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

The American Bahá’í
Volume 23, Issue 7

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

ENCOURAGING INDICATIONS GROWING PUBLIC INTEREST IN FASTAPPROACHING 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 BAHA’U'LLAH. REPRESENTATIVE BAHA'I NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY REQUESTED

PARTICIPATE. INVITATIONS TO BE EXTENDED BY CHAMBER TO ALL SENATORS AND FOREIGN AMBASSADORS. OBSERVERS FROM VARIOUS LOCAL BAHA‘i 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 Baha’i

Volume 23, No. 7

‘The real treasury of man is his knowledge.’—Baha'u'llah

‘Azamat B.€. 149 / May 17, 1992

EXecuTION IN IRAN

Baha’'i's death in Evin Prison shrouded in government secrecy

Dear Baha'i 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 Baha’i family who had been active in the affairs of the Baha’i community. No reason for his execution has been given by the judicial or prison authorities, nor have they disclosed the location of his grave.

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

Related story on page 5.

a Bs : é 4 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

See EXECUTION page 2 | Shrine of the Bab. National Assembly hosts race unity H Pe 3 ‘ Ly Year: A ELEB conference at Carter Center in Atlanta |uenicmn nk tonmnnenecrri teen:

By Forp 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 Baha‘is 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 presen Ascension of Baha'u'llah Holy Year marks 100th anniversary

of Blessed Beauty's passing

David Hofman

Offers some thoughts for reflection on the Holy Year, World Congress

Congress for Healthy Planet

National Assembly co-sponsors women’s event in Miami, Florida

tations 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-Baha‘is 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 Baha'i community as one of the groups that demonstrates such harmony and offers a means of achieving it on an even greater scale. 6

Dr. Berry quoted often from the statement on race

See ATLANTA page 9

The Holy Year is world now arises to “ 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 Baha‘u'llah.

THE HOLY YEAR isto bea period of spiritual celebration and deep reflection on the significance of the station, Person and Mission of Baha‘u'llah and of His world-unifying Covenant. During this time, the efforts of every believer, Baha'i 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 Baha'u'llah 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, signalizing 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

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

The Holy Year also commemorates the Covenant of Baha'u'llah. 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-Baha 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 Baha‘u'llah. ...”

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 Baha’i community life.

With warm regards,

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'is of the United States Ridvan 1992

[Page 2]2 THE AMERICAN BaAHA'i

Young Baha'is at College Club petreas issue challenge to youth

To the Bahda't youth in the United States Dear Baha'i brothers and sisters,

Allah-u-Abha! 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 Baha‘i youth from three college clubs, to address the past progress and future direction of ourclubs. 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 Baha‘i 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 tosleep 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 Bahda’u'llah 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 Baha’u'llah?

2. We need to decide what our strategy should be. What will be our vehicle for communicating the glorious Name of Bahda‘u'llah to our community or our cam us?

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

The American Bahé'i is published 19 times a year by the of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Second class n, IL, and additional mailing offices. Executive editor: Jack Bowers. Associate Editor: Ken Bowers. Art director: Scot Corrie. The id other items of

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whenever possible. Please address all materi: spondence to The Editor, The American Bah

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giving to the Fund.

Our Baha'i Clubs have formed teaching iristitutes whose goals are harmonized with the concept of the Baha’i Club. As an institute, we get together on a regular basis to pray and read from the Baha’i 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 Bahd‘u'llah during the next year. Besides our regular club activities, our strategy is to make the statement on Baha'u'llah available to anyone who wants it.

Our line of action is to have a table with a display on the Holy Year and copies of the statement on Baha‘u'llahat the Student Union at least three days per week. We are also planning special activities such as giving away cupcakes in celebra

_tion of Ridvan and publishing parts of the

statement in student newspapers.

The teaching work is a main part of our vision of emblazoning the Name of Baha’u'llah 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 i in sacrificial giving to the Fund.”

INCLUDED in our vi: precedented level of contributions to the Fund. Atevery meeting we will remember to have a Fund box or envelope, and we

Pictured are sere Hany Charlottesville,

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 Baha’i 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 Baha‘u'llah is

who took part February 7-8 in a Baha‘i Club retreat in hey represented clubs at the Unive: Baltimore, George Mao University, and the University of Virginia.

ly of Maryland at

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 Baha'i youth. What is your vision?. To what will youcommit yourself? Whether or not you are in college or have a Baha’i Club on campus is irrelevant. Determine your vision and go for it!

With sincere prayers and fervent love,

Bahd't College Club retreat of UMAB, GMU and UVa February 8, 1992

Youth Committee calls on young American Baha'is to observe centenary of Ascension of Baha'u'llah

To the Bahd’t 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 Baha’u'llah” 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 Baha'u'llah 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.

Let us also seize upon the spiritual blessings of this occasion by beginning our services to Baha’u’Ilah 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 Ridvan 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

and correi, Wilmette,

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 Baha’i youth community in whatever way we can. Asa 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 Baha’i greetings, The Baha'i National Youth Committee (Please contact us at the Baha’i Na tional 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 yerdict 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 Baha‘is were arrested for meeting in his home. At that time, October 21, 1987, charges were leveled against him because of his membership in the Baha'i 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

aathorities, 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 Bahd’{ community that after a cessation of executions of Baha’is for a period of three anda 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 Baha‘is 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 300400.

‘AZAMAT B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992 [Page 3]

THe AMERICAN BaHA'i 3

Tue Ascension oF BAHA"U'LLAH

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 AllKnowing. 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 softflowing 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 lovingkindness, 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 Baha'u'llah, pp.139-140)

The Abha Beauty Himself—may the spirit of all exist ence 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 Niyavaran to Tihran 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 ‘Iraq, 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’an 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 Bayan. 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

THE ENTRANCE TO THE SHRINE OF BAHA'U'LLAH AT Batui.

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'an 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-Bahd, pp.262-263)

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 Baha’u'llah, as attested by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, 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 Shavval 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’ya (Tablet of the Vision), revealed nineteen years previously, on the anniversary of the birth of His forerunner. ... With the ascension of Baha'u'llah draws to a close a period which, in many ways, is unparalleled in the world’s religious history. The first century of the Baha’i 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 Bab 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-Chal of Tihran, 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 ‘Akka, 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 safe . guard 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.221224) , :

‘AZAMAT B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992 [Page 4]4 THE AMERICAN BAHA'I

Guidelines for teaching, enrolling citizens of mainland China

Guidelines for Bahd’t 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, Baha’is 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 Baha’i communities or institutions established there, although there are, no doubt, individual Baha’is in various localities. They may also say that there are Baha’i organizations in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Baha‘is 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 any: thing that may make these Chinese visi tors uncomfortable. Attendance at Baha’i functions should be left to their discretion, and the fact that citizens of the PRC are engaged in or taking part in Baha'i activities should not be publicized, even among, the Baha’is.

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 Baha’i administration in China and therefore at this time Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha'is only if they are willing for this to be done. They may participate in the social life of the Baha’i community ih anormal manner but not be singled out for undue attention or be subjected to public gaze. Baha’ is 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 Baha’i Administration

For the present, it is unwise for believers whoare citizens of the PRC toserve on Spiritual Assemblies, be appointed tocom

mittees, or be associated officially with

Baha’i 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 Baha ’i activities including voting in Baha'i elections. In addition, a local Baha’i committee may, as it deems appropriate, in

clude 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 Baha*is 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 Baha’i 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.

Baha’ is from Taiwan are free to meet .

with citizens of the PRC in natural situa tions. Likewise, Baha’is who are citizens of the PRC when overseas, may, at their own discretion, share the teachings of Baha’u'llah with the Chinese from Taiwan.

Maintaining contact with Chinese Baha’is who have returned home

There is no specific way of keeping in touch with these Baha'is 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 Baha’i friend. Prior to returning to his homeland, a Chinese Baha’i may wish to arrange for a trusted individual overseas to forward news that he may wish to pass on to Baha’i institutions in the future. Since mail is sometimes censored, it is advised that his Baha’i membership or activities in the Faith not be mentioned in correspondence between. the PRC and overseas.

