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[Page 1]The American Bahá’í Volume 23, No. 19 ...knowledge is a veritable treasure for man....—Bahá’u’lláh Sharaf B.E. 149 / December 31, 1992

House of Justice conveys gratitude, hails Congress as 'triumph of spirit'

To the Bahá’ís of the World

The Bahá’í World Congress 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 Bahá’í 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 such a spectacular celebration and proclamation of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.

The unity engendered among the 27,000 multifarious participants 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 gratification the magnetic and transformative effects of this manifestation of unity arising from a quality of personal conduct which, on such a vast, collective scale as was realized at the World Congress, certainly indicated the new stature of a people becoming seasoned in the truths and virtues of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh; 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 programmatic and logistical challenges of this conglomerate occasion, and the thousands of eager volunteers who staffed the event, our admiration and loving appreciation know no bounds.

Vitalized by such evidences of the potency of the Covenant as the Congress displayed, may the followers of Bahá’u’lláh, wherever they reside and whatever their personal circumstances, derive fresh courage and demonstrate new determination in carrying forward the momentum so magnificently reinforced by the astounding success of the proclamation raised in the City of the Covenant.

The Universal House of Justice December 3, 1992

History's largest Bahá’í gathering pays homage to Blessed Beauty

BY KEN BOWERS

The second Bahá’í World Congress, commemorating the Centenary of the inauguration of Bahá’u’lláh’s world-redeeming Covenant, attended by more than 27,000 Bahá’ís 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 with a 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 Bahá’ís ever assembled on a single occasion—a remarkable 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 Bahá’u’lláh’s followers "to pay fitting regard to the Centenary of [His] Ascension and of the inauguration of His world-unifying Covenant."

These twin occasions would at once "give vent to the innermost sentiments of the Bahá’ís" and provide an opportunity for the community of the Most Great Name to "blazon the Name of Bahá’u’lláh across

Theme pavilion recalls ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's 'Mission to America'

BY TOM MENNILLO

Artistic talent and Bahá’í scholarship came together to produce the awe-inspiring "‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Mission to America" theme pavilion at the second Bahá’í 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 for it a visual environment evoking the spiritual energy of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America in 1912 and detailing New York’s pivotal role in His epic journey.

Elizabeth 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’l-Bahá 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 activities, re- [Page 2]

SECOND BAHÁ’Í WORLD CONGRESS

NOVEMBER 1992

‘We rejoice with exceeding gladness...’

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE ACCLAIMS THE CONVOCATION OF THE SECOND WORLD CONGRESS CELEBRATING THE CENTENARY OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE COVENANT OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

The following statement of the Universal House of Justice was read by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum at the opening session of the second Bahá’í World Congress, November 23, 1992:

To the followers of Bahá’u’lláh attending the second Bahá’í World Congress

Dearly loved Friends,

With eager hopes and thankful hearts, we acclaim the convocation in New York of the second Bahá’í World Congress on the occasion of the worldwide celebration of the centenary of the inauguration of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh. 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 legacy—a fresh assurance that, despite recurrent trials and turmoil, its world-redeeming, 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 Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant. Melancholy and hopeful images alternatingly flash upon our mental screen: the tragic May night a century ago of the passing of Bahá’u’lláh, the Supreme Manifestation of God; the soul-crushing scenes of the grief-stricken many who converged on Bahjí 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 Bahá gave rise to the appearance of the Orb of the Covenant. Thus the majestic Figure of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá came to impress itself indelibly upon the consciousness of the faithful, consoling their spirits and brightening their outlook, because in Bahá’u’lláh’s Book of the Covenant, the Kitáb-i-‘Ahd, this beloved Son was appointed His Successor and the Center of the Covenant. Thus was set in motion on the morrow of Bahá’u’lláh’s ascension the divine process that will, during the course of the Bahá’í Dispensation, guarantee the fulfillment of His 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’l-Bahá, 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 Abhá Beauty and His Herald has been translated into viable means for actualizing the unity of mankind and building a world civilization.

Photo: Joe Ferguson The Hands of the Cause of God ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum and ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan.

Consider, for instance, how on the very night in May 1844 when He declared His prophetic mission, the Báb 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 Bahá’u’lláh, becoming a shining reality within the framework of the Administrative Order, the child of the Covenant—an Order which the Báb anticipated and extolled in His Writings? You have come to New York to reflect on 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 Faith appointed in the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá!

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 Bahá, 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

Photo: Scot Corrie Among the visitors to the World Congress were these colorfully costumed American Indians. [Page 3]

SECOND BAHÁ’Í WORLD CONGRESS

The statement of the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the world broadcast during the satellite transmission November 26 at the second Bahá’í World Congress in New York City:

'Dramatic history, 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 Photo: Scot Corrie 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 Bahá’í World Congress in New York City.

To the Bahá’ís of the World

A full century has gone by since the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh was established and set in motion. And we extend to the members of His 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 otherwise 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 Bahá’u’lláh, the Bahá’í community was contained within the borders of no more than 15 countries, the vast majority of its members living 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 infamy, in 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 international 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 resilient of these seem to be losing their credibility as they have become preoccupied with their own internal disorder. This calls 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 loss of the fullness of the inner life, a technological civilization facing an increasingly serious crisis. 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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 carry forward an ever-advancing civilization" 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 His Faith, they have grown to appreciate more adequately the purpose of the multifarious processes of change which have been at work during the course of the century. "Such simultaneous processes of rise and fall, of integration and of disintegration, of order and chaos, with their continuous reciprocal reactions to each other, are," our Teachings tell us, "but aspects of a greater Plan, one and indivisible, whose Source is God, whose author is Bahá’u’lláh, 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 problems which so severely afflict the planet. It permeates attitudes in all departments of life. It is at the heart of all major conflicts between nations and peoples. More serious still, disunity is common in the relations between religions and within religions, vitiating the very spiritual and moral influence which it is their primary purpose to exert. "Should the lamp of religion be obscured," Bahá’u’lláh asserts, "chaos and confusion will ensue, and the lights of fairness, of justice, of tranquillity and peace 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 hearts...a 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 perversion 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 reciprocity 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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 [Page 4]

SECOND BAHÁ’Í WORLD CONGRESS - NOVEMBER 1992: THE PLENARY SESSIONS

This summary of the four days of plenary sessions of the second Bahá’í World Congress was compiled and written by Associate Editor Ken Bowers.

New York's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center was chosen as the site for the second Bahá’í World Congress because it was the largest meeting facility in the city.

In addition to the main hall, the Javits Center contains a number of commodious secondary rooms, as well as a spacious entrance area. In these parts of the building logistical, informational and registration 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 Bahá’í 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 were held twice each day, in the morning and afternoon.

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.

MONDAY: Bahá’u’lláh, the Promise of All Ages

The nearly 13,000 Bahá’ís and guests seated in the main hall of the Javits Center waited in joyous anticipation as the house lights dimmed on the morning of the first day of the second Bahá’í World Congress. All eyes were fixed on a beautiful stage that in itself seemed a metaphor for the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.

The central podium, on a raised dais, stood in front of the stand occupied by the 400-member International Bahá’í 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 Báb, 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 Bahá’í 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 George Bush. Addressing "the American members of the Bahá’í community and...the millions of Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís, 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 Bahá’í 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 official intolerance....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 I...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, "Bahá’í World Congress Day" in New York.

In return, Mr. Nelson presented the mayor with a plaque inscribed with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's prayer that begins, "Bless Thou, O King of Kings, the city of New York...," on behalf of the Bahá’í World Congress.

With these auspicious signs of the rising influence of the Cause of God, the second Bahá’í 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’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum.

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."

Message from the House of Justice

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum then read the text of the message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’í World Congress.

"With eager hopes and thankful hearts," the message began, "we acclaim the convocation in New York of the second Bahá’í World Congress on the occasion of the worldwide celebration of the inauguration of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.

"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 Bahá’u’lláh 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’l-Bahá, thus setting in motion "the divine process that will, during the course of the Bahá’í 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, "is 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 [Page 5]peerless office of the Center of the Covenant, the Will of both the Abhá 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 Báb 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 Bahá" during the years leading up to the formation of the House of Justice; expressing special pleasure at the presence of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, the consort of the Guardian, who also met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; contemplating the first World Congress, "That unfor- gettable occasion in London some three decades ago" which "affirmed for the Bahá’ís themselves that the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh 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 trans- late that understanding into an attitude toward each other that demonstrates its unifiying power, the Su- preme 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 Bahá’í Faith is a world religion worthy of its claims and, hence, of public recognition."

After these inspiring words had been read, a monu- mental oratorio, "Bahá’u’lláh, 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 Bahá’u’lláh! What hast Thou done?" the first reading began, "Beneath the canopy of Your Presence, we here now assembled acknowl- edge with our lives the truth You pro- claimed..."

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, Bahá’u’lláh! Lord of Lords, King of Kings, He is Wondrous Everlasting Father, Bahá’u’lláh!..."

The oratorio reprised the sufferings and achievements of the Best Beloved of the Worlds, from His imprisonment in the Siyah-Chál, where the Maid of Heaven appeared to Him announcing His Mission, to the Garden of Ridván, 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-Bahá: "O Bahá’u’lláh, What hast Thou done? How full were Thy days, how full were Thy days With trials and tribulations!... O Bahá’u’lláh! How solid the foundation Thou hast laid... How glorious the banner Thou didst hoist!... What hast Thou done? O Bahá’u’lláh!"

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 suffer- ings and victories of Bahá’u’lláh, so movingly recalled in the oratorio, evoked in the hearts of the friends feelings alternating between sorrow and spiritual exaltation. Now the Bahá’ís 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 situa- tion 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 fellow- Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís had also sent a message of love and greetings to the Congress. This was translated and read at a later session.

George Bush

I am pleased to send greetings to the American members of the Bahá’í community and to the millions of Bahá’ís around the world as you mark the 100th anniversary of the passing of Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder of your faith.

As many of you gather in New York for your World Congress or meet in other places for joyful celebration, I know that you are mindful of fellow believers who are being denied the religious freedom and tolerance that are central to Bahá’í teachings.

In numerous statements and Congressional resolutions, the United States has repeatedly expressed the hope that Bahá’ís in Iran, the birth- place of your faith, will be permitted to practice their religion, as guaran- teed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Bahá’í teachings on religious tolerance, the unity of mankind, the elimi- nation of prejudice, equality of the sexes, and universal peace embody principles that all people of good-will admire and support. As you salute the life and writings of Bahá’u’lláh, I join with you in praying that we may see the realization of these fundamental principles in every land.

You have my best wishes for a meaningful celebration.

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: "Bahá’u’lláh, 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 Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, Mr. Hofman said that these changes, also part of God’s Plan, had made possible the practical implementation of the Bahá’í 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 develop- ment that will be closely associated with these pro- cesses, 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’u’l-Abhá!"

World procession of Bahá’ís

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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh’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...." [Page 6]

‘The Covenant and the Master’

The second day's program opened with songs of tribute to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Persian and English, followed by prayers in four languages. Dr. Amin Banani, a member of the U.S. Bahá’í community, then welcomed to the stage five individuals who had been blessed with the privilege of meeting the Master. Shinji Yamamoto, son of the first Bahá’í of Japanese ancestry, and Mrs. Betty Lunt Toomes were only infants when they were in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá'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 said, she had lived ever since in the hope that she would find out from Him personally in the Abhá 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’l-Bahá 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-Bahá 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 ever-present 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’l-Bahá left the house the warm, cozy feeling of sunshine left with Him. Said Ms. Winkler, "I know I became a Bahá’í 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-Bahá.

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-Bahá'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. I 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 Bahá’u’lláh, which He used to water and tend personally.

"I 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 with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá!' That feeling has been with me all my life. I cannot express it in words."

Mr. Yazdi also recalled an occasion when the Master described to some of the friends the future glories of the Faith, and of the cities of Haifa and ‘Akká. A particular statement made by Him was that the two cities would 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 lifetime!"

When these precious and greatly blessed individuals had finished, the choir and a soloist sang the well known Persian song, "Dastam Bigír, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá" (Take my hand, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá).

Four early believers

Then the friends were thrilled by an extraordinary "visit," in the form of a dramatic presentation, from four of the great champions of the Faith in the days of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. 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’l-Bahá as 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 Bahá’ís, given the posthumous rank of Hand of the Cause of God by Shoghi Effendi, told of the way in which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 Bahá’í community. At his initiative the film and voice recordings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 in a 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 Bahá’ís 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-Bahá'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 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-Bahá had answers, all based on the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and all having a common theme: the need for greater altruism and love.

The film listed some of the leaders who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His 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.

