The American Bahá’í/Volume 23/Issue 7/Text

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Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies to pay formal tribute to Faith

ENCOURAGING INDICATIONS GROWING PUBLIC INTEREST IN FAST-APPROACHING EVENTS HOLY YEAR NOW GREATLY REINFORCED BY WELCOME NEWS FROM BRAZIL OF FORMAL TRIBUTE TO FOUNDER FAITH BY BRAZILIAN FEDERAL CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES WHICH, FOLLOWING REQUEST BY A GROUP OF ITS OWN MEMBERS, HAS TAKEN DECISION HOLD SOLEMN SESSION ITS BODY ON 29 MAY TO MARK CENTENARY ASCENSION BAHÁ’U’LLÁH. REPRESENTATIVE BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY REQUESTED PARTICIPATE. INVITATIONS TO BE EXTENDED BY CHAMBER TO ALL SENATORS AND FOREIGN AMBASSADORS. OBSERVERS FROM VARIOUS LOCAL BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITIES WILL ALSO BE PRESENT. MOMENTOUS DECISION YET ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT STEP IN DIVINELY PROPELLED PROCESS LEADING TO EVENTUAL WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION ACCLAMATION FAITH OF GOD IN THIS DAY.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE MARCH 30, 1992

The American Bahá’í

Volume 23, No. 7 — ‘The real treasury of man is his knowledge.’—Bahá’u’lláh — ‘Azamat B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992

EXECUTION IN IRAN

Bahá’í’s death in Evin Prison shrouded in government secrecy

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

With sorrowful hearts we have received information of the execution in Evin Prison in Tehran on March 18, 1992, of Mr. Bahman Samandari, member of a distinguished Bahá’í family who had been active in the affairs of the Bahá’í community. No reason for his execution has been given by the judicial or prison authorities, nor have they disclosed the location of his grave.

Related story on page 5.

This tragic surprise is the more shocking for the fact that the whole matter has been shrouded in secrecy. The execution was kept quiet for more than two weeks; no advance information was given to the family; no subsequent announcement about it was made; the news of it was broken to Mr. Samandari’s widow only when she attempted to visit him on April 5, the date given her by the authorities after they had denied her permission to see him despite her several previous attempts since his arrest on March 17. The manner of informing her of his death was to hand her her husband’s will, which had been written on March 18. No death certificate was issued, although inquiries by the Samandari family at the office of the Tehran general

See EXECUTION page 2

This photograph, taken February 17, shows the tremendous scope of the Terrace Project on Mount Carmel as the site is cleared for five of the nine terraces to be developed below the Shrine of the Báb.

National Assembly hosts race unity conference at Carter Center in Atlanta

By FORD BOWERS

The Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta was the site April 4 of an historic “Vision of Race Unity” conference sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ of the United States.

The National Assembly, represented by four of its members—Alberta Deas, Tod Ewing, Robert C. Henderson and Firuz Kazemzadeh—met with leaders of the Atlanta community to discuss the vision of a unified society and the strategies needed to establish race unity in Atlanta.

LEADERS in business, education, government, communications, religion, health, and the arts attended the conference, hearing addresses and other presentations and taking part in workshops to consult on ways in which to foster race unity in their respective fields.

Based on the statement “The Vision of Race Unity—America’s Most Challenging Issue,” released last year by the National Spiritual Assembly, the conference drew more than 200 participants, more than 120 of whom were non-Bahá’ís from various fields of endeavor.

The conference was opened with keynote addresses by U.S. Congressman Ben Jones of Georgia and Dr. Joy Berry, executive director of the Georgia Human Relations Commission.

Both talks were centered around the “Vision of Race Unity” statement, and both were infused with personal and professional experiences relevant to their belief that racial harmony is an achievable goal and a much-needed element in our troubled and racially divided society.

Mr. Jones singled out the Bahá’í community as one of the groups that demonstrates such harmony and offers a means of achieving it on an even greater scale.

Dr. Berry quoted often from the statement on race

See ATLANTA page 9

INSIDE:
3	Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh Holy Year marks 100th anniversary of Blessed Beauty’s passing
12	David Hofman Offers some thoughts for reflection on the Holy Year, World Congress
14	Congress for Healthy Planet National Assembly co-sponsors women’s event in Miami, Florida

HOLY YEAR: A ‘SPIRITUAL CELEBRATION’

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The Holy Year is begun. The Bahá’í world now arises to “...reflect with due solemnity on the redemptive purpose of the life of the most precious Being ever to have drawn breath on this planet.” Our aspiration, to pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Ascension of the Blessed Beauty and of the inception of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.

THE HOLY YEAR is to be a period of spiritual celebration and deep reflection on the significance of the station, Person and Mission of Bahá’u’lláh and of His world-unifying Covenant. During this time, the efforts of every believer, Bahá’í family and Spiritual Assembly should reflect their concentration on these pre-eminent themes.

Our Feasts, our schools, our gatherings large and small, our arts and music, our study should focus on helping us gain a deeper appreciation of the station and Person of Bahá’u’lláh and the meaning and purpose of His Revelation—“A Revelation,” in the words of the Guardian, “hailed as the promise and crowning glory of past ages and centuries, as the consummation of all the Dispensations within the Adamic Cycle, inaugurating an era of at least a thousand years’ duration, and a cycle destined to last no less than five thousand centuries, signaling the end of the Prophetic Era and the beginning of the Era of Fulfillment, unsurpassed alike in the duration of its Author’s ministry and the fecundity and splendor of His Mission.”

An important facet of spiritual celebration during the Holy Year is our efforts to emblazon the Name of Bahá’u’lláh among all people and to share with them His love and healing Message. Our proclamation and teaching should help people understand Who Bahá’u’lláh is and what He teaches.

The Holy Year also commemorates the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh. Activities should be arranged to celebrate and reflect on its historic importance, uniqueness, meaning and efficacy, and on its influence in raising up a richly diverse worldwide community. These occasions should focus on the exemplary life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Center and embodiment of the Covenant.

Our highest homage to the King of Kings should be a renewed effort to spiritualize our lives. “...souls must be transformed, communities thereby consolidated, new models of life thus attained. Transformation is the essential purpose of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. ...”

Let us testify, to a doubting world, on the healing power of His Message and the unifying power of His Covenant, through the transformation of our personal lives and through the achievement of a joyous and loving character of Bahá’í community life.

With warm regards,

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States Ridván 1992 [Page 2]

Young Bahá’ís at College Club retreat issue challenge to youth

To the Bahá’í youth in the United States

Dear Bahá’í brothers and sisters,

Alláh-u-Abhá! We write to send you our love, and to present you with a challenge that we have decided to respond to, in the hope that each and every one of you will arise to meet it too.

Today we have gathered, a group of 10 Bahá’í youth from three college clubs, to address the past progress and future direction of our clubs. But the agenda is not that modest. As we began our consultation we realized that in discussing ourselves, our clubs and the world we live in, we must first remember the importance of this Day. The Holy Year is upon us, and must not be forgotten.

WE OPENED our retreat with the recent message from the National Youth Committee to the Bahá’í youth in the U.S. In discussing the letter, we repeatedly returned to this passage:

"The House of Justice clearly says that the degree to which we can meet the challenges of the coming years will be in direct proportion to our material sacrifices on behalf of the Faith. The question we should ask ourselves is how we will respond, at such a critical point in history, to the call of the Universal House of Justice. Let us consult with our families, our friends, at Feast and at any other place we may gather, and, in a spirit of prayer and loving sacrifice, determine what steps we will take to live up to our high calling."

With this in mind, the agenda for the day and the coming year was decided. Through consultation we set out to decide how, with special respect to teaching and the Fund, we are going to arise to the call of this Day. What is our vision? Are we going to go to sleep one night, wake up the next morning, and not realize that we have entered the Holy Year? Are we going to allow our destiny to be taken away from us because we don't have our act together?

Advice from a recent conference of Auxiliary Board members was then employed:

1. We need to imagine our vision of emblazoning the Name of Bahá’u’lláh across the planet, of which our campuses are a part. How can we do the Holy Year justice and ensure that every man, woman and child has heard the name of Bahá’u’lláh?

2. We need to decide what our strategy should be. What will be our vehicle for communicating the glorious Name of Bahá’u’lláh to our community or our campus?

3. WHAT, then, is our line of action? How are we going to take practical steps to realize our strategy and our vision?

We decided to address the two intimately related bounties of teaching and giving to the Fund.

Our Bahá’í Clubs have formed teaching institutes whose goals are harmonized with the concept of the Bahá’í Club. As an institute, we get together on a regular basis to pray and read from the Bahá’í Writings, deepen and memorize; we gather to consult and lend each other support to improve our individual teaching work in the college or university community.

We imagine every member of those communities hearing the Name of Bahá’u’lláh during the next year. Besides our regular club activities, our strategy is to make the statement on Bahá’u’lláh available to anyone who wants it.

Pictured are young Bahá’ís who took part February 7-8 in a Bahá’í Club retreat in Charlottesville, Virginia. They represented clubs at the University of Maryland at Baltimore, George Mason University, and the University of Virginia.

Our line of action is to have a table with a display on the Holy Year and copies of the statement on Bahá’u’lláh at the Student Union at least three days per week. We are also planning special activities such as giving away cupcakes in celebration of Ridván and publishing parts of the statement in student newspapers.

The teaching work is a main part of our vision of emblazoning the Name of Bahá’u’lláh across the planet. But there's more. Equally important is giving to the Fund. As the National Youth Committee has encouraged us, "we have led the way in teaching; let us also set the example in sacrificial giving to the Fund."

INCLUDED in our vision is an unprecedented level of contributions to the Fund. At every meeting we will remember to have a Fund box or envelope, and we will remember the words of the Universal House of Justice: "The opportunities are immense but we now face the question of whether to push forward with all speed, or to hold back because the resources available to us are inadequate for the purpose."

Let us push ahead with full speed. The strategy is for our Bahá’í Clubs to make giving to the Fund an integral part of our individual growth. The line of action is to commit ourselves to full participation in contributing to the Fund.

Today we have begun to make our vision a reality. Plans are under way for ensuring that the Name of Bahá’u’lláh is heard in every corner of our campuses, and we have had 100 percent Fund participation at our retreat. We are committed to making the Holy Year memorable.

Now, the challenge is yours. Join us in forming the vision of American Bahá’í youth. What is your vision? To what will you commit yourself? Whether or not you are in college or have a Bahá’í Club on campus is irrelevant. Determine your vision and go for it!

With sincere prayers and fervent love, Bahá’í College Club retreat of UMAB, GMU and UVa February 8, 1992

Youth Committee calls on young American Bahá’ís to observe centenary of Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh

To the Bahá’í Youth of America

Dear friends:

We are now in the opening days of the Holy Year! This will be a time of great significance for us all, as we strive to "blazon the Name of Bahá’u’lláh" in our hearts and around the globe. We extend to you our love and our hopes that you will all arise at this unique time in history to serve the Cause of God as never before.

THIS MONTH we observe the centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh with commemorations in every area of the country. We call upon all the youth to attend this event in honor of "the most precious Being ever to have drawn breath on this planet." Let us all, through the "spiritual and dignified character" of our participation, demonstrate the "transforming power of His world-unifying Covenant" and our undying love for our Lord.

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

Let us also seize upon the spiritual blessings of this occasion by beginning our services to Bahá’u’lláh immediately. Those of us who can might consider serving the Faith full-time; others might dedicate their weekend time or summer vacation; still others could offer a few hours a week. Let us read and study the Ridván message from the House of Justice and the National Assembly's "Vision for the Holy Year" statement, consult with our families and friends, meet with our assemblies, and commit ourselves to making His name known to everyone in America.

We also wish to express our desire to be of help to the American Bahá’í youth community in whatever way we can. As a committee of the National Spiritual Assembly we are here to serve you. Please call on us for prayers, counsel, or to share your ideas and concerns. We look forward to hearing wonderful news of your activities in celebration of this historic year!

With loving Bahá’í greetings, The Bahá’í National Youth Committee

(Please contact us at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091; phone 708-869-9039.)

Execution

from page 1

cemetery brought the response that the name of Bahman Samandari had been entered into their records.

No official charge or verdict was announced, assiduous inquiries by the family members producing only a vague indication that Mr. Samandari's execution had to do with his previous arrest four years ago when he and four other Bahá’ís were arrested for meeting in his home. At that time, October 21, 1987, charges were leveled against him because of his membership in the Bahá’í community. He and his fellow prisoners were released on December 18, 1987, after the title to Mr. Samandari's home had been turned over to the authorities along with a large sum of money as bail.

THE TIMING and suddenness of the matter and the duplicity on the part of the authorities are also a cause of bafflement. Mr. Samandari was summoned by the authorities on March 17 ostensibly to receive a document from them. On March 18, the date of his will which was handed to Mrs. Samandari by the Evin Prison authorities, he was killed. On March 20 he was buried. These events took place at the time of the approach of the long public holiday associated with the Iranian new year, an obviously inconvenient time for inquiries.

It is a source of outrage to the international Bahá’í community that after a cessation of executions of Bahá’ís for a period of three and a half years, such a brutal act could again be perpetrated against an innocent community. It belies the position publicly and repeatedly affirmed by the Iranian government that Bahá’ís are not being persecuted for their religious beliefs.

The Universal House of Justice April 8, 1992

Kevin Locke has busy trip to Western Caroline Islands

Kevin Locke made 11 public appearances during a recent four-day visit to the island of Yap, Western Caroline Islands. Mr. Locke, a Lakota Indian from South Dakota, spoke and played the traditional Lakota courting flute at a number of schools and twice at the community center in Colonia, the only urban area on Yap, each time drawing an audience of 300-400. [Page 3]

THE ASCENSION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Holy Year 1992 marks 100th anniversary of His passing

Let not your hearts be perturbed, O people, when the glory of My presence is withdrawn, and the ocean of My utterance is stilled. In My presence amongst you there is a wisdom, and in my absence there is yet another, inscrutable to all but God, the Incomparable, the All-Knowing. Verily, We behold you from Our realm of glory, and shall aid whosoever will arise for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the Concourse on high and a company of Our favored angels.

O peoples of the earth! God, the Eternal Truth, is My witness that streams of fresh and soft-flowing waters have gushed from the rocks, through the sweetness of the words uttered by your Lord, the Unconstrained; and still ye slumber. Cast away that which ye possess, and, on the wings of detachment, soar beyond all created things. Thus biddeth you the Lord of creation, the movement of Whose Pen hath revolutionized the soul of mankind.

Know ye from what heights your Lord, the All-Glorious is calling? Think ye that ye have recognized the Pen wherewith your Lord, the Lord of all names, commandeth you? Nay, by My life! Did ye but know it, ye would renounce the world, and would hasten with your whole hearts to the presence of the Well-Beloved. Your spirits would be so transported by His Word as to throw into commotion the Greater World—how much more this small and petty one! Thus have the showers of My bounty been poured down from the heaven of My loving-kindness, as a token of My grace; that ye may be of the thankful....

Beware lest the desires of the flesh and of a corrupt inclination provoke divisions among you. Be ye as the fingers of one hand, the members of one body. Thus counseleth you the Pen of Revelation, if ye be of them that believe. Consider the mercy of God and His gifts. He enjoineth upon you that which shall profit you, though He Himself can well dispense with all creatures. Your evil doings can never harm Us, neither can your good works profit Us. We summon you wholly for the sake of God. To this every man of understanding and insight will testify. (Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, pp.139-140)

The Abhá Beauty Himself—may the spirit of all existence be offered up for His loved ones—bore all manner of ordeals, and willingly accepted for Himself intense afflictions. No torment was there left that His sacred form was not subjected to, no suffering that did not descend upon Him. How many a night, when He was chained, did He go sleepless because of the weight of His iron collar; how many a day the burning pain of the stocks and fetters gave Him no moment's peace. From Níyávarán to Tihrán they made Him run—He, that embodied spirit, He Who had been accustomed to repose against cushions of ornamented silk—chained, shoeless, His head bared; and down under the earth, in the thick darkness of that narrow dungeon, they shut Him up with murderers, rebels and thieves. Ever and again they assailed Him with a new torment, and all were certain that from one moment to the next He would suffer a martyr's death. After some time they banished Him from His native land, and sent Him to countries alien and far away. During many a year in ‘Iráq, no moment passed but the arrow of a new anguish struck His holy heart; with every breath a sword came down upon that sacred body, and He could hope for no moment of security and rest. From every side His enemies mounted their attack with unrelenting hate; and singly and alone He withstood them all. After all these tribulations, these body blows, they flung Him out of Iraq in the continent of Asia, to the continent of Europe, and in that place of bitter exile, of wretched hardships, to the wrongs that were heaped upon Him by the people of the Qur’án were now added the virulent persecutions, the powerful attacks, the plottings, the slanders, the continual hostilities, the hate and malice, of the people of the Bayán. My pen is powerless to tell it all; but ye have surely been informed of it. Then, after twenty-four years in this, the Most Great Prison, in agony and sore afflictions, His days drew to a close.

To sum it up, the Ancient Beauty was ever, during His sojourn in this transitory world, either a captive bound with chains, or living under a sword, or subjected to extreme suffering and torment, or held in the Most Great Prison. Because of His physical weakness, brought on by His afflictions, His blessed body was worn away to a breath; it was light as a cobweb from long grieving. And His reason for shouldering this heavy load and enduring all this anguish, which was even as an ocean that hurleth its waves to high heaven—His reason for putting on the heavy iron chains and for becoming the very embodiment of resignation and meekness, was to lead every soul on earth to concord, to fellow-feeling, to oneness; to make known amongst all peoples the sign of the singleness of God, so that at last the primal oneness deposited at the heart of all created things would bear its destined fruit, and the splendor of "No difference canst thou see in the creation of the God of Mercy" (Qur’án 67:3) would cast abroad its rays.

Now is the time, O ye beloved of the Lord, for ardent endeavor. Struggle ye, and strive. And since the Ancient Beauty was exposed by day and night on the field of martyrdom, let us in our turn labor hard, and hear and ponder the counsels of God; let us fling away our lives, and renounce our brief and numbered days. Let us turn our eyes away from empty fantasies of this world's divergent forms, and serve instead this pre-eminent purpose, this grand design. (Selections From the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp.262-263)

THE ENTRANCE TO THE SHRINE OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AT BAHJÍ.

Well nigh half a century had passed since the inception of the Faith. Cradled in adversity, deprived in its infancy of its Herald and Leader, it had been raised from the dust, in which a hostile despot had thrown it, by its second and greatest Luminary Who, despite successive banishments, had, in less than half a century, succeeded in rehabilitating its fortunes, in proclaiming its Message, in enacting its laws and ordinances, in formulating its principles and in ordaining its institutions, and it had just begun to enjoy the sunshine of a prosperity never previously experienced, when suddenly it was robbed of its Author by the Hand of Destiny, its followers were plunged into sorrow and consternation, its repudiators found their declining hopes revive, and its adversaries, political as well as ecclesiastical, began to take heart again.

Already nine months before His ascension Bahá’u’lláh, as attested by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, had voiced His desire to depart from this world. From that time onward it became increasingly evident, from the tone of His remarks to those who attained His presence, that the close of His earthly life was approaching, though He refrained from mentioning it openly to any one. On the night preceding the eleventh of Shavvál 1309 A.H. (May 8, 1892), He contracted a slight fever which, though it mounted the following day, soon after subsided. He continued to grant interviews to certain of the friends and pilgrims, but it soon became evident that He was not well. His fever returned in a more acute form than before, His general condition grew steadily worse, complications ensued which at last culminated in His ascension, at the hour of dawn, on the second of Dhi’l-Qa‘dih 1309 A.H. (May 29, 1892), eight hours after sunset, in the 75th year of His age. His spirit, at long last released from the toils of a life crowded with tribulation, had winged its flight to His "other dominions," dominions "whereon the eyes of the people of names have never fallen," and to which the "Luminous Maid," "clad in white," had bidden Him hasten, as described by Himself in the Lawh-i-Ru’yá (Tablet of the Vision), revealed nineteen years previously, on the anniversary of the birth of His forerunner....

With the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh draws to a close a period which, in many ways, is unparalleled in the world's religious history. The first century of the Bahá’í Era had by now run half its course. An epoch, unsurpassed in its sublimity, its fecundity and duration by any previous Dispensation, and characterized, except for a short interval of three years, by half a century of continuous and progressive Revelation, had terminated. The Message proclaimed by the Báb had yielded its golden fruit. The most momentous, though not the most spectacular phase of the Heroic Age had ended. The Sun of Truth, the world's greatest Luminary, had risen in the Siyah-Chál of Tihrán, had broken through the clouds which enveloped it in Baghdad, had suffered a momentary eclipse whilst mounting to its zenith in Adrianople and had set finally in ‘Akká, never to reappear ere the lapse of a full millennium. God's newborn Faith, the cynosure of all past Dispensations, had been fully and unreservedly proclaimed. The prophecies announcing its advent had been remarkably fulfilled. Its fundamental laws and cardinal principles, the warp and woof of the fabric of its future World Order, had been clearly enunciated. Its organic relation to, and its attitude towards, the religious systems which preceded it had been unmistakably defined. The primary institutions, within which an embryonic World Order was destined to mature, had been unassailably established. The Covenant designed to safeguard the unity and integrity of its world-embracing system had been irrevocably bequeathed to posterity. The promise of the unification of the whole human race, of the inauguration of the Most Great Peace, of the unfoldment of a world civilization, had been incontestably given.... (Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, pp.221-224)

‘AZAMAT B.E. 149/ MAY 17, 1992 [Page 4]

Guidelines for teaching, enrolling citizens of mainland China

Guidelines for Bahá’í institutions on teaching and enrolling citizens of the People's Republic of China residing overseas. (From the Universal House of Justice, Department of the Secretariat, to selected National Spiritual Assemblies, April 19, 1989)

Teaching

The Universal House of Justice feels that at this time teaching the Faith in the People's Republic of China (PRC) should be carried on quietly and wisely, but extensively, on an individual basis only.

Outside China, Bahá’ís are encouraged to foster friendships with officials of Chinese embassies or legations when opportunities present themselves, to acquaint these individuals with the basic tenets of the Faith and our adherence to the principle of loyalty to government. This should be carried out with discretion so that it does not appear that they are being singled out for indoctrination or conversion. If directly asked about the status of the Faith on the Chinese mainland, the friends may say that there are no Bahá’í communities or institutions established there, although there are, no doubt, individual Bahá’ís in various localities. They may also say that there are Bahá’í organizations in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Bahá’ís will undoubtedly find many occasions to meet visitors from the PRC and should certainly introduce them to the Faith and its teachings as opportunities present themselves. However, caution and wisdom should be exercised to avoid anything that may make these Chinese visitors uncomfortable. Attendance at Bahá’í functions should be left to their discretion, and the fact that citizens of the PRC are engaged in or taking part in Bahá’í activities should not be publicized, even among the Bahá’ís.

Enrollment

Citizens of the PRC may be accepted as believers without making a written declaration of faith or being officially registered.(*) It should be made clear to them that there is no Bahá’í administration in China and therefore at this time Bahá’í laws of personal status are not binding, nor are they required to withdraw from membership in other associations. However, they should endeavor to learn about Bahá’í laws and principles and should, as a matter of conscience, endeavor to practice these to the best of their ability.

Chinese believers who are citizens of the PRC should be introduced to each other as Bahá’ís only if they are willing for this to be done. They may participate in the social life of the Bahá’í community in a normal manner but not be singled out for undue attention or be subjected to public gaze. Bahá’ís from the PRC should be advised of the caution needed regarding teaching the Faith on the Chinese mainland and be asked to observe it for their own protection as well as the future of the Faith there.

Participation in Bahá’í Administration

For the present, it is unwise for believers who are citizens of the PRC to serve on Spiritual Assemblies, be appointed to committees, or be associated officially with Bahá’í administration. These precautions are taken so that they may avoid difficulties when they return home, and to protect the future of the Faith in China. However, these friends may participate in all other Bahá’í activities including voting in Bahá’í elections. In addition, a local Bahá’í committee may, as it deems appropriate, include these believers in its meetings and activities so long as their names are not published or recorded in its minutes and they are not considered members of the committee.

Membership records

Membership records of the Bahá’ís who are citizens of the PRC are maintained at the World Center at present.(**) Each National Spiritual Assembly is asked to supply the House of Justice with the following information on each of those friends who have accepted the Faith under its jurisdiction: full name of the person in Chinese script, full name in the Roman alphabet, current address, home address in China, date of declaration and occupation.

Locally, the records of these new declarants should remain confidential and not be published in any way. The friends should not be issued any Bahá’í identification cards.

Taiwan (also known as the Republic of China)

The friends have been cautioned in the past against providing literature published in Taiwan to citizens of the PRC. However, with the current relaxation of policies on both sides, such literature may now be used.

Bahá’ís from Taiwan are free to meet with citizens of the PRC in natural situations. Likewise, Bahá’ís who are citizens of the PRC when overseas, may, at their own discretion, share the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh with the Chinese from Taiwan.

Maintaining contact with Chinese Bahá’ís who have returned home

There is no specific way of keeping in touch with these Bahá’ís after they have returned to the PRC. It is suggested that the teacher who brings the person into the Faith assume responsibility to keep in touch with his Bahá’í friend. Prior to returning to his homeland, a Chinese Bahá’í may wish to arrange for a trusted individual overseas to forward news that he may wish to pass on to Bahá’í institutions in the future. Since mail is sometimes censored, it is advised that his Bahá’í membership or activities in the Faith not be mentioned in correspondence between the PRC and overseas.

If a Bahá’í living in the PRC feels it advisable, he is free to invite Bahá’ís from overseas who travel through his country to visit him. However, overseas Bahá’ís should inform the House of Justice before making such visits.

In general, Bahá’í literature should not be sent into the PRC. When Bahá’ís living there ask for literature, Bahá’í publications in a language other than Chinese and that is of a general spiritual nature, such as The Hidden Words, may be sent gradually over a period of time.

