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[Page 1]...knowledge is a veritable treasure for man. ...’—Bahá’u’lláh Bahá B.E. 150/March 21, 1993

’BLUEPRINT TO DESTROY BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY’

• • UN Human Rights Commission discloses secret plan by Iran's government to eradicate Faith in that country**

The United Nations Human Rights Commission, meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, in February, made public a secret "blueprint to destroy the Bahá’í community" drafted two years ago by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Cultural Council and approved by the President of Iran and the supreme Ayatollah, Ali Khamenei.

The document was presented to the Commission as part of a comprehensive report on the status of human rights in Iran by the UN Special Representative, Reynaldo Galindo Pohl, who disclosed specific details of the Council's plan and concluded that "one rule limits all the others, namely, that which provides that the progress and development of the Bahá’ís shall be blocked."

The Islamic Council's memorandum, dated February 25, 1991, "codifies and systematizes various types of repressive actions which the Islamic regime has taken against the Bahá’ís since 1979," said Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, responding to its disclosure on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly.

"This sinister blueprint confirms the calculated policy of Iran's highest-ranking officials to destroy the Bahá’í community," he said. "It confirms unequivocally the intention of the highest authorities of the Islamic Republic to create economic, social and cultural conditions under which the Iranian Bahá’í community would gradually be pauperized, wither and die."

The memorandum, said Dr. Kazemzadeh, "confirms every allegation the Bahá’í International Community has made at the United Nations concerning the deliberate and systematic persecution of the Bahá’ís based solely on religious intolerance and hatred."

Among other things, the plan states that Bahá’ís must be denied employment and expelled from schools and universities "if they identify themselves as Bahá’ís," and should be barred from "any position of influence, as in the employment sector, etc."

Moreover, the document adds, "to the extent that it does not encourage them to be Bahá’ís, it is permissible to provide them [with]...ration booklets, passports, burial certificates, work permits, etc."

But as Mr. Galindo Pohl points out in his report to the Commission, "Neither Bahá’í marriages nor divorces are legally recognized in the Islamic Republic of Iran," and "Bahá’ís continue to be deprived of inheritance rights."

’No other government document has revealed so clearly the determination of the highest authorities in Iran to uproot the Bahá’í Faith from that country and even to attack it abroad.’

The Revolutionary Cultural Council's memorandum also calls for a plan to "confront and destroy" the Faith's "cultural roots" outside Iran. Dr. Kazemzadeh said this refers to the Iranian government's plans to counteract efforts to support Iran's Bahá’í community undertaken by Bahá’ís in the U.S. and other countries around the world.

"No other government document," he said, "has revealed so clearly the determination of the highest authorities in Iran to uproot the Bahá’í Faith from that country and even to attack it abroad."

Dr. Kazemzadeh noted a recent upsurge in attacks on Bahá’ís in Persian-language newspapers published outside Iran including one recent article in a Los Angeles paper.

Even more alarming is the absence of any legal standing for members of Iran's Bahá’í community, leaving open the possibility of arrests and executions, subject only to the judgment of Iranian authorities. More than 200 Bahá’ís have been put to death since the Islamic regime took power in Iran in 1979.

The most recent of these is Dr. Bahman Samandari, a member of the Bahá’í community of Tehran, who was arrested March 17, 1992, on unspecified charges and executed the following day. His place of burial was kept secret from his wife who was given no death certificate or information about the charges against him or the verdict that led to his execution.

Even more recently, according to Mr. Galindo Pohl's report to the Human Rights Commission, death sentences were handed down against two Bahá’ís who were arrested three years ago and are being held in prison in Karaj.

"It was reported that the trials which resulted in the death sentences for [the Bahá’ís] took place without the assistance of defense lawyers," Mr. Galindo Pohl said in a letter to Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs. "...I would be most grateful if you could urgently intercede to ensure that these persons can benefit from all the procedural safeguards stipulated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights....

"I should also appreciate if your Government could inform me of the current situation of those persons, of the precise charges brought against them, and of all..."

Bahá’í Chair for World Peace is inaugurated in formal ceremony at University of Maryland

BY KEN BOWERS

Prof. Soheil Badi Bushrui, first occupant of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, speaks at the inauguration ceremony January 19 in College Park.

