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3 new National Spiritual Assemblies to be formed at Ridván

To the Bahá’ís of the World

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

We take great joy in announcing, consequent upon the changed situation in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and further to our message of November 26, 1991, the formation next Ridván of three additional Spiritual Assemblies in that vast area, as follows:

The Regional Spiritual Assembly of Ukraine, Bielarus and Moldova with its seat in Kiev.

The Regional Spiritual Assembly of Central Asia with its seat in Ashkabad, comprising the republics of Kazakhstan, Kirgizia, Tadzhikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Azerbaijan with its seat in Baku.

In accordance with these changes, the former Spiritual Assembly of the USSR with its seat in Moscow will become the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Russia, Georgia and Armenia.

Furthermore, with the recent official recognition of the Faith in Niger, the National Spiritual Assembly of that country will also be re-established, with its seat in Niamey.

Together with those recently announced, the number of Regional and National Spiritual Assemblies to be newly formed or re-established at Ridván 1992 amount to 12.

We are thrilled by such evidences of the extension of the institutions of Bahá’u’lláh’s administrative order at this crucial, concluding stage in the Six Year Plan. May the friends throughout the world, and particularly in the countries directly affected, derive fresh impetus from these developments, confident that every effort exerted to expand the base supporting the structure of these prospective institutions will bring untold victories at this fate-laden period in the life of the Bahá’í world community.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice January 7, 1992

The real treasury of man is his knowledge. Bahá’u’lláh

Bahá’í Faith MANKIND IS ONE

Riding in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade January 18 in Atlanta, Georgia, are (left to right) Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly; Carole Miller, the National Assembly's representative to the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission; and David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice. Behind the car, Bahá’ís carry a banner with the words 'Bahá’í Faith: Mankind Is One,' while the colorful Bahá’í float can be seen behind them. For an article and more photographs of the King Week activities, please turn to page 5. (Photo by Paul Vaughn)

The 6 year Plan

Through External Affairs work Carrying Bahá’u’lláh’s Message to the generality of mankind

This is the second in a four-part series outlining the achievements of the American Bahá’í community during the Six Year Plan. In Part 1 a discussion of the first major objective of the Plan was begun. This month we conclude our survey of the ways in which we have "carried the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind" with a review of our external affairs work, and examine how that work is closely related to the second objective of "greater involvement in the life of society." Part 3 will expand on this theme and and will also include a discussion of our efforts in social and economic development, improving Bahá’í education, and producing and distributing Bahá’í literature.

The "emergence from obscurity" of the Faith that characterized the Seven Year Plan was the result of the persecutions suffered by the Iranian Bahá’í community; the Universal House of Justice, in its Ridván 1986 message to the Bahá’ís of the world, stated that "the heroic steadfastness of the Persian friends" was "the main spring of tremendous international attention focused on the Cause...." Since then the House of Justice has repeatedly assessed the worldwide growth of the Faith in terms of the continuing sacrifices of the believers in the land of its birth.

Efforts in defense of the Iranian friends on the part of Bahá’í communities around

Convention seating filled

The 83rd Bahá’í National Convention will be held April 23-26 in Foundation Hall at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

All of the available seats for visitors to the Convention have been filled. Unfortunately, because of limited space, those who do not have confirmed seating cannot be admitted to the Convention.

5+9=9000

The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears launches part 2 of his plan to conquer hearts

To all Bahá’ís in the United States:

Beloved friends! This is a "love letter" to each one of you from the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears.

We are about to launch the second and final part of our conquest of human hearts. Our THEME remains the same:

THINK 9,000!

This is our goal for the number of NEW BELIEVERS by Ridván 1992 and the start of that marvelous coming Holy Year and our 365-day "tribute of love" to Bahá’u’lláh, the Blessed Beauty, the Founder of our Faith.

You will be happy to know that you can now purchase your very own VICTORY PINS as individuals or communities. We have an exciting new address for you: VICTORY PINS, Suite 9000, 55 S. Main, Cottonwood, AZ 86326. Pins are $1 each for adults, 50 cents for children.

That "suite" should really be "sweet," shouldn't it?

Our first journey was to five sites where the teaching work and enrolling new believers was flourishing. This time it will be to NINE such areas. [Mr. Sears began his most recent journey with stops in New York City, Cleveland, and Washington, D.C., during the first three weekends in February.-Ed.]

The story is told symbolically on our "Victory Pins": 5+9 9000

Five for the number of the Báb, and nine for the number of Bahá’u’lláh. And such is the magic of this new spiritual mathematics that 5+9 does not equal 14, but 9,000!

THE NUMBER OF NEW BELIEVERS WE SHALL ENROLL IN OUR PRECIOUS FAITH BEFORE RIDVAN 1992.

The first five weekends began on the anniversary of the Birth of the Báb and ended on the week of the anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Birth. No wonder we were all so excited and had such inspiring and marvelous meetings together.

This time we shall have nine such weekends. Just as our Victory Pins dem-

INSIDE

4 David Hofman Retired member of House of Justice spends busy, productive week in Atlanta

5 King Week Bahá’ís are in forefront of celebration marking birth of late civil rights leader

15 World Congress Recent price reductions spark upsurge in worldwide registrations [Page 2]

Acceptance of the concept of God among the Chinese

From the newsletter Guang Ming

(This article on acceptance of the concept of God with comments by the Universal House of Justice is reprinted from Guang Ming, the newsletter of the National Chinese Teaching Committee, October/November 1991)

Recently an individual Bahá’í interested in reaching the Chinese wrote to the Universal House of Justice about belief in God. The House of Justice replied that two issues are involved. First are "...the wise methods to adopt in introducing the Bahá’í Teachings to people of Chinese background...." Second is "the need for Chinese Bahá’ís to understand and accept Bahá’u’lláh's teachings about God, freed from the misconceptions that the term may evoke through its association with the teaching of Christian missions."

The following is a further excerpt from that letter, dated February 13, 1991:

"As you may know, the basic qualifications for one to be accepted as a Bahá’í are the same for everyone regardless of race or national origin. It is true that for Chinese inquirers in general, especially the ones who are from the People's Republic of China, their concept of spiritual reality often differs from that current in the West. If on their initial contact with the Faith they perceive they are being offered something foreign to their basic assumptions, many will indeed turn away.

WISDOM IS NECESSARY

"This is similar to a teacher facing an individual who objects to one or more of the basic laws of the Faith. One might not, for example, talk about the prohibition of consuming alcohol with someone who feels that drinking is a normal social grace. It is especially important for Bahá’í teachers to exercise wisdom in such cases. In essence, the points in your letter...come down to the question of how to introduce the Bahá’í concept of God to an inquirer who is a professed atheist either from traditional upbringing or as a result of a rigid communist education.

"It is impossible to omit acceptance of the concept of 'God' altogether from the teaching of a new believer, because our Scriptures are replete with references to Him and our most fundamental spiritual exercises, such as the saying of the Obligatory Prayers, require our acceptance of God.

"The important thing in teaching the Faith to those of Chinese background is to be sure to use what Bahá’u’lláh has revealed on the subject, and the commentaries that have been given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The Blessed Beauty has explained the reality of the Almighty using a variety of terms and definitions, such as the "innermost Spirit of Spirits," "eternal Essence of Essences, the invisible and unknowable Essence.... Both Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá have written at length on the ultimate unknowability of the Essence of God Himself, and have explained the many ways in which His reality is manifested in the persons and lives of the Divine Manifestations. Therefore, instead of asking an inquirer whether he believes in God, it would be more fruitful for the teacher to expound the Teachings on the subject, and ascertain whether the inquirer accepts them...."

The following are two passages from the Writings that illustrate the Bahá’í belief in God's incomprehensible Nature:

"The door of the knowledge of the Ancient Being hath ever been, and will continue forever to be, closed in the face of men. No man's understanding shall ever gain access unto His holy court. As a token of His mercy, however, and as a proof of His loving-kindness, He hath manifested unto men the Day Stars of His divine guidance, the Symbols of His divine unity, and hath ordained the knowledge of these sanctified Beings to be identical with the knowledge of His own Self. ...Every one of them is the Way of God that connecteth this world with the realms above, and the Standard of His Truth unto every one in the kingdoms of earth and heaven. They are the Manifestations of God amidst men, the evidences of His Truth, and the signs of His glory." (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, PP.49-50)

"This people, all of them, have pictured a god in the realm of the mind, and worship that image which they have made for themselves. And yet that image is comprehended, the human mind being the comprehender thereof, and certainly the comprehender is greater than that which lieth within its grasp.... Consider, then, how all the peoples of the world are bowing the knee to a fancy of their own contriving, how they have created a creator within their own minds, and they call it the Fashioner of all that is—whereas in truth it is but an illusion. Thus are the people worshipping only an error of perception.

"But the Essence of Essences, that Invisible of the Invisibles, is sanctified above all human speculation, and never to be overtaken by the mind of man.... The utmost one can say is that Its existence can be proved, but the conditions of Its existence are unknown." (Part of a letter to Mr. Kanichi Yamamoto, the first Japanese Bahá’í, found in Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp.53-54)

Bahá’ís in New Jersey hand out 500 copies of statement on race unity

The Bahá’ís of Morris Township, New Jersey, distributed 500 copies of the National Spiritual Assembly's statement on race unity during a Martin Luther King Day interfaith breakfast in January at a hotel in Morristown.

Each of the 500 guests at the breakfast was given a packet of information including program details and copies of the statement on race unity that were ordered by the Bahá’ís especially for the occasion. Several Bahá’ís helped prepare information packets, and another Bahá’í who is a professional caterer helped with a reception that followed the noon worship service.

At the breakfast, a Bahá’í read a prayer for children.

Listing of Assemblies in danger of losing their status at Ridván

Below are local Spiritual Assemblies that, because their community membership has fallen below the nine adult believers necessary to form an Assembly, are in danger of losing their Assembly at Ridván. Bahá’ís in surrounding communities are asked to help with teaching efforts in these areas, traveling teachers are encouraged to arrange itineraries that include these Bahá’í communities, and prospective homefront pioneers are urged to consider them as pioneering posts. Spiritual Assemblies in danger of being lost which have not yet reported their jeopardized status should contact the National Teaching Committee office.

ALABAMA: Florence ARKANSAS: Fayetteville, Washington County CALIFORNIA: Ojai, Palm Desert, Sierra Madre CONNECTICUT: Danbury, Ellington, Ledyard, New Britain, Ridgefield, Southington, South Windsor, Torrington DELAWARE: Wilmington FLORIDA: Altamonte Springs, Benton County, Davie ILLINOIS: Batavia, Bolingbrook, Glen Ellyn, Northfield Twp. W IOWA: Council Bluffs, Oskaloosa MICHIGAN: Troy, White River Twp. MISSOURI: Rolla MONTANA: Helena* N. CAROLINA: Garner N. DAKOTA: Fort Yates, Grand Forks OHIO: Beavercreek, Xenia OKLAHOMA: Midwest City, Ponca City, The Village OREGON: (No listing provided) VIRGINIA: Hampton, Suffolk WASHINGTON: Snohomish Co., SW, Woodinville W. VIRGINIA: Monongalia Co.

• Top priority—capital city

Mr. Sears

onstrate. Bahá’ís are already wearing the pins and stirring up excitement among their fellow Bahá’ís and questions among the non-Bahá’ís.

Of course, I'll bring a thousand Victory Pins to each of the nine weekends, but we'll probably run out so don't wait, get your Victory Pins now, and send them everywhere so they will be all over before we begin our first meeting.

This, of course, is only a glimpse of the joys and wonders that will open up to us on these nine weekends. I promise you! You'll hear more soon, but I didn't want to wait a moment longer! The time is coming closer and closer. It will begin the weekend of January 31-February 1. Each weekend will begin by meeting all of the children, the believers and their guests. Be sure to bring as many seekers as you can organize. Not new people, but those you have been teaching. Perhaps they are ready, and should have their chance. NOW IS THE TIME!

With warmest, tenderest love, William Sears Hand of the Cause of God

45 attend conference in Yuma, Arizona, on "Healing Wounded Souls"

On November 10, 45 people attended a conference in Yuma, Arizona, "Healing Wounded Souls," co-sponsored by Unitarians and Bahá’ís.

The conference, held over the Veterans' Day weekend, dealt with issues left over from the war in Vietnam. Among the speakers addressing those issues were Dr. Bob Baker of San Diego, California, who received a purple heart in Vietnam; James Rhodes, a Bahá’í from Yuma who is chairman of Vietnam Combat Veterans; Thuy Reed, a Vietnamese now living in San Pedro, California, whose life inspired the award-winning Broadway play, "Miss Saigon"; Norris Cunningham, a Bahá’í from Phoenix; and Marie Welch, a Unitarian from Yuma.

The Bahá’ís of Yuma have available a 32-page booklet on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from a religious standpoint. Copies may be obtained by writing to the Spiritual Assembly of Yuma, P.O. Box 2793, Yuma, AZ 85366.

Marian Steffes Council holds fourth Honor Dinner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Bahá’í Marian Steffes Council held its fourth annual Honor Dinner last November in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

All local American Indian groups were invited to honor someone of their choosing and have someone introduce them and describe their service and accomplishments.

Nick Hockings, a Native American Bahá’í, served as host, with Morris Taylor, Jean White, local drummers, and hoop dancer Thirza DeFoe also on the program, which ended with an honor dance for those people who were honored. About 70 people attended.

More than 100 people including 20-25 non-Bahá’ís attended a proclamation meeting for the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Tigard, Oregon.

The program included a musical presentation by the Citadel Bahá’í Youth Team and refreshments.

Usted sabe en cuáles comunidades hay Bahá’ís Hispanos? Por favor de avisar al: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039). [Page 3]

An open letter to wealthy Bahá’ís in the United States

Theologian Robert Ochs once said, "There are three ways to take a gift: for granted, with guilt, or with gratitude." This thought was cited by researchers at Boston College in a recent draft paper that studies attitudes of wealthy people toward their wealth. There is much that we Bahá’ís can learn by looking at the results of this investigation.

Interviewing more than 100 men and women who had earned or inherited significant amounts of money, the authors found that regardless of how their subjects had come by their wealth, it had confused their lives. Some felt guilty; others found that it cut them off from their friends; and still others found that it opened so many doors that they could not decide how best to use their resources.

The response of these individuals was divided broadly into three categories, or phases: individual gratification, empowerment, and stewardship. Like The Seven Valleys of which Bahá’u’lláh speaks, each of these people of means had experienced one or all of these phases. Some were anchored in one or another of them; the most fortunate or most wise from among this group were progressing from one to the next. But what happens in each of these stages?

The first response to wealth is to use it to fulfill personal wants. "I do what I want to do," said one person. The cars and clothing, homes and vacations they have always wanted are theirs. They can hire people to do things for them. As a line in a recent film decribes it, "I'm talking about being really liquid, so you don't have to waste time."

The wealthy person in this stage, however, may find that money and happiness are not the same thing. By buying services that are brought to him or her, rather than going out and seeking them, it is easy to feel isolated. And the soul is not always comfortable with this easy achievement of material goals.

The researchers write that "The empowerment of wealth that grants individuals the capacity to pursue their interests guarantees nothing about the quality of those interests or about the degree of selflessness with which they are pursued." The individual faces the age-old question, "Is that all there is?"

At some point the person of means may realize that wealth and the expertise to manage it can be used to influence events, to cause things to happen that the larger community will respect. The motivation in this stage of empowerment is still basically self-centered, but now the individual wants to affect the lives of others in beneficial ways. This is the birth of charity.

"I'm free, you know...what more could I want? I have money I can do things with—for myself and for the causes I feel are important," says one. "I don't have to concentrate on my struggle to survive....I can look with a lot more depth at who I am, what I need, what's my purpose in life, how I can give back to the system, how I can be counted on somehow," says another.

Statements like these evidence a shift in understanding, away from an almost childish pursuit of "just one more candy bar, one more toy," and toward a more benevolent relationship with the outside world. The person has begun to understand that realization of their own potential is somehow tied up with the needs of others. The author desribes it this way: the individual "begins to evaluate the moral and spiritual content of wants and to consider how to recast or apply worldy empowerment to a broader and deeper set of purposes....As they [come to grips with their wealth], they form and transform their identities just as they form and transform the world around them."

The most fortunate of all these are the people who realize the essentially patronizing and self-centered quality of this stage, which may appear to be selfless. Philanthropists achieve much good, but often they still feel empty. At this stage the realization dawns that their plans for transforming events and communities are not founded in any absolute standard of value. They begin to see that their resources do not belong to them, especially if adversity has shown them how easily wealth can be lost.

The importance and usefulness of wealth are clear from these words of Bahá’u’lláh: "...man should know his own self and recognize that which leadeth unto loftiness or lowliness, glory or abasement, wealth or poverty. Having attained the stage of fulfillment and reached his maturity, man standeth in need of wealth, and such wealth as he acquireth through crafts or professions is commendable and praiseworthy in the estimation of men of wisdom...." (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 35).

"There is a spiritual quality to it, too," said one woman, "because you know, you feel tremendously fortunate to have this gift and you want to do something with it. ...Most of the wealthy people I know take their money very seriously and have a spiritual connection with it to do some thing with it."

When one realizes the spiritual nature of one's wealth, there are two choices: give it all away and forget about it, or use it to pursue a spiritual agenda that may include both giving and using wealth. The latter choice is the meaning of stewardship.

A wholesaler described his life this way: "My role is to attempt to harmonize my activity with the roles the Creator would like to see born. To the extent my activity harmonizes with the role He sees for me, I am going to have peace and tranquility...in living that you can't get any other way. And when I'm in conflict with that, then I am going to have a certain tension and disunity." Another person described it this way: "The voice said, 'If you really believe what you think you believe, then you've got to let go."

The parallels with Bahá’í principle are many. The evolutionary process, in which the possessor of wealth passes through different stages in relation to his or her riches, is modeled in The Seven Valleys.

It may come as a surprise to those of us from Christian backgrounds that wealth is not a source of sinfulness; on the contrary, Bahá’u’lláh declares that material means are required for the achievement of spiritual purposes.

The problem arises when the believer becomes attached to his wealth. "Thou dost wish for gold and I desire thy freedom from it," Bahá’u’lláh says in The Hidden Words. "Thou thinkest thyself rich in its possession, and I recognize thy wealth in thy sanctity therefrom. By My life! This is My knowledge, and that is thy fancy; how can My way accord with thine?" (Arabic Hidden Words, No. 56).

So is there an escape from this trap? Yes, by using money to serve His Faith and to help others, to become the stewards of the wealth that God has bestowed. Man's merit, Bahá’u’lláh explains, "lieth in service and virtue and not in the pageantry of wealth and riches." Further, He teaches that "The beginning of magnanimity is when man spendeth his wealth on himself, on his family and on the poor among his brethren in his Faith...." Finally, He urges us to tell the rich of "the midnight sighing of the poor, lest heedlessness lead them into the path of destruction, and deprive them of the Tree of Wealth. To give and to be generous are attributes of Mine; well is it with him that adorneth himself with My virtues."