Talk by Firuz Kazemzadeh

The day's plenary address, "‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Center of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh," 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 Bahá’í Faith was the first religion in history with a Divinely ordained mechanism for preserving its unity—the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh. 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-Bahá, described by Shoghi Effendi as Bahá’u’lláh's "beloved Son, the apple of His eye, His vicegerent on earth, the Executive [Page 7]STATE OF NEW YORK EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, ALBANY

Members of the Bahá’í World Congress:

On behalf of all the people of my State, I welcome the 30,000 members of the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 rejection 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 Bahá’u’lláh, 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 with His Father and family while a child, and His emergence in early youth as Bahá’u’lláh's amanuensis, shield and chief deputy.

After the Ascension of His Father, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá oversaw the consolidation of the Western community, Himself 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-Bahá'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 Bahá’u’lláh'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."

Considering which of the many events to attend next.

Film of the Master

The film of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 Bahá’ís present, for an all too brief moment, must have imagined themselves among the little group of people who had come to hear ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 silent film, whose quality was greatly enhanced by a recent restoration, conveys a strong sense of the Master's energy, majestic bearing and warmth.

Photo: Laura Arthur

Having seen ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 humility, His servitude to Bahá’u’lláh, 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-Bahá.

Photo: Joe Ferguson

Taking part in the Procession of the Covenant.

Remarks by Mayor David N. Dinkins

The following are remarks by the Hon. David N. Dinkins, mayor of New York City, at the opening session November 23 of the second Bahá’í World Congress:

Welcome to the City of New York!

A quarter of a century ago, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that "the next thing we must be concerned about if we are to have peace on earth and good will toward men is the nonviolent affirmation of the sacredness of all human life. Every man is somebody because he is a child of God."

New York is a city that has taken that advice to heart. Yes, we are the international capital of commerce, culture and communication. And yes, as the home of our nation's media, we offer the potential of national coverage for events that take place here—as you saw during the very successful Democratic National Convention we hosted this summer.

But our city is also a cultural crossroads and a center of tolerance—a gorgeous mosaic of 178 ethnic groups, and the proud home of the United Nations. We welcomed a million new immigrants during the 1980s, and some 30 percent of our population is foreign-born. This diversity is what makes New York special—New Yorkers relish the polyglot, multi-ethnic nature of our city.

We are pleased that you have chosen New York as the venue for the Bahá’í 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 official intolerance, whether in the form of outright persecution of those of a different faith, or by placing a bounty on the head of a writer of fiction. 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 I once again welcome you to New York. [Page 8]

‘The victories of the Covenant’

Above: A gift of flowers lovingly sent to the World Congress by the Bahá’ís of Iran. Right: Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, representing the Universal House of Justice, greets the audience. Photo: Joe Ferguson Photo: Scot Corrie

The third day’s sessions were preceded by a message of greeting from the governor of Alaska, who expressed his wishes for a “successful and inspiring” World Congress. Also sending messages were the National Spiritual Assembly of Turkey and the Bahá’ís of Malaysia, the latter of whom, “with joyous hearts,” were “thrilled” 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 Bahá’í songs from Persia, China, Africa, Polynesia, the Caribbean, India, Spain and the U.S. The groups then joined forces, along with the choir and the audience, for the song, “We are the people of Bahá’.” 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 Guaymí Indian from Panama, was the first of three Bahá’ís who shared with the friends wonderful testimonies to the power of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant. Mr. Benejaro, speaking through an interpreter, reported about a project that had been initiated by the Bahá’ís to teach literacy and other subjects to his people. Implemented according to Bahá’í principles, the program had, he said, “balanced the spiritual life” of the Guaymí. “What else,” he concluded, “could this humble people do but be the instrument of Bahá’u’lláh?”

In Indore, India, ‎the.Bahá’í the Bahá’í‎ Vocational Institute for Rural Women, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of India and inspired by the Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir, has been recognized by Global 500, an international ecological association, for its contributions to ecological understanding and development.

Janak McGiligan, a member of the Bahá’í community of India, explained that the Institute operates in an economically disadvantaged and caste-oppressed society, where women enjoy few opportunities and literacy is not more than 4 percent. The Institute teaches women literacy, health and hygiene, and income skills, along with Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh for their successes. “They are candles spreading the light of Bahá’u’lláh,” said Ms. McGiligan. “They love Bahá’u’lláh.”

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

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

The Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í Booth. The Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís was the dedication of the Peace Monument. The construction of the monument and its dedication were coordinated entirely by the Bahá’ís, 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 Bahá’í ringstone symbol and emblazoned across its front with the words of Bahá’u’lláh, “The Earth is But One Country, and Mankind Its Citizens.” This same phrase was hailed by one prominent leader as the motto of the two international gatherings.

Ms. Pezeshk attributed these great victories to the unity, steadfastness and faith of the believers involved.

‘Victories’ video

A video on the “Victories of the Covenant” presented an outline of the growth and development of the Bahá’í world community since the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, with particular emphasis on the great international teaching plans launched by Shoghi Effendi and based upon ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’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 Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 [Page 9]favors of God, the Lord of mankind, hath been diffused. We beseech 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 Lord of the Kingdom of Names.”

The Hands of the Cause

Now came the time for the friends to greet the living Hands of the Cause. As they were introduced, a passage from the writings of the Universal House of Justice was read, lauding the heroic achievement of the Hands in 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 self-abnegation,” and testifying that humanity owes them a debt of gratitude that is “beyond estimation.”

The Hands of the Cause, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, ‘Ali-Akbar Furútan and ‘Ali-Muhammad Varqá, 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 from the audience.

The first to address the gathering was Mr. Furútan. Acknowledging his good fortune in having lived to see the great gathering of believers at the second World Congress, he called upon everyone to arise and teach the Faith, as the House of Justice 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 Congress!

“Are you happy?” asked Dr. Varqá as he reached the podium. “I believe it!” He then spoke about the world situation at the time of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to 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 Bahá’í world community and the rest of mankind:

“We should recognize how great and powerful is the power of Bahá’u’lláh, 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 Bahá’ís in the world, and 58 National Spiritual Assemblies. Now there are 165 National Assemblies!”

Dr. Varqá concluded by urging the Bahá’ís to “keep the spirit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when you leave the Congress and spread it everywhere you can!”

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum spoke to the friends on the day’s theme, prefacing her remarks by reminding the Bahá’ís 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.”

Concerning Shoghi Effendi, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum said he was surprised and shocked at being appointed to such a high office as the Guardianship:

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

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

“What the Covenant fundamentally means,” she continued, “is that God will never abandon His creation, man.” This is epitomized, she said, in the Manifestations of God, Who have always instituted Covenants with their followers concerning the next Prophet. In this Dispensation we have the added advantage of Bahá’u’lláh’s unique Covenant, Whose Center was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

She pointed to the years 1957-1963, between the ministry of the Guardian and the formation of the House of Justice, as one of the significant proofs of the Covenant’s power.

“What happened to other religions did not happen to this religion. And what’s more, it is never going to happen to this 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 Bahá’u’lláh, we’ve felt the strength of our oneness, and we have a protective canopy over our heads in the Universal House of Justice.

“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 witnessed of Bahá’u’lláh’s power and sovereignty, the friends, after an enchanting rendition of “The Queen of Carmel,” adjourned for the day.

Office of the Mayor City of New York Proclamation

WHEREAS: the International Community of Bahá’ís is holding “The Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’u’lláh in Iran in 1844, today the Bahá’í Faith has members in almost every country; the Bahá’í Faith emphasizes the unity and equality of all people and teaches that there should be no barriers to this unity; the Founder’s Son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, visited New York City in 1912, calling it “The City of the Covenant”; and

WHEREAS: our city has long had a wonderfully diverse population; for centuries 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 Bahá’í 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 “BAHÁ’Í 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

In the orchestra for the Bahá’í Oratorio, Marvin (Doc) Holladay trades his usual instrument, the baritone saxophone, for a bass clarinet. Photo: Scot Corrie

One of the most enthusiastically received groups at the World Congress was the Gospel Choir whose soloists included Sandy Simmons (left) and Van Gilmer. Photo: Jens von Krogh [Page 10]

THURSDAY: Humanity’s coming encounter with Bahá’u’lláh

The 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í, produced the sculpture in support of the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’l-Abhá," the stage was set for the some of the most dramatic moments of the second Bahá’í World Congress. Messages of loving greetings, transmitted via satellite, were broadcast live to the Congress from nine Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í monarch, was read by his daughter. His Highness expressed the hope that other world leaders would accept Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings "so that world peace can be established."

The next message came from Buenos Aires, where Bahá’ís 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. ...Alláh’u’ Abhá!"

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 years ago the impregnable capital of communism, Bahá’ís from more than 30 countries had gathered: "Only the Covenant of the King of power and glory could make such a gathering possible in a country which for so long had prided itself on living without God."

Bahá’ís 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."

The friends in Panama City, Panama, assembled in the Mother Temple of Latin America, said, "We are overjoyed and thankful to Bahá’u’lláh...to demonstrate to the world the organic unity of the Bahá’í community."

From Singapore, where 800 people from countries across Asia and the Pacific had met, came a message of love on the occasion of the "unique and soul-stirring Bahá’í World Congress," as well as an expression of gratitude to "the beloved Supreme Body" for allowing them to take part in it.

Then the friends heard from Sydney, Australia, where the Bahá’ís pledged to "galvanize our efforts" to win victories for Cause of God.

Lastly came the poignant moment when the text of the message from the Bahá’ís of Iran was read by Counselor Lally Lucretia Warren. The following excerpts convey a part of its spirit:

"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....

"God willing, the darksome clouds of misunderstandings 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 Bahá’ís in all the gatherings around the world joined for a universal chorus of the song "Alláh’u’ Abhá" in honor of the Persian Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í world community united in joy and love.

Humanity’s encounter with Bahá’u’lláh

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

"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 Originator of a new 'Universal Cycle,' as the Establisher of the Most Great Peace, as the Fountain of the Most Great Justice, as the Proclaimer of the coming of age of the entire human race, as the Creator of a new World Order, and as the Inspirer and Founder of a world civilization."

A video presentation on "Humanity’s Coming Encounter With Bahá’u’lláh" outlined the two historic processes that are converging at this time in human social evolution. One is "the series of revolutionary changes which are awakening the peoples of the world to their common humanity"; the other, "the rapid unfolding of the new pattern of human society created by Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant."

Humanity, previously contemptuous of the principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh, 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 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 Bahá’u’lláh has the power to bring about a true and lasting peace. It has endowed the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh:

"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 Bahá’u’lláh.

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 racialism, nationalism and communism which Bahá’u’lláh 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 communities in India that have been transformed through obedience to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. One village, which had labored for centuries under the yoke of caste prejudice, [Page 11]had elected during the Holy Year a local Spiritual Assembly composed of eight “untouchables” and one upper caste believer. Even more important, she said, Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’u’lláh from other systems, focusing especially on the Universal House of Justice, referred to by the Guardian as “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 Bahá’ís 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 week.

House of Justice member David Ruhe read the historic message to the Bahá’ís 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 emotions surge 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.

“Disunity is the crux of the problems which so severely afflict the planet,” the House of Justice 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 pointed to the next phase in the Faith’s evolution, which will bring about “a deep encounter with the forces operating with such ferocity around the world. ...

“The oneness of mankind is the pivotal principle...of His Mission,” the message 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 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 Bahá’u’lláh Himself. ...

“The Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh gives new meaning to humanity’s checkered history; it imparts a fresh impulse to human striving. ‘Like unto the artery,’ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states, ‘it beats and pulsates in the heart of the world.’...

“The presence there [at the World Congress] 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’u’lláh, toward His Covenant, and, indeed, toward all humankind.”

Closing remarks

After the message from the Universal House of Justice was read, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, offering the closing remarks of the Congress, urged the friends to “take full advantage” of the 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 message of Bahá’u’lláh is essentially one of happiness:

“‘We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations,’ Bahá’u’lláh 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-Bahá. It was followed by “In This Day, Bahá’u’lláh,” sung by the choir and all the Bahá’ís. Afterward, the friends lingered a while, reluctant to accept that the glorious week had come to an end.

This attempt to describe the plenary sessions of the second Bahá’í 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 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 Abhá Beauty.

Photo: Laura Arthur

Photo: Scot Corrie

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

Photo: Scot Corrie [Page 12]

Satellite broadcast: behind the scenes

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

By DEB CLARK

Scores of people worked tirelessly to bring about the historic two-way satellite broadcast at the second Bahá’í World Congress, beginning three years ago when a four-member Satellite Task Force was appointed.

Last October that committee began to collaborate closely with the Audio-Visual Task Force. A few months before the Congress was to open Charles Nolley, director of Media Services at the Bahá’í National Center in 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 world and six employees of U.S. Bahá’í 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 Congress sessions and ancillary events was condensed into the highlights tape.