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

In general, Baha'i literature should not be sent into the PRC. When Baha’ is living there ask for literature, Baha’i publications ina language other than Chinese and that is ofa 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 Baha’i...even if he has permanent residency status. ...” (May 21, 1990)

“When a citizen of China declares his belief in Baha’u'llah, 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 Baha'i 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 forhis acceptance as a Baha’i. While he is encouraged to participate in the activities of the Baha’i 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 Baha’is in the United States who are citizens of China.” (April 8, 1990)

URRENT U.S. PIONEERING GOA

Goals Open Goals Open AFRICA Assigned Goals ~ AMERICAS-Continued Assigned Goals ®) mien Pel endaon (E) Jamaica (Preferably self-supporting for i Ciskei . 2 0 tural areas to work in village development) 4 0 (E) The Gambia (Preferably Persians)... 2 0 et nani or wit musta en) 1 iS Nee referably Outside Nairob)) asi a (S) Nicaragua (Preferably Persian) ... 276 (E) Sierra leas 2 0 (E) St. Lucia (Skills in community consolidation) .. 4 1 gouiualncs: ere (E) St. Vincent & Grenadine: onemo (E) St. Pride 2 1 (D) Suriname (Preferably Persian) 2 a ie ae 5 . (E) Trinidad & Tobago (Preferably Persian) 2.0 (E) Uganda (One to teach the Faith in the is) 5 ° university; one doctor) .. 2 0 (6) 2 0 (E) anges ek Total for Americas ap 0; Total for Africa 23 2 Goals Open Goals 0; AMERICAS Assigned Goals ASIA : ned ©) Bahamas (North Abaco} Eleuthera, Andros, Cat Island, Long Island) 0 (E) Malay: ia (To help develop public (E) Barbados (Employment opportunities relations experts) 1 0 for a dentist) ... 0 (E) Nepal ie 0 (E) Belize (For radio, consolidation, devel- (M) Taiwan (Chinese Background) Be 0 (S) opment projects; skills for the National Total for Asia 6 0 Secretariat) ... ia 0 (P) Brazil (Preferably for Amazon project, Goals Open possibly of Persian background) ... 0 AUSTRALASIA Assigned Goals (S) Chile (Juan Fernandez Islands, prefer- OSAP ms ema ably a Spanish-speaking couple) . 2 2 (E) Marshall Islands (re ° hep with an (€) Dominica... Dealt aD) he pee (F) French Guiana (Preferably Persian) ..... 3 3 Total for Americas 1 0 (E) Grenad: 2 0 asda Ss (F) Guadeloupe (Opportunities for Eng! EU OPE Assigned Goals teachers) ..... eae 0 re Pm AOR (E) oe (Preferably East Indians and 5 el a {Coupe fo ee areas ‘outside lacks .. greater Lis! preferal tugese or (S) Honduras (Bay Islands, Yoro, Spanish-speaking) ..... ee 0: preferably self-supporting) .... 1 Total for Europe 2 0 Total goals assigned 77 Pioneers to goal countrie: 244 Pioneers filling goals for other countries .. 17 Total goals filled .. 66 Pioneers to non-goals .432 Total Pioneers sent...... 693 Language Key: (E) English (D) Dutch (F) French (M) Mandarin (P) Portuguese (S) Spanish — |

‘AZAMAT B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992 [Page 5]THe AMERICAN BAHA 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 forthe National Fund; and this year’s pattern of contributions.

“FIRST, let us look at the matter of taxation. Asa 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 contribu tions.

“Gifts by individuals in your community, however, are affected by the tax regulations, especially if the friends itemize their deductions, While we suspect that gnly 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 Assembl ly has indicated that direct contributions given by an individual toa 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 inthe 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 Baha*i 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 forsome 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. Insucha 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 contribu tions for the Arc Projects was much more than that forthe Baha’i 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 Baha’i International Fund in an unrestricted way.

“The Local Assembly Goal Program for contributions to the National Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 incontributions to the international Funds. You can be assured that the declining figures reported in The American Bahd’t

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 Baha'i 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 beena 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 Baha'i to appreciate the extraordinary honor we enjoy as members of Baha’u'llah’s World Order, that of giving for the growth of that Order. The institu-. tions, 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 area few ideas as to how to use that windfall:

¢ Make a first payment to Huquq'u ‘lah. 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

Continental Baha'i Fund.

‘We mention these options not because the National Baha’i 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 Baha’u'llah 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 Baha'i in Iran

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

“The American Baha'i community feels shock and grief over the execution’of Mr. Bahman Samandari, a leading Iranian Baha’i 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 Baha’i community and its individual members when the nation faces domestic or foreign trials and difficulties, even as they claim to the world that no Baha‘is 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 Bahd‘is.

“American Baha'is,“ 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 tights of all its citizens, including members of minority groups.

Wytze Bos, a Baha'i representative of the Baha‘i 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 Baha'is 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 Tran.

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 Ba-ha’i[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 Baha’i community that after a cessation of executions of Baha'is 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 Baha‘is 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 Baha'is 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.

‘AZAMAT B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992 [Page 6]6 The American BAHA'

Bahd@u'llah

prepared by the Baha'i World Centre

Office of Public Information

HC $8.95 SC $1.50

Anintroduction to the life and work of Baha’u’Il4h, conveying His vision of the oneness of humanity and offering a perspective on confidence” with which Baha'is view “the future of our planet and our race.” This book will aid Baha'is in their efforts to achieve the “widest possible proclamation of the Name of Baha'u'llah” 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 toa general audience. The hardcover edition is designed for use in public libraries and is suitable for presentation.

4-s" x 7", 104 pp., forward, maps, table of contents, introduction, notes,

‘glossary, index

Baha’i Publications Australia

Baha'u'llah: A Glimpse of His Life and Teachings

by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahé'is of Canada

VT $25.00

As the Holy Year approaches, new ways of teaching the world about the life of Baha’u'Ilah are being developed. This new introductory video is an example of this new 4

which the person of Baha’u’llih is featured and the history of His Faith is Seekers are presented with a glimpse of Baha’u'llah’s life as an exile and prisoner and only then offered a look at His community.

27:40 minutes

Images International for IBAVC

William Sears, Videotape

by Baha'i Media Services

VT $20.00

This video documents William Seats’ 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 Ridvan 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 Baha’u'llah’s glorious Faith.

135 minutes

Bahd’i Media Services

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 Baha’iChorale. Songs of the Ancient Beauty showcases some of the best-known choral pieces associated with Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 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 Baha’i belief in the divinity of the world’s great religions. Other works include pieces by Baha’i 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 Baha’i choral music throughout the world E 60 minutes Water music

iti Songs

ate Ancient Litton

“the feeling of ,

SPN: Baha'u'llah

preparado por la Oficina del Centro Mundial Baha'i de Informacién Piblica

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Una introducci6n a la vida y trabajo de Baha'u'llah, transmitiendo Su vision de la unidad de la humanidad y ofreciendo una perspectiva de “el sentimiento de confianza” con el cual los Baha’ is ven “el futuro de nuestro planeta y nuestra raza”. Publicado en preparaci6n del centenario del aniversario del ascenso de Baha’u’Ilahy la inauguracién de Su Convenio, el libro es “un intento principal de una amplia distribucién al publico”. Es también “una fuente de estudio e inspiracién para los Baha’ is mismos” y proveera “material para varias presentaciones de la Fe”. Este libro ayudara a los Baha’ is en sus esfuerzos de alcanzar la “mas amplia proclamacion posible del Nombre de Baha’ w’ Ila! 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 espaiiol favor utilizar el formato de pedidos adjunto.

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El Huququ’llahy los Fondos Baha’is SC $4.50

Este libro re: ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Shoghi Efeendi y la Casa Universal de Justicia sobre temas afines: El Huququ’lléh por un lado y Fondos Baha'is y lad donaciones por otro. Sobre el primero se explica su significado distinitvo, sus fundamentos y las normas desu cumplimiento, en las que se re prioridad sobre cualquier otra contribucion. Sobre el segundo se incide en la importancia de donar tanto para el progreso y ejecucion de las actividades dela Fe como para el desarrolla espiritual del propio individuo. En ambas recopilaciones queda claro el caracter personal y voluntario ‘de las aportaciones.

Rustica - 20 x 14 cm., 104 pags.

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Reflections on the NSE Pearce of the Holy Year by Glenford Mitchell

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In Baha’i history there has only been one Holy Year—proclaimed by Shoghi Effendi, November 30, 1951, to commemorate the centenary of the Declaration of Baha’u’Il4h. 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 Baha’u’llah at Bahji on May 28, 1992.

approximately 120 minutes

Baha’i Media Services

Sociat Issues

International Legislation for Environment and Development

by the Bahd’t 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-%" x 8-4", 4-panel

Bahd’i International Community

Earth Charter

by the Bahd't 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 ofa worldwide Federal system to regulate environmental standards and enforce environmental violations.

Women and Men: Partnership for a Healthy Planet

by the Baha’t International Community PA 10pk $2.50 PA 50pk $11.00 The Baha’i 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’ roles in society. An excellent teaching and deepening tool for women’s groups, Future Studies Groups, and individua 3-2" x 8-42", 4-panel

Baha'i International Community

1 Service

On

[Page 7]THe AMERICAN BaHA'i 7

Basic Facts of the Baha’i Faith Baha'i Publishing Trust of the U. S.

PA 50/pk $5.75

This introductory pamphlet presents a basic description of the Baha’i 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 onéness of humankind, and other Baha’i principles conveying Baha’u’llah’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" x 3-%2", 6-panel

Erich Reich Enterprises

Journal of Baha’i Studies, Vol. 3 No. 4 SC $6.00

Mishkin-Qalam, the greatest of the calligraphers who served Baha'u'llah, was not only master of the various styles of Isla’ 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 ice, 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 Baha'i revelation. In this well-researched, extended essay, Christopher Buck considers the Kifdb-i-Iqdn as a reformist document from historical, intellectual, and ideological points of view and places Baha’u’llah’s revelation in the context of modern Islam. The originality of Baha*u'llah’s station as a “world reformer”—and the total independence of his teachings from Western influences—becomes clearly apparent.

