and ethnic

s adorned those who walked with exquisite dignity, beauty and solemnity in the “Procession of the Peoples of the World,” a powerfully moving conclusion to the first general session of the second Baha'f World Congress in New York City.

“I’m an old woman. They shouldn’t do me that way,” said an elegant, radiant woman. Like many others, she had not imagined the emotional impact the Proc: mn would have on her. Unable to stand much more but unable to leave, she and many others had lingered for an extraordinary impromptu exhibition unfolding at the escalators.

Unrehearsed, some of the costumed members of the procession had taken to silently riding the escalators up and down, encouraged by the respectful admiration of an audience ing in ever-increasing numbers

It was as if viewers and viewees had already caught the esse! of the message from the Universal House of Justice to the Baha’ is of the world three days prior to its on the last day of the World Congres: enables us to engage in a symbolic act which by its very nature exemplifies the purpose of the Covenant--a Covenant intended by vine Author to unite the r: and nations of the earth.”

Elaborate feather headresses adorned the male representatives of the tribes of North America and Papua New Guinea.

The proce: away lands as Armen

n included representatives of such farBophuthatswana, Brunei, Burki Faso, the Central African Republic, the Leeward Islan ern Caroline Islands, Fiji nds, Gabon, Guyana, Iceland, Laos, Macau, the Seychelles, Malawi, Mauritius, New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands, Réunion, Tibet, Tonga, Vietnam, Yugoslavia and Zambia.

One man was said to have sold his house to afford the trip to the World Congress, while another had his trip financed by his community.

_ Indigenous peoples and tribes represented in the processka, aboriginal Australians, Creoles of Belize, the Quechua-speaking Indians of Bolivia, the Nu-Cha Nulth Indians of Canada, the Mapuche tribe of Chile, the Cobecar Indians of Co: Rica, Eritrean peoples of Ethiopia, the Basques of Fra the Maori of New Zealand, the Ashkabam of Ru of North America, Afrik: a tribe of South Africa, and the Catalonians of Spain.

Present at the World Congress were Baha’is of note from the realms of the arts, sciences and human development. Information about them was provided, in large part, by their National Spiritual Assemblies prior to the start of the Congres:

Timothy Wanambi, a skilled indigenous dancer in Australia, had caught the attention of U.S. dancer/performer Michael Jackson on his tour of Australia.

Counselor Lally Lucretia Warren, a Botswanan of

Photo: Jens von Krogh

Motswanan ethnic background, had served as lady-inwaiting to the First Lady of Botswana on her recent visit to the United States.

From Canada came Dr. Gilbert Bartholomew, a retired nuclear physicist, and Alex Frame, a producer at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and primary producer of the general sessions of the World Congress.

Mrs. Faga Kotoitubou, a member of the small minority, the Rotuman, in Fiji, traveled abroad for the first time to attend the World Congress. Nalas Menday of The Gambia was instrumental in organizing one of the first conferences on AIDS and drug abuse in his countr,

Co bjee of India is founder of the Baha titute for Rural Women. As one of the featured speakers at the final general se: Sorabjee spoke of the progress made in remote villa

“Sometimes we despaired of having to let a whole generation pass before seeing a change [in the caste system],” she said. But then a village chief led a group of untouchables and instructed his village to make room for them on their mats. This year, for the first time, a local Spiritual Assembly in India has eight Baha ’{s of the lower caste and one of the higher.

She spoke of advances made in raising the status of women in India, through literacy programs, working to reduce wife beating and other harmful effects of alcoholism. She told of how eight widows in one village were welcomed and no longer treated as bad omens.

Dianne Stogre-Power, a Canadian emigre to New Zealand, won the Media Peace prize for her 1985 series on “History of Peace-Making” for Radio New Zealand.

Also at the Congress were Margaret Ogembo, a Kenyan who produces unique tie-dye designs for her own textile business, and Joy Mboya, Princeton-trained architect in Kenya who sings and acts professionally as well.

