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[Page 1]The American Bahá’í

Volume 24, No. 15 | ‘...knowledge is a veritable treasure for man. ...’—Bahá’u’lláh | ‘Ilm B.E. 150 / October 16, 1993

Left photo: Bahá’ís gather behind one of their banners during the commemoration August 28 in Washington, D.C., of the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s memorable ‘I have a dream’ speech delivered during the March on Washington in 1963. The Lincoln Memorial can be seen in the background. The banner reads: "Ye are all the leaves of one tree, and the drops of one ocean" —BAHÁ’Í SACRED WORDS. (Photo by Craig Rothman)

Right photo: People from all over the country line both sides of the Reflecting Pool on Washington’s mall prior to the commemoration ceremonies. Between 400-500 Bahá’ís took part in the day-long event. Complete coverage of Bahá’í participation in the March is on page 2. (Photo by Denise Crafts)

National Assembly meets at Green Lake, Wisconsin, takes active part in 34th annual Bahá’í Conference

The National Spiritual Assembly met September 17-19 at Green Lake, Wisconsin, where its members took part in the 34th annual Bahá’í Conference which was attended this year by more than 1,300 Bahá’ís.

Also present were Counselors Stephen Birkland and Wilma Ellis, several Auxiliary Board members, and all the members of the National Teaching Committee.

The National Assembly made a video explaining the urgent needs of the Bahá’í community in human and financial resources.

Senior members of the Office of the Treasurer reported on the progress of the plan for the issuance of promissory notes designed to meet the heavy financial requirements of the next several years. These include the completion of the buildings on the Arc on Mount Carmel, repairs to the House of Worship in Wilmette, and a number of other important projects of the U.S. Bahá’í community.

The National Spiritual Assembly also met with the National Teaching Committee who emphasized the need for rapid implementation of the various teaching initiatives during the short period of time remaining in the Three Year Plan.

The Teaching Committee reported the intensification of teaching work in a number of areas that shows promise of significantly large enrollments, and stressed the need for arousing the enthusiasm of the friends for individual teaching that would lead to “entry by troops.”

The term “troops” was discussed at some length, as it seems to be misunderstood by many in the Bahá’í community. The National Assembly decided to produce a brief statement about the term, giving its dictionary definition and examples of its usage by the Guardian.

In the area of external affairs, the National Spiritual Assembly was informed of the action by the United Nations Subcommission on Human Rights meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, recommending to the UN Human Rights Commission that another resolution on human rights in Iran be drafted, mentioning prominently the fact that the Iranian Bahá’í community continues to be deprived of its basic human rights.

The National Assembly decided that the expanding activities of the Cause in the international field necessitate a greater coordination among various National Spiritual Assemblies and will prepare a memorandum on that topic for the Universal House of Justice.

Members of the National Assembly had an opportunity to take part in the Green Lake Conference, to make presentations, lead workshops, and answer the many questions asked by the friends.

PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD’S RELIGIONS

Spirit of nine-day conference lives on

By TOM MENNILLO

The delegates have gone home. The video tape has faded to black.

But the spirit of the Parliament of the World’s Religions lives on as all who came in contact with the historic nine-day convocation in Chicago struggle to apply what they learned to their daily lives.

To be sure, the Parliament experienced its share of conflict.

The Greek Orthodox delegation walked out over the presence of “groups which profess no belief in God or a supreme being.”

Members of three Jewish organizations ended their participation when Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam showed up.

Overwrought East Indians had to be restrained from doing violence to each other when political statements worked their way into some of the presentations and speeches.

On the whole, though, if you closed your eyes you would swear most of the speakers were Bahá’ís. They almost universally “talked the talk” of the oneness of humanity and the common foundation of all religions.

Now the challenge for them is to “walk the walk.”

That’s where the dozens of Bahá’ís who took part in the Parliament stood apart.

While many of their counterparts from other faith communities are only now reaching a global awareness, Bahá’ís long ago internalized that principle and are laying a foundation for the transformation of the planet.

It was quite evident in every presentation they made, workshop they led, or performance they gave.

Some highlights:

• Counselor Wilma Ellis, administrator-general of the Bahá’í International Community, as one of three presidents of the Parliament who presided over its opening session, delivering an invocation and Bahá’í response to the keynote address, “Interfaith Harmony and Understanding:

See PARLIAMENT page 11

INSIDE
Coverage of ‘March on Washington’	2
Albania’s mass-teaching campaign	4
‘Helpers’ network’ for S.E. Asians	8
More on Parliament of Religions	9-12
11th Massanetta Springs Conference	13
Mt. Vernon, NY’s, proclamation	19

The Bahá’í Gospel Choir performs at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Chicago. [Page 2]

EDITORIAL: Friends respond to 'new pattern' in pioneering

The new pattern adopted for the Three Year Plan to facilitate the swift and effective movement of international pioneers and traveling teachers has captured the imagination of Bahá’ís everywhere. The telephones at the Office of Pioneering are ringing constantly. If you receive a busy signal, please be patient and call again. There has been so much activity in recent weeks that the National Assembly has added a part-time staff member and fax machine in the Office of Pioneering (the fax number is 708-869-3342).

International traveling teaching

Those who are interested in teaching overseas should call the Office of Pioneering; they will help direct your energies to where your talents will best serve the needs of the Cause. "The movement itself from place to place, when undertaken for the sake of God," wrote Bahá’u’lláh, "hath always exerted, and can now exert, its influence in the world...."

International pioneering

The Universal House of Justice relieved the National Spiritual Assembly from the pressure of having to fill specific goals, instead directing our efforts to the spiritual preparation of the friends for this vital field of service.

World conditions are changing so rapidly that goals that are available one day may not be available the next—so the spiritual preparation necessary for service in the pioneer field should be flexible. The increased mobility provided by the modern world allows the heartfelt desire of the pioneer to advance the Cause wherever the need is greatest and where his or her talents can best be used.

Bearing this in mind, the Office of Pioneering has adopted new methods during the Three Year Plan to make the best use of this massive flow of Bahá’ís to other countries.

What are some of the steps to be taken when making your decision to pioneer? First, of course, call the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039. They'll send you a "Pioneer Volunteer Form" that will help them direct you to those goal countries where you can be most successful, both spiritually and materially. Please fill out the form and return it promptly. Then contact your local Spiritual Assembly and ask to consult with it about your desire to pioneer. The Assembly will talk with you about your readiness for international service. Prospective pioneers should keep in constant touch with the staff at the Office of Pioneering. Any younger Bahá’í who wishes to pioneer through the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps program should contact the Office of Pioneering to learn about preparing for this valuable service.

‘Pioneer Emphasis Days’

The Office of Pioneering has scheduled weekend information sessions to answer questions about pioneering; these sessions, called "Pioneer Emphasis Days," will include participation by representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly, Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, National Center staff, and veteran pioneers, adults and youth. Prospective pioneers will be asked to attend the Saturday sessions; a Sunday session is designed for members of local Spiritual Assemblies to disseminate forms for pioneering and traveling teaching and to inform Assembly members of their responsibilities in this process. Pioneer Emphasis Days will be held over the next several months in more than 10 areas of the country. For exact locations, dates and times, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

Pioneer Institute

A Pioneer Institute will be held January 11-16 at the Bosch Bahá’í School in California's Santa Cruz mountains. If you are thinking of pioneering or taking part in a Youth Year of Service, phone the Bosch School (408-423-3387) for more information, or contact the Office of Pioneering.

At this moment in history, much of the world's population has yet to find redemption through the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh. "How great is the need at this moment," Shoghi Effendi wrote, "when the promised outpourings of His grace are ready to be extended to every soul, for us to all form a broad vision of the mission of the Cause to mankind, and to do all in our power to spread it throughout the world."

And from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, these words: "The moment this Divine Message is carried forward by the American believers from the shores of America, and is propagated throughout the continents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa, and of Australasia, and as far as the islands of the Pacific, this community will find itself securely established upon the throne of an everlasting dominion. Then will all the peoples of the world witness that this community is spiritually illumined and divinely guided...."

"The time has come," Shoghi Effendi said, "for the friends...to think not how they should serve the Cause, but how the Cause should be served." "Upon our efforts," the Universal House of Justice wrote in Wellspring of Guidance, "depends in very large measure the fate of humanity."

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Bahá’ís help keep Dr. King’s ‘dream’ alive

They came by bus, by car, by subway. Black and white, young and old. Some 400 to 500 strong. To gather—banners aloft—in the searing heat of late-summer Washington, D.C. And to give the March on Washington a living display of the unity in diversity about which Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed in his famous speech of 30 years ago.

They were the Bahá’ís.

From as far away as Seattle, Washington, and from up and down the East Coast, Bahá’ís traveled to the nation's capital to take part in the August 28 commemorative march and the events surrounding it. The delegation from Ohio, for example, shared a bus with members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). During the all-night ride they sang songs and made friends.

Once in Washington, the Bahá’ís met like a big family reunion outside the Smithsonian "Castle." Everyone, it seems, had a banner. From there, they moved to the outdoor Sylvan Theatre near the Washington Monument for an interreligious worship service. Van Gilmer, representing the National Spiritual Assembly, read to the interfaith gathering from the Bahá’í Writings and from "The Vision of Race Unity."

Roya Bauman and Ardyth Gilbertson sang a Bahá’í prayer for unity. Former Mayor Andrew Young of Atlanta looked out over the crowd and, noticing the Bahá’í banners, remarked that "this truly is one planet, one people."

Then began the march itself. From the Washington Monument, past the reflecting pool, to the Lincoln Memorial, strode the Bahá’ís.

ONE EARTH THE BAHÁ’Í ONE PEOPLE FAITH ALL SOULS ARE EQUAL

Pictured is another of the colorful banners unfurled by Bahá’ís during the commemoration August 28 of the 30th anniversary of the March on Washington led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Even in ranks of perhaps 15 across, the column of Bahá’ís stretched the length of a football field. The ubiquitous banners proclaimed humanity's oneness from in front, in back, all through, and along the sides of the sea of marchers.

A Bahá’í from Texas had brought water bottles. The cool liquid proved to be a lifesaver on the 95-degree day.

At the Lincoln Memorial, the assembled multitudes heard Carole Miller, the National Spiritual Assembly's representative to the Martin Luther King Center in Atlanta and a member of the King Holiday Commission, read the opening prayer: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s "Prayer for America."

The next day, a photograph on the front page of the Washington Post captured the spirit of the day. Captioned "unity in diversity," it showed three Bahá’í children of different hues—Dena Adriance, Juliet Hoagland and Ben Lindsay—holding hands.

Thirty-four youth and 13 adult Bahá’ís took part in the Martin Luther King Youth Assembly while they were in Washington, D.C. About 800 youth attended the sixth annual Assembly, held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.

Bahá’í Cornelia Rutledge and Barbara Talley served on the program committee, and five Bahá’í youth served on the advisory council.

Assembly workshops were given by Bahá’ís Tod Ewing, Nassif Habeeb’u’lláh, Shawn Talley, Jeanine Oliver and Robert Ahdieh. The Connecticut Bahá’í Youth Workshop also performed. [Page 3]

MISSION 19 (12 MONTHS TO GO!)

3 YEAR PLAN 1993 - 1996

U.S. Bahá’í Community Current Goals and Status • ‘Ilm 150 • October 16, 1993

TEACHING

Traveling Teaching Goals

• Goal for the 3 Year Plan: 3,000
• Needed as of this report: 2,388
• Completed as of this report: 612

Homefront Pioneer Goals

• Goal for the 3 Year Plan: 500
• Needed as of this report: 442
• Completed as of this report: 58

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

• Total Contributions: $3,307,634

International Fund

• From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $192,306
• Earmarked Dollars: $162,675
• Total Contributions: $354,981

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

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

Area	Dates	Regions
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

TOTAL ENROLLMENTS

Aug. 1993 ........... 56

Year to date ....... 602

Correction: Last month’s “year to date” total included newly registered children. The actual total was 459.

Help fulfill our goal of 3,000 traveling teachers and 500 homefront pioneers!

REPORT YOUR ACTIVITIES TO:

Mead Simon, National Traveling Teaching/ Homefront Pioneering Coordinator Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708) 869-9039 [Page 4]

Mass-teaching campaign sweeps Albania; 4,108 embrace Cause

BY JIAN KHODADAD

Three hundred-fifty Bahá’ís—adults, youth and children—came together July 31 at a preparatory Bahá’í conference in Golem, Albania, to launch a two-week mass-teaching campaign, “The Open Letter Project,” in which participants delivered to the people of Albania an open letter from the country’s National Spiritual Assembly calling on them to study the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to help build their future after 40 difficult years of Communist rule.

The letter also informed the people of Albania of the central principles and beliefs of the Faith and familiarized them with its Central Figures. Besides being delivered in person by teams of Bahá’ís consisting of Albanians and those who had come to take part in the campaign, the letter was published in the country’s major newspapers and was read on radio.

The response of the Albanian people was overwhelmingly positive. During the two-week period, about 4,108 people are known to have embraced the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

The campaign got under way immediately following the orientation conference in Golem, at which Counselor Sohrab Youssefian, members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Albania, and Auxiliary Board members Garth Pollock and Ferydoon Mazloum were present to guide and encourage the friends.

After praying and deepening together, the 350 participants were divided into 55 teams and sent to various parts of the country. In groups of five to seven, composed of Albanian Bahá’ís and those from a number of countries including Belize, Canada, Germany, the Canary Islands, Kenya and the U.S., they went to cities and villages, armed with the assurance of prayers on their behalf by the Universal House of Justice.

At 7 o’clock each morning the Bahá’ís prayed and read passages from the sacred Writings of the Faith, then spent the day sharing the Message of Bahá’u’lláh and open letter from the National Spiritual Assembly with people in all parts of Albania.

The response, equaling or surpassing anyone’s fondest expectations, means that more Bahá’ís than ever are needed in Albania to help consolidate these gains and to teach others the Faith. Those who are interested in going, for whatever length of time, should contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039; fax 708-869-0247).

Bahá’ís and seekers at a fireside in Kavaje, Albania. The author of the article, Jian Khodadad, is standing in the middle of the back row. About 3,170 Albanians are known to have embraced the Faith during the two-week ‘Open Letter Project’ this summer.

Listing of long- and short-term international teaching projects to be completed by American community during the Holy 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 ‎teaching teaching teaching‎ projects and events

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

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

MALTA: International Year of the Family world forum for Non-Governmental Organizations, entitled “Promoting Families for the Well-being of Individuals and Societies”; Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 1993.