Communications satellites were developed to overcome broadcasting limitations caused by the earth’s curve. The radius of television service is less than 50 miles. The range can be increased by using towers, but relaying TV signals across the earth would require a series of repeater stations several hundred feet high at intervals of less than 50 miles. Instead, signals can be directed to satellites that send them back to receiver stations on earth.

Satellites travel more than 22,300 miles above the equator in geosynchronous orbits, also known as geostationary because they appear to be fixed points in the sky.

Earth stations include ground antennas used to send (uplink) and receive (downlink) satellite communications. The satellite receives a signal from an 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 transponders on board.

When the earth signal beams up to the satellite and back down to earth, a full circuit is completed.—Deb Clark

Segments included the opening day ceremonies showing hundreds of people from six continents in colorful native dress, the ‘Abdu’l-Bahá “Mission to America” Pavilion, the Carnegie Hall concert honoring jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, the presentation on the Mt. Carmel Projects, a memorial program for the 200 Bahá’ís recently killed in Iran, and several of the evening concerts.

While the audience sat and enjoyed the Congress session Thursday morning, two separate electronic activities were taking place behind the scenes. Six cameras captured various angles of the action for the highlights tape and satellite broadcast, while a company called Sweetwater used four additional cameras to furnish the large-screen images for the Javits Center audience.

Meanwhile, outside at the loading dock, two trailers and a mobile unit housed the 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 components were mixed together and broadcast.

Another ingredient in the mix was the Spanish translation. 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 separate channel, allowing viewers to flick a 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 broadcast but needed to get in touch with World Congress committees to learn the correct transponder number and satellite name for their area in order to 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 Pacific islands aimed their dishes at Intelsat POR; Intelsat IOR reached Asia and into India; Intelsat AOR beamed to Europe and Africa; Eutelsat II F4 reached Europe, the Near East and North Africa and was also the satellite that Haifa beamed its broadcast on; ‎Intelsatputnik Intersputnik‎ carried the signal to Russia; and an SGS-6 transponder 8 (Ku-band) and a Galaxy 6 transponder 8 (C-band) 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 the session at Javits while relaying a television signal to New York so that the Congress audience could see them at the same time. To do this, a separate transponder on the Eutelsat satellite was used.

Besides the Bahá’í downlinks, a number of television networks asked for broadcast signal information including Romanian National Television, Australian networks, London Sky News, Moscow Television, and many cable stations in the U.S. Two 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 news-reel of the World Congress.

Photo: Scot Corne A moment for quiet meditation.

Photo: Laura Arthur ...and you can name your own hours. [Page 13]

Satellite

Unprecedented broadcast links Bahá’í communities around the world in spirit of love and unity

By DEB CLARK

Bahá’ís all over the world were united electronically as well as spiritually on Thursday, November 26, when satellite broadcasts were sent by and received at the second World Congress in New York City. Congress attendees at the morning session at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, representing 180 countries, saw an historic live satellite transmission from the Bahá’í World Center of the message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís 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, Argentina; Bucharest, Romania; New Delhi, India; Moscow, Russia; Nairobi, Kenya; Panama City, Panama; Singapore, Malaysia; and Sydney, Australia.

At the 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.

Bahá’ís 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 transmission from the World Center, and heard greetings from the nine cities around the world.

At around 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 Bahá’ís 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, in a message read by his daughter, invited other heads of state to join him in leading their people according to Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings.

• In Buenos Aires, the city where May Maxwell (early Bahá’í teacher and mother of the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum) gave her life for the Cause in 1940 and where the first local Spiritual Assembly in Argentina was formed that same year, Bahá’ís from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay 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 Bahá’u’lláh’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 at the National Bahá’í 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 nationalities watched the broadcast at Excursion Hall.

• Six hundred Bahá’ís speaking 30 languages sent a message of warmest best wishes from Nairobi, Kenya.

• Bahá’ís in Panama City, not far from the second House of Worship to be built in the Americas, expressed their love and best wishes to the audience in New York and Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís from the Pacific area sent greetings from the Bahá’í House of Worship, where they had assembled to witness the historic event.

Following the messages 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 Bahá’í successes 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 Bahá’í 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 it embodies what is needed to effect “an organic change in the structure of present-day society, a change such as the world has not yet experienced.” This new Age inaugurated by Bahá’u’lláh makes possible “the beginning of a wholly new relationship between humanity and its Supreme Creator.”

Photo: Laura Arthur

A message via satellite from the Bahá’ís of Bucharest, Romania.

Photo: Scot Corrie [Page 14]

THE ARC

On Mount Carmel, the work continues

By JUDY A. MADDOX

Above: ‎Fariburz, Sahba Fariburz Sahba‎, manager of the Mount Carmel Projects, shares news of the Arc. Right: Meanwhile, work continues at the World Center. Photo: Scot Corrie Photo: Ruhi Vargha, Bahá’í International News Service

Described 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 stories of the construction, history and details of the Arc 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 Bahá’ís 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 visuals (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 Bahá’í property. On the finally approved map the two roads had been widened, but on the other side from the Bahá’í property, while the new road had been canceled and changes to an existing road, which Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 you as a professional; now I’ll appeal to you as a Bahá’í."

After explaining the significance of the project to Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike, Mr. Sahba told him, "You have two choices. You can oppose this project, and it will be built anyway. 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 it."

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 present circumstances, there was no other choice."

Haifa’s project

The Arc 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 Bahá’u’lláh. This means that the Pathway of the Kings will be completed, as was promised by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

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 Báb 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."

A staff of 21 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís. Why? Because most of the Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís works full-time on the project, Mr. Sahba said, helped by 16 consultants and experts from around the world. As small as this number seems to be, he added, every Bahá’í 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.

Bahá’ís, he said, are special people. The Bábís dreamed of this day; the early Bahá’ís longed to see its dawning. Today, Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í project has been accomplished through the sacrifices of individual believers. 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’í 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." [Page 15]The Bahá’í World Congress Choir and Orchestra thrilled the audience at the opening sessions of the Congress with their performance of the breathtaking Bahá’í Oratorio written especially for the event. SECOND BAHÁ’Í WORLD CONGRESS - NOVEMBER 1992

The House of Justice acclaims convocation of World Congress

cease to appreciate their continuing, tireless services in the propagation and protection of our glorious Faith. We are particularly pleased that our representative to the Congress is one of these high-ranking officers, the consort and helpmate of our beloved Guardian who herself attained the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

It was Shoghi Effendi who called for the first World Congress which jubilantly marked the one hundredth anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’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 Bahá’ís themselves that the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh had truly emerged as a world religion with a world community.

Now at this moment, throughout the Bahá’í world, we are engaged in another centennial observance for the 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 world-wide 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, Bahá’u’lláh, 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 special 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 Bahá’í Faith is a world religion worthy of its claims and, hence, of public recognition.

In a Tablet to the Bahá’ís in New York, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá expressed a hope which it is propitious to recall on this opportune occasion: “I 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 afforded by this Congress, you will attempt thus to gratify His Spirit in the Abhá 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 [Page 16]

The media: blazoning His Name

By Tom Mennillo

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

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

By the end of the second Bahá’í World Congress, that goal proposed, everyone on earth who has access to the media would at least have heard the Name of Bahá’u’lláh.

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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í media professionals.

Those at the conferences were asked to generate ways to use the World Congress to “blazon the name of Bahá’u’lláh across the globe”; assess worldwide volunteer resources for help before and during the Congress; identify any weaknesses or omissions in the Task Force’s 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 Bahá’í World Congress is the largest gathering of Bahá’ís in history. It will also be the most diverse gathering of Bahá’ís ever—and perhaps the most diverse gathering of people ever held anywhere.

“It represents a ‘coming out party’ for the worldwide Bahá’í community, and a 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Faith is one of the fastest-growing independent religions in the world.

(2) The Faith is the second-most wide-spread 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-

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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í 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, a national 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 Congress.
• 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-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum and Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary for External Affairs of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly.
• Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum; Juana Conrad, a member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly; and Becky Murphy of the Bahá’í International Community were interviewed by UN Radio.
• Radio Free Europe sent a reporter to the Congress who interviewed several Russian Bahá’ís 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.

[Page 17]rating on those themes:

"The Bahá’í world community offers a definitive model for a peaceful and sustainable future; it embodies the most progressive and positive trends and ideals of the modern age; in this diverse community is a living laboratory for global transformation; Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’í 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.

As the 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 Bahá’ís from their home countries or Bahá’ís with a particular expertise.

Bahá’í 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."

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

A message from the Bahá’ís of Iran

"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 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 a number of friends from the Cradle of the Faith in that great Congress is a 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 all-forgiving 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." [Page 18]

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

By NOAH BARTOLUCCI

By the thousands, Bahá’í youth from all over the world came to the Sheraton Hotel in New York City to take part in the Bahá’í 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.

“I am so happy to be here,” said Wilmer Ochoa Aguiar, a Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í two years ago, said he had never been to New York before the Congress. He had never been to a large Bahá’í gathering, he said, and in fact had never even ventured far from his home country.

“I’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 Bahá’í 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 Badí’, Juliet Thompson and the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga. The three tell Josh how they came to serve Bahá’u’lláh.

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

“The play is about the spiritual journey of one’s life,” said its director, Shidan Majidi. “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 Bahá’ís and how it affected Miss Jahanpour’s youth group.

‘Incredible strength’

Hoda Ghadirian, a 14-year-old Bahá’í from Montreal, said she found the performance moving: “They were so happy to give their lives for Bahá’u’lláh. 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.

“It brought back many memories,” she said. “We loved Bahá’u’lláh, and there was no way they could take that away from us.”

Said Mina Fazel, a 21-year-old Bahá’í 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 to reflect on their experiences at the Congress and to probe more deeply into such pertinent questions as:

(1) Who is Bahá’u’lláh?

(2) What is Bahá’u’lláh’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 Bahá’u’lláh?

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 Bahá’u’lláh during the Forum.

“When I saw thousands of Bahá’ís coming together from all over the world for this Congress,” she said, “I could visualize for 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 service.

Mostaghim Soha, a young Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Faith is necessary—people are waiting for us.”

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

Audiences appreciated the spirit and vitality of El Viento Canta. Photo: Jens von Krogh [Page 19]

A FEAST FOR THE EYES—AND EARS

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

By ELIZABETH ANDERSON

A 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 Bahá’í 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 “Bahá’u’lláh, the Promise of All Ages,” a monumental Bahá’í 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, peach, 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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.

After that stirring 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 player Dr. ‎Manoochchr Manoochehr‎ Sadeghi; violinist Bill Allmart, a former symphony orchestra member now working at the Bahá’í National Center’s Office of the Treasurer; and several members of the jazz-oriented Bahá’í Peace Orchestra.

Choir members were chosen from audio tape auditions. Those selected were sent a cassette tape and book of music from which to 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.

Photo: Joe Ferguson. The World Congress Choir, Orchestra and soloists combined their talents to produce some of the most memorable moments at the second World Congress.

Photo: Ken Francisco

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

Performing last and presenting North America was the Gospel Choir which received an enthusiastic welcome from the audience. Besides closing the Congress session, the Gospel Choir also performed Tuesday evening at the Ramada Inn.

“No 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.”

Photo: Scot Corrie

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

“I’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 Bahá’í House of Worship The 84th Bahá’í National Convention will be held May 20-23, 1993, in Foundation Hall at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. After seating of the delegates, less than 200 seats remain available for Bahá’ís 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, Bahá’í I.D. number and telephone number to: National Convention Seating, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Seating is available by advance registration only.

[Page 20]

‘Sublime emotions surge in our hearts...’

FROM PAGE 3

as revealed for this age by Bahá’u’lláh. To accept the Messenger of God in His Day and to abide by His 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 highest 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 Bahá’u’lláh. 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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, Bahá’u’lláh, in the Book of His Covenant, confirmed the appointment of His Son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as the interpreter of His Word and the Center of His Covenant. As the interpreter, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 Bahá’u’lláh, further to conferring upon ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 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 Bahá’u’lláh’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 Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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 inaugurated upon His passing a century ago. Its spiritual dynamic and cohesive power, its unifying principles and practical institutional provisions are a pattern for the healing of the ills afflicting our fractured societies and defective social systems.

The Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh gives new meaning to humanity’s checkered history; it imparts a fresh impulse to human striving. “Like unto the artery,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 Bahá’u’lláh. “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 give due attention to the claims of Bahá’u’lláh. Let them realize that the storms battering at the foundations of society will not be stilled unless and until spiritual principles are actively engaged in the search for solutions to social problems.