The Bahá’í Chair for World Peace was officially inaugurated January 19 at the University of Maryland in College Park in a ceremony that included the installation of the Chair's first incumbent, Prof. Soheil Badi Bushrui.

The historic event, attended by the National Spiritual Assembly, members of the Continental Board of Counselors and about 200 guests including representatives from government, academia and Bahá’í institutions around the world, marked the realization of an initiative hailed by the Universal House of Justice as an achievement that had enhanced the "relations, influence and appeal" of the Faith in the eyes of the world, and that "will give rise to a great increase in academic efforts to examine the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh."

Representing the University of Maryland were its president, Dr. William Kirwan; Dr. Irwin Goldstein, dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences; Dr. Jacob Goldhaber, acting vice-president for academic affairs and provost; and Dr. Edy Kaufman, director of the university's Center for International Development and Conflict Management, where the Bahá’í Chair will permanently reside.

Their comments about the value of the Bahá’í Chair underscored the attitude of a university that is rapidly rising in both its reputation and influence in the area of peace studies.

The program was distinguished by an atmosphere of academic formality that was appropriate to an occasion of such great importance, yet was imbued also with a high and unmistakable sense of excitement.

The ceremony began as Dr. Bushrui was escorted onstage by his university colleagues and by Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Dr. Goldstein offered a few words of welcome, extolling the partnership between... [Page 2]

INTRODUCTION

This is the last in a series of articles, the intention of which is to delve into a statement made by the Guardian in The Advent of Divine Justice that outlines prerequisites of success in teaching the Faith.

Shoghi Effendi drew attention to the importance of deepening our knowledge of the Faith as a preparation for delivering Bahá’u’lláh’s Message. In this passage, the Guardian comments on various facets of deepening. The focus of this article is to discuss the direction to "keep abreast of its [the Faith’s] current affairs and latest developments."

TEXT

"Those who participate in such a [teaching] campaign, whether in an organizing capacity, or as workers to whose care the execution of the task itself has been committed, must, as an essential preliminary to the discharge of their duties, thoroughly familiarize themselves with the various aspects of the history and teachings of their Faith. In their efforts to achieve this purpose they must study for themselves, conscientiously and painstakingly, the literature of their Faith, delve into its teachings, assimilate its laws and principles, ponder its admonitions, tenets and purposes, commit to memory certain of its exhortations and prayers, master the essentials of its administration, and keep abreast of its current affairs and latest growth. (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 49)

Shoghi Effendi, in Messages to the Bahá’í World, stated that the "broad outlines of the world-encircling plan were divinely revealed. Its course was chartered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s infallible Pen. Its shining goals have been set. The requisite administrative machinery has been created. Signal has been given by the Author of the Plan, its Supreme Commander" (p. 44).

The Holy Year, Ridván 1992 to Ridván 1993, followed the Six Year Plan, whose many triumphs were recorded by the Universal House of Justice in its messages. At the close of the Holy Year, a new Three Year Plan will be unveiled, whose goals will be shared with the Bahá’í community through many avenues, including upcoming issues of The American Bahá’í.

During the Seven Year Plan, at Ridván 1984, the Universal House of Justice stated that "the emergence from obscurity, which has been so marked a feature of the Cause of God during the first five years of the Seven Year Plan, has been attended by changes, both external and internal, affecting the Bahá’í world community" (A Wider Horizon: Selected Messages of the Universal House of Justice, 1983-1992, p. 119).

Further, the Universal House of Justice, having pointed out that the Faith has emerged from obscurity, specified the response required of the Bahá’ís, particularly the youth: "The present requirements of a Faith whose responsibilities rapidly increase in relation to its rise from obscurity impose an inescapable duty on the youth to ensure that their lives reflect to a marked degree the transforming power of the new Revelation they have embraced. Otherwise, by what example are the claims of Bahá’u’lláh to be judged? How is His Healing Message to be acknowledged by a skeptical humanity if it produces no noticeable effect upon the young, who are seen to be among the most energetic, the most pliable and promising elements in any society?" (A Wider Horizon: Selected Messages of the Universal House of Justice, 1983-1992, p. 121).