(*) "...a citizen of the People's Republic of China may choose to sign a declaration card if he wishes although this is not a requirement for his acceptance as a Bahá’í...even if he has permanent residency status. ..." (May 21, 1990)

"When a citizen of China declares his belief in Bahá’u’lláh, he should be informed that due to individual situations and the current conditions in China, he is given a variety of options with regard to his official membership and participation in the activities of the Bahá’í community. In particular, it should be explained that he may choose to sign a declaration card if he wishes although this is not a requirement for his acceptance as a Bahá’í. While he is encouraged to participate in the activities of the Bahá’í community to the fullest extent, it is up to him to determine which events to attend. In general, he should be made aware of the information described in the Guidelines." (June 1, 1990)

(**) "...your National Office should maintain, with proper safeguard of confidentiality, a separate list of names, current addresses and other pertinent information of Bahá’ís in the United States who are citizens of China." (April 8, 1990)

CURRENT U.S. PIONEERING GOALS

AFRICA

(F) Burundi: Goals Open 0, Assigned Goals 0 (E) Ciskei: Goals Open 1, Assigned Goals 0 (E) The Gambia (Preferably Persians): Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 0 (E) Kenya (Preferably Outside Nairobi): Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 0 (E) Nigeria: Goals Open 1, Assigned Goals 0 (E) Sierra Leone: Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 3 (E) South Africa: Goals Open 0, Assigned Goals 0 (E) St. Helena: Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 1 (E) Namibia: Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 0 (E) Transkei: Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 0 (E) Uganda (One to teach the Faith in the university; one doctor): Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 0 Venda: Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 1 Total for Africa: 23

AMERICAS

(E) Bahamas (North Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Cat Island, Long Island): Goals Open 12, Assigned Goals 5 (E) Barbados (Employment opportunities for a dentist): Goals Open 1, Assigned Goals 0 (E) Belize (For radio, consolidation, development projects; skills for the National Secretariat): Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 1 (P) Brazil (Preferably for Amazon project, possibly of Persian background): Goals Open 3, Assigned Goals 0 (S) Chile (Juan Fernandez Islands, preferably a Spanish-speaking couple): Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 0 (E) Dominica: Goals Open 1, Assigned Goals 0 (F) French Guiana (Preferably Persian): Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 0 (E) Grenada: Goals Open 3, Assigned Goals 1 (F) Guadeloupe (Opportunities for English teachers): Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 0 (E) Guyana (Preferably East Indians and Blacks): Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 0 (S) Honduras (Bay Islands, Yoro, Colon; preferably self-supporting): Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 1 (E) Jamaica (Preferably self-supporting for rural areas to work in village development): Goals Open 4, Assigned Goals 0 (F) Martinique (French-speaking youth to enroll in university or with musical talent): Goals Open 1, Assigned Goals 0 (S) Nicaragua (Preferably Persian): Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 0 (E) St. Lucia (Skills in community consolidation): Goals Open 1, Assigned Goals 2 (E) St. Vincent & Grenadines: Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 0 (D) Suriname (Preferably Persian): Goals Open 1, Assigned Goals 0 (E) Trinidad & Tobago (Preferably Persian): Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 0 (S) Uruguay: Goals Open 1, Assigned Goals 0 (S) Venezuela: Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 0 (E) Virgin Islands, British: Goals Open 1, Assigned Goals 0 Total for Americas: 42

ASIA

(E) India: Goals Open 3, Assigned Goals 0 (E) Malaysia (To help develop public relations experts): Goals Open 1, Assigned Goals 0 (E) Nepal: Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 0 (M) Taiwan (Chinese Background): Goals Open 3, Assigned Goals 0 Total for Asia: 9

AUSTRALASIA

(E) Marshall Islands (To help with administration): Goals Open 1, Assigned Goals 0 Total for Australasia: 1

EUROPE

(P) Portugal (Couples for goal areas outside greater Lisbon, preferably Portuguese or Spanish-speaking): Goals Open 2, Assigned Goals 0 Total for Europe: 2

SUMMARY

Pioneers to goal countries: 244 Pioneers to non-goals: 432 Total goals assigned: 22 Total goals filled: 0 Pioneers filling goals for other countries: 17 Total Pioneers sent: 693

Language Key: (E) English (D) Dutch (F) French (M) Mandarin (P) Portuguese (S) Spanish [Page 5]

The Funds

Questions and answers on several key issues

Recently a local Spiritual Assembly in the Northwest wrote to the National Spiritual Assembly raising important and timely questions with regard to the Funds of the Faith. Because their questions call for answers that might be of general interest, the Office of the Treasurer wanted to share excerpts of the response sent to them:

"The questions raised by your Treasurer are fundamental in appreciating the evolution we are experiencing in the financial affairs of the Faith, and we are grateful for the chance to discuss these matters with you. You raise several key issues: tax treatment of contributions; earmarking; the role of the local Assembly goal program for the National Fund; and this year's pattern of contributions.

"FIRST, let us look at the matter of taxation. As a local Assembly and a body that is dependent upon the National Spiritual Assembly, you are covered by the tax exemption obtained by our national administration. Tax issues therefore need not play a role in the way your Assembly makes its decisions about its contributions.

"Gifts by individuals in your community, however, are affected by the tax regulations, especially if the friends itemize their deductions. While we suspect that only a small percentage of the friends actually make contribution decisions based on tax issues, it is nevertheless important to take a correct approach, not least because, as you point out, the amount of a gift is effectively lessened somewhat if it is subject to taxation.

"Counsel to the National Assembly has indicated that direct contributions given by an individual to a Fund outside the U.S. are not eligible for deduction by the individual from his or her taxes. If, on the other hand, a gift is made to the local or National Fund and the giver expresses the wish, hope or desire that the institution use that contribution as part of its own budgeted contribution to an international fund, the opinion of the Assembly's counsel is that such a contribution may be deductible because the giver has given discretion over the use of those monies to a tax-exempt body here in the U.S.

"This matter of discretion is one that may not have been sufficiently clear in the past. You will see, however, that the new contribution receipt form, when available, will eliminate the two questions presently asked on that form, and instead ask only whether the giver gives discretion to the National Assembly over the earmarked donation. Discretion is the key, whether for deciding if an amount is to be included as part of the national budget for, say, the Bahá’í International Fund, and also whether the contribution may be deducted by the donor from her or his taxes.

"DOES giving discretion to the Assembly mean that it will use a gift for some other purpose than the one indicated by the donor? Our Writings, and indeed civil law in most states, are both clear on this: an Assembly, local or National, must honor the wishes of the donor unless it feels that it cannot do so, or it may be unwise to do so. In such a case, the Assembly may first contact the donor and ask whether they will release or change the earmarking, or the money may be returned to the giver.

"With regard to earmarking, the National Spiritual Assembly has never expressed its wish that the friends refrain from earmarking their contributions. On the contrary, we are urged to give both individually and collectively to the International, Continental and National Funds, as well as to the local Fund. The discussion about earmarking came about because, as you will recall, there was a time when the volume of earmarked contributions for the Arc Projects was much more than that for the Bahá’í International Fund. The National Assembly was concerned that such an imbalance might make it difficult for the Universal House of Justice to meet its many obligations in other areas. The Assembly consequently recommended this matter to the consideration of the friends. The Assembly additionally chose to make its own $2 million contribution to the Bahá’í International Fund in an unrestricted way.

"The Local Assembly Goal Program for contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund is not intended in any way to discourage contributions to other Funds. Instead, the National Assembly has consistently indicated that the goal to which each local Assembly commits is for that Assembly's unrestricted contributions to the National Fund; the commitment would be met out of the friends' offerings to the local Bahá’í Fund. Gifts to other funds are necessary both spiritually and materially for the healthy growth of the Administrative Order of our Faith at all levels, and are a separate aspect of each local body's giving decisions.

"YOU ALSO inquired about the drop in contributions to the international Funds. You can be assured that the declining figures reported in The American Bahá’í and in the Feast letters are not the result of the National Assembly's retaining the funds. It is indeed a blessing that the National Assembly is current on its payments both toward its pledge to the Supreme Institution as well as with respect to all earmarked contributions.

"THE FRIENDS have continued to give to all the major Funds of the Faith, and this is as it should be. It is also true, though, that contributions have dropped since last year. Estimated figures about to be published in the Annual Report indicate that contributions to the Bahá’í International Fund are up about 70 percent over last year's level, to some $1.3 million. Contributions for the Arc, however, are down by about $2.2 million; the net difference from last year is a drop of about $1.7 million in over-all contributions to the two main international Funds.

"Why have contributions dropped? One reason for the decline in giving to the Arc Projects Fund is the indication of the Supreme Institution that income should be provided to the International Fund during the 10-year duration of those projects.... Uncertainties about the Goal Program, which some friends thought was a measure born out of a crisis, may also have been a factor. Worries about the economy may have affected people's willingness to contribute, and of course some friends have indeed been hit by plant closings and other problems. These events are a natural outcome of the turmoil of our times, and will be overcome. The National Spiritual Assembly certainly appreciates the exceptional spirit animating so many of the believers even in these difficult times.

"The most important point that must not be overlooked is that these are profoundly spiritual matters; that however much we as a community may discuss numbers and trends and policies, all these things are intended to remind and assist every Bahá’í to appreciate the extraordinary honor we enjoy as members of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order, that of giving for the growth of that Order. The institutions, local and national, also have the task of ensuring that the believers in their care obtain for themselves all the many blessings that flow from giving for His love.

"Thank you for the candor of your questions, and please do not hesitate to advise of any further thoughts that arise in this connection."

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH YOUR TAX REFUND?

Those of us who live from paycheck to paycheck look forward to this time of year, when those lovely refunds are due back from the IRS. Here are a few ideas as to how to use that windfall:

• Make a first payment to Huqúq’u’lláh. This would help start the Holy Year in earnest, and may also have the advantage of being an easy calculation.
• Make an extra contribution to the Bahá’í International Fund. The crisis of which our beloved Universal House of Justice spoke in November probably has not passed.
• Make an extra contribution to the Continental Bahá’í Fund.

We mention these options not because the National Bahá’í Fund has a surplus, but because each Fund is an important part of the financial and spiritual structure of the Faith.

These and other actions will secure for us those blessings promised by Bahá’u’lláh and give a befitting start to this special year of joy and reflection.

National Spiritual Assembly, U.S. State Department respond strongly to news of most recent execution of Bahá’í in Iran

The National Spiritual Assembly was quick to respond to the secret execution March 18 in Tehran of a prominent Iranian Bahá’í, Bahman Samandari, the first Bahá’í put to death by Iran's government since December 1988.

"The American Bahá’í community feels shock and grief over the execution of Mr. Bahman Samandari, a leading Iranian Bahá’í of outstanding character and ability," said Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Assembly's secretary for External Affairs.

"WE ARE particularly distressed," he said, "by the manner in which Mr. Samandari was murdered by the authorities who did not even have the decency of according him a trial, did not announce any charges, executed him the day after his arrest, failed to release his body to his bereaved widow, and buried it secretly in an unmarked grave, the location of which they have refused to reveal.

"It is equally distressing that Iranian authorities continue to resort to the old practice of attacking the Bahá’í community and its individual members when the nation faces domestic or foreign trials and difficulties, even as they claim to the world that no Bahá’ís have been persecuted for their beliefs. Thus," said Dr. Kazemzadeh, "hypocrisy covers up murder.

"This latest act of inhumanity stresses the need for continuing international vigilance and pressure in support of the rights of the Iranian Bahá’ís.

"American Bahá’ís," he concluded, "appeal to their government and to all their fellow citizens to register a vigorous protest against this latest act of inhumanity."

The U.S. State Department, reacting to news of the execution, called on Iran to provide a full account of the fate of Mr. Samandari.

"We have long deplored Iran's abysmal human rights record," said State Department spokeswoman Wendy Chamberlin. "We believe Iran should honor the human rights of all its citizens, including members of minority groups."

Wytze Bos, a Bahá’í representative of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) in Geneva, Switzerland, said he had met with United Nations officials and urged them to include the case in the UN Human Rights Commission's next report on Iran.

The Commission has repeatedly condemned Iran's human rights abuses, including the alleged persecution of Bahá’ís in that country, most recently on March 4 when, by a vote of 22-15, the Commission expressed "deep concern" over the "continuing violations of human rights" in Iran.

THE COMMISSION took special notice of the absence of guarantees of due process of law and "the discriminatory treatment of certain groups of citizens for reason of their religious beliefs, notably the Bahá’í[s]. ..."

Since his arrest on March 17, no indication of Mr. Samandari's fate was given, officially or otherwise. News of the execution was confirmed only when his wife attempted to visit him on April 5, was informed of his death and handed a copy of his will dated March 18.

Although no death certificate was issued, inquiries at the Tehran cemetery confirmed that Mr. Samandari's name had been entered in its records.

"It is a source of outrage to the international Bahá’í community that after a cessation of executions of Bahá’ís for three and one-half years, such a brutal act could again be perpetrated," said Techeste Ahderom, a representative to the UN in New York City for the BIC.

"IT BELIES the position repeatedly affirmed by the Iranian government that Bahá’ís are not persecuted for their religious beliefs."

No official charges against Mr. Samandari were announced, and inquiries by family members produced only vague indications that his execution was related to an incident more than four years ago when he and four other Bahá’ís were arrested for meeting in Mr. Samandari's home.

He and the others were released on December 18, 1987, after paying a large cash bail and surrendering the title to Mr. Samandari's home. [Page 6]

Bahá’u’lláh

prepared by the Bahá’í World Centre Office of Public Information HC $8.95 SC $1.50

An introduction to the life and work of Bahá’u’lláh, conveying His vision of the oneness of humanity and offering a perspective on “the feeling of confidence” with which Bahá’ís view “the future of our planet and our race.” This book will aid Bahá’ís in their efforts to achieve the “widest possible proclamation of the Name of Bahá’u’lláh” and to “blazon” it “across the globe, to make it a known eminence in the consciousness of peoples everywhere.” This edition features a foreword, maps, table of contents, introduction, glossary, and index, making it more accessible to a general audience. The hardcover edition is designed for use in public libraries and is suitable for presentation.

4-1/4" x 7", 104 pp., ‎forward foreword‎, maps, table of contents, introduction, notes, glossary, index Bahá’í Publications Australia

SPN: Bahá’u’lláh

preparado por la Oficina del Centro Mundial Bahá’í de Información Pública SC $2.25

Una introducción a la vida y trabajo de Bahá’u’lláh, transmitiendo Su visión de la unidad de la humanidad y ofreciendo una perspectiva de “el sentimiento de confianza” con el cual los Bahá’ís ven “el futuro de nuestro planeta y nuestra raza”. Publicado en preparación del centenario del aniversario del ascenso de Bahá’u’lláh y la inauguración de Su Convenio, el libro es “un intento principal de una amplia distribución al público”. Es también “una fuente de estudio e inspiración para los Bahá’ís mismos” y proveerá “material para varias presentaciones de la Fe”. Este libro ayudará a los Bahá’ís en sus esfuerzos de alcanzar la “más amplia ‎proclamacion proclamación‎ posible del Nombre de Bahá’u’lláh” y “emblazonar” su nombre “alrededor del mundo, haciendo de El una eminencia conocida en la conciencia de los pueblos del mundo”.

Nota: Para hacer los pedidos de este libro o cualquier libro en español favor utilizar el formato de pedidos adjunto. 5-3/16" x 7-3/4" EBILA

Bahá’u’lláh: A Glimpse of His Life and Teachings

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.

27:40 minutes Images International for IBAVC

El Huququ’lláh y los Fondos Bahá’ís

SC $4.50

Este libro ‎renue reúne‎ dos recopilaciones de escritos de Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi y la Casa Universal de Justicia sobre temas afines: El Huququ’lláh por un lado y Fondos Bahá’ís y ‎lad las‎ donaciones por otro. Sobre el primero se explica su significado ‎distinitvo distintivo‎, sus fundamentos y las normas de su cumplimiento, en las que se recalca su prioridad sobre cualquier otra contribucion. Sobre el segundo se incide en la importancia de donar tanto para el progreso y ‎ejecucion ejecución‎ de las actividades ‎dela de la‎ Fe como para el ‎desarrolla desarrollo‎ espiritual del propio individuo. En ambas recopilaciones queda claro el ‎caracter carácter‎ personal y voluntario de las aportaciones.

Rustica - 20 x 14 cm., 104 págs. Editorial Bahá’í de ‎Espana España‎

William Sears, Videotape

by Bahá’í Media Services VT $20.00

This video documents William Sears’ last teaching efforts in five of the most vibrant and vital teaching areas in the United States. The National Spiritual Assembly chose Boca Raton, Florida; Worcester, Massachusetts; Tolleson, Arizona; San Francisco, California; and Portland, Oregon, as the most prominent centers of teaching activity in the country. William Sears called on the friends to arise and achieve the important goal of large-scale expansion by the end of the Six Year Plan at Ridván 1992. Witness the Hand of the Cause of God greet the friends, stress the urgent need for a more intense and sacrificial level of teaching, and inspire newly enrolled and veteran believers alike with a remarkable vision of Bahá’u’lláh’s glorious Faith.

135 minutes Bahá’í Media Services

Reflections on the Significance of the Holy Year

by Glenford Mitchell CS $9.95

In Bahá’í history there has only been one Holy Year—proclaimed by Shoghi Effendi, November 30, 1951, to commemorate the centenary of the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh. Mr. Mitchell reads from the historic cable announcing the first Holy Year and outlines some activities of the forthcoming Holy Year. Among these is an activity that will link the two Holy Years by completing an unfinished goal of the first Holy Year—the depositing of the Scroll of Honor at the entrance of the inner sanctuary of the tomb of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí on May 28, 1992.

approximately 120 minutes Bahá’í Media Services

International Legislation for Environment and Development

by the Bahá’í International Community PA 10pk $2.50 PA 50pk $11.00

This statement summarizes the inadequacies that nation states have in addressing worldwide legislative and environmental issues. Rather than a “piecemeal approach (to international legislation) conceived in response to the needs of the nation states, it seems clearly preferable to adopt . . . long term solutions (which) will require (a) new and comprehensive vision of a global society.”

3-1/2" x 8-1/2", 4-panel Bahá’í International Community

Women and Men: Partnership for a Healthy Planet

by the Bahá’í International Community PA 10pk $2.50 PA 50pk $11.00

The Bahá’í writings clearly establish the equality of the sexes as a necessary link to world unity. This statement reflects on the continued participation of women in the social and economic lives of their nations and focuses on the progressive transformation of ‎womens’ women’s‎ roles in society. An excellent teaching and deepening tool for women’s groups, Future Studies Groups, and individuals.

3-1/2" x 8-1/2", 4-panel Bahá’í International Community

Earth Charter

by the Bahá’í International Community PA 10pk $2.50 PA 50pk $11.00

This statement, presented at the 1992 UNCED Earth Summit, concludes that any type of global-environmental reform must be based upon “universally accepted values and principles” that go beyond “technical-utilitarian proposals and address the underlying cause of the crisis.” The Earth Charter suggests the formation of a worldwide Federal system to regulate environmental standards and enforce environmental violations.

3-1/2" x 8-1/2", 4-panel Bahá’í International Community

Songs of The Ancient Beauty

Conducted by Tom Price, Produced by Jack Lenz and Tom Price Cassette $10.95 Compact Disc $16.00 (Specify which version when ordering)

A brilliantly produced, devotional and/or recreational cassette tape of unaccompanied vocal music by the Bahá’í Chorale. Songs of the Ancient Beauty showcases some of the best-known choral pieces associated with Bahá’í worship from various parts of the world. Lush harmonies and fresh arrangements are brought to life with superior soloistic performances by Dash Crofts and Narges Nouhnejad (Fani). The excellent ensemble singing of the Bahá’í Chorale makes this cassette one of the finest the Distribution Service has offered. Some of the highlights of this cassette include: O My Servant, the hauntingly beautiful melody by ‎renown renowned‎ Indian composer Ravi Shankar; All Praise to Thee, based on Mozart’s Ave Verum; and The Lord’s Prayer, performed by Dash Crofts, which reflects the Bahá’í belief in the divinity of the world’s great religions. Other works include pieces by Bahá’í composers from Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, the United States, and South America. The production of this unique recording was sponsored by the Universal House of Justice and the International Teaching Centre, in the hope of encouraging the development of Bahá’í choral music throughout the world.

60 minutes Water music

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

‘Azamat 149 B.E. / May 17, 1992 [Page 7]Basic Facts of the Bahá’í Faith Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the U. S. PA 50/pk $5.75

This introductory pamphlet presents a basic description of the Bahá’í Faith and outlines its fundamental teachings in an easy-to-read format. It discusses humanity’s need for world order and highlights the principle of the oneness of humankind, and other Bahá’í principles conveying Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of a united world. A brief history of the Faith is also given. The pamphlet ends with an invitation to “investigate this Faith and share in this spiritual adventure.” A wonderful teaching tool for seekers and new believers. 6-3/8" x 3-1/2", 6-panel Erich Reich Enterprises

Days of Ridván HC $14.95

Days of Ridván is a joyous retelling of the Ridván story, marking the holiest days of the Bahá’í year. This compilation of stories, prayers, readings, and the Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi explain the significance of the Ridván festival: the first, the ninth, and the twelfth days. Also included are eyewitness accounts of the memorable days of Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration of His mission. Days of Ridván is the most recent in a series of books being published by Kalimát Press on the Bahá’í Holy Days. Other books in this series include: The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh: A Compilation and The Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: A Compilation. 5-1/4" x 7-1/4", 76 pp., preface, appendix, sources Kalimát Press

Journal of Bahá’í Studies, Vol. 3 No. 4 SC $6.00

Mishkin-Qalam, the greatest of the calligraphers who served Bahá’u’lláh, was not only master of the various styles of Islamic calligraphy, but also the creator of a new genre he designed for the new Revelation. Julie and Heshmatollah Badiee explore his long and eventful life of service, and, through numerous illustrations, explain the symbolism and significance of his beautiful calligraphic depictions of birds and human faces.

Much work remains to be done to bring Western readers into contact with the Islamic perspective on the Bahá’í revelation. In this well-researched, extended essay, Christopher Buck considers the Kitáb-i-Íqán as a reformist document from historical, intellectual, and ideological points of view and places Bahá’u’lláh’s revelation in the context of modern Islam. The originality of Bahá’u’lláh’s station as a “world reformer”—and the total independence of his teachings from Western influences—becomes clearly apparent.

In a short, yet comprehensive, essay the late Nasser Sabet outlines the background and spiritual significance of the Kitáb-i-Íqán. 84 pages Association for Bahá’í Studies

Morning Stars A Profile of Kevin Locke VT $29.95

Mr. Locke discusses his personal view of the Bahá’í Faith as a fulfillment of many of the traditional Lakota Sioux religious ‎prophesies prophecies‎ regarding the unification of the peoples of the Four Directions (the People of the East, West, North, and South) in a society that welcomes the contributions of all cultures. Morning Stars features cultural aspects of traditional ‎Lakota’s Lakotas‎ as expressed through dance, music, and storytelling. The video stars Native American hoop dancer/flutist Kevin Locke, with drumming and singing by Chester Mahooty. approximately 29 minutes Images International for I.B.A.V.C.

BACK IN STOCK
Per: Amr va Khalaq Vol. 3 & 4 HC $37.95	Per: Nar va Nur (Fire and Light) HC $17.95
Per: Muntakhabati (Messages from the U.H.J.) SC $9.50	Per: Principles of the Bahá’í Faith edited by M. K. Rohani SC $3.50

Bahá’í DayBook Passages for Deepening and Meditation SC $6.95

A book of daily devotions compiled from the Bahá’í writings and other scriptures for each date of the Bahá’í year, beginning with Naw-Rúz (March 21). Daily use of this book will help to foster the habit of reading daily from the Bahá’í writings, and strengthen one’s attachment to the Covenant. Suitable for gift-giving. 4-1/8" x 6", 374 pp., foreword, illustrations, references Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the U.S.

FOR CHILDREN

O God, Guide Me! Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Illustrated by Gordon Laite SC $4.00

A prayer book for children from birth and up. It contains ten prayers or portions of prayers on divine guidance, purity of heart, spiritual education, protection, spiritual happiness, dawn, obedience to God, healing, the light of God, and assistance from God. The book is illustrated with twenty-two drawings that capture children’s attention, reinforce the meanings of the prayers with concrete images, and facilitate memorization by association with visual images. 4-1/4" x 6-1/4", 41 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the U. S.

RECENT NEW TITLES
The Bahá’í World Vol. I-XII $200.00 net	Spn: La Fe Bahá’í y su ‎Communidad Comunidad‎ Mundial by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States PA 10pk/$3.50 PA 50pk/$15.50
Bahá’í Datebook (Australia) 149-50 B.E. (1992-93) SC $3.25 3-3/4" x 6-3/4", 80 pp. Century Press Pty. Ltd.	Spn: La Fe Bahá’í Teaching Booklet by Dr. Hidáyatu’lláh Ahmadiyyih SC $1.00
Enlighten Curriculum Fifth Grade; Sixth Grade by Lea Iverson SC $19.95 per volume $140.00 eight volume set	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 for Effort: And Other Stories for Today’s Young Heroes by Susan J. Allen SC $7.95

A new book of young adult fiction that presents Bahá’í teachings as spiritual guidance for everyday situations. In this book we meet Lucy, Ralph, Carrie, Nick and many other young people who are trying to understand what being a Bahá’í is all about. We read how these characters deal with the feeling of being just a little “different” and alone, because they try to be good Bahá’ís and their non-Bahá’í friends don’t understand. This book will interest young readers from approximately ten years old through later teens. 5-3/8" x 7-3/4", 149pp. Oneworld Publications

Bahá’í Distribution Service / 1-800-999-9019
5397 Wilbanks Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37343 FAX 1-615-843-0836      AGA
Ordered by: (Please print or type)	Date:
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[Page 8]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

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.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Dubuque, Iowa (all four of us) need you! Especially if you are looking for a position as superintendent of public schools. Salary range, $80,000/yr plus. Good opportunity to instill a vision of multi-racial harmony in a town recently beset by cross burnings. Résumés can be sent to Dr. Pigg, Superintendent, Dubuque Area Public Schools Administration Building, 2300 Chaney Road, Dubuque, IA 52001. Inquiries to the Bahá’ís can be made to M. McDowell, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 319-556-1982). Dubuque, a city of 53,000 on the Mississippi River, is an hour from Davenport and within two hours of Madison, Wisconsin, and Rockford, Illinois. Dubuque has three major colleges and universities and a nearby community college. Employment opportunities are increasing, especially in high-tech and professional areas.