Mustapha Atgun is an architect who recently supervised restoration of the Turkish home of Bahdé’w'lléh in Adrianople. Ann Mannen, originally from Suriname, is the first woman of color in the Netherlands’ delegation to the United Nations. Juan Bejerano, a Guaymi Indian, serves at Radio Baha’{ de Panam:

Pago Pago High Chief Fanene Lina Kava is one of the few female high chiefs in Samoa. Gilbert Tombisa was the first non-white member of the South African Insitute of Draftsmen. Dr. Johan P. Hammes, awarded the Surgeon General’ s Commendation Certificate for his work in batting a tuberculosis epidemic in South Africa, has translated some Baha’{ Writings into Afrikaans.

From England came Norman Bailey, a bass-baritone

Photo: Scot Corrie

Photo: Scot Corrie

frequently seen in BBC-TV operatic productions, who was named Commander of the British Empire in 1977 by Queen Elizabeth II, and Dr. Moojan Momen, who recently lectured at the British Library on the Manuscripts of Baha'u'llah.

Congress participants included two Baha’is from Bangladesh and 232 from Malaysia, according to Mariamnah Subramaniz, a Malaysian pioneer to Bangladesh.

Also attending the Congress were 168 Baha'is from Japan ranging in age from 16 to 82. Thirty Baha’ fs came from Denmark and about 900 from the United Kingdom.

Several representatives, such as those from Malaysia and the Marshall Islands, met with their country’ sadors to the United Nations at their headquarters York.

Photo: Scot Corrie.

Red Grammer.

36 THe American BanA’i — Suarar 8.£. 149 / December 31, 1992 [Page 37]

SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

A fond look backward to the ‘Jubilee’

London 1963: The first World Congress

ore than 6,000 jubilant Mi gathered at ondon’s Royal Albert Hall during Ridvan 1963 for the long-awaited first Baha'i ess, held to celebrate

of the

Desi the “Most Great Jubil Congress also marked the culmination of the Ten Year Crusade, that historic, worldwide teaching campaign which began soon after the enary of the “first intimation” of Baha’u’llah’s Mission received by Him while imprisoned in the S -Chal of Tehran, and ended on the anniversary of the public declaration of that Mission in the Ridvan Garden in Baghdad.

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

‘Unassailable foundation’

Shoghi Effendi had linked the success of the Crusade with that of

the Most Great Jubilee, for it would be that “fate-laden, soul-stirring”

plan that would establish “on a world-wide scale, an unassailable foundation for Baha’u’llah’s Christpromised Kingdom on earth, swelling thereby the chorus of universal jubilation wherein earth and heaven will join, as prophesied by Daniel, echoed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha: ‘on that i day will the faithful rejoice with exceeding gladn

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

Though painfully aware of Shoghi Effendi bsence, the friends were heartened to see the evidences of his continued guidance in the wonderful victories that were achieved in the last years of the Crusade. A great deal of the credit was due to the selfless and heroic labors of the Hands of the Cause of God, who, through wholehearted obedience to Shoghi Effendi and devotion to the Covenant, had successfully steered the community through that challenging period.

Another thrilling sign of God’s unfailing a was the presentation during the World Congre: members of the newly-formed Universal Hous Justice, ordained by Baha'u'llah as the supreme administrative institution of His World Order. The formation of the House of Justice re-established the line of continuing, infallible guidance that the Cause had enjoyed until the Guardian’s death in 1957, and inaugurated a new epoch in the Formative Age of the Faith.