SWITZERLAND: Landegg Academy, third annual Conference on Agriculture and Rural Development, Nov. 22-28, 1993.

For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039; fax 708-869-3342.

Pioneers, traveling teachers are needed in a number of countries all over the world

The National Spiritual Assembly of Tuvalu needs short-term pioneers able to work with Bahá’í youth in developing and implementing teaching and consolidation activities. Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers are short-term pioneers.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Eastern Caroline Islands would like four Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers for a minimum of six months each.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Samoa requests ‎Bahá’u’lláh Bahá’í‎ Youth Service Corps volunteers who can assist with guiding at the Temple.

There are three universities in Hong Kong that need Bahá’í students to introduce the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. There is a Bahá’í family on the staff of one university, but the others have no Bahá’í contacts. It has been reported that these universities even pay for tuition and living costs at the graduate level.

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.

If you are traveling outside the United States for any reason, please contact the Office of Pioneering (708-869-9039) for information.

Applications are due for World Bank program for Young Professionals

(Excerpt from “International Employment Hotline,” September 1993)

Deadline to apply for the World Bank’s Young Professionals Program is October 31, for those interested in the March selection of candidates. Also, deadlines for the International Monetary Fund’s Young Economist Program in November, for its March selection of candidates.

Minimum requirements to apply to the program include a master’s degree or equivalent in economics, finance or a technical field used in the bank’s operations, plus a minimum of two years of relevant work experience; or continued academic study at the doctoral level... You should be no older than 32 years old as of July 1st this year, have a superior academic record and be fluent in English.

The September issue of the “International Employment Hotline” also features an article on new health care projects abroad.

For more information on either of the above, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL, 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-3342.

Now is the time to look for an overseas teaching position

Looking for an overseas teaching position?

If you are hoping to land your first job in an international school, now is the time to start. You should make your initial contact no later than December. This gives the school head ample time to review your application and contact you to arrange an interview during February when most top administrators from international schools are traveling throughout the U.S. interviewing and hiring staff for the next school year.

The following organizations sponsor job fairs for educators interested in finding employment in international schools around the world. Contact each organization for more information about dates, registration deadlines, fees, placement services, what schools will attend, what qualifications are required, and additional services.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY: Contact B.J. Bryant, Director, Educational Career Services, 110 Arps Hall, 1945 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43210-1172 for more information. Telephone 614-292-2741.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA: Contact Don Wood, Overseas Placement Center, 152 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Telephone 319-273-2083.

ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN SCHOOLS IN SOUTH AMERICA (AASSA): Schools from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Curacao, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela are represented. Applicants who are certified or eligible for certification should contact Kimberly Kourtis, Miami, FL 33166. Telephone 305-594-3936.

TORC: A division of the National Teachers Placement Bureau, TORC holds numerous job fairs. Contact Don Cermak, Director, TORC, P.O. Box 09027, Cleveland, OH 44109 for information. Telephone 216-741-3771.

Language and Education Fairs outside of the States are organized by ICEF (International Consultants for Education and Fairs), a subsidiary of WHERE + HOW. For information, contact Am Hofgarten Germany; telephone (+49 228) 22 30 86; fax (+49 228) 22 26 43. [Page 5]

Association for Bahá’í Studies holds 17th annual Conference

The 17th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies (ABS) marked the 19th year since the first policy meeting at which the idea of the Association was developed.

The more than 600 participants at this year’s Conference in Montreal saw a further stage in the Association’s maturation: renewed contact with one of the world’s most distinguished universities; the intensification of dialogue with a variety of scholars both within and outside the Faith; artistic presentations of exceptional merit; a multi-cultural international representation of Bahá’ís; and attendance by the Hand of the Cause of God A.M. Varqá; Douglas Martin, a member of the Universal House of Justice; and Counselor David Smith.

Mr. Martin, a founding member of the ABS, speaking not as a member of the House of Justice but from his personal viewpoint, stressed the integration of Bahá’í scholarship into the Administrative Order.

As an example, he discussed the current peer review of papers by Bahá’í scholars by members of the institutions of the Faith. Such peer review, he said, is inherent in the Administrative Order, as it derives its authority directly from the Covenant.

Yet review should not interfere with a genuinely independent search after truth, he said; Bahá’ís have a great opportunity to build a bridge between the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and the disciplines that have formed their academic careers.

The Hasan Balyuzi Memorial Lecture was presented by Dr. Abbas Amanat, professor of history at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, and author of the book Resurrection and Renewal.

Dr. Amanat’s talk dealt primarily with progressive revelation in the Zoroastrian and Islamic context.

Mr. Martin presented essay contest awards consisting of plaques and $100 honoraria to Robert Ahdieh of St. Davids, Pennsylvania (university division), Paula Drewek of Warren, Michigan (general), and Jack McLean of Gatineau, Quebec (creative writing).

Other award winners unable to attend the ceremony were Seena Fazel and Khazeh Fananapazir of Edinburgh, Scotland (multi-author division), and Gunther Meyer of Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia (high school).

Will C. van den Hoonard, Todd Lawson, Mr. Ahdieh, and Christine Zerbinis were placed on the 1993 Honor Roll for their services to Bahá’í scholarship.

Thursday and Friday evenings were devoted to programs of music and entertainment distinguished by their professionalism, variety and uplifting content.

Counselor Smith, in his closing address, reminded the audience of the high status of knowledge and wisdom in the Faith; however, he cautioned, the acquisition of true knowledge and wisdom depends fully upon one’s relationship to God. Knowledge gained for one’s own benefit, he said, is of no value whatsoever.

In the extreme case, he said, an expert is one who knows more and more about less and less until he or she knows everything about nothing.

Referring to The Secret of Divine Civilization, Dr. Smith reminded his listeners that the honor and distinction of an individual is to become a source of social good. He urged scholars to retain their role as students, to stand back, see the whole picture, and help and encourage one another.—Peter Morgan, Lanark, Ontario

‘SURVIVAL IN THE ’90s’

A Bahá’í writes the book on business, family values

By Tom Mennillo

Translating Bahá’í principles into everyday behavior is the critical task facing Bahá’ís—and humankind in general—during this turbulent decade, says innovation consultant Robert Rosenfeld.

Mr. Rosenfeld, a Bahá’í from Rochester, New York, recently delivered that message in a public talk on “Survival in the ’90s: Integrating Spiritual and Material Values in Business and the Family” sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Bexley, Ohio.

He is the founder of Idea Connection Systems Inc., a Rochester-based firm that helps companies grow through a combination of business, human and technical solutions. While at Eastman Kodak Co. Mr. Rosenfeld had developed in the 1970s and ’80s an intrapreneurial (within a single business) process that became known as the “Office of Innovation” model.

This is a decade of tough choices, he says. The problems are immense and the age-old solutions don’t work.

Mr. Rosenfeld notes that cities are falling apart physically and racially. Once-solid companies such as Sears, Roebuck & Co. and International Business Machines are shedding jobs by the thousands. The U. S. has a trillions-of-dollars national deficit to pay off.

In world affairs, the collapse of the East Bloc countries in Europe has put many of their nuclear warheads on the market, where terror-bent nations could obtain them. Old hatreds have boiled over into genocide in Bosnia and other regions.

Against such a backdrop of constant change, most people tend to cling to the status quo, he says. They persist, for example, in the notion that if they acquire a skill in a job, both the skill and the job will last until they retire. When that belief is shattered they are left confused and demoralized.

The reason, Mr. Rosenfeld says, is that they lack a value system, a core of belief. They have turned their backs on their Covenant with God.

But he sees a new paradigm—a perspective that offers coherent conclusions and draws an increasing number of adherents—in the making, animated by the Covenant for this age.

Mr. Rosenfeld says people will have to make a choice between two beliefs: “I am a god or there is a God.”

That realization, he says, will lead some to extreme self-centeredness. Others, however, will commit to a set of spiritual principles through the realization that humankind is one soul in many bodies.

He quotes from the Ridván 150 message of the Universal House of Justice about the vital importance of cultivating “a sense of spirituality, that mystic feeling which unites the individual with God and is achieved through meditation and prayer.”

Mr. Rosenfeld is careful to draw a distinction between “principle” and “tradition” or “law.”

Traditions maintain continuity and laws codify what ‎action actions‎ are permitted, he says. But principles are the truths on which laws are based. They also allow the refinement of humans and their character.

When tradition and law become divorced from principle, he says, they create untruth and produce inconsistency in human behavior.

A universal Bahá’í truth, the oneness of humanity, is key to the paradigm shift of the ’90s, says Mr. Rosenfeld. And the principles that will help people translate that truth into behaviors in the workplace and home include race unity, equality between the sexes, consultation, collective security and the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty.

Diversity is a strength for Bahá’ís, he notes, but we must envision what that diversity can bring us and then live it in our behavior.

As an example, Mr. Rosenfeld relates a story about diversity in his own family. He and his wife have six children, four of whom are adopted and come from interracial and multicultural backgrounds.

The children are comfortable with their racial and cultural diversity, he says. But cognitive diversity is a real issue. One of the children is an introvert in a family of extroverts, and she needs “down time” alone and the assurance that that’s all right.

The progress toward equality of the sexes also must be measured in terms of behavior, says Mr. Rosenfeld. He recalls meeting a family in India and having the father bring his daughter forward to shake Mr. Rosenfeld’s hand—a big step in that culture.

In our meeting-laden culture, consultation is a key principle. If diversity allows innovation to take place, consultation is the tool that allows us to incorporate diversity, he says.

Unfortunately, he says, most people lack successful examples of teamwork in their professional and family lives. They must learn how to consult with and rely on each other if they are to achieve unity.

The same is true of collective security, he says, quoting Bahá’u’lláh that “the earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”

Mr. Rosenfeld says a personal impact can be made in working to eliminate extremes of wealth and poverty.

His firm gave 10 children of employees $200 each and told them to spend it in any way that would help humanity. He says the company also goes out of its way to employ those who have the most difficult time gaining admission into the workforce, such as street people and people coming out of prison.

“It’s our job, not the government’s,” to make a difference, he concludes.

== HUQÚQU’LLÁH == Payments for Huqúqu’lláh should be made to “The Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust” and sent to one of the Trustees: Dr. Elsie Austin, Silver Spring MD 20901 (Tel. 301-589-8481). Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (Tel. 310-394-5449). Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (Tel. 216-333-1506). Inquiries regarding Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116.

National Assembly members from U.S., Mexico cooperate in border teaching campaign

William Davis, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Miguel Robles, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Costa Rica, teamed up for a proclamation effort in August that took them from Houston, Texas, to Harlingen, Laredo, San Antonio and Uvalde along the Texas/Mexico border.

In Harlingen, the friends arranged for them to appear on a radio talk show and a local television news broadcast. In Matamoros, they were interviewed on radio and on a Spanish-language television program.

At a public meeting in Matamoros, Mr. Davis spoke of the growing cooperation between nations and the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), while Mr. Robles entertained the audience with songs, accompanying himself on a 12-string guitar.

In Laredo, Mr. Davis and Mr. Robles received front-page coverage in the local newspaper before hosting another public meeting in the evening.

Before returning to California, Mr. Davis spoke in Brackenridge, San Antonio and Uvalde.

Mr. Robles continued on, teaching and presenting musical firesides in Eagle Pass, San Marcos, El Paso and Anthony and Las Cruces, New Mexico, where the theme of cross-border cooperation was emphasized.

The project addressed two major goals of the Three Year Plan: enhancing our cooperation with other countries, and extending teaching activities to minority populations. [Page 6]

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas

Baharlah The KITAB-LAODAS The Most Holy Book 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

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 read- ings 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 par- ents 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 chil- dren 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

Thou Kind Lord! Prayers & Readings for Children from the Raha 1 Writings

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 Sec- ond 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

A STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

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

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.

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

---

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Bahá’í Distribution Service • 5397 Wilbanks Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37343 • 1-800-999-9019 • Fax 1-615-843-0836 [Page 8]

'Helpers' network' helps Faith grow among Southeast Asians

The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office reports that in the past six months about 200 Southeast Asian adults and children have been enrolled in the Faith in this country.

These declarations can be attributed mainly to the efforts of individual Bahá’í "helpers" around the country. These dedicated believers have worked diligently for many years to consolidate and deepen the Southeast Asian Bahá’ís in their communities, but until almost two years ago events were progressing slowly.

The "helpers" needed an opportunity to meet with Southeast Asian Bahá’í leaders to learn from them how to teach and deepen the Southeast Asian Bahá’ís.

To give them that opportunity, the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office sponsored two Southeast Asian Bahá’í Leaders' Conferences at the Bosch Bahá’í School, and a "Helpers' Conference" at the Louhelen Bahá’í School.

The information and knowledge gained from these gatherings was put to immediate use once the "helpers" returned to their communities. Many of them formed Southeast Asian Teaching Institutes to reach the Southeast Asian population more effectively.

The results can be seen in the number of enrollments that are reported each week. As these new Bahá’ís are deepened in the Faith, they are also empowered within their Bahá’í communities. In many areas, for the first time, Southeast Asians are being elected to serve on local Spiritual Assemblies.

And these newly deepened Bahá’ís are eagerly taking part in planning and hosting Feasts, holding firesides, and planning and hosting study classes for children and youth.

Older and more deepened Southeast Asian Bahá’ís are helping to prepare teaching and deepening video tapes in the various Southeast Asian languages, and are translating written materials for teaching and deepening their people.

The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office wishes to thank all of these "helpers" for their dedicated efforts. As a result of articles in The American Bahá’í over the last six months, more than a dozen individual Bahá’ís and Bahá’í communities have asked if they might become a part of the "helpers" network.

We warmly welcome these new "helpers" and look forward to helping them in their efforts. If you would like to become a part of this growing network, please contact the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039; fax 708-869-0247).

The Bahá’í Faith in Action... Sustainable Development for a New World

"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.

Registration North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development Please print Name Address City State Names and ages of youth and children attending Phone Zip Amount enclosed

Santa Cruz cooperation leads to development of new Bahá’í Family School

Local Assemblies, Groups and individual Bahá’ís in Santa Cruz County, California, recently formed an intercommunity Three Year Plan Implementation Committee whose goal is to address successfully the elements of the Plan in the county within 19 months by combining resources and achieving unity.