Let us, the followers of Bahá’u’lláh, redouble our efforts in the exercise of our sacred duty to acquaint all humanity with the animating purpose of the worldwide Law of Bahá’u’lláh. Let them discover that, “Far from aiming at the subversion of the existing foundations of society, it seeks to broaden its basis, 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 questions 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 Bahá’í 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, is discernible in the eventual realization of the world-embracing System of Bahá’u’lláh.

Our thoughts turn to the history of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s epic journey to the West and particularly to North America where, in New York, He disclosed to His western disciples the implications of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh. It was, in a sense, an act of renewal, prospective 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 was still the major entryway to the “Land of Promise” for millions of people seeking new horizons. Now it is recognized as a gathering place for the leaders of nations, 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 ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís set for ourselves a new measure of effort, one more daring and persistent than 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 Bahá’u’lláh, toward His Covenant, and, indeed, toward all humankind.

The Universal House of Justice November 26, 1992

Photo: Jens von Krogh [Page 21]

A colorful bouquet from humanity’s flower garden...

[Banners pictured:]

• Thailand: WE DESIRE THE GOOD OF THE WORLD AND THE HAPPINESS OF THE NATIONS BAHÁ’U’LLÁH
• New Zealand: ‘Ye are all fruits of one tree, the leaves of one branch, the flowers of one garden.’ Bahá’u’lláh
• Brazil
• Macedonia, Ohio U.S.A.: ‘YE ARE THE LEAVES OF ONE TREE...’
• Hutchinson, Kansas USA: BAHÁ’U’LLÁH ARISE! FOLLOW THE SUN!
• France
• Italia
• Venezuela: BAHÁ’U’LLÁH
• Guinea Ecuatorial
• Ireland
• Bophuthatswana
• Guyana: ONE PEOPLE ONE NATION ONE DESTINY
• Canada: RENDEZ VOUS OF THE SOUL
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon: 1 HAPPY WORLD
• Winston-Salem, North Carolina: WE ARE THE FLOWERS OF ONE GARDEN

Pictured are some of the colorful banners sent to the Congress by Bahá’í communities all over the world.

Many Bahá’ís see satellite broadcast at House of Worship in Wilmette

Many Bahá’ís attending the World Congress included in their itinerary a visit to the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. 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 Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, held Friday evening, November 27. The event, which featured a performance by part of the Bahá’í World Congress Choir, drew a capacity audience of 1,200, most of whom were visitors to the area.

Other activities included a special Archives display that featured holy relics of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and rare photographs of the Master; slide presentations on the history of the House of Worship; presentations on the Temple restoration project; tours of the U.S. Bahá’í National Center, and special devotional hours. The Bahá’í bookstore also kept extended hours to accommodate the friends.

About 300 people, including a few non-Bahá’ís, came to the House of Worship to view the satellite broadcast of the final session of the World Congress. The broadcast included taped highlights from the first three days of the Congress.

After the program many Bahá’ís remained 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 belief in Bahá’u’lláh after seeing the satellite broadcast at the House of Worship. [Page 22]

‘WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD...

The many faces of the second Bahá’í World Congress [Page 23]SECOND BAHÁ’Í WORLD CONGRESS — NOVEMBER 1992

WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF BAHÁ’

SHARAF B.E. 149 / DECEMBER 31, 1992 — THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í 23 [Page 24]

Book display

Wealth of literature from around world illustrates growth, progress of Cause, cooperation among Bahá’í publishers

One of the distinctive features of the second Bahá’í World Congress illustrating the growth, development and diversity of the Bahá’í community was a display of Bahá’í literature from around the world. This was surely the most extensive and diverse public display of Bahá’í publications ever prepared, and was a befitting celebration of the impact of the message of Bahá’u’lláh on the generality of humankind and a demonstration of international cooperation and collaboration within the Bahá’í community.

The concept of a book display resulted from consultation about whether there should be book sales during the World Congress. In its ‎reponse response‎ 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 Bahá’í publications be mounted to demonstrate the growth and development of Bahá’í literature, and the House of Justice requests that such a display be included in the plans of the Congress. ...”

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

In February 1992 the plan was presented for consideration to Bahá’í publishers gathered in England for the formation of the International Association of Bahá’í 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 of a combined 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 Bahá’í publishers, inviting suggestions of titles appropriate for the display.

Current publications were requested, focusing on the writings, life and ministry of Bahá’u’lláh, His Covenant, the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 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 sent to the Bahá’í International Community offices in New York City for storage.

More than 125 National Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í International Community office received and sorted the packages, and communicated with staff at the Bahá’í 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 in a two-tiered 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 power and spread of the Faith to note the universality and cooperation of the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í literature across the globe. The resulting display was truly an immersion in the ocean of God’s Word.

Special displays were developed by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom, the first Trust to be formed in the Bahá’í world. One displayed publications of the Perspective Series, published in many languages by the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í literature, the role of audio/visual materials was not overlooked. The International Bahá’í Audio Visual Center (IBAVC), a field 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, in the hope that it would continue to inspire the public and the Bahá’ís with the depth and universality of the message of Bahá’u’lláh.

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

Photo: Scot Corrie

Photo: Laura Arthur [Page 25]

At historic Carnegie Hall

Concert celebrates ‘vision of world peace’

By Vicky English

Joy and harmony were the dominant themes of the Bahá’í World Congress Gala Concert “Celebrating the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í World Congress Choir perform a mixture of classical favorites and Bahá’í selections.

The program was the first official event of the second Bahá’í 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 dignified, fitting setting for the concert; Carnegie Hall, built by industrialist/philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1891, was, even during ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America in 1912, considered one of the premier concert halls in the world. That Bahá’ís were able to produce not one, but two concerts in this prestigious hall within the space of three days testifies to the Faith’s growing prominence in the world.

The program itself boldly emblazoned the Name of Bahá’u’lláh to the musical community. Concert-goers received with the traditional stagebill a handsomely printed program containing information about Bahá’u’lláh, the Faith and the World Congress, and quotations from Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’í World Congress that brought together nearly 30,000 believers from 180 countries around the world to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant.

A 42-voice a cappella 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 Bahá’í House of Worship Choir in Wilmette, Illinois.

The choir, composed of Bahá’ís 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 Báb; and “Dastam Bigir ‘Abdu’l-Bahá” (Take Thou My Hand, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá), a traditional favorite of Persian Bahá’ís.

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

• Grammy Award-winning pianist Eugene ‎Istomen Istomin‎ 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 Istomin‎ performed two impromptus, Opus 90, Nos. 2 and 3, by Franz Schubert.
• Bass-baritone Norman Bailey, a long-time Bahá’í, 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 Habañera and Seguidilla from Bizet’s opera “Carmen.”
• Soprano Benita Valente, another well-established 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, Miss 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 vocalists, performs regularly with many of today’s top recording artists.
• 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 including the ‎Guarnieri Guarneri‎, Emerson and Tokyo String Quartets.
• 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 Bahá’í 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. Phillips was accompanied by pianist Chandra Lowery, a Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í World Congress.

Congress Commemoratives: Now you see them . . .

BY LAURIE B. ROSENFIELD

The friends who attended the second Bahá’í 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 that had 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, a compilation of extracts mostly by Bahá’u’lláh 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 15th 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 lidded 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 Bahá’í children’s magazine, published a special commemorative issue, while a magazine, “The Bahá’ís,” produced by the Bahá’í 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 elegant posters, with subdued colors and graphics, included quotations from Bahá’u’lláh.

A special commemorative poster for 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 ‘Akká and The World Congress Commemorative 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’l-Bahá “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 tirelessly for long hours at the Commemorative Kiosks deserve the appreciation and thanks of all those who attended the Congress. 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.

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

Photo: Scot Corrie [Page 26]

World Congress celebrates Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh

FROM PAGE 1

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

The commemoration of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, held in Haifa last May, was attended by representatives of the entire Bahá’í world, together with the Hands of the Cause, the members of the House of Justice, and most of the living Knights of Bahá’u’lláh. This memorable event, along with similar ones undertaken by the Bahá’ís in every country, bore eloquent testimony to the “transcendent and victorious influence of Bahá’u’lláh’s liberated Spirit.”

Six months later the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ convened again, this time in New York City. World-renowned symbol of modern civilization, New York was immeasurably blessed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s presence during His North American tour in 1912, distinguished as the site where He first disclosed to the Western believers the implications of His station as the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’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 its association 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 aims and achievements of His sublime mission.”

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 “a new wave of official discrimination against members of Iran’s largest religious minority group,” and affecting “a whole generation of Bahá’ís in the Islamic Republic. ...”

In sharp contrast to the dark cloud under which the Persian Bahá’í community continues to exist, the rest of the Bahá’í world—as events at the Congress underscored—is moving steadily forward, assuming 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 occasion of the Congress the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ 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 Bahá’ís. These messages of regard, together with the extensive news coverage of the Congress, comprised a fitting sequel to the tributes paid to Bahá’u’lláh by various governments and rulers on the Centenary of His Ascension.

The audience is seated for one of the general sessions.

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-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, Ali-Akbar Furútan and Muhammad-’Alí Varqá—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 Bahá’u’lláh Himself as those “through whom the light of long-suffering hath shone forth, ...the sea of bestowal hath moved, and the breeze of the favor of God...hath wafted”; specifically charged by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 Bahá’u’lláh’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 Bahá’í, 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 his retirement in 1988 he has traveled ceaselessly, meeting with ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ in countries throughout the world and joining them in their efforts to promote the Cause of God.

“Does this bus go directly to the Javits Center?”

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 ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ 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 uniqueness and power of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant. Together they acclaimed and proclaimed the Covenant as “the pivotal center of unity for all humankind,” and illustrated “its dynamic effect on the struggle, the spread, and the redemptive achievements of the Bahá’í community since the passing of the Blessed Beauty.”

The majesty and power of the Covenant was felt in every corner of the auditorium during Tuesday’s sessions as the friends listened to an audio recording of a chant by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum of the message to the Congress from the House of Justice; an address by Rúhíyyih Khánum 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 message of greetings from the Iranian Bahá’í community; a satellite linkup with nine Bahá’í communities in five continents and the Pacific, which included a message from Malietoa Tanumafili II of Western Samoa, the world’s only reigning Bahá’í monarch; a procession of believers from countries around the world dressed in native costume; personal reminiscences from five Bahá’ís who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; testimonies to the transforming power of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, as provided by representatives from three Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís of the “exceptional and glorious stage in humanity’s spiritual evolution initiated by the Covenant,” were three video presentations, on “The City of the Covenant,” “The Victories of the Covenant,” and “Humanity’s Encounter with [Page 27]An exterior view of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Bahá’u’lláh,” as well as a dramatic presentation depicting four early American believers who were in the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Also contributing their share to the atmosphere of “awe,” “thankful gladness” and “exquisite celebratory joy” that, as the House of Justice stated, were essential for the occasion, were the marvelous and varied musical performances of the 400-voice international choir and 70-piece orchestra, highlighted by a stirring Oratorio dedicated to Bahá’u’lláh, 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 Bahá’í World Congress, reserved for its final hours, was the message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the world, presented live via satellite from the World Center in Haifa, Israel.

Tens of thousands of Bahá’ís in New York and around the world were thrilled by this richly symbolic gesture, which, in both the act itself and the medium by which it was conveyed, demonstrated the unifying impact of Bahá’u’lláh’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 to take note of the developments both within and without the Cause of God since the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, 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 is Bahá’u’lláh, 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 Bahá’u’lláh.”

As the House of Justice stated, “the contemplation of the peerless purpose, magnetic person, luminous character and exemplary acts of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His station as the Center and living embodiment of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh” 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-Bahá: 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 extraordinary journey of the Master through North America and especially of His time spent in New York City.

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

The theme pavilion, which was open to the media as well as to Bahá’ís 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’l-Bahá’s importance in Bahá’í 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 portraits of both ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His contemporaries, the exhibit became for the observer a journey of the spirit, an opportunity to appreciate anew the beauty and majesty of the life of Him Who was the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant.

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 their dignity 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 challenges presented to young Bahá’ís at this time in history and allowed the opportunity for fellowship and discussion of other issues related to the Faith; a classical concert celebrating the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í, Dizzy Gillespie, also at Carnegie Hall; an international exhibit of Bahá’í literature from 125 National Assemblies and publishing trusts illustrating the growth and development of Bahá’í publishing in the last century; a Bahá’í film festival, which ran every day of the Congress; 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 variety 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 Bahá’ís 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 Abhá 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.”

A time for meeting or renewing acquaintances with ‘family members’ from around the world. [Page 28]

‘All aboard!’

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

By LAURIE B. ROSENFIELD

Setting off, by myself, by train from my small town of Woodstock, Illinois, I knew I was in for an adventure.

After all, I was going to the Bahá’í 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 heading 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 ride by myself.

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 train. They were black and white, young and old, cheerful and practical—unified in their efforts to get all that baggage on board. I knew they had to be Bahá’ís!