Who should ponder these matters? Is it only those who have great financial means?

The answer must be "no," because every American Bahá’í is wealthy. Compared with those in most other parts of the world, nearly every American, however limited his resources, is rich. More important, compared with virtually every Bahá’í community the world over, ours is an incalculable spiritual wealth; our spiritual birthright is unique in all the earth.

Here is what our beloved Shoghi Effendi says: "Unlike the plans which Bahá’í communities in Europe and on the Asiatic continent have spontaneously inaugurated...the Plan with which the community of the 'Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh stands identified is divine in origin, is guided by the explicit and repeated instructions that have flowed from the Pen of the Center of the Covenant Himself, is energized by the all-compelling will of its Author, claims as the theater of its operations territories spread out over five continents and the islands of the seven seas, and must continue to function...throughout successive epochs in the course of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation." (Citadel of Faith, p.7)

And again: "This Plan, the birthright of the American Bahá’í community, will increasingly be regarded as an agency designed not only for the enlargement of the limits of the Faith and the multiplication of Its institutions over the face of the planet, but for the acceleration of the construction and completion of the administrative framework of Bahá’u’lláh's embryonic World Order, hastening thereby the advent of that Golden Age which must witness the proclamation of the Most Great Peace and the unfoldment of that world civilization which is the offspring and primary purpose of that peace." (ibid.)

Teaching the Faith and giving to the Funds are both acts of love: love for God and Bahá’u’lláh, and love for mankind. Generosity is the standard. By sharing our birthright, we can alleviate the "midnight sighing" of all those who do not know of Bahá’u’lláh and who therefore have no consolation in these dark times. "The essence of wealth is love for Me; whoso loveth Me is the possessor of all things, and he who loveth Me not is indeed of the poor and needy."

Contribution Comparison - Totals at December 31 (est.)

Fund	Dec '89 (000's)	Dec '90	Dec '91 (est.)	Pct Change '89 to '91	Pct Change '90 to '91
National Bahá’í Fund	$5,434	$6,105	$6,558	21%	7%
Bahá’í International Fund	$367	$490	$885	141%	81%
Arc Projects Fund	$971	$2,412	$550	-43%	-77%
Continental Bahá’í Fund	$209	$187	$120	-43%	-36%
Estate Bequests	$0	$494	$605	N/A	22%
Total Contributions	$6,981	$9,688	$8,718	25%	-10%

[Page 4]

David Hofman spends busy two weeks in Atlanta

Public talks, media interviews, firesides

David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice, ended a two-week visit to Atlanta, Georgia, on January 21 that was both busy and remarkably fruitful.

During his stay Mr. Hofman gave many public talks, took part in the King Week festivities and met with associated dignitaries, addressed a gathering at the Jimmy Carter Center, granted several interviews for radio, television and newspapers, and spoke at firesides throughout the area. At every opportunity he set an example for all Bahá’í teachers by clearly explaining the principles of the Faith and speaking forthrightly about the mission and station of Bahá’u’lláh.

Shortly after arriving in Atlanta Mr. Hofman addressed a meeting of some 500 leaders of local religious communities, convened by former President Jimmy Carter to outline the details of his "Atlanta Project" which deals with problems associated with large cities including homelessness, poverty, drugs and crime. The organizers of the project hope that it will provide a pattern for other cities to follow, which means that it has a potential for national importance and will be closely watched by other major cities.

Mr. Hofman began his remarks by congratulating Mr. Carter on his many accomplishments and by assuring him that he was greatly admired all over the world for his humanitarian efforts.

BAHÁ’ÍS OFFER SUPPORT

Presenting his credentials as member of the Universal House of Justice for 25 years, Mr. Hofman further assured the entire gathering that the Atlanta Bahá’is would be happy to support the goals of the former President’s program of social and economic development. He also said that the Bahá’is proclaim the message that Christ has returned in the name of Bahá’u’lláh, and that His appearance was the main cause of the disruption of the "lamentably defective" old order as well as the hopeful signs that are apparent in such projects as Mr. Carter’s. He concluded by saying that Bahá’is believe in the oneness of humankind and that all religions are from the same Divine source.

David Hofman at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change with Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Lakota Indian Bahá’í Patricia Locke. (Photo by Joe Ferguson)

Mr. Hofman then introduced Mrs. Carole Miller, the National Assembly’s representative to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change. Mrs. Miller expressed her conviction that the Atlanta Project would foster unity for the nation and the world, and that we should always remember that change in human affairs depends upon human beings, who are in turn dependent upon God.

As Mr. Hofman returned to his seat, Mr. Carter announced that he and his wife Rosalynn had visited the Bahá’í Shrines in Haifa. Later, when another speaker mentioned some of the religions involved in the project, Mr. Carter added, "...and don’t forget the Bahá’ís!"

After the meeting, which was televised, Mr. Hofman gave Mr. Carter an autographed copy of his latest book, "Bahá’u’lláh: The Prince of Peace." And several days later Mrs. Miller, at a meeting with Mr. Carter and a dozen local religious leaders, was elected to serve on a six-member Advisory Council for Project Atlanta.

KING WEEK ACTIVITIES

During King Week Mr. Hofman met with Mrs. Coretta Scott King, telling her that the Bahá’ís admire the King Movement’s principles of non-violence and that he had come to Atlanta primarily to visit the Bahá’ís and to take part in King Week. They had a lengthy and warm exchange.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s sister, Mrs. Christine King Farris, introduced Mr. Hofman to a group of about 300 prominent educators assembled at one of the King Week activities. She also arranged for Mr. Hofman to meet U.S. Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander, who was presented with copies of "The Promise of World Peace," "The Vision of Race Unity," and Mr. Hofman’s book, The Renewal of Civilization. Mr. Hofman told Secretary Alexander that Bahá’u’lláh said schools must first teach children to distinguish right from wrong, and who they are as human beings.

Mr. Hofman attended several other King Week activities including the Indian Forum (where both he and another Bahá’í, Patricia Locke, spoke); the signing of the proclamation for King Week by President Bush; a reception for the President; the Service of Rededication to Peace and Justice at Ebenezer Baptist Church; the Multi-cultural Prayers Around the World Program, sponsored in part by the Bahá’ís; the nationally televised Ecumenical Service; and Mrs. King’s annual State of the Dream address. He also rode in the King Week parade and walked in the King Day march. (For more details on King Week activities in Atlanta, see the article on page 5).

David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice, addresses a public meeting that drew an audience of more than 300 during his recent visit to Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Joe Ferguson)

Mr. Hofman gave several other public talks in the Atlanta area. Among the places he spoke were a local middle school, the Kiwanis Club in Griffin, and a rally in the Covington Town Square held to kick off King Week. The response of the people in Covington was especially enthusiastic. The local police remarked on how well-behaved the Bahá’ís were, and, accustomed to dealing with more troublesome elements who use the square, expressed amazement at their positive message.

Mr. Hofman also met with representatives of the media during his visit. He was interviewed by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, appeared on two live television programs by Interfaith Broadcasters, and on a radio phone-in talk show broadcast out of Tampa, Florida. The host of that program, Paul Gonzales, had interviewed Mr. Hofman on his last visit to Atlanta in 1989. The segment, originally scheduled for 30 minutes, had proved so popular with callers that it was extended for two extra hours. Mr. Gonzales allowed ample time on this occasion; the Sunday morning interview lasted three hours and was broadcast via network to an audience of millions.

While in Atlanta Mr. Hofman attended an intercommunity Feast at which some 300 Bahá’is were present. After the devotions he spoke to the friends about the importance of studying the writings of Shoghi Effendi, especially emphasizing the collection of letters to the Bahá’ís of North America entitled The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

He said that it would be impossible to become properly deepened in the Faith without the study of these writings. He also stressed the importance of studying the texts that served as the charters for the Guardian’s expositions on the World Order, such as Bahá’u’lláh’s "Tablet of Carmel," The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and The Tablets of the Divine Plan, written by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the Bahá’ís of North America.

FIRESIDE SPEAKER

In the course of his visit Mr. Hofman was the featured speaker at a number of firesides held in and around the city. The most significant in terms of size was given the evening after the King parade. Despite a snowfall of 3-6 inches, which usually paralyzes the city, more than 300 people including many seekers attended. Newspaper ads were purchased for the event, as well as radio spots that aired throughout the day.

At this meeting, as at all the functions at which Mr. Hofman spoke, his masterful and scholarly presentation on such themes as the spiritual evolution of mankind, the meaning of man’s existence, the relationship of the world’s religions to one another, and the significance of this time in history all served to stir the imagination and provoke the thoughts of those present.

Mr. Hofman is presently in the midst of a tour of North America. He has also visited Florida, Oregon and California, and plans to visit other areas before traveling to the Holy Land for the commemoration of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh in May.

More than 100 attend King Day program in San Diego, California

In January, more than 100 people attended a program to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sponsored by the Race Unity Committee/Race Healing Institute of San Diego, California.

Two hundred copies of the statement on race unity by the National Spiritual Assembly were sent to members of city council, school board officials, clergy and community activists.

"What to Do About Prejudice" was the topic chosen by the keynote speaker, industrial psychologist Catherine Martin, who presented a checklist of actions to help eliminate prejudice and quoted the advice given by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi to whites and blacks crippled by its disabling effects. [Page 5]

KING WEEK

Bahá’ís again play important role in annual event

BY FORD BOWERS

For the seventh year in a row, the Faith was represented by a large and enthusiastic group of believers from many ethnic and cultural backgrounds during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. march and celebration January 20 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Faith's official representatives were Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly; David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice; and Carole Miller, the National Assembly's representative to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change.

Dr. Henderson, Mr. Hofman and Mrs. Miller rode in the annual King Week parade January 18 accompanied by a colorful float whose theme was "The Vision of Race Unity." The parade was televised nationally by the Turner Broadcasting System and around the world by the Armed Forces Television Network.

The Faith was the only religion mentioned during the 90-minute telecast, and Dr. Henderson was identified as one of those riding in the car that preceded the Bahá’í float along the parade route lined with an estimated 250,000 spectators.

CO-GRAND MARSHAL

Dr. Henderson served as a co-Grand Marshal of the King Week march with other dignitaries including Owen Bieber of the United Auto Workers Union (UAW), Chief Wilma Mankiller of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, U.S. Congressmen John Lewis of Georgia and Barney Frank of Massachusetts, and actor/singer Kris Kristofferson.

After the march, a rally was held at the Martin Luther King Center at which Dr. Henderson spoke for seven minutes to an audience estimated at 100,000, placing particular emphasis on the effects of racism in a community and the Bahá’í approach to its elimination.

Other speakers at the rally were Dr. King's widow, Coretta Scott King, and Winnie Mandela, wife of South African civil rights leader Nelson Mandela.

Participation in the King Week activities brought to a close another year-long effort by the Metro Atlanta Bahá’í community to help achieve the Six Year Plan goal, set forth by the Universal House of Justice, to "foster association with organizations, prominent persons and those in authority concerning the promotion of peace, world order and allied objectives, with a view to offering the Bahá’í teachings and insights regarding current problems and thought."

The week-long series of interfaith, intercultural and interracial events that served as a prelude to the march gave the Bahá’ís many opportunities to make remarkable advances in teaching and proclamation.

These events, coupled with a two-week, near non-stop succession of firesides and public meetings at which Mr. Hofman was the featured speaker, allowed for a great number of seekers to hear the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh and to investigate His teachings.

The week began Sunday, January 12, when nine young Bahá’ís took part in a Youth Forum at Antioch Baptist Church. The purpose was to form groups that would discuss topics related to non-violence. Several of the Bahá’í youth were asked to report on the discussions of their respective groups.

INTERFAITH SERVICE

Later that day, several Bahá’ís took part in an interfaith service at the church during which the Ninth Ishraq from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh was read. Dr. Ashburn Searcy of Kennesaw, Georgia, was the Bahá’í representative to the planning committee for that event whose membership included religious leaders from throughout the greater Atlanta area.

On Tuesday, January 14, more than 1,200 children from local schools attended a "Celebrate the Differences" festival. Its committee was chaired by Jean Young, wife of former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, and the Faith was represented on the committee by Mrs. Jayne Mahboobi.

The purpose of the festival was to present a glimpse of the diversity of American society through presentations designed to showcase various cultural backgrounds and customs.

Also on Tuesday, a "Service for Rededication to Peace and Justice" was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King was pastor until his death in 1968. Mr. Hofman attended and was one of the official greeters for the service. Randy Wright was the Bahá’í planning representative, working with members of Clergy and Laity Concerned.

Wednesday was "Teach-In Day" at the King Center with Lamar Alexander, U.S. Secretary of Education, the speaker. Mr. Hofman attended, was introduced to Mrs. King and the late Dr. King's sister, Christine King Farris, who then introduced him to Mr. Alexander. Mr. Hofman was then given an opportunity to speak to the gathering.

On Friday, Mr. Hofman and Dr. Henderson were present at the King Center for the signing by President Bush of the "Proclamation for King Week."

The Bahá’í float in Saturday's parade, with entertainers Suzanne and Kingsley Swan riding atop it, and Bahá’ís marching ahead with a banner proclaiming "Bahá’í Faith: Mankind Is One," was exceptionally well received by spectators and members of the parade committee.

Also riding in the parade was another Bahá’í, Lakota Indian Pat Locke, who accompanied another Lakota Indian, Pete Catches Jr.

On Sunday, a program entitled "Multi-Cultural Prayers Around the World" was held at the King Center. The event was planned by the Bahá’ís, and its speakers included Mr. Hofman and Dr. Henderson as well as Pete Catches Sr., a Holy Man of the Lakota tribe, and Georgia State Sen. Gene Walker.

Music for that event was provided by the Bahá’í Choirs of Nashville, Tennessee, and Chicago, directed by Tom Price.

Later that day, Mr. Hofman, Dr. Henderson and a number of other Bahá’ís were present as Mrs. King delivered the annual "State of the Dream" address at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

At this point, the effects of Bahá’í participation in these events can only be surmised. The steadfastness and support offered by the friends over the past seven years have no doubt added to the prestige of the Faith in the eyes of their co-participants. And the opportunities offered to proclaim the name of the Faith before millions of people cannot have less than far-reaching implications.

Above: Bahá’ís from around the country march in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week parade in Atlanta, Georgia, behind their colorful banner proclaiming that 'World Peace Will Happen.' Left: The Bahá’í float in the King Week parade passes the reviewing stand in downtown Atlanta. Atop the float are Bahá’í entertainers Suzanne and Kingsley Swan of Griffin, Georgia. (Photos by Joe Ferguson)

Bahá’ís play key role in Harrison County event for Dr. King

In January, the Bahá’ís of Harrison County, Texas, played an active role in the observance of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Two decorated cars among 40 in the King Day parade were entered by Bahá’ís. They bore large placards with quotations from the Writings and "I Dream a World," the theme of this year's event.

At a banquet that evening attended by about 300 people including business, civic and religious leaders, Carol Eakin, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Harrison County, was chosen by the planning committee to speak on behalf of the religious community. She stressed the cornerstone of Bahá’í belief, the unity of humankind, and announced that the pamphlet, "The Vision of Race Unity," would be available to those who asked for it. All 250 copies of the pamphlet were given to those leaving the banquet.

Also, a dozen presentation copies of the pamphlet were placed at the head table beside each place setting. [Page 6]

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

San Antonio, Texas Bahá’ís represent BDS at Inter-American Book Fair October 24-27, 1991

Bahá’u’lláh: The Prince of Peace A Portrait by David Hofman HC $21.95 SC $9.95

An absorbing account of the dramatic life of Bahá’u’lláh, set against the vast changes that have overtaken the world in the last century-and-a-half and the great opportunity for world peace now, at long last, opening before the nations. The two steps of Bahá’u’lláh’s peace program—the Lesser Peace and the Most Great Peace—are clearly explained and the vision of this new world order is shown as a practical reality. The majesty and grandeur of Bahá’u’lláh pervade the whole book, making it, as one review states, "an enthralling portrait" which "one can enjoy and become absorbed in.... a book of immeasurable value." There are copious quotations from Bahá’u’lláh’s own writings and many of His well-known aphorisms: The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.... Soon will the present-day order be rolled up and a new one spread out in its stead.... The time foreordained unto the peoples and kindreds of the earth is now come.

5-1/2" x 8-3/4", 200 pp., preface, introduction, bibliography, references, index George Ronald, Publisher

The Pure in Heart by Jimmy Ewe Huat Seow

Bahá’u’lláh: A Glimpse of His Life and Teachings SC $8.50 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada VT $25.00

As the Holy Year approaches, new ways of teaching the world about the life of Bahá’u’lláh are being developed. This new introductory video is an example of this new approach in which the person of Bahá’u’lláh is featured and the history of His Faith is secondary. Seekers are presented with a glimpse of Bahá’u’lláh’s life as an exile and prisoner and only then offered a look at His community. It begins with a description of Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of a united world at peace. Madame Ruhiyyih Rabbani narrates this portion of the presentation beginning with Bahá’u’lláh’s arrival in Haifa; His confinement in the Fortress of ‘Akká; the move to the House of Abbud, the site of the revelation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdás; ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s successful efforts to move Bahá’u’lláh to the surrounding countryside, first to the house in the garden of Ridván, then to the Mansion of Mazra’ih, and finally to the Mansion of Bahji. Ruhiyyih Khánum ushers us into the room in Bahjí in which professor E. G. Browne met Bahá’u’lláh in April of 1890. She continues with a description of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’u’lláh’s writings—centering on the oneness of humanity, a blueprint for building a global civilization—are presented by narrator Don Glen in the form of the general principles enunciated by Bahá’u’lláh as the foundation of world unity. The video concludes its presentation by mentioning the current interest shown the Bahá’í shrines in Haifa/ ‘Akká; a description of Bahá’í pilgrims; the nature of Bahá’í devotions; and the Bahá’í Administrative Order. It ends with Bahá’u’lláh’s statement that, "The well-being of Mankind, its peace and security are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established."

27:40 minutes Images International for IBA VC

Bahá’í Newsreel Volume 2, No. 3 by Media Services VT $15.95

The Pure in Heart

‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote, "The Bahá’í teacher of the Chinese people must first be imbued with their spirit, know their sacred literature, study their national customs and speak to them from their own stand-point, and their own terminologies." This book will aid that teacher to understand the history of Chinese response to the message of Bahá’u’lláh and will thereby increase his or her success in teaching this people whom ‘Abdu’l-Bahá called a people "free from any deceit and hypocrisies." This book is an essential first step for anyone wishing to trace the history of Bahá’í teaching of the Chinese people in the Far East. The introduction provides a glimpse into the cultural, political, and religious setting facing early Bahá’í teachers who arrived in the region as early as 1862. It records the first mention of Chinese believers made in a letter to Shoghi Effendi on June 7, 1919: "Shanghai is awakened. Chinese people are converted and bestow in their turn the Light to their fellow men."