Several projects already are under way including teaching via data bases, centralizing the Bahá’í telephone for the area, and forming a media task force to promote the Faith in more positive and overt ways.

Also under consideration are plans to develop outreach programs to involve local Bahá’ís in groups that are working "models of unity," and forming a youth/ children's service program and youth choir.

But the committee's greatest accomplishment to date is the timely development of the area's newest Bahá’í Family School, which will hold classes, unity Feasts and other events at the Louden-Nelson Community Center in Santa Cruz. The site was chosen because of its accessibility and its contributions to the community at large.

Classes are to begin with a grand opening ceremony October 31, and afterward will be held on the first and last Sunday each month—to have school on consecutive weeks without conflicting with the highly successful Monterey Family School.

The school's steering committee recently elected the following officers: Carc! Neuerman, director; Norma Johnson, Ann Miller, John Butah, curriculum development team; and Carl Fravel, treasurer.

The wide range of tasks associated with sustaining the school assures that many members of the communities will have a chance to serve and become united in a common effort to "enhance progress toward the new World Order via personal and social transformation."

The school is open to non-Bahá’ís as well as to the Bahá’í community. Ms. Neuerman says the school's approach to Bahá’ís and the public will reflect the fact that Bahá’u’lláh said that all members of humanity are potentially "gems of inestimable value." [Page 9]

Bahá’ís play significant role in Parliament

The heavy involvement of Bahá’ís in the Parliament of the World’s Religions is demonstrated by this list of program participants. The list is neither comprehensive nor does it include the many friends who worked behind the scenes to make the Parliament a success.

• Dr. Dwight Allen led a workshop on “Education for Unity in Diversity.”
• Bahá’í Gospel Choir, under the direction of Evander Gilmer, sang in the Festival of Sacred Performing Arts; gave a special concert at St. Peter’s Church; and sang at the Bahá’í House of Worship.
• Bahá’í House of Worship Choir, under the direction of Tom Price, augmented by members of the World Congress Choir and accompanied (except at the Bahá’í House of Worship) by members of the World Congress Orchestra, sang during a program at the Bahá’í House of Worship; sang in conjunction with a slide show at the “From Vision to Action” plenary; and gave a special performance of the Bahá’í oratorio that debuted at the second World Congress.
• Bahá’í House of Worship staff, under the direction of Lorelei McClure, coordinated two events held in honor of the Parliament.
• Earnestine Berkey introduced the speakers for a workshop on “The Inner Life.”
• Dr. Roger L. Blaine led a workshop on “The Blind Men and the Elephant: Science and Religion.”
• Dr. Anne R. Breneman led a workshop on “Challenges of Parenting for a New World Order.”
• Dr. Carlton Brown led a workshop on “Education for Unity in Diversity.”
• Nicholas Byrne told a story, “Maya and the Town That Loved a Tree,” during the “Next Generation” plenary.
• Susan Clay led a workshop on “A New Focus for Educational Policy and Practice in Guatemala.”
• Juana Conrad, member of the National Spiritual Assembly, participated in the Assembly of Religious and Spiritual Leaders; led a workshop on “Women’s Spiritual Destiny: A Bahá’í Perspective.”

See ROLE page 12

Ingredients shared for success in religions’ race unity efforts

By Tom Mennillo

Robert C. Henderson had just wrapped up his Parliament of the World’s Religions presentation on “Race Unity: Lessons from the American Bahá’í Experience” when a woman rose from the audience.

She had listened intently as the Secretary-General of the National Spiritual Assembly described a century of ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’í‎ growth in meeting the nation’s “most challenging issue” head on, and she had a question.

“What about those of us who are not of the Bahá’í Faith but feel really connected to the vision of race unity?” she asked. “How can we encourage our own faiths to respond?”

Dr. Henderson’s answer cut to the heart of what American Bahá’ís have learned in that century, under the nurturing guidance of the Central Figures and the institutions.

“I think if we were just to outline what works about the American Bahá’í race unity experience, it is the following set of lessons,” he said.

“First, Bahá’ís have clear spiritual guidance on the importance of race unity. That means that you can’t duck it. You’re spiritually accountable for making progress on this issue.

“Second, there is consistent leadership on the part of Bahá’í institutions, focusing and refocusing and reinforcing and encouraging and insisting that in individual life, family life, community life and national life, ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ focus on this issue as a watchword of life itself and regard the achievement of freedom from all prejudice as the hallmark of a true Bahá’í character. ...

“Third, you must free the members to engage in all kinds of initiatives and, in fact, organize campaigns and let them loose. ... The aggregate effect on the spiritual life of the community will be that it develops and becomes richer and deeper.

...

“And, last, it must begin to express itself with structures ... that teach folks from the time they are children through adulthood the importance of this and then give them vehicles to use to act on this important spiritual principle.”

Robert C. Henderson tells a Parliament audience about the Bahá’í experience in facing the issue of race unity.

Dr. Henderson went on to illustrate how the Bahá’ís translate this principle into action.

“From the time I was a small child as a Bahá’í, I would go to Bahá’í Sunday school every week, and I would be told as a 3-year-old, 4-year-old, 5-year-old about the principle of the equality of the races.

“Now I didn’t understand all that as a child. Little kids don’t get it. But I’ll tell you what little kids do get. They figure out whether they are loved and feel safe in their environment.

“And it’s clear to me now as a 44-year-old adult male that as a young Bahá’í child I felt loved and safe among all types of people, very few of whom looked like me.

“They were white, brown, red, yellow, and they came from all over the world. But they seemed to love each other and they seemed to care for me. And the big message was, this is what Bahá’í community life is about.

“So, even though I didn’t understand the details ... I got the spirit, and that spirit has sustained throughout my life.”

He concluded with a warning borne of the lessons of the civil rights era.

We can succeed in desegregating schools and other elements of public life, he said, “but if we don’t desegregate the kitchen table, if we don’t desegregate the living room sofa, if we don’t desegregate those private parts of our lives where loving is done ... then desegregation under the law will not produce any true and lasting effect.”

Faith offered as embryonic model

By Tom Mennillo

What unites Bahá’ís?

To Charles Nolley it’s that Bahá’ís are largely unencumbered by the baggage of tradition.

Mr. Nolley, a trustee of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, spoke at the Parliament on “Bridging the Gap: Religious Unity and Cultural Diversity in the Bahá’í Community.”

The world, in the midst of a turbulent adolescence, has not yet become fully aware of its global identity, Mr. Nolley said.

But he said glimpses of that future coming of age, that sense of unity in purpose and action, are present and are working to pull us together.

He warned, though, that stripping away old status systems isn’t enough. New structures must be erected.

That’s where the Bahá’í Faith comes in, said Mr. Nolley.

He offered the Bahá’í community as an embryonic global model, one that from its beginnings has cultivated a sense of higher unity.

A fundamental paradigm shift occurs in those who embrace the Faith, he said: They begin to view the concept of mankind as one family not as a goal, but as a fact.

While other religions suffer from their ties to a particular culture or time period, he said, the Bahá’í Faith stands alone. It is not a tradition or a piecing of traditions.

The Faith’s organization and social structure, in fact, are imbedded in the Revelation—of a new World Order—around which the religion was organized.

As such, he said, ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ need not lay down the tradition they were born into upon declaring their faith in Bahá’u’lláh. Rather, they can find in the Bahá’í Faith the truest expression of what they were, are and can be. [Page 10]Ronald Precht (second from left) fields questions about the principles of the Bahá’í Faith as he leads religious news writers on a tour of the House of Worship. The writers’ association held its annual meeting in Chicago in conjunction with the Parliament.

UN rep describes World Order as work in progress by Bahá’ís

By TOM MENNILLO

Rebequa Getahoun Murphy explained “Bahá’u’lláh’s Vision of World Order” to a Parliament of the World’s Religions audience by likening the Bahá’í community to a farmer.

Ms. Murphy, representative of the National Spiritual Assembly to the United Nations, said the farmer spreads seeds with every confidence they will take root and grow to a bountiful harvest.

But when that farmer shows the newly planted field to a friend, the friend sees only bare land—not the fruits to come.

For example, that’s the situation in which residents of the former Soviet Union, which Ms. Murphy recently visited, find themselves.

Everything they have known in their lives has changed, she said. Every foundation has been removed from beneath them. Now they are asking: Is there more than this material life?

The task for Bahá’ís, then, is to foreshadow through their love and unity the bounties humanity is destined to experience.

The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh is more than an international system, she said. Ultimately, it is a society of people whose hearts have been transformed.

She said each person thus transformed infuses that spirit into his or her daily life and helps others catch the spirit.

Using the analogy of drops of water, Ms. Murphy noted that one drop scatters in the winds.

When drops come together, though, they can form rivers.

She said the New Yorkers who encountered Bahá’ís during the second Bahá’í World Congress invariably remarked about the genuineness of the love Bahá’ís exhibited for each other.

“What a different world you must live in,” she quoted one as saying.

It is different, she said, and children who are raised in the perception that “the earth is but one country and mankind its citizens” truly are children of a new world.

Ms. Murphy related how her son, then 8 years old, came home from school one day and remarked, “You know, Mom, it really doesn’t bother me when other kids call me ‘nigger.’”

She was chopping onions at the moment and nearly cut herself.

“What do you mean, you don’t mind?” she asked.

And her son explained: “The reason they do this is they are ignorant. They don’t understand that mankind is one. If they knew, they wouldn’t say something stupid like that.”

That, said Ms. Murphy, “is what the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh is about. Imagine the kind of world that these children will erect. How different it is from the world that we are leaving them.”

Rebequa Getahoun Murphy (center) discusses “Bahá’u’lláh’s Vision of World Order after her talk at the Parliament.”

THE MANY OF FAITH

Photos © 1993, HANK JACOBSON

Parliament

from page 1

Why the Parliament?

• The Bahá’í Gospel Choir, under the direction of Van Gilmer, proclaiming the message of unity through song and word to an enthusiastic multi-faith audience seated amid the lavish statuary of St. Peter’s Church.
• Young Nicholas Byrne, relating from his wheelchair Kiki and Kathryn Shaw’s inspirational story of “Maya and the Town That Loved a Tree.”
• The entire corps of “Next Generation” plenary youth jamming the stage to sing Red Grammer’s “We Are One Family” at the close of that session.
• Ladjamaya Green Mahoney bringing an audience to tears of despair and hope in her dramatic presentation, “The Black Experience: A Cry for World Peace.”
• Speakers such as Mona Grieser and Susan Clay demonstrating how Bahá’ís are at the forefront of sustainable development, the advancement of women, and other issues.
• Azar Movagh bringing the service of Health for Humanity professionals into a well-deserved limelight.
• The Bahá’í International Community and the Bahá’í Publishing Trust exhibiting Bahá’í literature and answering questions about the Faith to hundreds of passersby.
• Ronald Precht, former director of the Office of Public Information, leading religious writers on a tour of the Bahá’í House of Worship.
• Continental Counselor Jacqueline Delahunt and Patricia Locke leading a workshop on “God’s Messengers to the Native Peoples of the Western Hemisphere.”
• Yael Wurmfeld, R. Leilani Smith and Charles Nolley, trustees on the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, helping to bring the Parliament to fruition after five years of vision, planning and plain old hard work.
• Counselor Delahunt and Robert C. Henderson and Juana Conrad of the National Spiritual Assembly lending their wisdom to the Assembly of Religious and Spiritual Leaders in achieving almost unanimous signing of an interim Declaration Toward a Global Ethic.

Where will the Parliament lead from here?

Mr. Nolley spoke midway through the Parliament of “something pulling us together that you can’t describe without it pulling us apart.”

Mr. Nolley, an anthropologist, expressed confidence, though, that the world’s people will find a way to progress without the loss of diversity that has happened to other species in the face of development.

Mr. Henderson also assessed the future in a talk at the Bahá’í House of Worship on “Religious and Social Unity: The Next Stage of Human Development.”

Comparing the 1993 Parliament with its predecessor a century ago, the secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly ‎point points‎ to the example of Frederick Douglass, a black American and former slave.

Mr. Henderson, he said, literally had to fight his way onto the stage at the first Parliament to speak for the aspirations of black people.

How Mr. Douglass got to the Parliament was even more inspiring. A slave owner had tried by various cruel means to break his spirit, but Mr. Douglass survived and eventually thrived by realizing that the slave owner could not own his spirit—or him.

A hundred years later, the Parliament reconvened with a much broader representation, said Mr. Henderson.

Its purpose, he said, was to encourage a spirit of harmony; assess and renew the role of religion in personal growth and the issues of the day; and realize that all religious traditions represent “the recognition of humanity by God Himself.”

The Parliament sometimes included a loud clash of viewpoints, he said, but out of it came the “great victory for humanity” of a world-embracing Declaration Toward a Global Ethic signed by more than 90 percent of the attendees of the Assembly of Religious and Spiritual Leaders.

Mr. Henderson acknowledged that the requirements of peace are difficult. Even though the Messengers of God have come throughout history to help us tear apart barriers of separation, people have seen too much “betrayal and bloodshed” to have confidence in humanity’s ability to build a peaceful, loving society.

What it will take, he said, is the recognition that conflict is only a stage in the maturation of human development and that through inner transformation we can be reborn on a new level of mutual love.

That new standard will be marked by service and indiscriminate fellowship, he said. Only by making others happy will we find happiness ourselves.

He gave the example of a group of Holocaust survivors who had borne up remarkably well—both physically and mentally—under the inhumane treatment. It was found that those survivors were the ones who had served others before taking care of themselves.

The stranger must become a companion and the alien an intimate, Mr. Henderson declared, promising that if we exhibit such character, it will become a model that reorients the thinking of those we meet and a source of great changes in the world.

The 1993 Parliament of the World’s Religions, all in all, moved humankind considerably forward on that road.