The program of talks and presentations at Royal Albert Hall added to the joy of the occasion. A special highlight was the talk given by Hand of the Cause of. God Tarazu’llah Samandari, who shared with the Baha’ is some of his personal reminiscences of Bah@’w lldh. Others of the Hands of the Cause who spoke included Hasan Balyuzi, A.Q. Faizi, *Ali-Akbar

Furutan, Ugo Giachery, Paul Haney, Zikrullah Khadem,

Rahmatullah Muhajir, Enoch Olinga, John Robarts and William Se:

But the most poignant moments of the Congress were reserved for its ssion, dedicated to Shoghi Effendi, the Sign of God on Earth. Hand of the Cause Amatu’|-Bahd Ruhiyyih Khénum, the wife of the Guardian, offered her tribute to the one without whom the victories of the Ten Year Crusade would have been inconceivable.

As the Knights of Baha'u'llah and a colorful representation of believe tood onstage behind her, she told of some of the great achievements of his 36-year ministry. And she shared, as she was uniquely qualified to do, her memories of the Guardian’s personality and daily life, thereby increasing the appreciation of the friends for hi ifices, his brilliance and his matchless spiritual qualities.

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

A new vitality

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

It is fascinating to reflect, as we look back over the 29 years between the first and second World Congre: upon the dramatic changes that took place both within and without the Bal community.

We see, on the one hand, in the great increase in the

London's Royal Albert Hall, site of the first Baha'i World Congress in 1963.

number of believers, in the impressive spread of the Faith to many more nations and localities, and in the much higher level of administrative development, the swift forward march of the of Baha’u’ nd on the other we can observe, in the steadily declining state of world affairs, the contrasting process of decay that will, as Baha’u’ lah foresaw, prepare humanity for His peerless World Order.

The second Baha’ World Congress. acentenary celebration, taking place at the end of an historic teaching plan. The Baha’ is face now, as they did then, the challenges of further growth on a scale outstripping past accomplishments.

As we continue our reflections during the Holy Year, let us appreciate the lessons of history and expect that the great events associated with the Centenary of Baha’ llah’s Covenant will open the way for victories more glorious than any we have known before.

like the first, was

Prayer for the City of New York

Bless Thou, O King of Kings, the City of New York! Cause the friends there to be kind to one another. Purify their souls and make ther hearts to be free and detached. Hlumine the world of their consciousness. Exhilarate their spirits and bestow celestial power and confirmation upon them. Establish there a heavenly realm, so that the City of Baha may prosper and New York be favoured with blessings from the Abha Kingdom, that this region may become like the all-highest Paradise, may develop into a vineyard of God and be transformed into a heavenly orchard and a spiritual rose garden. *Abdu'l-Baha

SuararF B.E. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THe American BaHA’i 37 [Page 38]SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

World Congress Commemorative Items

Special Limited Edition This edition of Call to Remembrance is a limited edition. After our supply is depleted, this book will not be reprinted in its present format. This book is sure to be a family heirloom and a cherished gift. Full-color photograph on the front cover of the Shrine of Bahé’u’Ikih

Full-color frontispiece of the Shrine of Baha’u’ll4h, with a vellum overlay stating that this edition has been published for the Baha’ World Congress

Two-color printing throughout

Gold-Gilt edges, and a satin ribbon

Call to Remembrance:

Connecting the Heart to Bahd@’w’llah Compiled by Geoffry W. Marks

HC $20.00

A compilation of extracts primarily from Baha’ u’ Iléh’ s writings telling the story of many major events in His life and ministry, from His extraordinary childhood and youth to His ascension and the inauguration of His Covenant. Brief explanatory passages provide context for the extracts. Call to Remembrance was published to commemorate the centenary of Baha’u’llah’s ascension. By bringing together passages not found together elsewhere and telling the story of His life mostly in His words, the book gives asense of immediacy and emotional intensity not found in traditional biographies and histories. For seekers and Baha’ fs the book is an excellent introduction to the subleties of Baha’u’llah’s life. It is also a valuable resource for drawing closer to Baha’ u’llah’s will and purpose and gaining a view of His life that will lead to what calls a “rendezvous of the soul with the Source of its light and guidance”—a “retreat to one’s innermost being, to the dwelling-place of the Spirit of Baha, that interior to which He summons us when He says: “Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within thee, mighty, powerful, and selfsubsisting.’””