The emergence of the Faith from obscurity, still one of the latest developments in the Cause, carries with it the responsibility to achieve ever higher levels of living the life of a Bahá’í. The eyes of the world are upon the Bahá’í community; our actions must fulfill the promise of our words.

This series of study guides has focused on one quotation from the Guardian of the Faith in which a formula for deepening and living the life was outlined. Throughout each of the sections, one underlying question has, as yet, gone unasked: What kind of a life do you choose to live as a Bahá’í?

ACTION

The history of the Faith is often discussed in terms of the lives of believers and the triumphs of their teaching efforts. Our present circumstances can be looked at in terms of those same markers: what kind of lives are we living as Bahá’ís, and what are our teaching victories?

The "current affairs and latest developments" of the Cause are guided by the goals of plans; we can look to these same goals to chart our progress in growth. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá presented plans for growth in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. Shoghi Effendi, through a series of plans, continued to channel the energies of the friends in specific directions. The Universal House of Justice, likewise, has unveiled plans that focus the activities of the Bahá’í community so as to achieve certain victories.

National goals are based on these Plans of the Universal House of Justice, and in turn, local plans for growth are developed with national goals in mind. By responding to the plans of the National and local Spiritual Assembly, each believer can participate in the world-embracing process of being aware of the current goals of Plans and current objectives of our National and Local Assemblies, and choosing to work toward winning those goals, assists in winning victories for the Cause. Our lives, our teaching, our response to the Divine Call, may well become the remembered victories of tomorrow.

SUPPLEMENTARY REFERENCES

"The more we study the present condition of the world, the more deeply we become convinced that there just cannot be any way out of its problems except the way of God, as given by Him, through Bahá’u’lláh. The early Persian Bahá’ís gave their lives for the Cause; the Western believers have been spared this necessity, but their comfort, to some extent, they must sacrifice if they are going to discharge their moral obligation to tortured humanity, and bring to it the message of the Father. Once the friends start out to win the goals set in their Plan, they will find the Divine confirmation sustaining them and hastening its consummation." (on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Unfolding Destiny, pp. 177-178)

"The friends should concentrate on deepening their grasp of the Teachings, particularly on studying what has already been done, and what must be done to fulfill the goals of this World Crusade." (on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Centers of Bahá’í Learning, No. 27, p. 11)

"As humanity enters the dark heart of this age of transition our course is clear—the achievement of the assigned goals and the proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh’s healing Message." (The Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance: Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1968, pp. 120-121)

"In view of the tasks which remain to be achieved, it is evident as we rapidly approach the midway point in the Plan, that your community now faces a challenge of colossal magnitude, for the pace of the work must be greatly accelerated if all the goals are to be won. ..." (The Universal House of Justice, Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1968-1973, p. 15)

"A new horizon, bright with intimations of thrilling developments in the unfolding life of the Cause of God, is now discernible. The approach to it is complete victory in the Nine Year Plan. For we should never forget that the beloved Guardian’s Ten Year Crusade, the current Nine Year Plan, other plans to follow throughout successive epochs of the Formative Age of the Faith, are all phases in the implementation of the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, set out in fourteen of His Tablets to North America." (The Universal House of Justice, Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1968-1973, p. 69)

"A wider horizon is opening before us, illumined by a growing and universal manifestation of the inherent potentialities of the Cause for ordering human affairs. In this light can be discerned not only our immediate tasks but, more dimly, new pursuits and undertakings upon which we must shortly become engaged. At present we must complete the objectives of the Seven Year Plan...." (The Universal House of Justice, A Wider Horizon: Selected Messages of the Universal House of Justice, 1983-1992, p. 5)

From the Ridván 1992 message of the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the World:

"From the peak of triumph of the Six Year Plan now ended, we come to the threshold of the Holy Year, now begun, awestruck at the very thought of the unique significances associated with the commemoration of that sanctified occasion one hundred years ago when Bahá’u’lláh, the Promised One of all ages, took His leave of this earthly life....

