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[Page 1]The American Bahá’í

Volume 24, No.14 | ‘...knowledge is a veritable treasure for man. ...’—Bahá’u’lláh | Mashiyyat B.E. 150 / September 27, 1993

PARLIAMENT OF WORLD’S RELIGIONS

Calls for unity, brotherhood set tone at opening session

By TOM MENNILLO

World religious leaders prepared the table for a nine-day banquet of interfaith understanding and cooperation in ceremonies August 28 opening the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago.

Counselor Wilma Ellis, administrator-general of the Bahá’í International Community, helped set the tone in an afternoon invocation and an evening address in which she, along with many of the speakers, ringingly proclaimed the oneness of humanity and the common foundation of all religions.

The initial weekend of the Parliament included a program of music and prayer during Sunday devotions at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. And Bahá’ís prepared to take part on a large scale in the presentations, performances and workshops of the convocation’s remaining days (for complete coverage of the Parliament, see the next issue of The American Bahá’í).

The Parliament, held 100 years after a similar event in Chicago that afforded the Bahá’í Faith its first public mention in the West, began with a colorful procession of delegates.

Twenty Bahá’ís in native dress were among those who marched into the hall to the accompaniment of Buddhist chants, choral singing, brass flourishes and an American Indian drum beat.

An overflow audience jammed the ornate State and Grand ballrooms and three satellite meeting rooms at the downtown Palmer House Hilton hotel to witness the ceremony.

The assemblage was welcomed by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, who declared that “today’s problems are big, but they are not bigger than our spirit.”

Mr. Daley invoked the memory of Martin Luther King Jr.’s stirring “I have a dream” speech, delivered on the same date 30 years ago and commemorated this year with another March on Washington.

David Ramage, chairman of the Parliament board and president of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, also alluded to Dr. King’s dream in urging Parliament conferees “not to serve our own interests but humankind’s.”

Invocations and blessings were given by 18 religious leaders representing original sponsors of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, which organized the Parliament.

One of the presenters, Joseph Cardinal Bernardin of Chicago, proved most popular with photographers. That, in turn, benefitted the Bahá’ís: Counselor Ellis, who was seated next to the Roman Catholic prelate, was seen in several newspaper photographs the next day.

In her invocation, Counselor Ellis read from The Promulgation of Universal Peace:

“He [God] is kind and just to all. Why should we be unkind and unjust to each other? He provides for all. Why should we deprive one another? He protects and preserves all. Why should we kill our fellow creatures? ...All the divine manifestations have proclaimed the oneness of God and the unity of humankind. They have taught that we should love and mutually help each other in order that we might progress.”

The invocation ended with a prayer revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:

“O Thou Lord of the Kingdom! Though our bodies be gathered here together, yet our spellbound hearts are carried away by Thy love, and yet are we transported by

See PARLIAMENT page 15

Counselor Wilma Ellis, administrator-general of the Bahá’í International Community in New York, addresses the opening session of the Parliament of the World’s Religions in the Grand Ballroom at Chicago’s Palmer House Hilton hotel.

Wisdom should be hallmark of campaign to eliminate racism

To all local Spiritual Assemblies Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The oneness of humanity is the pivotal principle of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings. It is the foundation on which world peace will be constructed and the future civilization will be established. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, during His visit to America, emphasized the importance of race unity and the urgent need for the American Bahá’ís to achieve it. He explained the global benefits of success and the disastrous consequences of failure. The elimination of racism and the establishment of race unity is the imperative of our time: the most challenging issue.

Out of a deep sense of spiritual obligation, the National Spiritual Assembly launched a campaign to promote racial unity, which is now a central goal of the Three Year Plan. The Universal House of Justice expressed the hope that “the entire Community of the Greatest Name in the United States will arise with single-minded purpose to carry it forward with courage, consistency and confidence.”

The friends already have risen to proclaim the unifying teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and to serve their communities through the promotion of racial harmony. The Bahá’í community has demonstrated a consistent pattern of leadership in areas of race relations which will surely result in progress for our nation and the advancement of the Cause of God.

Some projects, including a number of the Institutes for the Healing of Racism, have relied on theories and methods that are not entirely consistent with Bahá’í teachings and principles. This has led to disunity, contention and even paralysis of Bahá’í community life in some localities. Moreover, when attempts were made to accuse, to fix blame or to shame individuals into confessing their alleged racism, conflict and estrangement have arisen among the friends. These problems indicate the need for careful guidance of such efforts by Spiritual Assemblies.

Secular methods, even powerful social forces, cannot by themselves achieve the unity that God has ordained for humanity. Transformation of character will occur as individuals deepen their love for Bahá’u’lláh, their knowledge and practice of His teachings, and make wise and systematic efforts to rid themselves and their communities of racial prejudice. For a Bahá’í, racial prejudice is a negation of faith. Freedom from prejudice is the supreme injunction of Bahá’u’lláh and the “hallmark of a true Bahá’í character.”

The race unity campaign must advance. We will continue to search for and develop effective ways to combat racism and promote unity. Spiritual Assemblies must assess the methods and consider the effects of such efforts in their localities. For example, those Institutes for the Healing of Racism which are under the sponsorship or jurisdiction of a local Spiritual Assembly should be lovingly helped to apply the principles and inculcate the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh’s Faith as their operating force. In those cases where difficulties persist, consideration should be given to disbandment of the institute.

Where an Institute for the Healing of Racism has been organized and operates outside the orbit of the Bahá’í administration, a different situation exists. Bahá’ís may participate as individuals in the activities of such an institute. In many cases this participation will present opportunities for teaching, for demonstrating Bahá’í principles and will not compromise the unity of the community. However, if an Assembly perceives that the participation of a Bahá’í in an Institute for the Healing of Racism is contributing, in the slightest degree, to his or her estrangement from the local Spiritual Assembly or from other Bahá’ís, or is causing disunity within the community, the Assembly is free to advise the individual to sever connections with the institute. No remedy can be effective if it vitiates unity or promotes contention.

As the Bahá’í Writings clearly state, the fundamental solution to racial conflict rests ultimately in recognition of Bahá’u’lláh, obedience to His commandments and acceptance of the principle of the oneness of humankind. Our prayers for the guidance of Bahá’u’lláh in behalf of your devoted efforts in implementing this divine solution to humanity’s ills are never-ending.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States August 9, 1993

INSIDE
Coordinators help traveling teachers	2
Have we ‘cracked’ development code?	5
1994: UN ‘Year of the Family’	10
Horace Holley teaching campaign	12
Isolation a problem for some Bahá’ís	13
Charlottesville’s summer project	14

[Page 2]

TRAVELING TEACHERS

Coordinators stand ready to help friends win Plan’s goal of 3,000

The goal for traveling teachers in the United States during the Three Year Plan is 3,000. Like the other numerical goals, it is expected that this goal will be won by the end of the first 19 months of the Plan (November 1994).

Believers can easily contribute toward this goal. Traveling teachers are individuals who travel outside their own community and help with teaching activities in another locality. Even if ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ go to a neighboring community to speak at a fireside, they can be counted as traveling teachers!

For those who wish to travel long distances within the United States or go to countries that are unfamiliar to them, the regional traveling teaching coordinators can help develop itineraries and channel the teachers to areas where they are needed. The coordinators serve as liaisons between the traveling teachers and the communities needing support in their activities.

If a traveling teaching coordinator knows that a traveling teacher will be passing through an area and can stop in a particular community, the coordinator will call that Assembly or Bahá’í Group to ascertain whether the traveling teacher’s services are needed and help make arrangements for the visit. Traveling teachers are expected to pay their own expenses including transportation, food and accommodations, but occasionally a community will offer hospitality.

Sometimes, traveling teachers will pass through an area and call the local Bahá’í’s without having set up a visit through the traveling teacher coordinator. The Bahá’í community is not obligated to host or sponsor the activities of a traveling teacher, but it may choose to do so. If a community is contacted directly by a traveling teacher who is unknown to members of the community, the Assembly should call the National Traveling Teaching Coordinator to verify that person’s status as a Bahá’í.

Traveling teachers are under the guidance of the Spiritual Assembly in whichever community they are visiting. No teaching activities, such as conducting a public meeting, should be carried out without the knowledge and approval of the Assembly.

In areas where there are not Assemblies, teaching efforts should be carried out either in collaboration with Bahá’í groups or isolated believers, if there are any, or with nearby Assemblies. Thus, the local believers will be able to advise the traveling teachers about effective teaching methods and establish relationships with the non-Bahá’í contacts that are made.

Bahá’í communities that would like to request the visit of a traveling teacher as well as those who would like to travel to teach may contact the traveling teaching coordinator in their region or the National Traveling Teaching Coordinator.

National Traveling Teaching Coordinator: Mead Simon, NTC Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Ph. 708/869-9039.

Region 1 (ID, MT, OR, WA, WY): Jack Hansen, Touchet, WA 99360. Ph. 509/525-3978

Region 2 (CA, NV): Sandra Huit, Fair Oaks, CA 95628. Ph. 916/961-0807

Region 3 (AZ, CO, NM, UT): Terri Agahi, Phoenix, AZ 85027. Ph. 602/582-7979

Region 4 (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD): Janet Haworth, Springfield, MO 65803. Ph. 417/862-9218

Region 5, #1 (AR, OK): Will Sutter, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. Ph. 405/235-2802

Region 5, #2 (LA, MS, TX): Riaz Haghpa-juh, Addison, TX 75244. Ph. 214/243-1540

Region 6 (IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, WI): Rose Wendel, Dayton, OH 45459. Ph. 513/433-1120

Region 7 (CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT): Nancy Duggan, Malden, MA 02148. Ph. 617/324-7915

Region 8 (DC, DE, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV): Bruce and Lisa Barker, Mt. Airy, NC 27030. Ph. 919/789-7878

Region 9 (AL, FL, GA): Dale Sollars, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411. Ph. 407/791-3755

Outside the Continental United States: Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Ph. 708/869-9039.

So far, less than 600 individuals have reported to the National Teaching Committee that they have traveled to teach the Faith since Ridván. Please remember to send a note to tell the National Teaching Committee or Office of Pioneering where and when you went or return the traveling teaching report form in this issue of The American Bahá’í so that you may be counted as one of the 3,000 traveling teachers of the Three Year Plan!

Teaching Plans the NTC has Received from Assemblies as of 08/18/93

ST	LSAS	SENT	% LSAs
CENTRAL REGION
IA	12	2	17%
IL	49	8	16%
IN	12	4	33%
KS	10	2	20%
MI	26	2	8%
MN	15	1	7%
MO	16	2	13%
ND	3	0	0%
NE	6	0	0%
OH	17	2	12%
SD	20	1	5%
WI	23	6	26%
SUB	209	30	14%
NORTHEAST REGION
ST	LSAS	SENT	% LSAs
CT	13	8	62%
MA	20	9	45%
ME	5	3	60%
NH	12	6	50%
NJ	14	1	7%
NY	27	12	44%
PA	9	0	0%
RI	2	1	50%
VT	4	1	25%
SUB	106	41	39%
SOUTHERN REGION
ST	LSAS	SENT	% LSAs
AL	10	1	10%
AR	5	0	0%
DC	1	1	100%
DE	6	0	0%
FL	82	12	15%
GA	63	4	6%
KY	5	1	20%
LA	9	2	22%
MD	28	5	18%
MS	4	0	0%
NC	33	4	12%
OK	13	2	15%
SC	205	2	1%
TN	12	2	17%
TX	73	21	27%
VA	32	4	13%
WV	3	0	0%
SUB	584	61	10%
WESTERN REGION
ST	LSAS	SENT	% LSAs
AZ	44	6	14%
CA	244	33	14%
CO	28	1	4%
ID	9	0	0%
MT	12	3	25%
NM	19	5	26%
NV	10	1	10%
OR	43	6	14%
UT	8	1	13%
WA	72	19	26%
WY	3	0	0%
SUB	492	75	15%
TOT	1391	207	15%

Niaz Khadem, a fourth-grade student at Maplewood Middle School in Sulphur, Louisiana, stands in front of his exhibit, ‘What Is the Bahá’í Faith?’ which was entered this year in the school’s Social Studies fair. Niaz researched and put together the exhibit himself. At the end of the day, the judges announced that his work had won first place in the ‘anthropology’ category and Best of Show in all categories for the fourth, fifth and sixth grades. A month later, the exhibit was entered in a district-wide competition where it was seen by about 2,000 people.

Bahá’í radio representatives confer in Quito, Ecuador

About 50 representatives of Bahá’í radio stations and special guests from six countries in North and South America gathered June 30-July 8 in Quito, Ecuador, for a nine-day conference.

The event was blessed by the presence of a number of special guests: Counselors Ruth Pringle and Isabel Sanchez; Donald Witzel and Stephen Kozlow of the International ‎Bahá’í’ Bahá’í‎ Audio-Visual Center (IBAVC)-Radio ‎Bahá’í’ Bahá’í‎ Division; and four members of the Latin America Radio Advisory Committee (LARAC).

Consultation on the Three Year Plan was guided by the Counselors. Other topics included social and economic development, translation of the Bahá’í Writings into indigenous languages, self-sufficiency for radio stations, sharing programming ideas, the preservation and elevation of indigenous cultures, tapping human resources, radio drama, programming for women, using commercial radio, and preparing for entry by troops.

Sessions were comprised of lectures, small-group discussions, and workshops.

It was noted that Bahá’í radio is simply a teaching tool to which some areas have access, while other areas may rely on other means for teaching such as commercial radio, audio-visual productions, translations, etc.

A significant feature of the conference was the active role taken by many indigenous people from Bahá’í staffs including Quechua, Mapuche, Aymara and Guaymi.

RESERVE NOVEMBER 14 OUR DESTINY HAS ARRIVED

[Page 3]

MISSION 19 (13 MONTHS TO GO!)

U.S. Bahá’í Community Current Goals and Status · Mashíyyat 150 · September 27, 1993

CATCH THE HEAT WAVE

National Fireside Teaching Campaign

In just a few weeks, beginning with the Feast of Qudrat (November 4, 1993), the HEAT (Hold Everything And Teach) Wave fireside teaching campaign will sweep around the country in a tremendous circle that will come to a close in November 1994, coinciding with the ending of Mission 19 (the time by which all the numerical goals of the Three Year Plan are to be fulfilled). This HEAT wave will begin in the Chicago area, since, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said in Tablets of the Divine Plan, with “every movement initiated in Chicago, its effect was spread to all parts and to all directions, just as everything that appears in and manifests from the heart influences all the organs and limbs of the body.” It will then spread from Bahá’í month to Bahá’í month (except for the month of the Fast) to all other areas of the country. During the campaign, believers throughout the country are asked to concentrate prayers for teaching on the area of intensive HEAT and begin regularly holding firesides if they are not yet doing so. And when the wave reaches your area, Hold Everything And Teach!

FIRESIDE AREAS

No	Month	Dates	States
1	Qudrat	11/4-11/22	Illinois, Iowa, Missouri
2	Qawl	11/23-12/11	Indiana, Ohio
3	Masá’il	12/12-12/30	Michigan, Wisconsin
4	Sharaf	12/31-1/18	Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
5	Sultán	1/19-2/6	New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania
6	Mulk	2/7-2/25	Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington (DC), West Virginia
7	Bahá	3/21-4/8	Georgia, N. Carolina, S. Carolina
8	Jalál	4/9-4/27	Florida
9	Jamál	4/28-5/16	Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee
10	‘Azamat	5/17-6/4	Oklahoma, Texas
11	Núr	6/5-6/23	Arizona, New Mexico
12	Rahmat	6/24-7/12	California: Electoral Units 025, 026, 027, 029, 030, 031
13	Kalimát	7/13-7/31	California: Electoral Units 015, 019, 020, 021, 022, 023, 024, 028
14	Kamál	8/1-8/19	California: Electoral Units 008, 009, 010, 011, 012, 013, 014, 016, 017, 018
15	Asmá’	8/20-9/7	Oregon
16	‘Izzat	9/8-9/26	Washington
17	Mashíyyat	9/27-10/15	Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming
18	‘Ilm	10/16-11/3	Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, N. Dakota, S. Dakota

TEACHING

TRAVELING TEACHING GOALS

• Goal for the 3 Year Plan: 3,000
• Completed as of this report: 2,428
• Needed as of this report: 572

HOMEFRONT PIONEER GOALS

• Goal for the 3 Year Plan: 500
• Completed as of this report: 453
• Needed as of this report: 47

THE FUND

(Preliminary as of Aug. 31, 1993)

FOUR MAJOR FUNDS

• Goal for 150 B.E.: $25,000,000
• Contributions to Date: $3,823,819

NATIONAL FUND

• From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $3,307,634

INTERNATIONAL FUND

• From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $192,306
• Earmarked Dollars: $162,675

ARC PROJECTS FUND

• From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $139,041
• Earmarked Dollars: $298,381
• Total Contributions: $437,422

CONTINENTAL FUND

• From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $40,000
• Earmarked Dollars: $55,129
• Total Contributions: $95,129

TOTAL ENROLLMENTS

• Aug. 1993 .......... 126
• Year to date ....... 736

3000 Traveling Teachers Sought for Three Year Plan

Traveling teachers are Bahá’ís who travel to localities other than their own and participate in teaching activities in those communities. Are you a traveling teacher? The National Spiritual Assembly would like to count your efforts toward its goals! If you have travelled to teach internationally, please return this form to: Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. If you have travelled to teach within the United States, please return this form to: National Traveling Teaching Coordinator, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Name: _____________________________________ ID #: _________________

Street: _____________________________________ City/State/Zip: __________

Date: from __________ to __________ Where did you go? ____________________

What did you do? ____________________________________________________ [Page 4]

Traveling teachers report on successes in Ukraine

The following traveling teaching report was received from Sadat and Ghodsieh Ostovar of Colorado, who traveled to Ukraine in February and March.