Ina short, yet comprehensive, essay the late Nasser Sabet outlines the background and spiritual significance of the Kitdb-i-Iqan.

84 pages

Association for Bahd’i Studies

Baha’it DayBook

Passages for Deepening and

Meditation

SC $6.95

A book of daily devotions compiled from the Baha’{ writings and other scriptures for each date of the Baha’i year, beginning with Naw-Ruz (March 21). Daily use of this book will help to foster the habit of reading daily from the Bahdé’i writings, and strengthen one’s attachment to the Covenant. Suitable for gift-giving.

4-'/3" x 6", 374 pp., foreword, illustrations, references

Bahd’i Publishing Trust of the U.S.

For CHILDREN

O God, Guide Me! : Bahd'u'lléh, the Bab, and ‘Abdu'l-Baha 4 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, : : ne purity of heart, spiritual education, protection, spiritual : happiness, dawn, obedience to God, healing, the light of Po 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.

4-4" x 6-4", 41 pp.

Bahd@’i Publishing Trust of the U.S.

A for Effort:

And Other Stories for Today's Young Heroes

by Susan’'J. Allen

SC $7.95

Anew book of young adult fiction that presents Baha’i teachings as spiritual guidance fc is book we meet Lucy, Ralph, Carrie, Nick and many other to understand what being a Baha’i i about. We read e characters deal with the feeling of just a little “d nt” and alone. se they try to be good Ba and their non-F iends don’t understand. This ars old through later teens.

Days of Ridvan

HC $14.95

Days of Ridvan isa joyous retelling of the Ridvan story, marking the holiest days of the Baha’{ year. This compilation of stories, prayers, readings, and the Tablets of Baha’u'lléh, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and Shoghi Effendi explain the significance of the Ridvan festival: the first, the ninth, and the twelfth days. Also included are eyewitness accounts of the memorable days of Baha’u’Ilah’s declaration of His mission. Days of Ridvan is the most recent in a series of books being published by Kalimat Press on the Baha’i Holy Days. Other books in this series include: The Ascension of Baha'u'llah: A Compilation and The Passing of ‘Abdu'l-Bahd: A Compilation.

5-%" x 7-Y%e", 76 pp., preface, appendix, sources Kalimdat Press

Morning Stars

A Profile of Kevin Locke

VT $29.95

Mr. Locke discusses his personal view of the Baha’i Faith as a fulfillment of many of the traditional Lakota Sioux religious prophesies 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 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.

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Per: Muntakhhabati Baha'i Faith (Messages from the U.H.J.) edited by M. K. Rohani SC $9.50 SC $3.50 The Baha'i World Spni: La Fe Baha'i y su Vol. I-XII Communidad Mundial $200.00 net by the Bahd't Publishing Trust of the United States PA 10pk/$3.50 Bahd’i Datebook (Australia) PA 50pk/$15.50 149-50 B.E. (1992-93, ee Te ee ETN TTC SC $3.25 ¢ ») Spn: La Fe Bahda’i Teaching 3-4a" x 6-Ya", 80 pp. Booklet : Century Press Pty. Ltd. by Dr. Hiddyatu'lléh Ahmadiyyih SC $1.00

Unrestrained As the Wind:

Enlighten Curriculum A Life Dedicated to Bahd’u'lldh

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[Page 8]

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The Ameri can Baha'i are published free of charge as a service to the Baha'i

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 Baha'i 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 Baha'i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387).

THE GREEN ACRE Baha‘i 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 Baha'i School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903, or phone 207-439-7200 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., for more infor

ONT,

THE BAHA'IS 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, Sopedintendany Dubuque Area Public Schools ration Building, 2300 Chaney Road,

a uque, IA $2001. Inquiries to the Baha'is

can be made to M. McDowell,

ton St., Dubuque, IA 52001 (phone 319-556 1982). Dubuque, a city of 53,000 on the Mis sissippi 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 com munity 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 Baha‘i community. For more information, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Providence, Providence, RI 02903, or phone 401-751-0761.

THE BAHA'IS of Benbrook, Texas, invite anyone whois planning tobecomea 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, anda 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 Baha'i 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 Baha‘u'llah. 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 selfsupporting, 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 asa 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 BAHA’{ 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-spe posi 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 512-4256385.

PIO RING (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 Re

public of Ireland invites applications from married couples or individuals who would be interested in serving as caretakers of the National Haziratu’l-Quds in Dublin. YuzhnoSakhalinsk, Sakhalin, Russia: English-language international school, based on Baha‘i principles, opening September 1992, needs teachers. For more information on any of the above, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Baha'i National Center, Wilmette IL 60091; telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708869-0247 Attn: Office of Pioneering.

THE NATIONAL Baha‘ Archiv 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 Baha'i Archives, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

THE NATIONAL Baha‘i 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 Baha'u'llah (paper, 1937), Principles of Baha’i Administration (cloth, 1963), The Promised Pay Is Come (cloth, 1969), and The World Order of Baha’u'llah (paper, 1955). Anyone having copies they could donate is asked to send them to the National Baha‘i Archives, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

ANTED

THE BAHA’i World Congress Youth Movement Forum needs Baha’is 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: Baha'i World Congress, Youth Movement Forum, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 119, New York, NY 10017.

WANTED: a few helping handsat the Baha'i 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 Bahd't that reports news of this historic event to the friends around the world, please drop a note to.the editor, The American Bahd', 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, 22-year-old graphic arts student from Tehran, has been hospitalized for the second time this year with cancer. After successful treatment for lymphotia 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 iti 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 Baha‘isall 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.

PERIODICA

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-Baha,” June 25; January/February 1993 issue—“My Bahi’i Community,” August 25. Wanted: games, stories, articles, Holy Day ‘activities, photo essays, Baha'i family life, poetry, music, teaching stories, pictures of Bahd‘i children, parents’ page articles, stories from Baha‘ 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 708864-3852).

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

ISCELLANEOUS

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 Bahé‘i 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 Committée 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 Baha‘u'llah 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 As-~ sembly’s statement on race unity, and the compilation on Baha‘u'llah will be available for ution. Anyone with ability forming 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.

‘AZAMAT B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992 [Page 9]+ epee s 2

THE AMERICAN ‘Bawa 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 Baha'i 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.”

Inclosing, Dr. Berry recommended that everyone read the Baha‘i 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 desegregated 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

A communications work: op at the Atlanta conference.

was 50 years ago.”

HE WENT ON tosay 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 youlive, 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 con ferees 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 cteate 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 washeld Saturday evening at which reports from workshops were presented and entertainment was provided by a jazz group, A.B.J.Q., whose members are Baha'is.

A tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on

n card at the Atlanta race unity conference as his

-, Cecilia (who later signed her card as well), looks on. (Photos by Joe Ferguson)

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 Baha’i Club hosted a public meeting at the university attended by more than 400 people, Baha'i and non-Baha’i. 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 Baha‘is 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 Bahda’'is, the weekend was marked by a feeling of excitement over the success of the conference. The contin. ued growth of involyement in the community at large over the past decade has placed the Baha‘i community of Atlanta in a position to build upon the friendships made and the recognition given by the non-Baha‘i community.

‘Monets or 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 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 ofunity” as “any successful effort, whether intentional or not, from which one could learn about the process of intergroup unity.” Projecteers 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 con _ ducted 60 interviews over a period of several months with subjects from a

See MODELS page 23

‘AZAMAT B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992 [Page 10]10 THE American BaAHA'L

World Congress Youth Movement

Statement on Baha'u'llah tool for study during Holy Year

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

Itisin Baha’u'llah’s Name that representatives of Baha'i 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 Baha'is 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 ys 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 Baha'u'llah. This incredible document “offers a perspective on the feeling of confidence with which Baha‘is 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 Baha‘u'llah. It was released now so that we can use it as we “emblazon Baha’u'llah’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 Baha'i 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 asource 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 Baha‘u'llah 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 Baha'i World Congress and youth will appear regularly in The American Baha‘. If you have any comments that you'd like to share or questions you would like answered, please write to us at Baha'i World Congress Youth Movement Forum, Baha'i International Community, 866 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017, or phone 212-486-0560.

“The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions.”"—*Abdu'lBaha The American Baha'i 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 ex— pressed in these columns are those of the writers, and are not neces— sarily 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 Baha'i, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Acorrection...

In the Mulk/February 7 issue of The American Baha’i 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 Bahd’u'lléh in the Siyah-Chdl a century before. He pointed out that this significant episode, during which Bahd'u'lldéh’s Ministry was made known to Him, also marked the fulfillment of the Bab’s prophecies concerning the “year nine” and the end of the Babi Dispensation. Mr. Mitchell dated Bahé'u'lldéh’s experience inthe Styah-Chdl 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), Baha'u'llah was cast into the Siyah-Chal 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, Bahd‘u'llah...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 Baha’u'llah’s experience in the Siyah-Chal as 1852, not 1853.

Mr. Mitchell further states, “The Year Nine refers to the number of years since the Declaration of the Bab 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 Bab] 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 Bayan. ...”’ Here the Bab seems to be referring to a number of years (nine) rather than toa specific year (1269).