"[T]he immediate portal to this propitious Holy Year is the vista of new horizons opened by the triumph of the Six Year Plan, which coincided with the initial phase of the fourth epoch of the Formative Age of our Faith. Overall it is not so much a triumph in numerical achievements, though in many places and at particular moments the scope of expansion was extraordinary. It is a triumph that has been manifested in a new variety of victories, in new beginnings, fresh initiatives and mature institutional developments...." (The Universal House of Justice, A Wider Horizon: Selected Messages of the Universal House of Justice, 1983-1992, pp. 95-97)

Help Save Jeopardized Assemblies

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

• CALIFORNIA: Danville, Grover Beach, Lompoc
• COLORADO: Glenwood Springs, La Plata County, Manitou Springs, Mesa Co.
• FLORIDA: Citrus Co., St. Pete'burg Beach
• GEORGIA: Alpharetta
• ILLINOIS: Bolingbrook, Buffalo Grove, Glendale, Glen Ellyn, Moline, Roscoe Township
• MINNESOTA: Hopkins, West St. Paul
• MISSOURI: Jefferson City, Independence, Rolla, St. Louis Co., W.
• MONTANA: Butte-Silver Bow, Ravalli County
• NEBRASKA: North Platte
• NEW MEXICO: Taos
• N. CAROLINA: Garner
• OHIO: East Cleveland, Euclid, Toledo
• TEXAS: Graham, Midland, Plainview
• OREGON: Aloha, Coos Bay, Gladstone, Hillsboro, Lane Co., E., Marion Co., E., McMinnville
• PENNSYLVANIA: Monroeville
• S. DAKOTA: Pierre
• TENNESSEE: Smyrna
• VIRGINIA: Fauquier Co., Herndon
• WASHINGTON: Gr. Walla Walla, Moses Lake, Toppenish
• WYOMING: Cheyenne

• Top priority: State capital cities

QUESTIONS

• What significant developments in the growth of the Faith have recently occurred? Internationally? Nationally? Locally?
• The Holy Year has provided opportunities for greater reflection on the Life and Mission of the "most precious Being ever to have drawn breath on this planet." Are there opportunities of which I can take better advantage?
• The Three Year Plan will begin at Ridván. When the goals are announced, what actions can I immediately take to begin fulfilling them?

[Page 3]

UN Commission on Human Rights discloses Iran's secret plan to destroy the Bahá’í community

relevant details of their trials and sentences."

The UN Representative's report to the Commission cites "numerous confirmed and documented cases of harassment, arbitrary detention, confiscation of property, expulsion from the home and discrimination in general" against Bahá’ís including the following:

•For over 12 years Bahá’ís have been systematically denied access to institutions of higher education such as universities and colleges....It was further reported that Bahá’ís were experiencing serious difficulties in circulating Bahá’í books among themselves and in holding classes to instruct their children in spiritual and moral values. In January 1991, the Ministry of Information ordered the closing of Bahá’í children's classes throughout Iran.

For the past 12 years the Bahá’í community has been denied the right of assembly and the right to elect and maintain its administrative institutions. ...Without administrative institutions the very existence of the Bahá’ís as a viable religious community is said to be seriously endangered. As individuals, Bahá’ís are officially considered "unprotected infidels" and, therefore, their civil rights and liberties are often ignored. The non-recognition of their religion manifests itself in various ways, including the denial of the basic right to express their religious beliefs freely.

...many Bahá’ís in Iran continue to be deprived of the means of earning a living. A considerable number of the more than 10,000 Bahá’ís who were dismissed from positions in government and education remain unemployed and receive no unemployment benefits. Some Bahá’ís dismissed from government posts have even been required to return salaries or pensions paid to them. The retirement pensions of Bahá’ís dismissed on religious grounds have been terminated.

. On October 28, 1989, the Office of Insurance and Pensions of the Army stated that the pension of a dismissed captain was suspended because of his membership in the "misguided Bahá’í sect" and in accordance with a letter dated August 27, 1984, by the Islamic Revolutionary Army Court.

•On September 24, 1991, the director of the Office of Insurance and Pensions of the Ministry of Defense and Support of the Armed Forces sent a letter which states: "Based on the information received, you are a Bahá’í and therefore not entitled to pension payments. However, should you convert to Islam and demonstrate remorse for having been a Bahá’í and further provide this office with proof that you have embraced Islam, steps will be taken to restore pension payments to you."