Sure enough, 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!

Never having 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 Bahá’ís on the train in other compartments.

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 Bahá’í “fireside” songs.

Up and down the train the word went out, and Bahá’í 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-Bahá’í couple from Trinidad, who spoke little English, came and “sang” for awhile. Marinell Rhine, a Bahá’í 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 daughter-in-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 Bahá’ís from Indian Reservations, Canada, Ireland, and states as 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 last 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 different people,

We are One.

We have come from many ‎diffexent different‎ lands,

And traveled many roads.

Though we’re many ‎diffferent 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 ‎diffferent 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.

And by the way, many of the same people formed a new “peace train” on the way home from the Congress, laughing, singing and teaching the Faith. In Utica, New York, they even observed the anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. A true World Congress experience, door to door.

UN Special Representative for Human Rights in Iran issues new report detailing persecution of country’s Bahá’í community

In a report presented to the United Nations on November 23, the opening day of the second Bahá’í World Congress, a UN special representative who has monitored since 1986 Iran’s compliance with international human rights agreements said that the Iranian Bahá’í community has entered a new phase of persecution and now stands in constant fear of “reprisals of all kinds.”

The report, authored by UN Special Representative for Human Rights Reynaldo Galindo Pohl, provides extensive documentation that Iran’s Bahá’í community continues to be the target of systematic oppression based on religious beliefs.

The report notes, for example, that at least one Bahá’í [Bahman Samandari] was summarily executed earlier this year, that two others currently face death sentences, and that thousands more remain deprived of jobs and pensions, of educational opportunities and the right to practice freely their religion.

“With Bahá’ís from all over the world gathered in New York this week in a 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 Bahá’í community in that country,” said Techeste Ahderom, senior representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations.

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

Since 1979, some 200 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís, 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.

The World Congress Choir and Orchestra receive well-deserved applause following the magnificent Bahá’í Oratorio. Photo: Joe Ferguson [Page 29]

Jazz

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

BY DEB CLARK

On November 26, a number of well-known jazz musicians gathered at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall for a 75th birthday tribute to legendary trumpeter John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie.

The celebration was held as part of the second Bahá’í World Congress. Mr. Gillespie, a Bahá’í 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 to the audience at sold-out Carnegie Hall was an embossed booklet that described the Bahá’í Faith, introduced Bahá’u’lláh, quoted from “The Promise of World Peace,” and outlined the purpose of the second Bahá’í 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 passed the baton to Jesus, Who passed it to Muhammad, and so on.
• His United Nation 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.”

Performing at the gala Carnegie Hall concert honoring trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie on his 75th birthday are (left to right) trombonist Slide Hampton, saxophonist James Moody, bassist Paul West and trumpeter Jon Faddis. (Photo: Mark Sadan)

Joining a rhythm section of pianist Mike Longo, bassist Paul West and drummer Al Harewood for the all-star 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 Bahá’í 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, “We’re all the leaves of one branch and drops of one ocean. Mike is my 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 Down-beat jazz critics’ poll who toured with Dizzy from 1963-69. 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 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 Bahá’í 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’l-Bahá’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 that all but reinvented 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 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 musicians, it was for the beloved guest of honor whose absence was deeply felt by everyone.

‘Welcome to the second Bahá’í World Congress!’ (Photo: Scot Corrie) [Page 30]Members of the audience... ...enjoy music by the World Congress Choir and Orchestra.

REACTIONS

Tears of joy, wonder, awe and gratitude

By JOAN RANKIN

The queues wound around poles, down corridors, through doors as the friends at the Bahá’í World Congress in New York City registered, exchanged ticket vouchers, visited exhibits.

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.”

“It’s unbelievable that I can attend,” said Marilyn Lee of East Malaysia, a Bahá’í since 1975. “It’s like a dream, all the faces, the music. I feel as if I’m living in a 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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: “It is the spirit of unity that is most impressive,” she said. “The procession of the countries on the first day was most memorable. People from smaller communities can see that everything is so much bigger, and what we do at home is important.”

Autumn, who grew up in a Bahá’í 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 early believers have been made real to us; we can see their struggles. This Congress displays the best aspects of Bahá’í life: high standards, splendid organization, wonderful spirituality.”

Shidan Hemmat, a 13-year-old Bahá’í from Venezuela, and his mother, Kathy Hemmat, a Bahá’í for 24 years, expressed similar perceptions: “Sharing the experience with our fellow Bahá’ís in growing closer to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá through hearing His voice, seeing Him move in the film, hearing the stories told by those who were in His presence...this has been most wonderful.”

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

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

Oleg Korneichev, a Bahá’í from Arkhangel, Russia, who had come to New York with the help of Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís 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 Rúhíyyih Khánum 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. It is happening!” “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.”

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[Page 31]

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

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

BY ELIZABETH ANDERSON

The musical and dramatic talent at the second Bahá’í 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 world-renowned artists as soprano Benita Valente, Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í World Congress Choir and 21-year-old Bahá’í 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 West; and drummer Al Harewood.

The Bahá’í youth presented two evening performances at the Sheraton, Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The first, “To Walk in His Footsteps,” was a play about a young Bahá’í on a year of service to Latin America who dreams of meeting some of the early heroes and heroines 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 Bahá’ís from Shiraz, Iran.

The Bahá’í Gospel Choir, which performed Tuesday evening at the Ramada and Wednesday at the Waldorf-Astoria, 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.

“I felt there was a charge going through the audience,” she said. “Gospel music seems somehow to capture the spirit that rejuvenates all of us Bahá’ís. 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 Bahá’í community becomes a testing ground, and I want to go on because

of my love for

Bahá’u’lláh 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.

Photo: Laura Arthur Sometimes one couldn’t resist the urge to get up and dance to the music.

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 Missaghian, K.C. Porter and the World Congress Latin American Choir.

Approximately 1,000 filled the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria for Monday night’s entertainment. Zhu Ming Ying, who sings in 26 dialects and languages, has recorded several albums, one of which went gold.

She told her audience she was part of a Bahá’í 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.

Photo: Anthony Worley Singer Vic Damone entertains.

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

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, “If 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-Bahá 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’l-Bahá. 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 Grammer‎, Trace Dreyer, Wes Baker, Shokouh Rezai, Provost & Dube, Jamie Toth, Marty Kauslo and Farzaneh Moghimi.

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

Other Tuesday performers included Roland Ashby, the Atlanta Bahá’í 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 Garcia and his orchestra (with surprise guest Vic Damone), Sandy Simmons and Diane Varga.

See ENTERTAINMENT page 32 [Page 32]

Huqúqu’lláh

The third International Conference

By FORD BOWERS

On the eve of the second Bahá’í World Congress, the Trustee of the Huqúqu’lláh and Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá 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 Huqúqu’lláh at the World Center for the third International Huqúqu’lláh Conference.

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

In his keynote address, Dr. Varqá commented on the development of the institution of the Huqúq and the parallel development of the Faith around the world, marveling at the expansion of the institution from the appointment by Bahá’u’lláh of its second Trustee, Hájí Amín, to its present size of 300 deputies, representatives and assistants.

Pointing toward the goals that lie ahead for those involved in educating the believers about the Law of Huqúqu’lláh, Dr. Varqá read from a letter addressed to him by the Universal House of Justice:

“The primary need at this time, 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 Board of Trustees of Huqúqu’lláh in the U.S., said 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 awareness 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 Huqúqu’lláh.

Photo: Haynes McFadden Pictured are many of those who attended the Third International Huqúqu’lláh Conference in New York City.

Contributions rise

In reviewing national and regional reports on Huqúq 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 Huqúqu’lláh 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 Huqúqu’lláh has tripled from a year ago.

Presentations by Drs. Amín Banání, another member of the Board of Trustees in the U.S., and Shapoor Rassekh, a member of the Board of Trustees in Europe, on worldwide education in the Law of Huqúqu’lláh covered a wide range of topics with two of the more significant aspects being the future role of the Huqúq 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. Banání said it is the institution of Huqúqu’lláh 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 Huqúq would be a model for the future world order, a truly spiritual solution to economic problems since its observance 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. Varqá rose and presented to the gathering perhaps the best advice about how to carry out their tasks as representatives of the institution of Huqúqu’lláh: “To create love in the heart of the believer—that is the answer to the problem.”

Photo: Scot Corrie A part of the audience at the Third International Huqúqu’lláh Conference.

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., Ahdieh Pakravan, Susan Engle, Narges Fani, Nikki Gundry, George Davis and Susan Hegarty.

Photo: Joe Ferguson [Page 33]

‘MOVING’

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

By LAURIE B. ROSENFIELD

“Moving.” From every race and culture, the word used to describe the second Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 blessing, 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 experiences they had shared on Monday, partaking of the music and hearing the messages of greeting from the Universal House of Justice and others.

A Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh.”

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 “micro-cosm” 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 Bahá”—hundreds of Bahá’ís, 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-Bahá’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 visitors 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 Bahá’í from the United Kingdom.

The ‘Abdu’l-Bahá “Mission to America” pavilion was “very beautiful,” said a woman from the Netherlands, “especially the last room with the flowers. The voice of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was quite disarming.”

A Persian Bahá’í 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.

After the final session on Thursday that included greetings via satellite from Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís in 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 Bahá’ís.

This writer, whose livelihood is based upon the English language, does not have the words either.

Checking the day’s schedule of events. [Page 34]

Long-distance runners

Putting on the World Congress satellite broadcast was literally an around-the-clock endeavor

By ROBERT GUNTHER

We have four hours to do a three-day job,” said Tom Howe, a senior producer of the Bahá’í 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 begin.

“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 Congress,” Mr. Nolley said. “They say it’s a model of organization, 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 broadcast staff was nearly all-volunteer—more than 80 Bahá’í professionals from Australia, 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 K. Javits Convention Center to editors who poured through hundreds of hours of footage at the six viewing and editing rooms in a suite at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Gary Bulkin, a Bahá’í 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-Bahá pavilion in the Hilton Hotel, then spent the entire night Tuesday editing and dubbing those tapes into a five-minute segment for broadcast.

“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 a headache, 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 Bahá’í from Chicago who was helping with logistics at the Congress, found herself drafted into the recording studio to do the voice-over of a translation into English of remarks by a Spanish-language visitor to the ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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.

“It is a very beautiful relationship with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” she read. “At every moment we can extend our hand and say, take my hand, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 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, “but with a little more feeling.”

“All of this is done with state-of-the-art technology,” said Boyd Staszewski, one of Mr. Nolley’s assistants at Bahá’í 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.

“It really demonstrates the power of unity,” he added. “It was not because of our experience or professionalism [that we were able to accomplish this], but because the power of unity overcame every obstacle.”

Technicians backstage control programming for the audience at Javits.

Congress communications network affords ‘instant access’

Among the ‎most of most‎ specialized services required for an event such as the second Bahá’í World Congress was that of a communications 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. ‎coverage {{{2}}}‎ of the Congress by WLGI Radio Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís 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. It was very satisfying to see it all come together.”—Juliette Soderberg

Bahá’í artist’s exhibit at New York gallery proclaims Faith during World Congress

Perfectly timed to coincide with the second World Congress, Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís who saw the exhibit was the subtle way in which Mr. Hatke uses his art to bring to public notice aspects of the Bahá’í Revelation.

In his paintings of rooms, for example, he will discreetly paint on a wall a framed picture with Bahá’í significance: the Shrine of the Báb, the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, or perhaps a “tree of life” under which is printed “1844-1863,” or one of several Bahá’í 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, is a former member of the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í from Ossining, New York, were held at Niekrug Photographic Ltd. and the New York City Bahá’í Center, respectively. [Page 35]

Pavilion recalls ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s historic ‘Mission to America’

FROM PAGE 1

turning many times during the course of His visit.

His mission 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 Bahá’í community.

“The ballrooms were chosen specifically for their period decor, which supports the era of 1912 that the pavilion celebrates,” said Mr. Kavelin. “The color scheme of the designed panels reflects the antique colors of the rooms.”

Media representatives and New York political and religious dignitaries toured the pavilion following a reception on Tuesday, November 24.

Invitees to the reception were addressed by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum who greeted them as a 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.

The 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-Bahá 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 headlines and articles from newspapers of the time heralding the visit by the “Persian sage” Who was the leader of the little-known Bahá’í Faith.

Room Two carried the theme forward with quotations from the Bahá’í writings on the station of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 a limitless 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-Bahá 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-Bahá’s “Prayer for the City of New York,” a prayer which sealed that metropolis’s position as the City of the Covenant.

Moving to Room Three, visitors feasted their eyes on panel after panel detailing Bahá’í principles and chronicling ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’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 about us at the world and lay hold on whatsoever will further civilization and the arts of living.”