We spent most of our time in Yalta where we were assigned to go by the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova.

Yalta radio interviewed us and broadcast the interview for two days straight. We also had an interview with a Crimean newspaper. We visited with the vice-mayor of Yalta and spoke to him about the Faith. He was very pleased to hear about it and was surprised to learn that Bahá’ís live in Yalta.

We visited the local library to contribute Bahá’í books. At first the librarian didn’t want to accept the books because she misunderstood the Faith to be a cult. After we explained its principles to her, she joyfully accepted the books and asked for more.

When we first arrived in Yalta we rented a completely furnished apartment very inexpensively. This enabled us to serve guests immediately in a proper manner. We held “firesides” every night. The meetings served the purpose of both introducing seekers to the Faith and deepening the new declarants. We hired a young translator for the duration of our visit.

Deepened pioneers are desperately needed to assist in the teaching and deepening. Traveling teachers are especially useful if they have enough time to know the believers and also become involved in the deepening. In Ukraine, there are only eight pioneer families in a population of over 50 million! Jobs are not easy to find, but living costs are still very low.

In Ukraine there are so many opportunities for those who sincerely want to teach the Faith. The people are not yet immersed in the materialism that exists in the western countries and they are very receptive to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

We interviewed a new Bahá’í of six months on video, and he said, “Now is the time to teach the Bahá’í Faith in Ukraine. If we wait too long I am afraid we will lose our best opportunity.”

We are now studying Russian and are anxious to return as soon as possible.

Bahá’ís gathered in Yalta last February for the District National Convention for the Crimea and Ukraine.

OVERSEAS

Ongoing traveling teaching opportunities in many areas during the next Bahá’í year

Your support is urgently needed for the following short-term and long-term international teaching projects:

AFRICA: Botswana, Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Niger, Senegal, South Africa, Transkei, Uganda, West Africa (for Benin, Côte D’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Lesotho, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo), Zambia, Zimbabwe.

ASIA: Bangladesh, India, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Sri Lanka.

AUSTRALASIA: Cook Islands, Eastern Caroline Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

CARIBBEAN: Bahamas, Barbados, East Leeward Islands, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, West Leeward Islands.

EASTERN EUROPE: Albania, Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia), Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Yugoslavia.

LATIN AMERICA: Bolivia, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Mexico.

NORTH AMERICA: Alaska.

WESTERN EUROPE: Canary Islands, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland.

SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL TRAVELING TEACHING PROJECTS

BOLIVIA: “A.Q. Faizi Teaching Project” in Santa Cruz, began August 6, initial phase to last one year, with the goal of establishing permanent teaching teams operating in the area. Some knowledge of Spanish needed.

FRANCE: Conferences, meeting members of local organizations, teaching, proclamation; Started mid-July.

HUNGARY: All Bahá’ís of Hungarian origin urgently needed in the Three Year Plan teaching work, starting immediately.

MACAU: Chinese-speakers needed for initiation of campaign to “carry the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind”; October 20, 1993-January 23, 1994.

TURKEY: “Jinab-i-Munib” Teaching and Consolidation Project, July 15-October 15. Short pilgrimage to the House of Bahá’u’lláh in Edirne, teacher training course, teaching & consolidation work.

For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039; fax 708-869-0247.

GOING ABROAD? MAKE YOUR TRIP COUNT!

Beloved friends, the international travels of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh from the United States form a significant part of the history of the development of the Faith. The Universal House of Justice has asked us to keep detailed records of our international trips of any nature. It is important to remember that your mere presence as a Bahá’í in another country can potentially bring the spirit of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh to that land. To record your international travels as a U.S. Bahá’í, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039; fax 708-869-0247, Attn. Office of Pioneering.

Successful Holy Year teaching campaign continues as part of Three Year Plan

More than one hundred Bahá’í youth, including a significant number from the United States, traveled throughout Europe in 14 groups to bring the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to nearly 40 countries last year. As a result of the success of the “Routes Project,” the European Bahá’í Youth Council will continue this strategy during the Three Year Plan. The first phase of the project was launched this month and will end in August 1994. The Council notes that “The American and Canadian Bahá’í youth have always participated with great devotion and endeavor in the teaching activities in Europe, and many of the successes of last year’s Routes Project are due to their selfless response to the call...to participate in this unique venture.” If you would like to take part, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center immediately for more information.

Connecticut Bahá’í commended on his ‘day in court’

Illness kept Thomas Jerige from his day in court. But that didn’t stop the Litchfield (Connecticut) Superior Court from “convicting” Mr. Jerige of being a “very, very dedicated teacher.”

Mr. Jerige, a Bahá’í from New Hartford, was honored during the Law Day program May 3 for his work as coach of the mock trial team at Northwest Regional School No. 7 in Winsted.

Kevin F. Nelligan, chairman of the event, lauded Mr. Jerige’s team for the “amount of time and effort they do put in—four or five hours a night, three or four times a week.”

He then recognized the efforts of Mr. Jerige.

“I think that if we ever see any of these students back here as lawyers several years down the road, I think they’ll be able to look back and say they got their start from Mr. Jerige,” said Mr. Nelligan. “He deserves congratulations for the amount of work that he does.”

Judge Charles Gill, from the Judicial District of Bantam, also spoke in tribute.

He contrasted Mr. Jerige with the so-called “beautiful people” who have “the yachts and all the furs and all the money—and, unfortunately, the lifestyles that we don’t quite approve of in many ways.”

Said Judge Gill, “These ‘beautiful people’ were never the beautiful people to me. The beautiful people to me were always the people like Tom Jerige and his wife, Sally (Arango Renata).

“They’re beautiful people because they’re two people with very, very strong religious convictions,” he said, “and it’s not the type of religious conviction that they’re interested in saving themselves, but rather the one type of religious conviction where they are concerned about others. Particularly children.”

Judge Gill noted that Mr. Jerige, in addition to being mock trial coach, is a sports coach and an educator. He recalled Mr. Jerige taking Judge Anne C. Dranginis and him and some students to the United Nations for a special children’s program on children’s rights.

“So, I think northwest Connecticut and the Regional School are fortunate indeed to have a person such as Tom Jerige,” the judge said.

Reminder to overseas pioneers who may be traveling to other countries or returning to the States for a short visit or permanently.

Please get a membership card or a letter from your National Spiritual Assembly stating that you are a Bahá’í in good standing. Your U.S. membership card is no longer valid once you have been transferred to another country. [Page 5]

Have we ‘cracked the code’ on development?

In October 1983 the Universal House of Justice called the Bahá’í world to a new field of endeavor: social and economic development. This call has produced more than a thousand formalized programs and projects around the world: clinics, literacy programs and schools, women’s institutes, and so forth.

These programs all have important social dimensions, but what do they do for the economic life of peoples? And are they sustainable in the long term?

Of course, better education will have a long-term effect on the student, which generally results in an improved standard of living. It is also true that education along spiritual lines should enable the student to make better use of material resources during her or his life, so that the vicious circle of materialism may finally be broken.

But what will sustain the school itself? Or the hospital? Or the women’s institute? Once the program has grown beyond its limited early needs, where will capital come from to provide for its further growth?

To date, the answer has been from either the Bahá’í Funds or such outside sources as government development ministries, USAID, some of the great philanthropic foundations, and individual donors.

There is no large program in the Bahá’í world today, however, that meets all its needs by itself. Even in the case of the excellent schools, tuition does not and cannot cover fully their costs of providing education; hence, they are constantly searching for short- and long-term funding.

What does this mean?

One implication is that all these projects are vulnerable to calamity. If funding is cut off because the Faith becomes unpopular someplace or because a government’s budget is reduced, some of our most excellent programs could be forced to shut down.

Philosophically, there is another problem. One primary purpose of Bahá’í development is to promote human dignity, honor and self-reliance. By creating programs that rely on outside funding or even ones that, in the words of one project manager, “will always rely on the Fund,” are we not in fact simply creating a new set of dependencies?

What answers can we find, then?

The first is a clearer recognition that money is not the engine that makes Bahá’í development run; grass-roots commitment is, and this in turn is the result of unity.

That seems to be one reason the Universal House of Justice so emphatically indicates the need to start modest programs that can be supported by the existing community. When the people and the money available are enough to make a start, then we can go ahead; the starting point is not a grant from some foundation that causes us to make up a program that will fit.

A second, complementary approach is more challenging, but probably more fruitful over the long term. It consists in designing programs that from their outset produce money to be reinvested in further program growth.

An old English tale

Once upon a time (about 500 years ago, in fact) an English architect was commissioned to construct a large building for a new university.

The structural frame and the interior design both called for a special kind of English oak tree. The resulting structure welcomed thousands of young, eager students for five centuries.

In 1990, the governors of this university had a problem: The structural frame and the beautiful old oak paneling in their fine old building were rotten; the building was set to fall down on their heads. The $20 million price tag for replacing all that wood, though, was just too much for their budget.

They met and they talked, but they were getting nowhere until one bright lad said, “What about that beautiful stand of old trees down the road?”

Well, off they went to meet with the wardens of this forest. To their amazement, the wardens replied to the scholars’ story by saying, “We wondered when you would come looking for these trees; they’re yours!”

It seems that old-time architect had specified in his original plans that those trees should be planted at the same time the building was built.

He knew that it would take 500 years, the useful life of the wood, for the new trees to grow to sufficient size to replace the wood that would inevitably rot. When the building required it, the replacement wood was ready.

Lesson for today

There is much to be learned from this example. In the context of Bahá’í social and economic development, it would seem to mean that we should design our programs in such a way that the means for their continued evolution will be provided as a part of the program itself.

How might this be done?

One way may be to have practical training programs that will enable participants to earn a wage, out of which a portion can be set aside for future development needs in the area.

Indeed, improving the earning capacity of a group of people, particularly those who are eager to build and serve a community, is in itself a powerful development tool that makes all kinds of things possible.

Another way might be for groups of individuals to form businesses with the goal of supporting the Bahá’í Funds, out of which more money would then become available for community development.

Bahá’í institutions might create entities that would operate under their auspices and produce revenues.

One model might well be the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár itself: Certain of its dependencies, such as the travelers’ hospice, might well be revenue-producing organizations that would produce their own support as well as resources to sustain the strictly humanitarian programs also associated with this extraordinary institution.

The point is, we do not yet know what forms these things might take. We do know two things, however.

First, consultation among the local and national institutions is essential before taking any step in this field.

And second, we have the mission of revolutionizing every aspect of society, not just the social services, until finally we witness “a society unified in all the essential aspects of its life.”

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

Contribution Update - July 30, 1993

National Goal for BE 150	$25,000,000

How are we doing this year?

Monthly Patterns	May-93	Jun-93	Jul-93	Total
Monthly Goal	$2,083,333	$2,083,333	$2,083,333	$6,250,000
Monthly Contributions	$795,877	$935,589	$1,170,258	$2,901,724
International Fund	$27,646	$33,245	$56,867	$117,758
National Fund	$692,055	$766,359	$1,036,217	$2,494,631
Arc Projects Fund	$62,771	$122,250	$61,978	$246,999
Continental Fund	$13,405	$13,735	$15,196	$42,336

How does this year compare with previous years?

	Jul-91	Jul-92	Jul-93
International Fund	$361,255	$122,200	$117,758
National Fund	$2,384,161	$2,850,898	$2,494,631
Arc Projects Fund	$235,069	$216,403	$246,999
Continental Fund	$48,818	$72,040	$42,336
Total for Major Funds	$3,029,303	$3,261,541	$2,901,724

Chinese guests at Tigard picnic

More than 45 Chinese were among the 75 or more Bahá’ís and guests who enjoyed a picnic June 28 sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Tigard, Oregon.

The weather was lovely, and those at the event enjoyed kayak rides, basketball, soccer, croquet, and delicious food prepared by a Chinese Bahá’í, Ed Lee. [Page 6]

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas

Bahá’u’lláh The KITAB-LAODAS The Most Holy Book eveb New From the U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust!

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust has released the first pocket-size edition of The Kitáb-i-Aqdas. This edition has been painstakingly typeset to ensure high readability. As part of the "Master Key Program," this edition is $300# (no additional discounts).

REFER: Central Figures Trilogy

REFER DIOSTARMS REFER: Central Figures Trilogy SW $99.95

REFER: Central Figures Trilogy is an aid to studying the three Balyuzi biographies originally published by George Ronald: Bahá’u’lláh: The King of Glory, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and The Báb. While REFER is designed as a text search and retrieval tool, it is possible (with a little finesse) to read all the books from cover to cover on your computer screen.

three 3-1/2" disks, user's manual Diversity Press

REFER: Compilation of Compilations

SW $60.00

This two-volume set—containing compilations prepared by the Bahá’í World Centre and published in Australia in 1991—contains over 1000 pages with over 350,000 words and portions of MORE THAN 380 NEWLY TRANSLATED TABLETS!

three 3-1/2" disks, user's manual Diversity Press

System Requirements: A MS-DOS or IBM-compatible computer, 256K of RAM, 3MB of free disk space, and DOS 3.0 or higher.

O Thou Kind Lord!

Prayers and Readings for Children from the Bahá’í Writings HC $8.95/SC $5.50

A new selection of prayers and readings from the Bahá’í writings on the themes of family, protection, healing, help from God, and the Feast, which will be welcomed by children and parents alike.

The simple and attractive style makes this book easy for children to read with their families, by themselves, or in meetings. It will also help children memorize their favorite prayers and readings.

4-11/16" x 6-1/4", 57pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust - UK

The Holy Year: 1992-1993

SC $5.00

The Holy Year: 1992-1993 is a compilation of major messages of the Universal House of Justice referring to the Holy Year commemorating the hundredth anniversary of the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh and the inauguration of His Covenant.

The book is divided into three parts. The first contains preliminary messages about the Holy Year; the second, letters of the Universal House of Justice from Ridván 1992 to Ridván 1993; and the third, readings from the commemorative service held at Bahjí on May 29, 1992, and in communities worldwide. The messages include the tribute of the Universal House of Justice to Bahá’u’lláh, the message to the Second Bahá’í World Congress, and the message delivered by worldwide satellite broadcast.

5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 68pp. Palabra Publications

Mountain of the Lord

compiled by the Universal House of Justice SC $2.95

A generously illustrated full-color booklet bringing together excerpts from the Bahá’í writings and statements made by the Universal House of Justice about the great undertaking facing the present-day followers of Bahá’u’lláh—the completion of the buildings on the Arc and of the terraces on the slopes of Mount Carmel.

8-1/4" x 5-13/16", 16pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust - UK

Order now through the Bahá’í Distribution Service 1-800-999-9019 [Page 7]

New Spanish Cassette

Vivir! by Paul and Lourdes González

A recording of songs, in Spanish, consisting of quotations from the Bahá’í writings. Includes song lyrics, English translations, and a summary of the history and the principles of the Faith.

Este cassette está diseñado para ser usado en la enseñanza. Contiene algunas canciones nuevas y otras ‎concidas conocidas‎ y queridas en toda América Latina. Algunos títulos: Dos Alas, Somos, El es El Rey de los Reyes, Recuerdos, Enseñar es Aprender, Sol de la Mañana.

40 minutes / Susquehanna Bahá’í Institute / CS $8.95

Back in Stock

THE VISION OF RACE UNITY AMERICA’S MOST CHALLENGING ISSUE

100/pk. $25.00# 10/pk. $3.50#

We Have Come to Sing Praises

by the Bahá’í Gospel Singers Compact Disc $16.95 / Cassette $10.95

A new recording of the exciting African-American Bahá’í Gospel Singers, who delighted audiences at the Second Bahá’í World Congress in New York City. Ten original Bahá’í songs, including In This Day Bahá’u’lláh and We Have Come to Sing Praises. Relive the spirit of the World Congress. Order now.

45 minutes Produced by Jack Lenz and Tom Price

The Secret of Our Century

WRITTEN BY Bahíyyih Nakhjavání DIRECTED BY Martine Caillard PRODUCED BY Fourth Epoch Productions

38 minutes VT $29.95

A challenging new video that sets Bahá’u’lláh’s life and teachings against the backdrop of the transformation in humanity’s fortunes during the twentieth century.

• Part 1 concentrates on the life of Bahá’u’lláh from 1852—when He was first banished from His native Persia—to His Ascension in 1892
• Part 2 profiles the present-day Bahá’í community, attempting to put Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings into practice all over the world.