Following is a summary of decisions taken by the Supreme Revolutionary Cultural Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran with respect to the treatment to be accorded under Islamic law to members of the Bahá’í community of Iran. The memorandum in which the decisions appear, marked "CONFIDENTIAL," is addressed to the Head of the Office of the Esteemed Leader (Ali Khamenei) by Dr. Seyyed Mohammad Golpaygani, secretary of the Supreme Revolutionary Council, and dated February 25, 1991.

A. General status of the Bahá’ís within the country's system

1. They will not be expelled from the country without reason.

2. They will not be arrested, imprisoned or penalized without reason.

3. The government's dealings with them must be in such a way that their progress and development are blocked.

B. Educational and cultural status

1. They can be enrolled in schools provided they have not identified themselves as Bahá’ís.

2. Preferably they should be enrolled in schools which have a strong and imposing religious ideology.

3. They must be expelled from universities, either in the admission process or during the course of their studies, once it becomes known that they are Bahá’ís.

4. Their political (espionage) activities must be dealt with according to appropriate government laws and policies, and their religious and propaganda activities should be answered by giving them religious and cultural responses, as well as propaganda.

5. Propaganda institutions (such as the Islamic Propaganda Organization) must establish an independent section to deal with the propaganda and religious activities of the Bahá’ís.

6. A plan must be devised to confront and destroy their cultural roots outside the country.

C. Legal and social status

1. Permit them a modest livelihood as is available to the general population.

2. To the extent that it does not encourage them to be Bahá’ís, it is permissible to provide for them the means for ordinary living in accordance with the general rights given to every Iranian citizen, such as ration booklets, passports, burial certificates, work permits, etc.

3. Deny them employment if they identify themselves as Bahá’ís.

4. Deny them any position of influence, such as in the educational sector, etc.

The memorandum is signed by Dr. Golpaygani. A postscript is appended in the handwriting of Mr. Khamenei: "In the Name of God! The decision of the Supreme Revolutionary Cultural Council seems sufficient. I thank you gentlemen for your attention and efforts." (signed) Ali Khamenei

On November 20, 1990, the Preliminary Committee of Reconstruction stated that a technician of the Institute of Public Health Research of Tehran University, who retired after 24 years of service, had been found guilty of the "crime of membership" in the Bahá’í sect and therefore permanently dismissed from his government post and that his pension had been discontinued. On January 12, 1991, the Eighth Branch of the Court of Administrative Justice stated: "Based on the penal code and the existing records, the judgment by the Preliminary Committee on Reconstruction being still in force, there are no legal grounds to pay the pension or to bring back the file into circulation. The complaint is therefore dismissed and this judgment is final."

•On June 24, 1991, the Ninth Branch of the Court of Administrative Justice stated: "Due to the fact that membership in the misguided Bahá’í sect, a sect which is considered to be outside Islam, is cause for dismissal from all government posts, with all that it might imply, and taking into consideration the fact that the complainant has not denied membership in the misguided sect, the Court does not find the complaint acceptable. This verdict is final."

Incidents of harassment have been reported in the cities of Karaj and Aran in Kashan where Bahá’ís were ordered to close their stores. Bahá’ís are not officially allowed to open their own businesses. Bahá’í farmers are denied admittance into farmers' cooperatives which are often the only source of credit, seeds, fertilizer and pesticides.

• It has recently been reported that elderly and widowed Bahá’ís were evicted from their homes. Over the years, large numbers of private and business properties, including homes and farms, have been arbitrarily confiscated from Bahá’ís. Many...are being sold at auction with no consideration being given to the appeals of the Bahá’ís concerned.

•A recent document issued by the Prosecutor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Tehran states that a woman "is accused of affiliation with the wayward Bahá’í sect," and therefore, "she has been sentenced to complete confiscation of all her belongings," which are placed "under the authority of selected lawyers of the spiritual guardians."