5-3/4" x 8-1/4", 86 pp., foreword, preface, introduction, 42 photographs, bibliography Bahá’í Publications Australia

Emergence: Dimensions of a New World Order edited by Charles Lerche au como has SC $14.95

A book of six essays that adds a new dimension to the debate over humanity’s collective future. It focuses on the ramifications of the emergence of the Bahá’í model of world order, built on Bahá’u’lláh’s practical plan of action that puts the individual at the center of global transformation. Six specialists in conflict resolution, development, law, economics, history, and ecology present various dimensions of this unique world order model, and explore its implications for the radical transformation of our planet. Published for the thoughtful individual seeking to understand the upheavals of our age, Emergence: Dimensions of a New World Order is a stimulating presentation on the dynamic processes reshaping our civilization and our role in its future systems.

5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 180 pp., introduction, index Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom

Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá SC $2.75

1) Native believers gather from Greenland to Samoa. North American tribes gather at the 6th Indigenous Council. In Panama, 7 native tribes consult about the role of native peoples in creating a global society. Bahá’ís of Greenland host the largest Bahá’í gathering in Greenland history. Samoa hosts native believers from 10 island nations, to consult on a Pacific-wide teaching plan.

2) Teaching in the old Soviet Union. The first local inhabitant of Sakhalin Island declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh last year—now there are over 500 believers. In Siberia new believers elect 8 local Spiritual Assemblies.

3) Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. Mr. Sears travels to five states to inspire the friends to win the remaining goals of the Six Year Plan.

4) Race Unity and the Bahá’í Faith. Several newspapers have recently printed articles on the Faith. Bahá’í events have generated participation from Buddhist monks in California and the appearance of the Klu Klux Klan in New Hampshire.

5) Television Coverage. The Bahá’í Faith has been the subject of attention on the national television networks of several nations, including Israel, Taiwan, Namibia, Antigua, and Iceland.

6) Application of the Huququ’lláh. The Trustee of the Huququ’lláh, Hand of the Cause of God Mr. Varqa calls a conference of his assistants to consult in preparation for "The Right of God."

7) The Holy Year. Plans are discussed for two major events: the gathering in Haifa to commemorate the centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, and the holding of the Second Bahá’í World Congress in New York City.

Per/Eng: Bahá’í Prayers

A selection of twenty-three prayers published in English and in Persian. Although suitable for bilingual readers or readers of either language, its special value is for individuals who speak one of these two languages and wish to learn the other. The selection includes prayers for assistance, children, forgiveness, gratitude, healing, marriage, morning, the Short Obligatory Prayer, spiritual growth, and teaching. This inexpensive and easy-to-carry selection is especially suitable for Persian-reading older children, youth, and adults.

3-1/2" x 5-1/8", 45 pp. Century Press Pty. Ltd.

Persian: Hova’lláh: Volumes 1 and 2 by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá SC $6.95 for each volume or $13.00 for the set

8) Construction of the Arc. Construction includes laying the foundation for three buildings and the retaining wall of the main terrace of the Shrine of the Báb.

9) The passing and funeral of Counsellor Magdalene Carney was commemorated in the Bahá’í cemetery of Haifa.

30 minutes Media Services

Originally published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Iran, this much-loved selection of prayers revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for children and youth is once again available. This new edition of Hova’lláh is attractively illustrated by Mariya Beale; simple and delicate drawings of scenes from nature further inspire a devotional and meditative mood. Suitable for Persian-reading children aged 5-10.

5-1/4" x 7", 60 pp. Century Press Pty. Ltd.

Order now through the Bahá’í Distribution Service 1-800-999-9019 MULK 148 B.E./ MARCH 2, 1992 [Page 7]

Unrestrained As the Wind: A Life Dedicated to Bahá’u’lláh

compiled from the Bahá’í Writings by the National Youth Committee and the Bahá’í Publishing Trust SC $9.95

A long-awaited reprint of a compilation that sheds new light on basic aspects of a Bahá’í life of service. The selections focus on how to integrate the many aspects of a spiritual life of service and dedication to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. The book opens with a selection of prayers for spiritual growth. Other chapters focus on ones relationship with God; living a distinctive Bahá’í life; examples of inspiring Bahá’í role models; the role of education in transforming society; the importance of teaching; cleanliness and purity; interpersonal relationships and social relationships with both the old and new world orders. The final chapter contains messages from the Universal House of Justice. These express hope for and confidence in young people, assuring them that "youth can move the world."

The compilation was inspired by the 1984 message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’í youth of the world. The message which assured Bahá’í youth that it is within their power "to contribute significantly to shaping the societies of the coming century." It challenged them to become "living embodiments of Bahá’í ideals." For all Bahá’í youth, and new or veteran believers, Unrestrained As the Wind provides an integrated view of what it means to dedicate ones life to Bahá’u’lláh and to rise to the challenge of being centered on the fundamentals of Bahá’u’lláh’s Faith and "unrestrained as the wind" in carrying His message.

191 pp., foreword, bibliography Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

Learning About Growth: The Story of the Ruhi Institute and Large-scale Expansion of the Bahá’í Faith in Colombia

by the Ruhi Institute SC $5.00

In Learning About Growth, the Ruhi Institute is described—both its conceptual framework and its programs. It tells the story of one national community's efforts to maintain large-scale expansion, and provides an analyzes of the lessons it has learned. In reading this book one appreciates the fact that the Ruhi Institute makes no claim to present a model for emulation; the value of its experience lies in its systematic description of a process that in one way or another has been repeated wherever Bahá’ís have labored to bring about large-scale growth of the Faith. Reflection on the dynamics of the efforts of others yields insights into the causes of crisis and victory in ones own endeavors. This document is of particular value for such reflection. The National Teaching Committee has recommended this book to the friends as a part of our own reflection on the way we can achieve the approaching goal of entry by troops within the United States.

6" x 9", 72 pp., foreword, preface, references Palabra Publications

The Journal of Bahá’í Studies Vol. 3, No. 3

by the Association for Bahá’í Studies SC $6.00

This issue of five articles and six book reviews begins with Lev Tolstoi (Leo Tolstoy) and the Bábí and Bahá’í Religions: A Bibliography, by William P. Collins and Jan T. Jason. "The great spiritual crisis of Tolstoi's life led him to a rejection of Christian dogma and the search for a pure faith. This bibliography sets the sources of Tolstoy's association with" the Bahá’í Faith "in context for researchers." The Angel in the Garrison, by Horace Holley, is an unedited article reprinted from Star of the West, vol. 8. It explores the view that modern science's attempt to establish the study of psychology as an exact science is flawed and doomed to failure because "the psyche is not spiritual fact observable, but a spiritual power to observe all fact." In Towards a World Economy, John Huddleston discusses the two major themes of the Bahá’í vision of a future economy: that the economy will be global and serve the material, intellectual, and spiritual needs of all humanity; and that the underlying force driving the economy will be spiritual or, in secular terms, ethical. Susan Stiles Maneck looks at The Conversion of Religious Minorities to the Bahá’í Faith in Iran between the years 1877 and 1921. She presents factors involving the transition of the Bahá’í community from Islamic particularism to a universalism that attracted non-Muslims, and discusses the manner in which actual conversions took place. The End of the World: Whatever Happened? Or Leftover Time To Kill, by Ross Woodman, attempts to compare the eschatology (doctrines of the last or final things, as death, the judgement, the future state, etc.) of Bahá’u’lláh’s revelation to that of the nineteenth century philosophers Hegel and Nietzsche. The article explores the spiritual origins of planetary consciousness upon which the survival of humankind and the globe itself now depends. Reviews in this issue include: The Bahá’í Teachings: A Resurgent Model of the Universe, Bibliography of English-Language Works on the Bábí and Bahá’í Faiths 1844-1985, A Pictorial History of the Bahá’í Faith in South Africa, 1911-1989, The Blazing Years: 50th Anniversary of the Bahá’í Faith in the Philippines, Immortals, and Traces That Remain: A Pictorial History of the Early Days of the Bahá’í Faith Among the Japanese.

6" x 9", 80 pp. Association for Bahá’í Studies

Bahá’í Datebook 149-50 B.E. (1992-93)

SC $3.25

This datebook from Australia uses a two-week-at-a-glance format showing both Bahá’í and Gregorian dates. Bahá’í and Gregorian names are provided for each day of the week and for each month. Holy Days, 19 Day Feasts, and the 19 Day Fast are also highlighted for easy reference. The datebook includes three pages for notes and eight pages available for addresses. Thirty-two quotes from Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at the top of the calendar's pages provide inspiration and focus for developing a Bahá’í spirit and identity.

3-3/4" x 6-3/4", 80 pp. Century Press Pty. Ltd.

Bahá’í Daybook: Passages for Deepening and Meditation

SC $6.95

This book of daily devotions from the Bahá’í Writings and other scriptures is once again available after an absence of over a year. Published now with the Holy Year in mind, these meditative verses are provided for each day of the Bahá’í year, beginning with Naw-Ruz (March 21). The passages deepen the reader systematically on nine facets of the Faith. Some months focus on Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í history, and progressive revelation; while others focus on Bahá’í spiritual and social teachings and Bahá’í laws.

4-1/8"x6", 374pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

Enlighten Curriculum

Volume 7- Fifth Grade & Volume 8 - Sixth Grade by Lea Iverson SC $19.95 per volume Eight volume set $140.00

With the addition of these two titles the Bahá’í Distribution Service is now able to offer all eight grade levels of this easy-to-use, comprehensive curriculum for the teachers of Bahá’í children's classes. Developed between 1988 and 1990 for the Glad Tidings Bahá’í School located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, each lesson has a variety of activities to be performed both in the classroom and at home. This curriculum is highly recommended by the National Education Committee.

8-1/2" x 11", approximately 94 pp. Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Golden Valley, Minnesota

Recent New Titles

Accents of God edited by M. K. Rohani SC $12.95

Call to the Nations by Shoghi Effendi SC $2.50

Days of Certainty by Martin Newman CS $9.95

The Day of God compilation from the Bahá’í Writings SC $.75

Faith in God compilation from the Bahá’í Writings SC $.75

Ger: Die Verborgennen Worte (The Hidden Words) by Bahá’u’lláh HC $8.50

Journal of Bahá’í Studies Volume 3, Number 2 SC $6.00

Persian: Jamál-i-Abhá (The Life History of His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh) by Riyad Ghadímí HC $25.00

Spn: La Fe Bahá’í Teaching Book by Dr. Hidayatu ’lláh Ahmadiyyih SC $1.00

Spn: La Fe Bahá’í y su Communidad Mundial by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States PA 10pk. $3.50 PA 50pk. $15.50

Studying the Writings of Shoghi Effendi edited by Morten Bergsmo SC $13.95

Tear Down Those Borders by Peace Moves CS $9.95 [Page 8]

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads can be accepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise their own judgment and care in responding to them.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE BOSCH Bahá’í School is accepting applications for summer 1992 employment. Positions available include children's teachers (3), recreation director, lifeguard, music director, kitchen assistants (2) and maintenance assistants (3). All positions require a willingness to serve and interact with children, youth and adults. Those chosen will serve from July through August (9-10 weeks) and receive a small stipend plus room and board. To apply, send a brief résumé of your experience or ask for an application for employment from the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387).

THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School is accepting applications for summer 1992 employment. Positions include children's teachers, food service, housekeeping and maintenance help, recreation director, assistant registrar, librarian, and program assistant. Applicants should be available from mid-June through the end of August. Room and board are provided with a small stipend. Please send a brief résumé to the Administrator, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903, or phone 207-439-7200 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., for more information.

THE MAXWELL International Bahá’í School in Canada is seeking a volunteer with bookkeeping/accounting skills and experience. A retired person would be welcome. If you qualify, please contact the Principal, Maxwell International Bahá’í School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0, Canada. A summary of your experience and a letter of reference from your local Assembly or Auxiliary Board member would be appreciated.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

AFRICA: Angola: health care personnel. Benin: primary school teachers. Burkina Faso: elementary, science/math teachers. Cape Verde: educator/administrator/rural agricultural expert/instructor. Ethiopia: volunteer physicians. Swaziland: business development adviser. Zambia: teaching and administrative staff for Banani Girls' School. AMERICAS: Brazil: primary school teachers. Costa Rica: urgent need for special education teacher specializing in dyslexia. Turks & Caicos: administrative assistant, scuba instructor for "Dive Provo." Paraguay: chiropractic practice.

ASIA: Macau: ESL teacher. Thailand: volunteers to conduct English classes in Bahá’í communities. AUSTRALASIA: Marshall Islands: primary school teachers. Pohnpei: business instructors. Solomon Islands: architect. Taiwan: manager for Bahá’í Office of the Environment, volunteer with expertise in computer programming and general office systems to serve in the National Office. Tinian, Marianas: teachers, doctors, nurses. EUROPE: Estonia: teachers of English. MULTI-REGIONAL: The Peace Corps plans to send volunteers to Russia next fall. There is also the possibility of placing volunteers in Ukraine and Armenia about the same time. The need for volunteers in the Baltic States is being explored as well. The former Soviet bloc is looking for specialists in small business development, entrepreneurs and English teachers with teaching degrees.

URGENT NEED for credentialed kindergarten and elementary school teachers for the School of the Nations in Brazil. The headmaster of the school will be in the States in late February or early March to interview prospective candidates.

URGENT NEED FOR TEACHERS at the Banani International School, a secondary school for girls with emphasis on agriculture, in Zambia.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PIONEERS AND TRAVELING TEACHERS IN CAMBODIA. The re-establishment of the Bahá’í community is being systematically achieved in Cambodia and the door is opening for friends from other countries to take part in this all-important work. Most helpful would be the assistance of traveling teachers, long-term and short-term pioneers of Cambodian background. For more information on any of the above, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091, telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247, Attn: Office of Pioneering.

URGENT NEED exists for traveling teachers to stay for periods of time and help with consolidation in the Soviet Union. Further information is available from the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

WOODBURN, Oregon, is poised for entry by troops. Those charged with the responsibility of coordinating the teaching in that community have established an audacious goal: 50 full-time teachers in the field by April. Spanish-speakers are especially useful, as most of those who have enrolled there so far speak Spanish. However, 4,000 Russian-speaking people and some 10,000 who speak English also need to hear of Bahá’u’lláh. There is work for all. Pioneers are most welcome, as are those who can come on vacation whatever the time of year. Most people will need to be self-supporting, but there are jobs in the area, and housing is relatively inexpensive. The friends are planning to extend and strengthen a diverse and complex effort, which has included social and economic development and service projects, both short- and long-term. For example, there are ongoing nightly classes in English as a second language which need more teachers. Musicians have been of great help, and there are many possibilities for using music in the teaching work. If you are interested, whether you intend to come or not, please write for more information to the Spiritual Assembly of Clackamas County Northwest, Jan House, P.O. Box 167, Aurora, OR 97002, or phone 503-678-5162 (home) or 503-678-1085 (business).

BAHÁ’ÍS in Manhattan Beach, California, would welcome homefront pioneers to help save their jeopardized incorporated Assembly. The area offers beaches, jogging and biking trails, excellent schools, cultural activities, and surfing. Convenient to UCLA, USC, Santa Monica and downtown Los Angeles. Join a Bahá’í community that is involved with local schools, libraries and children. Local Bahá’í has a room to rent. For more information, please phone Tony or Flor, 213-379-0360.

BECOME a homefront pioneer in sunny California. Move to La Cañada (close to Pasadena) and help save its Spiritual Assembly next Ridván. La Cañada, home to the William Sears Bahá’í School and well-known for its excellent school system, crime-free environment and friendly people, presently has eight adult Bahá’ís in the community. For more information, please write to P.O. Box 293, La Cañada, CA 91012, or phone 818-790-1435.

NORTHEASTERN Pennsylvania, in the area known as the Endless Mountains (Wyoming County), has a lovely Center and home that is used for Bahá’í gatherings. The present caretakers are moving to a nearby community. If a Bahá’í family is interested in pioneering to northeastern Pennsylvania (where there are less than 30 adult Bahá’ís in the entire area), they would be most welcome to apply to serve as part-time caretakers and live in the house. The rent is modest, the setting lovely (a wooded farm), and the location is within 40 minutes of two cities (Scranton and Wilkes-Barre) that offer reasonable job prospects. The township has excellent schools, and the Center (called "The Grove") provides many opportunities to teach and to serve the Bahá’ís in Pennsylvania and four nearby states who use the facilities. For more information, write to Bill Williams, Tunkhannock PA 18657, or phone him at 717-836-5409.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed to help re-establish a local Spiritual Assembly in Evansville, a city of more than 100,000 on the Ohio River in the southwestern corner of Indiana less than four hours from St. Louis, Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville and Cincinnati. Evansville has two major universities, three metropolitan hospitals, and such large corporations as Bristol-Myers Squibb, American General Finance, Alcoa, General Electric and Atlas Van Lines. The Bahá’ís there regularly celebrate Feasts and Holy Days and have been conducting children's classes and deepening classes for several years. Regular contact has been maintained with Bahá’ís in nearby Kentucky, Illinois and southwestern Indiana. We feel that the time is ripe for rapid expansion of the Faith, but need help in finding the waiting souls. Can you help? If so, phone Pat Boatman, 812-423-7394, or Linda Milburn, 812-424-3556.

HELP SAVE a jeopardized Spiritual Assembly in a town named for an attribute of God. Bountiful, Utah, is a suburb of Salt Lake City, home of Ballet West and the Utah Jazz basketball team. Many colleges and medical centers are within easy driving distance of this family-oriented town of about 40,000, as are Yellowstone and Zion National Parks and the ski areas for which Utah is famous. Unusual service opportunities include teaching in this heavily Mormon area, teaching among the few minority groups (chiefly Southeast Asians, Hispanics and American Indians), and consolidating those on the Vintah-Ouray Reservation. For information, write to Karen Anne or Paul Webb, Bountiful, UT 84010, or phone 801-298-4507.

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Crawfordsville, Indiana, would welcome Bahá’ís to help further the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. There is an urgent need in Crawfordsville for three general practice or family physicians, a general surgeon, and an OB-GYN specialist at modern, well-equipped AMI Culver-Union Hospital. Crawfordsville, home of Wabash College, is a city of 13,000—the county population is over 30,000—within an hour of Purdue University and other major schools in Indianapolis. If interested, regardless of profession or trade, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Crawfordsville, c/o Sue Versteeg, corresponding secretary, P.O. Box 671, Crawfordsville, IN 47933.

DAPHNE, Alabama, now a Group of six adults and four children, is seeking homefront pioneers to help form its Assembly by Ridván. Daphne, home of the University of South Alabama with its fine medical school, is an easy commute to Mobile and has an unemployment rate lower than the state average. Engineers, operators for the chemical industry, and professors for a residential science and math school are now being hired. For information, please phone Tim Alford anytime, 205-433-2767, ext. 130.