Order Form

Olya’s Story $12.95

SHIP To __________________________________________________________________ ATN _

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Bahá’í Distribution Service · 5397 Wilbanks Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37343 · 1-800-999-9019 · Fax 1-615-843-0836

MASHÍYYAT B.E. 150 / SEPTEMBER 27, 1993 [Page 8]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE GREENACRE Bahá’í School is seeking a program coordinator. This is a full-time, year-round position primarily responsible for planning and coordinating educational programs and activities at Green Acre. Qualifications include an in-depth knowledge of the Bahá’í writings and Administrative Order; experience in planning and coordinating instructional services; ability to communicate effectively to large groups and to interact with a wide range of people; proven success in organizing and coordinating multiple tasks over an extended period of time. The position requires a personable, creative, highly motivated person who is a strong self-starter; experience in teaching or direct involvement with Bahá’í educational programs for adults, youth and children is highly desirable. Please send letter of introduction and résumé to the Office of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly is seeking a general manager for the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. This position requires a strong general manager capable of managing large numbers of people, preparing and managing significant budgets, developing plans and strategies for producing desired results. Publishing experience a plus. Please send résumé to the Bahá’í National Center, Department of Human Resources, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE BOSCH Bahá’í School wishes to extend its Youth Service Corps program to include three-month, six-month and one-year terms. If you would be interested in an opportunity to serve the Faith in this capacity, please phone the Bosch school, 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or write to 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. These positions are for 40-hour weeks as volunteers in the many areas of service required at a permanent school. A small stipend for food is provided if needed. Past experience has shown that a car is helpful due to the school's remoteness from town. This is a truly unique opportunity not only to be of service but also to develop and grow within a Bahá’í family setting.

PIONEERING: HOMEFRONT

THE BAHÁ’Í community of Lomita, California, warmly invites two or three dedicated Bahá’ís to relocate there and help re-form the Assembly. Lomita is at the foot of the lovely Palos Verdes Peninsula in southern California, 10 minutes from the beach and an hour from the mountains or desert. The climate is generally comfortable the year round. Jobs currently being advertised are in accounting, computers, dental and health care, engineering, banking and sales, among others. We would be happy to help you locate employment and housing. If interested, please contact our secretary, Heidi, at 310-544-8337, or leave a message.

GUADALUPE, Arizona, 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix or the Arizona State University campus, has an Hispanic population that includes a large number of Yaqui Indians. Nearby industries and companies range from manufacturing electronic components to bank credit and processing centers. The Spiritual Assembly of Tempe will help anyone who is interested in relocating to this impoverished Hispanic community. Must speak fluent Spanish, have reliable transportation, and feel comfortable with being an "outsider." For more information, write to Barbara Clements, secretary, P.O. Box 504, Tempe, AZ 85280, or phone 602-897-7987.

NEEDED: in Minot, North Dakota—physicians, all specialties. If you enjoy clean living in the great outdoors with good schools for your children, this is the place you've been looking for. Please contact Frank or Shahnaz Damasio, Minot, ND 58701, or phone 701-839-7870.

ACTIVE TEACHING project (Taylor-Rubino) sponsored by a strong Assembly in western Michigan needs a self-sustaining homefront pioneer couple as soon as possible. Excellent opportunity for an interracial family or returning pioneers from overseas to live in a receptive, integrated rural community. There are four new Bahá’ís and 20 seekers who are studying the Faith regularly through a systematic home-study course. We also offer weekly Bahá’í classes to about 25 non-Bahá’í children and have an exciting Three Year Plan for the project. Help us keep the momentum going! Traveling teachers are also welcome. Contact the Spiritual Assembly of White River Township, c/o June Martinez, Montague, MI 49437 (phone 616-894-6485).

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Buena Park, California, is in jeopardy and desperately needs homefront pioneers to help maintain its status at Ridván 1994. Seeking those who are active and willing to support the community. Buena Park, in northern Orange County, is a clean and desirable place to live; only 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles with two major freeways running through the city. Cypress College, Cal State-Fullerton and Cal State-Long Beach are only minutes away. The Buena Park Assembly is quite active, has held many successful teaching and fund-raising events, and is a regular contributor to the Bahá’í Funds. Its loss would be greatly felt in the city and district. For information about how you can help, please phone Mr. and Mrs. Riazati, 714-994-3131; Mr. and Mrs. Meshkin, 714-522-7978; or Mr. and Mrs. Ghalili, 714-522-6641.

THE BAHÁ’Í community of Cumberland, Maryland (15 minutes from Frostburg University) needs two more Bahá’ís to achieve Assembly status. Scenic western Maryland is a lovely place to live and work. An opening exists for a skilled carpet installer. For more information, please phone 800-356-6748.

COME TO THE VALLEY that has everything: a great multicultural mix, near-perfect climate at high altitude, near a university, colleges, major hospitals and research labs. Opportunity to teach the Faith to about 60,000 people. You are needed to help strengthen this small but determined Bahá’í community bordering Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Native American Isleta Pueblo. Our goal: two pioneer-oriented families and/or individuals before Ridván. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Pajarito, Albuquerque, NM 87121, or phone 505-873-4768.

RUSHVILLE, Illinois, a lovely, friendly and quiet small town (pop. 3,500) has only two Bahá’ís living there who would like to invite others to relocate. Good schools; Western Illinois University is only 25 minutes away. Rushville is a great location for doctors, dentists, chiropractors, contractors, retired persons, artists, writers, dress shop owners, or those willing to commute a short way to work in nearby cities. For information, phone Richard or Sara Hatch, 217-322-4540.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Brookfield, Wisconsin, invites you to consider relocating to that area to help strengthen its community of nine adults. For more information about the locality, please write to the Bahá’ís of Brookfield, Brookfield, WI 53005, or phone 414-786-7173.

BAHÁ’Í COLLEGE prospects: consider Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota, for furthering your studies. BHSU offers bachelor's degrees in 57 major fields and pre-professional programs including outdoor education and Indian studies, and accepts students from high school graduates to grandparents. The local Bahá’í community is fired up to spread the Faith in the beautiful Black Hills area. For a catalog and information about the area, please write to Joseph Howell, Spearfish, SD 57783, or phone 605-642-4391.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Marion Rhodes, A.L. Rhoton, Loulie Rice, Edris Rice-Wray, Louise C. Rich (died Chicago, 1950), Adrieine Richardson, John Boyd Richardson (died Chicago, 1949), Marion Richmond, Anise Rideout (died Brookline, MA, 1949), and Florence A. Riedle (died Chicago, 1943). Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking photographs of local Spiritual Assemblies, local communities and local activities, especially early pictures. Please identify the photographs if possible with the name of locality and date. Anyone having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED

THE BAHÁ’Í Publishing Trust is seeking a copy of a record album, "Angels of Fire and Snow," featuring Joany Lincoln. It was published in the late 1960s or early 1970s. If you have a copy and would be willing to donate it to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, please contact Dr. Betty J. Fisher, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-251-1854; fax 708-251-3652). If you have a copy of the album but are not willing to part with it, we would appreciate your sending us information about what is printed on the album's label.

WANTED: a copy of an old "World Bible" (not sure of title, author or publisher). It has passages about all the major religions recognized by Bahá’ís including Zoroastrian. A new issue by an English author or publisher was good but omitted Zoroaster. Please send (collect) to: Anna L.B. Hall, Nantucket, MA 02554 (phone 508-228-2904). Please call first, as I need only one!

WANTED: Bahá’í artists and craftspersons to display and sell their wares at the Bahá’í Family Reunion, April 29-May 2, 1994, in Pompano Beach, Florida. Limited space is available. All items must be approved by the Spiritual Assembly of Pompano Beach. For information, phone Denise or Dennis Godsey, 305-942-1844; fax 305-946-9299.

DO YOU KNOW professional Bahá’ís in the U.S. or elsewhere who are trained or interested in NLP (the "science of intuition" developed as a modern methodology for internal and interpersonal communication)? Since NLP is an extremely effective tool for change, it needs high ethical standards that can only provide a spiritual approach. Who else but we Bahá’ís should show a way to use NLP with responsibility. In Europe there are about 30 practitioners, master-practitioners and highly interested friends. I would like to establish contact with those in other countries including the U.S. prior to the IANLP Conference next April 22-24. Please contact Annegret Meyer, Germany (fax 49-89-6135764).

WANTED: memories of favorite Bahá’í holiday celebrations for a handbook for Bahá’í families about creating memorable Bahá’í holiday observances. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has experiences in this area. I am especially interested in cross-cultural stories and those with high sensory appeal. Please indicate the source of your material. Send to Diane Petit, Lansing, IL 60438.

WANTED: copies of the "Star Study" program (series of nine booklets), copyright by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly around 1976, for teaching youth and new believers in our community. Would be happy to accept on loan, or pay for materials and mailing. Please contact Teri Anderson, Helena, MT 59601.

STAMP COLLECTORS: I am looking for the following Bahá’í postage stamps and covers (1) Sri Lanka, "World Religion Day," 1985, Jan. 20, Scott A287; (2) India, "New Delhi 60th Anniversary" (shows Temple), 1991, Scott 1364a; (3) Panama, "Freedom of Worship" (shows Temple), 1983, Oct. 21, Scott A209; (4) Panama, commemorative cover, "Conmemoración de la Fe Bahá’í en 1992"; (5) Brazil, commemorative cover, "Centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh." Also interested in keeping in touch with Bahá’ís who collect stamps. William Collins, Alexandria, VA 22306 (telephone 703-765-9115; e-mail 4705541@mcimail.com).

MISCELLANEOUS

ARE YOU SINGLE and interested in meeting other single Bahá’ís? I am trying to start a newsletter for single Bahá’ís. If you are interested, please send information you would like published to Lisa M. lezzi, P.O. Box 414, West Union, OH 45693.

THE AMERICAN branch of the international Bahá’í Esperanto League (BEL-Usono) invites anyone who is studying Esperanto, or who may be interested in the language, to contact Charles Donoghue, Boone, NC 28607 (phone or fax 704-264-5580). Information about BEL and a membership application will be mailed to you.

INFORMATION about the study of Esperanto through correspondence courses can be requested from the Esperanto League for North America, P.O. Box 1129, El Cerrito, CA 94530. ELNA can also refer you to universities at which Esperanto courses are offered for credit. To receive a packet of information about ELNA and Esperanto, send your name, address, city, state and zip code to the above address.

SCHOOLS, CONFERENCES

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School invites applications for its "Pathways to Service" program which offers a one- or two-year period of service at Louhelen during which participants serve as resident staff and are engaged in a regular program of deepening and spiritualization. Volunteer service staff with similar commitments are needed to help in winning Louhelen's Three Year Plan goals. While a wide variety of interests and skills will be considered, the school is especially seeking applicants who can serve as full-time staff in the following areas: cooking and food service, vegetable gardening and grounds maintenance, and office/library. Board and room are provided; however, no stipends or salaries are available. Personal health insurance is required. Interested applicants should contact Mrs. Penny Schmicker, volunteer services manager, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

ITEMS AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE from the Spiritual Assembly of Wilton Manors, Florida, for the cost of shipping: 3/4-inch video tapes of a 13-part television series, "The New World," produced in 1973 by Robert Quigley for the National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii, hosted by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears with music composed and arranged by Russ Garcia. Potentially a powerful teaching tool. If interested, phone Heidi Melius, 305-565-9143. [Page 9]

World News

Eighteen Bahá’ís and their friends attended a spiritual training institute May 29-30 in Luanda, Angola. The gathering, it was reported, was characterized by “a spirit of love and unity,” and by the end of the institute five people had declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh.

Following a teaching conference last February, five members of the small Bahá’í community of Tanga, Tanzania, resolved that they would try to give at least one hour a day to the Faith for the remaining 75 days of the Holy Year. The results of that decision include six enrollments; the reactivation of two long-time Bahá’ís; the formation of one new local Spiritual Assembly; presentation of the Statement on Bahá’u’lláh to 403 prominent people; proclamation of the Faith and distribution of pamphlets to more than 1,060 others; and a Naw-Rúz celebration attended by 30 non-Bahá’ís.

On the first day of Ridván, a video tape of the second Bahá’í World Congress was broadcast nationwide on Seychelles Television.

A Seminar for Moral Education was held April 9-11 in Brasilia, Brazil. The seminar, which drew 52 participants from 18 Brazilian communities, was co-sponsored by the Continental Board of Counselors, the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil, and the School of the Nations. Two people from Paraguay and one from Uruguay also took part. The seminar’s goal was to develop a new concept of moral education.

On April 16, a new Bahá’í Center was inaugurated in Tapat, Arunachal Pradesh, India, in the presence of 40 adult Bahá’ís and 12 children. After a welcoming speech by the vice-chairman of the local Spiritual Assembly, prayers were offered in Adi, Hindi, English and Manipuri. The life of Bahá’u’lláh was recounted, and the two arms of Bahá’í administration were discussed. The ceremony was of special importance because the opening of Arunachal Pradesh has been a long-cherished goal of the National Spiritual Assembly of India.

More than 100 Bahá’ís from Cyprus, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland and Turkey attended the second European Conference for Turkish-speaking Bahá’ís and their friends held April 9-12 at De Poort, the Netherlands. Workshop sessions were interspersed with talks on “The Station of Bahá’u’lláh and the Holy Year” (Dr. Ferzad Kuchani); “Bahá’í History and the Covenant” (Dr. Ilhan Sezgin); and “The Role of Women in Establishing Universal Peace” (Dr. Susan Merter).

The hour-long “Bahá’í Newsreel” video of the second Bahá’í World Congress was broadcast April 3 without commercial interruption on Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT). The response from the public is reported as having been quite favorable.

In Costa Rica, Bahá’ís had an exhibit in March at the International Interdisciplinary Women’s Congress held at the University of Costa Rica in San Pedro. About 1,000 Bahá’í pamphlets were given out during the five-day Congress.

Nine Bahá’ís take part in first conference for women ever held in Russian Far-East

The first International Women’s Conference to be held in the Russian Far-East took place August 6-15 in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy.

The conference was a collaborative project between Innovations Inc. and a Russian women’s group. Innovations Inc., a United Nations non-governmental organization (NGO) founded by a Bahá’í in Juneau, Alaska, works to develop closer ties between the people of the U.S. and Russia.

During the past four years Innovations Inc. has organized a number of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, with the women’s conference representing the most recent of these exchanges. The U.S. delegation of approximately 90 women included nine Bahá’ís, four adults and five youth.

Among the Bahá’ís taking part was Rebequa Getahoun Murphy, the United Nations representative of the Bahá’ís of the United States, who delivered the keynote address at the opening session on “The Growing International Community of Women.”

The conference agenda, which was the result of consultation among women in the U.S. and Russia, addressed issues of critical importance to the women of Petropavlovsk. These included “Mental and Physical Health,” “Birth Control,” “Balancing Family and Professional Life,” and “Connecting the Women of Petropavlovsk to the 4th World Congress on Women, in Beijing, China, in 1995.”

In her opening remarks, Ms. Murphy stressed the importance of having Russian women become an integral part of the international women’s movement.

As a follow-up to the conference, the Bahá’ís of the United States’ UN Office plans to help establish links between the women of Petropavlovsk and women’s organizations in New York who are involved in planning activities for the Beijing conference.

To accomplish this, the U.S./UN Office will work closely with the Bahá’í International Community’s Office for the Advancement of Women (OAW). Mary Power, director of OAW, in her capacity as chairman of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (New York), is intimately involved in planning NGO activities for the 4th World Conference on Women.

The women of Petropavlovsk showed a keen interest in knowing what women are doing at the international level, asking questions about how to organize women’s NGOs and how to network with women around the world. Many of the Russian women made commitments to attend the 1995 conference in Beijing.

The Bahá’ís of the region, several of whom attended the conference, can play a crucial role in facilitating contacts between the women of the Russian Far-East and international women’s organizations.

A total of 280 Bahá’ís attended one or more of the six spiritual institutes held during the Holy Year in Vientiane, Laos. Most of the institutes were nine days long, and trainees were happy to be able to refresh their knowledge of the teachings of the Faith.

In connection with the Holy Year, each of the 51 members of the Parliament of Suriname was given a copy of the Statement on Bahá’u’lláh.

Representatives of the Bahá’í, Christian, Hindu and Sikh communities spoke last January during a World Religion Day commemoration at Bahá’í House in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The event received coverage on All India Radio as well as in the local press.

A law recently passed in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil recognizes March 21 as the Bahá’í New Year and exempts Bahá’í municipal employees from work and students in public schools from attending classes on that day. The law is signed by the mayor and 14 of his municipal secretaries.

On March 21, 56 Bahá’í communities from the Northwest Territories and Yukon to the Atlantic Provinces of Canada supported the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The Day was called for by the Federal Ministry of Multiculturalism and Citizenship, and was endorsed by the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

Staff and students from the Rabbani Bahá’í School near Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India helped this year with the re-election of 17 local Spiritual Assemblies in the vicinity of the school. In addition, they hosted a special conference May 12-13 to deepen and inspire the newly elected Assembly members. More than 60 members of 10 Assemblies took part in the conference. As a result of their consultation, a plan is being prepared to conduct classes for children on morals and to teach and deepen youth.

Three Bahá’ís from Canada traveled to New Zealand in February and March, giving firesides and public meetings, radio and newspaper interviews, and visiting schools. The traveling teachers also attended the 1993 International Indigenous Peoples Conference at ‎Taumaranui Taumarunui‎, on New Zealand’s North Island. The three visitors were Hazel Lovelace, a full-blooded Tlingit Indian of the Eagle tribe; Rita Blumenstein, the first Yupik Indian Bahá’í; and Rita’s husband, Bernie.

In June, a one-day seminar on the Faith was given to 26 members of the Philosophy Club at the National Open University in Taiwan. The session began with an introduction of the three Central Figures, followed by talks on Bahá’í History and teachings. After lunch, the “Bahá’í Newsreel” video about significant events of the Holy Year was shown. After talks on the Covenant and Bahá’í administration, the program ended with a question-and-answer session that was to last for 40 minutes but was extended to 80 before the caretaker of the meeting hall had to lock the doors. Afterward, 10 people stayed behind to ask more questions.