Historic photographs of gatherings held in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’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 displays depicting the struggle for social justice in America; scenes from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s train travels to 23 American cities; His laying of the foundation stone of the first Bahá’í 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 Covenant,” 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’l-Bahá cautioned must be accompanied by spiritual growth for lives to be truly transformed and a lasting peace brought about.

In Room Five the almost overwhelming spiritual experience 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 centerpiece around which visitors gathered to hear recorded passages from the Bahá’í writings concerning ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. On a small pedestal in the center of the room were a táj [head-dress] 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 Bahá’í prayer in Persian.

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum echoed the feelings of many who visited the magnificent pavilion when she said: “The presentation of the Faith has reached a new level of excellence.”

Photo: Scot Corrie Large crowds were the order of the day at the ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Mission to America Pavilion in the Hilton Hotel. About a thousand people an hour came to view the five-room pavilion with its exhibits recalling the Master’s visit to North America in 1912.

Photo: Laura Arthur Visitors admire displays in the ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Mission to America Pavilion.

Photo: Laura Arthur ‘Juliet Thompson’ (Susan Hegarty) prepares to paint a portrait of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Miss Hegarty and three other actors—Nikki Gundry (playing Lua Getsinger), George Davis (Louis Gregory) and Philip Hinton (Howard MacNutt)—presented a well-received dramatic skit at a session of the Congress. [Page 36]

People

The heart and soul of the Congress could be seen in their smiling faces

By ELIZABETH ANDERSON

Feathers, silks, tattoos, furs, beads, lace: ceremonial dress from more than 180 countries and ethnic groups 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 Bahá’í 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 Procession 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 gathering in ever-increasing numbers.

It was as if viewers and viewees had already caught the essence of the message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the world three days prior to its release on the last day of the World Congress: "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."

Elaborate feather headdresses adorned the male representatives of the tribes of North America and Papua New Guinea.

The procession included representatives of such faraway lands as Armenia, Bophuthatswana, Brunei, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, the Leeward Islands, Eastern Caroline Islands, Fiji Islands, 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 procession included the Tlingit Indians of Alaska, aboriginal Australians, Creoles of Belize, the Quechua-speaking Indians of Bolivia, the ‎Nu-cha Nulth Nuu-chah-nulth‎ Indians of Canada, the Mapuche tribe of Chile, the ‎Cobecar Cabécar‎ Indians of Costa Rica, Eritrean peoples of Ethiopia, the Basques of France, the Maori of New Zealand, the ‎Ashkabam Ashkhabad‎ of Russia, the Hopi Indians of North America, ‎Afrikaaners Afrikaners‎ and the Xhosa tribe of South Africa, and the Catalonians of Spain.

Present at the World Congress were Bahá’ís 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 Congress.

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 Motswanan ethnic background, had served as lady-in-waiting 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 country.

Counselor Zena Sorabjee of India is founder of the ‎Baha’i Bahá’í‎ Vocational Institute for Rural Women. As one of the featured speakers at the final general session, Mrs. Sorabjee spoke of the progress made in remote villages:

"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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’í de Panama.

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 Institute‎ of Draftsmen. Dr. Johan P. Hammes, awarded the Surgeon General’s Commendation Certificate for his work in combatting a tuberculosis epidemic in South Africa, has translated some Bahá’í Writings into Afrikaans.

From England came Norman Bailey, a bass-baritone 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 Bahá’u’lláh.

Congress participants included two Bahá’ís from Bangladesh and 232 from Malaysia, according to Mariamnah ‎Subramaniz Subramaniam‎, a Malaysian pioneer to Bangladesh.

Also attending the Congress were 168 Bahá’ís from Japan ranging in age from 16 to 82. Thirty Bahá’ís 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’s ambassadors to the United Nations at their headquarters in New York.

Photo: Jens von Krogh Photo: Scot Corrie Photo: Scot Corrie Photo: Scot Corrie Red Grammer. [Page 37]A fond look backward to the ‘Jubilee’

London 1963: The first World Congress

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

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

The Crusade had fulfilled the goal set for it by the Guardian when he called for Bahá’í history to “move rapidly and majestically as it has never moved before since the inception of the Faith over a century ago.” The decade witnessed unprecedented achievements as 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 Bahá’u’lláh’s Christ-promised Kingdom on earth, swelling thereby the chorus of universal jubilation wherein earth and heaven will join, as prophesied by Daniel, echoed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: ‘on that day will the faithful rejoice with exceeding gladness.’”

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

Though painfully aware of Shoghi Effendi’s absence, the friends were heartened to see the evidences of his continued guidance in the wonderful victories that were achieved in the last years of the Crusade. A great deal of the credit was due to the selfless and heroic labors of the Hands of the Cause of God, who, through whole-hearted 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 assistance was the presentation during the World Congress of the members of the newly-formed Universal House of Justice, ordained by Bahá’u’lláh as the supreme administrative institution of His World Order. The formation of the House of Justice re-established the line of continuing, infallible guidance that the Cause had enjoyed until the 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 Tarazu’lláh‎ Samandari, who shared with the Bahá’ís some of his personal reminiscences of Bahá’u’lláh. Others of the Hands of the Cause who spoke included Hasan Balyuzi, A.Q. Faizi, ‘Ali-Akbar Furutan, Ugo Giachery, Paul Haney, Zikrullah Khadem, Rahmatullah Muhajir, Enoch Olinga, John Robarts and William Sears.

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

As the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh and a colorful representation of believers stood onstage behind her, she told of some of the great achievements of his 36-year ministry. And she shared, as she was uniquely qualified to do, her memories of the Guardian’s personality and daily life, thereby increasing the appreciation of the friends for his sacrifices, 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 Bahá’í World Congress instilled in veteran believers and the newly-enrolled alike a new vitality and a greater appreciation of the glory of God’s Cause. The friends 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 Congresses, upon the dramatic changes that took place both within and without the Bahá’í community.

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

The second Bahá’í World Congress, like the first, was a centenary celebration, taking place at the end of an historic teaching plan. The Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant will open the way for victories more glorious than any we have known before.

London’s Royal Albert Hall, site of the first Bahá’í World Congress in 1963.

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 their hearts to be free and detached. Illumine 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 Bahá‎ may prosper and New York be favoured with blessings from the ‎Abha Abhá‎ 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-Bahá

[Page 38]

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 Bahá’u’lláh
• Full-color frontispiece of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, with a vellum overlay stating that this edition has been published for the Bahá’í World Congress
• Two-color printing throughout
• Gold-Gilt edges, and a satin ribbon

Call to Remembrance: Connecting the Heart to Bahá’u’lláh Compiled by ‎Geoffry Geoffrey‎ W. Marks HC $20.00

A compilation of extracts primarily from Bahá’u’lláh’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 Bahá’u’lláh’s ascension. By bringing together passages not found together elsewhere and telling the story of His life mostly in His words, the book gives a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity not found in traditional biographies and histories. For seekers and Bahá’ís the book is an excellent introduction to the subtleties and sublimities of Bahá’u’lláh’s life. It is also a valuable resource for drawing closer to Bahá’u’lláh’s will and purpose and gaining a view of His life that will lead to what the Universal House of Justice 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 Bahá, 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 self-subsisting.’"

308 pp., preface, references, events in the life of Bahá’u’lláh, glossary, bibliography

Transform My Spirit by Bahá’u’lláh SC $7.00

A selection of twenty prayers of Bahá’u’lláh in English, Spanish, and French compiled especially for the Holy Year to help Bahá’ís recommit themselves to duty, and revitalize their energy for teaching. The prayer book is organized around an entire day devoted to prayer and meditation on Bahá’u’lláh and His Covenant. Morning prayers about depending on God and developing one’s spiritual nature are followed by prayers for help in teaching and reaching 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 three obligatory prayers.

Published to commemorate the centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s ascension and the inauguration of His Covenant, Transform My Spirit is one of the commemorative items sold at the World Congress. It is an excellent resource for personal devotions and can help Bahá’ís fulfill their pledge to the Covenant by reciting the verses of God in the morning and evening. It is also an appropriate gift for seekers, for it offers an excellent sampling of general prayers. One World Congress attendee who bought the prayer book for herself returned the next day to buy five more copies, saying, "The prayers are general enough that I can give the book to friends and family who are not Bahá’ís."

9-1/4" x 7-1/4", 73pp., contents Bahá’í Publishing Trust U.S.

Children’s Commemorative Poster $5.00

Order now through the Bahá’í Distribution Service • 1-800-999-9019 [Page 39]The Bahá’ís, Magazine Bahá’í International Community Office of Public Information SC $2.25

Like nothing ever produced on the Faith, The Bahá’ís is an inexpensive but comprehensive and highly readable 80-page magazine-style booklet conveying the teachings, history, and present-day activities of the worldwide Bahá’í Community. Produced by the Bahá’í International Community’s Office of Public Information, The Bahá’ís is written in an informative, non-proselytizing style, and makes extensive use of color photographs, graphic charts, time-lines and maps to give a panoramic overview of the Faith’s dramatic progress and its relevance to today’s major global issues. It is ideal for almost any kind of teaching work, and is especially suitable for presentation to local officials, journalists, and other prominent people who need complete but concise information about the Faith.

8-1/2" x 11", 80pp.

Produced by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom

Videotapes

World Congress Commemorative Video VT $22.00

Three short video segments which were shown during the main program of the Bahá’í 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 1912‎. It explains the significance of the Master’s many activities in the City of the Covenant, emphasizing how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s talks and statements, made so early in the 20th Century in New York, relate directly to the principal challenges which lay before the Bahá’í Community and the entire world. The second video, “The Victories of the Covenant,” highlights the tremendous victories of the Bahá’í Community following the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. It recounts briefly and vividly how obedience and reliance on Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant have generated ‎and an‎ accumulating series of achievements from 1921 through 1992. The third video, “Humanity’s Encounter with Bahá’u’lláh,” looks at the current convergence of the destiny of humanity with the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh. It looks to the future as more people throughout the world come to see in Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation the answers to ‎toady’s today’s‎ and the coming century’s most pressing challenges.

39 minutes

The Prisoner of Akka VT $32.00

The Holy Year has provided the occasion for a remarkable collaboration between the Bahá’í International Community and professional film-makers. BIC’s Office of Public Information challenged producers Faramarz Ettehadieh and Klaus Lintschinger to ‎condiser consider‎ developing a documentary film that could truly “emblazon the name of Bahá’u’lláh across the globe.” The team was delighted when Robert Guenette, ‎and an‎ 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.

28 minutes

Martin Luther King Day January 18, 1993

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[Page 40]صحنه حضور یافتند. جناب فروتن از بختیاری خود سخن گفت که توانسته است در دومین کنگرة جهانی نیز شرکت جوید و آرزو کرد چند صباحی بیشتر رخصت یابد تا نتایج کنگرة جهانی را بتواند به چشم ببیند. جناب ورقاء از اوضاع جهان در زمان سفر حضرت عبدالبهاء به آمریکا سخن به میان آورد و پیشرفت‌های چشمگیر امر مبارك را از زمان نخستین کنگرة جهانی در سال ۱۹۶۳ برشمرد و یاران را تشویق کرد که به انتشار امر مبارك همت بگمارند. امة‌البهاء اشاره کرد که در نیویورك به دنیا آمده است و پیش‌بینی نمود که نتایج کنگرة جهانی در سراسر جهان پدیدار خواهد شد. همچنین حضرت خانم بیاناتی دربارة حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله ایراد فرمود که دل و جان حاضران را سرشار از محبت و گرمی نمود. دوستان حاضر در جلسه از گفتار حضرات ایادی امرالله شور و نشوری تازه یافتند و با خواندن آواز جلسات روز سوم را به انتها رساندند.

"رو در روئی آیندة جهان با امر حضرت بهاءالله"

پیش از آغاز آخرین جلسة کنگرة جهانی پیام درود و خوش آمد فرماندار ایالت نیویورك قرائت گردید. در آن پیام آمده بود که همگان می‌توانند از پیام اصلی امر بهاءالله که می‌آموزد که تنها يك نژاد در جهان موجود است و آن نژاد انسان است، درس بگیرند.

پس از تلاوت دعا و مناجات صحنة کنگرة جهانی در انتظار مهم‌ترین رویدادهای کنگره بود. پیام‌های درود و تهنیت با ماهواره از ۹ نقطة جهان به طور زنده پخش شد. این نقاط عبارت بود از: ساموآی غربی، بوئنس آیرس، دهلی نو، مسکو، نایروبی، پاناما، سنگاپور، سیدنی و آخرین پیام از جامعة بهائی ایران بود که توسط یکی از مشاورین قارة‌ای حاضر در کنگره خوانده شد. (متن پیام در شمارة بعد درج خواهد شد.) این پیام‌ها نیز سبب شد که حاضران اشك شوق و شادی بر چهره روان سازند.