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Boone County, Missouri, would welcome homefront pioneers to help save their jeopardized Assembly. Boone County, midway between St. Louis and Kansas City, includes the lovely college town of Columbia, which has its own Assembly. Major sources of employment include the University of Missouri and two colleges, five hospitals, many restaurants, and light industry. Please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Boone County, c/o Willenberg, Hallsville, MO 65255.

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Lakeport, California, need your help to re-establish their Assembly. Lakeport is in a lovely rural resort area of Northern California on the state's largest natural lake, Clear Lake, about 125 miles north of San Francisco/Sacramento. There is an immediate opening for a physical therapist in a Bahá’í-owned outpatient clinic. The county also needs more physicians and nurses; the friends will help in your job search. Or you may find that perfect place to retire. Excellent outdoor recreation; great place to raise one's family. Please contact Rick Green, Lakeport, CA 95453, or phone 707-263-1295 or 707-263-1005 (evenings).

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Mary Frances Kloster, E.E. Kluge, Cinita Nunan Knowles, Zahrah Koch, Charles H. Kohlman, James A. Kincaid, Carl C. King, E. Mabel King (died Cambridge, MA, 1952), Alexander Kish, Mabel Kitchenmaster, and Olive E. Kretz (died Sterling, IL, 1947). Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking District Convention voting lists for the years 1952-67 for Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska and Nevada. Anyone having voting lists they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Barnstable, Massachusetts, seeks information about Gospel singers who would be interested and able to perform at a Race Unity Conference next June 14 on Cape Cod. Please send information to the Spiritual Assembly of Barnstable, P.O. Box 1275, Hyannis, MA 02601.

OTR DRIVERS: I am interested in exploring the possibility of setting up a network of Bahá’í truck drivers to exchange teaching ideas and offer support. Write to Paul Vaughn, Marietta, GA 30062.

AS WE UNDERTAKE the development of Bahá’í schools and Bahá’í families, we need to explore in depth the concepts and application of reward and punishment. If you have studied these concepts in the Writings, and possible systems of application, whether you are a parent, teacher, scholar or pragmatist, we would like to receive your ideas, materials and references you may recommend. Please write to the Office of Curriculum and Staff Development, Maxwell International Bahá’í School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0, Canada. Phone 604-743-7144; FAX 604-743-3522.

MISCELLANEOUS

THE DISTRICT Teaching Committee of Nebraska is developing a full-time teaching campaign, "The Trail of Light Peace Caravan," to cover the state from June-September 1992. Its purpose is to bring the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind. The caravan will travel through the smaller communities, setting up camp for 1-2 days at a time. Campers will have large banners addressing peace themes. Copies of "The Promise of World Peace," the National Assembly's statement on race unity, and the compilation on Bahá’u’lláh will be available for distribution. Anyone with ability in the performing arts is especially encouraged to take part. Anyone with the desire to teach, or otherwise help us reach our goals, may write to the District Teaching Committee of Nebraska, North Platte, NE 69101, or phone Ernie Dumas, 308-534-3367.

THE 1992 EDITION of "The Directory of Bahá’í Book Collectors, Bibliophiles and Researchers" is now being compiled. If you would like to be included, please write to Payam Afsharian, Santa Monica, CA 90402. The directory is distributed free of charge. [Page 9]

THE SIX YEAR PLAN

the world concentrated initially on relieving the savage persecution they were suffering. During the Six Year Plan that work has continued, and in recent years the efforts of the Iranian government to suppress the community have lessened a great deal. However, the Bahá’ís in that country remain deprived of many fundamental rights, and have no guarantee that a new wave of atrocities cannot or will not take place. For that reason the Bahá’í world community has stressed that nothing short of the full emancipation of the Iranian Bahá’ís is acceptable. In our work with governments and human rights organizations we have increasingly emphasized this point.

Since the time of the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States has maintained an active campaign to secure the rights of the Iranian believers. This has involved activities at the United Nations through its U.S. Bahá’í representative, working with the government to produce legislation and policy in support of the Bahá’í community in Iran, and developing a program for providing accurate information to government officials, governmental and non-governmental agencies, the media and the general public.

For most of the Seven Year Plan this work was coordinated through the Secretariat of the National Spiritual Assembly in Wilmette, Illinois. In the middle years of the Plan the persecutions grew especially fierce, and the issue subsumed an increasingly large part of the National Assembly's agenda. By early 1984 it was clear that a new structure had to be put in place to deal with the situation. In March of that year the National Assembly decided to create a new branch of its Secretariat devoted to handling all aspects of its program in behalf of the Iranian Bahá’ís; that same year the National Assembly's Office of External Affairs was opened in New Haven, Connecticut, under the direction of Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Assembly's current secretary for External Affairs. This office was assigned responsibility for guiding and coordinating the National Assembly's work at the UN, in Washington, D.C., and in related areas, as well as for the Office of Public Information in Wilmette. It was also made responsible for all contacts with public officials from the state level up, and with other persons of national prominence.

In the opening year of the Six Year Plan (1986) the Office of External Affairs was moved to Washington, D.C. to better manage the National Assembly's frequent dealings with the federal government. By that time a regular pattern of contacts with elected officials, agencies and others had been established in that city. On April 14, 1987, the Universal House of Justice sent a message to the National Assembly approving the decision:

"We are immensely pleased with the evidences of your constant, effective efforts to foster good relations with your government not only because of the immediate need to continue our defense of the persecuted friends in Iran but also because of the far-reaching implications of such relations when viewed in the light of the statements of the Master and the Guardian about the destiny of your country.

"In warmly endorsing your decision to move the Office of External Affairs to Washington, D.C., we recall the following statement written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the Spiritual Assembly of that city in a letter dated 22 December 1932:

"The members of the body should strain every nerve to bring the message to the notice of the distinguished people residing there, for it is upon them that the welfare of the country depends. Should they be imbued with the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh and be made to follow His precepts they would be better equipped to solve the baffling problems facing the nation as a whole. They will thereby obtain a real insight into the nature of our social ills and also secure a true and divine policy that would safeguard the future of the world."

During the Six Year Plan members of the National Assembly and their representatives have appeared regularly before government agencies and committees, such as the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Human Rights, to testify on behalf of the Iranian Bahá’ís. They have also attended meetings on refugee matters with the U.S. Coordinator for Refugees, the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, and the State Department Refugee Bureau. In addition, they have met with various Senators, Congressmen and other officials to discuss matters pertaining to the persecutions. The National Assembly's public relations consultant, Marjorie Sonnenfeldt, of Fleischman-Hillard, served with distinction in all activities related to the defense of the Bahá’ís of Iran and other countries, as she had already done for several years, and also helped further our relations with the government.

Dr. Robert C. Henderson (left), secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Assembly's secretary for External Affairs, testify in June 1988 before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs about the situation of Bahá’ís in Iran.

The National Assembly's activities since the beginning of the Plan have resulted in a number of noteworthy victories including:

The passage of three Congressional resolutions condemning human rights violations in Iran and mentioning the Bahá’ís specifically, bringing the total to four since 1982. A fifth resolution is currently under consideration.

Efforts similar to those in behalf of the Iranian believers that resulted in the release of Bahá’ís imprisoned in Egypt.

The extensive outlining of the situation of the Iranian Bahá’ís in the State Department's "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1990." The report also mentioned the situation of the Bahá’ís in Egypt, Morocco, Indonesia and Jordan.

The approval of a Senate resolution in May 1990 calling for the emancipation of the Iranian Bahá’í community. After its passage the Universal House of Justice sent the following message to our National Spiritual Assembly:

"We are delighted by news from Washington. The action of the Senate...in adopting a resolution in support of efforts to emancipate the Iranian Bahá’í community owes its significance not only to the stated objective but also to the evidence which it gives of the spiritual blessings with which Bahá’u’lláh has specially endowed the great Republic of the West. May its people and the Community of the Greatest Name within receive a fresh impetus toward fulfilling the promise of their glorious destiny."

The work relating to the situation of the Bahá’ís in Iran has brought about a greater awareness of the Faith than ever before, and has firmly established our reputation as a movement of goodwill and high ideals.

Dr Kazemzadeh

Early in the Six Year Plan the National Assembly was approached by an ad hoc group of organizations working for Congressional ratification of the United Nations Convention on Genocide. The Bahá’ís were contacted by Amnesty International, which came to the Bahá’ís because that group was aware of the Bahá’í community's widespread and diverse nature. The National Assembly viewed the ratification as of great potential value to the cause of human rights, and joined the project. The Assembly quickly took a leading role, working with the American Bar Association, B'nai B'rith International, the American Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League, the Armenian Association of America, and the United Nations Association, in addition to Amnesty International. Within a year the Genocide Convention was ratified, consummating a campaign that had lasted for nearly four decades. Its success was later publicly credited by a regional leader of Amnesty International to the involvement of the Bahá’ís.

INVOLVEMENT IN LIFE OF SOCIETY

One of the ways in which the Message of Bahá’u’lláh is carried to humanity is through involvement in the life of society, for it is in the arena of service to mankind that the teachings can best be observed and appreciated.

Ratification of the UN Genocide Convention marked a turning point in our external affairs efforts, for not only did we gain insight into to the "far-reaching implications" of our work referred to by the House of Justice, but we also became known as people who had the capacity to get things done.

The National Assembly's external affairs agenda has broadened over the past six years into a wide and unprecedented variety of activities involving projects sponsored solely by the Bahá’ís and those in which we have worked in cooperation with other groups, associations, government agencies and non-governmental associations (often at their invitation). Through these efforts many "people of capacity" have become familiar with the principles of the Faith.

The following overview will serve to illustrate the vast array of such activities undertaken during the Plan:

UNITED NATIONS-RELATED ACTIVITIES

Through its office at the United Nations the National Spiritual Assembly has continued the tradition of support for international cooperation that has characterized the American Bahá’í community since the days of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. During the Six Year Plan the National Assembly's contribution took the form of greater support of key UN initiatives, such as the Interna- [Page 10]Kevin Locke, who at that time was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, plays the Lakota Indian courting flute during a reception hosted by the National Assembly in honor of his having received the 1990 National Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

tional Year of Peace, International Literacy Year, UNICEF Day and United Nations Day.

In many instances the Bahá’ís have emerged as leaders of thought on important issues. For our progressive ideas and our efficient, consultative style, we have moved to the forefront of a number of other UN-related activities:

• For the past seven years the Bahá’ís have worked to support ratification of UN human rights conventions on Torture, the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and others on the rights of children and race discrimination. This work is carried out chiefly through the National Assembly's Washington, D.C. office, since it involves the U.S. Congress.

Shirley Lee, the National Assembly's representative to the UN, has become heavily involved in United Nations Association (UNA) activities; she served for two years as chairman of the UNA-USA executive committee of the Conference of UN Representatives in New York. In 1990 she was elected to the board of governors of that body and to the nominating committee for the 1993 UNA-USA convention.

The National Spiritual Assembly, through its Washington D.C. office, played an important role in the United Nations Association National Conference held in the nation's capital in 1989. Mrs. Lee, as chairman of the UNA-USA Committee, delivered the invocation during the conference banquet. She read the "Prayer for America" and mentioned the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to North America and His prophecies about the destiny of this country. More than 1,200 people attended.

Mrs. Lee is also a member of the By-laws and Resolutions Committee of the UNA-USA which has been asked to conduct the first comprehensive review of the by-laws in 25 years.

• Mrs. Lee has attended many conferences on behalf of the Faith, such as one on "News and the New World Order"; a symposium on Women's Initiatives in African Food Security; and the Albert Schweitzer Symposium.

The National Spiritual Assembly was involved in other UN projects such as UNICEF, the 1% for Peace Program, and the Intercultural Center for Youth.

THE ENVIRONMENT

The National Spiritual Assembly is a member of the Global Tomorrow Coalition, an organization of more than 150 members involved in population, resources, environment and sustainable development.

Representatives of the National Assembly and the Bahá’í International Community have taken part in several conferences, including the Globescope Conference in Miami in 1991; the World Women's Congress for a Healthy Planet that same year (attended by two representatives, including Dr. Alberta Deas, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly); the North American Conference on Religion and Ecology in 1990, and meetings to plan the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) to be held in Brazil in June 1992. Peter Adriance, a member of the National Assembly's Washington, D.C., staff is part of the working group that will draft suggestions for the U.S. government position paper to be presented there.

The National Assembly co-sponsored the two Global Structures Convocations on Environment and Development in February 1989 and February 1992. On the former occasion a representative of the Faith conducted a workshop entitled "Earth Charter: Establishing the Values and Principles for International Laws and a Global Community."

• Bahá’ís attended several conferences of the International Coordinating Committee on Religion and Earth. im

The National Assembly is a member of the Advocates for African Food Security (a coalition of 30 non-governmental organizations and UN governmental agencies) focusing on the role of African women farmers.

The National Assembly is also a member of the Advisory/Planning Board of the North American Environmental Sabbath Committee. Our representative to the United Nations, who sits on the Board, recently ensured that a Bahá’í symbol was displayed on the masthead of the Sabbath Committee newsletter and that Bahá’í quotations were in the 10,000 kits distributed throughout the world for a committee-sponsored event.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CENTER

In 1988 the National Spiritual Assembly was contacted on behalf of Mrs. Coretta Scott King, president of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia, and widow of the renowned civil rights leader. Mrs. King asked if the Bahá’ís would be willing to co-chair the National Religious Involvement Committee of the Martin Luther King Federal Holiday Commission. In response, the National Spiritual Assembly named Wallace Carter as its representative to the Center. Responsibility for his activities was assigned to the Office of External Affairs. A year later Mrs. Carole Miller, an active and well-respected Bahá’í volunteer at the Center, was appointed to represent the National Assembly. She continues to co-chair the Religious Committee of the Holiday Commission, and has taken part in a number of other activities on behalf of the National Assembly:

Mrs. Miller was master of ceremonies at the first annual Ecumenical Breakfast in Washington, D.C., held on the Rev. Dr. King's birthday in January 1990. She also spoke at a dinner commemorating the birth of Mahatma Gandhi at the King Center that same year.

• She attended the International Interfaith Breakfast in Washington, D.C., in 1990, where she read ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Prayer for America before an audience of 800 people.

Mrs. Miller has also chaired the MLK Jr. World Prayer Day and Multicultural Program, the King Center's American Indian Forum on Unity and Justice, and the Interfaith Exchange Program for King Week. In addition, she attended the "Spiritual Gathering of the Tribes" held in Canada in 1990.

• Bahá’ís have taken part in the King Day parades in Atlanta and many other cities. Bahá’ís in Atlanta have served as co-chairmen of the city's Holiday Parade and March Committee. They have also been instrumental in inviting and hosting American Indians for the festivities during King Week. The secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly served as co-grand marshal at the 1992 King Day parade and was one of three dignitaries who spoke afterward to a rally of 100,000 people.

Bahá’ís have volunteered in a number of other capacities at the King Center, especially in youth programs such as the Youth Workshop on Non-Violence and the Youth Assembly.

• We played a major role in the mobilization rally (the Martin Luther King Commemoration March on August 27, 1988) by arranging for two busloads of Bahá’ís from South Carolina to come to Washington, D.C.; by attending local and national planning meetings before the march; and by marching and having representatives sitting in the VIP section.

OTHER EVENTS

Bahá’ís attended a White House seminar on "Religion in the USSR"; attended workshops at the Congressional Black Caucus's annual convention; took part in government-sponsored meetings on civil rights, foreign affairs, youth and education; and have attended State Department foreign policy conferences as well as White House Human Rights Day events.

Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, took part in an international conference on "Education Against Hate" in Haifa, Israel, sponsored by the University of Haifa and the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity. He presented a major address at the conference, which was attended by statesmen, scholars and journalists from around the world.

A display was presented in cooperation with the Bahá’í International Community on Laura Dreyfus-Barney's life, which was shown during a luncheon June 26, 1988, at the Barney Studio House of the Smithsonian Institution. Mrs. Dreyfus-Barney was one of the early Western Bahá’ís and was well-known outside of the Faith for her humanitarian and philanthropic work.

The National Spiritual Assembly held a reception for Kevin Locke (who was at that time a member of the National Assembly) in Washington, D.C., in September 1990 on the occasion of his receiving the Folk Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Kit Bigelow Cosby, a staff member of the National Assembly's office in Washington, D.C., addressed a meeting of the Harvard University Law School Human Rights Speaker Series with a lecture entitled, "Can World Opinion Affect Human Rights Violations? The Case of the Iranian Bahá’ís."

• The Bahá’í representative to the King Center was invited to attend a gathering of 500 religious leaders convened by former President Jimmy Carter in Atlanta in January 1992 to explore religious involvement in "Project Atlanta," an ambitious social and economic development program targeting the inner city. Mrs. Miller was later elected to a six-member advisory council to the President for the project.

The National Assembly has expanded its contact with organizations working in such areas as human rights, race relations, the environment and education. Its representatives have attended an ever-widening range of meetings, conferences, receptions, seminars and symposiums on issues of concern to society. As previously mentioned, there have also been

Dr. Henderson and Dr. Kazemzadeh are pictured at a 1988 Human Rights Day reception hosted by the National Spiritual Assembly to honor U.S. Reps. Tom Lantos of California (right, at podium) and John Porter of Illinois, co-chairmen of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. [Page 11]...increased requests for Bahá’í support from national organizations, city governments, schools and colleges, private industry and nations. The following is a representative selection of sponsoring bodies for events that shows the spectrum of our external affairs work (these are groups not already mentioned):

Friends Committee on Legislation, UN Education and Advocacy Group; American Association for World Health; Baptist Joint Committee for Public Affairs; Israeli Embassy; Committee Against Apartheid; Congressional Human Rights Foundation; a Christian Science Monitor/Discovery Channel reception; National Women's Committee; International Communication Association; World Future Society; Coalition on Education for All; Children's Defense Fund; Temple of Understanding; Alliance for Our Common Future; and Institute for the Study of Genocide.

The Faith was represented at a conference for national religious leaders on AIDS, at meetings on education in public schools about the role of the United Nations and at UN conferences on Women and World Population and the Rights of the Child. American Bahá’ís also attended a Bahá’í International Community and Club of Rome Symposium on Africa, and a reception given by Turner Broadcasting Systems Inc. in celebration of its sponsorship of "Waging Peace," a CNN special report broadcast.

The National Assembly also continued to educate the Bahá’í community on external affairs principles and policies. It has guided us on national and international issues and the application of Bahá’í principles, ranging from collective security to collaboration with like-minded organizations at the local level.

Further, the National Assembly has actively supported the external affairs work of the Bahá’í International Community and many other National Assemblies around the world with material and human resources, counseling and expertise on a variety of issues.