A press release about the seventh Bahá’í International Convention was published in May in the Weekly Echo newspaper in Sierra Leone. Also published was an interview with and photograph of Abdul Magona, the only member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Sierra Leone who was able to attend the Convention in Haifa, Israel.

RESERVE NOVEMBER 14

THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

IS ABOUT TO TAKE US

TO OUR DESTINY

[Page 10]

In South Sacramento, support efforts lead to growth

The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office reports that the Spiritual Assembly of South Sacramento, California, has seen formidable growth in its community in the past year.

Shortly before the World Congress last November, there were about a dozen adults in the community; today there are more than 70 adults, youth and children.

The increase has come about largely as a result of Assembly consultation on teaching and the decision to support efforts to teach those in the Asian community.

Specifically, the Assembly decided to support the Hmong Teaching Institute as fully and as often as possible with funds, prayer and, whenever possible, manpower. Three years later, the fruits of that decision can be seen in the steady growth of the community.

Besides increasing the number of enrolled Bahá’ís, three Southeast Asians presently serve on the Assembly: two Hmong and one Cambodian.

Assembly meetings and Feasts have become truly “international,” with prayers and business matters translated into a multitude of languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, Lao, Khmer and Hmong.

The Assembly has encountered some unique challenges with respect to deepening and consolidation, but is working to deal with them.

For the members of the community it has been a growing and learning experience, one that has deepened their love for Bahá’u’lláh and the Faith and their commitment to the Teachings.

If you would like to help in teaching and consolidating Southeast Asians, please contact the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, 708-869-9039.

United Nations declares 1994 ‘International Year of the Family’

In December 1989 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1994 the International Year of the Family (IYF).

The theme of the year is “Family: Resources and Responsibilities in a Changing World.” The primary goals are to increase awareness of family issues and to improve the institutional capability of nations to tackle serious family-related issues with comprehensive policies.

During the course of the year, the UN hopes that activities which are expected to take place at the local, national and regional level will raise consciousness of the universal need for sustaining and supporting families so that they can carry out their vital functions in society.

According to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “A family is a nation in miniature. Simply enlarge the circle of the household, and you have the nation. Enlarge the circle of nations, and you have all humanity. The conditions surrounding the family surround the nation. The happenings in the family are the happenings in the life of the nation.”

As more and more countries undergo severe social, political and economic upheavals, their ability to meet the basic needs of their citizens is severely hampered. For many, the family may be the only reliable source of support.

Activities for IYF will be launched by a World Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Forum, scheduled to take place November 28-December 2, 1993, in Valletta, Malta. The conference theme is “Promoting Families for the Well-Being of Individuals and Societies.”

During the conference, the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) will present a workshop on “The Role of Men in the Family.” In addition, sometime during the course of the year, the BIC plans to present several symposia on “Creating Violence-Free Families.”

The Bahá’í community throughout the world has historically given strong support to similar UN activities. The UN Decade for Women, the Year of the Child, and the Year of Youth all received regular support from the Bahá’í community.

These activities provide opportunities for Bahá’ís to share the teachings of the Faith on a wide range of related topics. Bahá’í communities in the U.S. are encouraged to plan activities related to IYF; communities may either plan their own activities or collaborate with other community groups including United Nations Associations.

Bahá’í classes for children and youth may also wish to take part in a project to be coordinated by the International Museum of Children’s Art in Oslo, Norway. The museum is asking children and youth ages 2-18 to take part in a global art expression in recognition of IYF 1994.

There is no set theme for the art work, and all kinds of techniques and materials can be used. Submissions can be large or small, done by individuals or groups—drawings, illustrations, essays, poems, plays or songs.

The following information must appear on the reverse side of all submitted materials: title(s), name(s), nationality, age(s), date(s) of birth, address (both home and school), and date when work was completed.

The deadline for mailing materials is October 15. Submissions should be sent to the International Museum of Children’s Art, Lilles Froens Vel 4, N-0369, Oslo, Norway.

We ask that copies of reports of Bahá’í activities be sent to United Nations Office, Bahá’ís of the United States, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017-1811.

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A children’s class discusses the environment during the Great Plains Bahá’í School held June 18-20 at Camp Comeca near Cozad, Nebraska. The theme of this year’s session was ‘The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Charter of the Future World Civilization,’ with classes on the Aqdas for 35 adults taught by Cliff Mason of Omaha and a class on empathetic listening moderated by Colin Taylor of North Platte.

MEMORIAL Plano, Texas, event honors persecuted Bahá’ís, minorities

The third annual memorial meeting in honor of persecuted Bahá’ís and other minorities was held June 19 at Collin County Community College in Plano, Texas.

More than 75 people took part in the event including representatives of Amnesty International and the NAACP.

Jon Orchard, president of Amnesty International-North Texas chapter, presented an overview of recent human rights violations in North and South America, the former Yugoslavia, the Middle East, India and China.

Leala Green, president of the NAACP chapter in Garland, shared her views and concerns about violations of the civil rights of minority groups in the U.S., pointing to several recent racial incidents in north Texas, and acknowledged the efforts of Bahá’ís in the Dallas Metroplex to promote racial harmony.

Payam Maveddat, a Bahá’í from Plano, spoke about the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran including that of his parents who were arrested and his father executed for his beliefs.

Mr. Maveddat analyzed the root causes of persecution, compared it to civil rights violations in this country, and presented the Bahá’í agenda for eliminating racism.

The meeting ended with a performance by Mike Ard and the Dallas Bahá’í Choir.

UPCOMING Bahá’í Youth Service Corps/Pioneering Institutes:

January 11-18, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California.

If you are interested in pioneering, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247 for more information.

National Assembly reminds friends that there are no ‘Bahá’í’ education models

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to remind the friends that none of the current models of education and community development including Montessori, Waldorf, ANISA, the Four Worlds Development Project, Optimalearning, or the Balanced Life Values Program constitute in any way a Bahá’í “model” of education or community development.

The Universal House of Justice has been careful to ask the friends not to make statements that give the impression that there is a “Bahá’í model” of education or community development.

Education and other human development activities are commendable areas of service for Bahá’ís, but the fact that Bahá’í professionals are working on a particular project in no way means that it is to be labeled a “Bahá’í enterprise.”

Unwise actions in this regard can undermine the efforts that Bahá’í professionals may be making in their fields, and can do serious harm to the Cause. [Page 11]

Individual Initiative

The McComb family of Eugene, Oregon, saw the American West this summer. Along the way, they taught the Bahá’í Faith to 81 people in one-on-one encounters.

Three generations of McCombs went on the car trip July 18–30 through parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California and Oregon.

They traversed parts of three historical trails—Lewis & Clark, Oregon and Santa Fe—and several Indian Reservations.

The entourage consisted of Lucien and Ayned McComb; son Jeffrey; and son Gordon, his wife, Lauren, and their three children, Ross, Lindsay and Glenn (sixth-generation Bahá’ís!).

The trip was spurred by the Ridván 150 message of the Universal House of Justice:

“Our appeal for immediate, redoubled and sustained action on all aspects of the Plan is addressed primarily to the individual believer of every locality, who possesses within himself or herself the measures of initiative that ensure the success of any global Bahá’í enterprise and ‘on whom, in the last resort,’ as our beloved Guardian plainly stated, ‘depends the fate of the entire community.’”

The family also noted the call for the U.S. Bahá’í community to raise at least 3,000 traveling teachers during the Three Year Plan, and the National Teaching Committee’s emphasis on “the formulation of personal goals by individuals and families.”

How could the call be answered? The answer for the McCombs was to use vacation time as traveling teaching time, too.

With two cars crammed full of camping gear, the family left Eugene on July 18. The first stop was Touchet, Washington, at the home of Jack Hansen, coordinator for traveling teaching in their region, and his wife, Jan.

After touring Walla Walla the next day, the McCombs were off on their 10-state odyssey, during which they met many residents, especially American Indians; fellow vacationers from around the United States; and tourists from Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, India, Korea and China.

According to Ayned McComb, the newfound friends from other countries “all said that they would look into the Faith further upon their return home. Intense interest was shown by all with whom we spoke, and literature was received by many.”

Among the people contacted were:

• The director of an Indian trading post whose husband is a well-known artist. She lauded the Bahá’í belief in the oneness of humanity and work in bringing about unity.
• A group of five French-Canadians from Montreal “who were captivated by the principles.” Lucien’s father had become a Bahá’í in the Maxwell home in Montreal.
• A family of four from Lausanne, Switzerland, with whom the family spoke at length in French. They were “intensely interested” in the Faith and the literature and promised to contact the Bahá’ís in Lausanne upon returning.
• An African-American couple from Tennessee “who promised to write us after they reached home and contacted the Faith there.”
• Five Navajo Indians they met in a store and in a restaurant. In a long conversation, the Navajos indicated they liked the Faith’s recognition of one human family.
• A family of four from the same city in New Jersey as Lucien’s brother. They promised to get in touch.
• Four women from Newport News, Virginia, where Ayned’s mother and grandmother, both Bahá’ís, had lived.
• A family of nine from India, now living in Chicago, who said they visit the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette regularly. (It was in Chicago that Lucien’s mother and grandmother and Aunt Rouhieh became Bahá’ís in the days of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit in 1912.)
• Nineteen mainland Chinese encountered at a highway rest stop. The Bahá’í message was new to them, and they had kind words for Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings.

As the McCombs traveled, they thought of the thousands of immigrants who “pressed forward over these trails” with “courage, perseverance and dedication to achieving their goals.”

“Today, we are called upon to exhibit a similar spirit,” reflects Ayned McComb, “but we are different kinds of pioneers who are dedicated to winning spiritual goals.”

“Our courage and perseverance in pursuing the plans we set for ourselves will produce victory in spite of seeming difficulties. We Bahá’ís won’t be charting any new physical trails, but our trails will be equally celebrated by future generations.”

Making Plans for Teaching: An Important Element in Community Growth and Development

The Bahá’í community, as a body of believers, has a distinct role to play in teaching the Cause of God. A group has a different dynamic than individuals and can accomplish greater and more diverse tasks than individuals who are working alone. When systematic plans are carried out by community members in a spirit of unified action, efforts are frequently more effective than random initiatives.

The potential of Bahá’í community activity, which is dependent on the cooperative efforts of individuals, is described by the Universal House of Justice in its Ridván 1984 message to the Bahá’ís of the United States:

“A Bahá’í community which is consistent in its fundamental life-giving, life-sustaining activities will at its heart be serene and confident; it will resonate with spiritual dynamism, will exert irresistible influence, will set a new course in social evolution, enabling it to win the respect and eventually the allegiance of admirers and critics alike. These profound possibilities reside in the will of the individual to take initiative, to act in accordance with the guidance offered by Bahá’í institutions, and to maintain such action regardless of the myriad distractions posed by the disintegration of a society adrift in a sea of materialism.”

The Local Spiritual Assembly can ensure the consistent, unified action of its Bahá’í community by creating and implementing a systematic plan for teaching. To facilitate this important prerequisite for successful community growth and development, the National Teaching Committee has sent to each Local Spiritual Assembly and Registered Bahá’í Group a booklet entitled “The Three Year Plan” which contains guidance suggestions for making plans.

The National Teaching Committee requested that each community develop a local plan for teaching and share with the Committee a copy of their plan. So far, the communities listed below have sent in their plans. The National Teaching Committee asks all Assemblies and Groups that have not yet developed and sent in a plan to do so as soon as possible. The guidance and focused direction it will provide your community may have remarkable results!

Communities from which Local Plans have been Received as of August 18, 1993

CENTRAL STATES LSA Bettendorf, IA LSA Des Moines, IA RGP Mount Vernon, IA LSA Chicago, IL LSA Edwardsville, IL LSA Evanston, IL LSA Glencoe, IL LSA Joliet, IL LSA Peoria, IL LSA Springfield, IL LSA Urbana, IL LSA Crawfordsville, IN LSA Gary, IN LSA Indianapolis, IN LSA Lafayette, IN RGP Marion, IN RGP Vincennes, IN LSA Hutchinson, KS LSA Manhattan, KS RGP Ferndale, MI LSA Holland, MI LSA Marquette, MI RGP Warren, MI RGP Aitkin Co, MN RGP Grand Rapids, MN LSA Minneapolis, MN LSA Kansas City, MO LSA University City, MO RGP Akron, OH LSA Kent, OH RGP Sylvania, OH LSA Westerville, OH LSA Pierre, SD RGP Adams Co, WI LSA Brookfield, WI LSA Madison, WI LSA Milwaukee, WI LSA New Berlin, WI LSA Oshkosh, WI LSA Waukesha, WI NORTHEASTERN STATES LSA Hartford, CT RGP Ledyard Town, CT LSA Manchester, CT RGP New Britain, CT LSA New Canaan, CT LSA New Haven, CT LSA Southington, CT

LSA Stamford, CT LSA Torrington, CT RGP Vernon Town, CT LSA W Hartford Town, CT LSA Amherst Town, MA LSA Barnstable Town, MA LSA Belchertown Town, MA LSA Cambridge, MA LSA Chelmsford Town, MA RGP Holyoke, MA LSA Newton, MA LSA Northampton, MA LSA Somerville, MA RGP S Hadley Town, MA LSA Worcester, MA LSA Augusta, ME RGP Kingfield, ME LSA Portland, ME RGP South Berwick, ME LSA Standish Town, ME LSA Hudson Town, NH LSA Nashua, NH LSA Keene, NH LSA Lebanon, NH LSA Lee Town, NH LSA Portsmouth, NH LSA Montclair Township, NJ LSA Amherst Town, NY LSA Brookhaven Town, NY LSA Buffalo, NY RGP Fredonia, NY RGP Grand Island Town, NY LSA Hamburg Town, NY LSA Hempstead Town, NY LSA Islip Town, NY LSA New York City, NY RGP N Hempstead Town, NY LSA Olean, NY RGP Orchard Park Town, NY LSA Oyster Bay Town, NY RGP Phelps Town, NY LSA Pittsford Town, NY LSA Smithtown Town, NY LSA ‎Tonawand Tonawanda‎ Town, NY RGP Huntingdon Borough, PA RGP Swarthmore, PA RGP Tredyffrin Township, PA LSA Warwick, RI LSA Montpelier, VT

SOUTHERN STATES LSA Mobile, AL LSA Washington, DC LSA Altamonte Springs, FL LSA Brevard Co, FL LSA Broward Co S, FL LSA Citrus Co, FL LSA Deerfield Beach, FL LSA Greater Gainesville, FL LSA Lakeland, FL LSA Miami, FL LSA Orlando, FL LSA Palm Beach Co S, FL LSA Pompano Beach, FL LSA Wilton Manors, FL LSA Glynn Co, GA LSA Peach Co, GA LSA Richmond Co, GA LSA Roswell, GA LSA Louisville, KY LSA La Place, LA LSA New Orleans, LA RGP Sulphur, LA LSA Baltimore, MD LSA College Park, MD LSA Laurel, MD LSA Montgomery Co E, MD LSA Prince Georges Co N, MD LSA Chapel Hill, NC LSA Durham, NC LSA Orange Co, NC LSA Raleigh, NC LSA Broken Arrow, OK LSA Edmond, OK LSA Greenwood Co N, SC LSA Richland Co N, SC LSA Memphis, TN LSA Wilson Co, TN RGP Allen, TX LSA Arlington, TX LSA Austin, TX LSA Bedford, TX RGP Benbrook, TX LSA Cedar Hill, TX LSA College Station, TX LSA Coppell, TX LSA Corpus Christi, TX LSA Denison, TX LSA Flower Mound, TX LSA Fort Worth, TX

LSA Grand Prairie, TX LSA Grapevine, TX LSA Houston, TX LSA Lewisville, TX LSA Mc Allen, TX LSA Mc Kinney, TX LSA Plano, TX LSA Richardson, TX LSA The Colony, TX LSA Waco, TX LSA Wichita Falls, TX LSA Fairfax Co N (Great Falls), VA LSA Hampton, VA LSA Norfolk, VA LSA Reston, VA WESTERN STATES LSA Clarkdale, AZ RGP Holbrook, AZ LSA Mesa, AZ LSA Oro Valley, AZ LSA Paradise Valley, AZ LSA Tempe, AZ LSA Yuma, AZ RGP Arroyo Grande, CA LSA Beverly Hills, CA LSA Chico, CA LSA Dana Point, CA LSA Downey, CA LSA El Cajon, CA LSA Encinitas, CA LSA Fresno, CA LSA Irvine, CA LSA Lake County, CA RGP Loma Linda, CA LSA Lompoc, CA LSA Los Angeles, CA LSA Los Gatos, CA LSA Marin Co, CA LSA Milpitas, CA LSA Mission Viejo, CA LSA Mountain View, CA LSA Mt San Jacinto JD, CA LSA Newark, CA LSA Orange, CA LSA Pleasant Hill, CA LSA Redwood City, CA LSA San Francisco, CA LSA San Leandro, CA RGP San Luis Obispo Co S, CA LSA San Rafael, CA LSA Santa Clara, CA LSA Santa Clarita, CA LSA Santa Monica, CA LSA Santa Rosa, CA LSA Seal Beach, CA LSA Temple City, CA LSA Torrance, CA LSA Vallejo, CA LSA Ventura Co, CA LSA Glenwood Springs, CO LSA Billings, MT LSA Lewis & Clark Co, MT LSA Missoula Co, MT LSA Albuquerque, NM LSA Belen, NM LSA Pajarito, NM LSA Paradise Hills, NM LSA Santa Fe, NM LSA Reno, NV LSA Beaverton, OR LSA Bend, OR LSA Benton Co, OR LSA Deschutes Co, OR LSA Lane Co Central, OR LSA Medford, OR LSA Sandy, UT LSA Auburn, WA LSA Everett, WA LSA Federal Way, WA LSA Franklin CCD 3, WA LSA Juanita, WA LSA Kent, WA LSA King Co NE, WA LSA King Co SE, WA LSA Kirkland, WA LSA Klickitat CCD 1, WA LSA Lakewood, WA LSA Mercer Island, WA LSA Mountlake Terrace, WA RGP Normandy Park, WA LSA Redmond, WA LSA Richland, WA RGP San Juan Island, WA LSA Snohomish Co SE, WA LSA Spokane CCD 2, WA LSA University Place, WA LSA Walla Walla, WA

[Page 12]

Torrington, Connecticut, teaching campaign honors Horace Holley

About 90 years ago, a slightly built young man rode his bicycle through the streets of Torrington, Connecticut, delivering the daily newspaper and copies of The Saturday Evening Post, which he sold for a nickel a copy.