BI-LINGUAL homefront pioneers are urgently needed in Providence, Rhode Island, to help teach our rapidly expanding Hispanic community. Providence is an ethnically diverse, culturally rich mini-metropolis, an hour’s drive from Boston and less than four hours from New York City. This would be an excellent opportunity for students, as Providence has six colleges and universities including Brown University and the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design. Providence has good public transportation, easy access to beaches and other recreational facilities, and an active Bahá’í community. For more information, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Providence, P.O. Box 830, Harlingen, TX 78551, or phone 401-751-0761.

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Benbrook, Texas, invite anyone who is planning to become a homefront pioneer to consider moving there. Benbrook, on the southwest border of Fort Worth, has a population of about 25,000. It is within commuting distance of all communities in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, and has all the facilities of a large city including schools, police and fire departments, etc. All kinds of housing available from custom homes, apartments, duplexes and quads to town houses with lower real estate taxes than in most surrounding communities. There is a large park on the shores of Benbrook Lake with facilities for swimming, boating and fishing, and a large picnic grounds and 27-hole public golf course nearby. For more information, please write to P.O. Box 26734, Benbrook, TX 76126, or phone 817-249-2781.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: a position is available for a family practitioner or doctor of osteopathy in American Falls, Idaho. One Bahá’í living in Power County needs another to keep the Group registered. Family practitioner needed for rural health clinics; must be board certified. Knowledge of Spanish a plus. Low-pressure, low-volume practice for the medically underserved. Salary $60,000/year plus $20,000/$30,000 for call at local hospital; excellent compensation package including malpractice/health insurance. All relocation expenses paid to live in rural area near university town, three hours from Sun Valley, Yellowstone Park and the Grand Teton mountains. Excellent outdoor recreation area; low cost of living; splendid place to raise a family. Please contact Karen Pease, 208-232-7862, or write to Health West Inc., P.O. Box 2377, Pocatello, ID 83206.

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).

THE BAHÁ’Í community of Harlingen, Texas, is poised for unprecedented growth. The special significance of the U.S.-Mexico border has been outlined by the Universal House of Justice. The Free Trade Agreement between the U.S. and Mexico will be a great impetus for growth here. There are four Spiritual Assemblies in the Valley: Edinburg, McAllen, Brownsville and Harlingen. If you would like to be a homefront pioneer or help bolster our communities, you would be most welcome. Employment in medicine is immediately available, especially for internists and family practitioners, but also in the sub-specialties. Teaching positions in primary and secondary education also available. One need not be bilingual. Write to the Spiritual Assembly of Harlingen, P.O. Box 830, Harlingen, TX 78551, or phone 512-421-2233 or 512-425-6385.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas: AFRICA—Benin: primary school teachers. GENERAL: possible openings in agriculture with TechnoServe. AMERICAS—Brazil: primary school teachers. Honduras: elementary school teachers. Venezuela: accountant, manager of computer store. ASIA—Macau: ESL teacher. General: short-term consultants for agri-business projects. EUROPE—Sakhalin: teachers. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Republic of Ireland invites applications from married couples or individuals who would be interested in serving as caretakers of the National Hazíratu’l-Quds in Dublin. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin, Russia: English-language international school, based on Bahá’í principles, opening September 1992, needs teachers. 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.

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: William Edward Lew (died New York City, 1949), Annie K. Lewis (died New York, 1943), Beulah Storrs Lewis (died Los Angeles, 1947), C. Pennington Lewis, Louise A. Lewis, Margaret V. Lewis, Annie L. Libby and Helen Lillywhite. 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 (phone 708-869-9039).

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking copies of the following books by Shoghi Effendi in good or excellent condition: The Advent of Divine Justice (cloth, 1948), Directives from the Guardian (paper, n.d.), The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh (paper, 1937), Principles of Bahá’í Administration (cloth, 1963), The Promised Day Is Come (cloth, 1969), and The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh (paper, 1955). Anyone having copies they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED

THE BAHÁ’Í World Congress Youth Movement Forum needs Bahá’ís who are actors, singers and/or dancers to take part in two special dramatic presentations planned in connection with the Congress in November. Those who are interested should submit (1) a letter explaining why they wish to be considered as a performer; (2) a 3- to 5-minute VHS format video taped monologue on any classical or contemporary figure; (3) résumés listing relevant experience; and (4) one 8x10 photograph. If you are not a professional performer, please outline your experience and/or interest in the arts. Non-professionals are encouraged to apply. Please note: 1. roles vary to include males, females, adults and youth of at least 12 years of age; 2. travel, accommodations and other expenses will not be covered by the World Congress—applicants must be self-supporting; 3. performers must be available for rehearsals in New York City by early November, three weeks before the Congress; and 4. the deadline for submissions is July 1. Please forward submissions to: Bahá’í World Congress, Youth Movement Forum, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 119, New York, NY 10017.

WANTED: a few helping hands at the Bahá’í World Congress in November. If you are an experienced writer and/or photographer who plans to attend the Congress and would like to spend some time helping us produce the special issue of The American Bahá’í that reports news of this historic event to the friends around the world, please drop a note to the editor, The American Bahá’í, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone Jack Bowers, 708-869-9039, ext. 293. Thanks.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of New Castle County North, Delaware, needs your help. A member of the community, Neda Gharebaghi, a 22-year-old graphic arts student from Tehran, has been hospitalized for the second time this year with cancer. After successful treatment for lymphoma in 1991, she returned to Iran, only to be diagnosed three months later with leukemia. Any hope for survival meant that she had to return to the U.S. to seek chemotherapy treatment and a bone marrow transplant. She returned in March, and has been hospitalized since then while doctors try to stabilize her condition. Unfortunately, because she is not a U.S. citizen, Neda has no health insurance or access to public assistance funds to pay for the recommended medical procedures. Her family in Iran and the U.S., overwhelmed by the burden, has turned to the local Assembly for prayers and guidance. The Assembly, in turn, is asking for your help in the form of specific suggestions as well as prayers to help the Gharebaghis deal with this great difficulty. Please forward suggestions to the Gharebaghis through the Spiritual Assembly of New Castle County North, New Castle, DE 19720. Or you may phone 302-322-5644 or FAX 302-328-2048.

WANTED: Photocopies of correspondence to and from Roger White for a book about how the poet has influenced and inspired Bahá’ís all over the world. Reminiscences are welcome too. Also needed: information about Alma Knobloch, Thomas Breakwell and Juliet Thompson. Please write to Anne G. Atkinson, Chicago, IL 60641.

PERIODICALS

ATTENTION writers, poets, artists, musicians and photographers: themes and writers’ deadlines for Brilliant Star magazine. September/October 1992 issue—“The City of the Covenant,” April 25; November/December 1992 issue—“‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” June 25; January/February 1993 issue—“My Bahá’í Community,” August 25. Wanted: games, stories, articles, Holy Day activities, photo essays, Bahá’í family life, poetry, music, teaching stories, pictures of Bahá’í children, parents’ page articles, stories from Bahá’í history, plays, raps, puzzles, biography, art and illustrations—you name it. The editor and art director are open to your suggestions and ideas. Write to Candace Moore Hill, Evanston, IL 60202 (phone 708-864-3852).

EL RUISEÑOR (The Nightingale), a quarterly bi-lingual (Spanish-English) magazine sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly, is available to Bahá’ís on a subscription basis. The magazine’s editorial content is varied and includes items of interest to the Bahá’í community around the world: current developments and goals of the Cause, articles aimed at deepening our understanding of the Bahá’í teachings, reports of victories in the Hispanic community worldwide, ideas from the friends, a cultural page, letters to the editor, a calendar of national and international events, and other items of special interest to Bahá’ís everywhere. The subscription price is $12 a year (U.S. and Canada) and $15 a year overseas. Donations from Bahá’í institutions and individual Bahá’ís are welcomed. To subscribe, write to El Ruiseñor/The Nightingale, P.O. Box 512, San Fernando, CA 91340.

MISCELLANEOUS

POETS! POETS! Would you like time to work on your writing without interruption? Would you like to give public poetry readings of your work? Would you like to be supported for your creativity? If so, contact the Louhelen Bahá’í School for information about the Robert Hayden Poetry Fellowship. Write to 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

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. [Page 9]

Atlanta

(from page 1)

unity and emphasized repeatedly the fact that the Georgia Human Relations Commission shares many of the same goals and ideals outlined in the National Spiritual Assembly’s document.

The Commission, she said, “has the same focus... [as] the Bahá’í tenet of peace and security and the well-being of a community being tied to race relations and harmony within that community.”

QUOTING from “The Vision of Race Unity,” Dr. Berry said, “‘The application of the spiritual principle of the oneness of humanity to the life of our nation would necessitate and make possible vast changes in the economic status of people of color.’

“The commission,” she said, “has taken this as one of its missions, which has led to the formation of the Interfaith Coalition of Metropolitan Atlanta to convince the community of faith that it has a responsibility to assert this principle.”

In closing, Dr. Berry recommended that everyone read the Bahá’í statement on race unity, calling it both “cogent” and “beautiful.”

The afternoon session continued with a presentation of the first “Study of Models of Racial, Ethnic and Religious Unity,” presented by Dr. Henderson and Clarence Wood, Chicago Commissioner of Human Relations and president of the Human Relations Foundation of Chicago (see box on this page).

Beginning his part of the presentation with an overview of the movement toward race unity in this country over the past 30 years, Dr. Henderson said “we have de-segregated the lunch counter, but not the kitchen table,” which is, in essence, he said, where our ideas about race relations are learned.

Citing a zero decrease in residential segregation since the late 1960s, Dr. Henderson asserted his belief that “there is now less social interaction between black and white [in America] than there was 50 years ago.”

HE WENT ON to say that there is “something fundamentally wrong with our direction,” adding that it was for this reason that the National Spiritual Assembly and the Human Relations Foundation of Chicago had launched their study of “Models of Unity.”

“Thus far,” said Dr. Henderson, “the examination of conflict has been the focus, but what we should be examining more closely is intergroup unity and examples of race harmony.”

The purpose of the study, he said, “is to shed light on this kind of social reorganization and the people who are making the strides. It is in everyone’s best interest,” Dr. Henderson concluded, “to become competent in embracing diversity.”

Mr. Wood then cited specific examples from the study, noting that most of the models of unity are based on our ability “to do the simple things and not necessarily the major ones.”

Where you live, where you work, even which restaurant you choose to patronize, he said, can lead to your association with diverse peoples and go far toward creating trust and understanding through this association of choice.

He outlined recurrent themes in the models that were studied, and discussed some of the conclusions that can be drawn. One conclusion, he said, is that people generally do believe that an integrated society is in their best interest (unless, that is, they derive some benefit from being divisive); another is that young people represent our best hope of achieving the goal of racial harmony.

MR. WOOD urged his audience to invest in youth, of whatever sex, race and economic background, and to educate them in the principles of unity.

Following these presentations the conferees were directed to their special-interest workshops, where they discussed the models presented during the course of the afternoon and consulted on ways to establish similar models in their own fields of endeavor.

One of the workshops, in government, went so far as to organize a task force to create and influence legislation at a statewide level on issues of racial, ethnic and religious unity. The task force will also try to disseminate the “Models of Unity” statement to all 260 members of the Georgia legislature.

A banquet was held Saturday evening at which reports from workshops were presented and entertainment was provided by a jazz group, A.B.J.Q., whose members are Bahá’ís.

A tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on the 24th anniversary of his assassination, was offered by the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr., a longtime civil rights leader and national member and trustee of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change.

DR. MOSS presented eloquent testimony to the leadership of Dr. King in the civil rights movement and of the precepts of that movement with respect to racial equality. Assessing the movement at the time of Dr. King’s death and today, Dr. Moss urged a renewed commitment to achieving the goal of racial harmony on all fronts.

On Friday evening, April 3, the Spiritual Assembly of Atlanta and the Emory University Bahá’í Club hosted a public meeting at the university attended by more than 400 people, Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í. The standing-room-only audience enthusiastically received the program which introduced themes that would be reprised during the following day’s conference at the Carter Center.

Among the highlights were a talk by Dr. Henderson and a dramatic presentation of “The Vision of Race Unity” by the Pupil of the Eye Institute, a group of Bahá’ís from DeKalb County, Georgia, who teach the Faith through the performing arts, during which members of the institute recited the entire statement from memory.

For the Bahá’ís, the weekend was marked by a feeling of excitement over the success of the conference. The continued growth of involvement in the community at large over the past decade has placed the Bahá’í community of Atlanta in a position to build upon the friendships made and the recognition given by the non-Bahá’í community.

Charles Muhammad signs his declaration card at the Atlanta race unity conference as his wife, Cecilia (who later signed her card as well), looks on. (Photos by Joe Ferguson)

A communications workshop at the Atlanta conference.

‘MODELS OF UNITY’

Year-long project unveiled at Atlanta conference

The Vision of Race Unity conference in Atlanta on April 4 marked the first public presentation of the “Models of Unity” project report, the result of a year-long collaborative effort between the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and the Human Relations Foundation of Chicago. The project, whose purpose was to find examples of efforts that have successfully brought together groups of people in the greater Chicago area, proved an effective stimulus for discussion at the conference and an excellent complement to the National Assembly’s statement on race unity.

The Models of Unity project began as a result of the concerns of both the National Spiritual Assembly and the Human Relations Foundation over the prominence of publicity about interracial violence and conflict. They were convinced that instances of interracial harmony and unity were common, if less well known. Furthermore, scholarship on interracial interaction had explored conflicts in detail, but little had been done to examine the roots of interracial unity. The joint project was conceived as a means of helping to redress the imbalance.

The project began by defining a “model of unity” as “any successful effort, whether intentional or not, from which one could learn about the process of intergroup unity.” Projecters looked for positive changes of the following sorts: changes in personal attitudes toward persons of another group; development of interpersonal friendships, collaboration or long-term contacts; and resolution or reduction of intergroup tensions in neighborhoods, businesses or other places where various kinds of people come together.

They recognized that different models of unity would be sought. A survey was drawn up consisting of a few broad questions that would be applicable to a variety of situations. Project coordinators and volunteers then conducted 60 interviews over a period of several months with subjects from a... See MODELS page 23 [Page 10]

World Congress Youth Movement

Statement on Bahá’u’lláh tool for study during Holy Year

The Holy Year is a time for everyone, including Bahá’í youth, to pause and “pay befitting regard to the Centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh and of the inauguration of His world-unifying Covenant.”

It is in Bahá’u’lláh’s Name that representatives of Bahá’í communities all over the world will gather for the commemoration of His passing in Haifa, and that one of the world’s most diverse gatherings of Bahá’ís will take place at the World Congress in New York City in November.

NOW IS the time for us to come to know the Lord of the age. Such knowledge and love will allow us to be more deeply connected to our faith and to share it more fully with those around us.

To better know the Blessed Beauty, we have been given by the Universal House of Justice a statement on Bahá’u’lláh. This incredible document “offers a perspective on the feeling of confidence with which Bahá’ís the world over contemplate the future of our planet and our race.”

The statement is primarily a tool for us to share with the world the Station and Mission of Bahá’u’lláh. It was released now so that we can use it as we “emblazon Bahá’u’lláh’s Name” across the globe. Such wide-scale and intense sharing of His Name is an important aspect of the Holy Year.

There are many things that we as American Bahá’í youth can do to make the statement a part of our lives. If you are wondering what you can do, consider these possibilities...

1. Get a copy of the statement for yourself and study it. It is an important part of your destiny and will give meaning to all the other things you read for school. It is a source of study and inspiration and of substance for the various presentations on the Faith during the Holy Year.

2. Get together with a friend or a group of people and talk about what the statement is about and how you can share it with as many people as possible.

3. GET AS many extra copies of the statement as you can and distribute them widely to your friends, neighbors, etc. Everyone should be blessed to know about what gives our lives such happiness and purpose.

The statement will surely be an important part of the Holy Year for each of us. It will help us to better understand Who Bahá’u’lláh is and it will help us to teach. It is important that you read the statement because what you do and think and feel is important to the progress of the Faith and the spiritual conquest of the planet.

Information about the Bahá’í World Congress and youth will appear regularly in The American Bahá’í. If you have any comments that you’d like to share or questions you would like answered, please write to us at Bahá’í World Congress Youth Movement Forum, 866 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017, or phone 212-486-0560.

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.

A correction...

In the Mulk/February 7 issue of The American Bahá’í we published a talk on the Holy Year by Glenford E. Mitchell, a member of the Universal House of Justice. In his talk Mr. Mitchell offered background information on the first Holy Year (1952-53) by referring to the imprisonment of Bahá’u’lláh in the Siyáh-Chál a century before. He pointed out that this significant episode, during which Bahá’u’lláh’s Ministry was made known to Him, also marked the fulfillment of the Báb’s prophecies concerning the “year nine” and the end of the Bábí Dispensation. Mr. Mitchell dated Bahá’u’lláh’s experience in the Siyáh-Chál as having taken place in 1853. One of our readers has written to clarify this point, and we present here an excerpt from her letter:

“...according to Shoghi Effendi in God Passes By (p. 104), Bahá’u’lláh was cast into the Siyáh-Chál in August 1852. “His imprisonment,” the Guardian writes, “lasted for a period of no less than four months, in the middle of which the ‘year nine’ (1269),...was ushered in. ...Two months after that year was born, Bahá’u’lláh...was released from His confinement...and set out, a month later, for Baghdad. ...” (On page 108 this date is given as January 12, 1853). This places the date of Bahá’u’lláh’s experience in the Siyáh-Chál as 1852, not 1853.

Mr. Mitchell further states, “The Year Nine refers to the number of years since the Declaration of the Báb in 1844 to that experience in 1853. Nine years; the Year Nine.”

On page 29 of God Passes By we find the following passages: “‘Ere nine will have elapsed from the inception of this Cause,’ He [the Báb] more particularly stated, ‘the realities of the created things will not be made manifest.’ “Wait thou...until nine have elapsed from the time of the Bayán. ...” Here the Báb seems to be referring to a number of years (nine) rather than to a specific year (1269).

Other quotations from the Báb referring to that period of time appear on the same page: ““In the year nine,” He, referring to the advent of the promised Revelation, has explicitly written, “ye shall attain unto all good.” “In the year nine, ye will attain unto the presence of God.”” Here there is reference to a specific year—1269/1852—and to Bahá’u’lláh’s experience in the Siyáh-Chál. Although the nine years and the “year nine” seem to refer to the same thing, there is a distinction.

Josephine T. Lasoff Lydia, South Carolina

‘I, Mary Magdalene’

To the Editor:

In response to the ad you placed for me in The American Bahá’í asking for a copy of I, Mary Magdalene, several people wrote to me saying they also wanted copies.

Shortly afterward, I received a letter from the Association for Bahá’í Studies in Canada along with a photocopy of a mimeographed copy they had on file in the Center for Bahá’í Studies—Ottawa Library.

If other friends need a copy, they may send $6 to cover the cost of copying and postage to the Association for Bahá’í Studies, 34 Copernicus St., Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7K4, Canada.

After trying for more than 30 years to get a copy from second-hand bookstores, etc., you can imagine how excited I was to receive it and to be reading it again!

Thank you so much for placing the ad. It sure helps when one is ’way out here in the ocean as I am. ...

Peggy True La Gomera, Canary Islands

Teaching by our example

To the Editor:

I would like to express my appreciation for the article, “To teach American Indians, we must first teach ourselves” (November).

Regarding the last sentence in paragraph two, “...we should keep in mind that it is neither necessary nor wise to alter our lives to become more “Indian”...,” to become more “Indian” is not the goal. The goal is to become more like ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

AND TO become more like ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, it is, of course, necessary and wise to alter one’s life.

My guide, as a non-Bahá’í on the Reservation, was The Ugly American. Later, I found a wealth of guidance in A Special Measure of Love, The Mystery of God, Bahá’í Prayers, Paris Talks, and Guidelines for Local Spiritual Assemblies.

Many traveling Bahá’ís passed through the village where I lived. The most impressive to me were John Kostal and Hooper Dunbar. Mr. Dunbar, for example, insisted on staying with one of the native believers instead of in the more comfortable home of non-Indian pioneers.

When mass teaching showed success in the southern U.S., someone suggested mass teaching in our village. “No,” said the local Spiritual Assembly. Again came the suggestion, and again the Assembly replied, “Not yet.”

When the Assembly was ready, it asked for what it thought was needed and arranged things the way it thought best. Everyone who came accepted the plan and worked together in unity.

That was 19 years ago. Is it now more difficult for many to empower local Assemblies on Reservations by courteously, respectfully and tactfully suggesting Bahá’í teaching programs in their area of jurisdiction?

Is it now more difficult for many to accept and follow, willingly and unreservedly, the plans made by those local Assemblies?

Is it now more difficult for many who have wealth, power or fame to approach as equals those who live in poverty?

I sincerely hope that Caroline Thomas,

See LETTERS page 22

The mayor of Kurume City, Japan, was welcomed to this country by local Bahá’ís during a visit to Modesto, California, last November. Mayor Taniguchi was in Modesto to investigate the possibility of a sister-city relationship between the two towns. He is a friend of some of the Bahá’ís of Kurume City, where teaching activities have been particularly successful, and was contacted at the request of its local Spiritual Assembly. Members of the Spiritual Assembly of Modesto (including one who is fluent in Japanese) extended to the mayor a message of welcome and goodwill, and presented him with English and Japanese versions of “The Promise of World Peace.” Pictured (left to right) are Cynthia Christensen, Jennifer Muratore, Ahdieh Behrouzi, Mayor Taniguchi, Shinsuke Enokido and unidentified aide to the mayor. [Page 11]

World News

During a three-week period last December, nearly 700 people embraced the Faith in Taiwan—“the largest number of enrollments within such a short period of time since the beginning of our mass teaching project.” The successful teaching team included young mothers and children, as well as believers from Japan, the U.S. and other countries.

Five hundred-four people embraced the Faith during a five-day teaching campaign last February in Bolivia. As a result, five new local Spiritual Assemblies were formed and 38 localities were opened. This latest teaching effort, which took place in areas reached by Radio Bahá’í broadcasts, is part of the campaign dedicated to the memory of the late Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir. Since the campaign was launched in September 1991, the number of local Assemblies that meet regularly has increased considerably, and more than 20 new Bahá’í libraries have been established.

Recent teaching activities on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico have led to the enrollment of 200 new believers. A team of traveling teachers had gone to the Yucatán to help elect local Spiritual Assemblies, and in addition to the new enrollments, 68 local Assemblies were formed or re-formed.

A highlight of the Second National Bahá’í Teaching Conference, held January 24-26 in Sibiu, Romania, was a street teaching project involving a mobile institute and a majority of the 150 participants in the conference during which 16 new believers were enrolled in one and one-half hours. The conference drew people of all ages from some 20 communities, among whom were new Bahá’ís who had accepted the Faith in Sibiu immediately before the conference.

A special teaching project held recently in Singida, Tanzania, during which the Faith was proclaimed in five primary schools, led to the enrollment in the Faith of 16 teachers. The Bahá’í teaching team was composed of Auxiliary Board member Shahnaz Tulshi and four assistants who met with heads of the schools and spoke to a total of 75 teachers. In one school, about 200 students heard the name Bahá’u’lláh and learned a Bahá’í prayer and song.

During a teaching campaign focused on the universities in Seoul, Korea, three people embraced the Faith. The activities were undertaken by Bahá’ís visiting for the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Faith in Korea, and by pioneers and local believers who helped with translation. The new Bahá’ís immediately attended deepening classes at the Bahá’í Center in Seoul and in the homes of local believers.

The first European Conference on Bahá’í Activities in Universities was held January 2-5 in Brno, Czechoslovakia. The 24 delegates came from Austria, Czechoslovakia, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, the Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Wide-ranging consultation was held on the past, present and future of Bahá’í student activities in Europe. Issues discussed included the role of Bahá’í scholarship in student life, the contribution of Bahá’í students to the Holy Year, and national and Europe-wide networking among students.

On January 7, Her Majesty Tshering Yangdon, the Queen of Bhutan, visited the Bahá’í House of Worship in Bahapur, India. The visit lasted one and one-half hours, during which the Queen toured the Temple, visited the exhibit area, and said prayers in the prayer hall. She expressed her desire to join the regular prayer session at 5 p.m., and said later she had been impressed by the Bahá’í readings, especially the prayers that had been sung. She wrote in the visitors’ book that the visit had been “a wonderful experience” and that she would take “beautiful memories back to Bhutan.”

The first Bahá’í Youth Music Festival, held last December 27-29 in Kaboke Nudu, Fizi, Zaire, drew more than 1,800 friends, mostly youth. Eighteen choirs and youth clubs presented songs, plays and poems on the festival’s theme, “The Life, the Mission, and the Sufferings of the Blessed Beauty.” Arranged as a means of preparing the youth of South Kivu province for the Holy Year, the festival generated much enthusiasm with some groups composing and performing more than 20 songs.

The President of the Republic of Malta, Dr. Vincent Tabone, and the Archbishop of Malta were among the visitors to the Bahá’í display at an international book fair in Valletta, Malta. Dr. Tabone was given a copy of The Promised Day Is Come, and was reminded that he had signed the resolution of the European Parliament protesting the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran. He said he remembered having signed the letter, and spoke appreciatively about the Faith.