Other quotations from the Bab referring, to that period of time appear on the same page: “In the year pine,” He, referring to the advent of the promised Revelation, has explicitly written, “ye shall attain unto

a visit to Modesto, California, last November. Mayor Taniguchi was in Modesto to investigate the possibility of a sister-city rel:

friend of some of the Bah:

particularly successful, and was contacted at the request of its local Spi

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 and unidentified aide to the mayor.

ionship between the two towns. He is a is of Kurume City, where teaching act

all good.” “In the year nine, ye will attain unto the presence of God.”” Here there is reference toa specific year—1269/1852—and to Bahda’u'llah’s experience in the Siyah-Chal. 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 Bahd't asking for a copy of J, Mary Magdalene, several people wrote to me saying they also wanted copies.

Shortly afterward, I received a letter from the Association for Bahda’i Studies in Canada along with a photocopy of a mimeographed copy they had on file in the Center for Baha'i 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 Baha'i Studies, 34 Copernicus St., Ottawa, Ontario KIN 7K4, Canada.

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

Thank youso 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 paragtaph 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’lBaha.

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

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

Many traveling Baha‘is 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 Spirjtial Assembly. Again came the suggestion, and again the Assembly repliéd, “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 Baha’i 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

AZAMAT B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992

[Page 11]THe AMERICAN BAHAT 11

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. Asa 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 Baha'i broadcasts, is part of the campaign dedicated to the memory of the late Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu'll4h Muhajir. Since the campaign was launched in September 1991, the number of local Assemblies that meet regularly has increased considerably, and more than 20 new Baha'i libraries have been established.

RK

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

kwK t

Ahighlight of the second National Baha’i 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 Baha‘is who had accepted the Faith in Sibiu immediately before the conference.

wa

A special teaching project held recently in Singida, Tanzania, during which the Faith was proclaimed in five primary

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 OctoberNovember, drew participants from 19 countries who discussed 14 major world issues of special concern to governments of developed and developing countries and presented Baha'i 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 Bahai 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 Baha'i approach to agriculture and rural development. For information, please contact the secretary, Dr. I. Poostchi, 97 St. Marks Road, Henly-onThames RG9 1LP, United Kingdom.

schools, led to the enrollment in the Faith of 16 teachers. The Baha’ 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 Bahda‘u'llah and learned a Baha‘i prayer and song. aK

During a teaching campaign fo-cused on the universities in Seoul, Korea, three people embraced the Faith. The activities were undertaken by Baha’is 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 Baha'is immediately attended deepening classes at the Baha’i Center in Seoul and in the homes Le of local believers.

5 ake

The first European Conference on Baha’i 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 Baha'i student activities in Europe. Issues discussed included the role of Baha'i scholarship in student life, the contribution of Baha’i students to the Holy Year, and national and Europe-wide networking among students.

wee

On January 7, Her Majesty Tshering Yangdon, the Queen of Bhutan, visited the Baha‘i 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 ptayers im 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 Baha'i 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 meimories back to Bhutan.”

waK

The first Baha'i 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.

Re

The President of the Republic of Malta, Dr. Vincent Tabone, and the Archbishop of Malta were among the visitors to the Baha'i 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 Baha‘is in Iran. He said he remembered having signed the letter, and spoke appreciatively about the Faith.

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More than 7,700 people visited an ex hibit titled “Forty Years of Unity—the

goods were gathered by two Baha’! transported to Kiev where they were given to needy peop!

Baha'i 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 Baha'is, and many distinguished guests. ae

Eighty Baha‘is from all over Germany took part in a National Teaching Confer cence 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.

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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 Baha’is 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 Baha’is: “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 Capabi ” 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.

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The Queen Mother of Lesotho, Mamohato Seeiso, attended a session of the first Baha'i International Summer School to be held in that country. About 450 Baha‘is 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 Baha'u'llah, Valera Allen and Sean Hinton.

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The President of Bangladesh, Abdu:

In Ukraine, Baha'is distribute humanitarian aid at the Children’s Hospital in Kiev. The and their friends in Nurnberg, Germany, then

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 Ruie of Law. KAR

Anevent hoped to be “a milestone in the development of the Faith” in Peru took place last December 28-January 7 at the Radio Baha'i complex at Chucuito near Puno: aseminar for Aymara and Quechua Bahd’is 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 Baha‘i, six Auxiliary Board members from Peru and Bolivia, and other Baha'is concerned with writing and translating into native languages.

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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, 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 fora presentation on the Faith. In his closing remarks, Mr. Rogers drew attention to the Holy Year and assured his audience that the Name of Baha‘u'llah would soon be known throughout the world.

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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 Baha‘u'llah; 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 Baha’u'llah.

‘AZAMAT B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992 [Page 12]12 THe AmerICAN BAHA'

Davin HormaAN

Some thoughts for reflection on the Holy Year

To the Bahd'ts of the United States Dear Bahd't friends,

Tam delighted to accept the invitation of The American Bahd't to offer you some thoughts upon which to reflect as we prepare ourselves for Holy Year 149-150. In doing so Ihave 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 Bahda‘u'llah, 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 Baha'i 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 [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 lifesustaining force with which they are endowed.

The ascension of Baha‘u'llah 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” manmade 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 wit nessed.” (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 136)

In missives of majestic power, He addressed the splendidly arrayed monarchs and rulers and religious leaders, tevealing 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 Bahda‘u'llah’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 Baha'i 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 Baha’u'llah 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 Baha‘u'llah’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 Baha'u'llah 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

Davin HoFMAN

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 menas 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.”

Baha'u'llah 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 tequirements 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, and

‘AzAMAT B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992 [Page 13]

the Covenant the one which shall not be broken.

“This is a new cycle of human power,” ‘Abdu'l-Baha 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-Bahd in London)

THIS IS the gift of Baha’u'lah’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 Baha‘u'llah’s Will and the provisions of ‘Abdu’l-Baha‘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 Baha‘i community during those moments of dire crisis associated with the ascension of Baha‘u'llah, the ascension of ‘Abdu’lBaha, 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 Baha‘u'llah Himself in the Tablet of Carmel and His instruction to the Master to raise the Shrine of the Bab on the exact spot where it stands today in all its beauty, dominating the Haifa scene, were initiated by

Abdu'l-Baha 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 Bab and His youthful disciple in their eternal resting place.

THIS SINGLE act of the Master’s laid the spiritual foundation of the Baha'i World Center and is one of the wondrous tales of the Faith belonging to this first century since the ascension of Baha‘u'llah. Yet another is the Christ-like life of *Abdu'l-Baha 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 ‘Akka add splendor upon splendor to the century. He secured to the safe custody of the Faith the Shrine of Baha'u'llah, His Mansion at Bahji, 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 Bahiyyih Khanum, the Greatest Holy Leaf and foremost woman of the Baha'i dispensation, and transferred to that garden from their simple graves in ‘Akka the remains of ‘Abdu'l-Bahd’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 Bab’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 Bab, 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-Adkhar; 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 Baha'i administration; his direction of the worldwide teaching campaigns; his education and superb leadership of the rapidly growing Baha'i 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 Baha‘u'llah in His Most Holy Book, defined by *Abdu’lBaha 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 Baha’u'llah’s embryonic world commonwealth.”

They achieved theireternal 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 Baha'i 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

THE AMERICAN BAHAT 13

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 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 Bahd‘u'llah’s Revelation has protected His Cause from all such contentions and disputes. Within the first hundred years after Baha‘u'llah’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 Baha’u'llah across the world.

See Epilogue to Hofman, Commentary on the Will

and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd.

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.

Inclosing, 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 Baha‘i Club. Teaching on college campuses was recently adopted asa goal of the Greensboro Baha‘i 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 Baha'is and 30 members of the women’s group.

Asa follow-up,amember 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, Baha‘is Bill and Ester DeTally of Washington state stopped in Macedonia, Ohio, to drop off their Chinese pug dog, ‘Puggie,’ with

14-year-old their efforts to were at their post 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 ‘Pug; West Coast to live.

ichard Clavin and his family. Richard chose to support neer by taking care of ‘the Pug’ while the DeTallys Ukraine. His service began immediately with

leaves his Midwestern home and returns to the

‘AZAMAT B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992 [Page 14]14 THE AmerICAN BaAHAi

Congress For A HEALTHY PLANET eee Se 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 fora Healthy Planet. The Baha'i International Community (BIC) was a co-sponsor of the Congress, and 25 Bahd'is 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), whichurges 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 Bahd‘u'llah 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/developmentcrisis 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 Baha'i 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 establis| ing 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 Na

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.

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

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 27January 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,

‘AZAMAT B.£. 149 / May 17, 1992

following the example of *Ab-du’l-Baha; visited elderly Baha’ is 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 Baha’i 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.

tions 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 toarticulate their needs, design their own programs, and begin affecting policy-making at all levels. Asa 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 ex panded. Despite some progress, however, ~

women remain on the fringes of policymaking, 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 Baha'i 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 menas equal partners. When men lend their full support to this process, welcoming women into all fields of hu man 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 womenare prevented from attaining theirs.