سپس فیلمی که شامل قسمت‌هایی از مراسم بزرگداشت صدمین سال صعود حضرت بهاءالله در ارض اقدس بود، به نمایش گذاشته شد و آنگاه مشاور قاره‌ای، خانم ژنا سهرابجی دربارة موضوع آن روز سخنانی ایراد کرد.

پس از سخنرانی مذکور خاطر حاضران در کنگرة جهانی و دیگر احبائی که در نقاط گوناگون جهان گرد هم آمده بودند، متوجه ارض اقدس شد. در محل کنگره بر صفحه‌های بزرگ تلویزیونی و در دیگر نقاط از طریق ماهواره یاران اعضای بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی را دیدند که هر يك در محل خود جای گرفتند و سپس جناب دیوید روح پیام معهد اعلی را خطاب به بهائیان جهان قرائت نمود. (ترجمة این پیام در شمارة آیندة درج خواهد شد.)

پس از پیام معهد اعلی امة‌البهاء روحیه خانم در پشت میز خطابه‌ای جای گرفت و یاران را تشویق کرد که فرصت را غنیمت شمرند. حضرت خانم تاکید کرد که پیام حضرت بهاءالله برای سعادت مردم جهان نازل شده است و باید این پیام را با خوشروئی با مردمان در میان نهاد. جلسة نهائی با تلاوت مناجاتی که حضرت عبدالبهاء به افتخار شهر نیویورک صادر فرموده اند، و با آواز دسته جمعی گروه خوانندگان پایان پذیرفت.

نمایشگاه "رسالت حضرت عبدالبهاء در نیویورك"

در سالن اول حال و هوای نیویورک در سال ۱۹۱۲ احساس می‌شد. عکس بزرگی از حضرت عبدالبهاء به همراه یکی از بیانات مبارک در آن به چشم می‌خورد. عکس برجسته‌ای از نیویورک بر دیوار بود و بریده‌های بزرگ شده‌ای از عناوین گوناگون مطبوعات در رابطه با سفر حضرت عبدالبهاء در آن سالن نصب شده بود. در سالن دوم بیاناتی از آثار مبارکة امری دربارة مقام حضرت عبدالبهاء و نیروی عهد و پیمان دیده می‌شد. دیدار کنندگان یادآوری می‌شدند که در ۱۹ جون سال ۱۹۱۲ در شهر نیویورک بود که حضرت عبدالبهاء مقام خود را بعنوان مرکز عهد و میثاق اعلان فرمودند. در سالن سوم بر دیوارهای مختلف تعالیم بهائی نقش بسته بود و شرح سفر حضرت عبدالبهاء به ترتیب تاریخی رقم خورده بود. عکس‌های تاریخی گوناگونی از مرکز میثاق و احیای اولیه امریکای شمالی در این سالن قرار داشت. در سالن چهارم يك برنامة ویدیوئی به مدت ده دقیقه به نمایش گذاشته می‌شد که موضوعش "مدينة میثاق" بود. سالن پنجم محل تجربه‌ای روحانی بود. در وسط دایره‌ای بزرگ مقداری گل گذاشته شده بود که دیدارکنندگان در گرد آن جمع می‌شدند تا به نوار صوتی فقراتی از آثار بهائی دربارة حضرت عبدالبهاء گوش فرادهند. در پایان این نوار صوت حضرت عبدالبهاء در حال تلاوت مناجاتی به زبان فارسی شنیده می‌شد.

به کوشش دو تن از هنرمندان و دانشمندان بهائی نمایشگاهی از عکس‌های مربوط به سفر حضرت عبدالبهاء به امریکا تحت عنوان "رسالت حضرت عبدالبهاء در امریکا" تهیه شده بود. این نمایشگاه در ۵ سالن بزرگ در هتل هیلتون نیویورک ترتیب داده شده بود و در هر ساعت نزدیك به ۱۰۰۰ نفر از آن دیدار می‌کردند.

برنامه‌های جنبی کنگره

علاوه بر جلسات عمومی کنگره تعداد قابل ملاحظه‌ای برنامه‌های جنبی نیز ترتیب داده شده بود که مورد استقبال شرکت‌کنندگان قرار گرفت. از آن جمله:

— مهندس فریبرز صهبا، مدیر پروژة ساختمان‌های قوس برنامة سمعی بصری ویژه‌ای برای آشنا ساختن شرکت‌کنندگان در کنگره با چند و چون بناهای قوس ارائه داد.

— شب قبل از آغاز رسمی کنگرة جهانی ایادی امرالله و امین حقوق‌الله جناب علیمحمد ورقاء جلسه‌ای با حضور هیئت امنای حقوق‌الله در سراسر جهان ترتیب دادند.

— بعد از ظهر روز یکشنبه ۲۲ نوامبر کنسرتی حاوی موسیقی كلاسيك با شرکت جمعی از هنرمندان بهائی و غیربهائی برای بزرگداشت کنگرة جهانی در تالار کارنگی برگزار شد.

— عصر روز ۲۶ نوامبر کنسرت موسیقی جاز به افتخار یکی از احیاء که از جمله پرآوازه ترین نوازندگان شیپور است، آقای دیزی گیلسپی Dizzy Gillespie، توسط چند نوازندة موسیقی جاز در همان سالن برگزار گردید.

انجمن ادب و فرهنگ ایرانی

PERSIAN ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION

در شماره‌های پیشین این نشریه به آگاهی دوستان رسیده است که سومین کنفرانس انجمن ادب و فرهنگ ایرانی از غروب روز پنجشنبه اول ماه اپریل تا ظهر یکشنبه ۴ اپریل در سالن اجتماعات دوبز Dubose در شهر مانت ایگل Monteagle در ایالت تنسی تشکیل خواهد شد. نزدیك‌ترین فرودگاه‌های آن منطقه در شهرهای چاتانوگا Chattanooga و نشویل Nashville قرار دارد. نشانی محل کنفرانس بدین قرار است:

Dubose Episcopal ‎Conferrence Conference‎ Center Monteagle, TN. 37356

این مرکز دارای اتاق‌های خصوصی و همچنین خوابگاه‌های چندنفری است. قیمت اتاق به قرار زیر است: — اتاق‌های خصوصی در Bishops’ Hall يك تا چهار نفر ۵۰ دلار — اتاق‌های خوابگاهی در Claiborn Hall يك نفر شبی ۱۷ دلار دو نفر شبی ۲۴ دلار

با مسئولان محل کنفرانس موافقت شده است که همة شرکت‌کنندگان در محل کنفرانس اقامت نمایند و در همانجا غذا میل فرمایند. به این ترتیب سالن جلسات عمومی و اتاق‌های لازم برای جلسات فرعی به رایگان در اختیار انجمن قرار خواهد گرفت. قیمت سه وعده غذا برای هر نفر در هر روز ۲۱ دلار خواهد بود.

از دوستانی که مایل به شرکت در کنفرانس انجمن ادب و هنر باشند، تقاضا می‌شود فرم زیر را تکمیل فرمایند و همراه با وجه نام‌نویسی و کرایة شب اول در وجه Bahá’í National Fund به دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/امریکایی به نشانی زیر ارسال دارند:

Persian/American Affairs Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL. 60091

برگ ثبت نام کنفرانس انجمن ادب و فرهنگ ایرانی
نام و نام خانوادگی: __________________________________	نشانی: _____________________________________________
شماره تلفن: (کار) __________________________________	(منزل) _____________________________________________
نام دیگر شرکت‌کنندگان:
۱- _________________________________________________	۲- _________________________________________________
۳- _________________________________________________	۴- _________________________________________________
۵- _________________________________________________	۶- _________________________________________________
نوع اتاق مورد تقاضا: ( ) خصوصی يك نفره	( ) خصوصی دو‌نفره
( ) خوابگاه يك نفره	( ) خوابگاه دو‌نفره
وجه ثبت نام:	تاریخ ورود:
( ) یکنفر ۱۵ دلار	( ) خانوادة دو نفری ۲۰ دلار ( ) خانوادة سه نفری به بالا ۲۵ دلار
مبلغ ضمیمه: ________________________________________	شمارة چك پرداختی: __________________________________

[Page 41]

دومین کنگره جهانی بهائی

SECOND BAHÁ’Í WORLD CONGRESS

دومین کنگره جهانی بهائی از ۲۳ تا ۲۶ نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۲ در مرکز جاویتس در شهر نیویورک برگزار گردید. دو هدف اصلی از تشکیل این کنگره عبارت بود از بزرگداشت صدمین سال صعود حضرت بهاءالله و تجلیل صدمین سال اعلان و آغاز عهد و پیمان.

کنگره جهانی از لحاظ تعداد شرکت‌کنندگان و تنوع نژادهای آنان اجتماعی منحصر به فرد و نمودار گسترش انتشار امر مبارک در سراسر جهان بود. در ۴ روز متوالی نزدیک به ۳۰ هزار نفر از اهل بهاء از ۱۸۰ کشور و سرزمین گوناگون جهان شاهد گویایی بر ظهور مظهر کلی الهی در این دوره از تاریخ بشری بودند.

هر چند جای یاران ایران در کنگره جهانی آشکارا خالی بود، با این حال شرکت‌کنندگان سختی‌های احبای مهد امر الهی را در مد نظر داشتند و از فداکاری و جانبازی آنان درس گذشت و ایثار می‌آموختند و به خوبی آگاه بودند که خروج اخیر امر مبارک از مرحله مجهولیت در وهله اول در گرو خدمات و زحمات آن پاکبازان سرافراز بوده است.

افتتاح کنگره جهانی همزمان با انتشار گزارش نماینده ویژه سازمان ملل متحد در ایران بود. در گزارش نماینده مذکور مدارکی نقل شده که حاکی از شروع موج تازه‌ای از تبعیضات رسمی علیه بزرگ‌ترین اقلیت دینی آن کشور است و نسل کاملی از بهائیان را در جمهوری اسلامی در بر می‌گیرد.

به رغم تضییقات جامعه بهائی ایران، جامعه جهانی بهائی بی وقفه به پیش می‌رود و گسترش روز افزون می‌یابد و سهم بزرگ‌تری در اداره امور جهان بر عهده می‌گیرد و در دیده مردم جهان از احترام بیشتری برخوردار می‌شود.

از سوی ریاست جمهوری ایالات متحده آمریکا و فرماندار ایالت نیویورک و ایالت آلاسکا پیام‌های خوش‌آمدی به کنگره جهانی ارسال گردیده بود. شهردار نیویورک نیز شخصاً در کنگره جهانی حضور یافت و بهائیان را خوش آمد گفت.

هر سه نفر ایادی عزیز امرالله امة البهاء، روحیه خانم و جناب علی‌اکبر فروتن و جناب علی‌محمد ورقا، و نیز عضو سابق بیت العدل اعظم الهی جناب دیوید هافمن در کنگره جهانی حاضر بودند.

جلسات عمومی

مهم‌ترین قسمت کنگره جهانی ۴ جلسه عمومی آن بود که آمیزه‌ای از تلاوت دعا و الواح و برنامه‌های موسیقی و سمعی بصری و نمایش و نطق بود. برنامه هر یک از این جلسات هماهنگی ویژه‌ای داشت و در عین حال که با یکدیگر متفاوت بود، بر محور نیروی عهد و پیمان استوار شده بود.

جلسات عمومی همگی در مرکز جاویتس تشکیل می‌شد. این مرکز بزرگ‌ترین محل اجتماعات در شهر نیویورک است. سالن اصلی مرکز جاویتس به بزرگی ۵ زمین بازی فوتبال است. با این حال فقط نیمی از شرکت‌کنندگان در کنگره جهانی می‌توانستند در آن سالن گرد هم آیند. بدین دلیل لازم بود که در هر روز ۲ جلسه همسان، یکی پیش از ظهر و دیگری بعد از ظهر با برنامه‌هایی همانند تشکیل گردد. خلاصه‌ای از رویدادهای این جلسات عمومی — برنامه‌های پیش از ظهر — برای آگاهی یاران در زیر درج می‌شود:

روز اول

"حضرت بهاءالله موعود همه اعصار"

بیش از ۱۳ هزار نفر در سالن اصلی مرکز جاویتس حاضر بودند. روشنایی چراغ‌ها اندک اندک کم‌تر می‌شد و چشم‌ها به صحنه دوخته شده بود که بر آن ۴۰۰ نفر اعضای گروه خوانندگان بین‌المللی و ارکستری مرکب از ۷۰ نوازنده قرار داشتند. ۴ صفحه بزرگ تلویزیونی در پشت گروه خوانندگان نصب شده بود.