More than 7,700 people visited an exhibit titled “Forty Years of Unity—the Bahá’í Faith in Uganda,” held at the National Museum in Kampala. The visitors ranged from the Russian Ambassador and his wife to busloads of school children of all ages. The exhibit was organized by the local Spiritual Assembly of Kampala, and was opened during a formal reception at the Museum attended by members of the National Spiritual Assembly, local Bahá’ís, and many distinguished guests.

In Ukraine, Bahá’ís distribute humanitarian aid at the Children’s Hospital in Kiev. The goods were gathered by two Bahá’ís and their friends in Nurnberg, Germany, then transported to Kiev where they were given to needy people.

Eighty Bahá’ís from all over Germany took part in a National Teaching Conference in Leipzig. During the conference, one offer to pioneer and 17 to travel and teach in eastern Germany were made. Counselor Foad Kazemzadeh attended the gathering, during which a public meeting in Leipzig attracted 20 inquirers.

The Minister of Education of Albania attended the opening session of a national symposium on “A New Frame for Moral Education” held in Tirana. The meeting was sponsored by the Ministry in cooperation with the Institute of International Education and Development at the Landegg Academy in Switzerland. It was conducted by a team of 14 Bahá’ís from six countries who had been invited by the organizers from Landegg. Among those attending were more than 300 university professors, students, teachers and administrators from around Albania. The main part of the program consisted of presentations by Bahá’ís: “Living in a Rapidly Changing Society: Transition to Maturity” by Counselor Farzam Arbab; “A New Frame for Moral Education: A Discussion of Guiding Principles” by Dr. Iraj Ayman; “Moral Capabilities” by Counselor Eloy Anello; “Spiritual Qualities” by Dr. Julio Savi; “A Pedagogy for Moral Education” by Irene Taafaki; and “The Role of Consultation” by Emanuele Tinto.

The Queen Mother of Lesotho, Mamohato Seeiso, attended a session of the first Bahá’í International Summer School to be held in that country. About 450 Bahá’ís from 23 countries took part including a member of the Universal House of Justice, Adib Taherzadeh. Also present were Counselors Edith Senoga, Lally Warren and Daniel Ramoroesi, and two Knights of Bahá’u’lláh, Valera Allen and Sean Hinton.

The President of Bangladesh, Abdur Rahman Biswas, accepted an information kit containing a copy of “The Promise of World Peace” with “much warmth and appreciation,” the Board of Counselors in Asia reports. The presentation was made in Dhaka during the annual general meeting of the Society for the Rule of Law.

An event hoped to be “a milestone in the development of the Faith” in Peru took place last December 28-January 7 at the Radio Bahá’í complex at Chucuito near Puno: a seminar for Aymara and Quechua Bahá’ís to discuss the development of the Cause specifically, and the Indian people generally, in that area. Taking part in the seminar were 34 believers involved with Radio Bahá’í, six Auxiliary Board members from Peru and Bolivia, and other Bahá’ís concerned with writing and translating into native languages.

Two hundred distinguished guests heard the Faith proclaimed during a dinner in London honoring Canadian artist and Counselor member of the International Teaching Center Donald Rogers. The dinner, at the Bulgarian Embassy in London, was hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner and the Bulgarian Ambassador. Guests included Princess Lavinia of Yugoslavia and senior diplomats from China, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Italy and Poland. Also attending were officials from a number of international organizations and representatives of leading London art galleries. Mr. Rogers spoke for an hour, using an essay he wrote about art as the framework for a presentation on the Faith. In his closing remarks, Mr. Rogers drew attention to the Holy Year and assured his audience that the name of Bahá’u’lláh would soon be known throughout the world.

The governor of Molopo District, Bophuthatswana, the Hon. A.K. Thipe, opened the celebration of World Religion Day in Mmabatho last January 19 by quoting from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh; mentioning His Name, and proclaiming the concept of the oneness of religions as a means to peace. The event received television coverage on both the Setswana and English-language evening news broadcasts. In each broadcast, the governor was seen and heard quoting from the Writings and mentioning the name of Bahá’u’lláh.

Landegg conference set

The 1992 Conference on Agriculture and Rural Development will be held September 14-20 at the Landegg Academy in Switzerland.

The first such conference, last October-November, drew participants from 19 countries who discussed 14 major world issues of special concern to governments of developed and developing countries and presented Bahá’í views on each issue.

The participants approved the formation of a new group, the International Society for Agriculture and Rural Development (ISARD), to interact with Bahá’í specialists in those fields around the world, which most of those at the conference joined immediately.

Membership is open to all those who are interested in a Bahá’í approach to agriculture and rural development. For information, please contact the secretary, Dr. I. Poostchi, 97 St. Marks Road, ‎Henly-on-Thames Henley-on-Thames‎ RG9 1LP, United Kingdom. [Page 12]

Some thoughts for reflection on the Holy Year

By David Hofman

To the Bahá’ís of the United States

Dear Bahá’í friends,

I am delighted to accept the invitation of The American Bahá’í to offer you some thoughts upon which to reflect as we prepare ourselves for Holy Year 149-150. In doing so I have become astonished by the huge number of great and vital events which comprise the history of the Faith during that century which we are about to commemorate. They seem to indicate the epic proportions of the spiritual conflict now raging throughout our world and to foreshadow the approach of that final battle—Armageddon—when the victory will be seen to be God’s.

I would like to suggest to you that for every one of us the best preparation we can make, each one of us, to play our part in this titanic struggle is a constant unrelenting effort to come nearer to Bahá’u’lláh, to gaze with a penetrating sight into His mystery, His majesty, His grandeur, and to receive our portion of His grace.

The united effort of the whole Bahá’í world community in celebrating befittingly the great centennial anniversaries of Holy Year will assuredly attract an even greater outpouring of His confirmation and bounty, enabling us simultaneously to extend the foundations and raise further the structure of His kingdom in men’s hearts and to complete the physical structure comprising His spiritual and administrative World Center at the heart of His holy mountain.

May I recommend to you His own recipe for approaching Him, "A servant always draws near unto Me with prayers...."

With warmest love, David Hofman April 1992

There will never be another centenary like this one. The bicentenary, the tercentenary, the centenaries ad infinitum which will glorify the earthly life and revelation of the King of Glory and the inception of His almighty and everlasting Covenant, celebrated as they will be by the entire human race in one universal paean of praise and worship can never surpass the feelings of awe and wonder and supernal joy with which we few, we happy few, approach this first centennial year and call to mind the astonishing events which have already attended the rolling up of the old order.

WE STAND amazed at a century which embraces the ministries of the Center of the Covenant and the Sign of God on earth, in which the foundations of the very institutions of God’s own Kingdom have been laid and the fundamental verities of His Faith authentically stated, His Revelation interpreted and expounded by the appointed ones, His Book of Laws codified and annotated, the sacred text translated into a great and ever-increasing number of languages, and His banner implanted and waving throughout the territories and islands of the planet.

The complex and divinely ordained system of communications, the lifeline of His World Order, has evolved throughout this century in response to the developing needs of the world community and in anticipation of the day when the world-embracing capital institutions of His kingdom will diffuse from God’s holy mountain their world-directing functions and release to the whole of mankind the spiritual upliftment, the guidance, the life-sustaining force with which they are endowed.

The ascension of Bahá’u’lláh inevitably calls to mind the tragedy, the victory, the majesty of His earthly life, which spanned the fabulous 19th century. Born to high position and great wealth, descendant of ancient kings, He was despoiled, vilified, scorned, tortured, imprisoned and exiled forever from His native land to endure the humiliation and oppression of the two greatest despots of the age, the Shah and the Sultan. But He conquered them both and overturned the "lamentably defective" man-made order of the world and established the foundations of God’s Kingdom in its place.

"The world’s equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed." (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 136)

In missives of majestic power, He addressed the splendidly arrayed monarchs and rulers and religious leaders, revealing to them the inadequacy of their pomp and splendor. They ignored or scorned His message, and their thrones and dynasties crumbled away under the blast of this "great and mighty wind of God," as the Guardian called the proclamation of His message. All who opposed Him came to ignominy and disaster, and today we see the result of the world’s neglect of His healing message. The waging and disastrous effects of the two most devastating wars in history, the rise of communism throughout the planet and its inevitable collapse in the vast territories of its originating homeland, the appearance of dictators—false physicians—and the ruin of their houses of cards, the ever-growing number of coups d’états and challenges to law and order, the abandonment of moral standards in favor of the permissive age all are part of the interwoven pattern of the century which has elapsed since Bahá’u’lláh’s ascension.

BUT WE ALSO see the miraculous progress of His Cause, now emerging from the protective obscurity of its infancy into the limelight of recognition and growing respect. No longer condemned as a sect, a cult, an offshoot of Islam, an eclectic philosophy, the Bahá’í Faith now stands as a peer among the traditional world religions. Its greatest battle has yet to be won, but who, seeing the achievements of its first century, can doubt its final triumph and the outpouring of its bounties and blessings upon all mankind.

With thankful hearts we may well contemplate the gifts which Bahá’u’lláh has brought us, those things which in a previous manifestation He would have given us but which we could not bear at that time. He has unsealed for us the sacred books of the past which the Prophet Daniel was commanded to seal up until the time of the end. He has freed us from the tyranny of priesthood, of ritual, creeds, pagan ceremonies, doctrines and all sacerdotalism. He has unchained our minds to pursue knowledge and explore the mysteries of His creation. He has given us a deeper perception of our own selves and sure guidance, each according to his capacity and effort, in pursuit of truth. He has freed us from ideologies and all the vain imaginings of men.

One of the distinguishing features of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation is the illumination it sheds upon the nature of the Manifestation of God. Who is Christ? Who is Buddha? What is His reality, the source of His being, His power, knowledge and influence? The answer to these questions is the essential foundation for understanding the unity of religion, one of the sustaining pillars of world peace. For Bahá’u’lláh wrote, "Religious fanaticism and hatred are a world-devouring fire, whose violence none can quench."

It is natural for man to worship God. If he has not been taught, he worships sticks and stones, a tree or a mountain, or builds a totem pole to worship, and he dreams of Valhalla, or happy hunting grounds or some other physical heaven. Until the Manifestation of God teaches him he knows nothing of the true reality of these aspirations within him. There is no other source of true knowledge of God, of ourselves, of the spiritual world. The eternal voice proclaims, "Except ye enter through Me, no man entereth."

This divine Being has two natures. As man, sharing with us our human nature of physical body and rational soul, He comes into existence at a specific time. But His true and inward essence is coexistent with God, Who endows Him with His own power and knowledge. In this station He is of a higher order of being than man, and man has no access to that station.

THIS ETERNAL Being is the spiritual Sun to man’s spiritual nature. He is the Sun of Truth, the Word of God, by every one of which man lives. And like the physical sun, He appears at different times shining with a different intensity of light—morning, noon and evening, winter and summer, Monday, Tuesday and the rest—but in both worlds it is always the same Sun or sun. The spiritual Sun has the same effect on the hearts and souls and minds of men as the physical sun on the physical world. It melts the rigidity of the winter into which the old order has declined and promotes a new life in existent beings, bringing to consummation a new harvest of fruits and civilization.

"In their human realities the Manifestations of God are different; in their spiritual reality they are one and the same Being, mirroring forth the Holy Spirit to the world of creation. Mankind has so far regarded them only in their distinction and differences, and the result has been 'different religions,' enmity and virulent hatred between them—even between different sects of the same 'religion'—when all were created for the love of God.

"All the Manifestations of God have had the same purpose: the spiritual education of mankind in the love of God, the acquisition by man of spiritual virtues, and the promotion of an ever-advancing civilization. Their spiritual teachings are the same; their counsels in mundane matters—diet, marriage, the organization of society—vary with conditions and circumstances."

Bahá’u’lláh has laid the foundations of peace and brotherhood and opened wide the portal of heaven’s treasures, disclosing the refinement and nobility and luminous station to which every soul may aspire. Above all, He has established His Covenant among us, healing our contentions and preserving our unity, dissolving our ignorance and opening before us a wondrous vision of God’s purpose in creating us and of our own fulfillment in radiant acquiescence to that purpose.

This is one of the mysteries of the Covenant: that we, of our own choice, by firm adherence to every one of its requirements and provisions, may free ourselves from the fetters of physical and mortal constraints and rise to that "other life" that is intended for us. We are not compelled as all other created beings are compelled by the terms of their own being. Mineral, vegetable, animal, the great sun and the galaxies can only follow the laws of their own nature. We have choice. We are informed, constantly informed by God’s own Manifestation of who we are and the laws of our being, but the only constraint upon us is love.

WE CAN, and do, refuse the instruction and guidance of that glorious Being, and we greet Him with scorn and derision, brutality and death, all of which He accepts, out of love for us, in order to evoke in our arrogant hearts a reciprocal love. And when that takes place, as it inevitably does, we are born again and we enter the Covenant. This is the beginning of the new civilization.

The power evoked in human souls by their response to the uttered Word and the sanctified life is the motivating power of civilization and social order. When that power is strong the civilization is radiant and produces its great achievements. When that love grows cold the civilization declines and spiritual death and social chaos ensue. But the sun rises again, The Lord reappears, and re-establishes the Covenant. But this Day is the Day of God. [Page 13]the Covenant the one which shall not be broken.

“This is a new cycle of human power,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá announced in the City Temple in London on September 10, 1911. “All the horizons of the world are luminous, and the world will become indeed as a garden and a paradise. It is the hour of unity of the sons of men and of the drawing together of all races and all classes. You are loosed from ancient superstitions which have kept men ignorant, destroying the foundation of true humanity.” (From ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London)

THIS IS the gift of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and the assured victory of His Covenant, that by our fulfillment of what is required of us God will bring to glorious consummation His purpose in creating us. While the specific appointments of Bahá’u’lláh’s Will and the provisions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament are the structure of this mighty Institution, meditation and study lead to the conclusion that nothing exists outside it. “All the forces of the universe,” the processes of history and of the future, the essential purpose of creation are concentrated in this one impregnable divine power. It signifies the victory of God, and has already extended its inviolable protection to the infant Bahá’í community during those moments of dire crisis associated with the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the passing of Shoghi Effendi with no heir to succeed him. Through its mysterious influence it is nourishing all those constructive forces in the world which tend to promote the oneness of mankind, and is propelling the nations inexorably toward that great climax of the century, the establishment of the Lesser Peace.

The wonderful developments on Mount Carmel, authorized by Bahá’u’lláh Himself in the Tablet of Carmel and His instruction to the Master to raise the Shrine of the Báb on the exact spot where it stands today in all its beauty, dominating the Haifa scene, were initiated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when, having been released from imprisonment in 1908, He immediately set about the sacred task laid upon Him, and Himself built the inner sanctum of that holy tomb and with His own hands interred the shattered remains of the glorious Báb and His youthful disciple in their eternal resting place.

THIS SINGLE act of the Master’s laid the spiritual foundation of the Bahá’í World Center and is one of the wondrous tales of the Faith belonging to this first century since the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh. Yet another is the Christ-like life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and still another His unique and historic tours of the western world with all their outpouring of divine wisdom and its implications for the future of mankind.

The astounding achievements of the Guardian in upbuilding the World Center in Haifa and ‘Akká add splendor upon splendor to the century. He secured to the safe custody of the Faith the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, His Mansion at Bahjí, and developed the parks and gardens surrounding these most holy places; in reinforcing the spiritual potentialities of Carmel by the establishment of the Monument Gardens along the diameter of the great Arc which he laid out, at the apex of which God would “erelong sail his ark”; he sited in that spot the grave of Bahíyyih Khánum, the Greatest Holy Leaf and foremost woman of the Bahá’í dispensation, and transferred to that garden from their simple graves in ‘Akká the remains of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s mother and wife and younger brother—the Purest Branch—and erected befitting monuments over the final resting places of these revered members of the Holy Family. He engaged architect Sutherland Maxwell to design and initiate the building of the superstructure of the Báb’s mausoleum, a project that involved the quarrying of the marble in Greece, its carving in Italy and shipment to Haifa where engineers, contractors, artisans and craftsmen, all under his supervision, brought into being the glorious vision of the architect.

THE GUARDIAN organized the international archives of the Faith and raised for their safekeeping and befitting display a classical building at the western extremity of the Arc already described, thereby establishing the first of those great institutions to arise on its perimeter. He designed and laid out the lovely gardens surrounding the Shrine of the Báb, and acquired a large plot of land on a peak of Mount Carmel overlooking the Mediterranean and the city of Haifa as the site of the future Mashriqu’l-Adhkár; he commissioned an obelisk to mark the spot.

The Guardian’s mighty works are a large part of those great events crowding the centennial which we now celebrate, but their catalog is only begun with the list of his undertakings at the World Center. His extensive translations of the sacred text; his exposition of the Revelation in his immortal World Order letters; his establishment of the principles of Bahá’í administration; his direction of the worldwide teaching campaigns; his education and superb leadership of the rapidly growing Bahá’í world community are but a few aspects of his vast achievement. His entire ministry from 1921 to 1957 dominates the middle part of the century.

One of the most brilliant and outstanding features in the kaleidoscope of this marvelous century is provided by the institution of the Hands of the Cause of God. Created by Bahá’u’lláh in His Most Holy Book, defined by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His Will and Testament, it was brought into being by Shoghi Effendi when in 1951 he appointed the “first contingent” of the 31 whom he raised to that exalted rank during their lifetimes. He directed their activities and the development of the institution, characterizing them as the “Chief Stewards of Bahá’u’lláh’s embryonic world commonwealth.”

They achieved their eternal glory during the interregnum between the tragic and untimely passing of the Guardian in 1957 and the first election of the Universal House of Justice in 1963. By their assumption of their stewardship under such tragic circumstances, facing with utter humility and self-abnegation the appalling danger to the Cause, they rallied the entire Bahá’í world, kept it undeviatingly on the course set for it by the beloved Guardian, and led it to the triumphal Jubilee of 1963 when the channel of assured guidance was reopened with the election of the House of Justice. The individual services of the Hands adorn the pages of history, while the institution reached its glorious apotheosis during those fateful years. This is indeed another of the most wondrous tales of the centenary.*

THE ‎CLOSINGyears CLOSING years‎ of this century have seen a remarkable and historically unique progress in the onward march of the Cause. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and awe when we consider that more than 300 years after the crucifixion of Jesus the leaders of Christianity, having already sustained the separation of the Eastern Church from the main body, were still debating the doctrines, composing the creeds and ordering the canon of the Faith, whereas the Covenant and authentic text of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation has protected His Cause from all such contentions and disputes. Within the first hundred years after Bahá’u’lláh’s ascension, the community which His almighty power has raised up has been able to present to the heads of the nations and to the highest tribunal which the human race has yet devised, His program for peace and His call to consultation.

Mankind’s further progress toward the ineffable bounty of the Most Great Peace will be sustained and guarded by this Most Great Covenant, until the King of Kings will be seen to reign over His own kingdom, “and He shall reign for ever and ever.”

These are befitting themes upon which to meditate as we prepare ourselves for this first centenary, this Holy Year, when we blazon the Name of Bahá’u’lláh across the world.

• See Epilogue to Hofman, Commentary on the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Mr. Hofman recalls days with Mr. Sears at Ohio memorial

A memorial service for the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears was held in Youngstown, Ohio, on March 28, the anniversary of Mr. Sears’ birth.

During the service David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice who was visiting Youngstown, recounted many anecdotes about his long association, professional and personal, with Mr. Sears.

Mr. Hofman recalled the many hours they shared while Mr. Sears was writing Thief in the Night, and spoke lovingly of Mr. and Mrs. Sears’ devoted service as pioneers to South Africa.

In closing, Mr. Hofman lifted everyone’s spirits and helped dispel their sadness by reminding them that Mr. Sears will continue to aid them in their teaching endeavors, explaining that whenever a great soul passes on to the next world, tremendous energy is released and focused on his or her previous goals and aspirations.

Talk on Faith presented at Guilford College in Greensboro, N. Carolina

An introductory talk on the Faith was presented January 22 during a luncheon meeting at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Afterward, the director of the campus ministry encouraged the formation of a Bahá’í Club. Teaching on college campuses was recently adopted as a goal of the Greensboro Bahá’í community.

On January 23, copies of the National Spiritual Assembly’s statement, “The Vision of Race Unity,” were presented to the Women Improving Race Relations group at Greensboro’s Shiloh Baptist Church at a meeting attended by a dozen Bahá’ís and 30 members of the women’s group.

As a follow-up, a member of the women’s group suggested making a presentation of the statement to the Greensboro Human Relations Commission.

Last July, before leaving the States to pioneer for a year in Ukraine, Bahá’ís Bill and Ester DeTally of Washington state stopped in Macedonia, Ohio, to drop off their Chinese pug dog, ‘Puggie,’ with 14-year-old Richard Clavin and his family. Richard chose to support their efforts to pioneer by taking care of ‘the Pug’ while the DeTallys were at their post in Ukraine. His service began immediately with walking the dog, feeding and bathing him, and becoming his best friend. When the DeTallys return this year it will be with gratitude to Richard and his family for their unique service and many mixed emotions as ‘Puggie’ leaves his Midwestern home and returns to the West Coast to live. [Page 14]

CONGRESS FOR A HEALTHY PLANET

BIC co-sponsors women's conference in Miami, Florida

Last November in Miami, Florida, about 1,500 women from 84 countries attended the World Women's Congress for a Healthy Planet. The Bahá’í International Community (BIC) was a co-sponsor of the Congress, and 25 Bahá’ís from nine countries took part. Organized by a committee of 55 women activists and specialists from 32 countries, the Congress included plenary speeches and small group workshops. The BIC prepared a statement for the Congress (printed below), which urges women and men to come together "as equal partners" to build a sustainable civilization.

"The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established." These prophetic words, uttered by Bahá’u’lláh during the closing decades of the nineteenth century, were all but ignored by the leaders of that day. However, in the closing decade of the twentieth century humanity has become increasingly aware of its inderdependence and is convinced at last that no individual, institution or nation can live in total isolation from the whole.

The environment/development crisis has caused many to rethink their view of the. world and begin to look at the earth as a single organic, inderdependent and unified system. Consequently, the search for balance between the needs of society and the limited resources of the natural world is taking place within the larger context of the search for balance, peace and harmony within society itself.

THE INTIMATE link between the unity of the human race and the equality of the sexes is explained in the Bahá’í Writings:

"...woman must be given the privilege of equal education with man and full right to his prerogatives. That is to say, there must be no difference in the education of male and female in order that womankind may develop equal capacity and importance with man in the social and economic equation. Then the world will attain unity and harmony. In past ages humanity has been defective and inefficient because it has been incomplete. War and its ravages have blighted the world; the education of woman will be a mighty step toward its abolition and ending, for she will use her whole influence against war. Woman rears the child and educates the youth to maturity. She will refuse to give her sons for sacrifice upon the field of battle. In truth, she will be the greatest factor in establishing universal peace and international arbitration. Assuredly, woman will abolish warfare among mankind."

To date, most systems of social organization have marginalized women. Overall, modern development strategies have tended to reinforce and, at times, exacerbate conditions of inequality. To address inequality of the sexes, the United Nations launched the landmark "United Nations Decade for Women: Equality, Development and Peace (1975-1985)."

As a result of research undertaken during the Decade, the vital contributions of women to the social and economic life of their nations became more visible. The new research also highlighted the unnecessary burdens borne by women and the obstacles preventing their full participation in society.

More significantly, the Decade brought women together and provided them with unprecedented opportunities to exchange views and experiences. Women found that their shared concerns for their own future and for that of the human family enabled them to transcend national, class and racial boundaries.

IN ADDITION, the Decade catalyzed the revitalization of traditional women's organizations and the creation of new grassroots Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOS) addressing specific needs of women. These NGOs have facilitated an extensive networking among women, empowering them to articulate their needs, design their own programs, and begin affecting policy-making at all levels. As a result of efforts undertaken during the Decade, development planners have begun to address women's lack of access to resources such as education, technology and credit. United Nations agencies, national governments, and international development agencies have established divisions to address the needs and concerns of women.

These are significant achievements that must be greatly strengthened and expanded. Despite some progress, however, women remain on the fringes of policy-making, and the systems that have traditionally oppressed them remain largely intact. These systems adhere to the pattern of domination that has characterized society for thousands of years: men have dominated women; one racial or ethnic group has dominated another; and nation has dominated nation.

Notwithstanding humanity's reluctance to change, "the balance is already shifting—" according to the Bahá’í Writings, "force is losing its weight and mental alertness, intuition, and the spiritual qualities of love and service, in which woman is strong, are gaining ascendancy. Hence the new age will be an age less masculine, and more permeated with the feminine ideals—or, to speak more exactly, will be an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of civilization will be more evenly balanced."

WHILE women must develop their capacities and step forward to play an active role in solving the world's problems, the impact of their actions will be limited without the full cooperation of men. Women working together in unity and harmony have already achieved a great deal within the spheres of influence open to them. Now women must come together with men as equal partners. When men lend their full support to this process, welcoming women into all fields of human endeavor, valuing their contributions, and encouraging their participation, men and women together will help create the moral and psychological climate in which peace can emerge and an environmentally sustainable civilization can advance and flourish.

The transformation required for true equality will undoubtedly be difficult for both men and women because both must re-evaluate what is familiar, what is routine. Blame must be relinquished because no individual can be faulted for having been shaped by historical, sociological forces. Guilt must be shed in favor of responsibility for growth. In the face of the profound challenges facing humanity, all are accountable for recognizing that the old model no longer works, and all will be answerable to future generations for their stewardship of human civilization and its relationship to the earth.

Change, however, is an evolutionary process requiring patience with one's self and others, loving education and the passage of time. The transition will be eased when men realize that they will be unable to achieve their full potential as long as women are prevented from attaining theirs. Indeed, when men actively promote the principle of equality, women will no longer have to struggle for their rights. Gradually, both women and men will discard long-held unhealthy attitudes and progressively incorporate into their lives the values conducive to true unity.

IN THE OPINION of the Bahá’í International Community, the emerging world civilization will be sustained by a common commitment to a new set of values, a shared understanding of the balance between rights and responsibilities, and the willingness on the part of each to serve the best interests of humanity as a whole.