“Something [is] pulling us together that you can’t describe without it pulling us apart.” But the historical forces toward transformation are bringing many people into conflict within themselves and, by extension, with their traditions. [Page 11]Parliament of the World’s Religions

Role

from page 9

• Dr. Richard Czerniejewski led a workshop on “The Global Health Care Crisis: An Assessment and Vision.”
• Continental Counselor Jacqueline Delahunt participated in the Assembly of Religious and Spiritual Leaders; led a workshop on “God’s Messengers to the Native Peoples of the Western Hemisphere;” and gave an invocation at the closing plenary.
• Errol Doris Jr. delivered a speech on “The Challenging Issue Confronting America” during the “Next Generation” plenary.
• Continental Counselor Wilma Ellis, administrator-general of the Bahá’í International Community, gave an invocation at the opening plenary; served as a president of the Parliament; and responded for the Bahá’í Faith to the keynote address on “Interfaith Understanding.”
• Red Grammer’s song “One Family” was sung by all participants at the closing of the “Next Generation” plenary.
• Mona Grieser delivered a major presentation on “Ploughshares and Prayers: Bringing Spiritual Principles into the Development Dialogue.”
• Jane Grover (substituting for Ray Johnson) led a workshop on “Educating Youth as Leaders for the 21st Century.”
• Farzaneh Guillebeaux led a workshop on “Sexual Equality: A Prerequisite for World Peace.”
• Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, participated in the Assembly of Religious and Spiritual Leaders; delivered a major presentation on “Race Unity: Lessons from the American Bahá’í Experience;” and spoke on “Religious and Social Unity: The Next Stage of Human Development” at the Bahá’í House of Worship.
• Nick Hockings participated in a workshop on “Global Vision for the 21st Century;” participated in a workshop on “Cultural Degradation Through Mascots and Stereotypes.”
• Dr. May Khadem led a workshop on “The Global Health Care Crisis: An Assessment and Vision.”
• Dr. Riaz Khadem led a workshop on “Nine Steps to Excellence: Strategies for Transforming Your Business.”
• Dr. Thelma Khelghati led a workshop on “In Search of Spirituality: Soaring Wings and Practical Feet.”
• Patricia Locke led a workshop on “God’s Messengers to the Native Peoples of the Western Hemisphere.”
• Dr. Craig Loehle chaired a discussion on “Environment;” chaired a discussion on “God and Physics;” and led a workshop on “God Under the Microscope.”
• Sovaida Ma’ani led a workshop on “The Unfoldment of a World Civilization.”
• Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi led a workshop on “Marriage of Equals: Contrasting Past Expectations with Present Requirements;” and made a major presentation on “The Emergence of the Bahá’í Faith as a World Religion.”
• Dr. Homa Mahmoudi led a workshop on “Marriage of Equals: Contrasting Past Expectations with Present Requirements.”
• Ladjamaya Green Mahoney gave a dramatic reading in the “Voices of the Dispossessed” plenary; gave a dramatic reading in the “Voices of Spirit and Tradition” plenary; gave a dramatic reading of the Declaration Toward a Global Ethic at a session of the Assembly of Religious and Spiritual Leaders and at the closing plenary; and gave a special performance on “The Black Experience: A Cry for World Peace.”
• Billie Mayo participated in the “Dialogue Racism” portion of the “From Vision to Action” plenary; and served as a facilitator in the Assembly of Religious and Spiritual Leaders.
• Dr. Azar Movagh spoke on Health for Humanity in the “Inner Life and Life in the Community” plenary.
• Rebequa Getahoun Murphy, U.S. National Spiritual Assembly representative to the United Nations, delivered a major presentation on “Bahá’u’lláh’s Vision of World Order;” participated in a panel on “The Significance of an Earth Charter;” led a workshop on “The Spiritual Dimension of a Sustainable World Order;” and participated in a panel on “Women, the Earth and the World’s Religions.”
• Charles Nolley, a trustee of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, delivered a major presentation on “Bridging the Gap: Religious Unity and Cultural Diversity in the Bahá’í Community;” attended the Assembly of Religious and Spiritual Leaders; took part in the reception for the Dalai Lama; and attended the CPWR annual meeting.
• Mark Ochu led a workshop/performance on “The Prerequisites for Peace Found in Western Classical Music.”
• Joyce Olinga participated in the “Dialogue Racism” portion of the “From Vision to Action” plenary; and served as a facilitator in the Assembly of Religious and Spiritual Leaders.
• Joe, Esther, Michael and Roman Orona of the Inka Native American Theatre performed the “Dance of the Council Lodge” at the “Next Generation” plenary.
• Brent Poirier led a workshop on “The Unfoldment of a World Civilization.”
• Ron Precht led a special tour of the House of Worship for members of the National Religious Newswriters Association.
• Robert Rosenfeld led a workshop on “Appreciating Oneness: Promulgating Diversity Throughout Organizations.”
• Dr. Curtis Russell led a workshop on “Motivational Consequences of Divine Revelation.”
• Jan Smith led a workshop on “No More Guilt, No More Blame: Women and Men Learning Partnership.”
• R. Leilani Smith, a trustee of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, coordinated Bahá’í participation in the opening processional; introduced the presidents of the “Visions of Paradise and Possibility” plenary; led a workshop on “Through All the Worlds of God: Bahá’í Teachings on Immortality of the Soul;” coordinated prayers and readings to open the “Inner Life and Life in the Community” plenary; took part in the reception for the Dalai Lama; and attended the CPWR annual meeting.
• Dr. Robert Stockman led a workshop on “The Bahá’í Faith and Interreligious Dialogue.”
• Irene Taafaki led a workshop on “A Pedagogy for Moral and Spiritual Education.”
• Michael Winger-Bearskin led a workshop on “Appreciating Oneness: Promulgating Diversity Throughout Organizations.”
• Yael Wurmfeld, a trustee of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, attended the Parliament of the World’s Religions, attended the Assembly of Religious and Spiritual Leaders; participated in the award ceremony for the Templeton Prize winner; took part in the reception for the Dalai Lama; introduced the presidents of the Parliament at the closing plenary; and attended the CPWR annual meeting.
• Brett Zamir participated in the “Next Generation” plenary as a member of the Youth Steering Committee.
• Delara Zargapoor of the Inka Native American Theatre performed the “Dance of the Council Lodge” at the “Next Generation” plenary.

Lajamaya Green Mahoney takes the audience through a journey in her special performance on “The Black Experience: A Cry for World Peace.”

Roman Orona and Delara Zargapoor portray the principle of equality of men and women in a dance accompanied by Joe Orona on flute. [Page 12]

11th Massanetta Springs Conference draws 500 to study Three Year Plan

The 11th annual Massanetta Springs Bahá’í Conference came alive in August with an array of powerful speakers who shared personal stories and messages on aspects of the Three Year Plan.

About 500 Bahá’ís attended the annual event August 27-29 at the Massanetta Springs retreat in northwestern Virginia. Nestled among towering pine trees, the retreat was a fitting venue for the gathering, which was graced by the presence of Aziz Yazdi who related accounts of his childhood in the household of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Mr. Yazdi told the audience how, as a boy, he and his family lived with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the House of Abdullah-Pasha.

One afternoon, Mr. Yazdi said, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá caught him sneaking into the kitchen.

“What could I do? I was caught,” Mr. Yazdi said, eliciting laughter and applause from his listeners.

But instead of punishing the youngster, he said, the Master stroked his forehead, gave him a coin, and sent him on his way.

Another of the speakers was Jack McCants, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly. He stressed passages in the most recent Ridván message from the Universal House of Justice calling for a revitalization of the faith of individual believers and the maturation of Spiritual Assemblies.

“The time is short,” he said. “Stand up now and ask Bahá’u’lláh how you fit into the Three Year Plan.”

“‘Seize thy chance,’” he added, quoting from The Hidden Words, “‘for it will come to thee no more.’”

Workshops covered such diverse topics as the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, women’s issues, and the future of the Faith in Russia.

Bahá’ís came from all over the East Coast to take part in the event. One of them, 24-year-old Jonathan Higgins of Asheville, North Carolina, left home shortly after noon, picked up some friends halfway across the state, and arrived at Massanetta Springs about 10 hours later.

“This is my first time at Massanetta,” he said. “I came to hear the talks and to be with friends I haven’t seen in a while. That’s a big part of the conference to me.”--Noah Bartolucci

On the weekend of July 23-25, the Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop gave several performances in Davenport, Iowa, prompting Mayor Patrick Gibbs (pictured holding paper) to proclaim ‘Race Unity Weekend’ in Davenport and present the Workshop with the symbolic keys to the city. The young Bahá’ís appeared at Northpark Mall in Davenport; at the annual Bix Beiderbecke Festival, which honors the legendary jazz trumpeter from Davenport who died in his early 20s; and at West High School where one person declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh. Many of those who saw the performance at the Beiderbecke Festival ordered ‘One Planet, One People... Please’ T-shirts.

Bahá’í Esperanto League has U.S. representative at 80th Esperanto Congress in Kameoka, Japan

Roberta McFarland, a Bahá’í from San Leandro, California, represented the Bahá’í Esperanto League at the 80th Esperanto Congress held August 7-8 in Kameoka, Japan. The Congress theme was “Mi estas terglobano” (I am a world citizen).

More than 475 people from a dozen countries attended the event including Paul Desailly, a Bahá’í representing Australia. Also present were Esperantists from Brazil, Bulgaria, China, France, the Netherlands, Korea, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, and the former Yugoslavia.

The most memorable occasion for Ms. McFarland was reciting a Bahá’í prayer for unity, in Esperanto, before an audience of about 200 at the Oomoto Temple in ‎Ajabe Ayabe‎ during a 70th anniversary tribute thanking God for Esperanto and the founding of the Temple’s Esperanto Public Relations Association.

Oomoto, founded in 1892, has three basic tenets: one God, one world, one auxiliary language.

The Faith was mentioned a number of times during the Congress: at a forum discussing cooperation between Esperantists in Asia and the Pacific region; at the farewell banquet; and in general conversation. Bahá’í literature was popular and taken with interest. A lecture room was made available to present the Faith, and about 10 people came for discussions.

Young Bahá’í who fled Iran profiled in newspaper

On June 18, the Hemet (California) Press-Enterprise published an extensive feature article on Tina Shahidyazdani, a young Bahá’í who fled Iran with her family as a seven-year-old in 1984, and this year was graduated fourth in her class of 360 at Hemet High School, a month after she was sworn in as an American citizen.

The article, which includes a photograph of Tina, in graduation robes, standing next to a model of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, outlines the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran and explains some of the Faith’s basic principles including progressive revelation, the oneness of humanity, equality of the sexes, and the elimination of racism and prejudice.

This year, the article says, Tina founded the Rainbow Club at Hemet High School, a student group that opposes all forms of discrimination and “extols dignity and respect for everyone.”

Creating the group, she explained, was a natural extension of her faith, “which cherishes the diversity of humanity.”

At her graduation ceremony, the school principal quoted from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement on “unity in diversity,” encouraging the audience of 4,000 to reflect on that message of love.

On July 4, the Bahá’ís of Boulder City, Nevada, took part in the city’s day-long Fourth of July Jamboree at Government Park. Many local and state officials passed the Bahá’í booth, from which hundreds of pieces of Bahá’í literature were given to visitors. Pictured with one of the visitors at the booth are (left to right) Marion West-Hoffman and Maxine Mendelsohn. This particular visitor stopped to say that his brother was married to a Bahá’í and how highly his family regarded her and the Faith.

“Every individual believer--man, woman, youth and child--is summoned to this field of action; for it is on the initiative, the resolute will of the individual to teach and to serve, that the success of the entire community depends.”--The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 1988 [Page 13]

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 GREEN ACRE 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 has a full-time position open for a Food Services Manager. The job entails cooking two of the three daily meals during school sessions; supervising other kitchen workers; ordering; inventorying; menu planning (including vegetarian needs); supervising, and taking part in keeping the kitchen facilities clean and orderly. Must be able to maintain kitchen equipment. Knowledge of sanitation and health rules regarding food is necessary. There may be other maintenance tasks as assigned by the school administrator. Cooking/supervisory experience (3-4 years) preferred. Knowledge of nutrition desirable. If interested, please phone the Bosch Bahá’í School, 408-423-3387 (fax 408-423-7564), sending résumé to 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School is seeking an individual or retired couple to serve as resident caretaker(s). This is a year-round volunteer position primarily responsible for building and grounds security at designated times, opening and closing buildings as needed for functions, helping with light-duty maintenance, responding to emergencies, and greeting visitors to the school. Requires a mature person or couple with proven experience in carrying out these responsibilities. On-campus residence (two-bedroom apartment) will be provided. Applicants may also apply for other openings at the school. Please submit a letter of introduction and résumé with detailed description of your qualifications and background to: Administrator, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.

PIONEERING: HOMEFRONT

ASHEBORO, North Carolina, needs homefront pioneers. We are a Bahá’í Group of one homefront pioneer family deeply involved in race unity activities, sponsoring a community support group and responding to many requests for help in the area. Asheboro (pop. 18,000), in the center of the state, 30 minutes from Greensboro, has good schools and a community college. We warmly appeal to fellow believers dedicated to race unity work to join us. For more detailed information, write to the Bahá’í Group of Asheboro, c/o Chuck Egerton, correspondent, Asheboro, NC 27203, or phone 919-629-8218.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: Nell M. Ring (died Jackson, MS, 1962), Isabel Rives (died Washington, DC, 1961), Bob Roberts (died Seattle, WA, 1947), Faye Roberts, Gladys Roberts, Ethel C. Robinson, Gertrude W. Robinson (died Circleville, OH, 1966). 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 has prepared a series of biographical sketches of prominent African-American, Native American, Hispanic and Asian Bahá’ís for use by local communities in Black History Month, Race Unity Day and other special observances. Any local community wishing a set of these sketches or more information about them is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 708-869-9039.

WANTED

ARE YOU, or your Bahá’í community, involved in interfaith activities or interfaith dialogue? The Research Office of the National Spiritual Assembly and the Bahá’í representative to NAIN (the North American Interfaith Network) need to know how many Bahá’ís and Bahá’í communities are active in interfaith efforts, how many Bahá’ís are officers of interfaith groups, and what efforts Bahá’ís have been making in this area. The information is also needed for the National Spiritual Assembly to assess Bahá’í involvement in interfaith efforts, and it is sought for possible inclusion in future issues of The American Bahá’í. Please write to Dr. Robert H. Stockman, Research Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 708-869-9039 (voice); 708-869-0247 (fax): 72203.623-@COMPUSERVE.COM (E-mail; INTERNET).

RECALL THE AD in The American Bahá’í calling for an association of Bahá’í mental health professionals? Has any network been formed? Please write to C.S. Fanning, San Pedro, CA 90731.

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: 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.