308 pp., preface, references, events in the life of Bahd’u’lah, glossary, bibliography

Transform My Spirit by Baha'u'llah SC $7.00 A ion of twenty prayers of Bahd’u’lléh in English, Spanish, and French compiled especially for the Holy Year to help Baha’fs recommit themselves to Baha’u’lléh’s Covenant, rededicate themselves to duty, and revit their energy for teaching. The prayer book is organized around an entire day devoted to prayer and meditation on Baha'u'llah and His Covenant. Morning prayers about depending on God and developing one’s spiritual nature are followed by prayers for help in te receptive souls, remaining steadfast in God’s commandments, and asking for strength, healing, and spiritual constancy. Evening prayers on committing oneself to God’s will and resting in His care and protection carry through to the day’s end the theme of constantly turning to God. The book concludes with the thre i sion and the inauguration of His Covenant ) % - Itis an excellent resource for personal devotions and can help Childr eres, Bahé’{s fulfill their pledge to the Covenant by reciting the verses of God in the morning and evening. It is also an appropriate CommemorativePoster gift for seekers, for it offers an excellent sampling of general prayers. One World Congress attendee who bought the prayer book $5. 00 for herself returned the next day to five more copies, saying, “The prayers are general enough that I can give the book to %F friends and family who are not Bal 9-1/4" x 7-1/4", 73pp., contents Bahd’i Publishing Trust U.S.

Published to commemorate the centenary of Baha’ u’ lah’ s is one of the commemorative items sold at the World Congre:

Order now.through the Baha’ Distribution Service ¢ 1-800-999-901 9

38 Tue American BaHA’i — SHaraF B.£. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 [Page 39]SECOND BAHA’i WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

The Bahd@’is, Magazine

Baha’ t International Community

Office of Public Information

SC $2.25

Like nothing ever producéd on the Faith, The Baha an inexpensive but comprehensive and highly

readable 80-page magazine-style booklet conveying the teachings, history, and present-day activities of the

worldwide Baha'i community. Produced by the Baha’i International Community’s Office of Public

Information, The Baha written in an informative, non-proselytizing style, and makes extensive use of

color photographs, graphi and maps to give apanoramic overview of the Faith's dramatic i ance to today’ ior global s. It is ideal for almost any kind of teaching work,

ible for presentation to loc: als, journalists, and other prominent people who

need complete but concise information about the F

8-1/2" x 11", 80pp.

Produced by the Baha’i Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom

( Videotapes )

World Congress Commemorative Video VI $22.00

Three short video segments which were shown during the main program of the Baha’{ World Congress. These segments were shown on the second, third, and fourth days of the Congress The first video, “The City of the Covenant,” provides a visual glimpse of the city of New York as it was in 19122. Itexplains the significance of the Master’s many activities in the City of the Covenant, emphasizing how ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s talks and statements, made so early in the 20th Century in New York, relate Tr directly to the principal challenges which lay before the Baha’ i Community and the entire world. The second video, “The ies of the Covenant,” highlights the tremendous victories of the Baha’ f Community following the passing of ‘Abdu’ l-Baha. It recounts briefly and vividly how obedience The City of the City of the and reliance on Baha’u’ldh’s Covenant have generated and ‘Covenant? accumulating series of ievements from 1921 through 1992. The third video, “Humanity’s Encounter with Ba "ll4h,” looks at the current convergence of the destiny of humanity with the Revelation of Baha’ u’Ilah. It looks to Hursanity’s Encounter the future as more people throughout the world come to see ee in Baha’u’llah’s Revelation the answers to toady’s and the CE coming century’s most pressing challenges. 39 minutes i : T-SHI 100% COTTON IN SIZES

The Prisoner of Akka Sen iy VT $32.00 The Holy Year has provided the occasion for a remarkable collaboration between the Baha’{ International Community and professional film-makers. BIC’s Office of Public Information challenged producers F. arz Ettehadieh and Klaus Lintschinger to condiser developing a documentary film that could truly “emblazon the name of Baha'u'llah JHE across the globe.” The team was delighted when Robert ra NER Guenette, and award winning documentary film-maker with international reputation; agreed to write and direct the film now entitled The Prisoner of Akka. Principal photography took place on location in the Holy Land during May and June of 1992.