At that time, young Horace A. Holley had no idea that he would later devote more than 50 years of his life to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and that he would become a Hand of the Cause of God.

Nor could he possibly have foreseen that the teaching principles he advocated for the Cause would be used in Torrington in the summer of 1993 in a project that bears his name.

The Spiritual Assembly of Torrington initiated the Horace A. Holley Teaching Project on July 10 with the opening of a storefront Bahá’í information center at 264 Main St.

Bahá’ís from around the state and traveling teachers from Arizona and South Carolina have served at the center, which has been open 10 hours a day every day since its beginning.

Project director Ludi Stritt Johnson is there for more than 10 hours every day disseminating Bahá’í literature, giving impromptu firesides, befriending many of the neighborhood people, and orchestrating a full roster of teaching activities.

There have been Friday night coffee hours, a public pizza party, a Sunday School open to children of all faiths, and Wednesday night deepenings for Bahá’ís. Feasts have been held at the information center. There also have been many roundtable discussions about ways in which to teach the Faith.

One of the bounties of being at the center has been having the time and the opportunity for prayer. Whenever Bahá’ís visit the center, there are prayers. A Persian Bahá’í stops by each day to chant, often accompanied by her young daughter, who reads prayers in both her native tongue and English.

Spare moments have been used by some Bahá’ís to memorize passages from the Writings, “so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman. So potent is their influence that the hearer will have no cause for vacillation.” (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 199-200)

The teaching going on at the center validates these words of Horace Holley: “The Sacred Literature of the Bahá’í Faith conveys enlightenment. It inspires life. It frees the mind. It disciplines the heart. For believers, the Word is not a philosophy to be learned, but the sustenance of being throughout the span of mortal existence.”

Those serving at the center have employed these other words of Mr. Holley, from his book Religion for Mankind:

“You and I are members of a World Faith, and from day to day that World Faith is growing more and more potent and decisive in the destiny of the human race. O, if we could but increase our service, do things, dare things!

“I wonder if it would not be a good teaching technique for the individual Bahá’í to begin to figure two or three very simple questions about world conditions, or about certain spiritual attitudes reflected by the present, with a view to testing the response from the individual we meet for the first time? Try such questions out. We are making an effort to contact the inner man. If we do that and fail nine or 99 times, do not let us be discouraged, because our one task is to learn how to meet the inner spirit of the people and not just revolve around and around their outer personality.

“The person who may feel the least qualified may prove to be, in the actual field of service, the most brilliant and successful exponent of the power of the Covenant. Remember, the dividing line is not how much we know, not how many books we have studied, but whether we passed from inaction to action, because we are pledged to serve and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has pledged to serve us if we serve Him.”

1993 North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development

“The oneness of mankind...implies the achievement of a dynamic coherence between the spiritual and practical requirements of life on earth... The concept of social and economic development is enshrined in the sacred Teachings of our Faith.” The Universal House of Justice

1993 North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development The Bahá’í Faith in Action... Sustainable Development for a New World December 16-19, 1993 Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

HOTEL/AIRLINE INFORMATION Special Bahá’í group discount rates: Hotel rooms at Buena Vista Palace Hotel at the Disney World Complex in Orlando, Florida: $99 per night double occupancy (no additional charge for children) LIMITED AVAILABILITY — CALL PROMPTLY Hotel reservations: 1-800-327-2990 Airfare discounts from Delta Airlines Airline reservations: 1-800-241-6760 (In Canada, call local Delta Office) (For discounts, refer to File No. XT0195)

REGISTRATION Registration fee per person Before October 1: $129. After October 1: $149 (No conference registration fee for youth or children)

Make checks payable to: The Rabbani Charitable Trust 1477 W. Fairbanks Avenue, Suite 200 Winter Park, FL 32789 For information call: (407) 647-7777

The Rabbani Charitable Trust in association with the Mottahedeh Development Services, an affiliate of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, warmly invites you to attend the 1993 North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development.

This conference presents a unique opportunity for Bahá’ís of all backgrounds and experiences to gather together.... ...To gain a deeper understanding of the principles and practices of Bahá’í social and economic development as they relate to our role within our communities, our nations, and our world. ...To forge action plans to achieve developmental goals of the Three Year Plan. ...To network, to share experiences and success stories, and to integrate our efforts for change.

Featured at the conference will be: Speakers: from the National Spiritual Assemblies in North America, the Continental Board of Counsellors, and many others intimately involved in development efforts. Displays and videotapes of current projects. Special programs for youth and children. Workshops in the areas of: Race Unity, Enhancement of the Status of Women, The Environment, Education, Health, Bahá’í Institutions in Social and Economic Development, and Development with Special Populations.

Fair Oaks/Orangevale community hosts interfaith meetings to introduce Faith

The Bahá’í community of Fair Oaks/Orangevale, California, recently completed a series of monthly meetings designed to bring together people of diverse faiths and to introduce them at the final meeting to the Bahá’í Faith.

The tenets of a number of religions were explained to the audiences by adherents of each, or by a speaker whose background was of a certain faith. Among the speakers were a Hindu, a student of Buddhism, a rabbi, and a Christian minister. Also included were talks about Zoroastrianism and Islam.

The Bahá’ís broadened their knowledge of other faiths while their guests were able to see the unifying elements in all religions. [Page 13]

Estrangement from community a problem for some Bahá’ís

BY TOM MENNILLO

There are isolated believers, and there are isolated believers.

One refers to geography. The other, alienation from an individual's own Bahá’í community.

Two recent communications to The American Bahá’í bring into sharper focus the world of the latter.

"Since becoming a Bahá’í almost seven years ago," a letter writer lamented, "I've noticed my life has undergone a strange transformation.

"Upon declaring my faith in Bahá’u’lláh, I found myself entering into a community where I felt alone and unaccepted. The closeness and love in sharing our wonderful Faith was never extended to me.

"Over the years I have grown stronger in my love for Bahá’u’lláh because of this trial. I call to mind His words, 'Remember My days during thy days,' and the comfort I receive from this loving admonition inspires me to continue in the face of feelings of inadequacy as a Bahá’í and loneliness."

The letter concluded: "I wonder sometimes if there are other lonely Bahá’ís out there who feel alienated from their communities. Knowing that there are others who share this same experience would go a long way in helping me to accept with gracious resignation the situation in which I find myself."

A few days later, a caller to the newspaper voiced frustration because the local Spiritual Assembly would not agree to sponsor an activity the person believes is needed in that Bahá’í community.

That individual was sufficiently dissatisfied to consider withholding financial support from the institution.

Some might dismiss the letter writer's situation as an aberration. After all, if we strive to "live the life," won't such cases of complete estrangement be rare—despite differences in people's background, culture, language and personality?

But the phone call concerned a situation that could be more common. Many times, when requests to Spiritual Assemblies are turned down because other needs are perceived to be more pressing, the requesting party has difficulty accepting the decision.

In any case, the triple theme of the Three Year Plan—enhancing the vitality of the faith of individual believers, greatly developing the human resources of the Cause, and fostering the proper functioning of local and national Bahá’í institutions—speaks so pointedly to the issues raised in the two communications that close attention is warranted.

The Universal House of Justice, in its Ridván 150 message, stated, "Depth of belief is assured by the inner transformation, that salutary acquisition of spiritual and moral character, which is the outcome of obedience to the divine laws and principles."

Noting that release of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas in English will "provide a mighty infusion of divine guidance for realizing the vitality of faith which is essential to the spiritual well-being and happiness of individuals and the strengthening of the fabric of the community," the Ridván message went on to say:

"No less essential to nourishing this vitality is the cultivation of a sense of spirituality, that mystic feeling which unites the individual with God and is achieved through meditation and prayer."

The responsibility for this transformation, then, would appear to rest with the individual. Indeed, much emphasis is placed in the Three Year Plan on individual initiative:

"Our appeal for immediate, redoubled and sustained action on all aspects of the Plan is addressed primarily to the individual believer of every locality, who possesses within himself or herself the measures of initiative that ensure the success of any global Bahá’í enterprise, and 'on whom, in the last resort,' as our beloved Guardian plainly stated, 'depends the fate of the entire community.'"

Moreover, the Ridván message challenges communities and individuals alike:

"Training of the friends and their striving, through serious individual study, to acquire knowledge of the Faith, to apply its principles and administer its affairs, are indispensable to developing the human resources necessary to the progress of the Cause.

"But knowledge alone is not adequate; it is vital that training be given in a manner that inspires love and devotion, fosters firmness in the Covenant, prompts the individual to active participation in the work of the Cause and to taking sound initiatives in the promotion of its interests."

These endeavors, the Universal House of Justice promised, "will stimulate and strengthen the ability of Spiritual Assemblies to meet their weighty responsibilities."

As the message stated, "Of relevant importance...are their resolve to remove all traces of estrangement and sectarian tendencies from their midst, their ability to win the affection and support of the friends under their care and to involve as many individuals as possible in the work of the Cause.

"By their constantly aiming at improving their performance, the communities they guide will reflect a pattern of life that will be a credit to the Faith and will, as a welcome consequence, rekindle hope among the increasingly disillusioned members of society."

The same theme of shared individual and community responsibility is sounded in a letter dated December 24, 1990, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual American believer:

"You express a longing for greater openness and deeper ties among the believers, for more tolerance of authentic diversity and for greater discipline on the part of the individual and the community.

"You draw attention to the need for greater sensitivity and cite the importance of cultivating the art of listening, and for enhanced attention to the practical applications of our Faith in all arenas, and to the objectives of the Six Year Plan.

"These concerns are indeed urgent and compelling, but depend for their successful prosecution upon individual grassroots initiative, forbearance and resolve, perhaps even more than upon administration, vital as that is."

The letter went on to quote from a letter dated February 27, 1943, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer:

"The friends must be patient with each other and must realize that the Cause is still in its infancy and its institutions are not yet functioning perfectly. The greater the patience, the loving understanding and the forbearance the believers show toward each other and their shortcomings, the greater will be the progress of the whole Bahá’í community at large."

Moreover, in a letter dated September 30, 1949, written on his behalf to an individual believer, the Guardian urged us to "study deeply the teachings, teach others, study with those Bahá’ís who are anxious to do so, the deeper teachings of our Faith and, through example, effort and prayer, bring about a change."

As the Universal House of Justice's letter concluded: "It is only as individuals and their communities realize a profound transformation that that dynamic unity foreshadowed in the Teachings will gradually evolve: what will catalyze this change is a more comprehensive and systematic attention to the Covenant and its requirements."

Community Service Award

As a part of its year-long 25th anniversary celebration, the Spiritual Assembly of New Berlin, Wisconsin, presented its first 'Community Service Award' to New Berlin's Lincoln State Bank for the hospitality it has shown to all groups and organizations using its community room for meetings and special events. Accepting the award for Lincoln State Bank was Branch Manager Michael Krawczyk (center). Pictured with Mr. Krawczyk are Bahá’ís (left to right) Elinor Kolehouse, Mary Jo Mineau, Woodrow Locust and Lyn Locust.

Friends are invited to join Bulletin Board System

Notice to local Spiritual Assemblies, registered Groups, District Teaching Committees, and individual Bahá’ís:

If you or any of your members have access to a personal computer with a 300, 1200 or 2400 baud modem and a communications software package, the National Spiritual Assembly encourages you to join the growing network of users on the Bahá’í National Center Bulletin Board System (BNCBBS).

This electronic communications system offers immediate and efficient access to offices and agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly.

The BNCBBS can be reached 24 hours a day at 708-869-0389. Software parameter settings should be N/8/1 (no parity, 8 databits, 1 stop bit).

For more information or help, please contact Management Information Systems, 708-869-9039, ext. 295.

ANNOUNCEMENT

This autumn the Office of Public Information will be moving from the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette to the Bahá’í Offices in New York City.

The Office of Public Information will join its sister office, the U.S. UN Representative, as the National Spiritual Assembly's External Affairs offices in New York.

As of September 3, 1993, the office in Wilmette will no longer be able to serve the Bahá’í community in the same manner.

Until the office is established in New York, correspondence and inquiries should be directed to the National Spiritual Assembly's External Affairs office in Washington, D.C: 1320 19th St. N.W., Suite 701, Washington, DC 20036. Phone 202-833-8990; fax 202-833-8988.

We regret that because of the move and change of personnel, all orders for public information materials received after September 3 will be filled only after the office is set up in New York.

The transition from Wilmette to New York may take as long as two months. [Page 14]

Bahá’ís in Los Angeles see performance of drama based on oppression, execution of Bahá’ís in Iran

On June 26, the public was invited to the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles for a performance of “When the Moment Comes,” a play by Ann Boyles about the oppression and execution of Bahá’ís in Iran.

The presentation by the Bahá’í Arts Council of Los Angeles coincided with the 10th anniversary of the martyrdom of 10 young Bahá’í women in Shiraz, on which the play is based.

The play was first presented to a Bahá’í audience at the second World Congress last November in New York City. Afterward, members of the cast resolved to repeat the production after their return to Los Angeles.

The performance was publicized on Persian-language radio, and more than half of the audience was Iranian (both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’í guests). The play was translated simultaneously from English to Persian on FM headphones.

The audience was visibly moved by the play. Some wept openly, and all gave the cast a standing ovation at its completion.

Members of the cast and crew were interviewed by representatives of the Voice of America, and the interviews were broadcast the following week in Iran.

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS . . .

Ted Royce, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Brookhaven, New York, won three medals in swimming events at the National Veterans Golden Age Games held in July at East Tennessee State University. The Games are open to all U.S. military veterans age 55 and older who receive medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Mr. Royce, 68, won a gold medal in the 25-meter backstroke, a silver medal in the 50-meter breaststroke, and a bronze medal in the 25-meter freestyle.

Andrew Brook, a young Bahá’í from Harvard, Illinois, has been awarded a National Merit Scholarship and Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship in recognition of his outstanding high school academic performance. He was graduated this year from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, the state’s public residential high school for talented math and science students, and plans to attend the University of Illinois where he will major in computer science.

Sarah Noble, a 17-year-old Bahá’í from Flagstaff, Arizona, won 72 games as a four-year starting pitcher on the Coconino High School girls’ ‎sotball softball‎ team. Last year (1992-93) she compiled a 27-3 record with five no-hit games including one in state competition for the Grand Canyon Conference champions and was named the conference’s most valuable player. Academically, she was graduated with a 3.8 grade-point average, was the Arizona Interscholastic Athletic Association scholar/athlete for 1992-93, received an Arizona high school scholar award, was a finalist in the National History Day competition for seniors, a member of the National Honor Society and of her school’s winning team in the Testing Engineering and Mathematical Skills competition at Northern Arizona University, was named to Who’s Who in American High Schools, and received an athletic scholarship to play softball at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, where she plans to pursue studies toward a medical degree.

Sarah Noble

Nathan Ashelman, a 23-year-old Bahá’í from Iowa, was the valedictorian of this year’s graduating class at Maharishi International University in Fairfield where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering. He ended his valedictory address with a quotation from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

Michael Fitzgerald, a Bahá’í from Winchester, Virginia, had two non-fiction books published this spring by Rainbow’s End Books, and a tape of jazz and poetry by Falling Mountain Music. Mr. Fitzgerald also had poems published in Israel, India and New Zealand during the past year.

Aileen Masomian, a six-year-old Bahá’í from Williamson County, Texas, won first prize in the PTA-sponsored Reflections contest for the visual arts in Round Rock District. The contest theme was ‘Imagine that ..’ and the winning entries were displayed at the school for two months.

Sheena Yavrom, a Bahá’í who attends pre-med school at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, has been placed on the National Dean’s List, an honor accorded only one-half one percent of the country’s college students. Although still undecided between medical practice and research, Sheena leans toward becoming a family physician in a rural area or developing country.

Todd Meese, a 17-year-old Bahá’í who is a senior at Rancho Cotate High School in Rohnert Park, California, has been inducted into the National Honor Society and earned Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America. He is also active in a school youth group whose focus is on promoting race unity at his and other schools in the area.

Niki Ziai, a 14-year-old Bahá’í from Mercer Island, Washington, is one of two students in her eighth-grade class to qualify for the Presidential Academic Fitness Award and to carry a perfect 4.0 grade average for seven consecutive quarters. She also received the PTA Council Scholarship Award for individual effort, positive attitude and over-all accomplishment.