ARE THERE BAHÁ’ÍS in the U.S. who are amateur radio operators? In our family here in Cochabamba, Bolivia, there are eight: Hilmar (CP5JX), his wife, Luz Mercy (CP5ML), Laila (PY2ZLA), Richard (CP5RI), Badi (CP5FW), Bozorg (CP5LA), Nura (CPSPH), and myself, Gisela (CP5KB). We would love to contact fellow radio amateurs. Part of our family lives in Cochabamba, my daughter Laila in Sao Paulo, and others in the Amazon basin in northern Bolivia. Please let us hear from you.

DID YOUR EXPERIENCE of family, religion or religious community as a child affect your response to religion as an adult? Bahá’í therapist/author welcomes your completion of a questionnaire for research on a book; also, correspondence from mental health professionals experienced in this area. Write to C.S. Fanning, San Pedro, CA 90731.

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.

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: one set of original two-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. Each of the 13 reels weighs about 15 pounds (and the Assembly is unsure about the condition of the tapes). Potentially a powerful teaching tool. If interested, phone Heidi Melius, 305-565-9143.

MISCELLANEOUS

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.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly must fill two positions in the Office of Public Information that is soon to open in New York City. Needed are a National Public Information Officer to manage public information activities, and an administrative assistant to support the National Public Information Officer by preparing public information materials, analyzing news clippings, and helping on other projects as needed. Candidates for the position of National Public Information Officer should have a degree in public relations or English (master's preferred), at least five years' experience in marketing and/or public relations, some supervisory or managerial experience, ability to work within a large diverse organization, and be well-versed in the principles of Bahá’í administration. Those applying for the position of administrative assistant should have experience working in an office and some familiarity with personal computers including word processing and telecommunications (must know WordPerfect 5.1), and a firm knowledge and understanding of the Bahá’í Faith and its administrative order. Please send a résumé and other relevant information to the Office of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039; fax 708-869-0247).

The following positions are presently open at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette: general manager and production department coordinator, Bahá’í Publishing Trust; and program assistant, Persian/American Affairs Office.

The Bosch Bahá’í School is seeking an assistant director and program coordinator. To apply for any of these positions or to obtain more information about them, please write or phone the Office of Human Resources at the address or number given above. [Page 14]

World News

This photograph, taken June 5 from Ben Gurion Avenue in Haifa, Israel, shows the progress of construction of the lower Terraces beneath the Shrine of the Báb and the removal of earth to make way for the upper Terraces above the Shrine.

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, accompanied by Mrs. Violette Nakhjavání, arrived in Moscow on June 21—after having visited Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, ‎Kyrgystan Kyrgyzstan‎, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan—for a two-week visit that the Hand of the Cause later described as “very full, and very successful in acquainting the public with the existence and aims of the Bahá’í Faith.” Among her invitations was one to have high tea at the home of one of Russia’s most famous sculptors, where she was asked to speak about the Faith to an interested audience. The following evening, she spoke at a public meeting attended by more than 300 people including members of the press and a national television crew. On another occasion, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum was interviewed for a half-hour television program, and had a long interview with a woman who is president of a television company specializing in ecological topics. A television producer who is an active Bahá’í brought a film crew to interview the Hand of the Cause at her hotel. After starting the interview there they proceeded to Red Square, beside the Kremlin, where the interview continued with St. Basil’s Church in the background. She was also interviewed by a reporter from the English-language Moscow Times newspaper, by the editor of the Russian New Times weekly magazine, and by a reporter from a Russian-language daily newspaper. “But the most important interview from my standpoint,” she reported, “was an hour-long discussion with the Minister of the Environment and the Protection of Natural Resources in the Russian Federation, in his office at the Ministry. He had attended the Rio de Janeiro conference [last year] on environmental issues and met members of our large Bahá’í delegation. Another important interview was with the director of the department which handles the registration of religions at the Ministry of Justice. He was the man responsible for the recent registration of our Regional Spiritual Assembly. He and some members of his staff who were present were most cordial, and we had leisurely and ‎information informative‎ discussions.” Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum was invited to meet with and speak to a group of teachers and students at the newly established Russian Institute of Social Sciences. She also met with the principal of the high schools in one of Moscow’s largest areas. He had met other Bahá’ís, and asked especially for books on moral education. At the University of Moscow the Hand of the Cause was received by the dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and gave a lecture to faculty members on the Faith and its relationship to other religions. She later attended a luncheon in her honor hosted by nine South American Ambassadors and their wives, and met with the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Russia, Georgia and Armenia, and with Counselors Abbas Katirai, Patrick O’Mara and Paul Semenoff, who were in Moscow at the time.

On July 5-6, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum traveled from Moscow to Yakutsk, the capital of the Republic of Sakha in the Siberian region of Russia, for a 10-day visit that included meetings on July 8 with the Speaker of the Supreme Soviet of the Sakha Republic and with 30 of the 35 members of the Republic’s Parliament in their Council Chamber. “I was cordially welcomed,” she reported, “and was invited to address them about the Bahá’í Faith, which I did briefly. Many questions were asked, and the meeting lasted for an hour and a half.” On July 9, after observing the anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb with the local Bahá’í community, the Hand of the Cause again met with the Parliament in a session devoted mainly to a discussion of ecology. She then “had a very enjoyable, constructive day on a boat which Bahá’ís had arranged for an all-day excursion on the...Lena River. Two of the friends of Bahá’ís accepted the Faith on that occasion.” Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum spent most of one morning at a summer camp for children ages 9-16; that same day, she was interviewed for another radio program and attended a press conference organized so that media representatives could meet her. She lectured to students and faculty at the International Children’s Center, and attended a concert in her honor at a large theatre in Yakutsk. The day before her departure, the Hand of the Cause had another newspaper interview and attended the Nineteen Day Feast in Yakutsk, during which two guests said they wished to enroll in the Faith.

A teaching campaign organized by the Regional Teaching Committee of Chivhu, Zimbabwe, began by sending a team of four elders to ask permission of chiefs in the area to tell the villagers about Bahá’u’lláh. After hearing the Message, one chief gave full permission for the Faith to be taught in his village, and invited the Bahá’ís to come there on May 2. When the friends arrived, more than 700 people were waiting, and by the end of five days 104 of them had been enrolled in the Cause and two local Spiritual Assemblies were formed.

The first Spiritual Assembly of Tbilisi, capital of the Georgian Republic, was formed on the first day of Ridván. The Bahá’ís there have purchased a house in the city to be used as a center for Bahá’í activities in that area.

“The Role of Women in the Construction of a New World Order Characterized by Peace and the Unity of Mankind” was the title of a panel discussion hosted by Bahá’ís last June 9 at the University of Costa Rica. About 40 people including 15 who were not Bahá’ís attended the program, whose moderator was Counselor Ruth Pringle.

Almost 300 people attended a recent fireside organized by Bahá’í youth in Nakaty, New Caledonia. A Bahá’í children’s choir sang, and several Bahá’í videos were shown including “The Prisoner of ‘Akká.’”

In Taiwan, Bahá’í children sing in a public square as part of the Naw-Rúz celebration in the community of Lung Ching. About 200 people took part in the celebration, which was widely covered by the local news media.

A full-page article dealing with the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran appeared June 26 in The Times Magazine, which is issued each Saturday with copies of The Times of London, Britain’s most prestigious newspaper. The article noted the 10th anniversary of the martyrdom of 10 Bahá’í women in Shiraz, and interviewed Olya Roohizadegan, who had been held in prison in Shiraz with some of those who were martyred.

On May 16, a reporter from Peru’s Radio Inca interviewed a Bahá’í about the Faith. The 40-minute program, broadcast from Lima, covered a wide range of topics including some of the teachings of the Faith, the significance of the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb, and the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran.

On July 1, two representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly of Honduras met with President Rafael Leonardo Callejas to present him with Bahá’í literature that could contribute toward the educational reforms that the government is sponsoring. The President expressed his appreciation, saying he was to have a meeting on the subject that same afternoon.

On April 17, the Portuguese Department of Macau Television broadcast a program about the principles of the Faith in general, and the Bahá’í community in Macau specifically, based on interviews with Bahá’ís.

“Arise to further My Cause, and to exalt My Word amongst men. We are with you at all times, and shall strengthen you through the power of truth. We are truly almighty. Whoso hath recognized Me, will arise and serve Me with such determination that the powers of the earth and heaven shall be unable to defeat his purpose.” —Bahá’u’lláh

If you are traveling outside the United States for any reason, please contact the Office of Pioneering (708-869-9039) for information.

[Page 15]

درباره خشونت و آزار در خانواده

ON VIOLENCE AND ABUSE IN THE FAMILY

در سال ۱۹۹۱ یکی از احباء، عریضه‌ای به معهد اعلی ارسال داشت و در ضمن آن پرسش‌هائی دربارهٔ اعمال خشونت و تجاوز جنسی نسبت به زنان و کودکان مطرح نمود. بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی پس از مطالعه و بررسی دستخطی در پاسخ عریضهٔ مذکور تهیه فرمود که به دلیل اهمیت موضوع خلاصه‌ای از آن به زبان فارسی در زیر درج خواهد شد.

در ابتدای این پاسخ چنین آمده است که وحدت نوع انسان محور تمامی تعالیم حضرت بهاءالله است و مفهوم آن می‌باید همهٔ جوانب زندگی آدمی را در بر گیرد. این اصل مستلزم تغییری بنیادی در روش‌ها و رفتارها و باورهایی است که ناقض حقوق اولیهٔ انسانی است.

حقوق اعضاء خانواده باید مراعات و محترم شمرده شود. حضرت عبدالبهاء در یکی از الواح صریحاً فرموده‌اند که به حقوق افراد خانواده اعم از مادر و پدر و فرزندان نباید تجاوز کرد. معهد اعلی در ادامهٔ بیانات خود اشاره فرموده‌اند که اعمال زور توسط زورمند به ضعیف جهت تحمیل خواست و برآوردن خواهش شخص زورمند، انحرافی فاحش از تعالیم حضرت بهاءالله است. هیچ محملی نمی‌توان یافت که بر بنیاد آن کسی با توسل به زور و خشونت دیگری را مجبور به کاری کند که مایل به انجام آن نیست.

کسانی که زمام احساسات شدید و خشم خود را به دست نداشته باشند و در نتیجه ممکن باشد که بر انسان دیگری آزار جسمانی وارد کنند، باید بدانند که امر حضرت بهاءالله اعمال بی‌شرمانهٔ شان را محکوم می‌نماید.

معهد اعلی در دنبالهٔ مطالب فوق ذکر فرموده‌اند که یکی از علائم انحطاط اخلاقی در جامعهٔ کنونی اعمال خشونت و تجاوز جنسی نسبت به همسر و فرزندان است. اهل بهاء باید همواره با توسل به آرمان‌های امر مبارک زندگی ممتازی داشته باشند و شرافت انسان را با محو هر گونه آزار به ظهور رسانند.

حضرت بهاءالله امر مشورت را جهت ادارهٔ جامعهٔ بشری و به توافق رسیدن دربارهٔ نحوهٔ اقدام به امور، معین فرموده‌اند. حکم مشورت در امور مربوط به خانواده و روابط زن و شوهر نیز جاری است و باید آزادانه و بدون ترس از خشونت و آزار صورت گیرد.

طرز رفتار با زنان را باید در رابطه با اصل تساوی حقوق زن و مرد بررسی کرد، اصلی که تأثیر بسزایی در همهٔ امور زندگی انسان خواهد داشت. اجرای این اصل مستلزم تغییراتی اساسی در آداب و عادات و رفتار گذشته است. حضرت ولی امرالله صریحاً فرموده‌اند که در میان زن و مرد ”تساوی مطلق“ وجود دارد و امتیاز و برتری به هیچ وجهی جائز نیست. زنان و مردان بهائی با گذشت زمان خواهند توانست کلیهٔ جوانب اصل تساوی حقوق را به منصهٔ ظهور رسانند.

سپس معهد اعلی خاطرنشان می‌سازند که مردان بهائی این امکان برایشان فراهم آمده است که به دیگران نشان دهند که راه دیگر و بهتری برای روابط بین زن و شوهر یافته‌اند. بیت‌العدل اعظم اشاره فرموده است که در حیات خانواده نه مرد و نه زن باید نیروی فائق باشد و یا یکی دیگری را تحت سلطهٔ خود در آورد. در موقعیت‌های مختلف گاهی مرد و گاهی زن باید مطابق میل دیگری عمل کند. هیچ مرد بهائی حق ندارد همسر خود را بزند یا رفتاری خشونت‌بار با او داشته باشد.

بیت‌العدل اعظم سپس اشاره‌ای به مسألهٔ تجاوز جنسی کرده و آن را جنایتی وقیح خوانده‌اند. در صورتی که یکی از احباء، قربانی این جنایت واقع شود، بر جامعهٔ بهائی است که نهایت محبت و همدردی و مساعدت را در حق او مجریٰ دارد. وی مجاز است در صورتی که مایل باشد شخص متجاوز را تعقیب قانونی کند و در صورتی که در نتیجهٔ تجاوز باردار شود، مختار است دربارهٔ حمل یا سقط جنین با در نظر گرفتن جنبه‌های پزشکی و غیر آن و با مراجعه به تعالیم دیانت بهائی تصمیم بگیرد. همچنین مختار است در صورت زادن و نگهداشتن نوزاد از شخص متجاوز برای مخارج طفل تقاضای کمک هزینه کند. اما حقوق پدری شخص متجاوز نظر به جنایتی که صورت گرفته به شدت محدود خواهد بود.

حضرت ولی امرالله به صراحت ارزش سائقهٔ جنسی را اذعان فرموده‌اند و ارضای آن را در چهارچوب ازدواج حق هر فرد دانسته‌اند. اما در رابطه زناشوئی نیز احترام متقابل به خواسته‌های یکدیگر اهمیت تام دارد. در صورتی که یک زن بهائی مورد آزار یا تجاوز شوهر خود واقع شود، حق دارد جهت کمک و مشورت به محفل روحانی محلی مراجعه کند یا برای جلب حمایت به مراجع قانونی متوسل شود. چنین رفتاری بنیاد ازدواج را جداً به مخاطره می‌افکند و می‌تواند منجر به گره شود.

در مورد رفتار با کودکان و خردسالان معهد اعلی فرموده‌اند که انضباط یکی از اصول اساسی است. به فرمودهٔ حضرت ولی امرالله تنبیه از هر نوع که باشد جسمانی یا اخلاقی یا عقلانی، لازمهٔ تربیت است. در مورد تنبیه جسمانی باید در نظر داشت که بدون خشونت و با شکیبائی و محبت و مراقبت صورت گیرد نه به صورت ضرب و جرح وحشیانه ناشی از عصبانیت و خشونت که در برخی از نقاط جهان مجریٰ می‌شود. چنین رفتاری به منزلهٔ نقض حقوق خردسالان و رعایت نکردن حقوق ضعیفان است.