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SuararF B.£. 149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THe American BaHA’i 39 [Page 40]

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149 / DecemBer 31, 1992 — THe American BaHA’| 41 [Page 42]

Roxanne Terrel, long-time pioneer to Taiwan, dies at age 49

Deeply mourn passing devoted selfsacrificing maidservant Baha'u'llah Roxanne Terrel. Her faithful unwavering services Faith God, her joyful radiant spirit will continue to be source inspiration to all who knew her. Her meritorious efforts in igniting fire love of God in receptive hearts among the Chinese will always be remembered. Praying progress her luminous soul all worlds God. Kindly convey our loving sympathy members her dear fam ily and her friends. The Universal House of Justice Roseann (Roxanne) Gardner Terrel, who pioneered to Taiwan in 1973 and was closely involved with the work of the Chinese Teaching Committee from its inception, died November 17, shortly after a it to the World Center. She was 49 years old. After her arrival in Taiwan, “her sacrificial services were suchas to become known at the World Center and evoke letters of

ALENDAR OF EVENTS

encouragement from the Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi.”

After a temporary return to the U.S. and a traveling teaching trip to Micronesia and the Philippines, Mrs. Terrel returned to Taiwan as a pioneer in the fall of 1975. She was immediately appointed an Auxiliary Board member and continued to serve that community with love and tireless enthusiasm.

Besides traveling again to Micronesia in 1979, she visited many parts of the world during subsequent years at the request of the Universal House of Justice, helping and encouraging the friends in Chinese teaching.

Mrs. Terrel traveled to China a number of times, and had “an inherent, sincere love for and understanding of this very capable race of people.”

The intensity, extent and spirit of her service to the Cause took a toll on her health over the years. She suffered a number of serious illnesses, some of which required surgery, but refused to allow such concerns to impede her services to the Faith.

A friend who had helped her through an illness later wrote of her, “What a precious soul she is, shining all the time like a star she is! She eems to understand the secret of suffering.”

JANUARY

7-10: Pioneer Training Institute, Bosch Baha'i School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

9: “Sacrifice” (Dr. Curt Russell), Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

9-18: King Week '93, Atlanta, Georgia. Theme: “Where do we go from here? Nonviolence: Learning it, living it, teaching it.” For more information on King Week events and how you can take part, contact Paula Trail, 404-426-7713.

15-17: “Rendezvous of the Soul,” a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Baha'i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

FEBRUARY

6: Commemoration of the 130th anniversary of the introduction of the Faith in China, Taipei Grand Hotel, Taiwan. Sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of Taiwan. It is hoped that Baha'is who once pioneered to Taiwan will be able to return to see the wonderful results of their efforts throughout Taiwan.

6: “Prayer and Meditation” (Melanie Smith), Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

12-14: Illinois (Heartland) Baha'i Winter School, Jumer's Chateau, Bloomington. Theme: The Covenant. Hotel includes indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool and game room. Registrar: Leon Stevens, Salem, IL 62881 (618-548-0269).

19-21: “Teaching: Commitment in Action,” Eagle Institute Youth Series, Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

19-21: Holy Year Conference, August, Georgia. Theme: “The Promised Day Is Come.” On Sunday, dedication of a new monument on the grave of Dr. Zia Bagdadi. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Richmond County, P.O. Box 14031, Augusta, GA 30919, or phone 706-738-3104 or 706-863-9498.