CONTACTS WITH CHINA

In response to the appeals from the Universal House of Justice for more regular contact with the Chinese people, great strides forward have been made in this crucial aspect of the teaching work. Aside from the victories won through direct teaching (as mentioned in Part 1 of this series) the American Bahá’í community has made inroads into important circles in a number of ways:

Mrs. Juana Conrad, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, was on the steering committee of the first Sino-American Women's Conference held in June 1990 in Beijing. Several Bahá’ís presented papers on subjects in the fields of health, education, family and child care and employment.

Mrs. Conrad also led a delegation to China in January 1991 to help the All China Women's Federation develop a five-year plan for women.

In June 1991 Mrs. Conrad and Dr. Deas led a group of Bahá’í educators to China at the request of the All China Women's Federation.

The National Assembly also arranged for the participation of the U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust at the Beijing International Book Fair.

PUBLIC INFORMATION

Another aspect of the National Assembly's external affairs work is public information. The Office of Public Information in Wilmette is part of the National Assembly's Office of External Affairs in Washington, which directs its contact with the media. It also handles inquiries about the Faith and works to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information to the friends on matters pertaining to the persecutions in Iran and other subjects.

The Office of Public Information works closely with local Public Information representatives, whose number has increased from about 400 to nearly 1,000 since the beginning of the Plan. Public Information representatives are appointed by local Assemblies, and are the individuals who carry out contact with the media in each community.

Public Information representatives handle local news and receive materials regularly from the Office of Public Information, including press kits (in English or Spanish) with such items as the "National Assembly Fact Sheet," "The Bahá’í Faith and its World Community," and "Bahá’í Statistics," all updated periodically.

They also have access to National Assembly press releases and radio and television public service announcements on topics of national importance, such as Congressional resolutions affecting the Faith, news of Bahá’í involvement in current events, and updates on the situation of the friends in Iran and other countries. The representatives help to publicize Bahá’í activities as well; the International Peace Conference and the "Vision to Victory" conferences are but two examples.

The Office of Public Information has further supported the representatives with public information meetings in several areas of the country, at which staff from the Bahá’í National Center discussed techniques and terminology with the friends.

The Office of Public Information has also helped local communities develop public information campaigns focusing on specific issues, such as "The Promise of World Peace."

The Office now produces a "Public Information Bulletin" to provide information to representatives and to request specific actions, and has established "NEWSWIRE" on the National Center's electronic bulletin board. "NEWSWIRE" is an excellent means for rapid dissemination of news to the friends, and is steadily growing in popularity. Eventually it is to be made available to non-Bahá’í journalists as well.

Other activities in which the Office of Public Information was involved include:

• The visits to the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, on separate occasions, of the Ambassador of India, the wife of the President of Guyana, the former President of Costa Rica, the Consul-General of India, the Hmong Buddhist High Priest for Thailand, the president of the Union of Soviet Architects, and staff from the morning television show "Good Morning America."
• The meeting with representatives of the U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference to discuss how Bahá’ís teach their Faith.
• The support of other National Assemblies around the world with public information materials.
• Membership and involvement in the Religious Public Relations Council and the North American Interfaith Network.

Signing the Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland are (seated left to right) Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, at that time chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly; Dean Murray Polakoff of the university's School of Social and Behavioral Sciences; and Dr. Abdel R. Omran, acting director of the school's Center for International Development and Conflict Management.

Year Major Plan Goals:

1. Carrying the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind 2. Greater involvement of the Faith in the life of human society 3. A worldwide increase in the translation, production, distribution and use of Bahá’í literature 4. Further acceleration in the process of the maturation of local and national Bahá’í communities 5. Greater attention to universal participation and the spiritual enrichment of individual believers 6. A wider extension of Bahá’í education to children and youth, and the strengthening of Bahá’í family life 7. The pursuit of projects of social and economic development in well-established Bahá’í communities

Detailed plans are also under way regarding the approach to national communications media about Holy Year activities and the second Bahá’í World Congress. Ronald Precht, director of the Office of Public Information, is a member of the World Congress Media Task Force that is preparing an international plan for contact with the media before, during and after the World Congress.

THE PEACE STATEMENT

Concurrent with all of these external affairs activities has been the continued promotion of the Universal House of Justice's statement on peace to the peoples of the world. Near the end of the Seven Year Plan the House of Justice, taking advantage of the higher profile the Faith was experiencing, issued "The Promise of World Peace" and arranged for its delivery to heads of state and other rulers. In the Six Year Plan the House of Justice asked that the statement be delivered to all leaders of government, leaders of thought, and the general public.

Availing ourselves of the strong relationships we had already developed in government, media and other circles, the American Bahá’ís, in addition to sustaining their endeavors for the Bahá’ís in Iran, began to formally present the peace statement to officials and prominent persons from every walk of life. Among those who have received copies of "The Promise of World Peace" are former President Jimmy Carter and the president of Gallaudet College, the country's best-known school for the deaf and hearing impaired. This activity has continued until today, with tens of thousands more copies distributed every year by individual Bahá’ís to their friends and acquaintances.

SAN FRANCISCO CONFERENCE

The National Assembly undertook some significant activities related to promotion of the peace statement during the Six Year Plan. First was the International Peace Conference held in San Francisco in September 1986 to honor the United Nations International Year of Peace. This was the first major conference in Bahá’í history in which the majority of speakers were not Bahá’ís. The conference went a long way toward establishing the Bahá’ís as leaders of thought on peace-related issues in the eyes of academics, the media and the public. Other activities included the production of a video entitled "Peace...the Promise," inspired by the peace statement, that has become a popular teaching and proclamation tool. It has been broadcast on television, including one occasion on the satellite Peace Channel.

BAHÁ’Í CHAIR FOR WORLD PEACE

One of the most dramatic developments in this country, however, was the signing [Page 12]In January 1990 of a memorandum of understanding between the National Spiritual Assembly and the University of Maryland establishing "The Bahá’í Chair for World Peace" at that university's Center for International Development and Conflict Management. This was described by the Universal House of Justice as of "immense importance to the accelerating progress to the Cause of God."

The Chair was established due largely to the efforts of the late Dr. Edward Azar, a non-Bahá’í academic who was so impressed by the peace statement that he proposed the idea for the Chair to the House of Justice, suggesting that the peace statement be used as its guiding charter.

The 6 Year Plan

The purpose of the Chair, as it was expressed in the memorandum, is "to conduct and publish research, design courses and conduct seminars in the field of Bahá’í studies and world peace within an interdisciplinary context; to initiate public forums for discussing the issues proposed in the statement of the Universal House of Justice entitled 'The Promise of World Peace'; and to establish academic linkages with and provide technical assistance to Bahá’í institutions in the field of peace education and international development."

Shortly after the memorandum was signed, the Bahá’ís successfully completed fund-raising efforts for the Chair, making it eligible for state funding.

NEW FOCUS ON THE FAITH

Since the beginning of the Six Year Plan the bulk of our external affairs work has centered around the defense of the Iranian Bahá’ís and the promulgation of "The Promise of World Peace" and the principles it upholds. As a result of these two campaigns, great opportunities for proclaiming Bahá’í teachings have opened up and the Faith has become more widely known than ever before.

One area in which this new level of exposure is reflected is the media. The Faith has enjoyed unprecedented coverage during the Plan, due to local and national efforts on the part of the believers. Over the years the content of articles and reports about the Faith has shifted significantly, from a focus on the persecutions to one on the Bahá’í teachings.

The number of articles on the Faith has increased from an average of 2,000 to 3,800 per year since the beginning of the Plan. Significant pieces have appeared in a wide range of publications, including:

Newspapers—The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, the San Francisco Chronicle and the Chicago Tribune.

Magazines—Time, The National Review, Ebony, and The Atlantic.

• Reference to the Faith was made in many books, such as Inside Iran—Life Under Khomeini's Regime; The Encyclopedia of American Religions; and The Future of Religion.

• Significant reference to the Faith was made on National Public Radio, C-SPAN and CNN. Stories based on National Assembly press releases appeared on wire services including United Press International, the Associated Press, Reuters, Copley's, and Ecumedia, a religious news service.

The Office of Public Information corresponded with a greatly increased number of schools, libraries, organizations and publishers, including the National Conference of Christians and Jews; Columbia University School of Social Work; Religious News Service; the World Book Encyclopedia; and Macmillan Publishing.

The 1992 edition of Chase's Annual Events devotes half a page to the Bahá’í Holy Year.

The U.S. Army Chaplain's Handbook issued a revised section on the Bahá’í Faith prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly.

The Encyclopedia Britannica's 1988 Yearbook listed the Faith as the most widely spread religion in the world after Christianity.

SUMMARY

It would be difficult to overestimate the significance of our accomplishments in the area of external affairs. In September 1990 the Universal House of Justice sent a message to our National Spiritual Assembly that read in part:

"...we reaffirm the sentiments we have previously expressed about the inestimable value of your external affairs activities not only because of their indispensability to the progress of your national Bahá’í community but also because of their high importance to the interests of the Faith in other parts of the world....You have achieved remarkable feats through the operations of this Office...."

Since the beginning of the Plan our external affairs agenda has blossomed into activities that cover a wide range of interests, affecting the Faith in the U S. and, as indicated by the House of Justice, the rest of the world as well. Our relations with the government and the UN have been strengthened, our involvement in the life of society has been increased, our teaching and proclamation efforts have been profoundly affected; in short, we have carried the message of Bahá’u’lláh to a needy world in dramatically new and portentous ways.

Next: How greater involvement in the life of society has been accomplished through other national agencies, local communities and individuals.

Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh (left), the National Spiritual Assembly's secretary for External Affairs, with Ambassador Richard Schifter, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, at a 1987 Human Rights Day reception hosted by the National Assembly to pay tribute to Ambassador Shifter's efforts in behalf of human rights including those of the Bahá’ís in Iran.

LETTERS

"The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The American Bahá’í welcomes letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the "letters" column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another's views or to attack anyone personally. Opinions expressed in these columns are those of the writers, and are not necessarily those of the National Spiritual Assembly or the editors.

Letters should be as brief as possible (a 250-word maximum is suggested) and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address all letters to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

World events and the Faith

To the Editor:

What prompted me to write this letter is what is happening in the world during this time before the coming of the Lesser Peace. In a letter written on his behalf, Shoghi Effendi said:

"Whatever our shortcomings may be, and however formidable the forces of darkness which besiege us today, the unification of mankind as outlined and ensured by the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh will in the fullness of time be firmly and permanently established. This is Bahá’u’lláh's promise, and no power on earth can in the long run prevent or even retard its adequate realization. The friends should, therefore, not lose hope, but fully conscious of their power and their role, should persevere in their mighty efforts for the extension and consolidation of Bahá’u’lláh's universal dominion on earth." (From a letter dated November 6, 1933)

That's why we see on the news the European countries coming to the following agreement, as reported recently:

"Members of the European Community (EC) reached agreement on the Economic and Monetary Union and Political Union at the Maastricht Summit December 9-10. Under the economic and monetary union agreements, the EC will move toward adoption of a single currency and a central bank by 1999. The agreement on political union will give the EC authority to act in foreign policy, defense, and social policy areas."

Kambiz Rouhani St. Petersburg, Florida

‘Let him teach his own self’

To the Editor:

In response to the article on the National Conference on Growth (October, p. 1): "All Bahá’ís," he continued, "desire spiritual progress for themselves. But that will never come about if we put our own development first. It can only happen when we put service to Bahá’u’lláh at the center of our hearts."

I am reminded of the following quotation: "Whoso ariseth among you to teach the Cause of his Lord, let him, before all else, teach his own self, that his speech may attract the hearts of them that hear him. Unless he teacheth his own self, the words of his mouth will not influence the heart of the seeker. Take heed, O people, lest ye be of them that give good counsel to others but forget to follow it themselves...." (Gleanings, p. 277)

How can we be of service to Bahá’u’lláh except by expressing His truth in our own lives?

Kathryn Doherty Cos Cob, Connecticut

Oral history

To the Editor:

I truly appreciated the article (November) "Oral history: an important aspect of archival research" because I am presently involved in an oral history project for the Ohio Historical Society.

Perhaps readers may be interested in learning that the annual meeting of the Oral History Association will be held next October 15-18 in Cleveland, Ohio. More information is available from Donna M. DeBlasio, Ohio Historical Society, P.O. Box 533, Youngstown, OH 44501.

I have a short article on oral history that includes a selected bibliography. I will send one to any interested Bahá’í who asks for it and includes a stamped self-addressed envelope.

Dan MacLachlan Uniontown, Ohio

Kindness to strangers

To the Editor:

I recently received a phone call from a woman who had found my number in the local directory under the listing "Bahá’í Faith." She told me that she was a Bahá’í from out of state. She had come to my home town of High Point, North Carolina, to visit her daughter, and asked if she and her family might drop by for a visit. I did not remember ever having met her. To my surprise, when I offered to give her directions to our home, she told me that she didn't need any.

The woman and her family arrived a short while later. As she greeted us she [Page 13]

World News

Six people were enrolled in the Faith during a conference on "Bahá’u’lláh-The King of Glory" held in Estonia. About 150 people from seven republics in the former Soviet Union, and from nine other countries, attended the event whose speakers included Auxiliary Board member Hal Sexton from Norway, Betty Reed from the United Kingdom, and Dr. Kishan Manocha from Czechoslovakia. Among the topics studied were the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, the Unity of Mankind, the Covenant, the Role of Youth in the Bahá’í Community, and Bahá’í Conduct.

A recent four-week teaching campaign in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has led to the enrollment of 300 new believers. Fifteen new localities were opened to the Faith, allowing the formation of 25 local Spiritual Assemblies and fulfilling the Assembly goal for the Six Year Plan.

A presentation of "The Promise of World Peace" to President F. W. deKlerk of South Africa, and to Oliver Tambo of the African National Congress, has continued to raise the profile of the Faith in the eyes of that country's leaders of thought. Three members of the National Spiritual Assembly and one of the first Bahá’ís of Afrikaans background made up a delegation that met for one-half hour with Mr. deKlerk. In a letter, the president thanked the Bahá’ís for making the presentation, and expressed his appreciation "for your prayers and moral support in the task of bringing about unity and peace among the diverse peoples of South Africa." Meanwhile, the National Spiritual Assembly was one of 40 organizations invited by the African National Congress Women's League to take part in a conference to formulate a charter for the rights of women in South Africa.

In Albania, a Bahá’í delegation met with President Ramiz Alia during a National Teaching Conference in Durres attended by about 240 believers from 12 communities and others from the British Isles, other parts of Europe, the United States and the Bahá’í World Center. Guests included Counselors Farzam Arbab and Sohrab Youssefian, Auxiliary Board members from Germany and Italy, and members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of those countries.

The Ministry of Education in Chile has approved a program for teaching the Faith in grades 9-12 in that country's high schools. On October 28, the Government Gazette printed the entire curriculum and the government resolution approving the program.

The 19 students in a community development facilitator course at the New Era Development Institute in Panchgani, India, spent a recent weekend in the village of Chikhali to familiarize themselves with rural life. The 11 staff members at the Institute, and three children, also spent the weekend in the village. The students waded happily into the paddy fields and learned the technique of rice planting, which they found was not as easy as it appears. During their first evening in the village, the students and teachers joined the Bahá’ís of Chikhali in celebrating the Nineteen Day Feast. On the second evening, they practiced their Marathi language skills on their hosts.

More than 200 people including about 120 women attended an International Women's Conference last October-November in Nigeria. Sixteen countries and 44 ethnic groups were represented, and 11 refugees from Liberia also took part. Among the special guests were five Continental Counselors and six Auxiliary Board members.

Counselor Beatrice Asare reports that two half-hour radio interviews on the Faith were aired four times in two weeks during the conference of non-aligned African countries in Accra, Ghana. About 4,500 pamphlets about the Faith were distributed from the Bahá’í booth during a 10-day trade fair held at the same time as the conference.

Nineteen students in the Community Development Facilitator Course at the New Era Development Institute in Panchgani, India, spent a weekend in the village of Chikhali to experience rural Indian life first-hand. The students found during their visit that planting rice is not as easy as the Chikhali women make it look.

On November 2, Bahá’ís in Lodz, Poland, formed their local Spiritual Assembly—the fifth in that country. The others are in Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan and Wroclaw.

In the Province of Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, the Bahá’ís of Gwiroro held a feast to celebrate the opening of the local Bahá’í Center. More than 1,500 people representing 34 local Assembly areas attended the day-long event.

The government of Belize holds a census every 10 years to determine the country's population and many other factors about its people. One of the questions concerns religious affiliation. For the first time on the census form, there is now a "Bahá’í" option, indicating that the Faith is recognized as one of the major religions in Belize.

The Spiritual Assembly of Mbale, Uganda, has gained further recognition for the Faith in that country by asking authorities to excuse Bahá’í children from school on the Faith's Holy Days. The education officer for the Mbale area sent a letter to all schoolmasters advising them of the decision to respect the "spiritual obligations" of the Bahá’ís. A list of Holy Days on which work should be suspended was attached. Previously, Bahá’í children who observed the Holy Days were punished for their absence from school.

Bahá’ís from communities throughout Samoa gathered recently at the National Center in Apia for a National Teaching Conference. Many performed musical presentations in which men, women and children took part, providing an opportunity for the younger generation to see and learn traditional dances.

On October 14, about 60 Bahá’ís and 80 guests gathered at the National Center in Brussels, Belgium, for a presentation by a Bahá’í, Léa Nys, on American Indians. The event was organized to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus.

On November 10, the Portuguese national television station broadcast a 30-minute program dedicated to the Bahá’í perspective on world peace. The program was prepared by the country's Office of Public Relations in collaboration with Bahá’ís in the United Kingdom, and was aired as part of a weekly series, "Paths," dedicated to religious minorities.

Thirteen Bahá’ís from Swaziland traveled recently to the village of Mpaka to set up a tent near the local high school and the refugees' camping area. On the first evening, more than 500 people visited the tent to see a slide show on the Faith and to see demonstrations of how to make cooking oil and how to build a strong fence for farming purposes.

WORLD CONGRESS

Logistics Office to take requests for booking meeting room space

The World Congress Logistics Office is ready to accept requests from those who may wish to book meeting room space in a hotel in New York City for private family receptions, lunches or dinners for a minimum of 15 persons.

Space will be assigned based on availability of rooms after official World Congress needs are met. These requests require food and beverage services.

Bahá’ís who wish to book such space should write to the World Congress Logistics Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, informing the Office of the date on which you would like to book space, what time you would prefer (evening, afternoon, etc.), how many people will be attending, what kind of function you wish to have (dinner, reception, etc.), and the name and address of a contact person (include phone and FAX number, if possible).

The World Congress Logistics Office will find space that matches your needs, if possible, and contact the food and beverage manager at the appropriate hotel with the information you send.

You will be given the name of the hotel and of the person who will be contacting you. The hotel will contact you directly to provide menus, quote prices, and make your detailed arrangements.