Indeed, when men actively promote the principle of equality, women willnolonger 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 Baha'i 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. Baha'is,.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 Baha’i 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 ina packet of BIC statements on various topics which the U.S. Baha'i UN Office is offering to Baha'is. To order the complete packet of BIC statements, write to: U.S. Baha'i UN Office, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017. Please enclose a check for $5, payable to the Baha'is of the U.S., to cover the cost of postage and printing.

Journalists must have Congress credentials Baha'i journalists who wish to write articles or otherwise cover the second Baha'i World Congress as professionals must obtain credentials in advance. Send your journalistic credentials or résumé, including professional references, to the Baha'i 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 Baha‘is who submit their credentials for review and are subsequently approved will be invited to cover the World Congress.

[Page 15]THe AMERICAN BAHAT 15

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

°

The thing about Bahd‘is 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. ..

Itdrove 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 tocome, 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 youreally 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 Baha‘i scholarship that we have seen in the past two or three decades was unknown to us. We had no idea that the Baha‘i youth of the world were poised, on the verge of arising and changing the climate and the condition of the Baha'i 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 Baha’i 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,

Worip Coneress

Historic event promises to eclipse even London Congress

wasa 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 Baha‘u'llah 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 Baha‘u'll4h 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 ci 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 Baha‘u'llah’s World Congress. Why else does this exist?” Broad, broad corridors like vast rooms, going onand 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 has designed and which the House itself has approved, is to take the friends who go there ona spiritual journey. It isto 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.

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 noconference we've everhad. We'venever hada 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’lBaha 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 anda 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 Bahd‘is 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 Baha’u'llah 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-Baha 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 tolearn 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 inany 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-Baha’i 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.

Amatu’'l-Baha [Ruhiyyih Khanum] 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 Baha‘u'llah Himself. The second day, which is in many respects the heart of the program, will focus on *Abdu’l-Baha and the Covenant. On the third day we will really understand, with the help of Amatu’l-Baha, the role of the Guardian and the expansion of the Cause around the world. The fourth day we're going to take a lookat how this encounter between the world and the Cause is taking

monarch, Nasi Augustine

by Jerry T. Bidlack, associate professor of m Young People’s Philharmonic. (Photo by B. Stanley)

In February, more than 200 people, Baha'is and non-Baha’is, attended the premiere

performance in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, of theatre artist Bil

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 |-Din Shah, and was later tortured and killed. It is di

, chairman of the Theatre Department at Lehigh University, wit

ic at Lehigh and music director of the

“AZAMAT B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992 [Page 16]16 THe AmenicAN ‘Bana

MENSAJE DE RipvAN Por la Casa Universal de Justicia

A los baha'is del mundo Muy queridos amigos,

En esta temporada de Ridvan, con ss inherentes esplendores y su comienzo de dias excepcionales y memorables, nuestros corazones vibran con admiraci6n, nos arrodillamos en homenaje al Rey de la Gloria por cuya gracia hemos Ilegado a una coyuntura propicia en la historia de Su Causa.

Del pinaculo del triunfo del Plan de Seis Anos que acaba de terminar, llegamos al umbral del Afio Santo, que acaba de comenzar, atemorizados con la sola idea de los significados Unicos asociados con la conmemoracion de esa santificada ocasién hace cien afos, cuando Baha‘u'llah, el Prometido de todas las épocas, se despidid 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 ausenté de este planeta Aquel Quien es el Autor de una Revelacién de “inconcebible grandeza” en la cual “todas las Dispensaciones del pasado han alcanzado su apogeo y consumacidn final”; el Creador de un nuevo Ciclo Universal “que debe prolongarse por lo menos por un periodo de quinientos mil afios”; el Fundador de un Orden Mundial, un “Sistema -- el cual los ojos mortales nunca atestiguaron”. Ademis, El fue el Punto del Amanecer del Dia de Dios, el “Dia en el cual las bendiciones mas sublimes de Dios fueron vertidas sobre los hombres”. Tales son las realidades supremas sobre las cuales nuestras esperanzas estan centradas durante este aniversario especial que tendra lugaren este momento crucial de los asuntos de la humanidad.

TAN inspirados estamos por los sagrados recuerdos evocados por este Afio Santo, que os menos que podemos hacer es invitar a ustedes a‘detenerse:e ingresar en este periodo de reflexion, esta época de reconsagracion, esta etapa de preparacion para tareas atin por hacer, cumbres poralcanzar, esplendores por describir. Porque simiramos hacia cien anos atras de una historia sin igual de continuo progreso, también miramos hacia el futuro de muchos siglos de un despliegue de cumplimiento del divino proposito -- cumplimiento, que como la experiencia loha demostrado, se realiza en forma incremental por. medio de los progresos sistematicos del Planes y los cambios y empujes maravillosos de las épocas.

Efectivamente, el proximo portal de este auspicioso Ajo Santo es la perspectiva de nuevos horizontes abiertos por el triunfo del Plan de Seis Afios, 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 especificos, el ambito de expansion 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 paginas los resultados del Plan, los aspectos importantes de los desarrollos en este dinamico y admirable periodo merecen, no obstante, ser destacados. La comunidad baha’i ha cambiado apreciablemente en los ultimos seis afios. Las sefiales mas importantes son, sin dudad alguna, perceptibles a los amigos en todas partes y se pueden resumir de esta manera:Uno: La Fe de Baha’u'llah esta Tepresentada en todos los paises de la tierra. El cambio subito en el clima politico, sin duda por la intervencién del Plan Mayor de Dios, abrié regiones inmensas para la penetracion de las ensefianzas divinas, principalmente en laantigua Union Soviética y los paises del Bloque Oriental. Las oportunidades creadas por este cambio han hecho posible el establecimiento de Caballeros de Baha‘u'llah en los ultimos territorios virgenes que quedaron de la Cruzada Mundial de Diez Afios de Shoghi Effendi. Ellas también impulsaron el lanzamiento del Plan adicional de Dos Afios para esas regiones en Ridvan de 1990. Este plan suplementario fue un éxito espectacular, no solo en términos de expansion en los paises involucrados, sino también en la diversidad del estrato social representados por los nuevos creyentes en esos paises, en el volumen y variedad de literatura baha’i publicada y en laserie de instituciones baha is establecidas

durante ese tiempo corto. El mundo baha’i fue muy estimulado por estos acontecimientos y varios paises en otras partes registraron éxitos importantes en el trabajo de la ensenanza. Las cifras ya proporcionadas al Centro Mundial indican que mas de un millon y medio de almas ingresaron a la Causa durante el Plan de Seis Afios. El proyecto especial de ensefianza de duracion de tres afios en Guyana fue particularmente interesante, y el cual result en el crecimiento del tamano de la comunidad baha‘i a un seis por ciento de la poblacion del pais.

Dos: La proclamacién de la’ Fe por todo el mundo alcanz6 una nueva etapa. La campajia de proclamacion lanzada en 1967 por medio de la inspiraci6n del centenario del aniversario de la Proclamacion de Baha"u'llah a los reyes y gobernantes de la humanidad, y que obtuvo mayor impulso en 1979 con la oleada de persecuciones de la comunidad baha’i irani, cubre ahora un area muchisimo mas amplia con la distribucion de “La Promesa de la Paz Mundial”. Reyes, reinas, presidentes, primer ministros, legisladores, juristas, académicos, diversas instituciones y organizaciones se enteraron del Mensaje de Baha'u'llah. Las energias creativas que las comunidades en todas partes pusieron en practica en transmitir la Causa, se convirtieron en una de las fuerzas impulsadoras del Plan y de una manera no muy pequefia, estimularon el interés de organizaciones, lideres del pensamiento y de los medios de comunicacién hacia las soluciones que la Fe tiene para ofrecer a un mundo extrafiamente trastornado. Las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales y Locales, inspiradas por el impacto de la medidas que ellas adoptaron para la proclamacién de la Fe, y también por los continuos esfuerzos para defender la afligida y perseguida comunidad baha’i irani, han

demostrado y continian demostrando una audacia y .

originalidad notables en sus relaciones con el ptiblico 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 comunicacion.

Tres: La dedicacién en diciembre de 1986 del Templo Madre del subcontinente indio para el culto del publico en general, introdujo una nueva fuerza a las actividades de ensefianza y proclamacién 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 atraccion extraordinaria para un gran numero de visitantes. Sufama como una maravilla arquitectonica se difundi6é con rapidez, asi como también su influencia espiritual. No es una exageracion decir que de todas las Casa de Adoracion Baha'i, este Templo es hoy en dia el maestro silencioso mas efectivo de la Fe, atrayendo anualmente mas visitantes que todos los otros Templos Baha’is juntos, con un promedio diario de 20.000. Entre sus visitantes de muchos paises estan algunas de las personas mas prominentes en el mundo. Una fuente de gran interés para los medios de comunicaci6n, el Templo ha sido presentado en programas de television, atin el Rusia y la China. La influencia de su éxito en estos aspectos ha contribuido enormemente al conocimiento de la Fe por parte del ptiblico en general.