20: “Historical and Cultural Perspectives,” Accepting the Challenge of Leadership: Center for Interracial Unity Series, Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

26-28: “Rendezvous of the Soul,” a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Baha'i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

26-28: Baha'f Health and Human Services Conference, Louis G. Gregory Baha'i In-stitute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

27: “Baha'u'lléh's Writings: Tablet to the World” (Rene Steiner), Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

MARCH

Pioneer Training Institute, Green Acre Baha't School, Eliot, Maine, and Baha'i National Center, Evanston, Illinois. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039,

12-14: “The Kitab-i-Aqdas: Baha'u'llah's Most Holy Book,” Eagle Institute Youth Series, Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

20: “Bahd'u'lléh's Writings: The Kitaéb-i-Aqdas” (Dr. Juan Cole), Louhelen Baha't School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

APRIL

16-18: Wisconsin Youth Retreat Weekend, Central Wisconsin Environmental

Station, Stevens Point. Baha'f Youth (ages 13-20) are encouraged to bring friends

who are close to the Faith. Dormitory lodging; bring own sleeping bag for bunk

beds. Meals provided. Rate: $25. Registrar: Lisa Reimer,

West Bend, WI 53095 (414-338-3023).

24: “Love and Law” (speaker to be announced), Louhelen Baha'i School. For

information, phone 313-653-5033.

MAY

Pioneer Training Institute, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL, For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

15: “Making a New World Order in Our Backyard,” Accepting the Challenge of Leadership: Center for Interracial Unity Series, Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

JUNE

Pioneer Training Institute, Louhelen Baha'i School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

17-20: 17th annual Meeting of the Association for Baha'i Studies, Sheraton-Centre Hotel, Montreal, Canada.

AUGUST

28-September 4: 1993 World Parliament of Religions, Palmer House Hotel,

Chicago, Illinois. SEPTEMBER

Pioneer Training Institute, Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute, Hemingway, South

Carolina. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

Carrie Turner, Baha'i who was named

Handicapped Citizen

Carrie Turner, a Baha'f from Cleveland, Ohio, who was the first resident of that city to be named Handicapped Citizen of the Year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, died October 13. She was 91 years old. \

Mrs. Turner, who was blinded by a head injury when she was 29 years old, was a home economics teacher at the Phyllis Wheatley Association in Cleveland and volunteered at the Cleveland Society for the Blind for nine years before becoming a social worker there in 1941.

She developed model programs for the blind in Cleveland that were duplicated across the country, and also organized a book review club and other groups.

In 1959 Mrs. Turner was named one of 10 Outstanding Negro Women in the U.S. In 1974 she received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Association of Workers for the Blind.

Other awards included recogt the Urban League, Women's Civic 4 Tuskegee (Alabama) University, the United Appeal, and the Phyllis Wheatley Association.

Mrs. Turner traveled extensively in the

Arizona Baha'i runs leg of ‘Peace and Dignity’ relay

In August, James L. Grizzly Bear Rhodes, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Yuma, Arizona, ran a leg of the “International Peace and Dignity Relay Run” from Arizona to Mexico City, representing the Cherokee tribe.

Mr. Rhodes ran through Telegraph Pass (a local mountain range) with the pavement temperature at around 116 degrees fahrenheit.

of Year, dies at 91

U.S., Mexico and Europe, and loved to show pictures she had taken during her travels. When taking them, she asked her subj (0 stand 10 feet in front of her and talk so she could direct the camera toward them. Some of her photographs were reprinted in the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Ebony magazine.

Mrs. Turner was a popular speaker at schools for many years. It was not unusual for a child to tell her, “My mother heard you when she was a girl.”

In 1980 Mrs. Turner told a reporter, “If? seeing meant giving up all the beautiful things that have come to me, I'd rather be blind.”

Oregon Teaching Project ends as 425 attend Holy Year celebration

The Oregon Teaching Project ended with aHoly Year celebration August 20-25 sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Alsea.

Four hundred-twenty five participants gathered for prayer, workshops, inspiring talks, an American Indian pow-wow, anda day-long music and cultural program celebrating diversity through dance and song.