معهد اعلی سپس اضافه فرموده‌اند که انحرافی نفرت‌انگیزتر از تجاوز جنسی به خردسالان نیست و منحط‌ترین آن زنای با محارم است. در زمان حاضر که شرارت و ابتذال و فساد به وقیع‌ترین گونه‌ای مجال ظهور می‌یابد تشکیلات بهائی موظفند به حمایت از خردسالان برخیزند و نگذارند هیچ تهدید و تقاضائی آن مؤسسات را از ایفای وظائف مقدسشان باز دارد. هر یک از والدین که بداند که دیگری مرتکب آزار جنسی طفل خردسالی شده نباید سکوت پیشه گیرد بلکه با توسل به محفل روحانی یا مقامات مدنی آزار جنسی را فوراً متوقف سازد و برای درمان کودک اقدامات لازم را به عمل آورد.

حضرت بهاءالله وظائف سنگینی بر دوش مادران و پدران نهاده‌اند. همچنین خردسالان را نصیحت فرموده‌اند که مراعات احترام والدینشان را بنمایند و رضای آنان را رضای خدا تلقی کنند. با این حال در بعضی موارد محرومیت از حقوق پدر و مادری را نیز مجاز داشته‌اند. هر چند بیت‌العدل اعظم صلاح ندیده‌اند که در حال حاضر قوانینی در این باره وضع نمایند معذلک ذکر کرده‌اند که مواردی چون زنای با محارم و تجاوز جنسی و بی‌اعتنائی به وضع خردسالی که مورد تجاوز جنسی واقع شده، می‌تواند شرایط مناسبی برای محرومیت والدین از حقوقشان باشد.

در خاتمهٔ مرقومهٔ معهد اعلی یادآوری شده است که وظیفهٔ جامعهٔ بهائی در عصر حاضر معلوم است و آن اینکه نمونه‌ای از جهان آرمانی بهائی را به همگان ارائه دهند و اعضای آن بکوشند تا شخصاً تقلیب روحانی شوند. هر کس اذعان به مظهریت حضرت بهاءالله نماید از جملهٔ اهل ایمان به حساب می‌آید و مراحل تقلیب و تعدیل اخلاق و رفتار خود را آغاز می‌کند. در چنین شرایطی امکان دارد برخی از افراد به اموری مبادرت ورزند که مخالف موازین الهی باشد. در اینگونه موارد تشکیلات امری باید بی‌درنگ احکام را با عدالت و انصاف اجراء نمایند.

با این حال نباید از این نکته غافل بود که راه حل نهائی مشکلات بشر در اجرای مجازات نیست بلکه در تعلیم و تربیت روحانی است.

سفر امةالبهاء به شوروی سابق

AMATU’L-BAHA’ IN FORMER SOVIET UNION

ایادی عزیز و خستگی‌ناپذیر امرالله امةالبهاء روحیه خانم به همراهی خانم ویولت نخجوانی روز ۲۱ جون سال جاری پس از دیدار از آذربایجان و گرجستان و تاجیکستان و ترکمنستان برای یک سفر دو هفته‌ای وارد مسکو شدند.

حضرت خانم سفر خود را جهت آشنا ساختن مردم با اهداف و مقاصد امر بهائی به وصف ”بسیار موفقیت‌آمیز“ توصیف فرمودند.

از روحیه خانم دعوت شده بود که برای صرف چای به منزل یکی از معروف‌ترین مجسمه‌سازان روسیه تشریف ببرند. در آنجا حضرت خانم برای عده‌ای از علاقه مندان دربارهٔ امر مبارک مطالبی اظهار داشتند.

غروب آن روز در جلسه‌ای با حضور ۳۰۰ نفر شرکت فرمودند. در آن جلسه عده‌ای از خبرنگاران و کارکنان رسانه‌های همگانی نیز شرکت داشتند. یکی از ایستگاه‌های تلویزیونی مصاحبه‌ای به مدت نیم ساعت با امةالبهاء ترتیب داد. همچنین ایادی امرالله مصاحبهٔ طولانی دیگری با خانمی داشت که رئیس یک شرکت تلویزیونی است و تخصصش امور مربوط به محیط زیست است.

یکی از احباء، که تهیه‌کنندهٔ برنامه‌های تلویزیونی است، در هتل محل اقامت روحیه خانم حضور یافت و با ایشان مصاحبه کرد. همچنین یکی از خبرنگاران روزنامه انگلیسی زبان ”مسکو تایمز“ و نیز سردبیر یک مجلهٔ هفتگی روسیه و همچنین خبرنگار یک روزنامهٔ دیگر روسی زبان مصاحبه‌هائی با ایشان ترتیب دادند.

به گفتهٔ حضرت حرم مهم‌ترین مصاحبهٔ ایشان مذاکرات یکساعته‌ای بود که با وزیر محیط زیست در محل کار او در وزارت مربوطه به عمل آوردند. او در کنفرانس محیط زیست که در ریودوژانیرو تشکیل شد و با نمایندگان بهائی دیداری کرده بود. مصاحبهٔ مهم دیگر با مدیر اداره‌ای بود که مسؤول ثبت رسمی ادیان در وزارت دادگستری است. او همان کسی است که مسؤول ثبت محفل ناحیه‌ای بوده است. او و برخی از کارکنانش که حضور داشتند، بسیار محترمانه رفتار کردند.

از حضرت خانم دعوت شد که در مؤسسهٔ تازه تأسیس مطالعات اجتماعی برای عده‌ای از معلمان و [Page 16]۲۰ اکتبر مصادف است با زادروز حضرت رب اعلی

دانشجویان صحبت کنند. روحیه خانم همچنین با ناظم دبیرستان یکی از بخش‌های بزرگ مسکو دیدار کردند. او از پیش با احباء دیدار کرده و از ایشان خواستار کتاب‌هائی درباره تربیت اخلاقی شده بود. رئیس بخش فلسفه دانشگاه مسکو از روحیه خانم استقبال کرد و سپس ایشان درباره امر بهائی و ارتباط آن با دیگر ادیان سخنانی ایراد فرمودند.

سفرهای ۵ و ۶ جولای را روحیه خانم در راه سفر به یاکوتسک Yakutsk پایتخت جمهوری ساخا در سیبریه گذراندند. سفر روحیه خانم به یاکوتسک ۱۰ روز به طول انجامید. روز ۸ جولای با رئیس مجلس آن جمهوری و ۳۰ تن از ۳۵ عضو پارلمان دیدار کردند. به گزارش حضرت خانم با احترام مرا خوش‌آمد گفتند و درخواست کردند درباره امر بهائی صحبت کنم و من هم معرفی کوتاهی کردم. سؤالات بسیاری مطرح شد و جلسه یک ساعت و نیم به طول انجامید.

امة‌البهاء روز ۹ جولای - روز شهادت حضرت اعلی - در جلسه شهادت شرکت کردند و سپس بار دیگر با پارلمان دیدار کردند. موضوع مذاکرات اساساً مسائل مربوط به محیط زیست بود. سپس روحیه خانم سوار قایقی شدند که احباء از قبل تهیه دیده بودند. دو نفر از کسانی که در قایق بودند تصدیق امر مبارک کردند.

حضرت حرم صبح یک روز را در اردونی که برای افراد ۹ تا ۱۶ ساله ترتیب داده شده بود، گذراندند و سپس در یک مصاحبة رادیوئی شرکت کردند و بعد از آن در یک مصاحبة مطبوعاتی برای دیدار با خبرنگاران شرکت نمودند. همچنین در مرکز بین‌المللی کودکان سخنانی ایراد فرمودند و در کنسرتی که به افتخار ایشان برپا شده بود حضور یافتند.

روحیه خانم روز قبل از ترک یاکوتسک مصاحبه دیگری با خبرنگار یکی از روزنامه‌ها داشتند و در جلسة ضیافت نوزده روزه‌ای که در آن شهر تشکیل شد شرکت فرمودند. دو تن از میهمانان اظهار داشتند که مایلند تسجيل شوند.

پارلمان ادیان جهان

PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD’S RELIGIONS

در شمارة پیشین به آگاهی دوستان عزیز رساندیم که روز ۱۸ آگوست سال جاری پارلمان ادیان جهان به مدت ۹ روز در شیکاگو تشکیل گردید. آنچه در زیر می‌آید خلاصة گزارشی از رویدادهای پارلمان مذکور است.

پارلمان ادیان جهان خالی از اختلافات نبود. نمایندگان یکی از گروه‌های مسیحی پارلمان را پس از شنیدن اینکه یکی از گروه‌ها وجود خدا را اذعان نمی‌کنند، ترک گفتند. نمایندگان یهودی پس از ورود رئیس "ملت اسلام" (گروهی از مسلمانان سیاهپوست آمریکائی) از جلسه خارج شدند. نزدیک بود سیک‌ها و هندوها اختلافاتشان به ضرب و جرح بیانجامد و ....

با این حال اگر به سخنان اکثر سخنگویان گوش می‌دادی گمان می‌کردی که همگی بهائی‌اند! تقریباً بدون هیچ استثنائی همگی زبان حالشان این بود که عالم انسانی یکی و اساس ادیان واحد است. شاید فرق دیگران با اهل بهاء، این بود که آنان تازه به این نکته پی برده بودند و بهائیان آن را بعنوان یکی از اصول دین خود از پیش می‌دانسته اند و مدتی بوده است که بر مبنای آن اساس تقلیب روحانی کرة زمین را پی می‌افکندند. این اصل در همه سخنرانی‌ها و برنامه‌هایی که اجرا می‌شد، به چشم می‌خورد. حدود ۵۰ نفر از احباء مستقیماً در برنامه‌های پارلمان شرکت داشتند. خلاصه‌ای از آنچه گذشت بدین قرار است:

• مشاور قاره‌ای و مدیر کل دفتر جامعة جهانی بهائی خانم ویلما الیس در سمت یکی از سه رئیس جلسات افتتاحیه پارلمان پس از تلاوت مناجات نظر بهائیان را درباره تفاهم دینی و علت تشکیل پارلمان بیان کرد.
• گروه کُر بهائی (به سبک موسیقی دینی سیاهپوستان آمریکا) پیام وحدت را در کلیسای سنت پیتر St. Peter به گوش حاضران رساند.
• گروه جوانان "نسل دیگر" بر صحنه سرود "ما همه یک خانواده‌ایم" را می‌خواندند.
• خانم لاجامایا ماهونی Ladjamaya Green Mahoney با اجرای برنامه‌ای با عنوان "تجربة سیاهان: فریادی برای صلح جهانی" اشک بر چشم بسیاری از حاضران آورد.
• مونا گریسر Mona Grieser و سوزان کلی Susan Clay نشان دادند که چگونه بهائیان در صدر خدمات مربوط به توسعه و تحول و پیشبرد امور زنان قرار دارند.
• خانم دکتر آذر موفق خدمات "بهداشت برای بشریت" را به آگاهی حاضران رساند.
• دفتر جامعة جهانی بهائی و مؤسسة مطبوعات امری آثار امری را به نمایش نهادند و به سؤالات علاقه‌مندان پاسخ دادند.
• آقای رانالد پرکت Ronald Precht رئیس سابق دفتر امور خارجی (در دفتر محفل ملی) مشرق‌الاذکار را به نویسندگان دینی نشان داد.
• مشاور قاره‌ای خانم جکلین دلاهانت Jacqueline Delahunt و خانم پتریشیا لاک Patricia Locke اداره کردند.
• خانم یائل وورم فلد Yael Wurmfeld و لیلانی اسمیت Leilani Smith و آقای چارلز نالی Nolley بعنوان امنای شورای پارلمان با خدمات پنج‌سالة خود در زمینة برنامه ریزی تشکیل کنفرانس را سهولت بخشیدند.
• جناب رابرت سی هندرسن و خانم جوانا کانرد و خانم جکلین دلاهانت جهت تصویب شدن اعلامیة اخلاق جهانی کمک‌های شایانی تقدیم نمودند.

جناب رابرت هندرسن منشی کل محفل روحانی ملی در سخنانی که در مشرق‌الاذکار آمریکا راجع به "وحدت دینی و اجتماعی" ایراد نمود، مثالی از اولین پارلمان ادیان جهان، که در سال ۱۸۹۳ تشکیل شده بود، آورد که چگونه یکی از سیاهپوستان سرشناس آمریکا به نام فردریک داگلاس - که قبلاً برده بوده - مجبور شده بود با مرافعة بسیار اجازه بگیرد که در آن پارلمان راجع به امیدها و آرزوهای سیاهان آمریکا سخن بگوید.

یکی از برده‌داران آن زمان سعی بسیار کرده بود که غرور و روحیه آقای داگلاس را بشکند، اما آن سیاهپوست آزاده می‌دانسته که چون روانش آزاد است کسی جلودارش نخواهد بود. ۱۰۰ سال بعد از آن نخستین پارلمان، سیاهان بسیاری در دومین پارلمان شرکت داشتند. به گفتة جناب هندرسن اهداف پارلمان عبارت است از: تشویق به ایجاد روحیه هماهنگی، بررسی و تجدید سهمی که دیانت در رشد روحانی افراد و مسائل روز دارد، دانستن اینکه همه ادیان حقانیتی دارند که توسط خدا در قلب انسان‌ها القا شده است.

جناب هندرسن گفت که گاهی اختلافات نظری در میان اعضاء پارلمان دیده می‌شد اما این اختلافات مانع از آن نبود که ۹۵ درصد شرکت‌کنندگان اعلامیة اخلاق جهانی را امضاء کنند. ایشان اذعان نمود که دسترسی به شرایط صلح آسان نیست. با اینکه مظاهر امر خدا جهت رفع موانع بین انسان‌ها ظاهر شده‌اند، اما مردم بیش از آن خون ریزی و ریا دیده‌اند که به ایجاد یک جامعة مهربان و صلح دوست امیدوار باشند. آنچه باید دریافت این است که بروز اختلافات مرحله‌ای از بلوغ و تکامل انسان است و با تقلیب درونی می‌توان تولد تازه یافت.