For Bahá’ís, the commitment to the emancipation of women is not a recent development nor is equality of the sexes a vague ideal. It is our conviction that the unification of the human race depends on the establishment of the equality of men and women. Humanity, the Bahá’í Writings explain, having passed through the stages of infancy, childhood and turbulent adolescence, is now approaching maturity, a stage that will witness "the reconstruction of the whole civilized world—a world organically unified in all the essential aspects of its life."

This statement is among those in a packet of BIC statements on various topics which the U.S. Bahá’í UN Office is offering to Bahá’ís. To order the complete packet of BIC statements, write to: U.S. Bahá’í UN Office, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017. Please enclose a check for $5, payable to the Bahá’ís of the U.S., to cover the cost of postage and printing.

Young members of 'Army of Light' take part in teaching project in City of the Covenant

Pictured with Auxiliary Board member Tahereh Ahdieh (back row, right) are members of the Army of Light team who took part in a teaching project December 27-January 1 in New York City.

New York City, the City of the Covenant, was infused with youthful energy as 22 members of the Army of Light teaching team gathered there to take part in a teaching project from December 27-January 1.

The youth and young adults came from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Hampshire, California and Illinois, continuing the project that had begun in the summer of 1990 and had carried on during the 1990 holiday season and the summer of 1991.

The project members taught the Faith in lower Manhattan; took part in a service project at Manhattan's Bowery Mission, following the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; visited elderly Bahá’ís in Brooklyn; attended the annual Peace Concert at St. John the Divine Cathedral on New Year's Eve; and took part in a poetry and arts teaching institute at the Bahá’í Center of New York City.

Auxiliary Board member Tahereh Ahdieh conducted a deepening at the Center on the last day.

At the project's end the youth resolved to continue teaching in their home communities as they look forward to their next meeting in New York City in the summer of 1992.

Journalists must have Congress credentials

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

The Task Force will refer each such request to the appropriate Spiritual Assembly for its recommendation. Only those Bahá’ís who submit their credentials for review and are subsequently approved will be invited to cover the World Congress. [Page 15]

WORLD CONGRESS

Historic event promises to eclipse even London Congress

Following is a digest of a presentation made by Douglas Martin, director of the Office of Public Information at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel, at a recent meeting in Scarborough, Ontario.

The thing about Bahá’ís is, we always register for things at the very last moment. We leave it to the absolute edge of the abyss before we finally decide, "Oh, I've got to get myself registered...."

It drove us nearly to the point of nervous breakdown with the Montreal conference in 1981. We were planning for 10,000 people and ended up with a lot more than 10,000. Somehow we had to accommodate that.

THAT just can't happen with the World Congress. We know there will be 35-40,000 people there—if they get themselves registered.

We know they're going to want to come, but the sheer logistics of organizing things in New York makes it extremely difficult for the committees planning the Congress to accommodate us unless we get ourselves registered by the deadline.

One of the many bounties of the Covenant is that we and we alone in the world have a sense of where we are going. We have a sense of the landmarks, the milestones. Not just the ones we've come from, but the ones that lie ahead.

How many were in London [for the World Congress] in 1963? The privileged group of us who were there will never forget what happened. How can you really realize that you have been privileged to live at that moment, to be in that place, with those people, as history totally changes its course?

We were there. And what we saw, assembled in one place, for the first time on this planet, in the life of the human race, was an assemblage of the representatives of the entire human race.

And when the newly elected members of the Universal House of Justice walked up on that stage, the human race arose to welcome them.

London was very, very special. And for the last 29 years, no one could take that away from you. You were there at that moment when history changed course forever.

WE DIDN'T realize that we were entering a whole new world out of London. We had no idea, for example, that the Cause was about to experience a ten-fold increase in numbers. The development of Bahá’í scholarship that we have seen in the past two or three decades was unknown to us. We had no idea that the Bahá’í youth of the world were poised, on the verge of arising and changing the climate and the condition of the Bahá’í world. We didn't know that the Faith was about to embark on a global program of social and economic development at the grassroots level. We didn't realize that the Bahá’í community was going to become one of the most influential, the most highly respected non-governmental organizations in the United Nations system.

The whole peace initiative, which released all kinds of energies in the Cause, was inconceivable to us in 1963. The Seat of the House of Justice—this magnificent center that has appeared on the side of Mount Carmel—lay in the future.

London, if you look at it in retrospect, was a sort of cosmic pause—getting ready for a fundamental change in the direction of the Cause and the resources available to it.

It wasn't only the Faith that was changing, it was the world outside. Think of it: no one had landed on the moon, and the idea itself was preposterous.

Nearly 30 years later, and we have again the opportunity to participate at that intense level, to prepare ourselves for changes that we can't possibly imagine.

The purpose of the World Congress is to commemorate the centenary of the inauguration of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh and to proclaim its aims and unifying power, to celebrate it and proclaim it. In November, in New York, we are going to turn our minds and hearts to the instrument by which Bahá’u’lláh has set in motion the transformation of human life, and the creation of a global civilization.

When you think of the World Congress, you have to think of its purpose. Why are we having it? New York is a very expensive city. It's an enormously difficult city in many respects. And there's that registration form, with so many pages that you have to get an accountant to help you fill it out.

THE WORLD Congress is going to be held in the Javits Center. It's an enormous crystal palace. A breathtakingly beautiful building on the west side of Manhattan. You'd almost say, "My God, this was built for Bahá’u’lláh’s World Congress. Why else does this exist?" Broad, broad corridors like vast rooms, going on and on and on. Immense staircases. It's a place in which you can quite comfortably accommodate the crowds at the World Congress.

The intent of the program, which the Universal House of Justice's committee [Ruhiyyih has designed and which the House itself has approved, is to take the friends who go there on a spiritual journey. It is to bring us together as a people, as a family, and to say it all, to see it all, to experience it all, so that we come out of that experience together with an understanding of the Covenant and our role in it. Amatu’l-Bahá Khánum] is going to be there, and give the opening address, and she will also introduce the House of Justice's message [to the Congress]. She will speak about the Guardian on the third day, which I believe is going to be one of the most precious moments of all—to be present when she speaks about the Guardianship and the role of the Guardian's ministry.

Each day there will be two sessions. You'll be in either the morning session or the afternoon session. And there are all kinds of activities going on in the other part of the day. The first day is going to focus on Bahá’u’lláh Himself. The second day, which is in many respects the heart of the program, will focus on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Covenant. On the third day we will really understand, with the help of Amatu’l-Bahá, the role of the Guardian and the expansion of the Cause around the world. The fourth day we're going to take a look at how this encounter between the world and the Cause is taking place, and that will be the preparation for the message from the Universal House of Justice.

The talks are going to be a very small part of the program. The other elements of the program...the message itself is going to be communicated by pageantry, by drama, by audio-visual presentations...videos you can take away, that will be disseminated throughout the world...and by incredible music.

And when the stage directions say "at this point the choir rises and sings this oratorio," believe me, you will feel that all the way through you.

IT'S GOING to be an experience like no conference we've ever had. We've never had a chance, never had the resources, not been able to do this before. And since we do have it now, it's going to be done fully, completely right. It's going to be a deeply satisfying and enriching experience.

Let me tell you about one thing that's particularly exciting. It's called "The Pavilion." The organizers have rented five enormous, contiguous ballrooms at the Hilton Hotel, with a vast corridor going through them. And they are creating there, as closely as it's possible, in 1992, the experience of being with the Master, in New York, in 1912. Those images, those sounds, those experiences, how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá saw New York, what He did in New York—that is going to be an experience that we will go through, groups of people, and have that together. It's something you're going to have to experience yourself. But in many respects, it is going to be the heart of that whole opportunity of going to the World Congress, and it is something you'll never forget having had.

Now it's not essential to actually be in New York [for the Congress]. That's quite true. Because, after all, it is going to be diffused through all these other means. But to be in London in 1963, that was something very special indeed.

And yes, it cost an arm and a leg in 1963 dollars to go to London. You talk about it being expensive to go to New York. Believe me, the problems with visas and getting leave from work, and endless problems of getting to London....But we were so glad that we went. We wouldn't have traded the experience for anything. You quickly forget the rest of it. You forget that you spent the money, you forget the hassles you had with the visa, and getting the leave from work, and all the rest of it. You went there, you had it, and it's yours permanently, forever.

After London, we Bahá’ís gradually became aware that we were a new people. And after New York, the world is gradually going to become aware that a new race of man is emerging on the planet. Millions of our fellow human beings are going to be attracted, intensely attracted, to this phenomenon.

New York is not Babylon, any more than London was Sodom and Gomorrah. London is the holy place that Bahá’u’lláh chose to enshrine forever the sacred dust of the Guardian. With all its problems, that's what London is.

AND NEW YORK is the City of the Covenant. That's what New York is. It is not Babylon. Yes, all the problems exist, but that's only a metaphor for the whole world. So what? But ‘Abdu’l-Bahá saw it as the City of the Covenant and we have to free our minds and hearts of this Babylon image. We have to learn to love New York because we have to learn to love the world, and New York will help us to love the world.

In New York, humanity has reached, has extended itself, further—financially, scientifically, intellectually, materially and aesthetically—than any other place on the planet. In New York, humanity has stretched up further than it has in any other place in human history. And in New York, God reached back.

That is the message of the second World Congress. And that is the message we are going to tell our non-Bahá’í friends, the press. We are certainly the only people in the world who believe that New York is a place of spiritual treasure. And that is a message that is certainly going to be heard.

The Kingfisher's Wing

In February, more than 200 people, Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, attended the premiere performance in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, of theatre artist Bill George's full-length play, The Kingfisher's Wing (the story of Badi’). The play recounts the conversion of a rebellious 17-year-old Persian who, in 1869, delivered a sacred message to the Persian monarch, Nasiri’d-Din Shah, and was later tortured and killed. It is directed by Augustine Ripa, chairman of the Theatre Department at Lehigh University, with music by Jerry T. Bidlack, associate professor of music at Lehigh and music director of the Young People's Philharmonic. (Photo by B. Stanley) [Page 16]

MENSAJE DE RIDVÁN

Por la Casa Universal de Justicia

A los bahá’ís del mundo

Muy queridos amigos,

En esta temporada de Ridván, con sus inherentes esplendores y su comienzo de días excepcionales y memorables, nuestros corazones vibran con admiración, nos arrodillamos en homenaje al Rey de la Gloria por cuya gracia hemos llegado a una coyuntura propicia en la historia de Su Causa.

Del pináculo del triunfo del Plan de Seis Años que acaba de terminar, llegamos al umbral del Año Santo, que acaba de comenzar, atemorizados con la sola idea de los significados únicos asociados con la conmemoración de esa santificada ocasión hace cien años, cuando Bahá’u’lláh, el Prometido de todas las épocas, se despidió de esta vida terrenal. Sin embargo esta puesta del Sol de la Verdad fue tan solo para brillar eternamente desde el “Reino de la gloria imperecedera”, para difundir desde entonces el resplandor de su poder regenerativo sobre el mundo entero. Se ausentó de este planeta Aquel Quien es el Autor de una Revelación de “inconcebible grandeza” en la cual “todas las Dispensaciones del pasado han alcanzado su apogeo y consumación final”; el Creador de un nuevo Ciclo Universal “que debe prolongarse por lo menos por un período de quinientos mil años”; el Fundador de un Orden Mundial, un “Sistema -- el cual los ojos mortales nunca atestiguaron”. Además, Él fue el Punto del Amanecer del Día de Dios, el “Día en el cual las bendiciones más sublimes de Dios fueron vertidas sobre los hombres”. Tales son las realidades supremas sobre las cuales nuestras esperanzas están centradas durante este aniversario especial que tendrá lugar en este momento crucial de los asuntos de la humanidad.

TAN inspirados estamos por los sagrados recuerdos evocados por este Año Santo, que os menos que podemos hacer es invitar a ustedes a detenerse e ingresar en este período de reflexión, esta época de reconsagración, esta etapa de preparación para tareas aún por hacer, cumbres por alcanzar, esplendores por describir. Porque si miramos hacia cien años atrás de una historia sin igual de continuo progreso, también miramos hacia el futuro de muchos siglos de un despliegue de cumplimiento del divino propósito -- cumplimiento, que como la experiencia lo ha demostrado, se realiza en forma incremental por medio de los progresos sistemáticos del Planes y los cambios y empujes maravillosos de las épocas.

Efectivamente, el próximo portal de este auspicioso Año Santo es la perspectiva de nuevos horizontes abiertos por el triunfo del Plan de Seis Años, que coincidieron con la fase inicial de la cuarta época de la Edad Formativa de nuestra Fe. En general no es tanto un triunfo de logros numéricos, aunque en muchos lugares y en momentos específicos, el ámbito de expansión fue extraordinario, es un triunfo que se ha manifestado en una nueva variedad de victorias, en nuevos comienzos, en iniciativas originales y maduros desarrollos institucionales, los cuales ponen el sello del éxito en los siete objetivos principales del Plan. Aunque es imposible enumerar en estas pocas páginas los resultados del Plan, los aspectos importantes de los desarrollos en este dinámico y admirable período merecen, no obstante, ser destacados. La comunidad bahá’í ha cambiado apreciablemente en los últimos seis años. Las señales más importantes son, sin duda alguna, perceptibles a los amigos en todas partes y se pueden resumir de esta manera:

Uno: La Fe de Bahá’u’lláh está representada en todos los países de la tierra. El cambio súbito en el clima político, sin duda por la intervención del Plan Mayor de Dios, abrió regiones inmensas para la penetración de las enseñanzas divinas, principalmente en la antigua Unión Soviética y los países del Bloque Oriental. Las oportunidades creadas por este cambio han hecho posible el establecimiento de Caballeros de Bahá’u’lláh en los últimos territorios vírgenes que quedaron de la Cruzada Mundial de Diez Años de Shoghi Effendi. Ellas también impulsaron el lanzamiento del Plan adicional de Dos Años para esas regiones en Ridván de 1990. Este plan suplementario fue un éxito espectacular, no solo en términos de expansión en los países involucrados, sino también en la diversidad del estrato social representados por los nuevos creyentes en esos países, en el volumen y variedad de literatura bahá’í publicada y en la serie de instituciones bahá’ís establecidas durante ese tiempo corto. El mundo bahá’í fue muy estimulado por estos acontecimientos y varios países en otras partes registraron éxitos importantes en el trabajo de la enseñanza. Las cifras ya proporcionadas al Centro Mundial indican que más de un millón y medio de almas ingresaron a la Causa durante el Plan de Seis Años. El proyecto especial de enseñanza de duración de tres años en Guyana fue particularmente interesante, y el cual resultó en el crecimiento del tamaño de la comunidad bahá’í a un seis por ciento de la población del país.

Dos: La proclamación de la Fe por todo el mundo alcanzó una nueva etapa. La campaña de proclamación lanzada en 1967 por medio de la inspiración del centenario del aniversario de la Proclamación de Bahá’u’lláh a los reyes y gobernantes de la humanidad, y que obtuvo mayor impulso en 1979 con la oleada de persecuciones de la comunidad bahá’í iraní, cubre ahora un área muchísimo más amplia con la distribución de “La Promesa de la Paz Mundial”. Reyes, reinas, presidentes, primer ministros, legisladores, juristas, académicos, diversas instituciones y organizaciones se enteraron del Mensaje de Bahá’u’lláh. Las energías creativas que las comunidades en todas partes pusieron en práctica en transmitir la Causa, se convirtieron en una de las fuerzas impulsadoras del Plan y de una manera no muy pequeña, estimularon el interés de organizaciones, líderes del pensamiento y de los medios de comunicación hacia las soluciones que la Fe tiene para ofrecer a un mundo extrañamente trastornado. Las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales y Locales, inspiradas por el impacto de la medidas que ellas adoptaron para la proclamación de la Fe, y también por los continuos esfuerzos para defender la afligida y perseguida comunidad bahá’í iraní, han demostrado y continúan demostrando una audacia y originalidad notables en sus relaciones con el público Esto es evidente en sus innumerables contactos con funcionarios en todos los niveles de gobierno, en sus asociaciones con un esfera creciente de organizaciones, y en la mayor facilidad de obtener contactos con los medios de comunicación.

Tres: La dedicación en diciembre de 1986 del Templo Madre del subcontinente indio para el culto del público en general, introdujo una nueva fuerza a las actividades de enseñanza y proclamación de la Fe. como un edificio de una excepcional belleza y excelencia, el “Templo del Loto” ha ganado una gran fama, ejerciendo al mismo tiempo una atracción extraordinaria para un gran número de visitantes. Su fama como una maravilla arquitectónica se difundió con rapidez, así como también su influencia espiritual. No es una exageración decir que de todas las Casa de Adoración Bahá’í, este Templo es hoy en día el maestro silencioso más efectivo de la Fe, atrayendo anualmente más visitantes que todos los otros Templos Bahá’ís juntos, con un promedio diario de 20.000. Entre sus visitantes de muchos países están algunas de las personas más prominentes en el mundo. Una fuente de gran interés para los medios de comunicación, el Templo ha sido presentado en programas de televisión, aún el Rusia y la China. La influencia de su éxito en estos aspectos ha contribuido enormemente al conocimiento de la Fe por parte del público en general.

CUATRO: La emergencia continua de la Fe desde la oscuridad se refleja en maneras distintivas. en círculos eruditos, en libros de referencia y en los medios de comunicación, se refieren a la Fe más y más como una religión “principal” o “importante”. El reportaje de las actividades de la Fe por los medios de comunicación ha aumentado voluminosamente gracias a los esfuerzos redoblados de los amigos en sus actividades de proclamación, pero aún más importante es el hecho de que los medios de comunicación están mostrando un interés independiente en la comunidad bahá’í y están iniciando contactos con ella en varias partes del mundo. La exposición de segmentos influyentes del público a las ideas bahá’ís en áreas tales como la paz, el medio ambiente, la condición de las mujeres, la educación y la alfabetización, han causado una respuesta que cada vez más llama a los bahá’ís a participar con otros en una variedad de proyectos asociados con gobiernos o con organizaciones no-gubernamentales.

Además, tal exposición está creando en la mente del público la comprensión de que la Fe tiene respuestas a los problemas de la actualidad y por eso la expectativa de que la comunidad bahá’í debería jugar un papel más activo en los asuntos públicos. El notable éxito de las actividades de la Oficina del Medio Ambiente de la Comunidad Internacional Bahá’í, establecida durante el Plan, ilustra ampliamente la naturaleza de estos acontecimientos. Al mismo tiempo, la relación oficial que la Comunidad Internacional Bahá’í estableció con la Red de Conservación y Religión del Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza, y con la Conferencia Mundial sobre Religión y la Paz, conjuntamente con similares y numerosas relaciones establecidas por las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales y Locales en sus respectivas jurisdicciones, reflejan un tendencia en la emergencia de la Fe como una entidad digna de atención. En total, el empuje de la ramificada campaña de proclamación ha producido una resonancia pública acerca de la Fe, que se puede decir que es conocida por las instituciones públicas más significativas y gente prominente del mundo.

CINCO: Los proyectos bahá’ís de desarrollo socioeconómico se han multiplicado enormemente y han traído mucho prestigio a la comunidad en los ejemplos de la fuerza de la iniciativa de grupo y de la acción consultiva voluntaria que han sido establecidas en muchos lugares. Actividades en este aspecto involucran más de mil proyectos en las áreas de educación, agricultura, salud, alfabetización, el medio ambiente y el mejoramiento de la condición de la mujer. En varias instancias los proyectos se han beneficiado de la colaboración o la ayuda de gobiernos y organizaciones internacionales no-gubernamentales, como por ejemplo, los proyectos para el mejoramiento de la condición de las mujeres emprendidos por cinco Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales con la ayuda financiera del Fondo de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo de la MUJER UNIFEM, y aquellos proyectos en otros campos que reciben ayuda de los gobiernos del Canadá, la India, Alemania y Noruega. Algunos proyectos han sido tan distinguidos por sus logros como para que hayan tenido la atención pública por medio de menciones honrosas y premios de gobiernos y organismos internacionales no-gubernamentales.

Seis: Las actividades de jóvenes tomaron un carácter especial concebidos por la idea del año de servicio de jóvenes. La participación de los jóvenes en el Plan de Seis Años como pioneros a corto plazo, como maestros viajeros y promotores de proyectos, tuvo un profundo efecto en el trabajo de la enseñanza en general y en la inspiración de los esfuerzos de desarrollo socioeconómico iniciados por un número creciente de comunidades nacionales y locales. Ellas tienen mucho que hacer con las múltiples victorias en los antiguos países comunistas. Su trabajo en los proyectos de desarrollo socioeconómico atrajeron, en algunos casos, la atención de gobiernos y organizaciones de desarrollo. La creación del Consejo Bahá’í de Juventud Europea galvanizó las actividades de los jóvenes lo cual reforzó poderosamente el empuje de la enseñanza en ese continente durante los años finales del Plan. Un hecho muy significativo en las actividades de los jóvenes ha sido su participación, como voluntarios a corto plazo de todas partes del planeta, en el trabajo del Centro Mundial donde sus servicios han sido de un valor inestimable.

Siete: Los adelantos en la consolidación del sistema administrativo bahá’í son evidentes por el notable mejoramiento en el desarrollo interno y los esfuerzos de colaboración de los dos brazos. Las queridas e intrépidas Manos de la Causa de Dios, fieles a la lealtad que profesan a su amado Guardián, perseveran en incomparables servicios, asombrando a la comunidad con sus poderes infatigables. El crecimiento en la confianza y fuerza de los Cuerpos de Consejeros y de sus auxiliares, respaldados por un Centro Internacional de Enseñanza reforzado y vigoroso, aseguró a las Asambleas Espirituales, a las cuales tienen la responsabilidad de estimular y aconsejar, un apoyo indispensable para el bienestar de todo el sistema; mientras que la extensión del lapso de las actividades de las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales y Locales, las cuales tienen la responsabilidad de guiar los destinos de sus comunidades, han ampliado de modo significativo la base de ese sistema. [Page 17]Paralelamente, el trabajo de estas instituciones ha facilitado y promovido la evolución del Orden Administrativo. Aún más: éstas han demostrado una energía creativa que es un buen presagio para su continua maduración.

OCHO: Los grandes proyectos de construcción en la Montaña de Dios, previstas por Bahá’u’lláh en la Tabla del Carmelo, inaugurados por ‘Abdu’l-Bahá con la construcción de la Tumba del Báb y llevados hacia adelante en los planes de Shoghi Effendi, han ingresado en una nueva etapa. El trabajo comenzó en mayo de 1990 con el reforzamiento y extensión de la terraza principal del Santuario del Báb como el paso inicial hacia la realización del concepto arquitectónico para el cumplimiento de la visión de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá de las Terrazas que se extenderán desde la base hasta la cumbre de la montaña. En septiembre del año siguiente, se excavó la tierra para la construcción del Centro para el Estudio de los Textos y para la Extensión del Edificio del Archivo Internacional, para continuar con la construcción de otros edificios del Arco, a saber: los edificios del Centro Internacional de Enseñanza, y en su debido tiempo, la Biblioteca Internacional Bahá’í.

Todos estos acontecimientos han hecho evidente que el potencial acumulado para un progreso adicional de la comunidad bahá’í es incalculable. La situación modificada dentro y entre las naciones y los múltiples problemas que afligen a la sociedad aumentan este potencial. La impresión producida por tal cambio es de que la Paz Menor está por llegar. Pero ha habido ‎una un‎ recrudecimiento simultáneo de las fuerzas contrarrestadoras. Con la nueva corriente de libertad política que resultó del fracaso de los baluartes del comunismo, ha llegado una explosión del nacionalismo. El concomitante levantamiento del racismo en muchas regiones se ha convertido en una cuestión de preocupación grave en todo el mundo. Éstas son agravadas por una ola de fundamentalismo religioso que ‎esta está‎ envenenando los manantiales de la tolerancia. ‎el El‎ terrorismo es muy corriente. Una incertidumbre general acerca de la condición de la economía demuestra un profundo desorden en el manejo de los asuntos materiales del ‎paleta planeta‎, una condición que solo puede agravar la sensación de frustración y futilidad que está afectando ‎al la‎ esfera política. El empeoramiento del estado del medio ambiente y de la salud de enormes poblaciones es motivo de alarma. Aún así, un elemento de este cambio son los increíbles progresos en la tecnología de las comunicaciones, lo que hace posible la transmisión rápida de información e ideas de una parte del mundo a otra. Es contra tales "procesos simultáneos de levantamiento y caída, de integración y desintegración, del orden y el caos, con sus continuas y recíprocas reacciones una sobre la otra", que se presentan una miríada de nuevas oportunidades para la próxima etapa en el desenvolvimiento del Plan Divino del amado Maestro.

LA INFLUENCIA floreciente de la Revelación de Bahá’u’lláh pareció, con la eminencia del Año Santo, haber tomado el carácter de un viento vertiginoso soplando a través de las estructuras arcaicas del antiguo orden, derrumbando poderosos pilares y despejando el terreno para nuevas ideas de organización social. El llamado hacia la unidad, para un nuevo orden mundial, es escuchado de muchas direcciones. El cambio de la sociedad mundial está caracterizado por una velocidad fenomenal. Un aspecto de este cambio es lo repentino, lo precipitado, que parece ser la consecuencia de una fuerza misteriosa y desenfrenada. Los aspectos positivos de este cambio rrevelan una receptividad insólita a los conceptos globales, movimiento hacia la colaboración internacional y regional, una tendencia de los partidos opuestos para adoptar soluciones pacíficas, una búsqueda de valores espirituales. Incluso la comunidad del Más Grande Nombre está experimentando los rigurosos efectos de este viento estimulador a manera que refresca los modos de pensar de todos nosotros, renovando, clarificando y ampliando nuestras perspectivas en cuanto al propósito del Orden de Bahá’u’lláh tras los sufrimientos y confusión de la humanidad.