Among those present were eight Oregon youth teaching teams, one Romanian team, two teams from California, two Auxiliary Board members, a Knight of Baha'u'llah, and representatives of a number of races and ethnic backgrounds as well as two American Indian tribes.

Six enrollments including members of five ethnic groups crowned the success of the Holy Year commemoration.

IN MEMORIAM

Eileen Geschwindt Carrboro, NC August 11, 1992

Kathryn Harris Fort Lauderdale, FL September 5, 1992

Bruce Beauchamp Reading, MI Date Unknown

Mary Bromell Georgetown, SC Date Unknown

Paul Carton Mohtram Kousari Elk River, MN Muncie, IN

Date Unknown August 27, 1992 Annie Mae Coleman Edgar Manassa Rockford, IL Tuscaloosa, AL November 5, 1992 Date Unknown Eston Conroy Vivian D. Newman Hisle, SD San Francisco, CA 1992 Date Unknown Lorraine Freeman

Albany, NY

October 29, 1992

Irene Nicholaison T. Lane Skelton

Spokane, WA McKinleville, CA October 9, 1992 July 1992

William Peele Josetta G. Staples Windsor, NC Eliot, ME

Date Unknown September 21, 1992 James Points at Him Gregory Taylor

St. Francis, SD Decatur, IL

Date Unknown November 14, 1985 Sylvester Prince Paul White

Luther, OK Milwaukee, WI

Date Unknown November 5, 1992

Felix Wounded Head Mission, SD March 1992

Ezekiel Poitier Sr. Opa-Locka, FL October 31, 1992

42 Tne American BaHA’l — SHARAF

149 / December 31, 1992 [Page 43]

The Universal House of Justice, in its message of December 3 to the Baha’is of the world (see page 1), hailed the second Bahé’i World Congress as “a triumph of the spirit in which, on all continents, the friends in their magnificent diversity witnessed a solidarity of the Baha’f world community at a level new to their e ‘ience.”

Fundamental to this triumph was the spi in which preparations for the World Congress were undertaken and its many activities coordinated and presented. The Congress was made possible through the sacrifices and devoted efforts of Baha’is from all over the world. It was truly a global effort, a dramatic and practical illustration that the Baha’{ Faith stands alone in its capacity to unite the hearts, to translate ideals into reality and to address the needs of the whole human race.

The magnitude of the preparatory and logistics work was stunning. Some 30 task forces were involved, as well as all National Assemblies and Continental Boards of Counselors. More than 5,000 volunteers gave of their time and resources both before and during the Congress. It is interesting to note that a number of non-Bahd’is, inspired by the lofty principles of the Faith, donated their talents as well.

Pas es ‘ Bs

Their experiences bore out the truth of a basic spiritual principle of the Faith, namely, that Baha’u’lléh’s confirmations always descend upon those who act with unity and faith, removing all obstacles and ensuring victory. Among the many victories was that they paved the way for the success of the Congress in engendering “a new dynamic, which signifies a stage of evolvement of the Faith which was not evident before.”

For every person who helped make the World Congress a success there is a story of heroism and triumph. It would be impossible to begin to do justice to these wonderful individuals. Suffice it to say that they contributed their share through their obedience to the directives of the House of Justice to all the Baha'is attending the Congress to demonstrate “through the high quality of their inner life and private character, the unified spirit of their association one with another, the rectitude of their conduct in relation to all, and the excellence of their achievements, that they belong to a truly enlightened and exemplary community; that their BestBeloved, Whose Ascension they [commemorated], had not suffered His life on earth in vain.”

. ) mand deme,

‘Jens von Krogh

The Covenant of Baha'u'llah

Photo: Joo Ferguson

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[Page 44]BAHA'{ NATIONAL CENTER 112 Linden Avenue | Wilmette, IL 60091

Complete coverage begins on page 1

Photo: Scot Corrie

‘Photo: Joo Ferguson

Photo: Scot Corrie

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