انعکاس تضییقات وارد بر احبای ایران در مجله تایمز

TIMES MAGAZINE RECALLS PERSECUTION OF BAHÁ’ÍS

"مجله تایمز" که هر هفته شنبه‌ها بهمراه روزنامة "تایمز" معتبرترین روزنامة انگلستان منتشر می‌شود در شمارة ۲۶ جون ۱۹۹۳ مقاله‌ای را در یک صفحة کامل به تضییقات وارد بر بهائیان ایران اختصاص داد. در این مقاله دهمین سالگرد شهادت هفت دختر بهائی در شیراز یاد آوری گردیده است و با خانم علیا روحی‌زادگان که در زندان شیراز با آنان هم سلول بود مصاحبه‌ای بعمل آورده است.

مهلت تعویض شناسنامه‌ها

DEADLINE FOR EXCHANGING ‎BIIRTH BIRTH‎ CERTIFICATES

بنا به گزارش مندرج در هفته نامة "ایران تایمز" (شمارة ۱۱۳۸ بتاریخ ۱۲ شهریور ۱۳۷۲/ ۳ سپتامبر ۱۹۹۳) "منسوبین درجة یک" ایرانیان مقیم خارج از کشور که در ایران زندگی می‌کنند می‌توانند در مورد تنظیم درخواست تعویض شناسنامة بستگان خود اقدام نمایند. "منسوبین درجة یک" عبارتند از پدر، مادر، فرزند و همسر. آخرین مهلت استفاده از این فرصت تا پایان دی ماه ۱۳۷۲ (۲۰ ژانویه ۱۹۹۴) تمدید شده است.

بر اساس گزارش‌های قبلی، ایرانیان مقیم خارج از کشور تا پایان شهریور ماه (۲۱ سپتامبر ۱۹۹۳) فرصت داشتند به دفاتر نمایندگی جمهوری اسلامی در کشورهای خارج مراجعه نمایند و نسبت به تعویض شناسنامه خود اقدام کنند. در اطلاعیة سازمان ثبت احوال گفته شده که پس از "پایان مهلت تعیین شده با کسانی که نسبت به تعویض شناسنامه خود اقدام نکرده‌اند مطابق مقررات تصریح شده در قانون تخلفات و جرایم شناسنامه مصوب مجمع تشخیص مصلحت نظام، رفتار خواهد شد."

در حقیقت عظمت حضرت باب نه فقط از آن لحاظ است که من عندالله به تبشیر چنین ظهور منبعی مبعوث گشته بلکه بیشتر از آن جهت است که با قدرت و اختیارات انبیای اولواالعزم ظاهر شده و عصای رسالت مستقله را بنحوی که در هیچیک از ظهورات قبل سابقه نداشته در ید اقتدار گرفته است. حضرت ولی امرالله، دور بهائی، نشر سوم، لانگن‌هاین، ۱۹۸۸، ص ۴۲ [Page 17]

یادبود راهپیمائی مارتین لوتر کینگ

MARCH ON WASHINGTON

۳۰ سال پیش در یک راهپیمائی تاریخی که در واشنگتن صورت گرفت مارتین لوتر کینگ نطق معروف خود را - که بعدها با عنوان "رؤیائی دارم" شهرت یافت - ایراد کرد. بزرگداشت آن روز تاریخی در ۲۸ ماه آگوست امسال در همان شهر بر پا شد.

بیش از ۴۰۰ نفر از احباء، از پیر و جوان و سفید و سیاه در این بزرگداشت شرکت کردند. یاران از همه جای آمریکا آمده بودند، از شهرهای غربی مانند سیاتل، از سواحل شرقی تا سواحل غربی، از شمال و از جنوب.

بهائیان ایالت اوهایو و اعضای سازمان پیشبرد امور سیاه‌پوستان NAACP اتوبوسی را به اشتراک کرایه کرده بودند و در طول راه سرود می‌خواندند و آشنایان تازه پیدا می‌کردند.

هنگامی که احباء، به واشنگتن رسیدند همگی جلوی قصر سمیت سونین Smithsonian Castle گرد هم آمدند و گوئی کسی نبود که پرچمی در دست نداشته باشد. از آنجا به Sylvan Theater که آمفی تئاتری در هوای آزاد است، رفتند که در یک مراسم دعا شرکت کنند.

آقای ون گیلمر Van Gilmer یکی از احبای ایالت مریلند قسمت‌هائی از آثار مبارکه راجع به وحدت نژادی و نیز بخش‌هائی از بیانیه "چشم‌انداز وحدت نژادی" را برای حاضران قرائت کرد. دو تن دیگر از احباء نیز سرودهائی درباره وحدت خواندند.

اندرو یانگ، شهردار پیشین آتلانتا نظری به جمعیت کرد و گفت همانگونه که بهائیان می‌گویند این به راستی مصداق یک سیاره و یک بشریت است (One Planet; One People).

سپس راهپیمائی آغاز شد و احباء، از کنار بنای یادبود واشنگتن به سوی بنای یادبود لینکلن حرکت کردند. با اینکه در ۱۵ صف راه می‌رفتند، تعداد احباء سطح محوطه‌ای به طول یک زمین فوتبال را در بر می‌گرفت. پرچم‌هائی که به دست داشتند از هر طرف اعلام وحدت نوع انسان می‌کرد.

خانم کرول میلر Carol Miller نماینده محفل روحانی ملی در مرکز مارتین لوتر کینگ آتلانتا و یکی از اعضای کمیسیون روز کینگ مناجات حضرت عبدالبهاء را که به افتخار آمریکا صادر شده است، در محل بنای یادبود لینکلن تلاوت کرد.

روز بعد عکسی در صفحه اول روزنامه معروف "واشنگتن پست" درج شده بود که در زیر آن نوشته بود "وحدت در کثرت" و سه خردسال بهائی را از نژادهای مختلف نشان می‌داد که دست به دست هم داده بودند.

کنفرانس انجمن مطالعات بهائی

ASSOCIATION FOR BAHÁ’Í STUDIES

هفدهمین کنفرانس انجمن مطالعات بهائی - ۱۹ سال پس از پیدایش انجمن - در مونترآل کانادا تشکیل گردید.

بیش از ۶۰۰ نفری که در کنفرانس مذکور شرکت جستند شاهد مرحله جدیدی از بلوغ انجمن بودند که عبارت بود از: تماس دوباره با یکی از برجسته‌ترین دانشگاه‌های دنیا، ارتباط بیشتر و متنوع‌تر با دانشمندان بهائی و غیربهائی، برنامه‌های هنری ممتاز، شرکت یاران از نژادهای گوناگون، و حضور جناب دکتر ورقا، ایادی امرالله و جناب داگلاس مارتین عضو بیت العدل اعظم الهی و جناب دیوید سمیت مشاور قاره‌ای.

جناب مارتین که یکی از بانیان انجمن مطالعات بهائی است، نظرات شخصی خود را بعنوان یکی از شرکت‌کنندگان - و نه بعنوان نماینده بیت العدل اعظم - ارائه داد و درباره تلفیق مطالعات بهائی با نظم اداری سخن گفت.

جناب مارتین راجع به بررسی مقالات اهل تحقیق توسط همگنانشان در تشکیلات امری بیاناتی اظهار داشت و گفت چنین بررسی‌ها در نظم اداری بهائی وجود دارد و اختیاراتش از عهد و پیمان الهی ناشی می‌شود. معذلک این بررسی‌ها نباید با تحری مستقلانه حقیقت تضادی داشته باشد. احباء فرصت مغتنمی در دست دارند که بین تعالیم حضرت بهاءالله و رشته‌های تخصصی خود پیوندی ایجاد نمایند.

دکتر عباس امانت استاد تاریخ در دانشگاه ییل Yale و نویسنده کتاب "رستاخیز و تجدید" Resurrection and Renewal در نطق یادبود جناب بالیوزی درباره مفهوم استمرار ظهورات الهی در رابطه با دیانت زردشتی و اسلام سخن گفت.

جناب سمیت در بیانات خود در خاتمه جلسات کنفرانس اهمیت و مقام والای دانش و حکمت را گوشزد حاضران کرد، اما همچنین خاطر نشان ساخت که تحصیل عالم حقیقی تنها از طریق ارتباط انسان با خدا امکان می‌یابد. تحصیل دانش تنها به خاطر دانش ارزشی ندارد.

دکتر سمیت با اشاره به مطلبی از "رساله مدنیه" اظهار داشت که شرافت و امتیاز افراد می‌تواند منشاء خیر اجتماعی باشد. ایشان به دانشمندان بهائی توصیه کرد که همواره "دانشجو" بمانند و نظر به کل کنند و یکدیگر را تشویق نمایند.

چند تن از شرکت‌کنندگان در کنفرانس جوایزی برای تحقیقات علمی و نگارش مقالات دریافت داشتند. در جلسات غروب بخش‌هائی به برنامه‌های هنری اختصاص داده شده بود که در روحیه حاضران اثر عمیقی نهاد.

انتشارات جدید

PERSIAN PUBLICATIONS

مؤسسه معارف بهائی به لسان فارسی تجدید چاپ "کتاب قرن بدیع" را به آگاهی یاران می‌رساند. خلاصه اطلاعیه مؤسسه در زیر درج می‌گردد:

کتاب قرن بدیع

ولی عزیز امر الهی در اختتام قرن اول بهائی دو اثر عظیم به شرق و غرب عالم بهائی صادر فرمود و به حقیقت بابی جدید در مطالعه معارف بدیع گشود و به تحلیل و توجیه تاریخ امر جلوه تازه‌ای عطا فرمود.

توقیع منیع گاد پاسز بای God Passes By که در ترجمه فارسی به "کتاب قرن بدیع" شهرت یافته و به افتخار احبای غرب صادر شده است، نگرشی نو در تاریخ است. این توقیع منیع نقل تاریخ نیست، درس عبرت از تاریخ و راهنمای مطالعه و درک هدف تاریخ است و به قلم کسی تدوین یافته که خود بنفسه الکریم در تأسیس و تکوین و هدایت آن سهمی جلیل و عظیم داشته است.

نظر به اهمیت این کتاب کریم سال‌ها پیش اثر مزبور توسط فاضل نکته‌سنج جناب نصرالله مودت به زبان فارسی ترجمه شد و بوسیله لجنه ملی نشر آثار امری مهد امرالله طبع و نشر گردید و اخیراً نیز مؤسسه معارف بهائی به نشر ثانی آن اهتمام ورزیده است.

در متن حاضر نشر ثانی ترجمه قبلی با متن انگلیسی دقیقاً تطبیق شد و بعضی از آثار مبارکه که اصل آن بعد از نشر اول به دست آمده بود، به جای ترجمه قبلی قرار گرفت. فهرست تفصیلی و فهرست اعلام آن نیز تهیه و الحاق گردید و اوراق کتاب بوسیله حروف‌چینی کامپیوتری تنظیم شد تا مطالعه و بهره‌برداری از این اثر عظیم و نفیس تا حد امکان تسهیل گردد.

دیانت بهائی، آئین فراگیر جهانی

مؤلفین این کتاب دو دانشمند بهائی، ویلیام هچر، استاد ریاضیات در دانشکده علوم و مهندسی دانشگاه لاوال و صاحب تألیفات متعدد درباره ریاضیات و ادیان و جناب جی داگلاس مارتین دارای دکترای از دانشگاه ساسکاچوان که اخیراً به عضویت معهد اعلی مفتخر شده‌اند و از پایه‌گذاران انجمن مطالعات بهائی محسوب می‌گردند، در مورد انگیزه تألیف کتاب می‌نویسند: "در سال ۱۹۷۴ به تشویق محفل روحانی ملی کانادا گروهی از دانشمندان و دانش‌پژوهان به بنیان مؤسسه‌ای برای تحقیقات منظم در مسائل مربوط به امر بهائی در سطح دانشگاهی اقدام نمودند.... با توسعه این مؤسسه روشن شد که هیچیک از منابع موجود بعنوان کتاب مرجع درسی که مطالعات دوره عالی بر آن استوار گردد، نمی‌تواند مورد استفاده قرار گیرد. این بود که به تهیه این کتاب اقدام گردید."

کتاب دیانت بهائی، آئین فراگیر جهانی که در حقیقت گلچینی از مجموعه معارف درباره معتقدات و تعالیم و تاریخ دیانت بهائی است، در نوع خود ممتاز و اصیل است، زیرا دو مؤلف دانشمند با سعه مطالعات و تجارب علمی و ایمانی اثری عرضه داشته‌اند که در عین آنکه از صمیم قلب مایه می‌گیرد، به زیور انصاف و دقت علمی نیز آراسته است و در حالی که مستند به اصول تعالیم و حقایق وقایع بر مبنای مدارک صحیح است، به نظرات و تحقیقات اهل فن و ارباب تتبع از غیربهائیان نیز مؤید و مستند است و این مایه از دقت و توجه البته چنین اثری را شایسته استفاده در مراکز کسب علم و معرفت و مدارس و معاهد دانش و تحقیق ساخته است تا جائی که دائرةالمعارف بریتانیکا این کتاب را جزو یک صد بهترین اثر منتشره در سال ۱۹۸۶ شناخته است.

ترجمه فارسی این اثر نفیس به فارسی در بیش از ۲۵۰ صفحه توسط مؤسسه معارف بهائی به صورتی روان و ساده انجام یافته که می‌تواند مورد استفاده احبای الهی و متحریان حقیقت از غیربهائیان قرار گیرد.

یاران عزیز می‌توانند این آثار را از کتاب‌فروشی‌های بهائی خریداری فرموده و یا مستقیماً از مؤسسه معارف بهائی سفارش داده و دریافت دارند. تلفن: ۳۰۴۰-۶۲۸ (۴۱۶).

اطلاعیه دفتر مهاجرت

PIONEERING

دفتر مهاجرت از یارانی که قصد سفر به خارج از ایالات متحده دارند، تقاضا دارد که با دفتر مذکور تماس حاصل نمایند و آن را از مقصد و تاریخ سفر خود آگاه نمایند. نفس حضور احباء در ممالک خارج و به ویژه دعاهای آنان می‌تواند امکانات تبلیغ امر الهی را فراهم آورد. علاقه مندان می‌توانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر مهاجرت تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۹۰۳۹-۸۶۹ (۷۰۸). [Page 18]

Ellen Sims, pioneer since Ten Year Crusade, dies in Paraguay

Ellen Sims, 55 years a Bahá’í and 39 years a pioneer, died August 24 at her pioneering post in Paraguay. She was 88 years old.