La situación en el mundo, aunque nos presenta un desafío imperioso de extrema importancia, nos hace recordar la alentadora visión de Shoghi Effendi para las perspectivas del Orden Administrativo durante el segundo siglo de la Era Bahá’í, a cuyo medio camino nos aproximamos rápidamente. En 1946 él escribió: "El segundo siglo está destinado a atestiguar un tremendo despliegue y una notable consolidación de las fuerzas trabajando hacia el desarrollo mundial de ese Orden, así como también los primeros movimientos de ese Orden Mundial, del cual el actual Sistema Administrativo es a la vez precursor, el núcleo y el diseño -- un Orden que a medida que se cristaliza e irradia su influencia benigna sobre todo el planeta, proclamará inmediatamente la llegada de la mayoría de edad de toda la raza humana, así como también la madurez de la Fe misma, la progenitora de ese Orden."

La atención que prestemos a las ocasiones especiales del Año Santo con toda seguridad nos preparará para emprender las tareas urgentes en la próxima etapa de la evolución del Plan Divino. Este período conmemorativo proporciona una digna demarcación entre las glorias y triunfos de los últimos cien años y los brillantes premios que quedan por acumular. Al principio, ‎amos damos‎ la bienvenida con corazones alegres y agradecidos a la expansión y consolidación adicionales del Orden Administrativo que resultarán de la formación de doce Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales y Regionales en este Ridván. ¡Cuan sorprendente es que el número de estas Asambleas sea el mismo que el número total de Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales que existían en el momento del lanzamiento de la Cruzada Mundial de Diez Años en 1953! Ésta es una evidencia muy satisfactoria de la rapidez de la expansión del Orden Administrativo en menos de cuarenta años. con estas nuevas Asambleas, y teniendo en cuenta la absorción de Sikkim dentro la India, y la interrupción de la Administración Bahá’í por la situación inestable en Liberia, el número de Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales que tomarán parte en la séptima Convención Internacional Bahá’í durante el próximo Ridván alcanzará a 165.

NOS COMPLACE anunciar que las siguientes Manos de la Causa de Dios asistirán como nuestros representantes a seis de las Convenciones fundadoras. Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum asistirá a las Convenciones de Bulgaria y Polonia; el sr. ‘Alí Akbar Furútan asistirá a las de los Estados Bálticos y Hungría; y el Dr. ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá asistirá a las de Groenlandia, y a las de Ucrania, Belorrusia y Moldavia. Al resto de las Convenciones nuestros representantes serán los Consejeros: sr. George Allen, la República del Congo; el Dr. Farzam Arbáb, Central Asia; sr. Rolf von Czékus, Angola; sra. Parvin Djoneidi, Níger; sr. Hartmut Grossman, Albania; y el sr. Mas’úd Khamsi, Azerbaiyán.

En ‎una unas‎ pocas semanas, en los sagrados recintos del Santuario de Bahá’u’lláh, se llevará a cabo una reunión de carácter solemne para marcar el centésimo aniversario de la Ascensión del Deseo de las Naciones. El pergamino que lleva el Rol de Honor de los Caballeros de Bahá’u’lláh, será depositado la mañana anterior, el 28 de mayo, como fue indicado por nuestro amado Guardián, en la puerta de entrada del Mausoleo interior del Santuario Más Sagrado, para quedarse allí como un símbolo de la histórica victoria que recompensó la determinación inquebrantable de los amantes de la Bendita Belleza, quienes en respuesta al llamado de la poderosa Cruzada de Diez Años, plantaron el estandarte de Su Fe en territorios vírgenes a través del mundo.

Posteriormente, en noviembre, en el segundo Congreso Mundial Bahá’í, las huestes de Bahá se reunirán por miles en Nueva York para demostrar por un gesto muy simbólico en nombre de sus hermanos a través del mundo, su respeto por el Convenio que Bahá’u’lláh legó a la humanidad, y para evocar la memoria de Aquel que fue nombrado su Centro y quien exaltó esa metrópoli otorgándole el nombre de "Ciudad del Convenio". Allí ellos también mostrarán el poder de la unidad que el Convenio debe asegurar a toda la gente del mundo. Será un momento de capital importancia para la comunidad Bahá’í ante los ojos del mundo en general.

Estos dos eventos internacionales son fundamentales para las reuniones de naturaleza similar en las cuales participarán los amigos en todos los lugares del mundo. El carácter espiritual y la manera digna de su participación, sin duda alguna, atraerá las confirmaciones de lo alto e influenciarán profundamente las fuerzas constructivas que están en efecto en toda la tierra.

Otra fuente de bendiciones hacia las cuales hace mucho que dirigimos nuestras esperanzas será también evidente. Bahá’u’lláh ha escrito: "Mientras estuvimos en prisión hemos revelado un Libro que lo titulamos ‘El Libro Más Sagrado’. En él hemos promulgado leyes y lo hemos adornado con los mandamientos de tu Señor, Quien ejerce autoridad sobre todos los que están en los cielos y en la tierra". Por lo tanto, es con pleno conocimiento de su significado convulsionador mundial que les informamos de la inminente publicación, durante el curso de este año, de la traducción inglesa con notas del Kitáb-i-Aqdas, la Carta Magna de la civilización mundial del futuro que Bahá’u’lláh reveló en la Mansión de ‘Údí Khammár en ‘Akká hace unos 120 años.

Y ahora, entre las ansiadas esperanzas ocasionadas por los dos importantes eventos conmemorativos y por la inminente publicación del Libro Madre de la Revelación Bahá’í, la Ley del Huqúqu’lláh entra en vigor para ser puesta en práctica constante por los miembros de toda nuestra comunidad mundial. Que las bendiciones divinas prometidas asociadas con la aplicación de esta santa ley colmen a los bienamados del Señor en todos los países.

UN AÑO cargado de eventos de un significado tan sagrado no puede sino producir consecuencias de un poder inimaginable. El resultado inmediato es, sin embargo imposible de predecir, tampoco puede ser provechoso especular sobre ello. Más bien nosotros debemos dirigir nuestros pensamientos al significado de estas ocasiones solemnes que este año especial va a conmemorar. El propósito del Año Santo no se cumple solamente con las conmemoraciones, por muy dignas que ellas sean. Lo esencial para su propósito es la oportunidad que ofrece para una reflexión íntima de parte de cada individuo Bahá’í. En efecto, es un período especial para la reunión del alma con la Fuente de su luz y guía, el tiempo de volverse hacia Bahá’u’lláh, para buscar y obtener una apreciación más profunda de Su propósito, y renovar nuestra lealtad hacia Él. Éste es un período para retraerse a lo más íntimo de nuestro ser, a la mirada del Espíritu de Bahá, aquel lugar interior al cual ‎El Él‎ nos llama cuando ‎El Él‎ nos dice: "Vuelve tu vista hacia ti mismo para que Me encuentres dentro de ti, fuerte, poderoso e independiente de todo". Es el tiempo de recompromiso al Convenio, de rededicación al deber, de revitalización de la energía para enseñar, "el más meritorio de todos los hechos".

Como la primera ayuda para ‎su sus‎ reflexiones y acciones, sin duda alguna ustedes utilizarán la perspicacia e inspiración de Sus palabras como éstas: "Yo soy el Sol de la Sabiduría y el Océano del Conocimiento. Yo animo a los desfallecientes y resucito a los muertos. Soy la luz que guía que ilumina el camino". "Por Mi Vida! No Me he revelado de Mi propia voluntad, pero Dios, por Su propio deseo, Me ha manifestado". "He venido bajo la sombra de las nubes de gloria y he sido investido por Dios con invencible soberanía". "Aquel que no Me tiene está privado de todas las cosas. Apártate de todo lo que hay en la tierra y no busques a otra salvo a Mí". "Ámame para que Yo te ame. Si tú no Me amas, Mi amor jamás llegará a ti. Sábelo, oh siervo". "La Antigua Belleza ha consentido ser encadenada para que la humanidad sea liberada de su cautiverio, y ha aceptado ser prisionero de esta poderosa Fortaleza para que todo el mundo logre la verdadera libertad. Ha bebido hasta los residuos de la copa del dolor, para que todos los pueblos de la tierra alcancen felicidad perdurable y sean colmados de alegría".

CUALQUIERA que sea la dirección que nos lleven nuestras reflexiones privadas o nuestra respuesta al deber, debemos estar seguros de una cosa: que el Nombre de Aquel que es el Donador de Vida del Mundo empieza a ser conocido a través de la tierra entre los grandes como entre los humildes. Si consideráramos que hace ya un siglo entero desde que la Bendita Belleza ascendió, y habiendo soportado el peso abrumador de los males que aquejan a los pueblos del mundo, y viendo que un verdadero grito de angustia brota más fuerte desde los corazones de aquellos que ansían alguna esperanza de alivio, nosotros, Sus servidores declarados, no podemos ni vacilar ni fracasar en ‎esta este‎ deber primordial y urgente. Pues Él, Bahá’u’lláh, es la Manifestación Suprema, el Unificador y Redentor de toda la humanidad, la Fuente de la Justicia, el Inmortal Bienamado; de acuerdo a Su propia infalible proclamación, "Aquel Quien es el Incondicional ha llegado en las nubes de luz, para que Él pueda vivificar todas las cosas creadas con las brisas de Su Nombre, el Más Misericordioso, y unir al mundo y juntar a todos los hombres alrededor de esta Mesa que fue enviada del cielo". Llevemos Su Nombre con dignidad a aquellos que Lo deban escuchar, ofrezcámoslo como un tesoro a aquellos que Lo deban recibir, mencionémoslo con amor a aquellos que Lo deban abrazar.

Qué digno de alabanza será si, inspirados por este deseo de glorificar Su Nombre ‎pro por‎ todas partes, y como una demostración de nuestro amor especial por la Belleza De Abhá, cada uno de nosotros pudiese lanzarse una

Vea RIDVÁN de página 23 [Page 18]نتیجهٔ کلی مجهودات فرد فرد یاران در سراسر جهان اقدامات مبارکهٔ این سال مقدس را به ختامی درخشان ممتاز گرداند و صحنه را برای آغاز نقشهٔ سه‌ساله‌ای که از رضوان ۱۹۹۳ آغاز خواهد گردید آماده نماید.

والاترین نشان سپاس به درگاه حضرت بهاءالله این است که از نو بکوشیم و به زندگی خود روحانیت بیشتری بخشیم. به فرمودهٔ بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی "نفوس باید به کلی تقلیب شوند و بدینوسیله اساس جوامع امری استحکام یابد و در نتیجه مثال و نمونه‌های جدیدی از حیات بهائی به منصّهٔ ظهور رسد. تقلیب روحانی افراد هدف اصلی امر جمال قدم است."

بالاخره بسی شایسته است که در این هنگام به وصایای مبارک جمال اقدس ابهی در کتاب مستطاب اقدس که حاکی از نحوهٔ سلوک ما بعد از صعود هیکل مبارک است، متذکر شویم که می‌فرمایند: "یا اهل الارض، اذا غربت شمس جمالی و سترت سماء هیکلی لاتضطربوا قوموا علی نصرهٔ امری و ارتفاع کلمتی بین العالمین. انّا معکم فی کل الاحوال و ننصرکم بالحق. انّا کنّا قادرین. من عرفنی يقوم علی خدمتی بقیام لاتقعده جنود السموات و الارضين." این یاران محبوب هرگز هراسی نخواهیم کرد که در عتبهٔ مقدسهٔ علیا مسئلت نمائیم تا جمال اقدس ابهی از ملکوت جاودانیش روح و جان هر یک از آن عزیزان را به قدرت سماویه از نفثات قدسیه سرشار سازد.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

با تحیات بهائی محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده منشی: رابرت سی هندرسن

پیام محفل روحانی ملی

LETTER OF THE U.S. NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ABOUT THE HOLY YEAR

بیانیۀ محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده به مناسبت سال مقدس رضوان ۱۹۹۲

دوستان عزیز بهائی،

سال مقدس فرا رسیده است. در این هنگام است که عالم بهائی با نهایت متانت دربارهٔ مقدس‌ترین وجودی که تا کنون بر پهنهٔ گیتی دم زده است، به تأمل خواهد پرداخت و به مقصود نجات‌بخش حیات او خواهد اندیشید. بر آنیم که حضرت صدمین سال صعود جمال اقدس ابهی را به جا آوریم و سدۀ اعلان عهد و پیمان حضرت بهاءالله را اعزاز کنیم.

سال مقدس باید زمانی برای بزرگداشت روحانی و تأمل دربارهٔ اهمیت مقام و شخص حضرت بهاءالله و میثاق وحدت‌بخش آن حضرت باشد. در طی این سال باید کوشش‌های افراد و خانواده‌های بهائی و نیز محافل روحانی محلی بازتابی از تمرکزشان بر این موضوع پراهمیت باشد. ضیافت و مدارس و اجتماعات بزرگ یا کوچک یاران، هنرها و موسیقی و مطالعات آنان باید احیاء را مدد نماید که درک عمیق‌تری نسبت به مقام و شخص حضرت بهاءالله و مفهوم و مقصود امر مبارکش حاصل نمایند، امری که به فرمودهٔ حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله "موعود و ذروۀ اعتلاء قرون و اعصار گذشته و به منزلهٔ تحقق جمیع ادوار کور آدم است و خود سرآغاز دوری حد اقل هزارساله و نیز کوری است که امتدادش ۵۰۰ هزار سال است که دوران نبوت به آن ختم گردید وعصر تحقق نبوات آغاز شد، امری که هم از لحاظ طول دوران وحی صاحب امر و هم از جهت آثار و جلال او بی‌سابقه است." (ترجمه)

یکی از ابعاد این بزرگداشت روحانی در طی سال مقدس این است که نام حضرت بهاءالله را در میان همهٔ مردمان شهره سازیم و مهر و محبت و نیز پیام شفابخش حضرتش را به آنان عرضه داریم. این اعلان عمومی سبب خواهد شد که مردمان حضرت بهاءالله را بشناسند و از تعالیم مبارکش آگاهی یابند.

سال مقدس همچنین هنگام بزرگداشت عهد و پیمان حضرت بهاءالله است. باید فعالیت‌هایی صورت گیرد که میثاق الهی و مفهوم و تأثیر و اهمیت تاریخی و یگانه بودن آن و مهر آن در رابطه با ایجاد جوامع گوناگون بهائی در سراسر جهان تحلیل گردد و مورد تأمل قرار گیرد. این فعالیت‌ها باید بر حیات حضرت عبدالبهاء بعنوان مرکز عهد و میثاق و مثل اعلای دیانت بهائی متمرکز باشد.

کنفرانس وحدت نژادی در آتلانتا

ATLANTA CONFERENCE ON RACE UNITY

روز ۴ آپریل سال جاری از جانب محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده کنفرانسی دربارهٔ وحدت نژادی در مرکز ریاست جمهوری کارتر در شهر آتلانتا تشکیل شد. جناب رابرت هندرسن، منشی محفل روحانی ملی و همچنین دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده، منشی امور خارجی آن محفل و خانم آلبرتا دیرز یکی دیگر از اعضای محفل به نمایندگی از سوی محفل ملی در این کنفرانس شرکت جستند و با رهبران جامعۀ آتلانتا جهت گفتگو دربارهٔ چشم‌انداز یک جامعهٔ متحد و نیز راه‌های دستیابی به وحدت نژادی دیدار کردند.

رهبران بازرگانی و دینی و هنری و امور آموزش و پرورش و بهداشت و وسائل ارتباط جمعی در کنفرانس مذکور حضور داشتند و به شنیدن سخنرانی و شرکت در کارگاه‌های ویژه جهت مشورت دربارهٔ طرق ایجاد و گسترش وحدت نژادی در رشته‌ها و حرفه‌های خود پرداختند.

چنانکه یاران عزیز آگاهی دارند محفل روحانی ملی در سال گذشته بیانیه‌ای تحت عنوان "چشم‌انداز وحدت نژادی" تهیه و منتشر نموده بود. این کنفرانس با الهام از آن بیانیه ‎انعاد انعقاد‎ یافت و بیش از ۲۰۰ نفر را به خود جلب کرد که بیش از ۱۲۰ نفر آنها را افراد غیربهائی تشکیل می‌دادند.

کنفرانس با سخنرانی آقای بن جونز، نمایندهٔ مجلس نمایندگان ایالات متحده و نیز دکتر جوی بری، مدیر عامل کمیسیون روابط نژادی ایالت جورجیا آغاز شد. سخنرانی هر دو تن بر محور بیانیۀ "چشم‌انداز وحدت نژادی" استوار بود و تجربیات شخصی و حرفه‌ای آنان را در بر می‌گرفت. آقای جونز اظهار داشت که جامعهٔ بهائی یکی از گروه‌هایی است که هماهنگی نژادی را در خود پدیدار ساخته و راه دستیابی به آن را نیز به میزانی بالا نشان داده است.

دکتر بری در ضمن سخنرانی خود اغلب از بیانیۀ محفل روحانی ملی نقل می‌کرد و به کرات بیان می‌داشت که بیانیۀ مذکور بسیاری از اهداف و آرمان‌های کمیسیون روابط نژادی جورجیا را در بر دارد. ایشان در پایان سخنرانی خود بیانیۀ "چشم‌انداز وحدت نژادی" را صفاتی چون "زیبا" و "متقن" توصیف کرد و توصیه نمود که همگان آن را بخوانند.

بعد از ظهر همان روز جناب رابرت هندرسن و آقای کلرنس وود Clarence Wood، رئیس کمیسیون روابط انسانی شهر شیکاگو، برنامه‌ای تحت عنوان "بررسی نمونه‌های وحدت نژادی و قومی و دینی" ارائه دادند. دکتر هندرسن در آغاز سخنرانی خود با نظری کلی به مسألهٔ وحدت نژادی در ۳۰ سال گذشته سخنانی به این مضمون گفت که هر چند سیاهپوستان و سفیدپوستان در ظاهر روابط بهتری دارند اما اصل مشکلات باید در خانواده حل شود. ایشان اظهار داشت که از سال‌های دههٔ ۶۰ تا کنون وضع سکونت سیاهان بهبودی نیافته است و حتی ۵۰ سال پیش مراودات بیشتری بین سفیدپوستان و سیاهپوستان صورت می‌گرفت.

دکتر هندرسن افزود که جهت تحول جامعه اشکالی اساسی دارد و به همین سبب بوده که محفل روحانی ملی و بنیاد روابط انسانی شهر شیکاگو پژوهشی را دربارهٔ "نمونه‌های وحدت نژادی" عهده‌دار شده است. ایشان گفت: "تا کنون نقطهٔ تمرکز بر محور بررسی اختلافات بوده است، اما آنچه باید مورد بررسی دقیق‌تری باشد، همانا وحدت در میان گروه‌ها و نمونه‌های هماهنگی نژادی است."

سپس آقای وود در طی سخنان خود نمونه‌هایی از بررسی مذکور را نقل کرد و اظهار داشت که بیشترین نمونه‌های وحدت در امور ساده و جزئی به چشم می‌خورَد. محل زندگی و کار و حتی رستوران‌هائی که در آن غذا می‌خوریم می‌تواند سرآغاز اختلاط بیشتر با مردم گوناگون باشد و راه ایجاد اعتماد و تفاهم را هموار سازد.

ایشان در ادامه سخنان خود به موضوعاتی که به کرات در این بررسی دیده می‌شد و نیز برخی از نتایج آن اشاره کرد و اظهار داشت که یکی از این نتایج این است که مردم عموماً اعتقاد دارند که داشتن یک جامعۀ مختلط [در مقایسه با جامعه‌ای که نژادهای مختلف آن مجزا از یکدیگر به سر ببرند] به سود آنان خواهد بود. نتیجهٔ دیگر این بود که بهترین امکانات برای دستیابی به هماهنگی نژادی در میان جوانان وجود دارد و به همین جهت باید اصول وحدت را به آنان آموخت.

در یکی از کارگاه‌های این کنفرانس جهت کمک به وضع قوانین مربوط به وحدت نژادی و دینی و قومی در سطح ایالتی هیئتی تشکیل شد. این هیئت قرار است بیانیهٔ محفل ملی را به رئیس ایالت جورجیا تقدیم کند و آن را در میان اعضای مجلس مقننهٔ آن نیز توزیع نماید. همچنین در این کنفرانس جلسه‌ای برای بزرگداشت مارتین لوتر کینگ، رهبر شهید احقاق حقوق سیاهپوستان و دیگر اقلیت‌ها، منعقد شد.

غروب روز ۳ آپریل - روز قبل از کنفرانس - محفل روحانی آتلانتا و دانشگاه اموری Emory مشترکاً ضیافتی در محل دانشگاه تشکیل دادند که حدود ۴۰۰ نفر بهائی و غیربهائی در آن شرکت جستند. حاضران از برنامه‌ای که ترتیب داده شده بود به گرمی استقبال کردند. این جلسه در واقع به منزلهٔ دعوت عمومی برای شرکت همگان در کنفرانس بود.

دکتر رابرت هندرسن سخنانی دربارهٔ نمونه‌های وحدت نژادی ایراد نمود و چند تن از احباء تمامی بیانیۀ محفل ملی را که از قبل حفظ کرده بودند، قرائت کردند.

تشکیل کنفرانس وحدت نژادی و موفقیت آن روحیهٔ احباء را تقویت کرد و شور جدیدی در آنان ایجاد نمود. شرکت بیشترین احباء در اینگونه فعالیت‌ها در دههٔ گذشته باعث شده است که جامعهٔ بهائی آتلانتا مورد احترام هر چه بیشتر جامعۀ غیربهائی قرار گیرد. [Page 19]

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی مورخ ۸ اپریل ۱۹۹۲

سالی که پشت‌سر نهادیم چنان بیم و امید و قدرت تصور ما خارج است. چنین نتایجی را نمی‌توان پیش‌بینی نمود و یا به نحوی مفید و مؤثر درباره آن اظهار نظر پرداخت، بلکه باید افکار خود را به معانی و مفاهیم فرصت والا که چنین سال مقدسی در بر دارد، معطوف داشت. واقعیت است که هدف از سال مقدس فقط برگزاری مراسم یادبود به نحوی شایسته و مجلل نیست، بلکه قصد اصلی فرصتی است که تامل عمیق پردازد. به راستی این زمانی است که روح انسان با مطالعه، تدبر و تلاوت آثار الهی متبدل شود، زمانی است که به حضرت بهاءالله توجه کنیم و سعی نمائیم خشنود آن محبوب عالمیان را بهتر و بیش از پیش درک کنیم و برای وفاداری خود به آستان حضرتش تجدید عهد نمائیم. این زمانی است که هر یک از ما باید در عوالم درونی خود که تجلی‌گاه حضرت بهاءالله است، تفحص و تجسس نماید و مصداق این بیان مبارک گردد که می‌فرمایند: "فارجع الی نفسک لتجدنی فیک قائما قادرا مقتدرا قیّوما". این زمانی است که باید با میثاق الهی تجدید عهد نمائیم، خود را مجدداً وقف وظایف روحانی خود کنیم و نیروی تبلیغ و تبشیر امر الله را که افضل اعمال است در خود دوباره زنده نمائیم.

یاران بدون تردید در اعمال و تفکرات خود از آثار قلم اعلی الهام خواهند گرفت و از بیاناتی نظیر آنچه ذیلاً نقل می‌شود، کسب بصیرت و بینش خواهند نمود. "ای ابناء روح، آفتاب بینش و دریای دانش، پروردگار را در سینه نادم و سرگردان و زنده کنم، آن روشنائی که بر عالم تافته ببینید. لعمری ای محبوبان، آن روشنائی آن‌چنان که در زمین پاشیده، هیچ‌گاه تالی اشراقی سلطان من ندهد. ای بنده من، به آنچه از لسان من جاری شد و در عالم و حبس در حبس ابدی قلم جمال القدم لاخلاق العالمين و جماله المحبوب فى الافق الاکبر و غیاث الايمان و غیبتی في الحبس الاعظم لمطاع العالمين و المختار لنفسه الاخوان لسرور نظير فی الاکوان."

صرف‌نظر از آنچه ما را در این چنین تامل و تعمقی راهنما شود، باید به این نکته متذکر باشیم که نام شریف مشهود باید در جمیع اقطار عالم در بین وسیع و اهن عالم در زیر هر ظلال و عالی آورده‌ایم تا کنون یک نفر در کمال از صعود جمال اقدس ابهی گذشته است، چگونه می‌توانستند و ملاحظه کنیم که فریاد جانکاه از قلوب کسانی که آرزوی آسایش و رفاه دارند، بیش از پیش به ملأ آسمان رسیده، ما که خادمان برگزیده آن آستان مقدسیم، در قبال این وظیفه اصلی و ضروری ادای تزلزل و تاخیری روا نخواهیم داشت. حضرت بهاءالله مظهر کلی الهی، منتهی و وحدت‌بخش و مروج صلح و عدالت و محبوب جان‌ها است و به این قلم غیر معصوم از خطای حضرت بهاءالله است که آثار انتخاب او برای ابراز الهی اکران بین نعمات نام خود را بر سینه الرحمن و یحیی العالم و به کلمات عالیه الذی انت ترزق من تشاء، پس شایسته است که نام مبارکش با وقار و جلال گوشزد نفوسی شود که باید پیامش را بشنوند و همچون گوهری گرانبها با عشق و ایمان در رگ‌های آنان جایگزین گردد. آثار با عیان تائیدات الهی ابلاغ شود که باید به نحو درخشان‌تری با عشق و علاقه به نفوس ابلاغ شود که با درایت عمیق و خلوص مایه بسی تمجید و تحسین خواهد بود اگر هر یک از ما آکنده از شوق تشویق بشتابیم و به جمال اقدس ابهی با ابراز عشق و میثاق و ناله و زاری که نشان از جلال پروردگار دارد به چنین عملی پردازیم.