This is the only way that the friends will be able to use any of the public space in the officially booked hotels, which will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The friends should not try to contact the hotels directly until instructed to do so by the Logistics Office. It is expected that enough space will be available for your use. [Page 14]

National Assemblies ask for Youth Year of Service projects

The following National Spiritual Assemblies have requested Bahá’í Youth to take part in Year of Service projects:

AFRICA—Bophuthatswana, Botswana, Burkina, Central African Republic, Chad, Ciskei, Gabon, The Gambia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zaire.

AMERICAS—Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela, West Leeward Islands.

ASIA—Bangladesh, India, Macau, Malaysia, Thailand.

AUSTRALASIA—Australia, Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Mariana Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu.

EUROPE—France, Italy, Malta, Republic of Ireland.

Additional requests have been made by the European Bahá’í Youth Council: three months to a year during the Holy Year. There are 14 proposed routes: 1. Iceland, Faeroe Islands. 2. Denmark, Norway and Sweden. 3. Finland and the Baltic States. 4. USSR. 5. Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands. 6. Southern Cyprus and Greece. 7. Northern Cyprus, Turkey and Bulgaria. 8. Rumania and Hungary. 9. Italy, Albania and Yugoslavia. 10. France, Luxembourg and Belgium. 11. Poland and Eastern Germany. 12. Switzerland, Austria and Czechoslovakia. 13. United Kingdom and Ireland. 14. The Netherlands and Western Germany.

Those who would like more information, and those who have received applications directly from the European Bahá’í Youth Council, are asked to contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 as soon as possible (phone 708-869-9039).

With Ridván fast approaching, a number of long-term pioneering goals remain unfilled in many countries

RIDVÁN 1992 IS ALMOST HERE. Who would not wish it to be said of them that others would be “illumined by their memory”? Bahá’u’lláh, in describing those of His loved ones “who have... journeyed through the countries in His Name and for His praise,” has assured us that “whoso hath attained their presence will glory in their meeting and all that dwell in every land will be illumined by their memory.” The following long-term pioneering goals remain unfilled: AFRICA—St. Helena and Venda; AMERICAS—Dominica, Suriname, St. Lucia and the Bay Islands of Honduras; EUROPE—Bulgaria, Kazakhstan and Yugoslavia.

The countries still in need of short-term pioneers are: AFRICA—Guinea Bissau and Uganda; AMERICAS—Argentina, Colombia, Dominica, Martinique, Nicaragua and Paraguay; ASIA—Japan and Pakistan; and AUSTRALASIA—the Mariana, Marshall and West Caroline Islands.

“How great is the need at this moment when the promised outpourings of His grace are ready to be extended to every soul, for us to form a broad vision of the mission of the Cause to mankind, and to do all in our power to spread it throughout the world!” (Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’í Administration, p. 18.)

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

TRAVELING TEACHING CALENDAR

BULGARIA: Present-April 21, 1992—Dr. Magdalene Carney Project. February 1992, Bahá’í Winter School, “Bahá’í Fundamentals.”

UNITED KINGDOM: Clifton, York, August 10-15, 1992—Music and Arts Festival to celebrate the Centenary of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.

BRAZIL: The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED—Earth Summit ’92) and the Global Forum, June 1-12, 1992, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Bahá’ís are free to participate in the Global Forum events provided they have registered by March 15, 1992.

Individuals are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodations. For more information contact the Office of Pioneering, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

SHORT-TERM PIONEER GOALS

AFRICA	Goals (months)	Months Completed
Ciskei	24	6
Guinea-Bissau	12	0
Liberia	12	0
Nigeria	12	18
Tanzania	36	19
Uganda	24	0
Zambia	24	38
Totals	144	82
AMERICAS
Argentina	24	0
Bahamas	12	12
Barbados	12	4
Brazil	24	14
British V.I.	12	0
Colombia	24	0
Dominica	12	0
Ecuador	12	16
Guyana	24	37
Honduras	24	18
Jamaica	24	10
Leeward Islands	12	28
Martinique	12	0
Mexico	36	57
Nicaragua	24	2
Panama	36	20
Paraguay	24	0
Puerto Rico	12	3
Uruguay	24	0
Venezuela	12	16
Totals	396	237
ASIA
India	24	22
Japan	24	0
Pakistan	12	0
Taiwan	36	25
Totals	96	47
AUSTRALASIA
Mariana Islands	24	0
Marshall Islands	12	0
W. Caroline Islands	12	4
Totals	48	4
EUROPE
Portugal	24	0

National Archives Committee calls on Assemblies, individuals to locate missing letters from Guardian

So much of the Bahá’í Faith is centered around the Word of God. It is how Bahá’u’lláh intended to conquer the hearts of men, not through the sword but by His Pen.

We pray using the Words of the Central Figures of the Faith. We are told to read their Writings every day. The Bahá’í Scriptures are indispensable to our teaching and consolidation work. All Bahá’í institutions, from the Universal House of Justice down, rely on the Sacred Texts and the writings of the Guardian.

This requires that the Writings be preserved in their original form. Only by keeping them intact and inviolate can they help us carry out our mission to revitalize mankind.

Not only must the Sacred Texts be preserved, but also ‎the the the‎ interpretations given us by the beloved Guardian through 36 years of letters. It is vital for the maturation of Bahá’í institutions and for the teaching work that as many of the Guardian’s letters as possible be preserved.

Therefore, the National Bahá’í Archives Committee is calling on local Spiritual Assemblies and individual believers for help in its search for the remaining missing letters of the Guardian.

In 1987 the Bahá’í World Center sent a list of 7,200 missing letters to be located. Of these, 1,500 have been accounted for, leaving 5,700 still missing.

The Archives Committee publishes regularly in The American Bahá’í the names of believers who received letters from the Guardian. We need to locate these letters and acquire either the originals or good quality photocopies. Many of the believers have long been deceased but the letters may still be in the possession of families or friends.

Every day the risk increases that more of these priceless letters will be irretrievably lost. Please contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039) if you have information about these believers or can help us in the search.

TRAVELING TEACHERS

Area / Country	Goal	Filled
Ukraine	100	173
Kazakhstan	6	8
USSR (Other Republics)	150	240
Bulgaria	5	6
Czechoslovakia	30	32
DDR/East Germany	10	4
Hungary	35	16
Poland	15	16
Romania	10	11
Yugoslavia	40	9
Mongolia	4	2
China	35	85
Totals	440	602

Bahá’í Youth Service Corps

“sally forth unrestrained as the wind”

For more information, contact: National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone 708-869-9039, ext. 232

ONGOING TRAVELING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

Barbados; Bophuthatswana; Brazil; Burundi; Cambodia; Canada, Native and Chinese Teaching, and Yukon Bahá’í Institute; Chad; Ciskei; Cook Islands; Costa Rica; Eastern Caroline Islands; East Leeward Islands; Fiji; French Polynesia; Grenada; Guyana; Haiti; Hong Kong; Italy; Jamaica; Japan; Kenya; Malaysia; Martinique; Mauritius; New Zealand; Nicaragua; Pakistan; Panama; Republic of Benin; Singapore; South Africa; Taiwan; Tonga; Uganda; United Kingdom; Venezuela; West Leeward Islands; Yucatan; Yugoslavia. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

TWO-YEAR PLAN U.S. GOALS

SHORT-TERM PIONEERS	Goal	Open Goals	LONG-TERM PIONEERS	Goal	Open Goals
Bulgaria	2	0	Bulgaria	1	1
Czechoslovakia	4	2	Czechoslovakia	4	0
DDR/East Germany	2	2	DDR/East Germany	2	0
Hungary	2	2	Hungary	2	0
Poland	2	0	Poland	1	0
Romania	1	0	Romania	1	0
USSR			USSR
Ukraine	4	0	Ukraine	2	0
Kazakhstan	2	1	Kazakhstan	2	2
Other Republics	4	3	Other Republics	2	0
Yugoslavia	4	4	Yugoslavia	2	1
Mongolia	1	0	Mongolia	2	0
China	4	0	China
Totals	32	15	Totals	21	4

Pioneers Sent ............................................................................ 80 [Page 15]‘We Recycle and Other Songs for Earthkeepers’ by Bahá’ís Dave and Helene Van Manen of Beulah, Colorado, has been given the 1991 Gold Award as best children’s album by the Parents’ Choice Foundation of Newton, Massachusetts, which selects and reviews the best in children’s music, books, videos, toys and other materials. Many of the songs on the album, which was released in September 1990, were inspired by the Ridván 1989 message from the Universal House of Justice which called on the friends to become involved in efforts aimed at protecting the environment. ‘We Recycle’ (along with the Van Manens’ first album, ‘Barley Bread and Reindeer Milk’) is available through the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

‘Models of Race Unity’ theme of conference by East Bay Institute

The East Bay Bahá’í Institute in Oakland, California, sponsored a day-long conference, “Models of Race Unity,” February 1 at Preservation Park in Oakland. The conference was subtitled “A Day of Cultural Appreciation and Mutual Respect: Meeting Basic Human Needs and Promoting Racial Equality.”

Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, was the keynote speaker.

Panel/workshop topics were “Toward Multi-Ethnicity: Dismantling Attitudes of Racism and Socioeconomic and Cultural Intolerance” (led by Lenise Jackson-Gaertner, a Bahá’í who is president of Mothers for Race Unity and Equality), and “Economics, Education and Literacy: Creating Equal Access” (led by Grey Wiley, director of Project Sound Chance, and the Rev. Chester McCall, director of the Alameda Midway Shelter).

Rights are removed

The National Spiritual Assembly has removed the administrative rights of of Tacoma, Washington, following his conviction on charges of sexual molestation.

The National Assembly has also removed the administrative rights of of Ignacio, Colorado, for immorality.

For Bahá’í World Congress: Price reductions boost registrations

The World Congress Logistics Office has been inundated, since the recent price reductions, with registration forms from the friends around the world. The Office is processing hundreds of registrations each day and wishes to thank the friends for their patience and understanding in this process.

For those who are thinking about registering, but have not already done so, you are urged to register as soon as possible. Registration is scheduled to close in April. The April date is especially important because we are required to release by specific dates hotel and air space not yet reserved. This reduces our ability to accommodate the needs of the friends, and may jeopardize the free meeting space needed in the hotels for Congress activities.

JANUARY 15 PAYMENT DEADLINE

The Office is pleased to announce that, for those who have already registered, the January 15 deadline for final payment has been postponed. Invoices reflecting adjustments for the newly reduced “Hotel Only” and “Complete Congress Package” pricing are being sent to each registrant. For registrants from the U.S. and Canada, full payment will be due 21 days from the date of invoice. For others, final payment will be due 45 days from the date of invoice.

If a refund is due, the invoice will reflect the amount of the refund, and the refund will be issued 45-60 days from the date of the invoice.

Air fares have been appreciably reduced and are still in negotiation. For those who have already registered and have chosen the Complete Congress Packages (air, hotel, airport bus transfer), invoicing may be slightly delayed.

For those who requested hotels in New Jersey, Category A, B or C (which are now sold out), requests have been accommodated based on the date of registration (by postmark) and availability of the category requested. If the category is not available, you have automatically been upgraded to the next available category. The invoice will reflect this change.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE REGISTERING NOW

Registering for a Hotel Only Package requires full payment with your registration materials.

Registering for the Complete Congress Package requires the Hotel Only Package revised amount plus a $200 deposit (and the $50 Congress Services Fee). The actual amount due will be determined after the air ticket has been issued and you will be invoiced accordingly. Payment will be due on receipt of the invoice.

REQUESTS FOR UPGRADES OR CHANGES

All requests for upgrades and changes in registration will be taken in the order they are received, based on postmark. All requests for upgrades or changes must be made in writing and addressed to World Congress Registration, P.O. Box 789, Wilmette, IL 60091. All requests will be accommodated if possible, subject to availability.

If a requested hotel category is sold out, every effort will be made to upgrade only one category. With the recent price reductions, this may come out to less than the price for the original category.

WORLD CONGRESS HOTEL AND AIR GROUP FORMATION STATUS CHANGED

As previously indicated in the Registration Guide, it was possible for groups of registrants to request travel together or stay in the same hotel. Because of the volume of these requests and the impact it has had on our limited physical, human and financial resources, we regret to announce that we can no longer accommodate these requests with assurance.

However, for those who have already registered in a hotel or air group, it is likely that the requests will be accommodated because of the sequential nature of receiving and entering the registration information.

This does NOT affect those who have asked to share rooms. Roommates will continue to be accommodated.

HEADQUARTERS HOTEL CATEGORY

If you wish to register for the New York Headquarters Hotel category (Category HH), please write “HH” in the Congress Hotel Category section of “Part 2: Air Travel & Hotel Accommodations” on the Individual Registration Form.

SECOND PAYMENTS

The Registration Office occasionally receives unidentified payments. Please make sure that you include the name of each person for whom payment is intended, including the Congress ID numbers when possible.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Important! Each World Congress registrant must inform World Congress Registration of any change of address. This change should be submitted separately from a change of address submitted to the MIS Department at the Bahá’í National Center.

Register now! The urgency of everyone completing their registration as soon as possible cannot be overemphasized. Don’t miss this opportunity to attend the World Congress, the largest gathering of Bahá’ís in the history of the Faith and an experience you will cherish forever.

“Every individual believer—man, woman, youth and child—is summoned to this field of action; for it is on the initiative, the resolute will of the individual to teach and to serve, that the success of the entire community depends.”—The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 1988

WHAT A GIFT!

First and foremost among those favors, which the Almighty hath conferred upon man, is the gift of understanding. . . . This gift giveth man the power to discern the truth in all things, leadeth him to that which is right, and helpeth him to discover the secrets of creation. (Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings 194)

NEEDED: ONE-THOUSAND THINKERS

We all know people who are searching and thinking. We can assist them by providing them with a gift subscription to The Journal of Bahá’í Studies. Four times a year, the recipients of your gift subscriptions will receive both a reminder of your thoughtfulness and an aid to their thinking about some of life’s greatest issues. We need you to identify these people for us. We need you to tell us whom you would like to present with this special gift. Our aim is to attract one-thousand new thinkers from among the prominent people of your life and from the new Bahá’ís and their contacts in Eastern Europe.

Indeed, the real treasury of man is his knowledge. Knowledge is the means of honor, prosperity, joy, gladness, happiness and exultation. (Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í World Faith 189)

The Association will send an introductory letter with the subscription, explaining the purpose of The Journal of Bahá’í Studies and stating the donor’s name. We need your wholehearted support of this campaign!

Gift from: Gift to: Amount: $20/individual or $30/institution: Cheque Credit Card VISA/MasterCard/AmEx #: Signature: Expiry date:

Please make cheques payable to: Association for Bahá’í Studies 34 Copernicus St., Ottawa, ON, Canada, KIN 7K4 Tel: (613) 233-1903; Fax: (613) 233-3644 ’ALA 148 B.E./MARCH 2, 1992 [Page 16]

دومین کنفرانس انجمن ادب و فرهنگ ایرانی

SECOND PERSIAN ARTS AND CULTURE CONFERENCE

دومین کنفرانس انجمن ادب و فرهنگ ایرانی از تاریخ ۹ تا ۱۲ ژانویه سال جاری در حظیرةالقدس لوس آنجلس برگزار شد. در مجموع بیش از ۸۰۰ نفر در این کنفرانس شرکت کردند.

حدود نیمی از برنامه‌های کنفرانس به بررسی زندگی و آثار جناب نعیم سدهی تخصیص یافته بود. نیمهٔ دیگر برنامه‌ها درباره جریان گوناگون ادب و فرهنگ و هنر و نیز اجرای برنامه‌های هنری از قبیل موسیقی و نمایش و شعرخوانی بود.

کنفرانس رسماً ساعت ۸ بعد از ظهر پنجشنبه ۹ ژانویه آغاز شد. پس از مناجات و خوش‌آمد و خیر مقدم و اعلام برنامه، یک نمایش سمعی بصری دربارهٔ حضرت عبدالبهاء توسط آقای محبت‌الله سبحانی ارائه شد. سپس یک برنامهٔ موسیقی توسط خانم گلوریا روحانی اجرا شد.

صبح روز بعد (جمعه ۱۰ ژانویه) پس از اجرای یک برنامهٔ کوتاه موسیقی، دکتر ماشاءالله مشرف‌زاده سخنانی راجع به "شرح زندگی جناب نعیم سدهی" ایراد نمودند و گوشه‌هایی از رویدادهای حیات جناب نعیم را به آگاهی حاضران رساندند. سپس دکتر نادر سعیدی نطقی دربارهٔ "امر بهائی و فلسفهٔ شرق" ایراد کردند و اندیشهٔ بهائی را در رابطه با فیلسوفان و متصوفان و متشرعان اسلام مورد بررسی قرار دادند. بعد از ظهر آن روز آقای نعیم نبیل اکبر دربارهٔ "نگارش فارسی مؤلفان بهائی" مطالبی اظهار داشتند و موقف و سبک آثار نویسندگان بهائی را در رابطه با تحول زبان و نثر فارسی مورد بحث قرار دادند. سپس آقای حسن اعلانی افنان در "محفل شعر و ادب" جلسه‌ای مشتمل بر خواندن آثار برخی از شعرای بهائی ترتیب دادند و در ضمن آن از برخی از دوستان دعوت کردند که قطعات منظومی را برای حاضران قرائت کنند. شب جمعه برنامه‌ای هنری تحت عنوان "قطعاتی از کلمات مکنونه" توسط آقای منصور تأیید اجرا شد و سپس آقای کیومرث حقیقی و دخترشان کیلی به اجرای برنامهٔ موسیقی "شرق و غرب" با سنتور و پیانو پرداختند و بعد از آن آقای هوشمند عقیلی، خوانندهٔ نامدار یک برنامهٔ موسیقی ایرانی اجرا کردند.

صبح روز شنبه ۱۱ ژانویه جلسات کنفرانس با تلاوت مناجات و بعد اجرای موسیقی آغاز شد. سپس دکتر امین بنانی سخنانی تحت عنوان "شعر نعیم و مشخصات شعری او" ایراد کردند و اشعار نعیم را در مقایسه با برخی از شاعران گذشته و همچنین برخی از شاعران همزمان او تجزیه و تحلیل نمودند. "نوگرائی در شعر نعیم" موضوع نطق دکتر ایرج خادمی بود که در ضمن آن ابداع و ابتکار نعیم در زمینهٔ شعر مورد بررسی قرار گرفت. بعد از ظهر شنبه دکتر طلعت بصاری سخنانی دربارهٔ "جایگاه نعیم در ادبیات معاصر ایران" ایراد کردند و مشروحاً زمینهٔ تاریخی شعر فارسی را توضیح دادند و سپس موقف شعر نعیم را در رابطه با آن روشن ساختند. سپس آقای حسن اعلانی افنان "محفل شعر و ادب" را با قرائت اشعار ادامه دادند. شب شنبه خانم شکوه رضائی و آقای نورالدین ثابت ایمانی برنامه‌ای تحت عنوان "گذاری بر روضهٔ قلبها" اجرا کردند. این برنامه مشتمل بر خواندن قطعات منظومی از برخی از شاعران بهائی بود. سپس آقای منصور و خانم مژده مولوی نمایش "حق صغیر" نوشتهٔ آقای فرهاد آنیش را به صحنه آوردند. این نمایش که موضوعش رابطهٔ زن و مرد ایرانی ‎مورد مورد مورد‎ تشویق بسیاری از شرکت‌کنندگان واقع شد. بعد از این نمایش خانم شکوه رضائی با همراهی گروه موسیقی آقای منوچهر صادقی به اجرای برنامهٔ موسیقی پرداختند.