CUATRO: La emergencia continua de la Fe desde la oscuridad se refleja en maneras distintivas. en citculos eruditos, en libros de referencia y en los medios de comunicaci6n, se refieren a la Fe mas y mas como una religion “principal” o “importante”. El reportaje de las actividades de la Fe por los medios de comunicacién ha aumentado voluminosamente gracias a los esfuerzos redoblados de los amigos en sus actividades de proclamacion, pero atin mas importante es el hecho de que los medios de comunicacién estan mostrando un interés independiente en la comunidad baha’i y estan iniciando contactos con ella en varias partes del mundo. La exposicién de segmentos influyentes del publico a las en areas tales como la paz, el medioambiente, la condicién de las mujeres, la educacién y la alfabetizacion, han causado una respuesta que cada vez mas llama a los baha’is a participar con otros en una variedad de proyectos asociados con gobiernos o con organizaciones no-gubernamentales.

Ademias, tal exposicion esta creando en la mente del

publico la comprensién de que la Fe tiene respuestas a los problemas de la actualidad y por eso la expectativa de que la comunidad baha’i deberia jugar un papel mas activo en los asuntos publicos. El notable éxito de las actividades de la Oficina del Medio Ambiente de la Comunidad Internacional Baha’ i, establecida durante el Plan, ilustra ampliamente la naturaleza de estos acontecimientos. Al mismo tiempo, la relacién oficial que la Comunidad Internacional Baha'i establecid con la Red de Conservacion y Religion del Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza, y con la Conferencia Mundial sobre Religion y la Paz, conjuntamente con similares y numerosas telaciones 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 atencién. En total, el empuje de la tamificada campaiia de proclamacion ha producido una resonancia publica acerca de la Fe, que se puede decir que es conocida por las instituciones publicas mas significativas y gente prominente del mundo.

CINCO: Los proyectos baha’is de desarrollo socioecondmico se han multiplicado enormemente y han traido mucho prestigio a la comunidad en los ejemplos de la fuerza de la iniciativa de grupo y de la accién consultiva voluntaria que han sido establecidas en muchos lugares. Actividades en este aspecto involucran mas de mil proyectos en las areas de educacion, agricultura, salud, alfabetizacién, el medio ambiente y el mejoramiento de lacondicién de la mujer. En varias instancias los proyectos se han beneficiado de la colaboracién o la ayuda de gobiernos y organizaciones internacionales nogubernamentales, como por ejemplo, los proyectos para el mejoramiento de la condicién 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 Canada, la India, Alemania y Noruega. Algunos proyectos han sido tan distinguidos por sus logros como para que hayan tenido la atencién publica por medio de menciones honrosas y premios de gobiernos y organismos internacionales no-gubernamentales.

Seis: Las actividades de jovenes tomaron un caracter especial concebidos por la idea del afio de servicio de jovenes. La participacion de los jovenes en el Plan de Seis Afios como pioneros a corto plazo, como maestros viajeros y promotores de proyectos, tuvo un profundo efecto en el trabajo de la ensefianza en general y en la inspiracion de los esfuerzos de desarrollo socioeconémico iniciados por un numero creciente de comunidades nacionales y locales. Ellas tienen mucho que hacer con las multiples victorias en los antiguos paises comunistas. Sutrabajo en los proyectos de desarrollo socioeconémico atrajeron, en algunos casos, la atencién de gobiernos y organizaciones de desarrollo. La creacién del Consejo Baha’i de Juventud Europea galvaniz6 las actividades de los jovenes lo cual reforz6 poderosamente el empuje de la ensefianza en ese continente durante los afios finales del Plan. Un hecho muy significativo en las actividades de los jovenes ha sido su participacién, como voluntarios acorto 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 consolidacion del sistema administrativo baha’i son evidentes por el notable mejoramiento en el desarrollo interno y los esfuerzos de colaboracién de los dos brazos. Las queridas e intrépidas Manos de la Causa de Dios, fieles a la lealtad que profesan a su amado Guardian, 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 Ensejianza reforzado y vigoroso, asegur6 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 extensién 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.

“‘AZAMAT B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992 [Page 17]THe AMERICAN BAHA 17

Paralelamente, el trabajo de estas instituciones ha facilitado y promovido la evolucién del Orden Administrativo. Atn mas: éstas han demostrado una energia creativa que es un buen presagio para su continua maduracion.

OCHO: Los grandes proyectos de construccién en la Montaiia de Dios, previstas por Baha’u'Ilahenla Tabla del Carmelo, inaugurados por ‘Abdu'l-Baha con la construccién de la Tumba del Bab y lIlevados hacia adelante en los planes de Shoghi Effendi, han ingresado enuna nueva etapa. El trabajo comenzé en mayo de 1990 con el reforzamiento y extension de la terraza principal del Santuario del Bab como el paso inicial hacia la realizacién del concepto arquitecténico para el cumplimiento de la vision de ‘Abdu’l-Baha de las Terrazas que se extenderan desde la base hasta la cumbre de la montafia. En septiembre del afio siguiente, se excavé la tierra para la construccion del Centro para el Estudio de los Textos y para la Extension del Edificio del Archivo Internacional, para continuar con la construccién de otros edificios del Arco, a saber: los edificios del Centro Internacional de Ensenanza, y en su debido tiempo, la Biblioteca Internacional Baha’i.

Todos estos acontecimientos han hecho evidente que el potencial acumulado para un progreso adicional de la comunidad baha’i es incalculable. La situacién modificada dentro y entre las naciones y los multiples problemas que afligen a la sociedad aumentan este potencial. La impresion producida por tal cambio es de que la Paz Menoresta por llegar. Pero ha habido una recrudecimiento simultaneo de las fuerzas contrarrestadoras. Con la nueva corriente de libertad politica que resulté del fracaso de los baluartes del comunismo, ha llegado una explosién del nacionalismo. El concomitante levantamiento del racismo en muchas regiones se ha convertido en una cuestién de preocupacion grave en todo el mundo. Estas son agravadas por una ola de fundamentalismo religioso que esta envenenando los manantiales de la tolerancia. el terrorismo es muy corriente. Una incertidumbre general acerca de la condicion de la economia demuestra un profundo desorden en el manejo de Id$ asuntos materiales del paleta, una condicién que solo puede agravar la sensacién de frustracién y futulidad que esta afectando al esfera politica. El empeoramiento del estado del medio ambiente y de la salud de enormes poblaciones es motivo de alarma. Atin asi, un elemento de este cambio son los increibles progresos en la tecnologia de las comunicaciones, lo que hace posible la transmision rapida de informacion e ideas de una parte del mundo a otra. Es contra tales “procesos simultaneos de levantamiento y caida, de integracion y desintegracién, del orden y el caos, con sus continuas y reciprocas reacciones una sobre la otra”, que se presentan una miriada de nuevas oportunidades para la proxima etapa en el desenvolvimiento del Plan Divino del amado Maestro.

LA INFLUENCIA floreciente de la Revelacién de Baha‘u'llah parecié, con la eminencia del Afio Santo, habertomadoel caracter de un viento vertiginoso soplando a través de las estructuras arcaicas del antiguo orden, derrumbando poderosos pilares y despejando él terreno para nuevas ideas de organizacién social. El llamado hacia la unidad, para un nuevo orden mundial, es escuchado de muchas direcciones. El cambio de la sociedad mundial esta 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 revelan una receptividad insdlita a los conceptos globales, movimiento hacia la colaboracién internacional y regional, una tendencia de los partidos opuestos para adoptar soluciones pacificas, una busqueda de valores espirituales. Incluso la comunidad del Mas Grande Nombre esta 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 propésito del Orden de Baha'u'llah tras los sufrimientos y confusion de la humanidad.

La situacién en el mundo, aunque nos presenta un desafio imperioso de extrema importancia, nos hace recordar la alentadora visién de Shoghi Effendi para las perspectivas del Orden Administrativo durante el segundo siglo de la Era Baha’i, a cuyo medio camino nos aproximamos rapidamente. En 1946 él escribié: “El segundo siglo esta destinado a atestiguar un tremendo despliegue y una notable consolidacion de las fuerzas trabajando hacia el desarrollo mundial de ese Orden, asi

como también los primeros movimientos de ese Orden Mundial, del cual el actual Sistema Administrativo es a la vez precursor, el nticleo y el disefio -- un Orden que a medida que se cristaliza e irradia su influencia benigna sobre todo el planeta, proclamara inmediatamente la Ilegada de la mayoria de edad de toda la raza humana, asi como también la madurez de la Fe misma, la progenitora deese Orden” = *

La atencién que prestemos a las ocasiones especiales del Aiio Santo con toda seguridad nos preparara para emprender las tareas urgentes en la proxima etapa de la evolucion del Plan Divino. Este periodo conmemorativo proporciona una digna demarcacion entre las glorias y triunfos de los ultimos cien afios y los brillantes premios que quedan por acumular. Al principio, amos la bienvenida con corazonesalegres y agradecidosalaexpansién y consolidacién adicionales del Orden Administrativo que resultaran de la formacién de doce Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales y Regionales en este Ridvan. jCuan sorprendente es que el numero de estas Asambleas sea el mismo que el numero total de Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales que existian en el momento del lanzamiento de la Cruzada Mundial de Diez Afios en 1953! Esta es una evidencia muy satisfactoria de la rapidez de la expansién del Orden Administrativo en menos de cuarenta afios. con estas nuevas Asambleas, y teniendo en cuenta la absorcion de Sikkim dentro la India, y la interrupcién de la Administracién Baha’i por lasituacion inestable en Liberia, el ntimero de Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales que tomaran parte en la séptima Convencién Internacional Baha’i durante el proximo Ridvan alcanzara a 165.