Young Bahá’ís from Charlottesville, Virginia, are pictured with summer employees of the Monticello Area Community Action Agency during a service/teaching project in July. The Bahá’ís helped clean and renovate a newly purchased property to be used by the community service agency as an administrative headquarters and community education center for the disadvantaged.

Young Bahá’ís in Charlottesville, Virginia, reach out to community with summer service/teaching project

To reach out to the community while giving its active younger members something productive to do during their summer vacation, the Bahá’í community of Charlottesville, Virginia, decided to sponsor a Youth Service Corps teaching/service project.

Planning began in the spring with approaches to several local service groups for a volunteer service project.

The one chosen was in response to a request from the Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA) for help in cleaning and renovating a newly purchased property that had suffered from neglect for several years.

The agency intends to use the property to consolidate its administrative functions in one location and to build a community education center for use with its anti-poverty programs.

Before the week-long project began on July 10, the Charlottesville Bahá’ís designed T-shirts with the Three Year Plan logo surrounded by the words “Charlottesville Youth Service Corps Project” and the word “Bahá’í” below. On the back of each shirt was a rising sun and the words of the Universal House of Justice: “Press on to meet the dawn.”

Posters and small flyers with the theme “We Will Be One in 21” (the 21st century) announcing a series of firesides at the University of Virginia were prepared, and invitations announcing the teaching project were sent to all the Bahá’í communities in Virginia.

On July 10, 22 traveling teachers including four youth arrived in Charlottesville. After prayers and a deepening on teaching, they went with local Bahá’ís to the university to emblazon the Name of Bahá’u’lláh on campus. That evening the first in a daily series of firesides was held.

On Sunday the service volunteers arrived, and after breakfast Monday morning they went to the project site with local Bahá’ís and members of the Youth Club at the university, who had returned to take part in the project.

The volunteers, said Ken Ackerman, executive director of MACAA, “worked alongside a crew of high school students enrolled in our Summer Youth Works program. I was pleased to observe the teamwork that evolved and the good spirits that were in evidence at all times.”

On the second day of the project, MACAA had scheduled a public ceremony acknowledging transfer of the property and its intentions in using it. The presence and activities of the Bahá’ís were mentioned.

Newspaper article profiles Dorothy Hansen, recipient of Hayden Poetry Fellowship

Dorothy Lee Hansen of Mineral Wells, Texas, the 1993-94 recipient of the Robert Hayden Fellowship in Poetry at the Louhelen Bahá’í School, was profiled July 4 in an article in the “Lifestyles” section of the Mineral Wells Index.

The article explains the purpose of the Hayden Fellowship and provides background information about Bahá’í poet Robert Hayden, in whose memory the Fellowship was established in 1986, and the Louhelen Bahá’í School.

Ms. Hansen, who returned recently from a year’s residency in Zamosc, Poland, is working on her third book of poetry, tentatively titled Pioneer Posts, which includes poems based on her experiences while living and traveling in more than 50 countries.

RESERVE NOVEMBER 14

AMERICA’S DESTINY MAY DEPEND ON IT [Page 15]

Parliament

the rays of Thy resplendent face.

"Weak though we be, we await the revelations of Thy might and power. Poor though we be, with neither goods nor means, still take we riches from the treasures of Thy Kingdom. Drops though we be, still do we draw from out Thy ocean deeps. Motes though we be, still do we gleam in the glory of Thy splendid Sun.

"O Thou our Provider! Send down Thine aid, that each one gathered here may become a lighted candle, each one a center of attraction, each one a summoner to Thy heavenly realms, till at last we make their nether world the mirror image of Thy Paradise."

The Saturday evening plenary session, on interfaith understanding, centered on the question of "Interfaith Harmony and Understanding: Why the Parliament?"

The premise of the Parliament's importance was laid out by Robert Müller, former deputy secretary general of the United Nations. Representatives of a dozen faith traditions were then given time to respond.

Dr. Müller, who grew up in war-torn and divided Belgium, asserted that unless there is a spiritual renaissance, there will be no lasting peace.

"We are on the verge of a new, spiritual age," he said, and it comes at "just the right time."

He noted the approaching new millennium, plus critical events of the next few years such as the 50th birthday of the United Nations in 1995 and the centenary in 1999 of The Hague peace conference.

The political leaders who meet in such conferences to chart the world's course will need the vision that only the religions, with their similar concepts of faith, justice and charity, can provide, he said.

Dr. Müller challenged delegates to the Parliament to forge a definition of a "new spiritual world order for the new millennium," and urged them to propose the creation of a "world spiritual institute" in which people of all nations, backgrounds and faiths can meet on a daily basis to help bring about "a planet of God."

Counselor Ellis, honored as one of the session's three presidents, launched the Bahá’í response with an observation of Parliament attendees:

"I wish you could see yourselves. I see...what the future holds for us when I look at the oneness in this room. If we were not people of faith, we would not be here."

She told the assemblage that the Parliament "is fraught with significance for all faiths, and particularly for the Bahá’ís."

A hundred years ago, she noted, there were no Bahá’ís in the United States or Canada. But a year after the Faith was mentioned at the first Parliament a Bahá’í group was formed in Chicago, and "17 years later the cornerstone of the first Bahá’í House of Worship in the Western Hemisphere was laid just north of the city, on the shore of Lake Michigan."

The Bahá’í House of Worship Choir, augmented by World Congress Choir members from around the country, performs during a special Parliament of Religions worship service August 29 at the House of Worship in Wilmette.

Counselor Ellis painted a picture of the 19th century as a time of paradox:

"It was a century of unrestrained nationalism, ...of triumphant imperialism, of racism elevated to the status of scientific and philosophical theory.

"Yet it was also the century that witnessed the birth of world-mindedness and of internationalism, of the collapse of the institution of slavery and the proclamation of the ideals of racial equality.

"It was a century that continued to exploit women, and a century in which women raised their voices for emancipation and equality.

"It was a century of wars and conquest and, at the same time, the century of bold proclamation of the forthcoming establishment of universal peace."

She called the first Parliament "an expression of a yearning for brotherhood, peace, mutual understanding and mutual appreciation for the various faiths."

The ideals behind that first convocation "have not yet achieved universal acceptance," Counselor Ellis said, adding that "the task of bringing people together, of inviting them to community on the deepest level, the religious level of their consciousness, must continue."

The fundamental problems of our age "cannot be solved without the spirit of faith," she said. "For it is spiritual faith that endows human efforts with constancy, makes possible sacrifice, and offers the possessors inner rewards that nothing else in this world can match."

Counselor Ellis drew prolonged applause when she remarked, "The thoughts that have been shared with us by Dr. Müller are music to our ears. ...His concepts first thrilled me years ago at the United Nations when I heard him speak, and I knew that he was what I call a 'new world order man.' And at the United Nations that's not easy to find sometimes."

She also elicited strong support when she echoed Dr. Müller's emphasis on women's role on addressing society's ills.

She noted that "it should not be lost upon us that there are so many women here today....And we are the educators of every generation—we are the first educators of every generation."

And she issued a challenge: "If there is to be universal peace and if we are to learn unity without uniformity, it will be upon the shoulders of the mothers to teach our children that there is one God and His Kingdom will be built on this earth, and the time is now."

Sunday's program at the House of Worship began with a continental breakfast in the Visitors' Center and continued with a devotional service in the Auditorium.

The service featured a Bahá’í choir made up of the House of Worship choir and singers from states including Tennessee, California and Texas. Under the direction of Tom Price, the choir sang many of the selections that stirred the souls at the second Bahá’í World Congress last November.

A film crew from Today Productions took footage of the House of Worship and parts of the service for a documentary on the Parliament. The documentary's focus will be the commonality of religions.

Some basic truths for rational human beings...

those who have as much sense as a goose

The following article appeared in the Alaska Bahá’í News, July 1993. It was adapted from an article by Todd H. Fast Sr. in the Seattle Rotary Invocation, January 13, 1988.

The Bahá’ís of Yorba Linda, California, observed Race Unity Day this year with a month-long display at the public library of UNICEF plates featuring children of the world and a collection of dolls from many countries. The mayor signed a proclamation declaring June 13 Race Unity Day. Pictured at the display are (left to right) Elina Khassian, Faeqeh Khassian, Jeanie Halstead, Mary Ellen Bowmen (the library's Adult Services supervisor), Azita Orooji and Ezzat Orooji.

This spring when you see geese heading back north for the summer flying along in a "V" formation, you might be interested to know what scientists have discovered about why they fly this way. It has been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following.

By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least seven percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

•Basic Truth No. 1: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front.

•Basic Truth No. 2: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the formation and another goose flies point.

Basic Truth No. 3: It pays to take turns doing hard jobs—with people, or with geese flying north.

The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Basic Truth No. 4: We need to be careful what we say when we honk from behind.

Finally, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by a gunshot and falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow it down to provide help and protection. They stay with it until it is either able to fly or until it is dead, then they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with their group.

•Final Truth: If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by one another like that.

The National Spiritual Assembly would like to remind the Bahá’ís that it is necessary to obtain permission from the Universal House of Justice before traveling to Israel, whether for personal reasons or to visit the Bahá’í Holy Places. [Page 16]مناطق شمال غربی کانادا تا ایالات آتلانتیک آن کشور در فعالیت‌های "روز بین‌المللی رفع تبعیضات نژادی" شرکت کردند. روز مذکور توسط وزارت فدرال تنوع فرهنگی و تابعیت معین شده و با تأیید و تشویق محفل روحانی ملی کانادا همراه بود.

زلاند نو سه تن از بهائیان کانادا در ماه‌های فوریه و مارس سال جاری به زلاند نو سفر کردند و در طی سفر خود به تشکیل بیوت تبلیغی و جلسات عمومی و شرکت در مصاحبه‌های رادیوئی و دیدار از مدارس موفق گردیدند. همچنین این سه مبلغ سیار در یک کنفرانس بین‌المللی که مربوط به بومیان بود، شرکت کردند.

سیررا لیون گزارش هفتمین کانونشن بین‌المللی بهائی در یکی از روزنامه‌های سیررا لیون Sierra Leone درج گردید. همچنین عکسی از یکی از اعضای محفل روحانی سیررا لیون که در کانونشن بین‌المللی شرکت کرده بود به همراه مصاحبه‌ای با او در روزنامه مذکور مندرج شد.

در ماه جون سال جاری نماینده نخست وزیر پاپوآ گینه نو Papua New Guinea سر جولیوس چان Sir Julius Chan از مرکز جهانی بهائی دیدار کرد. آقای چان از بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی تقاضا کرده بود که جهت مشورت درباره سهم آینده کشورش ملاقاتی با معهد اعلی صورت دهد. نماینده مذکور موفق شد که به زیارت مقام حضرت اعلی نیز نائل شود.

مبلغان سیار

TRAVELING TEACHING

یکی از اهداف نقشه سه‌ساله ایالات متحده ارسال ۳۰۰۰ مبلغ سیار است. انتظار می‌رود این هدف نیز در پایان ۱۹ ماه اول نقشه (نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۴) انجام پذیرد. یاران می‌توانند به آسانی در تحقق این هدف شرکت نمایند.

مبلغان سیار احبائی هستند که جهت شرکت در فعالیت‌های تبلیغی به خارج از جامعه خود سفر می‌کنند. بدین ترتیب حتی اگر یکی از احباء به یکی از جوامع نزدیک جامعه امری خود جهت اداره یک بیت تبلیغی وارد شود، مبلغ سیار به شمار خواهد رفت.

برای کمک به کسانی که قصد دارند به نقاط دور دست سفر کنند، "مسؤولان مبلغان سیار" معین شده‌اند که کارشان هماهنگ ساختن امور مبلغان مذکور است. این مسؤولان در صورت خبردار شدن از سفر مبلغان به نقاط مختلف با محفل روحانی و یا جمعیت‌های بهائی تماس می‌گیرند و ترتیب خدمات مبلغان را می‌دهند.

هزینه سفر و محل اقامت بر عهده خود مبلغان است. با این حال در بعضی موارد جوامع بهائی میزبانی مبلغان سیار را عهده‌دار می‌شوند.

لازم به یادآوری است که در مواردی که مبلغان با جوامع امری از طریق مسؤولان مذکور تماس حاصل نکرده باشند، آن جوامع ملزم نخواهند بود که ترتیب ملاقات مبلغان را با اعضای جامعه بدهند. در صورتی که یکی از مبلغان ناشناس با جوامع امری مستقیماً تماس حاصل نماید، باید جوامع مذکور با مسؤول ملی مبلغان سیار تماس گرفته، اطلاعات لازم را درباره مبلغ مذکور کسب نمایند.

مبلغان سیار باید تحت اشراف محفل روحانی محل به خدمت بپردازند. نباید هیچیک از فعالیت‌های تبلیغی، مانند سخنرانی در جلسات عمومی و غیره، بدون آگاهی و تصویب محفل روحانی محل صورت پذیرد.

در نقاطی که محفل روحانی وجود نداشته باشد، خدمات مبلغان باید با همکاری و آگاهی جمعیت‌های بهائی یا محافل روحانی اطراف آن انجام گیرد.

تا کنون حدود ۶۰۰ نفر با دفتر لجنة ملی نشر نفحات تماس حاصل کرده و گزارش داده‌اند که از رضوان امسال به سفرهای تبلیغی مبادرت نموده‌اند.

جوامعی که مایل باشند مبلغان سیار به آن سفر کنند و نیز افرادی که مایل باشند بعنوان مبلغ سیار به جوامع بهائی سفر نمایند، باید با مسؤول ملی مبلغان سیار آقای مید سایمن Mead Simon تماس حاصل کنند. تلفن: ۹۰۳۹-۸۶۹ (۷۰۸).

NTC Office, National Bahá’í Center Wilmette, IL. 60091

پیام به جوانان

BAHÁ’Í YOUTH

در شماره پیشین این نشریه از جوانان سخن بود. درباره جوانان همه سخن گفته‌اند، از شاعران و نویسندگان تا فیلسوفان و دانشمندان. ۲۵ سال پیش در یکی از شماره‌های "آهنگ بدیع" مقاله‌ای برای جوانان و خطاب به آنها از قلم دکتر علیمراد داودی با عنوان "پیام به جوانان" درج شده بود. تجدید درج آن را مناسب یافتیم، به ویژه که زبان و سبک استاد روان و رسا و شیوا و عاری از پیچیدگی است و بنابراین فهم آن برای کسانی که فارسی بدانند دشوار نخواهد بود. بعلاوه، یادی هم از دکتر داودی - که صمیمانه دوستدار جوانان بود - خواهد شد.

دل‌هایی که از شوق می‌لرزد، جان‌هایی که گرمی به آتش می‌بخشد، چشم‌هایی که با فروزش خود در زجاج تیره فام اعجازی همچون تابش خورشید در دل شب پدیدار می‌سازد، دست‌هایی که خستگی نمی‌شناسد، بازوانی که پیچ و تاب آنها از خواهش و جنبش و کوشش حکایت دارد، پاهایی که بر زمین چنان راه می‌پیماید که گوئی طیر سبک بالی در آسمان‌ها پر می‌گشاید، تن‌هایی که با همه استواری در سبکی و چالاکی گوی از نسیم می‌برد - این است آنچه جوانان ما بدان می‌نازند، این است آنچه لب‌های ما را به ستایش آنان می‌گشاید، این است آنچه هیچ کدام از جلوه‌های هستی در جلال و جمال به پایه آن نیست.

همچون دریائی پر خروش سر به طغیان بر می‌دارند؛ این نه طغیانی است که مرگبار و هراس‌انگیز باشد. طغیانی است که هشدار می‌دهد، چشم‌های بر هم افتاده و خواب‌آلوده را می‌گشاید، سکوت مرگ را در هم می‌شکند و غوغائی از هلهله و هیاهو به پا می‌سازد.

همچون شعله آتش زبانه می‌کشند؛ این نه شعله‌ای است که جان‌گداز و هستی‌سوز باشد. شعله‌ای است که روح را در خود مصور می‌سازد، ظلمت دل را می‌شکافد، ماء معین حقیقت را از یخ‌زدگی و افسردگی باز می‌دارد.

همچون نسیمی به جنبش در می‌آیند؛ این نه جنبشی است که نشانی از گریزپائی و سرکشی دارد. جنبشی است که به گل‌ها رنگ و جلا می‌بخشد، سبزه‌ها را از طراوت سیراب می‌کند، درختان را تاجی سیمین از شکوفه‌ها بر سر می‌گذارد، پیچ و تابی موزون به اندام‌ها می‌دهد، جان‌های پاک را که در قفس‌های سینه‌ها گرفتارند مددی از هوای جان‌فزا می‌رساند.

اگر این دریا سر به طغیان بر ندارد، اگر این آتش زبانه نکشد، اگر این نسیم به جنبش در نیاید، چه نشانی از حرکت می‌توان دید؟ چه امیدی به حیات می‌توان بست؟ چه جلوه‌ای از روح می‌توان یافت؟ و آنجا که حرکت پیدا نباشد و حیات رخت از میانه بر بندد و روح در پرده خفا بماند، حقیقت چگونه جلوه می‌کند؟ ایمان چگونه به ظهور می‌رسد؟ و دیانت چه مفهومی دارد؟

امر بهائی که حقیقت را جلوه می‌دهد، ایمان را به ارمغان می‌آورد، دیانت را از نابودی می‌رهاند و جهان هستی را جوانی جاویدان می‌بخشد، ناگزیر در وجود جوانان ظهوری شدیدتر دارد.