جلسات یکشنبه ۱۲ ژانویه، آخرین روز کنفرانس با مناجات و برنامهٔ موسیقی آغاز گردید. سپس مهندس نوشین احسان (براین) نطقی دربارهٔ "وحدت در معماری بهائی" ایراد کردند. بعد از نطق ایشان مهندس ‎مژژان مژگان‎ خادم سخنانی تحت عنوان "هنر و معماری از دیدگاه یک معمار بهائی" ایراد نمودند و بخشی کلی دربارهٔ موضوع هنر و پایه‌های فلسفی آن به میان آوردند. سپس دکتر ایرج خادمی از کنفرانس نتیجه‌گیری کردند و بار دیگر کلیاتی دربارهٔ انجمن به آگاهی حاضران رساندند.

در طی این کنفرانس کارگاههائی workshops بعد از ظهرها دائر بود. موضوع و گردانندگان این کارگاهها به این قرار است: آقای منصور تأیید: "هنر نمایش: آیا هنر بهائی وجود دارد؟"؛ آقای فرزاد خزین: "اقسام موسیقی ایرانی"؛ خانم شکوه رضائی: "روش تلاوت آیات"؛ آقای نعیم نبیل اکبر: "بحثی دربارهٔ شعر"؛ دکتر مارگارت کیتن Caton: "موسیقی سنتی ایران (به زبان انگلیسی)"؛ دکتر آهنگ ربانی: "نعیم سدهی (به زبان انگلیسی)"؛ خانم مورین حقیقی: "قالی‌های ایرانی (به زبان انگلیسی)".

یکی از ویژگی‌های این کنفرانس این بود که اندیشه‌ها و باورهای گوناگونی در آن ابراز می‌شد و سخنان برخی از ناطقان بحث‌انگیز بود و این خود نمودار اصل "وحدت در کثرت" بود که بارها در آثار حضرت ولی امرالله بدان اشاره رفته است.

اطلاعات دربارهٔ کنفرانس‌های آیندهٔ انجمن ادب و فرهنگ ایرانی در صفحات فارسی "امریکن بهائی" به آگاهی یاران فارسی‌زبان خواهد رسید.

صعود یکی از خادمان امرالله

LONG TIME SERVANT OF THE FAITH PASSES AWAY

خانم صنوبری فلاحی روشنی که در زمان سفر خانم مارتا روت به ایران راهنما و مترجم ایشان در تبریز بودند، در روز ۲۹ نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۱ در کلورادو اسپرینگز در ایالت کلورادو به ملکوت ابهی صعود کردند.

خانم فلاحی که از سال ۱۹۷۸ در کلورادو به سر می‌برند، در سال ۱۹۱۲ در تبریز زاده شدند و از مدرسهٔ آمریکائیان در همان شهر فارغ‌التحصیل گردیدند.

پدرشان در زمانی که از قزوین دیدار می‌کرد، مورد هجوم مخالفان امر مبارک واقع شد و در اثر جراحات درگذشت. برادرشان، جناب دکتر سیروس روشنی که یکی از اعضای محفل روحانی ملی ایران بود، مدتی در زندان به سر برد و سرانجام به شهادت رسید. منسوب دیگر ایشان، جناب روحی روشنی نیز که یکی از اعضای محفل روحانی طهران بود، مدت کوتاهی پس از انقلاب اسلامی ربوده شد و بعداً توسط بیت‌العدل اعظم در شمار شهیدان امر مبارک قلمداد گردید.

اطلاعیهٔ انجمن ادب و هنر لندگ

LANDEGG ACADEMY

انجمن ادب و هنر آکادمی لندگ در سوئیس به اطلاع یاران فارسی‌زبان می‌رساند که چهارمین دوره مجمع که تحت عنوان "دوره قلم اعلی" نامیده شده است، از یکشنبه ۳۰ اوت تا جمعه ۴ سپتامبر امسال در محل آکادمی لندگ در سوئیس تشکیل خواهد شد.

سخنرانی‌هائی که در این دوره ایراد خواهد شد بیشتر دربارهٔ حیات حضرت بهاءالله و آثار مبارکهٔ آن حضرت خواهد بود.

انجمن ادب و هنر مسابقه‌ای برای محققان بهائی برای نگارش مقالات تحقیقی دربارهٔ یکی از آثار حضرت بهاءالله ترتیب داده است. اقدام دیگری که در دوره مذکور صورت خواهد گرفت، تدوین و نشر مجموعه‌ای از آثار و احوال هنرمند و خطاط عهد حضرت بهاءالله جناب مشکین قلم است.

در دستخط بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی مورخ ۳ اپریل سال ۱۹۹۱ آمده است: "از جمیع منابع مناسب و عناصر خلاقه موجود در جامعه از جمله نویسندگان، هنرمندان، آهنگ‌سازان، موسیقی‌دانان، شعراء، و کارشناسان اطلاعات و روابط عمومی دعوت شود که به کمک بشتابند تا بتوان نقشهٔ اقدامات مورد نظر را به نحوی مؤثر و متبوع و جالب توجه به مرحله اجرا گذاشت."

انجمن ادب و هنر امیدوار است که هنرمندان و نویسندگان بهائی ایرانی که در خارج از ایران سکونت دارند دعوت انجمن را بپذیرند و آثار خود را به پاس سپاسگزاری از درگاه الهی تقدیم نمایند.

موضوع مسابقه نگارش مقاله‌ای تحقیقی دربارهٔ یکی از آثار حضرت بهاءالله (به انتخاب نویسنده) است. مقاله باید حداکثر ۱۵ صفحهٔ تایپ شده (یا به خط خوانا) با درج حواشی و منابع باشد و مهلت ارسال آن آخر ماه اگست سال جاری است.

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با آکادمی لندگ تماس حاصل نمایند. نشانی:

Landegg Academy, CH-9405 Wienacht, Switzerland

== میدان خدمت == FIELD OF SERVICE یاران عزیز می‌توانند برای خدمات مهاجرتی کوتاه یا دراز مدت در خارج از آمریکا با دفتر مهاجرت Pioneering Office در دفتر محفل روحانی ملی تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن ۹۰۳۹-۸۶۹ (۷۰۸) داخلی ۲۲۰. همچنین برای مهاجرت داخلی و سفرهای تبلیغی در ایالات متحده با دفتر کمیتهٔ ملی نشر نفحات National Teaching Committee تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن ۹۰۳۹-۸۶۹ (۷۰۸) داخلی ۲۲۰.

نشریات جدید مؤسسهٔ معارف بهائی به لسان فارسی

NEW PUBLICATIONS

اخیراً مؤسسهٔ معارف بهائی به لسان فارسی صورتی از نشریات جدید خود را به دفتر محفل ملی فرستاده است. عین اطلاعیهٔ مؤسسه برای آگاهی یاران در زیر درج می‌گردد:

۱- "انسان در عرفان بهائی" اثر بسیار جالب تحقیقی، علمی و فلسفی نوشتهٔ دکتر نادر سعیدی.

۲- "برهان حقانیت پیغمبران" استدلالیه‌ای به زبان ساده نوشتهٔ آقای روح‌الله مهرا‌ب‌خانی.

۳- "یوسف بهاء در قیوم‌الاسماء" تحقیقی دقیق در عظیم‌ترین اثر نازله از قلم حضرت ربّ اعلی "تفسیر سورهٔ یوسف" تألیف دکتر نصرت‌الله محمد حسینی.

۴- "الوهیت و مظهریت" جلد دوم آثار فیلسوف شهید بهائی جناب دکتر علیمراد داودی، تنظیم دکتر وحید رأفتی، مجموعه‌ای بی‌نظیر در تشریع عقاید بهائی.

دوستان عزیز می‌توانند نشریات مؤسسه را آبونه شوند و یا از کتاب‌فروشی‌های بهائی در سراسر جهان یا مستقیماً از مؤسسهٔ معارف بهائی خریداری فرمایند.

تلفن ۳۰۴۰-۶۲۸ (۴۱۶).

Persian Institute for Bahá’í Studies P.O. Box 65600 Dundas, Ont. L9H 6Y6 CANADA [Page 17]

اطلاعات مهم درباره نام‌نویسی در کنگره جهانی

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WORLD CONGRESS

دفتر امور اجرائی کنگره جهانی روزانه صدها درخواست برای نام‌نویسی در کنگره جهانی دریافت می‌دارد و به همین جهت شکیبائی یاران را ملتمس است. تعداد علاقمندان به شرکت در کنگره جهانی که هنوز نام‌نویسی نکرده‌اند باید هر چه زودتر اقدام نمایند زیرا آخرین فرصت برای ثبت نام ماه اپریل سال جاری است. این تاریخ اهمیت خاصی دارد زیرا دفتر امور اجرائی کنگره جهانی ملتزم است در تاریخ معینی اتاق‌های اضافی و بلیط‌های هواپیمای رزرو نشده را به هتل‌ها و شرکت‌های هواپیمائی مسترد دارد. اگر تعداد معینی بلیط هواپیما و اتاق هتل تا اپریل سال جاری رزرو نشود، برطرف کردن نیازهای یاران مشکل‌تر خواهد شد و همچنین امکان داشتن محل مجانی برای اجتماعات و دیگر فعالیت‌های مربوط به کنگره جهانی به مخاطره خواهد افتاد.

همانگونه که یاران عزیز آگاهی دارند، آخرین فرصت برای فرستادن قسط آخر کسانی که تا کنون نام‌نویسی کرده‌اند، ۱۵ ژانویه امسال بود. دفتر امور اجرائی با نهایت خوشوقتی به آگاهی یاران می‌رساند که این موعد به عقب افتاده است. کسانی که نام‌نویسی کرده‌اند، صورت‌حساب‌هائی را که در آن کاهش قیمت هتل‌ها و سایر مخارج منعکس شده است، به‌زودی دریافت خواهند داشت. ساکنان امریکا و کانادا باید کل وجوه مربوط به کنگره جهانی را تا ۲۱ روز بعد از تاریخ صورت‌حساب پرداخت نمایند. دیگران ۴۵ روز بعد از تاریخ صورت‌حساب وقت دارند. چک‌های بازپرداخت برای کسانی که مبلغ پرداختی آنان بیش از قیمت‌های جدید بوده، ۴۵ تا ۶۰ روز بعد از تاریخ صورت‌حساب ارسال خواهد شد. قیمت‌های بلیط هواپیما کاهش کلی یافته است و هنوز هم مذاکرات ادامه دارد. بدین سبب صورت‌حساب یارانی که نام‌نویسی کرده و مجموعه کامل سفر را (که شامل مخارج سفر و هتل و اتوبوس است) انتخاب کرده‌اند، کمی دیرتر ارسال خواهد شد. کسانی که درخواست کرده‌اند در هتل‌های نیوجرزی اقامت کنند (هتل‌های گروه A و B و C که اکنون همگی به فروش رفته)، به درخواست‌هایشان بنا به تاریخ دریافت آن و موجود بودن محل درخواست شده رسیدگی شده است. اگر هتل‌های گروه درخواست شده پر بوده، در يك گروه بالاتر به آنان اتاق داده شده است. اوراق صورت‌حساب این تغییرات را در بر خواهد داشت.

یارانی که علاقه‌مندند در هتل‌های دسته HH (New York Headquarters Hotels) اقامت کنند لطفا در قسمت Hotel Accommodations ورقه ثبت‌نام فردی Individual Registration Form قسمت HH را وارد نمایند. دوستانی که در حال حاضر بخواهند نام‌نویسی کنند: ۱) اگرمی‌خواهند فقط برای هتل نام‌نویسی کنند باید کل وجوه مربوطه را باضافه ۵۰ دلار حق ثبت‌نام همراه اوراق ثبت‌نام ارسال نمایند، ۲) اگر برای هتل و بلیط هواپیما وغیره نام‌نویسی می‌نمایند، باید ۲۰۰ دلار ‎بیعانه بیعانه‎ بلیط هواپیما و ۵۰ دلار هزینه کنگره بعلاوة مبلغ مربوط به هتل را پرداخت نمایند. مبلغ کل بعد از صدور بلیط هواپیما معین خواهد شد و ‎ما التفاوت مابه‌التفاوت‎ قیمت در صورت‌حساب قید خواهد گردید. این مبلغ باید به محض وصول صورت‌حساب پرداخت شود.

در دفترچه راهنمای نام‌نویسی اعلام شده بود که در صورت تمایل شرکت‌کنندگان می‌توانند گروهی سفر کنند و در يك هتل اقامت نمایند. از آنجا که تعداد ‎احبائی احبایی‎ که تقاضای سفر گروهی یا اقامت گروهی در يك هتل را نموده‌اند بیش از حد انتظار بوده و این امرمنابع انسانی و مالی دفتر امور اجرائی را بشدت تحت فشار قرار داده، با نهایت تأسف از این پس تأمین این نوع تقاضاها میسر نیست. ولی برای کسانی که پیش از این به نحو گروهی ثبت‌نام کرده‌اند احتمال دارد که به ترتیب نوبت به تقاضاهای آنان ترتیب اثر داده شود. این محدودیت شامل کسانی که تقاضا کرده‌اند با دیگران هم‌اطاق شوند نمی‌شود و کماکان تدارک لازم برای آنان بعمل خواهد آمد. درخواست هر گونه تغییری بنا به تاریخ دریافت آن بررسی خواهد شد. درخواست‌های مذکور باید کتباً به قسمت World Congress Registration, P.O. Box 789, Wilmette, IL 60091 فرستاده شود به‌ تمامی درخواست‌های تغییر بسته به امکانات ترتیب اثر داده خواهد شد.

بار دیگر تاکید می‌شود یارانی که مایل به شرکت در کنگره جهانی باشند باید هر چه زودتر برای ثبت نام اقدام فرمایند. به دوستانی که توانائی شرکت در این مجمع جهانی را داشته باشند، توصیه می‌شود این فرصت بی‌مانند را از دست ندهند.

جلسات خانوادگی و دوستانه در کنگره جهانی

دفتر امور اجرائی کنگره جهانی درخواست‌های یاران را برای انعقاد جلسات خصوصی دوستانه و خانوادگی در هتل‌های نیویورک می‌پذیرد. پس از تأمین محل برای جلسات رسمی کنگره جهانی سالن‌های مخصوصی برای اینگونه جلسات برای اجتماعات پانزده نفره به بالا در نظر گرفته خواهد شد که شامل غذا و نوشیدنی نیز خواهد بود. یارانی که مایل به داشتن اینگونه جلسات باشند باید برای رزرو کردن محل با دفتر امور اجرائی کنگره جهانی واقع در دفتر محفل روحانی ملی تماس حاصل نمایند و درخواست خود را کتباً ارسال دارند. اطلاعاتی که باید همراه درخواست داشتن این جلسات فرستاده شود، عبارت است از: روز جلسه؛ زمان آن (مثلاً بعد از ظهر یا شب)؛ تعداد شرکت‌کنندگان؛ کیفیت جلسه (شام یا عصرانه یا شیرینی و میوه)؛ نام و نشانی و شماره تلفن (و شماره فکس fax در صورتی که موجود باشد) مسؤول ترتیب‌دهنده جلسه. دفتر امور اجرائی کنگره جهانی محل متناسب با درخواست‌های یاران را (در صورت امکان) پیدا خواهد کرد و با مسؤول پذیرائی آن محل تماس خواهد گرفت و اطلاعات فرستاده شده را در اختیار او قرار خواهد داد. نام هتل و مسؤول پذیرائی آن نیز به ترتیب‌دهنده جلسه داده خواهد شد. مسؤولان هتل با مسؤولان ترتیب دادن جلسه تماس خواهند گرفت و جزئیات مربوط به غذا و نوشیدنی و ترتیبات دیگر را به اطلاع خواهند رساند. تنها راه داشتن اینگونه جلسات دوستانه در هتل‌ها این است که علاقه‌مندان با دفتر امور اجرائی کنگره جهانی تماس گرفته درخواست رزرو سالن نمایند. اولویت با کسانی خواهد بود که برای رزرو جا زودتر اقدام کنند. از یاران درخواست می‌شود که پیش از تماس با دفتر امور اجرائی کنگره جهانی با هتل‌ها تماس نگیرند. بر آورد می‌شود که محل کافی برای تشکیل جلسات دوستانه موجود باشد.

جناب دیوید هافمن در آمریکا

MR. DAVID HOFMAN IN THE U.S.

جناب دیوید هافمن، عضو سابق بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی سفر دوهفته‌ای موفقیت‌آمیز خود را به آتلانتا در ایالت جورجیا به انجام رساندند.

جناب هافمن در طی این سفر به ایراد سخنرانی پرداختند و در برنامه‌های مربوط به بزرگداشت روز مارتین لوتر کینگ، رهبر نهضت احقاق حقوق سیاهپوستان، شرکت کردند و با رهبران کنونی آن نهضت دیدار نمودند. همچنین در "مرکز جیمی کارتر" سخنانی ایراد کردند و در چند مصاحبة مطبوعاتی رادیوئی و تلویزیونی شرکت جستند.

جناب هافمن در همه این مجامع نمونه‌ای از ابلاغ کلمة الهی به دست دادند، بدین معنی که اصول و تعالیم امر بهائی را به صراحت بازگو کردند و دربارة مقام و مأموریت حضرت بهاءالله سخن راندند.

جناب هافمن در "مرکز جیمی کارتر" در جمع ۵۰۰ نفر از حاضران که مرکب از رهبران دینی محلی بود، و توسط رئیس جمهور پیشین امریکا تشکیل شده بود، از خدمات بشردوستانة آقای کارتر قدردانی کردند و خاطرنشان ساختند که بهائیان در اجرای برنامه‌های توسعه و عمران اجتماعی و اقتصادی همکاری جدی خواهند داشت.

همچنین جناب هافمن در جلسة دیگری که با شرکت ۳۰۰ نفر از احباء تشکیل شده بود، دربارة اهمیت مطالعة آثار حضرت ولی امرالله مطالبی به سمع حاضران رساندند و به خصوص تأکید کردند که احباء مجموعة "نظم جهانی حضرت بهاءالله" را به دقت بخوانند.