شهید مجید جناب بهمن صمیمی علیه رضوان‌الله

شرایط زمانی و ناگهانی بودن این واقعه و مراتب تزویر و دوروئی مقامات مربوطه در این باره مایه حیرت و شگفتی است. مقامات مربوطه روز ۱۷ مارچ جناب صمیمی را برای دریافت مستنداتی احضار نموده و روز ۱۸ مارچ یعنی یک روز بعد با تحقیر و بی‌حرمتی که مایه حیرت است، خانواده محترم جناب صمیمی ایشان را دفن کردند. مقامات مربوطه مدعی اند ایشان قبل از آغاز تعطیلات سال در ایران روی داده که موج بسیار نامناسبی برای تحقیقات و کسب اطلاعات و گرفتن تماس با شناسایان امور است.

با ابراز این اعلام، فاجعه خشم و هیجان جامعه بین‌المللی گذشته به سال و نیم پس از قطع همان اعدام بهائیان، مجدداً فاجعه دلخراش و وحشیانه‌ای علیه این جامعه بی‌گناه و مظلوم یاران در ایران انجام می‌گیرد و آنچه که دولت ایران کراراً تایید و تاکید نموده است که بهائیان به خاطر عقاید دینی خود مورد تضییقات قرار نمی‌گیرند عملاً نقض می‌گردد.

اطلاعات بیشتری که در این باره کسب گردد متعاقباً به استحضار یاران خواهد رسید، فعلاً تقاضا می‌شود که مقامات مربوطه دولتی و مراجع خبری را از این حادثه مطلع سازید و به جمع وسائل مقتضی برای ابراز اعتراض رسمی به نحوی شدید و متین اقدام نمائید.

تقاضا می‌شود این اطلاعیه را به استحضار عموم یاران نیز برسانید.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

بیت‌العدل اعظم

منشاء دیگری از خیر و برکت که در این زمانی است بیان امید بسته‌ایم نیز به غصه ظهور خواهد رسید. حضرت بهاءالله می‌فرمایند: "قد انزلنا في السجن كتابا سمي لدى المولى بالكتاب الاقدس و فيه نزلنا الشرایع و زیناه بأوامر ربک الأكبر على من في السموات و الارضين." بنا بر این به جهانیان و به تمام ملل و ادیان کتاب، کتابی که ترجمه انگلیسی کتاب مستطاب اقدس با حواشی و ضمائم آن در افق این سال منتشر خواهد شد، بشارت می‌دهیم کتابی که منشور تمدن جهانی آینده است و حضرت بهاءالله آن را در حالی که تحت مورد خطر در سال حدود ۱۲۹۰ قبل نازل فرموده‌اند.

اکنون در دو مجموعه اعتقادی مشعشعانه این دو واقعه مهم در سالی که به تجلیل صدمین سال صعود حضرت بهاءالله اختصاص یافته، هر یک از آثار معنوی در مرحله اجراء گذاشته می‌شود. امید است برکات و مواهب الهیه که قلم اعلی بدانها وعده فرموده و به یمن مساعی در خور مقام یاران، شامل حال جمیع یاران گردد.

یاران عزیز،

با قلبی آکنده از حزن و اسف شدید خبر شهادت جناب بهمن صمیمی را که در تاریخ ۱۸ مارس ۱۹۹۲ در زندان اوین تهران وقوع یافته، دریافت کردیم. مایه انزجار یاران ایران به بذل مساعی جمیله مألوف بود. مقامات قضایی و روسای زندان هیچ دلیلی از افشای محل دفن نیز به خانواده ایشان ذکر ندادند و حتی از افشای محل دفن نیز خودداری نمودند.

این فاجعه غیرمنتظره از آن جهت که به کلی در پرده اسرار پنهان داشته شده، پیش‌بینی موجب تاثر و تألم است. درباره این واقعه هیچ خبری قبلاً به خانواده نداده بودند، وقوع آن را دو هفته مخفی داشته بودند و بعداً نیز آن را اعلان نکرده‌اند. اگر چه خانم صمیمی پس از توقیف جناب صمیمی در ۱۷ مارچ چندین بار برای ملاقات با وی مراجعه کرده بودند، اما متصدیان زندان اجازه ملاقات نداده و پیشنهاد نموده بودند یک روز به دیدار صمیمی به زندان مراجعه نماید. در روز مقرر هنگامی که خانم صمیمی که در تاریخ ۱۸ مارس نقشه اعدام همسرش را داشت، به وی مراجعه نمود، با ارائه شناسنامه‌ای جناب صمیمی در تاریخ ۱۸ مارچ اعدام شده ایشان را از اعدام همسرش مطلع ساختند. ورود به زندان اجازه دفن صادر نشده و فقط در اثر جستجوی خانواده صمیمی در اداره متوفیات در دفاتر متوفیات ثبت گردیده است که نام بهمن صمیمی برای اجرای حکم اعدام آمده است.

برای اجرای چنین عملی هیچ اتهام یا حکم جاری رسمی ابلاغ نشده بود. در اثر اصرار اعضای خانواده صمیمی که جویای علت اعدام بوده‌اند، به طور ضمنی اشاره شده که اعدام جناب بهمن صمیمی مربوط به توقیف ایشان در چهار سال قبل بوده است که با سپردن وثیقه از علت داشتن جلسه ملاقاتی با آنان در منزلشان دستگیر شده بودند. اگر چه در آن تاریخ یعنی اکتبر ۱۹۸۷ جناب بهمن صمیمی به علت عضویت در جامعه بهائی تحت تعقیب قرار گرفته بودند، مع‌هذا با توجه به تاریخ ۱۸ دسامبر همان سال، پس از آنکه وثیقه در قبال ایشان به مقامات رسمی منتقل شد و مبلغ هنگفتی نیز بابت وجه‌الضمان پرداخت گردید، همراه چهار نفر از زندان آزاد شدند.

بهائیان هزاران نفر از جانب حضرت بهاءالله در نیویورک گرد هم آمده‌اند تا به نمایندگی از خواهران و برادران روحانی خود در سراسر عالم وفاداری خویش را به عهد و پیمانی که حضرت بهاءالله در میثاق گرانقدرش ابراز داشته، بیان دارند. تکرار این عهد و پیمان روحانی در سراسر عالم نشان‌دهنده عظمت و اقتدار مظهر ظهور الهی است که به رغم تمام تضییقات و موانع و مخالفت‌ها که در راه پیشرفت امر الهی ایجاد می‌گردد، هر روز بیش از پیش تائیدات الهی را نصیب جامعه بهائی می‌سازد.

این دو واقعه در دو محوطه اعتقادی علی‌رغم ظاهر متفاوت از یکدیگر دارای وحدت کلمه و مفهوم عمیق می‌باشند، شهادت جناب صمیمی نمونه‌ای است از مظلومیت و شجاعت و فداکاری منتسبان امر مبارک و محفل بزرگداشت در نیویورک حاکی از جلال و هیبت و عظمت امر حضرت بهاءالله است. تأثیری عمیق خواهد داشت. [Page 20]حضرت ولی‌امرالله در رابطه با دورنمای نظم اداری در اثنای قرن دوم دور بهائی که با سرعت به نیمه آن نزدیک می‌شویم، به خاطره‌ای بس جالب و بسیار عمیق اشاره فرمودند. حضرت ولی‌امرالله در سال ۱۹۴۴ در توقیعی خطاب به جامعه بهائی چنین مقرر فرمودند: «فرایند تجمیع، همانند انتشار وسیع و استحکام بارز قوای فعال در توسعه و پیشرفت جامعه، مظهری از تجلیات اداری موجود در نظم جهانی باشد. نظمی که ناظر جنبش‌های اولیه نظم جهانی باهم، نظمی که تأثیرات عظیمی چون شکل گیرد و درخشش و لمعان بینش و تکامل اساسی آن را در بر گیرد، بلوغ کلیه نوع بشر را برای قبول وظایف و مسؤولیت‌های فوری و ضروری مرحله بعدی در سیر تکامل نقشه ملکوتی حضرت بهاءالله در جهان، مجهز و مهیا خواهد ساخت. این دوره تذکار و یادبود صد سال خدمت، حد فاصل مناسبی بین امتیازات و پیروزی‌های یکصد سال گذشته و مسؤولیت‌ها و افتخارات درخشانی است که باید در آینده حاصل گردد. نخست با قلبی طافح از سرور و امتنان اعلام داشتیم که استحکام بیشتر نظم اداری را که با تشکیل دوازده محفل روحانی ملی و منطقه‌ای در این زمان نصیب خواهد شد، استقبال می‌کنیم. با آنکه تعداد این محفل معادل تعداد محافل روحانی ملی در سال ۱۹۵۳ بود، این نشانه بارزی از توسعه سریع نظام اداری در مدتی کمتر از چهل سال است. با تشکیل این محافل جدید و با در نظر گرفتن انضمام احتمالی کشورهای سیکیم و آندمان به هندوستان و با توجه به منحل شدن تشکیلات اداری در لیبریا در اثر اغتشاشات کنونی در آن کشور، تعداد محافل روحانی ملی که در کنفرانس بین‌المللی بهائی در رضوان به حرکت خواهند جست، به ۱۶۵ محفل بالغ خواهد گشت.»

با خوش‌وقتی بسیار ابلاغ می‌شود که حضرات ایادی امرالله به نمایندگی این هیئت در شش کانون که به عنوان مراکز جدید ملی انتخاب گردیده‌اند به شرح ذیل شرکت می‌نمایند: امة‌البهاء روحیه خانم در کانون‌های بلغارستان و لهستان؛ جناب علی‌اکبر فروتن در کانون‌های بلوک بالتیک و مجارستان؛ و جناب دکتر علی‌محمد ورقا در کانون‌های سیری‌لئون و گینه. شرکت ایادی امرالله در کانون‌های مذکور در عین حال مشوق در ذیل خواهند بود: جناب دکتر جلال خاضع در کنگره جناب ایوب بن قزوین در آنگولا؛ جناب هوشمند فتح‌اعظم در ازبکستان؛ جناب دکتر علی‌محمد ورقا در آسیای مرکزی؛ جناب رائول هانری کیروس در آلبانی و جناب مسعود خمسی در آذربایجان.

لکن هم‌زمان با این تحولات، قرن بیستم شاهدی بر ظهور دوباره کفر گردیده است، همراه با موج تازه‌ای از جریانات ویرانگر اجتماعی که با انقراض کمونیسم به وجود آمده، بدبینی، ناامیدی و انفعال اوج گرفته و طغیان نظام‌گسیخته با تعصبات ملیت‌پرستی در مناطق مختلف سبب نگرانی شدید عالم‌گیر شده است. این تحولات در اثر توسعه تعصبات دینی بغض‌آلود گشته و در تروریسم فجیع یافته و تحولات را مسموم ساخته است. هرج و مرج به اغتشاش عمیق در تمام سطوح وضع اقتصادی، حاکی از آشفتگی عمیق در مدیریت امور مالی در دنیای فضا، سیاسی جهان حاکم است، عمیق‌تر می‌سازد. وخامت اوضاع زیست محیطی و بهداشت جامعه بشری که بسیاری از مردم پایه وحشت و اضطراب شده است، با تمام این احوال یکی از مراحل این تغییرات است که با انتقال سریع اطلاعات و افکار را از یک نقطه به نقطه دیگر جهان میسر ساخته است و در عین حال این ترقی و تعالی و تألیف تحلیل و نظم و دورنمایی که به موازی یکگر در عالم وجود مشهود و تأثیرات متقابل هر یک بر دیگری مستتر و محسوس (ترجمه) است که به موازات فرصت جدید برای مرحله بعدی تحقق اهداف نقشه ملکوتی حضرت عبدالبهاء جلوه‌گر می‌گردد.

با نزدیک شدن سال مقدس چنین به نظر می‌رسد که تاریخ روزافزون امر الله به یاری بال همایون خود در تندبادی بر بنیان فرسوده نظم کهن لرزه افکند، ارکان عظیم آن را می‌جنباند و راه را برای نشر افکار و مفاهیم نوین و در نظام اجتماعی هموار می‌سازد. صلای وحدت و یگانگی و نظم جدید جهانی از جهات مختلف به گوش می‌رسد. جامعه جهانی با سرعتی حیرت‌انگیز در تغییر و تحول است، از جمله خصوصیات بارز این تحولات، غیرمنتظره بودن و دشواری‌های پیش‌بینی آن‌ها است که به نظر می‌رسد از قوه و توانایی بشر خارج باشد.

این تغییرات حاکی از آمادگی بی‌سابقه برای پذیرفتن مفاهیمی جهانی از قبیل عدالت، نیاز به سوی همکاری‌های منطقه‌ای، بیانیه‌های بین‌المللی، شامل متعهد شدن به یافتن راه حل‌های بین‌المللی به منظور رهایی از فقر و دشواری‌های زندگی شدید برای مستمندترین و محروم‌ترین قشر انسانی است. این بنیاد ستایندگان اسم اعظم تحت تأثیر شدید این تندباد جنبش خود را شروع کردند که به دنباله مصیبات و انقلابی که کل جامعه بشر با آن مواجه است، تفکر همه ما را صفا می‌دهد و افکار و نظریات ما را درباره مقصد و هدف نظم جهانی حضرت بهاءالله و طهارت و صراحت و وسعت می‌بخشد.

اوضاع و احوال عالم در حالی که ما با مواجه با درگیری حاد و فوق‌العاده ‎دوردی دوری‎ نبوده، بینش جهانی و طرح مختلف را در زمینه‌های تعلیم و تربیت، کشاورزی و بهداشت، سوادآموزی و حفظ محیط زیست و ارتقاء مقام زنان در بر داشته است. در تعدادی از این طرح‌ها، خدمات از مساعی با همکاری سازمان‌های دولتی و سازمان‌های غیردولتی بین‌المللی برخوردار شده‌اند. از جمله می‌توان از طرح‌هایی که با کمک مالی صندوق سازمان ملل برای بهبود وضع زنان (UNIFEM) در دست اجراء دارند و کارهای دیگری که از مساعدت مالی دولت‌های کانادا و هلند و آلمان و نروژ استفاده کرده‌اند، نام برد. بعضی از این اقدامات چنان موفقیت‌آمیز بوده‌اند که در اثر دریافت تقدیرنامه‌ها و جوایز دیگر از طرف دولت‌ها و یا سازمان‌های غیردولتی بین‌المللی مورد توجه خاصی قرار گرفته‌اند.

مشارکت جوانان بهائی با اجرای طرح یک‌سال خدمت در جوانی به مرحله جدیدی وارد گردیده است. مشارکت جوانان در نقشه هشت‌ساله با جریانات مختلفی هم‌زمان گشته، مسافرت‌های تبلیغی و اجرای طرح‌های عمرانی در مجموع طرح‌های تبلیغی به نحو اعم و در مساعدت و تقویت خدمات اجتماعی و اقتصادی که روز به روز به تعداد بیشتری از طرف جوامع ملی و محلی بهائی اجراء می‌شود، پیروزی‌های حاصله بوده است. شرکت جوانان بهائی در کنفرانس‌های مختلف جوانان که در آن مسائل بسیار مؤثر در جذب توجه مقامات دولتی و سازمان‌های عمرانی را نموده است. ایجاد شورای جوانان بهائی اروپا پایه تحرک شدید در فعالیت‌های جوانان گردیده و سبب تقویت قابل ملاحظه فعالیت‌های تبلیغی در اروپا در آخرین سال‌های نقشه گردیده است. یکی از جنبه‌های فوق‌العاده فعالیت‌های جوانان مشارکت آنان در خدمات مدت داوطلبانه در مرکز جهانی است که بی‌نهایت باارزش محسوب می‌گردد.

هفتم

پیشرفت‌هایی که در تحکیم نظام اداری جامعه بهائی حاصل شده از خلال بهبود نمایان توجه تشکیلات جامعه بهائی و نیز همکاری بین دو جناح تشکیلات مزبور آشکار است. حضور ایادی امرالله در آمریکا، استرالیا و به ویژه برای راهنمایی، حضرت ولی امرالله با ایجاد شور و نشور در در جامعه بهائی مایه تحسین و اعجاب یاران گشتند، ازدیاد اطمینان و توانایی محافل ملی و محافل و ‎مسلمانان محلی‎ که به وسیله مؤسسه فعال و تقویت روحانی که هیئت‌های مشورتی تشکیل می‌دهند، با ‎مشاروه مشاوره‎ و اتخاذ روش‌هایی که هماهنگ با وظیفه تشویق و مشاوره و آنچه را بر عهده دارند، نقطه اتکائی ضروری را تأمین می‌نماید که حافظ سلامت نظام اداری مزبور است. در عین حال گسترش دایره ‎مجودات مجهودات‎ محافل روحانی ملی و محلی که مسوول هدایت جریانات جامعه تحت اشراف خود هستند، بنیان و اساس این نظام اداری را وضعیتی تغییرناپذیر بخشیده است. اقدامات موسسات مذکور که دست به دست هم به فعالیت مشغولند، موجب تسهیل کار و تربیت و تکامل نظم اداری بهائی شده و حتی سبب بروز و ظهور نیروی خلاقی گشته که نشانه امیدبخشی برای ادامه این سیر تکامل به شمار می‌رود.

هشتم

طرح‌های عظیم ساختمانی در جبل‌الکرمل که قلم اعلی در لوح کرمل ساختار آن را امضاء فرموده و حضرت عبدالبهاء با ساختمان مرقد مطهر حضرت اعلی بنیاد آن را آغاز نموده و حضرت ولی‌امرالله آن را جلال بخشیده و ادامه یافته، به مرحله جدیدی وارد گشته است. عملیات ساختمانی برای تحکیم و توسعه طبقه اصلی بناهای اصلی بر طبق برنامه‌ای در ماه مه ۱۹۹۰ آغاز گردید. این عملیات در شناسایی اجرای طرحی است که پیش‌بینی حضرت عبدالبهاء را درباره طبقاتی که از دامنه کوه کرمل تا رأس آن امتداد خواهد داشت، محقق می‌سازد. در مطالعه اسناد ساختمانی حفاری برای ساختمان مرکز بین‌المللی مخصوص آموزش و بنای ساختمان دارالآثار بین‌المللی شروع شد و در پی این اقدامات ساختمان سایر ابنیه حول قوس، یعنی ساختمان‌های دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی و بنای کتابخانه بین‌المللی بهائی مرتفع خواهد گردید. [Page 21]

پیام‌های بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

MESSAGES FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم خطاب به بهائیان عالم رضوان ۱۹۹۲

یاران عزیز الهی،

در این موسم رضوان که شکوهی ذاتی در آن جلوه‌گر و سرآغاز ایامی بی‌نظیر و مشحون از پیش‌آمدهای گوناگون است، با قلوبی سرشار از شگفتی و اعجاب سر تعظیم بر آستان سلطان جلالی فرو می‌آوریم که به یمن عنایات و الطاف حضرتش به دورانی فرخنده در تاریخ امر مبارکش وارد شده‌ایم.

از اوج پیروزی نقشه شش‌ساله‌ای که اکنون پایان یافته، به آستانه سنۀ مقدس قدم می‌گذاریم و با اعجاب و تحسین مترصد وقایع مهم و بی‌سابقه‌ای هستیم که با مراسم تخلید و تکریم احیای مقدس یکصد سال پیش که حضرت بهاءالله، موعد جمیع اعصار، خاکدان فانی را ترک فرمود، مقارن خواهد بود. شمس حقیقت از افق عالم ناسوت غروب نمود تا بلأزوال از "افق أبهی" بدرخشد و اشعۀ تابان نیروی حیات‌بخشش جاودانه بر عالم وجود بتابد. نفس مقدسی که عالم فانی را وداع گفت، شارع أمری عظیم است که در "ظهورات ماضیه کل به مقصد أَعلی و غایت قصوای خویش فائز گشته‌اند"، بانی کور عمومی جدیدی است که "امتدادش بسیار [و] اَقَلّاً پانصدهزار سال" خواهد بود و مؤسس نظمی جهانی است که "ما شَهَدَتْ عین‌ُالابدٰاعِ شِبْهَه" و مطلع یوم‌اللهی است، یعنی "روز فضل اعظم و فیض اکبر است". در این سالگرد مخصوص که در این برهۀ بحرانی در شؤون عالم انسانی برگزار می‌گردد، اوصاف و نـعـوتی اینچنین است که در احیان تأمل و تعمق مورد توجّه قرار می‌گیرد.

این مشتاقان چنان از خاطرات تاریخی مبارکی که این سال مقدس یادآور آنها است، شاد و مستبشرند که شایسته می‌دانند از یاران الهی دعوت کنند که قبل از ورود به این مرحله به تأمل پردازند، مرحله‌ای که زمان تذکر و تفکر است و هنگام تجدید عهد خدمت و بندگی است، دوره‌ای است که وقت تهیه و تدارک برای انجام وظائف باقی‌مانده است و مناسب حصول آمادگی برای وصول به ذروه‌هائی است که باید فتح شود و شکوه و جلالی که مقدر است از پس پردۀ پنهان آشکار و نمایان گردد. اگر به یکصد سال تاریخ بی‌مثل و نظیر پیشرفت مستمر امرالله در گذشتۀ ایام نظر افکنیم، تحقق مقاصد الهی که در قرون و أعصار آینده منتظر و مترصدیم، در نظر جلوه‌گر می‌شود چه تجربه نشان داده است که مقاصد مزبور در اثر پیشرفت تدریجی و منظم نقشه‌های تبلیغی و نیز وقوع تغییرات غیرمنتظره و شگفت‌انگیز در عهود مختلفه تحقق یافته‌اند.

دورنمای افق‌های جدیدی که پیروزی نقشۀ شش‌ساله مقارن با مرحله مقدماتی عهد چهارم از عصر تکوین امر بهائی گشوده است، اولین طلیعه این سال مقدس و خجسته ‎مال مآل‎ محسوب می‌گردد. اگر چه در بعضی از مناطق و در پاره‌ای از موارد میزان رشد و توسعه جامعه بهائی خارق‌العاده بوده، اما از نظر کلی پیروزی اصلی نقشۀ شش‌ساله در موفقیت‌های کمّی آن نیست، بلکه انتصارات مهم نقشه در کیفیت اهداف فتوحات و در شروع مشروعات جدید و ابتکارات تازه و در رشد و بلوغ مؤسسات امریه‌ای جلوه‌گر است که تحقق اهداف هفتگانه آن را به شهر موفقیت مختوم می‌سازد. گرچه ارائه کلیۀ نتایج حاصله از نقشه شش‌ساله در این صفحات محدود مقدور نیست، اما سزاوار آنکه جنبه‌های اصلی اقدامات این دوره پرفعالیت و تحرک مورد تأکید قرار گیرد. جامعۀ بهائی در شش سال اخیر به نحو قابل ملاحظه‌ای تحول یافت. مشخصات اصلی این تحول را که بی‌تـردیـد برای احبای الهی در سراسر عالم آشکار است، می‌توان به نحو ذیل خلاصه کرد:

نخست آنکه امر حضرت بهاءالله در جمیع کشورهای جهان رسوخ نموده است. تغییر ناگهانی در اوضاع سیاسی که بدون شک در اثر نقشۀ کلی الهی تحقق یافته، مناطق وسیعی از کرۀ زمین را که عمدۀ شمال کشور سابق شوروی و نیز کشورهای بلوک شرق می‌شد، برای نفوذ و رسوخ تعالیم الهی مفتوح ساخت. فرصت‌هائی که این تحول و تغییر به وجود آورد استقرار ‎باسـاس بر اساس‎ امر حضرت بهاءالله را در آخرین سرزمین‌های غیرمفتوحه که در نقشۀ ده‌سالۀ جهاد کبیر اکبر حضرت ولی امرالله مذکور شده بود، میسر ساخت. تحولات مزبور همچنین ایجاب نمود که در رضوان ۱۹۹۰ نقشۀ تکمیلی دوساله‌ای برای این مناطق تنظیم و اجراء گردد. این نقشۀ تکمیلی نه تنها از نظر توسعه نطاق امرالله در کشورهای متعدد مورد نظر، قرین موفقیت گردید، بلکه از لحاظ تنوع نژادها و طبقات مـقـبلین جدید در این کشورها و تنوع و میزان آثار منتشره اَمری و نیز از نظر مؤسسات اَداری بهائی که در این مدت قلیل یکی پس از دیگری تأسیس شده‌اند، به نحو چشمگیری موفقیت‌آمیز بود. عالم بهائی در اثر این تحولات نشئۀ تازه‌ای یافت و تعداد دیگری از سایر کشورهای جهان نیز موفقیت‌های بسیار مهمی در خدمات تبلیغی به دست آوردند. ارقامی که تاکنون به مرکز جهانی واصل گردیده، حاکی از آن است که در طی نقشۀ شش‌ساله متجاوز از یک میلیون و نیم نفوس جدید به امر الهی اقبال نموده‌اند. در این میان طرح سه‌سالۀ تبلیغی در گایانا که عدد احبای الهی را در کشور مزبور به شش درصد کل جمعیت بالغ ساخت، به نحو اخص قابل توجه است.

دوم: اعلان امرالله در سراسر عالم به مرحلۀ کاملاً جدیدی وارد شد. مجاهدت برای اعلان عمومی امرالله که در سال ۱۹۶۷ به مناسبت مراسم تجلیل یکصدمین سالگرد صدور الواح ملوک و سلاطین از قلم جمال قدم جل ذکره‌الاعظم آغاز گردید، در سال ۱۹۷۹ در اثر بروز تضییقات و مشکلات وارده بر جامعۀ بهائی ایران شدت یافت و در حال حاضر با توزیع بیانیۀ "وعدۀ صلح جهانی" وسعت بیشتری یافته است. پادشاهان و ملکه‌ها و رؤسای جمهور، نخست وزیران، قانونگزاران، قضات، دانشگاهیان و مؤسسات و سازمان‌های گوناگون از پیام حضرت بهاءالله آگاه گردیدند. نیروهای خلاقی که جوامع بهائی در سراسر جهان برای اعلان امر حضرت منان به کار گرفتند، از عوامل محرکۀ نقشه شد و به میزان قابل توجهی موجب جلب رغبت و علاقه‌مندی سازمان‌ها و پیشوایان افکار و وسائط خبری به راه حل‌هائی گردید که امر بهائی برای دنیائی که به نحوی عجیب دچار بی‌نظمی شده است، ارائه می‌دهد. محافل روحانی ملی و محلی که از تأثیر اقداماتشان برای اعلان امرالله و نیز از بذل کوشش‌های مستمرشان در دفاع از جامعۀ ستمدیدۀ بهائی در ایران به شوق آمده بودند، جرأت و ابتکار عملی شگفت‌انگیز در زمینۀ روابط عمومی ابراز داشته و می‌دارند. این خصوصیات در تماس‌های بی‌شمار با اولیای امور دولتی در سطوح مختلف، در ارتباط و برخورد با دوائر وسیع‌تری از سازمان‌های گوناگون و در مهارت در ارتباط با وسائط خبری آشکار است.