Mrs. Sims felt that her services to the Faith began when she answered the call of the Guardian in 1954 by setting out from her home in New Jersey with her daughter, Dawn, for pioneering service in Latin America. They settled first in Paraguay where Ellen served on the first Regional Spiritual Assembly of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay for the four years of its existence.

In 1961 they moved to Colombia where Ellen also served on the National Spiritual Assembly. Ellen’s love for the indigenous peoples took her to her next post in Bolivia in the late 1960s. Again, Ellen served on the National Spiritual Assembly and as its Treasurer. She later served several years on its National Teaching Committee.

In 1973 Ellen sustained a serious hip injury in a bus accident which left her unable to walk for many months and affected her mobility for the rest of her life. During her recuperation, she moved to Argentina to be with her daughter, now a pioneer there with her own family, and stayed on for four years, serving the Argentinian community on the local and national levels despite her disability. In 1977 she returned to Paraguay where she remained until her death.

June Meese, another of Ellen’s daughters, who joined her mother in Paraguay in 1989, wrote in a letter following Ellen’s passing:

“She had been in ill health for a long period of time; nevertheless, she persevered in carrying out her tasks. In fact, during the final week of her life, the NSA had asked her to translate an article on the Huqúqu’lláh. Despite being in a tremendous amount of pain, unable to sleep in her bed, she carried out this formidable task. At noon, on the 23rd, she handed it to the NSA and said, ‘My work is finished.’ Twelve hours later she passed away in her sleep.”

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Paraguay wrote in 1980 (when Ellen was 75 years old) to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States “to inform you of the daily, continuing invaluable services she renders this country.

“Not only does she maintain a loving, hospitable atmosphere in the National Center where she resides, but she is the secretary of the local Assembly of Asuncion, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, and the driving force on the National Bulletin Committee. We thank Bahá’u’lláh that He has lent us the invaluable services of his beloved handmaiden Ellen.”

At the news of her death, the National Spiritual Assembly of Paraguay received the following cable:

GRIEVED PASSING OF DEVOTED PIONEER OF FAITH ELLEN SIMS. HER ‎MEMORABLERECORED MEMORABLE RECORD‎ OF SERVICE TO THE FAITH GREATLY ENRICHED BY FOUR DECADES OF EXTENSIVE SACRIFICIAL TEACHING AND ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES IN SOUTH AMERICA. PRAYING FOR PROGRESS HER RADIANT SOUL IN THE ABHÁ KINGDOM. KINDLY CONVEY OUR LOVING SYMPATHY MEMBERS HER FAMILY.

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

Newly elected Spiritual Assembly of Mt. Vernon, NY, launches proclamation campaign at sixth annual African Family Festival

The Spiritual Assembly of Mount Vernon, New York, re-elected at Ridván after a lapse of six years, launched a proclamation campaign July 9-11 with an information booth at the sixth annual African Family Festival in Mount Vernon.

On July 9, Bahá’ís from Westchester County and New York City joined the friends for a commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Báb, which set the stage for the three days of the festival.

During the first two days the Bahá’ís shared the Faith with vendors, presenting each of them with a special gift of a beautifully designed prayer for unity and quotation from Bahá’u’lláh reflecting the festival’s theme.

The chief organizer of the event asked the friends for permission to distribute the prayer and quote at the gate, and a week later told one of the Bahá’ís in Mount Vernon how much she and the festival-goers had appreciated them.

More than 300 pieces of Bahá’í literature were distributed, and 20 people signed an inquirers’ book asking for more information about the Faith.

The re-election of the Spiritual Assembly moved the American community a step closer to its goal of forming an Assembly in every city of more than 50,000 while meeting a homefront pioneering goal as well, when a couple from New York City moved to Mount Vernon to raise the community to Assembly status.

Bahá’ís from Mount Vernon, Westchester County and New York City pause during the sixth annual African Family Festival to commemorate the anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb.

Bahá’í Jay Corre, well-known saxophonist, profiled in magazine

Jay Corre, a Bahá’í from Hollywood, Florida, who is a well-known jazz saxophonist, was profiled in a recent issue of “Windplayer,” a magazine for woodwind and brass musicians.

“...I have been a Bahá’í since 1971,” Mr. Corre says in the first-person article. “Bahá’í is a faith that believes in one world, one people and one religion. ...Religions come at different times in our history, but there’s basically only one religion.

“Before becoming a Bahá’í, things were in total chaos for me. It keeps me on track and from doing the things I shouldn’t be doing. ...

“I think musicians in general are getting more into these types of things rather than doing the things they used to do. As the world changes, I think artists pick it up first—what’s going to be happening in the future.”

Mr. Corre, who plays each year in the Bahá’í Peace Orchestra during Peace Fest at the Louis Gregory Institute in South Carolina, has performed with Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, Mel Tormé, and the great Buddy Rich band of the early ’60s. He currently fronts his own group, Jay Corre and the World Citizens.

Bahá’í Nathan Rutstein to serve as moderator of national video conference on healing racism

Nathan Rutstein, a Bahá’í from Amherst, Massachusetts, will moderate a national video conference November 5 on “Healing Racism: Education’s Role.”

Darden College of Education at Old Dominion University is host for the conference, which will be transmitted live from Norfolk, Virginia, via C- and Ku-band satellites to sites around the country.

The conference will last from 1 to 3 p.m. EST, with a test signal transmitted from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Viewing sites will be equipped with telephone access for call-in questions to Mr. Rutstein.

The audience for the conference will consist mainly of elementary and secondary school teachers; college and university education faculty; administrators such as superintendents and principals; and students enrolled in education programs at colleges and universities.

They will explore how educators can create racial harmony in the classroom by using techniques that:

• deal directly with the cultural roots of racism and prejudice;
• emphasize the oneness of the human family; and
• promote the valuing of human diversity.

In the process, they will learn how these techniques can help motivate students to learn, build student self-esteem, and minimize discipline problems.

Mr. Rutstein, a former network news journalist, is a college educator and author who has written extensively on race unity.

For more information on the video conference, contact Old Dominion University Academic Television Services, 1-800-548-4807.

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

Bahá’ís in S. Louisiana sponsor weekly half-hour radio program on Faith

For the past eight months Bahá’ís in southern Louisiana have sponsored a weekly half-hour radio program, “The Bahá’í Faith,” on WASO in Covington.

The program is heard each Sunday morning from 8-8:30 on the station, which simulcasts with WTIX in New Orleans and reaches a five-state area.

At the end of each program, telephone numbers for local Bahá’í communities are given.

Information about the program is available from its sponsor, the Bahá’ís of West Tammany Parish, Attn: Marilyn Jennison, Covington, LA 70433 (phone 504-893-0267).

Reminder to overseas pioneers...

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.

IN MEMORIAM

Khanum Bashir-Elahi Falls Church, VA July 1993	Mary Jane Fowlie Covina, CA August 10, 1993	Rosella Hayles El Paso, TX August 26, 1993	Mary Listman Hinesburg, VT June 6, 1993
Charlie Begay Prewitt, NM August 19, 1993	Eleanor Harris Chester, VA May 28, 1993	Ted Hopkins Cedar Creek Lake, TX March 26, 1993	Omeed Nooreyazdan Newark, DE August 14, 1993
Fred Bell Houston, TX August 12, 1993	Robert Hauenstein Lima, OH August 27, 1993	Eulie Horne Oceanside, CA July 27, 1993	Mary Rendina Tacoma, WA March 6, 1993

[Page 20]20 The American BaHA'l

Thirty-nine young Bahd'ts from Maine and New Hampshire gathered August 20-22 with adult supervisors on a small island in Sebec Lake in central Maine for a retreat, with emphasis on the Covenant, “Living the Life,” and developing a personal teaching plan. Time was also set aside for getting to know one another better while discovering the joys of living without electricity, telephones or indoor plumbing.

Tb. New commuNITY:

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H.1 WOULD LIKE A COPY:

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BAHA'{ NATIONAL CENTER Wilmette,

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

OCTOBER

29-31: Rendezvous of the Soul, personal deepening program, Bosch Bahd'f School. Selfl-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 I: plans for action, Bosch Bah4'f School. For information or to register with a credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

5-7: Kansas Fall School, Council Grove. Theme: “The Law Goes Forth: An Examination of the Kitab-i-Aqdas and the Covenant.” Registrar: Joyce Stohr,

Topeka, KS 66604 (phone 913-232-5639).

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: Kitdb-i-Aqdas: Intensive Study (Derek Cockshut, facilitator), Bosch Baha'f School. For information or to re; r with credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

22-28: ISARD '93, third annual Conference on Agriculture and Rural Development, Landegg Academy, Switzerland. Theme: “Nutrition, Diet and Health.” For information, contact Tagengszentrum Landegg, Ck ienacht, Switzerland.

25-27: Eastern Regional Baha'i Yo Lodge, Cheverly, Maryland. Theme Leading Role in the Three Year Plan. of the Spiritual Assembly of Montgomery County West. For information, phone Barbara Talley, 301-428-4831.

25-28: Desert Rose Baha'i School, Tucson, Arizona. Speakers: Marguerite Sears, Hoda Mahmoudi, Duane Troxel, David Hadden. For information, write to Larry Gustafson, Tucson, AZ 85749, or phone 602-297-3106 or 602-742-4656.

25-28: Florida Winter School, Leesburg (40 minutes from Disney World). Theme: “Living the Vision of Unity.” Speakers: Jack McCants, Aziz Yazdi, Ahang Rabbani. Registrar: Christina Lowcock, Lakeland, FL 33805 (phone 813-688-8162).

25-28: Oregon West 20th Winter School, Portland. Registrar: Norman Ives, 2281 Olive Barber Road, Coos Bay, OR (phone 503-267-3157).

25-28: Louisiana School, Mandeville (Fontainebleau State Park). Theme: “The Kitdbi-Aqdas.” Introductory classes on the Faith will be offered. Family discounts available.

Registrar: Nat West, Avondale, LA 70094 (phone 504-436-4958). DECEMBER

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

46-19: 1993 North American Baha'i Conference on Social and Economic Development, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Theme: “The Bahé’f 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 Bahd'f 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 408423-3387, or fax 408-423-7564.

24-27: Ninth annual Grand Canyon Baha'{ 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.” Bahd'fs and non-Baha'fs 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 Baha'f 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, fax 408-423-7564.

30-January 2: South Carolina Bahd'f Winter School, Louis Gregory Baha'f Institute. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

31-January 2: North Carolina Winter School, Brown Summit Conference Center (30 minutes north of Greensboro). Theme: “The Kitdb-i-Aqdas in Action: Weaving the Kitdb-i-Aqdas into the Fabric of Our Lives to Transform Us into Champion Builders of the World Order of Baha'u'llah.” Registrar: Maria Wilson, NC 27893 (phone 919-291-1187).

JANUARY

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

15-17: Illinois (Heartland) School, Springfield. Theme: “The Kitaéb-i-Aqdas.” Contact

Pej Clark, 1188 W. Sunset, Decatur, IL 62522 (phone 217-423-9788). MARCH 25-27: Oklahoma Spring School. Contact David Gainey, OK 73086 (phone 405-622-2655.

Sulphur,

APRIL

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

29-May 2: Bahd'f 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. .

‘lum B.e. 150 / Octosen 16, 1993

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[Page 19]Thirty-nine young Bahá’ís from Maine and New Hampshire gathered August 20-22 with adult supervisors on a small island in Sebec Lake in central Maine for a retreat, with emphasis on the Covenant, “Living the Life,” and developing a personal teaching plan. Time was also set aside for getting to know one another better while discovering the joys of living without electricity, telephones or indoor plumbing.

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

29-31: Rendezvous of the Soul, personal deepening program, Bosch Bahá’í School. 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.

5-7: Kansas Fall School, Council Grove. Theme: “The Law Goes Forth: An Examination of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and the Covenant.” Registrar: Joyce Stohr, Topeka, KS 66604 (phone 913-232-5639).

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 credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

22-28: ISARD ’93, third annual Conference on Agriculture and Rural Development, Landegg Academy, Switzerland. Theme: “Nutrition, Diet and Health.” For information, contact Tagungszentrum Landegg, CH-9405, Wienacht, Switzerland.

25-27: Eastern Regional Bahá’í Youth Thanksgiving Conference, Howard Johnson Lodge, Cheverly, Maryland. Theme: “Creating a Prejudice-Free Generation: Taking a Leading Role in the Three Year Plan.” Sponsored by the Bahá’í Institute for Race Unity of the Spiritual Assembly of Montgomery County West. For information, phone Barbara Talley, 301-428-4831.

25-28: Desert Rose Bahá’í School, Tucson, Arizona. Speakers: Marguerite Sears, Hoda Mahmoudi, Duane Troxel, David Hadden. For information, write to Larry Gustafson, Tucson, AZ 85749, or phone 602-297-3106 or 602-742-4656.

25-28: Florida Winter School, Leesburg (40 minutes from Disney World). Theme: “Living the Vision of Unity.” Speakers: Jack McCants, Aziz Yazdi, Ahang Rabbani. Registrar: Christina Lowcock, Lakeland, FL 33805 (phone 813-688-8162).

25-28: Oregon West 20th Winter School, Portland. Registrar: Norman Ives, 2281 Olive Barber Road, Coos Bay, OR (phone 503-267-3157).

25-28: Louisiana School, Mandeville (Fontainebleau State Park). Theme: “The Kitáb-i-Aqdas.” Introductory classes on the Faith will be offered. Family discounts available. Registrar: Nat West, Avondale, LA 70094 (phone 504-436-4958).

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, fax 408-423-7564.

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

31-January 2: North Carolina Winter School, Brown Summit Conference Center (30 minutes north of Greensboro). Theme: “The Kitáb-i-Aqdas in Action: Weaving the Kitáb-i-Aqdas into the Fabric of Our Lives to Transform Us into Champion Builders of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.” Registrar: Maria Hillis, Wilson, NC 27893 (phone 919-291-1187).

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.

15-17: Illinois (Heartland) School, Springfield. Theme: “The Kitáb-i-Aqdas.” Contact Pej Clark, 1188 W. Sunset, Decatur, IL 62522 (phone 217-423-9788).

MARCH

25-27: Oklahoma Spring School. Contact David Gainey, Sulphur, OK 73086 (phone 405-622-2655).

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.