برنامه با پیام خوش‌آمد ریاست جمهوری ایالات متحده که توسط جناب جیمز نلسون، رئیس محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده خوانده شد، آغاز گردید. سپس جناب نلسون مهمان ویژه آن جلسه را که شهردار نیویورک آقای دیوید دینکینز بود، معرفی کرد. آقای شهردار حضور یاران را در نیویورک خوش‌آمد گفت و طی بیانیه‌ای روز ۲۳ نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۲ را بعنوان "روز کنگره جهانی بهائی" اعلام نمود.

سپس مناجات‌هایی به زبان‌های فارسی و انگلیسی و اسپانیولی و مانگی خوانده شد و آنگاه جناب نلسون امة البهاء، روحیه خانم را بعنوان نماینده بیت العدل اعظم الهی معرفی کرد. حضرت خانم درود گرم معهد اعلی را به حاضران ابلاغ نمود و سپس پیام صادر از بیت العدل اعظم را قرائت فرمود. (ترجمه کامل پیام‌های بیت العدل اعظم در شماره بعدی این نشریه درج خواهد شد.)

پس از قرائت پیام معهد اعلی يك اوراتوریو oratorio (برنامه موسیقی همراه با قرائت برگزیده‌هایی از آثار مبارک) که به مناسبت کنگره جهانی تهیه شده بود، توسط ‎دکمه‌کنندگان دکلمه‌کنندگان‎ و ارکستر و گروه خوانندگان اجرا شد. این برنامه چنان تأثیری در شنوندگان داشت که بسیاری اشك شوق بر دیده راندند و پس از پایان آن به پا خاستند و مدت درازی تهیه کنندگان و مجریان را تشویق کردند.

شور و اشتیاقی که در شرکت‌کنندگان ایجاد شده بود با هدیه‌ای از جانب بهائیان ایران افزایش بیشتر یافت. خانم سین مین چیو Sein Mien Chew یکی از اعضای محفل روحانی ملی هنگ‌کنگ سختی‌های کنونی یاران ایران را یادآور شد و اظهار داشت که چون احبای ایران از اهمیت کنگره جهانی به خوبی آگاهی دارند، هدیه‌ای به همکیشان خود که در آن مجمع تاریخی حضور دارند، ارسال داشته‌اند. حاضران به پا خاستند و آنگاه دسته دسته گل بود که از جانب یاران جامعه بهائی ایران وارد صحنه می‌شد و در جلوی میز خطابه قرار می‌گرفت. در حالی که بسیاری از یاران آشکارا می‌گریستند، پیام یاران ایران خطاب به شرکت‌کنندگان در کنگره جهانی خوانده می‌شد.

آنگاه جناب دیوید هافمن نطقی درباره عنوان آن روز "حضرت بهاءالله موعود همه اعصار" ایراد نمود.

سپس يك برنامه کوتاه موسیقی اجرا شد و پس از آن آخرین برنامه آن روز اجراء شد که گروه پیمان نام داشت. در این برنامه بیش از ۲۰۰ تن از احباء از هر گوشه جهان شرکت داشتند. هر يك از اینان در حالی که لباس بومی و محلی خود را بر در داشتند قسمت عقب سالن تا قسمت جلوی آن را پیمودند تا به صحنه اصلی رسیدند و صف به صف ایستادند و حاضران فریاد شور و شوقشان را نثار آنان ساختند.

روز دوم

"پیمان ایزدی و سرکار آقا"

برنامه روز دوم با خواندن آوازهایی به زبان فارسی و انگلیسی در ستایش حضرت عبدالبهاء، و تلاوت مناجات به ۴ زبان آغاز شد. سپس دکتر امین بنانی ۵ تن از افرادی را که افتخار ملاقات با حضرت عبدالبهاء را داشتند به صحنه فرا خواند. هر يك از این یادگاران عهد میثاق خاطراتی را که در ذهنشان از حضرت عبدالبهاء باقی مانده بود بازگفتند. بعد از این برنامه گروه خوانندگان سروده معروف "دستم بگیر عبدالبهاء" را با نوایی زیبا خواندند.

پس از خاتمه این برنامه، نمایشی با عنوان "۴ تن از نخستین مؤمنان امر [در آمریکا] اجرا شد. این ۴ تن عبارت بودند از جولیت تامسن Juliet Thompson، لوا گتسینگر Lua Getsinger، هاوارد مكنات Howard McNutt و لوئیس گریگوری Louis Gregory. این نمایش که با مهارت تام مجریان آن اجرا شد، جنبه‌هائی از زندگی حضرت عبدالبهاء، و آن ۴ مؤمنی را که زندگی خود را وقف خدمت به حضرت مولی‌الوری کرده بودند، آشکار می‌ساخت. این برنامه حاضران را به شدت تحت تأثیر قرار داد.

بعد از نمایش فوق يك برنامه موسیقی توسط گروه خوانندگان و خواننده تکی اجرا شد و سپس يك برنامه ویدیوئی با عنوان "مدینه میثاق" ارائه گردید. این برنامه به ترتیب تاریخی نکات مهم فعالیت‌های تبلیغی حضرت عبدالبهاء را در نیویورک بر می‌شمرد و به برخی از مسائل اجتماعی آمریکا در آغاز سده کنونی اشاره می‌کرد، بعضی از این مسائل عبارت بود از موقعیت زنان و تعصبات نژادی و صلح عمومی و عدالت اقتصادی.

نطق جلسه عمومی در روز دوم توسط دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده ایراد شد. عنوان نطق "حضرت عبدالبهاء مرکز عهد و میثاق حضرت بهاءالله" بود. دکتر کاظم‌زاده دو موضوع جانشینی مظاهر امر و تبیین کتب مقدسه را در ادیان گذشته مورد بحث قرار داد و اظهار داشت که همه ادیان پیشین بر سر این دو موضوع فرقه فرقه شده‌اند، اما دیانت بهائی با تنصیص مرکز عهد مانع از ایجاد اختلاف در آئین الهی شده است.

پس از بیانات دکتر کاظم‌زاده فیلمی که از حضرت عبدالبهاء در زمان حضورشان در نیویورک در سال ۱۹۱۲ گرفته شده بود، نشان داده شد. این فیلم صامت فقط ۲ دقیقه ونیم به طول می‌انجامد و در مقایسه با فیلم‌های جدید از کیفیت خوبی نیز برخوردار نیست، با این حال شمه‌ای از نیرو و توان و گرمی و عظمت حضرت عبدالبهاء را نمودار می‌سازد. شرکت‌کنندگان پس از زیارت این فیلم اشتیاقی به شنیدن صوت مبارك داشتند و این اشتیاق با پخش نوار صوتی مرکز میثاق که خطابه معروف "‎موده باد مژده باد‎..." را ایراد می‌فرمودند، بر آورده شد. برنامه روز دوم با اجرای موسیقی توسط گروه خوانندگان و تلاوت زیارتنامه حضرت عبدالبهاء به زبان فرانسوی پایان پذیرفت.

روز سوم

"پیروزی‌های عهد و میثاق"

برنامه روز سوم با قرائت پیام تهنیتی از سوی فرماندار ایالت آلاسکا آغاز شد. پس از آنکه مناجات‌هایی به ۴ زبان تلاوت گردید، ۸ گروه خوانندگان محلی که بر روی صحنه قرار گرفته بودند با خواندن سرودهای بهائی به زبان‌های گوناگون روان دوستان را به اهتزاز آوردند. پس از این برنامه ۳ تن از احباء شواهدی از پیروزی‌های عهد و میثاق الهی در نقاط گوناگون جهان ارائه دادند و برنامه‌هایی چون سوادآموزی و کمک به بهبود وضع زنان و محیط زیست را بعنوان مثال یادآور حاضران شدند.

سپس يك برنامه ویدیوئی با عنوان "پیروزی‌های عهد و میثاق" ارائه شد و فهرست وار نمونه‌هایی از تحول و گسترش امر مبارك را با تاکید بر نقشه‌های گوناگونی که حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله طرح فرموده بودند، نشان داد. در خاتمه این فیلم از خدمات ایادی امرالله قدردانی شد و نام‌ها و عکس‌های هر يك از آنان — از زمان حضرت بهاءالله تا حال حاضر — به همراه نوای موسیقی نشان داده شد.

پس از برنامه فوق زمان آن فرارسید که حاضران مراتب قدردانی خود را نسبت به سه ایادی امرالله که در کنگره جهانی حضور داشتند، ابراز نمایند. امة البهاء روحیه خانم و جناب علی‌اکبر فروتن و جناب علی‌محمد ورقا در میان اظهار محبت و احترام شرکت‌کنندگان در [Page 42]

Roxanne Terrel, long-time pioneer to Taiwan, dies at age 49

Deeply mourn passing devoted self-sacrificing maidservant Bahá’u’lláh 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 family 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 visit to the World Center. She was 49 years old.

After her arrival in Taiwan, “her sacrificial services were such as to become known at the World Center and evoke letters of 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 really seems to understand the secret of suffering.”

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY

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

9: “Sacrifice” (Dr. Curt Russell), Louhelen Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

12-14: Illinois (Heartland) Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

19-21: Holy Year Conference, ‎August Augusta‎, 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 Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

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

26-28: Bahá’í Health and Human Services Conference, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

27: “Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings: Tablet to the World” (Rene Steiner), Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

MARCH

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

12-14: “The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Bahá’u’lláh’s Most Holy Book,” Eagle Institute Youth Series, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

20: “Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings: The Kitáb-i-Aqdas” (Dr. Juan Cole), Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

APRIL

16-18: Wisconsin Youth Retreat Weekend, Central Wisconsin Environmental Station, Stevens Point. Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

MAY

Pioneer Training Institute, Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

JUNE

Pioneer Training Institute, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

17-20: 17th annual Meeting of the Association for Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

Carrie Turner, Bahá’í who was named Handicapped Citizen of Year, dies at 91

Carrie Turner, a Bahá’í 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 recognition by the Urban League, Women’s Civic League, Tuskegee (Alabama) University, the United Appeal, and the Phyllis Wheatley Association.

Mrs. Turner traveled extensively in the U.S., Mexico and Europe, and loved to show pictures she had taken during her travels. When taking them, she asked her subjects to 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 a Holy 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, and a 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 Bahá’u’lláh, 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.

Arizona Bahá’í 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.

IN MEMORIAM

Bruce Beauchamp Reading, MI Date Unknown	Eileen Geschwindt Carrboro, NC August 11, 1992	Irene Nicholaison Spokane, WA October 9, 1992	T. Lane Skelton McKinleyville, CA July 1992
Mary Bromell Georgetown, SC Date Unknown	Kathryn Harris Fort Lauderdale, FL September 5, 1992	William Peele Windsor, NC Date Unknown	Josetta G. Staples Eliot, ME September 21, 1992
Paul Carton Elk River, MN Date Unknown	Mohtram Kousari Muncie, IN August 27, 1992	James Points At Him St. Francis, SD Date Unknown	Gregory Taylor Decatur, IL November 14, 1985
Annie Mae Coleman Rockford, IL November 5, 1992	Edgar Manassa Tuscaloosa, AL Date Unknown	Sylvester Prince Luther, OK Date Unknown	Paul White Milwaukee, WI November 5, 1992
Eston Conroy Hisle, SD 1992	Vivian D. Newman San Francisco, CA Date Unknown	Ezekiel Poitier Sr. Opa-Locka, FL October 31, 1992	Felix Wounded Head Mission, SD March 1992
Lorraine Freeman Albany, NY October 29, 1992

[Page 43]

World Congress: A triumph of love, unity, sacrifice

The Universal House of Justice, in its message of December 3 to the Bahá’ís of the world (see page 1), hailed the second Bahá’í World Congress as “a triumph of the spirit in which, on all continents, the friends in their magnificent diversity witnessed a solidarity of the Bahá’í world community at a level new to their experience.”

Fundamental to this triumph was the spirit 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 Bahá’ís from all over the world. It was truly a global effort, a dramatic and practical illustration that the Bahá’í 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-Bahá’ís, inspired by the lofty principles of the Faith, donated their talents as well.

Their experiences bore out the truth of a basic spiritual principle of the Faith, namely, that Bahá’u’lláh’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 Bahá’ís 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 Best-Beloved, Whose Ascension they [commemorated], had not suffered His life on earth in vain.”

The friends came

from all over the world

Photo: Jens von Krogh

Photo: Mark Sadan

to share their love for the Cause and to celebrate

Photo: Joe Ferguson

The Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh

[Page 44]

The second Bahá’í World Congress

Complete coverage begins on page 1

Photo: Laura Arthur

Photo: Joe Ferguson

Photo: Scot Corrie

Photo: Scot Corrie

Photo: Scot Corrie

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