سوم: افتتاح اُم‌المعابد شبه قاره هند در سال ۱۹۸۶ برای نیایش عامه، نیروی جدیدی به اقدامات مربوط به تبلیغ و اعلان امرالله ارزانی داشت. "معبد نیلوفر آبی" به عنوان بنائی که در زیبائی و برتری کم نظیر است، مورد تحسین و تمجید فراوان قرار گرفته و جذابیت فوق‌العاده‌اش گروه‌های بی‌شمار بازدیدکننده را به خود جلب نموده و صیت شهرتش به عنوان یکی از بدایع معماری همعنان با تأثیرات روحانیش به سرعت انتشار یافته است. بدون اغراق این معبد امروزه در بین مشارق اذکار عالم بزرگترین مبلغ صامت امر بهائی محسوب می‌گردد و به طور متوسط روزانه بیست هزار نفر از آن دیدن می‌کنند و تعداد بازدیدکنندگانش بیش از مجموع بازدیدکنندگان سایر مشارق اذکار است. در بین بازدیدکنندگان این مشرق‌الاذکار که از اهالی بسیاری از ممالک جهان هستند، بعضی از برجسته‌ترین افراد دیده می‌شوند. این معبد مورد توجه مخصوص وسائط خبری قرار گرفته و در برنامه‌های تلویزیونی حتی در روسیه و چین نمایش داده شده است. موفقیت‌های حاصله به توسعۀ آگاهی عمومی دربارۀ امر بهائی بی‌نهایت کمک نموده است.

چهارم: خروج بارزتر امر الهی از مرحلهٔ مجهولیت را در بازتاب‌های مشخصی که داشته است، می‌توان مشاهده نمود. از جمله در محافل فرهنگی، در کتب مرجع و در وسائط خبری به نحو روزافزونی از امر بهائی بعنوان یکی از ادیان "عمده" یا "اصلی" یاد می‌شود. در اثر تشدید مجاهدت احباء در اعلان امرالله بر حجم مطالبی که دربارۀ اقدامات جامعه بهائی به وسیله وسائط ارتباط جمعی منتشر می‌شود، بسیار افزوده شده است. از این مهم‌تر آنکه مؤسسات و منابع خبری رأساً نیز علاقه‌مند به کسب خبر از جامعه بهائی شده‌اند و در نقاط مختلف جهان به ابتکار خود با جوامع بهائی تماس می‌گیرند. آگاه شدن مقامات ذینفوذ از تعالیم بهائی در اُموری نظیر صلح، محیط زیست، مقام زنان، تعلیم و تربیت و سوادآموزی سبب شده است که به نحوی روزافزون از اهل بهاء برای مشارکت با دیگران در اجرای طرح‌های سازمان‌های دولتی و یا غیردولتی دعوت به عمل آید.

بعلاوه، این قبیل انتشارات و ارتباطات این آگاهی را در اذهان عمومی به وجود آورده که امر بهائی راه حلی برای مسائل و مشکلات امروزی در اختیار دارد و بدین ترتیب این انتظار به وجود آمده است که جامعۀ بهائی باید سهم فعال‌تری در اُمور اجتماع بر عهده گیرد. موفقیت قابل ملاحظهٔ دفتر محیط زیست "جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی" که در طی نقشۀ شش‌ساله تأسیس گردید، شاهد بارز این مدعاست. علاوه بر این، روابط رسمی که دفتر "جامعه جهانی بهائی" با "شبکۀ ادیان و حفظ منابع طبیعی" وابسته به "صندوق جهانی محافظت طبیعت" و نیز با "کنفرانس جهانی دیانت و صلح" بر قرار ساخته، همراه با روابط مشابهی که محافل ملی و محلی در موارد بی‌شمار در حوزه‌های تحت اشراف خود ایجاد کرده‌اند، حاکی از شناخته شدن موجودیت امر بهائی است. رویهمرفته این مجاهدات متنوع برای اعلان امرالله به نحو توجه عمومی را به خود جلب نموده است که می‌توان گفت مؤسسات بسیار مهم اجتماعی و شخصیت‌های برجستۀ عالم از امر بهائی مطلع شده‌اند.

پنجم: طرح‌های عمرانی خدمات اجتماعی و اقتصادی جامعۀ بهائی افزایش فوق‌العاده یافته و سبب کسب حیثیت و اعتبار برای جامعه امر گردیده است. در نتیجه ‎جامع جامعه‎ بهائی در نقاط مختلف جهان بعنوان نمونه و سرمشق برای اقداماتی که ممکن است از طریق ابتکارات گروهی و خدمات داوطلبانه انجام گیرد، شناخته شده‌اند. اقداماتی که در این زمینه مبذول گشته متجاوز از هزار [Page 22]

International Association of Bahá’í Publishers is established

Representatives of 22 Bahá’í publishing and distribution agencies from 17 countries gathered February 3-6 at Oakham, England, to form the International Association of Bahá’í Publishers.

The purpose of the Association is to enable Bahá’ís around the world to have access to the Divine Word and related works and to find ways of helping them use appropriate teaching and deepening materials. Members of the newly established organization consulted especially on the challenges faced by publishers and distributors during the Holy Year and beyond. A number of immediate tasks for the Association were unitedly agreed upon during the conference.

First in importance was the decision to compile a global catalog of Bahá’í literature, to be made available in time for the second World Congress in November. Participants felt that such a project would provide a unique statement on the development of Bahá’í literature in the hundred years since the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh and would greatly contribute to the free flow of His Writings around the globe. The project would also be of benefit to the Association itself as it helped establish a valuable database for use by its members.

The Association also decided to help with the Bahá’í exhibit at the Beijing International Book Fair in September, and to look into ways of helping other specific projects in the Bahá’í world with regard to design, translation, distribution and other aspects of publishing.

Other items on the Association's agenda include preparing a series of proposals for the Universal House of Justice on referencing of the Holy Texts, and the development of means for facilitating translation of the Texts through new technologies and exchange of experiences.

An executive committee was elected to coordinate the work of the Association. Its members are Pieter Ruiter, secretary (Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the Netherlands); May Ballerio (George Ronald Publishers); Richard Hainsworth (Bahá’í Publishing Trust Russia); Terrill Hayes (U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust); and Gordon Kerr (Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the U.K.).

The executive committee, in its report to the House of Justice on the conference proceedings, expressed the hope that the Association's efforts would open the way for a new level of quality in scholarship and in the presentation and dissemination of Bahá’í materials.

Letters

...in her letter headed "Those less fortunate" (November), is correct in assuming it is only a lack of sensitivity that has closed and barred the door to the poor, rather than the blatant and banal prejudice I feel it more likely to be.

Larry Scott Letcher, South Dakota

Arise for Mr. Sears, Faith

To the Editor:

I had the pleasure of being in the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears during his recent five-city tour of the U.S.

He made this tour to encourage the friends to enhance their teaching endeavors, and has given the American believers a goal of 9,000 new believers by Ridván.

When we first think of this goal, we may say, "Wow! That's a lot." But when we stop to think about it, we find that there are about 110,000 Bahá’ís in this country. Let's say about 50,000 are adults. If every adult Bahá’í would make one friend, and if that friend would embrace the Faith, we would have five times the number of new believers asked for by Mr. Sears.

We must arise; it is our bounty to teach the Cause of God.

Renaldo Raeheim Alameda, California

Refugee Office cannot translate letters, materials into S.E. Asian languages

As integration and teaching/deepening efforts continue to accelerate among Southeast Asian communities in this country, the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office has received many requests for Bahá’í materials in the Hmong, Laotian, Khmer and Vietnamese languages.

ON PAGE 12 of the Jalál 149 B.E. issue (April 9, 1992) of The American Bahá’í, it was reported that the Refugee Office helps translate Feast letters and other materials into the Khmer language.

The Refugee Office would like to correct that information and let the friends know that there are no personnel or facilities at the Bahá’í National Center for translating materials into Southeast Asian languages.

However, the Refugee Office will consider distributing Bahá’í materials that are translated and sent to us in Hmong, Laotian, Cambodian or Vietnamese (such as Feast letters and deepening materials in the form of articles, brochures, audio cassettes or video tapes).

The Refugee Office has also received drafts of nine Bahá’í deepening publications translated into Cambodian by Bahá’í refugees in Thailand border camps and would like to have someone who knows that language edit the publications, if necessary, and suggest how they can be put on a Cambodian-language word processor for suitable printing. This will enable us to have some or all of the publications available for distribution to those who are interested.

For more information, please contact the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. The telephone number is 708-869-9039, ext. 216; FAX 708-869-0247, Attn. USBRO.

Stocking our libraries

To the Editor:

I would like to share an interesting story that I believe underscores the importance of stocking local libraries with books about the Faith.

A Bahá’í from Crawfordsville, who lives out of town, has fundamentalist Christian relatives here including an aunt she describes as "a Bible thumper."

This woman, on learning that her niece was a Bahá’í, called the woman's grandmother, screaming that her niece had joined "a cult," was "a follower of Satan," and so forth.

To acquire further ammunition, she went to the public library for an entire day and night to "read up" on the Faith—but long before our public proclamation began, we had, as early as 1979, begun to place selected Bahá’í books in the library, so that today there are no less than 15 titles on the shelves in various categories (Islam, race relations, natural science, the Bahá’í Faith, etc.).

She read, among others, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era (also there are All Things Made New, God Passes By, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, Religion for Mankind, "The Promise of World Peace," "The Vision of Race Unity" and others).

As a result, this 80-year-old Christian woman called the young Bahá’í's grandmother again to apologize for calling the Faith a "cult." Because she was 80 years old, she said, she would stay in her church, but added that it was a good thing her niece was a Bahá’í. She as much as said she believed in Bahá’u’lláh.

The woman's niece, astonished by this turn of events, called to thank the Assembly for "stacking the shelves," giving us proof of the soundness of this idea, and of the loving confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh.

John Versteeg Crawfordsville, Indiana

Flea market display

The Bahá’ís of Bloomfield, New Jersey, recently set up a table on which to display Bahá’í books and literature at a flea market at a local public school. At least 35 pieces of Bahá’í literature were given out, and many people saw the table and its Bahá’í books.

Mayor Joan Barr of Evanston, Illinois (left) accepts a copy of "The Vision of Race Unity—America's Most Challenging Issue" from Lorelei McClure on behalf of the Spiritual Assembly of Evanston during the community's public Naw-Rúz observance March 21. About 100 people heard Mayor Barr, the keynote speaker, emphasize the need to unify around the family and urge the adoption of "new rules" to aid society because old assumptions are no longer working. The presentation to the mayor was especially significant in light of recent reports of racial tensions in the Evanston public school system.

BILL OF RIGHTS: Spiritual Assembly of Falls Church, Virginia, sponsors program on religious freedom from Bahá’í perspective

To commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Bill of Rights, the Spiritual Assembly of Falls Church, Virginia, sponsored an hour-long program, "Freedom of Religion A Bahá’í Perspective," last December 14 in the council chamber of the Falls Church City Hall.

THE PROGRAM was a response by the Assembly to an appeal last spring by the city council's Commission on the Bicentennial of the Bill of Rights to all community groups, encouraging them to plan activities that would promote public awareness of the Bill of Rights during the bicentennial year.

Falls Church was one of a number of communities in this country designated by the Federal Commission on the Bicentennial as a "Bicentennial Community Honoring the 200th Anniversary of the U.S. Bill of Rights."

A part of the Bahá’í-sponsored program was telecast live on local access cable TV (the first live TV broadcast of a Bahá’í event in the Washington, D.C., area); the League of Women Voters published an article about it in their monthly newsletter; and the city clerk was helpful in making arrangements for the meeting to be held at City Hall.

Among those taking part in the program was Judge Edward J. Murty Jr., chairman of the Falls Church Commission on the Bicentennial of the Bill of Rights who welcomed and thanked the Bahá’ís for planning the event.

The keynote speaker was William Collins, chief of the Cataloging Division of the U.S. Copyright Office, who served for 13 years as director of the International Bahá’í Library at the World Center in Haifa, Israel.

MR. COLLINS reviewed the history of the Bill of Rights and its religious liberty clauses, and offered a Bahá’í view of individual rights and responsibilities. He also gave a moving account of the recent persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran, and said that Bahá’ís all over the world have special reason to be grateful for the Bill of Rights' guarantee of religious freedom "because that freedom has nourished a healthy and successful American Bahá’í community since 1894, and because that freedom has come to the aid of today's oppressed Iranian Bahá’ís."

The program also included music by four local Bahá’ís, and opening and closing prayers read by Bahá’í students from the Falls Church public elementary and high schools.

Sixty-eight people attended the event. Twenty-four were non-Bahá’ís including one city council member and two members of the Falls Church Commission on the Bicentennial of the Bill of Rights.

After the program was rebroadcast on January 11, the city's Office of Public Information, responding to the request of a local citizen, made a copy of the videotaped program and presented it to the public library for circulation. [Page 23]

Models of Unity

from page 9

wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Many models of unity were found. Among them were:

• An association of interracial families that was formed to provide mutual encouragement and share solutions to common problems;
• two churches that had begun sharing a common building for financial reasons, but gradually merged many of their programs and even began to worship together; and
• an elderly white woman who loaned half of her two-car garage to a black family next door, who in turn mowed her lawn and trimmed her shrubs.

Analysis of these and the many other interviewees showed that successful models tend to possess one or more of the following qualities: an intentional, proactive effort; active leadership; an embracing of diversity; and a grassroots approach. While these factors could not be considered a “prescription” for unity, they did indicate the variety of forms intergroup amity could assume. This variety, the report concluded, was a cause for optimism, because it indicated that “with effort better relations could be fostered in numerous contexts and among disparate peoples.”

Robert Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, commented at the conference that the Models of Unity results vindicated the conviction expressed in the Assembly’s statement on race unity that harmony among all peoples ‎in an‎ achievable goal. He later added that the National Assembly hopes that the project will serve as a prototype for similar undertakings in major cities throughout the country.

Cortlandt, New York, has regular broadcast time on local cable television

The Spiritual Assembly of the Town of Cortlandt, New York, has secured regular air time on cable television for broadcasting Bahá’í video tapes.

“Jewel in the Lotus,” a video about the House of Worship in India, was aired on four Thursdays in November at 7:30 p.m. “Peace: The Promise” was shown at that same time in December, to be followed by “Haitian Roots.”

The video tapes are offered as a public service with a brief introduction explaining the fundamental principles and goals of the Faith. At the end of each program, free literature is offered to the public.

SUMMER 1992 TRAVELING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

BULGARIA: June 20-July 20 FRANCE: 2 weeks in July-dates not planned EAST GERMANY: July 4-‎Octpber October‎ 11 GRENADA: June (dates will be set later) SWITZERLAND: Summer 1992 TURKEY: May and October 1992

Nearly 1,000 copies of the statements on world peace and race unity were distributed by Bahá’ís at the recent Southern Festival of Books in Nashville, Tennessee. ‘I shared the message of peace and race unity with more people at this event than I had in the last three years,’ said Luis Lizarraga, a Bahá’í from Nashville who worked in the Bahá’í booth both days during the two-day book festival. As a result of its contact with the Bahá’ís, David-Kidd Booksellers, one of Nashville’s largest book-store chains, expressed an interest in stocking several Bahá’í books in its stores’ section on religion. Pictured at the Bahá’í booth is Maxcia Lizarraga.

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS...

CLAUDIA WHITWORTH, a Bahá’í who is editor and publisher of the Roanoke (Virginia) Tribune, is one of seven women inducted this year into the Hall of Fame of the Virginia Council on the Status of Women. Gov. Douglas Wilder, who proclaimed March Women’s History Month in Virginia, presided over the induction ceremony.

JUAN COLE, associate professor of Middle East history at the University of Michigan, has been appointed director of the school’s Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies 1992-95. Prof. Cole, a Bahá’í since 1972, is a former pioneer to Lebanon who has traveled and taught in West Africa and India. He has translated two books by Mirza Abu’l-Fadl Gulpaygani and has written widely on the Faith for an academic audience. His article, “Iranian Millenarianism and Democratic Thought in the 19th Century,” discussing Bahá’u’lláh’s ideas about representative government, appeared in the February 1992 issue of the International Journal of Middle East Studies.

MARTA MORRIS, a Mayan Indian Bahá’í who is a homefront pioneer to Roby, Texas, is executive director of the Fisher County Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, the first female and person of color ever elected to that position. The Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, which serves the poor of Fisher County by distributing free food and operating a low-cost retail clothing shop, is supported by 26 participating churches and civic groups including the Bahá’ís of Roby. Mrs. Morris also serves on the District Teaching Committee of North Central Texas and is chairman of the Bahá’í Group of Roby.

AKIN GREEN, a 16-year-old Bahá’í who is a sophomore at Glenwood Springs (Colorado) High School, has won the first place award for poetry interpretation from among 50 contestants in the Colorado State Speech Competition. Undefeated throughout the season, Akin had received seven regional first-place trophies and plaques for his rendition of “Runagate Runagate” by poet Robert Hayden, whom he acknowledged each time in his introduction as a Bahá’í.

DARRYL J. WARD, a member of the Bahá’í community of Avondale, Louisiana, has been named director of employment and training for Jefferson Parish. The appointment was made by the Parish President, J. Yenni, at a recent meeting of the Parish Council.

In February, KEVIN HEMMATI, a 10-year-old Bahá’í from Des Plaines, Illinois, read a prayer revealed by Bahá’u’lláh at the yearly banquet of his Cub Scout pack. Afterward, Kevin, who earned his Bahá’í Emblem of Faith a year ago, helped his Cubmaster conduct ceremonies for others who were about to receive their Bahá’í emblems.

ERIKA J. BARTOLUCCI, a 19-year-old Bahá’í from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, who is a sophomore in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University, has received the college’s Winslow Foundation award for 1991-92.

CAMERON MURA, a Bahá’í who is a senior at North Augusta (South Carolina) High School, has won a Senior Division Grand Award at the Central Savannah River Area Science and Engineering Fair. More than 500 young people from 17 counties took part in this year’s fair, at which Mr. Mura was one of only two students to receive a Grand Award. His project, “How Does the Diode and Input Signal Affect the Onset of Chaos in a Simple Electrical Circuit,” was entered in the International Science and Engineering Fair held May 13 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Ridván

de página 17

campaña personal de enseñanza de tal manera que la fuerza colectiva y los resultados a través del mundo llevasen a una conclusión resonante los acontecimientos sagrados de este Año Santo y que preparasen la escena para el lanzamiento del venidero Plan de Tres Años en Ridván de 1993!

Por último, es muy apropiado a esta hora de recordar la observación de Bahá’u’lláh en el Libro Más Sagrado de Su voluntad para nosotros en cuanto a la naturaleza de nuestras reacciones hacia ‎Sua Su‎ fallecimiento: “No os consternéis, oh pueblos del mundo, cuando el Sol de Mi belleza se haya puesto, y el cielo de Mi tabernáculo esté oculto a vuestros ojos. Levantaos a promover Mi Causa y exaltar Mi Palabra entre los hombres. Estamos con vosotros en todo momento y os fortaleceremos con el poder de la verdad. Somos, ciertamente, todopoderosos. Quienquiera que Me haya reconocido se levantará y Me servirá con tal determinación, que las fuerzas de la tierra y del cielo serán incapaces de vencer su propósito”.

Amados amigos, no nos olvidaremos de suplicar en el Umbral Sagrado para que desde Su refugio de esplendor inmortal la Bendita Belleza pueda colmar las almas de cada uno de ustedes con el aliento vivificador de Su poder celestial.

(firma) La Casa Universal de Justicia Ridván de 1992

IN MEMORIAM

Clarence Allen Effingham, SC Date Unknown	Betty Feldman Baltimore, MD November 25, 1991	Elliott Hinton Garner, NC Date Unknown	Helen Morris Macy, NE October 1991
Linda Alvarez Gilroy, CA September 12, 1991	Wendell D. Ginn Rock Island, IL March 5, 1992	Ann Larson Rigby, ID March 21, 1992	Joseph Noyes Oswego, NY April 18, 1991
Annie Bachus Gresham, SC Date Unknown	Thomas Golden Pahokee, FL August 1991	Cynthia Lashbrook Oxnard, CA January 2, 1992	Ardent Saunsoci Macy, NE 1988
Gerald D. Cram Lawrence, MA February 1991	Peter Gunter Columbia, SC Date Unknown	Virginia Liendo Davenport, IA Date Unknown	Pearl Sennett Playa del Rey, CA Date Unknown
Mittie M. Daniels Denmark, SC Date Unknown	Hazel Harmon Morganton, NC July 24, 1989	Genevieve Madigan Las Vegas, NV March 1992	Lizzie Tyndall Macy, NE June 1990
David J. Davis Gresham, SC Date Unknown	Easter Hincks Morganton, NC January 16, 1990	Betty Mickey Willits, CA March 23, 1992	Adelaide S. Turner Alexandria, VA January 5, 1992
Leon Dean Denton, TX Summer 1991

[Page 24]Pictured are some of the more than 100 children and youth who regularly attend the Bahá’í Family School in San Jose, California, which serves families in several communities south of San Francisco Bay. The school year runs from mid-September to mid-May with classes every Sunday morning. The year’s schedule of 30 regular classes is kept lively with Holy Day observances and an Awards Day at the end of the year.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY

28-29: Commemorative of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Special classes by Dr. Nas Rassekh, Dr. Vida Bertrand and the Gilpatricks, new administrators at the school. The commemorative program itself (2:30-3:30 a.m. May 29) will include special readings from the program in Haifa/Bahjí. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

JUNE

5-7: 19th annual Conference of Nur, Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) College. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Theme: “Dawn of the New Age: To Blazon the Name of Bahá’u’lláh Across the Globe.” Pre-registration is required by Friday, May 15. No walk-ins. For more information and/or registration forms, write to Behzad Zandieh, registrar, Harrisburg, PA 17110, or phone 717-232-9163.

12-14: Bahá’í Justice Society, Conference and Annual Meeting, Houston, Texas. Theme: “Equity in Education.” Speakers to include Steven Gonzales, Joy Cross, Dr. William Smith, Dr. Eric Mondschein. Sessions and workshops at the Houston Bahá’í Center and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Send registration fee ($25) to Dr. Mabelle E. Adams-Mayne, Registrar, Houston, TX 77025. Please direct telephone inquiries to Yvor Stoakley, 708-690-3025.

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

27: 80th annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Teaneck, New Jersey. Picnic at noon, program at 3 p.m., evening devotions at 6 o’clock. For more information, phone 201-652-6385.

27-July 2: “This Is the Day—Bahá’u’lláh, His Life and Covenant,” opening week at the Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California, featuring a celebration of promise and poetry. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

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

4-9: “Camp Bosch” for Family and Friends, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Full program for adults, young Bahá’ís, children, junior youth and youth. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

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).

11-16: “The Covenant of God with Humankind: A Study of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas,” Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

18-23: “Challenges of the Holy Year—Proclaiming Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation,” Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

18-30: Youth Institute and Graduate Youth Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information or to register, contact Angelina Allen, 408-423-3387.

25-30: “The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh/Celebration of the Covenant,” Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

25-August 2: Irish Bahá’í Summer School, Newtown School, Waterford. Contact the Registrar, National Bahá’í Center, Burlington Road, Dublin 4, Ireland.

31-August 3: Dayspring Bahá’í School, Frostburg (Maryland) State University. Theme: “Bahá’u’lláh—The Glory of God: The Significance of the Holy Year.” For information, phone Pam Rogers, 703-444-1512.

AUGUST

1-6: Junior Youth Institute (ages 12-15), 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.

1-9: Second annual Zikrullah Khadem Teaching Project, Menominee (Wisconsin) Indian Reservation. For more information, phone 414-476-2862 or 414-386-2908.

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).

15-20: In addition to the regular Youth and Graduate Institutes, a new program, “Advanced Research Institute on the Theory and Method of Bahá’í Scholarship,” Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Directed by Habib Riazati. For information and interview for admission, phone Mr. Riazati, 714-994-3131.

22-27: “Positive Personal Transformation,” “Understanding Our Transcultural Society,” “The Holy Year: Its Challenges and Opportunities,” Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Full program for children/youth directed by staff teachers. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

SEPTEMBER

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

11-13: “Expanding Our Horizons,” the annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. For people of all ages. For information, please phone Cyndi Hogan, 303-625-3932.

OCTOBER

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

28-31: Conference on the Role of Women in a United Europe, Landegg Academy, Switzerland.

MOVING? Got a new telephone number? Please don’t forget to let your local community secretary and the National Spiritual Assembly know about your new address and/or phone number right away so there will be no interruption in receiving your Bahá’í mail.

For your convenience, an address change form appears on the last page of each issue of The American Bahá’í. Simply fill it out, place it in an envelope, and mail to: Management Information Systems, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

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:	C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS:
Street address ________________________________________	P.O. Box or Other mailing address __________________________
Apartment # (If applicable) ___________________________	Apartment # (If applicable) ___________________________
City _________________________________________________	City _________________________________________________
State ______________________ Zip code ________________	State ______________________ Zip code ________________

D. NEW COMMUNITY:	E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:
Name of new Bahá’í Community _________ Moving date ___	Area code ___ Phone number ___________ Name ___________

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

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:

H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY:

[ ] 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. || [ ] 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