رب اعلی در جوانی نقاب از رخساره برانداخت. جمال ابهی در جوانی خویشتن را در عالم امکان ظاهر ساخت. مولی الوری در جوانی نرد محبت باخت. ولی امر بهاء در جوانی قد برافراخت.

قدوس در جوانی دل به دریا زد. طاهره در جوانی سر به بیابان گذاشت. روح‌الله در جوانی نعره از دل بر کشید. بدیع در جوانی غوغا به جهان افکند.

بزرگان ما جوان بودند، جوان ماندند و جوان از جهان رفتند. اگر به سالخوردگی رسیدند، جوانی از دست ندادند، زیرا که ایمان را نه دل در سینه به پژمردگی گرائید و نه آتش در دل به خاموشی رفت؛ نه تن در راه از جنبش باز ایستاد و نه جان در تن به سستی گرفتار آمد. و جوانی را جز این چه مفهومی است؟

امر بهائی دست‌های توانای جوانان را در گسستن بندهایی که بر گردن دل‌ها انداخته‌اند، در شکستن زنجیرهایی که به پای خردها بسته‌اند، در گشودن گره‌هائی که به رشته جان‌ها انداخته‌اند، به خدمت می‌پذیرد. پاهای خستگی‌ناپذیر جوانان را در پیمودن دشت‌ها و فرا رفتن از کوه‌ها و رسیدن بدان سوی دریاها برای گرد آوردن فرزندان سرگشته آدم، برای به هم پیوستن دل‌های رمیده آشنایان بیگانه نمای، برای نابود ساختن ظلمت و وحشت و نفرت از صحنه‌ای که جلوه‌گاه نور حقیقت می‌تواند بود، به کار می‌گیرد.

این است که دل‌های خود را به جوانان می‌سپاریم، امیدهای خود را به جوانان می‌بندیم و آرزوهای خود را در جوانان می‌جوئیم. و کاشکی جوانان ما این دل‌های امیدوار و آرزومند را همچنان سرشار از امید و آکنده از آرزو نگاه دارند. [Page 17]

روز ١٤ نوامبر را به خاطر داشته باشید.

محفل روحانی ملی در صدد است ما را به سرنوشتمان برساند!

اخبار عالم بهائی

NEWS FROM THE BAHA’I WORLD

هلند دومین کنفرانس اروپائی برای بهائیان ترک‌زبان از ٩ تا ١٢ آپریل سال جاری در دپورت De Poort در هلند تشکیل شد. بیش از ۱۰۰ نفر از احباء از قبرس و فرانسه و آلمان و هلند و لهستان و سویس و ترکیه در این کنفرانس شرکت کردند. در جلسات کنفرانس راجع به موضوع‌های گوناگونی چون "مقام حضرت ‎میاق میثاق‎" و "اهمیت سال مقدس" و "تاریخ بهائی و عهد و میثاق" و "تأثیر زنان در تأسیس صلح جهانی" سخنرانی و بحث شد.

پارلمان ادیان جهان

‎PARLIMENT PARLIAMENT‎ OF THE WORLD’S RELIGIONS

۲۸ ماه آگست سال جاری پارلمان ادیان جهان به مدت ۹ روز در شیکاگو تشکیل شد. رهبران بسیاری از ادیان در این پارلمان که برای ایجاد تفاهم و همکاری در میان پیروان ادیان گوناگون تشکیل شده بود، شرکت کردند.

خانم ویلما الیس Wilma Elis مشاور قاره‌ای و مدیر کل دفتر جامعه جهانی بهائی در بیانات خود در جلسه شب اول همزبان با دیگر سخنرانان یگانگی نوع بشر و وحدت اساس ادیان را گوشزد حاضران کرد.

جلسات اول این پارلمان شامل برنامه‌های تلاوت مناجات و اجرای موسیقی در مشرق‌الاذکار آمریکا بود. احباء خود را برای شرکت در برنامه‌های گوناگون پارلمان آماده کرده بودند.

۱۰۰ سال پیش پارلمان مشابهی در شیکاگو تشکیل شد و در آن نام امر بهائی ذکر گردید. این نخستین باری بود که مردم قارة آمریکا نام امر مبارک را می‌شنیدند.

پارلمان امسال با راه‌پیمائی نمایندگان ادیان گوناگون آغاز شد. ۲۰ نفر از احباء با لباس‌های بومی از جمله کسانی بودند که به صورت گروهی وارد سالن جلسات شدند. در زمان ورود آنان نوای اوراد بودائی به همراه گروه کر و نغمه سازهای بادی و طبل سرخپوستی شنیده می‌شد.

آقای ریچارد دیلی Daley شهردار شیکاگو حضور شرکت‌کنندگان را خوش‌آمد گفت و اظهار داشت هر چند مشکلات امروز بزرگ است اما ظرفیت روح آدمی بزرگ‌تر از آن است. همچنین آقای شهردار نطق معروف مارتین لوتر کینگ، رهبر احقاق حقوق اقلیت‌ها را که معروف به خطابة "آرزوئی دارم" I have a dream است، یادآور شد، زیرا افتتاح پارلمان با راهپیمائی مردم در واشنگتن به مناسبت سیمین سالگرد اجتماع عظیم مردم در آن شهر و ایراد خطابة مذکور مصادف بود.

آقای دیوید رامح Ramage رئیس هیئت مدیرة پارلمان ادیان جهان و مدیر دانشکدة الهیات مک‌کورمیک McCormick در شیکاگو نیز ذکری از مارتین لوتر کینگ کرد و گوشزد کرد که در پی منافع خود نباید بود بلکه منافع جهان بشری را باید در نظر داشت.

ادعیه و مناجات‌های گوناگونی توسط ۱۸ نفر از رهبران دینی که مسؤولیت تشکیل پارلمان را بر عهده داشتند، خوانده شد. یکی از اینان اسقف کاتولیک‌های شیکاگو بود که حضورش توجه خبرنگاران و عکس‌برداران را به خود جلب کرده بود. در نتیجه عکس نماینده بهائی، خانم ویلما الیس نیز که پهلوی اسقف نشسته بود، در بسیاری از روزنامه‌ها درج شد.

خانم الیس یکی از خطابات حضرت عبدالبهاء را قرائت کرد و سپس یکی از مناجات‌های آن حضرت را تلاوت نمود.

جلسة عمومی غروب شنبه دربارة تفاهم در میان پیروان ادیان بود. آقای رابرت مولر Muller نماینده پیشین دبیر کل سازمان ملل متحد اهمیت پارلمان را مورد بحث قرار داد. ایشان گفت بدون یک تجدید حیات روحانی صلح پایداری برقرار نخواهد شد. ما در آغاز یک عصر روحانی جدیدی قرار گرفته‌ایم و این عصر در موقع بسیار مناسبی فرا رسیده است. سپس آقای مولر به مواردی چون پنجاهمین سال تأسیس سازمان ملل متحد (سال ۱۹۹۵) و صدمین سال کنفرانس صلح لاهه (سال ۱۹۹۹) اشاره کرد و گفت رهبران سیاسی که در کنفرانس‌های مربوط به آن رویدادها شرکت کنند احتیاج به چشم‌اندازی دارند که تنها دین می‌تواند فراهم سازد.

خانم ویلما الیس، نمایندة بهائی یکی از سه رئیس جلسة عمومی بود و مطالبی خطاب به حاضران ایراد کرد که خلاصة آن در زیر درج می‌شود:

"ای‌کاش می‌توانستید خود را ببینید. وقتی به یگانگی حاضران در این سالن می‌نگرم، می‌توانم آنچه را که آینده در بر دارد، ببینم. اگر اهل ایمان نبودیم اکنون در اینجا حضور نمی‌داشتیم. این پارلمان اهمیت بسیاری برای همة ادیان به ویژه امر بهائی دارد.

۱۰۰ سال پیش هیچ بهائی در آمریکا و کانادا نبود. اما یک سال پس از اینکه امر بهائی در پارلمان ادیان ذکر شد، یک جمعیت بهائی در شیکاگو تشکیل شد و ۱۷ سال بعد سنگ‌ بنای اولین مشرق‌الاذکار بهائی در غرب جهان در شمال همین شهر نهاده شد.

قرن نوزدهم قرنی انباشته از تناقض بود: قرن ملیت‌پرستی افراطی و بی قید و بند، قرن پیروزی امپریالیسم، قرنی که برتری نژادی به مقام نظریة علمی و فلسفی رسیده بود. اما در عین حال قرنی بود که در آن اندیشه‌های جهانی و بین‌المللی نیز زاده شد، قرن از میان رفتن بردگی و اعلان وحدت نژادی.

قرنی که همچنان زنان را استثمار می‌کرد و نیز قرنی که در آن زنان ندایشان را برای آزادی و تساوی حقوق به گوش همگان رساندند. قرن جنگ و سلطه‌جوئی و در عین حال قرن صلح عمومی.

نخستین پارلمان ادیان جهان در واقع نموداری از اشتیاق ذاتی بشر برای برادری و صلح و تفاهم در میان پیروان ادیان گوناگون بود. آرمان‌های نخستین پارلمان ادیان هنوز پذیرش همگانی نیافته است. کار گرد آوردن مردم در زیر یک سراپرده و دعوت به اتحاد در صمیم جانشان می‌باید همچنان دنبال شود و ادامه یابد.

مشکلات اساسی عصر حاضر را نمی‌توان بدون توسل به ایمان حل کرد. زیرا تنها ایمان می‌تواند تلاش افراد را تداوم بخشد و فداکاری را ممکن سازد و به مؤمنان آرامشی درونی بعنوان پاداش ارزانی دارد...

نباید فراموش کرد که تعداد بسیاری از زنان در این جلسه حضور دارند. زنان اولین مربیان هر نسلی هستند. اگر قرار باشد که صلحی جهانی ایجاد شود، اگر بخواهیم یگانگی نه همسانی داشته باشیم، بر عهده مادران است که کودکان را بیاموزند که خدا یکی است و ملکوت او بر زمین احداث خواهد شد و زمان آن هم اکنون است."

ترینیداد و توباکو روز ۳ آپریل سال جاری نوار ویدیوی یک ساعته دومین کنگرة جهانی بهائی از تلویزیون ترینیداد و توباکو پخش شد. این نوار ویدیوئی مذکور بدون وقفه‌های معمول تبلیغات تجاری پخش می‌شد. برابر گزارش‌های رسیده بازتاب بینندگان نسبت به برنامه مذکور مثبت بوده است.

لائوس در سال مقدس ۶ مؤسسة روحانی در وینتیان Vientiane در لائوس تشکیل شد. بیش از ۲۸۰ نفر از احباء در حد اقل یکی از این مؤسسات شرکت کردند. دورة مؤسسه‌های روحانی ۹ روز بود و در طی آن شرکت‌کنندگان معلومات امری خود را افزایش دادند.

سورینام در طی سال مقدس هر یک از ۵۱ عضو پارلمان سورینام نسخه‌ای از بیانیة بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی را دربارة حضرت بهاءالله دریافت داشتند.

برزیل از ۹ تا ۱۱ آپریل سال جاری سمیناری راجع به تربیت اخلاقی در برزیلیا پایتخت برزیل تشکیل شد. سمینار مذکور با همت هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای و محفل روحانی ملی برزیل و مدرسة ملل School of the Nations تشکیل شده بود. در این سمینار ۵۲ نفر از ۱۸ جامعة امری برزیل و ۲ نفر از پاراگوئه و یک نفر از اوروگوئه شرکت کردند. هدف از تشکیل این کنفرانس بررسی مفهوم جدیدی از تربیت اخلاقی بود.

همچنین قانونی در آمازون وضع گردید که بر مبنای آن برزیل ۲۱ ماه مارچ را بعنوان روز سال نو بهائی به رسمیت می‌شناسد و در نتیجه کارمندان شهرداری از اشتغال به کار و دانش‌آموزان مدارس دولتی از رفتن به مدرسه در آن روز معاف خواهند بود.

هندوستان ۱۶ آپریل سال جاری یک حظیرة‌القدس جدید در تاپات Tapat در حضور ۴۰ بزرگسال و ۱۲ خردسال بهائی افتتاح شد. در جلسة افتتاحیه نایب رئیس محفل روحانی محل حضور حاضران را خوش‌آمد گفت و مناجات‌هائی به انگلیسی و چند زبان بومی تلاوت شد و مطالبی دربارة حیات حضرت بهاءالله و اساس نظم بدیع به سمع حاضران رسید.

همچنین امسال کارکنان و دانش‌آموزان مدرسة بهائی "زبانی" واقع در نزدیکی گوالیور Gwalior (واقع در یکی از استان‌های هندوستان)، در فعالیت‌های مربوط به انتخابات ۱۷ محفل روحانی در حول و حوش مدرسه شرکت کردند. بعلاوه افراد مذکور کنفرانسی در روزهای ۱۲ و ۱۳ می جهت تزیید معلومات و ایجاد شور و نشور در اعضای جدید‌الانتخاب آن محافل تشکیل دادند. بیش از ۶۰ تن از اعضای ۱۰ محفل روحانی محلی در این کنفرانس شرکت کردند. در نتيجة مشاوراتی که صورت گرفت، برنامه‌هائی برای تشکیل کلاس‌های درس اخلاق و تزیید معلومات نوجوانان در دست تهیه است.

کانادا روز ۲۱ مارچ سال جاری ۵۶ جامعة امری از [Page 18]== ترجمه نامه محفل روحانی ملی == LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY === خطاب به محافل روحانی محلی مورخ ۹ آگوست ۱۹۹۳ ===

احبای عزیز

اصل وحدت عالم انسانی محور تعالیم حضرت بهاءالله می‌باشد و بمنزله اساسی است که صلح جهانی بر آن بنا شده مدنیت آینده بشری بر آن مستقر خواهد گردید. حضرت عبدالبهاء، در سفر امریکا اهمیت وحدت نژادی را گوشزد فرمودند و نیاز فوری برای حصول آنرا در جامعه بهائی تأکید نمودند. آنحضرت همچنین فوائد عمومی و عالمگیر این وحدت و عواقب مصیبت بار عدم حصول آنرا توجیه فرمودند. از بین بردن نژاد پرستی و برقراری وحدت نژادی در زمان ما امری است اجتناب ناپذیر و مسئله‌ای است حیاتی.

محفل روحانی ملی با آگاهی بر این وظیفه روحانی و خطیر خویش نهضت وحدت نژادی را آغاز نمود که اکنون یکی از هدفهای اساسی نقشه سه ساله است. بیت العدل اعظم اظهار امیدواری فرموده‌اند که "همه افراد جامعه پیروان اسم اعظم در ایالات متحده با نیت واحد قیام نمایند و با شهامت، پایداری و اطمینان این هدف را بانجام رسانند."

یاران رحمانی قیام به اعلام تعالیم وحدت بخش حضرت بهاءالله نموده اند و با ترویج سازش نژادی بجوامع خویش خدمت می‌نمایند. جامعه بهائی موفق شده است توانائی خود را درپیشگامی در زمینه روابط نژادی باثبات رساند و این مطمئناً باعث ترقی ملت ما و پیشرفت امرالله خواهد گردید.

برخی برنامه‌ها منجمله تعدادی از مؤسسه‌هائی که بنام "التیام نژاد پرستی" معروف است به نظریه‌ها و روشهائی متکی گردیده‌اند که با اصول و تعالیم بهائی سازگاری کامل ندارند و در نتیجه موجب اختلاف، تشنج و حتی فلج شدن حیات اجتماعی بهائی در بعضی نقاط گردیده است. بعلاوه، وقتی که از نژادپرستی عده‌ای شکایت شده و تقصیر بگردن عده‌ای گذارده شده و یا برخی وادار به اعتراف به نژادپرستی شده‌اند، اختلاف و بیگانگی بین احباء رخ داده است. این مشکلات حاکی از آنست که راهنمائی دقیق محافل روحانی محلی نسبت به این گونه فعالیتها ضروری است.

روشهای غیر مذهبی و ‎غیرفی عرفی‎، حتی قوای اجتماعی نیرومند، بتنهائی نمی‌توانند آن وحدتی را که خداوند برای بشریت مقدر فرموده حاصل نمایند. برای اینکه افراد بتوانند خود و جوامع خویش را از تعصب نژادی نجات دهند کوششهای حکیمانه ومنظم لازم است تا در اثر مهرورزی عمیق به حضرت بهاءالله و ازدیاد آگاهی از تعالیم مبارکه‌اش و عمل بآنها خوی و سیرتشان دگرگون گردد. برای یک فرد بهائی، تعصب نژادی، انکار ایمان اوست. خلاصی از تعصب امرمبرم حضرت بهاءالله و "ما به الامتیاز شخصیت حقیقی بهائی" می‌باشد.

نهضت وحدت نژادی باید که به پیش رود. ما برای ترویج وحدت و مبارزه با تعصب نژادی به کوششهای خود برای یافتن و ساختن راههای مؤثر ادامه خواهیم داد. ارزیابی این راه و روشها و تأثیر این کوششها در جوامع مختلف بهائی باید بوسیله محافل روحانی انجام گیرد. مثلاً بآن "مؤسسه‌های التیام نژاد پرستی" که تحت اشراف محافل روحانی محلی بخدمت قائمند کمک خواهد شد تا اصول و روح دیانت حضرت بهاءالله را همچون نیروی محرکه مؤسسه‌شان بکار برند. در مواردی که مشکلات تداوم می‌یابد محافل روحانی باید امکان تعطیل آن مؤسسه‌ها را در نظر بگیرند.