عضو سابق بیت‌العدل اعظم گفتند محال است بدون مطالعة آثار حضرت ولی امرالله کسی بتواند به دانش گسترده‌ای دربارة امر مبارك دست یابد. همچنین جناب هافمن اظهار داشتند از آنجا که آثار حضرت ولی امرالله در تشریح آثار حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت عبدالبهاء صادر شده است، مطالعة آثار جمال ابهی مانند لوح کرمل و آثار حضرت عبدالبهاء مانند الواح وصایا و فرامین تبلیغی از اهمیت خاصی برخوردار است.

جناب هافمن در طی دیدار خود از آتلانتا در جلسات تبلیغی گوناگونی شرکت کردند که چشمگیرترین آن جلسه‌ای بود که روز بعد از راهپیمائی تشکیل گردید. در این جلسه علیرغم برف مفصلی که باریده بود، حدود ۳۰۰ نفر شرکت کردند که بسیاری از آنان از متحریان حقیقت بودند.

تقدیم بیانیه صلح

PEACE STATEMENT PRESENTED TO THE S. AFRICAN PRESIDENT

نسخه‌ای از بیانیة صلح بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی "وعده صلح جهانی" به آقای دیکلرک F. W. deKlerk رئیس جمهوری آفریقای جنوبی و نسخه‌ای نیز به آقای اولیور تامبو Oliver Tambo از رهبران کنگره ملی آفریقا African National Congress اهداء شد.

اهداء بیانیة صلح نام و مقام امر مبارك را در نظر رهبران آفریقای جنوبی تثبیت بیشتری کرده است. سه تن از اعضای محفل روحانی ملی و یکی از اولین بهائیان آفریقان (سفیدپوستان ساکن آفریقای جنوبی) به نمایندگی از سوی جامعة بهائی به مدت ۳۰ دقیقه با رئیس جمهور آفریقای جنوبی دیدار کردند.

آقای دیکلرک در طی نامه‌ای از احباء سپاسگزاری کرد و اظهار داشت "برای دعا و حمایت روحانی که به منظور ایجاد وحدت و صلح در میان مردم گوناگون آفریقای جنوبی ابراز داشته‌اید، بسیار ممنونم." [Page 18]

UN representatives have busy overseas travel schedule

As the pace of change accelerates internationally and a wider range of social and economic issues assumes global importance, the responsibilities of the Bahá’í representatives to the United Nations require increasingly frequent travel abroad.

Techeste Ahderom, senior representative to the UN for the Bahá’í International Community, recently returned from Switzerland, Hawaii, Ethiopia and Suva, Fiji.

In August, Mr. Ahderom conducted a workshop on culture and development at the Landegg Academy in Switzerland. From there, he traveled to Geneva where he made an oral presentation on the status of human rights in Iran to the UN Human Rights Subcommission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities.

COURTESY CALL

In Hawaii, he met with the State Department of International Cooperation and conducted a briefing session for Bahá’ís in that state. In Fiji, Mr. Ahderom paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Foreign Minister and other officials and spoke at a conference of Bahá’ís from seven countries.

Mary Power, also a representative to the UN for the BIC and former vice-chairman of the U.S. National Council of Women, was vice-convenor of the International Relations and Peace session at the International Council of Women’s Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, in October.

She then traveled to Malaysia to speak at a meeting sponsored by the Pan Pacific Southeast Asia Women’s Association and the Bahá’ís of Malaysia. Ms. Power spoke about recent activities at the UN and about the World Conference on Women scheduled for 1995.

In late October, in Geneva, she represented the BIC at the triennial meeting of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (UNESCO).

Back in the U.S., Ms. Power was one of more than 1,000 persons who took part in the World Woman’s Congress for a Healthy Planet in Miami, Florida. Also attending were two representatives of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Alberta Deas and Kit Bigelow Cosby. Representing the BIC Office of the Environment were Rebequa Getahoun, Lawrence Arturo, Janak Palta McGilligan and Dr. Elizabeth Bowen.

Two other conferences on the environment were also held in Miami in November: Mr. Arturo, director of the BIC Office of the Environment, was the Bahá’í representative to "Globescope Americas: Charting a Sustainable Future," while Peter Adriance and Dr. Craig Loehle were the representatives to the Global Assembly of Women and the Environment.

24-DAY TRIP TO EUROPE, INDIA

Shirley Lee, representative to the UN for the Bahá’ís of the United States, returned December 9 from a 24-day trip to Europe and India during which she represented the United Nations Association of the United States (UNA-USA) at a meeting of the World Federation of United Nations Associations in Barcelona, Spain.

Afterward she traveled to Madrid; Frankfurt, Germany; New Delhi and Madras, India, to conduct meetings of Bahá’í administrators and media professionals and provide them with information about the upcoming second World Congress.

From November 4-8, Daniel Wegener represented the BIC at the UNICEF/NGO Forum in Kadoma, Zimbabwe. He chaired a working group on education and shared Bahá’í perspectives on education, the equality of women and men, and the family.

On December 4-6, Mr. Wegener represented the Education for All Network at an International Consultative Forum on Education for All at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. He was named to the ad hoc working group that developed plans for future sessions of the Forum to be held every two years as a follow-up to the World Conference on Education for All in 1990.

The following week, he represented the BIC at the eighth Collective Consultation of NGOs on Literacy and Education for All, also held at UNESCO headquarters, and chaired a working group that evaluated NGO education projects and developed recommendations for future cooperation between UNESCO and NGOs involved in education.

According to Ms. Lee, there seems to be no end in sight for travel by the Bahá’í representatives to the UN.

"But," she adds, "the focus of the Faith is to help bring about understanding and unity among the nations and peoples of the world. As ‘world citizens,’ we expect this outreach to continue and intensify."

In this photograph taken January 19 by Ruhi Vargha, construction is seen proceeding on the Collar Wall at the site for the Center for the Study of the Texts on Mount Carmel.

El Ruiseñor / The Nightingale

El Ruiseñor/The Nightingale is a bi-lingual (Spanish-English) Bahá’í publication sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and is distributed quarterly worldwide. It began in 1987 as a newsletter for the friends in the United States and today it is circulated throughout many countries.

The editorial content is varied and includes items of interest to Bahá’ís such as current developments and goals of the Cause throughout the world, articles aimed at deepening our understanding of the Teachings, reports of victories in teaching in Hispanic and North American communities as well as articles and essays from individual believers.

The publication is distributed in the United States and abroad through subscriptions and donations. Subscriptions within the United States and Canada are $12.00 per year, and $15.00 per year internationally. El Ruiseñor/The Nightingale welcomes donations and subscriptions from Bahá’í institutions as well as from individual Bahá’ís.

Please send your subscription request to: El Ruiseñor/The Nightingale, P.O.Box 512, San Fernando, CA 91340

NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: TELEPHONE: STATE: ZIP:

Letters

She said, "I have a story to tell. I have been here before—do you remember me?" I replied that she did indeed look familiar, and asked her to explain why.

She told us that she had been to our home 13 years before, in 1978. At that time she was living in High Point, and had come to our home to share with us her faith. As a Jehovah’s Witness, ours was only one of many homes she had visited as a local missionary.

What made her encounter with us particularly memorable, she said, was the kindness with which she was received. She recalled having been invited in to discuss her beliefs with us. She said that she was treated with unusual respect. She also heard about the Bahá’í Faith for the first time, and even saw slides of the World Center in Haifa.

She said that she was so impressed with our hospitality that it occurred to her what a wonderful world it would be if everyone behaved in such a way. She remembered having paid us the highest compliment she could think of—that we were true Jehovah’s Witnesses and didn’t know it. Our reply, of course, had been that she was really a Bahá’í and didn’t know it.

She told us that she thought about that visit often in the years afterward, and hoped that she might someday return to see us.

Five years later she moved from High Point to Conway, South Carolina, where her spiritual journey continued. Although still a Jehovah’s Witness, she found herself looking more and more to other sources for satisfaction. At one point she visited an Indian reservation in South Dakota seeking enlightenment.

Then, in 1989, an acquaintance in Myrtle Beach suggested she visit the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway. She remembered her first contact with the Faith in High Point and decided to see what it was all about. There she found her heart’s desire, and on November 12 of that year she declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

Since then she has often done volunteer work at the Institute, and now serves on her local Spiritual Assembly. Her 17-year-old daughter also became a Bahá’í, and is planning a trip to Haifa for a year of service at the World Center.

My husband and I were delighted to hear her story, and thanked Bahá’u’lláh that we had been allowed to witness another precious soul enter His fold. We also learned an important lesson about teaching: that we should offer the Message at every opportunity, and never underestimate the effect of the Faith on anyone’s heart.

Vedad Jurney High Point, North Carolina

"O Friends! Abandon not the everlasting beauty for a beauty that must die, and set not your affections on this mortal world of dust." —Bahá’u’lláh

’ALA 148 B.E./MARCH 2, 1992 [Page 19]After more than 50 years of service at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan, Clinton Wideman died November 30 after a brief illness. He was 87 years old. In 1946 Mr. Wideman and his wife, Rebecca, bought a plot of land next to the Louhelen School where they built their home and soon became involved in the school's activities. Mr. Wideman served in many capacities including manager for four years, maintenance manager for more than 30 years, and more recently as transportation provider and tour guide. Mrs. Wideman continues to serve Louhelen as volunteer librarian and bookstore manager. In addition to their Bahá’í activities, Mr. Wideman and Lou Eggleston, who with his wife Helen founded the Louhelen School, grew wheat organically, ground it in their own granary and supplied it to health food stores around the country.

Mr. Wideman is pictured walking in front of his favorite school last fall. (Photo by David Smith)

MARY (POLLY) MARLOWE

MARY (POLLY) MARLOWE was born May 16, 1911, in Dublin, New Hampshire, the eldest grandchild of the noted American artist George DeForest Brush. Her mother, Nancy Douglas Bowditch, met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when he visited Dublin in 1912, and later both she and her artist father became Bahá’ís. In 1931 Polly joined her mother on pilgrimage, a journey that made a great impression on her. Several years later she, too, embraced the Faith. In 1943 Polly pioneered to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where she met John Marlowe, a fellow pioneer. The Marlowes lived the next ten years in Eliot, Maine, where they were an integral part of Green Acre Bahá’í School. In 1955, they pioneered to St. Petersburg and Sarasota, Florida, and Polly became actively involved in Bahá’í activities for racial unity. She also attracted many to her beliefs through her talent as a portrait artist. In 1963, the Marlowes moved back to New England, and, after the death of her father, moved in with Polly's mother. When both her mother and husband passed away in 1980, Polly was asked, as an assistant to the Auxiliary Board, to move to Bermuda to help the teaching work. She made her home for the next 11 years in Smiths Parish, Bermuda, devoting all her time to the propagation of the Faith. Becoming critically ill in September 1991, she returned to New Hampshire where she died on October 26. She is buried with the rest of her family in Dublin, New Hampshire.

Prudencio Mori, pioneer to Philippines for 17 years with his wife, dead at 89

PRUDENCIO MORI, a native of the Philippines, came into the Faith in 1956 here in the United States. He and his wife, Hazel, a Bahá’í since 1946, had pledged at the time of their marriage that they would retire to the Philippines. True to this pledge, they arrived as pioneers there in August 1973. In 17 years of service to the Philippines, Mr. Mori's active devotion helped to achieve great progress in the development of the Cause in that country. His wife wrote in 1990, "This exhilirating spiritual climate keeps us happily alive, able to rise above the minor disabilities of aging." Prudencio Mori died on October 11, 1991 at the age of 89.

Senobar Fallahi Rowshani, who served as a guide and translator for Martha Root during Miss Root's visit to Tabriz, Iran, in 1929, died November 29 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was 79 years old. Mrs. Rowshani, who moved to Colorado Springs in 1978 to be with her children, was born in Tabriz in 1912 and was graduated from the American School for Girls there in 1932. Her father was attacked by enemies of the Faith while visiting Qazvin many years ago and later died of his wounds. Her brother, Dr. Sirous Rowshani, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran, was imprisoned and later executed, and a nephew, Ruhi Rowshani, a member of a local Spiritual Assembly, was kidnapped and later proclaimed a martyr by the Universal House of Justice.

Frank Palmer, who pioneered to St. Kitts, dies in Oklahoma

FRANK PALMER, a pioneer to St. Kitts with his wife, Betty, in August 1975, died last October in Chouteau, Oklahoma. Although the Palmers were unable to remain in St. Kitts as long as they had hoped, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Leeward and Virgin Islands wrote at the time of their departure later that year: "(Their) sacrificial efforts have contributed to the strengthening and development of the community of believers in St. Kitts, as well as in Antigua and Nevis."

Ohio Bahá’í youth take part in interfaith program, 'Children Teaching Children,' to share beliefs

On November 17, Bahá’í youth from Cleveland Heights, Richmond Heights, and Strongsville, Ohio, took part in an interfaith program, "Children Teaching Children: Building a Bridge of Understanding."

The program, developed in Israel, was designed as a means of teaching Jewish and Arab children in that country about one another's culture and religion.

The Ohio event brought together about 130 Bahá’í, Catholic, Jewish, Protestant and Unitarian children ages 10-14 to share their religions via art, skits, music, posters and other creative resources.

The six Bahá’í youth were able to share various aspects of the Faith including Bahá’í principles, views on marriage, Houses of Worship, progressive revelation, and ways in which to overcome racial prejudice. Each of those who heard the Bahá’í presentation was given a "World Citizen" button designed by Talia Johnson and made by the Bahá’í youth.

The "Children Teaching Children" program was given the 1990 Youth Advocacy Award by the InterChurch Council of Greater Cleveland.

Bahá’ís (left to right) Casey Smith, Vahid Farzaneh and Talia Johnson display the 1990 Youth Advocacy Award presented to the 'Children Teaching Children' program by the InterChurch Council of Greater Cleveland, Ohio. Other young Bahá’ís who took part in this year's interfaith program were Kate Lyon, Nima Malakooti and Adam Green.

IN MEMORIAM

Doris Anderson Suffolk, VA March 26, 1987

Jessie Ard Prentiss, MS 1986

Sarah Jane Bennett Proctor, AR 1988

Vinson Brown Happy Camp, CA December 17, 1991

Edward Carpenter Teaneck, NJ January 1992

Levy Dase Paso Robles, CA July 11, 1991

Sallie Dockham Uvalde, TX May 10, 1990.

Ramon Gonzalez Uvalde, TX Date Unknown

Nancy Graves Bassfied, MS 1989

Anne R. Henley Placerville, CA November 15, 1991

Paul B. Hugus Holiday, FL December 27, 1991

Juliet F. Karres San Rafael, CA December 19, 1991

Sinan Liev Dallas, TX December 27, 1991

Iran Madjzoub Uruguay March 3, 1987

Estella Medlock Uvalde, TX January 10, 1981

Nancy Mondschein Bradenton, FL January 7, 1992

Ronald O'Garra Chicago, IL October 1991

Frank Palmer Chouteau, OK October 11, 1991

Sam Pen New York, NY Date Unknown

Mrs. Willie Reese Tuskegee, AL Date Unknown

Edward Stoffel Chicago, IL September 27, 1991

James Talbo Phoenix, AZ 1990

Shirley Warde Belize October 10, 1991

Gladys White Grand Prairie, TX 1985 [Page 20]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

In this photograph taken in December, workmen prepare to lay the concrete foundations for Terrace No. 9, below the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel. (Photo by Ruhi Vargha)

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.

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

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

A. NAME(S): 1. I.D.# Title Full name - No nicknames please! 2. I.D.# Title Full name 3. I.D.# Title Full name 4. I.D.# Title Full name

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

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

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

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area code Phone number

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): Name Area code Phone number Name Area code Phone number

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: [ ] we do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and I.D. number(s) listed above. [ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

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

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

MARCH

6-8: Texas A&M Youth Conference, College Station, Texas. For information, phone 409-693-6789 or 409-764-3160.

21: Naw-Rúz Gala, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

28: Intensive Study session, "The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, Part 1," Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

APRIL

3-5: Youth Teacher Training Institute (ages 11-14), Green Acre Bahá’í School. Planned in collaboration with the National Teaching Committee to empower youth to become better teachers. To register, please phone 207-439-7200.

3-5: Alabama Bahá’í School, Guntersville State Park. Theme: "To Emblazon His Name Across the Globe." Registrar: Keitha Hudson, Birmingham, AL 35222 (phone 205-595-9905).

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

9-12: Pioneering Institute, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, Illinois. For information, phone 708-869-9039.

10-12: Youth Teacher Training Institute (ages 15-19), Green Acre Bahá’í School. Planned in collaboration with the National Teaching Committee to empower youth to become better teachers. To register, please phone 207-439-7200.

10-12: New Believers' Conference with Auxiliary Board member Curt Russell and others, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

16-22: Youth Symposium '92, Landegg Academy, Switzerland. Theme: "Regenerating the Arts." For a program brochure, write to Landegg Academy, Switzerland, or phone René Steiner, 41-71-91 91 31, or fax 41-71-91 43 01.

17-19: Youth Symposium on the Holy Year, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

23-26: 83rd Bahá’í National Convention, Foundation Hall, Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois.

MAY

2: Ridván celebration, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

2: Intensive Study session, "Bahá’í Law and Principles of Administration," with Anna Lee Strasburg, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

22-25: A Spiritual Renewal Retreat for Couples, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Theme: "Love, Marriage, Parenting." This weekend is for couples committed to working on their relationship. It is not designed to meet the needs of those in a Year of Patience. This is a session for adults, but infants in arms can be accommodated. Group I, Newer Married. Group leaders Terry and Carrie Kneisler will lead the newer married or younger couples as they build strong relationships in the marriage and with their children. Group II, Seasoned Couples. Group leaders Jack and Farzaneh Guillebeaux will guide seasoned couples to focus on obstacles, issues and joys of relating as a couple and as parents to older children. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

23: Intensive Study session, "Morality and Personal Conduct," with Auxiliary Board member Curt Russell, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

JUNE

18-21: Pioneering Institute, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone 708-869-9039.

29-30: Unity Gathering, Jackson Lake Bahá’í Property, Yukon Territory. Sponsored by the Bahá’í Teaching Committee-Yukon. For information or to register, phone Margo Styan, 403-667-6276.

JULY

4-16: Youth Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information or to register, contact Angelina Allen, Bosch Institute Director, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007 (phone 619-944-6441).

18-30: Youth Institute and Graduate Youth Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information or to register, contact Angelina Allen at the address or phone number given above.

AUGUST

1-6: Junior Youth Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Because of the high demand for this week, we can register only those who have reached their 12th birthday by August 1. For an application packet, send a $100 deposit to the Registrar, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

8-13: Adult Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Conducted by Auxiliary Board member Miguel Osborne. For information, write to the Registrar, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387).

SEPTEMBER

4-7: Pioneering Institute, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 708-869-9039.