NOS COMPLACE anunciar que las siguientes Manos de la Causa de Dios asistiran como nuestros representantes a seis de las Convenciones fundadoras. Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum asistira a las Convenciones de Bulgaria y Polonia; el sr. “Ali Akbar Furitan asistira a las de los Estados Balticos y Hungria; y el Dr. ‘Ali-Muhammad Varga asistira a las de Groenlandia, y a las de Ucrania, Belorrusia y Moldavia. Al resto de las Convenciones nuestros representantes seran los Consejeros: sr. George Allen, la Republica del Congo; el Dr. Farzam Arbab, Central Asia; sr. Rolf von Czékus, Angola; sra. Parvin Djoneidi, Niger; sr. Hartmut Grossman, Albania; y elsr. Mas*tid Khamsi, Azerbaiyan.

En una pocas semanas, en los sagrados recintos del Santuario de Baha'u'llah, se Ilevara a cabo una reunion de caracter solemne para marcar el centésimo aniversario de la Ascensién del Deseo de las Naciones. El pergamino que lleva el Rol de Honor de los Caballeros de Baha'u'llah, sera depositado la mafiana anterior, el 28 de mayo, como fue indicado por nuestro amado Guardian, en la puerta de entrada del Mausoleo interior del Santuario Mas Sagrado, para quedarse alli como un simbolo de la hist6rica victoria que recompensé la determinaci6n inquebrantable de los amantes de la Bendita Belleza, quienes en respuesta al Mamado de la poderosa Cruzada de Diez Afios, plantaron el estandarte de Su Fe en territorios virgenes a través del mundo.

Posteriormente, en noviembre, en el segundo Congreso Mundial Baha’i, las huestes de Baha se reuniran por miles en Nueva York para demostrar por un gesto muy simbélico en nombre de sus hermanosa través del mundo, su respeto por el Convenio que Baha'u'llah lego a la humanidad, y para evocar la memoria de Aquel que fue nombrado su Centro y quien exalté esa metrépoli otorgandole el nombre de “Ciudad del Convenio”. Alli ellos también mostraran el poder de la unidad que el Convenio debe asegurar a toda la gente del mundo. Sera un momento de capital importancia para la comunidad Baha'i ante los ojos del mundo en general.

Estos dos eventos internacionales son fundamentales para las reuniones de naturaleza similar en las cuales participaran los amigos en todos los lugares del mundo. Elcardcter spiritual y la manera digna de su participacién, sin duda alguna, atraera las confirmaciones de lo alto e influenciaran profundamente las fuerzas constructivas que estan en efecto en toda la tierra.

Otra fuente de bendiciones hacia las cuales hace mucho que dirigimos nuestras esperanzas sera también evidente. Baha’u'llah ha escrito: “Mientras estuvimos en prision hemos revelado un Libro que lo titulamos “El Libro Mas Sagrado’. En él hemos promulgado leyes y lo hemos adornado con los mandamientos de tu Sefor, Quien ejerce autoridad sobre todos los que estan 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 publicacién, durante el curso de este aiio, de la traduccién inglesa con notas del Kitab-i-Aqdas, la Carta Magna de la civilizacion mundial del futuro que Baha'u'llah revelé en la Mansién de ‘Udi Khammiar en ‘Akka hace unos 120 afios.

Y ahora, entre las ansiadas esperanzas ocasionadas por los dos importantes eventos conmemorativos y por la inminente publicacién del Libro Madre de la Revelacion Baha’i, la Ley del Huqtqu'llah entra en vigor para ser puesta en practica constante por los miembros de toda nuestra comunidad mundial. Que las bendiciones divinas prometidas asociadas con la aplicacion de esta santa ley colmen a los bienamados del Sefior en todos los paises.

UN ANO 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. Mas bien nosotros debemos dirigir nuestros pensamientos al significado de estas ocasiones solemnes que este afio especial va a conmemorar. El propésito del Afio Santo no se cumple solamente con las conmemoraciones, por muy dignas que ellas sean. Lo esencial para su propdsito es la oportunidad que ofrece para una reflexién intima de parte de cada individuo Baha’i. En efecto, es un periodo especial para la reunién del alma con la Fuente de su luz y guia, el tiempo de volverse hacia Baha‘u'llah, para buscar y obtener una apreciacién mas profunda de Su propésito, y renovar nuestra lealtad hacia El. Este es un periodo para retraerse a lo mas intimo de nuestro ser, ala morada del Espiritu de Baha, aquel lugar interior al cual El nos llama cuando El 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 rededicacién al deber, de revitalizacion de la energia para ensefiar, “el mas meritorio de todos los hechos”.

Como la primera ayuda para su reflexiones y acciones, sin duda alguna ustedes utilizaran la perspicacia e inspiracion de Sus palabras como éstas: “Yo soy el Sol de la Sabiduria y el Océano del Conocimiento. Yo animo a los desfallecientes y resucito a los muertos. Soy la luz que guia 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 soberania”. “Aquel que no Me tiene esta privado de todas las cosas. Apartate de todo lo que hay en la tierra y no busques a otra salvo a Mi”. “Amame para que Yo te ame. Si tt no Me amas, Mi amor jamas llegara ati. Sabelo, ohsiervo”. “La Antigua Bellezahaconsentido 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 alegria”.

CUALQUIERA que sea la direccién que nos Ileven 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 consideraramos que hace ya un siglo entero desde que la Bendita Belleza ascendié, 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 mas fuerte desde los corazones de aquellos que ansian alguna esperanza de alivio, nosotros, Sus servidores declarados, no podemos. ni vacilar ni fracasar en esta deber primordial y urgente. Pues El, Baha*u'llah, es la Manifestacion Suprema, el Unificador y Redentor de toda la humanidad, la Fuente de la Justicia, el Inmortal Bienamado; de acuerdo a Su propia infalible proclamacion, “Aquel Quien es el Incondicional ha Ilegado en las nubes de luz, para que El pueda vivificar todas las cosas creadas con las brisas de Su Nombre, el Mas 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, ofrezcamoslo como un tesoro a aquellos que Lo deban recibir, mencionémoslo con amor a aquellos que Lo deban abrazar

Qué digno de alabanza sera si, inspirados por este deseo de glorificar Su Nombre pro todas partes, y como una demostracion de nuestro amor especial por la Belleza De Abha, cada uno de nosotros pudiese lanzar una

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“‘AZAMAT B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992 [Page 22]22 THE AMERICAN BAHA'I

Caen reer eeeeeee area . International Association of Baha'i Publishers is established

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

The purpose of the Association is to enable Baha'is 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’ literature in the hundred years since the Ascension of Baha’u'llah 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 Baha'i exhibit at the Beijing International Book Fair in September, and to look into ways of helping other specific projects in the Baha'i 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 (Baha’i Publishing Trust of the Netherlands); May Ballerio (George Ronald Publishers); Richard Hainsworth (Baha’i Publishing Trust Russia); Terrill Hayes (U.S. Baha’i Publishing Trust); and Gordon Kerr (Baha'i 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 Baha'i materials.

Letters

from page 10

inher letter headed “Those less fortunate” (November), is cortect 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: - ai

Thad 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 Ridvan.

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. Baha'i Refugee Office has received many requests for Baha'i materials in the Hmong, Laotian, Khmer and Vietnamese languages.

ON PAGE 12 of the Jalal 149 B.E. issue (April 9, 1992) of The American Baha'i, 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 Baha'i National Center for translating materials into Southeast Asian languages.

However, the Refugee Office will consider distributing Baha'i materials that are translated and seni 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 Baha'i deepening publications translated into Cambodian by Baha'i 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 forsuitable 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. Baha‘i Refugee Office, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. The telephone number is 708-869-9039, ext. 216; FAX 708-869-0247, Attn. USBRO.

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 Bahda’is in this country. Let's say about 50,000 are adults. If every adult Baha’i 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

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 Baha‘i 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 Baha’i, called the woman's grandmother, screaming that her niece had joined “a cult,” was “a follower of Satan,” and so forth.

Toacquire furtherammunition, 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 Baha'i 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

Baha’i Faith, etc.).

She read, among others, Baha'u'llah 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 Baha’i‘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 Baha’i. She as much as said she believed in Baha‘u'llah.

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 Baha‘u'llah.

John Versteeg Crawfordsville, Indiana

Flea market display The Baha‘is of Bloomfield, New Jersey, recently set up a table on which to display Baha'i books and literature at a flea market at a local public school. At least 35 pieces of Bahd‘i literature were given out, and many people saw the table and its Baha'i 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 pub-lic Naw-Ruz 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 recent reports of racial tensions in the Evanston public school system.

ight of

Bu oF Ricuts

Spiritual Assembly of Falls Church, Virginia, sponsors program on religious freedom from Baha'i 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 Baha'i 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 Baha‘i-sponsored program was telecast live on local access cable TV (the first live TV broadcast of a Baha’i

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 Baha'is for planning the event.