در جاهائی که "مؤسسه التیام نژاد پرستی" در خارج از حوزه تشکیلات اداری امرالله تشکیل شده و مشغول فعالیت است وضع متفاوتی موجود است. احبای الهی مختارند که بعنوان فرد در فعالیتهای چنین مؤسسه هائی مشارکت نمایند. در بسیاری موارد چنین مشارکتی فرصتهائی برای تبلیغ و اظهار اصول امری بسیار می آورد و در عین حال وحدت جامعه را تضعیف نمی‌کند. اما اگر محفل روحانی تشخیص دهد که مشارکت یک فرد بهائی در چنین مؤسسه‌ای باعث می‌شود که آن فرد از محفل روحانی یا سایر احباء بقدر سرسوزنی بیگانه گردد و یا باعث اختلاف در جمع احباب شود، محفل مختار است که بآن فرد توصیه نماید که رابطه‌اش را با آن مؤسسه قطع نماید. درمانهائی که ستیزه جوئی ببار آورد وموجب تباهی وحدت شود ما را بکار نیاید.

همچنانکه آثار مقدسۀ بهائی شهادت می‌دهند، درمان اساسی اختلاف نژادی نهایتاً در شناخت مظهریت حضرت بهاءالله، اطاعت از احکام مبارکه‌اش و پذیرش اصل وحدت عالم انسانی نهفته است. برای آنکه حضرت بهاءالله هدایت خود را در جهت کوششهای شما در بکار گرفتن این درمان الهی برای دفع امراض بشریت شامل فرماید پیوسته دعا می نمائیم.

محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان آمریکا ‎رایرت رابرت‎ سی هندرسون دبیرکل

== روز ۱۴ نوامبر را به خاطر بسپارید. ممکن است سرنوشت امریکا بسته به آن باشد! ==

== ذبیح و ذبیح == HISTORICAL NOTE

در یکی از شماره‌های پیشین نشریه ”امریکن بهائی“ (شهرالجمال ۱۵۰) مقاله‌ای درباره خودکشی درج گردید که در آن اشاره به دو ذبیح شده بود. باید توضیح داد که از این دو ذبیح تنها یکی دست به خودکشی زده بود. برای توضیح مطلب نویسنده محترم مقاله شرحی فرستاده‌اند که در زیر درج می‌شود.

پس از تقدیم مراتب ارادت... در مورد جناب ذبیح توضیحات زیر به عرض می‌رسد:

دو ذبیح داریم. یکی ذبیح کاشانی برادر حاجی میرزا جانی مخاطب لوح رئیس و ملقب به انیس که خودکشی نکرده و در سنة ۱۲۹۸ در تبریز صعود کرد....

دیگری که مورد نظر مقاله خودکشی در امر بهائی است، جناب ذبیح زواره‌ای (سید اسمعیل) است که پس از خودکشی از قلم ابهی به لقب محبوب الشهداء و سلطانهم مفتخر گردیده و به ضمیمه فتوکپی ص ۲۸۱ و ۲۸۲ کتاب قرن بدیع ترجمه فارسی God Passes By... ارسال می دارد (چاپ کانادا، ۱۹۹۲)

"یکی از عاشقان و مفتونان طلعت ابهی شخصی بود از اهل زواره به نام سید اسمعیل ملقب به ذبیح که از قبل در زی اهل علم و روحانیت می‌زیست. پس از وفود به آستان مبارک صمت و سکوت را شعار خویش ساخت و با حال توجه و اشتعال و تضرع و ابتهال از جمیع شؤون عالم ناسوت فارغ گردید و از ما فی‌الابداع در گذشت و به جاروب‌کشی آستان مبارک قائم و مفتخر گشت. این خادم جانفشان هر روز قبل از طلوع فجر بر می‌خاست و عمامه سبز را که علامت سیادت بود، از سر بر می‌داشت و به کمال تذلل و فنا اطراف بیت اطهر را می‌روفت و خاکروبه بیت را که موطی اقدام مبارک بود بر می‌داشت و در دامن خویش می‌ریخت و به نهایت مراقبت که در زیر پای احدی نیفتد به جانب شط می‌برد و در آب می‌افکند تا آنکه دریای عشقش به جوش آمد و نهنگ محویتش به خروش. چهل روز از خواب و خوراک امساک نمود و روز آخر پس از انجام خدمتی که مدار مفخرت و منقبت خویش می‌شمرد، از مدینه خارج و در کنار شط به جانب کاظمین روانه شد و در نقطه‌ای وضوء گرفت و بر پشت خوابید و با تیغ حنجر خویش را قطع نمود و در حالی که تیغ را بر سینه خود قرار داده بود، مقبلاً الی البیت جان در ره محبوب ابهی ایثار و به رفیق اعلی شتافت (۱۲۷۵ هجری)."

== نونهال نمونه == SECRET OF SACRIFICE

محفل روحانی هرست Hurst در ایالت تگزاس نامه‌ای به نشریه ”امریکن بهائی“ فرستاده است که بخش هائی از آن در زیر درج می شود:

برخی رویدادها چنان با ارزش است که می‌باید آن را با همگان در میان نهاد. یکی از این موارد در ضیافت گذشته اتفاق افتاد. شاهد شکوری که ۹ ساله است، اندکی پیش از آغاز ضیافت از مادر و پدرش پرسید که آیا می‌تواند همه پس انداز خود را تقدیم صندوق ساختمان‌های قوس کند؟

مادر و پدر از او پرسیدند آیا مطمئن است که می‌خواهد همه پس اندازش را به صندوق قوس تقدیم کند؟ شاهد در جواب گفت: "من به پول احتیاج ندارم و می‌خواهم آن را به صندوق بدهم."

فقط امین صندوق محفل می‌داند که شاهد چه مقدار تقدیم کرده است، ولی ما می‌دانیم که هر چه را که داشت داد. این اتفاق چنان با ارزش بود که فکر کردیم آن را با شما در میان بگذاریم.

== حقوق الله ==

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است تقدیمی‌های حقوق الله را در وجه ‎Baha'i Huququ'llah Trust Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust‎ به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق الله ارسال فرمایند.

Dr. Amin Banani	Santa Monica, CA. 90402
Dr. Daryush Haghighi	Rocky River, OH. 44116
Dr. Elsie Austin	Silver Spring, MD. 20910

[Page 19]Pictured (left photo) with their plaques are eight of 11 young people honored at the fifth annual Honor Luncheon held April 17 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by the Bahá’í Marian Steffes Council, which is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of New Berlin. This year’s program honored youth in the Indian community, and children from the Indian Community School (right photo) performed the Honor Song with Mitch Walking Elk (seated at right). One hundred people attended the luncheon (90 from the Indian community) with 13 local Indian organizations taking part.

LETTERS

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

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

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

Kids should teach too

To the Editor:

I am 10 years old, going on 11 in three months.

I think kids should do some heavy-duty teaching. Maybe kids can relate to adults more than adults can.

We should leave pamphlets around. Or hand out books like “Bahá’u’lláh.” I think maybe we should go to parks and have firesides in parks, bring pamphlets and books.

We have to teach everybody to become Bahá’í so the world will be a better place. Bahá’ís are wonderful. Sometimes I think Bahá’u’lláh gives us a message to go out and teach for Bahá’u’lláh.

You’ll feel so good, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá will feel so good, too. After I teach my friends about Bahá’u’lláh, sometimes I look at ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s picture and I think He is smiling at me as if I have done something good.

I think, or should I say I know, that Bahá’u’lláh loves every person on earth. So go out and teach.

Peace on earth to everyone.

Anissa Galata Reno, Nevada

Interested in helping to fulfill our goal of 3,000 traveling teachers or 500 homefront pioneers?

Contact:

Mead Simon, National Traveling Teaching/ Homefront Pioneering Coordinator Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708) 869-9039

Suggestions for change

To the Editor:

It was gratifying to read the article on “community guidelines” in The American Bahá’í (Jalál 150/April 9, 1993), as I was coming to the conclusion as a fairly new Bahá’í that when local Bahá’í communities are settled and comfortable, they resist considering new ideas or change, and instead fight to support the status quo.

Although the Nineteen Day Feast is the administrative forum for discussing ideas and making observations, it does not allow for the proper discussion of contemporaneous issues such as those that follow:

1. New members. Perhaps there could be a standard package sent to every new Bahá’í containing basic information about rights, responsibilities, administrative structure, and a recommended list of books for further study. Also, perhaps each new member could be assigned to a “family” as a way of getting to know other members of the community.

2. Social isolation. An organization like the “recovery” groups is needed for people who have no families or spouses but do not have significant dysfunctional problems. Sometimes some of us have considered going to other groups or to churches to find people with similar social and economic interests. Getting to know other Bahá’ís is often a difficult task.

3. Spiritual counselors/a “concern” person. We don’t have paid ministers, but perhaps some credible person could volunteer to be a good “listener.”

4. Communications media. Something is needed to overcome the difficulty of communicating ideas or quickly sharing interests and needs without a written medium such as a local or regional newsletter.

5. Resource pooling. Some communities that do not have their own Assemblies are not allowed to pool resources to develop a joint community. Some who live on the edge of one community have to drive long distances to some other community.

6. Music. There is a noticeable absence of music at Feasts and other gatherings. Why is this?

7. Ethnic outreach. How creative can we be in making contact (without proselytizing) with non-white groups in our communities?

Perhaps quarterly regional conferences could be arranged to accommodate discussion of some of these ideas and concerns.

Considering that the Bahá’ís have no centralized leadership in the form of a minister, I think we do quite well with our organization, and as a new believer have found people to be supportive, racially tolerant, kind and loving.

Basil Gray Del Mar, California

A ‘pilgrimage’ to Wilmette

To the Editor:

Several months ago we began planning a July “pilgrimage” to the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. “We” are four Bahá’ís from south Louisiana, only two of whom had previously visited the Mother Temple. What a blessed opportunity to commemorate the martyrdom of the Báb on July 9!

As we neared our destination, the excitement grew. Having expected to see the building from afar, the “first-timers” were surprised to turn onto Sheridan Road and suddenly come upon the towering edifice. Hearts swelled with love and gratitude as we walked through an aisle of breathtaking flowers and ascended the massive steps.

The newcomers were awed by the vastness of the Temple. No photograph could depict accurately its expansiveness, nor could any camera capture the brilliant colors and cool greens of its formal gardens. Everyone agreed that a deep peace permeated this wondrous blend of architecture, plants and pools.

The following four days were a divine mélange of dawn prayers, noon devotions, teaching, and service to the Blessed Beauty. For the two friends who had come before, it was a joyous homecoming; the others eagerly sought Foundation Hall, the research library, the bookstore, and the room where the Master laid the cornerstone in 1912.

Our group spent its last night “garden teaching.” The House of Worship was lighted inside and out. Bahá’ís and visitors strolled among the mystic gardens. Looking back as we left, against this magnificent backdrop, there stood a Bahá’í named Olga, her arms outstretched to the star-studded sky. Her voice rang out as she gave us a spiritual farewell—“Alláh’u’Abhá, Alláh’u’Abhá, Alláh’u’Abhá!”

Marilyn Jennison Martha Short Kate Simmons Sherry Michelli South Louisiana

Telephone number for the Bahá’í National Center Bulletin Board System (BNCBBS): 708-869-0389.

IN MEMORIAM

Taher H. Banan Orange, CA August 6, 1993	Dozier Graham Florence, SC June 26, 1993	Esther Hilgert Lima, OH July 16, 1993	Michael Sasso Miramar, FL August 4, 1993
Duncan R. Brown Wapato, WA August 8, 1993	Irene Green Jacksonville, IL Spring 1993	Lester H. Keys Sierra Vista, AZ June 20, 1993	Viola M. Tuttle Prunedale, CA July 29, 1993
Ben Eagleman Sr. St. Francis, SD 1993	Todd Heaton Arlington, VA August 7, 1993	Inge Rollins Aurora, CO July 1993

[Page 20]

SHARING THE WORD

The Bahá’ís of Altamonte Springs, Florida, mounted this display in August at the local public library. Entitled ‘Sharing the Word,’ it lists the Golden Rule as expressed in eight major religions and includes brief summaries of the tenets of each of them. The poster was produced for the Bahá’ís by a non-Bahá’í company, and the library approved its use on the condition that all major independent world religions would be represented.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.

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

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

A. NAME(S): 1. __________________ I.D. # __________________ Title __________________ 2. __________________ I.D. # __________________ Title __________________ 3. __________________ I.D. # __________________ Title __________________ 4. __________________ I.D. # __________________ Title __________________

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

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

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

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area code ______ Phone number ______ Name __________________

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

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

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

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

OCTOBER

2: Bahá’í drama, “When the Moment Comes,” 8 p.m., Los Angeles Bahá’í Center. For information, phone 213-933-8291; fax 213-933-1820.

8: Commemoration of the 81st anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Stanford, California. For information, please phone Hamid Samandari, 415-327-6758.

8-10: Oklahoma Regional Bahá’í School, Dwight Mission, near Vian.

8-11: National Hispanic Conference, Bosch Bahá’í School, co-sponsored by El Ruiseñor magazine and the Spiritual Assembly of San Jose. Fees: $60 for ages 11 and older, $25 for ages 1-10. Classes for children included. Participants must register and mail in fees by September 24 to assure their space. To register, phone the Bosch School, 408-423-3387 (credit card only) or write to the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

9-10: Persian-American Cultural Celebration/Deepening, Jacksonville, Florida. For information, phone Joy Allchin, 904-249-4520, or Elham Nadji, 904-221-1081.

15-17: Western States Urban Assemblies Conference No. 3 for members of local Assemblies and the Auxiliary Boards, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

16-17: Lehigh Valley Parliament of Religions, Cedar Crest College, Allentown, Pennsylvania. Keynote speaker: Dr. David Ruhe, retired member of the Universal House of Justice. Registrar: Laura Lawrence, 215-868-5604.

22-24: Youth Research Weekend for ages 12 and up (sponsors required for those under 15), Bosch Bahá’í School. Cost: $40. Registration deadline: October 9. For information or to register with a credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

28-November 1: Annual meeting of the Landegg Music Forum, Landegg Academy, Switzerland.

29-31: Rendezvous of the Soul, personal deepening program, Bosch Bahá’í School. ‎Selfl-directed Self-directed‎ study after opening program. For information or to register with a credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

NOVEMBER

5-7: Race Unity Institute II: plans for action, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information or to register with a credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

14: World premiere of “Out of the Darkness,” a drama about race unity sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Fairfax County (Va.) Central South, 2 p.m., Lake Braddock Secondary School, Burke, Virginia. Tickets: $10. For information, write to P.O. Box 10514, Burke, VA 22015, or phone Steve/Tressa Reisetter, 703-425-8863.

19-21: Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Intensive Study (Derek Cockshut, facilitator), Bosch Bahá’í School. For information or to register with a credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

DECEMBER

4-5: International Cultural Celebration/Deepening, Jacksonville, Florida. For information, phone Joy Allchin, 904-249-4520, or Elham Nadji, 904-221-1081.

16-19: 1993 North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Theme: “The Bahá’í Faith in Action... Sustainable Development for a New World.” Sponsored by the Rabbani Charitable Trust. For information, phone 407-647-7777. To register, see Registration Form on page 20.

22-26: Winter Session I, Bosch Bahá’í School. Study and contemplation with special guest David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice. Registration at 5 p.m. Wednesday, dinner at 7, orientation at 8. For full program see the Fall/Winter Brochure. To register, write to 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, phone 408-423-3387, or fax 408-423-7564.

24-27: Ninth annual Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, Phoenix, Arizona. Keep this date in mind. More information to follow.

26-31: Annual mid-winter Regional Youth Conference, Cleveland, Ohio. For information, contact the Youth Board of Greater Cleveland, c/o Jenkins, Cleveland, OH 44122, or phone 216-283-8526.

29-31: Regional Winter Youth Conference, Wilder Forest, north of St. Paul, Minnesota. Theme: “Preparing for a Life of Service to the Cause.” Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís ages 11-20 are welcome to attend. For information, write to Ken McNamara, Marine On St. Croix, MN 55047, or phone 612-433-5089.

29-January 2: Winter Session II, Bosch Bahá’í School. Study and contemplation with special guest David Hofman. Registration at 5 p.m. Wednesday, dinner at 7, orientation at 8. For full program see Fall/Winter Brochure. To register, write to 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, phone 408-423-3387, or fax 408-423-7564.

30-January 2: South Carolina Bahá’í Winter School, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

JANUARY

11-18: Bahá’í Youth Service Corps/Pioneering Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039, or the Bosch Bahá’í School, 408-423-3387.

APRIL

10-11: International Conference, “Once Empires Fade: Religion, Ethnicity and the Possibilities for Peace,” University of Maryland, College Park. Sponsored by the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace, the Joseph and Rebecca Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Studies, and the Department of History.

29-May 2: Bahá’í Family Reunion, Pompano Beach, Florida. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Pompano Beach. For information, phone Denise or Dennis Godsey, 305-942-1844; fax 305-946-9299.

RESERVE EL DIA 14 DE NOVIEMBRE EL DESTINO DE AMERICA PUEDE DEPENDER DE ESTO