The keynote speaker was William Collins, chief of the Cataloging Division of the U.S. Copyright Office, who served as director of the Internaibrary 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 Baha'i view of individual rights and responsibilities. He also gave a moving account of the recent persecution of Baha‘is in Iran, and

said that Baha‘is 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 Baha‘i community since 1894, and because that freedom has come to the aid of today’s oppressed Iranian Baha’is.”

The program also included music by four local Baha‘is, and opening and closing prayers read by Baha’i students from the Falls Church public elementary and high schools.

Sixty-eight people attended the event. Twenty-four were non-Baha‘is 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.

‘AZAMAT B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992 [Page 23]23.

THE AMERICAN BAHA'I

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 programsand 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 bet

ter 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 achievable goal. He later added that the National Assembly hopes that the project will serve asa prototype for similar undertakings in major cities throughout the coun try.

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

The Spiritual Assembly of the Town of Cortlandt, New York, has secured regular air time on cable television for broadcasting Baha'i 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 mublie 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 11 GRENADA: June (dates will be set later) SWITZERLAND: Summer 1992 TURKEY: May and October 1992

Bahai Publishing Trust

Nearly 1,000 copies of the statements on 1 world peace and yace unity were at the recent Southern Festival of Books in Nashville, Tennessee.

EXELLENCE IN ALL THINGS...

Craupia Wuitworth, a Baha'i 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 Baha'i 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 Baha‘u'llah’s ideas about representative government, appeared in the February 1992 issue of the Jnternational Journal of Middle East Studies.

Marta Morris, a Mayan Indian Baha'i 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 Baha‘is of Roby. Mrs. Morris

- also serves on the District Teaching Committee of North Central'Texas and is chairman of the Baha'i Group of Roby.

Akin Green, a 16-year-old Baha'i wha 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 Baha'i.

Darryt J. Warp, a member of the Baha’i 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 Baha'i from Des Plaines, Illinois, read a prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah at the yearly banquet of his Cub Scout pack. Afterward, Kevin, who earned his Baha'i Emblem of Faith a year ago, helped his Cubmaster conduct ceremonies for others who were about to receive their Baha'i emblems.

Erika J. Bartotucci, a 19-year-old Baha’i 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 Baha’ 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

nessee.

the International Science and Engineering Fair held May 13 in Nashville, Ten-~

tributed by Baha’ ‘I shared the message of peace and race u Thad in the last three years,’ said Luis L

ly with more people at this event than zarraga, a Baha'i from Nashville who

worked in the Baha'i booth both days during the two-day book festival. Asa result

of its contact with the Baha’is, David-Kidd Booksellers, one of Nashville's largest

book-store chains, e pressed an interest in stocking several Baha'i books in its in. Pictured at the Baha'i booth is Maxcia Lizarraga.

Ridvan

de pagina 17

campafia personal de ensefianza de tal manera que la fuerza colectiva y los resultados a través del mundo Ilevasen a una conclusién resonante — los acontecimientos sagrados de este Aifio Santo y que preparasen la escena para el lanzamiento del venidero Plan de Tres Afios en Ridvan de 1993!

Por ultimo, es muy apropiado a esta hora de recordar la observacion de Baha’‘u'llah en el Libro Mas Sagrado de Su voluntad para nosotros en cuanto a la naturaleza de nuestras reacciones hacia Su fallecimiento: “No os consternéis, oh pueblos del mundo, cuando el Sol de Mi belleza se haya puesto, y el cielo de Mi

tabernaculo 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 levantara y Me servira con tal determinacion, que las fuerzas de la tierra y del cielo seran incapaces de vencer su propésito”. ‘ Amados amigos, no nos olvidaretnos 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 Ridvan de 1992

Clarence Allen Effingham, SC Date Unknown

Betty Feldman Baltimore, MD November 25, 1991

Wendell D. Ginn Rock Island, IL. March 5, 1992

Thomas Golden Pahokee, FL August 1991

Peter Gunter Columbia, SC

Linda Alvarez Gilroy, CA September 12, 1991 Annie Bachus Gresham, SC

Date Unknown

Gerald D. Cram Lawrence, MA

February 1991 Date Unknown Mittie M. Daniels Hazel Harmon Denmark, SC Morganton, NC Date Unknown July 24, 1989 David J. Davis Easter Hincks Gresham, SC Morganton, NC Date Unknown January 16, 1990 Leon Dean

Denton, TX

Summer 1991

Elliott Hinton Helen Morris Garner, NC Macy, NE

Date Unknown October 1991 Ann Larson Joseph Noyes Rigby, ID Oswego, NY March 21, 1992 April 18, 1991 Cynthia Lashbrook Ardent Saunsoci Oxnard, CA Macy, NE January 2, 1992 1988

Pearl Sennett Playa del Rey, CA Date Unknown

Virginia Liendo Davenport, IA Date Unknown

Genevieve Madigan _Lizzie Tyndall

Las Vegas, NV Macy, NE March 1992 June 1990

Betty Mickey Adelaide 8. Turner Willits, CA

March 23, 1992 January 5, 1992

‘AZAMAT B.E. 149 / May 17, 1992 [Page 24]24 THE AMERICAN P4HA'

Pictured are some of the more than 100 children and youth who regularly attend the Baha'i 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.

poo 5 | To avoid unnecessary delays in eciving your Thisfornmayewsedforoneperonoryourcatie | MOVING? ‘copy of The American Bah, send your new family. Please be sure list FULL NAMES AND [ | TELL Us Your | *érss and your mailing label (o MANAGE- LD. NUMBERS forall individuals ages 15 years |

TD. Tile Pallname f
f 1 | ® NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS: | | =e P.O. Box or Other mailing address | | “Apariment # (If applicable) “Apartment # (If applicable) | | @ Giy | Iz wa |= ia | | > NEW CoMMuNrTY: E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: | ee ee! | F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): | __ Ars code Phone number ‘Name ‘Area code Phone number Name j 1 G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: H.1 WOULD LIKE A COPY: |
do not want extm copies, so please

[HJ wedonotmavethesanetastnane. We [—] the last names and adresses on our address labels do not match, We have
[7 Dutionscholdrceives only one copy of The American Bahd' 1 wish to
‘cancel the copy for the person(s) and ILD. _listedabovethe full namesof all familymem- | reccivemy owncopy. Ihave listed my name,
‘number(s) listed above, ‘bers as they should appear on the national | 1.D. number and address above. |
| records, their LD. numbers, and the correc- I tions so that we will receive only one copy.
a ae a ree a ee aes eee 4
BAHA'i NATIONAL CENTER
112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MAY 28-29: Commemorative of the Ascension of Bahé‘u'lldh, Bosch Baha'i 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/Bahji. 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 Baha'u'llah 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 717-2329163.
12-14: Baha'i Justice Society, Conference and Annual Meeting, Houston, Texas. me: “Equity in Education.” Speakers to include Steven Gonzales, Joy Cross, Dr. liam Smith, Dr. Eric Mondschein. Sessions and workshops at the Houston Bahé’i 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 Baha'i School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone 708-869-9039.
27: 80th annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Teaneck, New Jersey. Picnic at noon, program at 3 p.m., evening devotions at 6 o'clock. For more information, phone 201-6526385.

T

27-Suly 2: “This Is the Day—Bahd‘u'llah, His Life and Covenant,” opening week at the Bosch Baha'i School in Santa Cruz, California, featuring a celebration of promise and poetry. For information, phone 408-423-3387. _ 29-30: Unity Gathering, Jackson Lake Baha'i Property, Yukon Territory. Sponsored by the Baha'i Teaching Committee—Yukon. For information or to register, phone Margo Styan, 403-667-6276.
JULY
4-9: “Camp Bosch” for Family and Friends, Bosch Baha'i School, Santa Cruz, California. Full program for adults, young Baha‘is, children, junior youth and youth. For information, phone 408-423-3387.
4-16: Youth Institute, Bosch Baha'i 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 Kital .qdas,” Bosch Baha'i School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone 408-423-3387.
18-23: “Challenges of the Holy Year—Proclaiming Bahd’u'llah’s Revelation,” Bosch Baha’i School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone 408-423-3387.
18-30: Youth Institute and Graduate Youth Institute, Bosch Baha'i School, Santa Cruz, California. For information or to register, contact Angelina Allen, 408-423-3387.
25-30: “The Ascension of Bahd‘u'llah/Celebration of the Covenant,” Bosch Baha'i School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone 408-423-3387.
25-August 2: Irish Baha'i Summer School, Newtown School, Waterford. Contact the Registrar, National Baha’ Center, Burlington Road, Dublin 4, Ireland.
31-August 3: Dayspring Baha'i School, Frostburg (Maryland) State University. Theme: “Baha’u'llah—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 Baha'i 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 Baha'i 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 Baha'i School, Santa Cruz, California. Conducted by Auxiliary Board member Miguel Osborne. For information, write to the Registrar, Bosch Baha'i 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 Baha'i Scholarship,” Bosch Baha’i 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 Baha'i 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 Baha'i Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 708-869-9039.
11-13: “Expanding Our Horizons,” the annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd‘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

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

“AZAMAT B.E. 1 992 