....another member of the Bahá’í community, a resident of Isfahan who is over 80 years of age, was ejected from his home in mid-September 1992 by several government officers who took possession of the building and took away all his books, numbering several thousand volumes. This person was not able to take anything with him and is now dependent on his friends. No appeal or complaint has been entertained by the authorities concerning his case.

....Bahá’í-owned holy places, historical sites, cemeteries, administrative centers and other assets, seized mostly in 1979, remain confiscated or have been destroyed. Having access only to those cemeteries which the government has designated for them, Bahá’ís in many localities experience difficulties in burying their dead. It was further alleged that Bahá’ís are not permitted to mark the graves of their fellow Bahá’ís, making it almost impossible to identify the graves of their loved ones.

•The most recent wave of persecution is said to have profoundly affected a whole generation of Bahá’ís in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Reportedly, they have been repeatedly offered relief from persecution if they were prepared to recant their faith.

....Bahá’ís are not free to leave the Islamic Republic of Iran, as it is almost impossible for them to obtain passports. Underscoring the government of Iran's systematic persecution of the Bahá’í community are the unsubstantiated charges of espionage often leveled against the Faith, as represented in the following article of January 22, 1992, in the newspaper Kayhan:

"...From the beginning of its appearance, Bahá’ísm has been an instrument of Western imperialism in the Islamic countries, especially in the Islamic Republic of Iran, in order to create religious dissension and to weaken the religious faith and fervor of the people....

"Relations with Israel, spying for Zionists, and connection with the CIA characterized the activities of this sect in the Pahlavi period."

These and other charges have been repeatedly denied by the Bahá’ís themselves, and no evidence to support them has ever been produced by the government of Iran.

San Francisco's William Sears Teaching Campaign moves steadily forward with nine more declarations

From the first week in January through the first week in February, the William Sears Teaching Campaign in the San Francisco Bay area has seen nine declarations, and the pace is not slowing.

Another full-time teacher has joined the team, and several of the newly enrolled Bahá’ís are volunteering their time at the Center in San Francisco to help the campaign.

Firesides are held at the Center each evening and on Sunday morning in addition to the firesides being held in peoples' homes throughout the week.

Deepenings for the new Bahá’ís and other community members are held three times a week and are well-attended.

Every other Saturday, Bay area youth and adults are divided into teams that take flyers and information about firesides into various neighborhoods in San Francisco. While posting the flyers they are stopped often by curious observers and asked for information about the Faith.

On Saturdays on which flyers are not being posted, the friends attend teaching institutes at the Center.

On February 8, about 1,500 people attended a musical tribute to jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie organized by the Bay Area Bahá’í communities. Besides talks about the Faith onstage, many Bahá’ís in the audience were able to speak to people in nearby seats, hallways and aisles.

Media coverage has shown a steady increase with both the World Congress and "Jewel in the Lotus" videos shown recently on local cable television.

Billboards saying "Racism is man-made. Let's unmake it...together" have been erected throughout the Bay area listing the Faith and an 800 telephone number. The response is increasing, with a majority of callers as interested in receiving information on the Faith as on race unity.

Meanwhile, the Institute for the Healing of Racism, held once a week at the Center, has had excellent attendance from the public and a positive response from everyone.

BOSCH BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL 1993 Spring/Summer Program

To request a catalog, write to the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564. [Page 4]

Young Americans recall experience teaching Cause in European campaign

Before the inception of the Holy Year, the European Bahá’í Youth Council and its Holy Year Board organized a youth teaching project covering more than 45 countries in 14 different routes. The following are the thoughts and experiences of Arya Czerniejewski and May Movafagh, two youth from the U.S. who arose to serve internationally through this momentous Holy Year teaching project. After a comprehensive training in Czechoslovakia in August 1992 together with 83 other youth, they embarked on an eight-month journey to Yugoslavia, Slovenia, Macedonia, Serbia and Croatia, and Albania. Their route formally ends in Italy at Ridván. They write to us from war-torn Croatia.

"Here in Croatia, the truth of the words 'The all-knowing Physician hath His finger on the pulse of mankind. He perceiveth the disease, and prescribeth in His unerring wisdom, the remedy,' is so apparent. At a time when forces of integration and disintegration are in combustive reaction with each other, the balm of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh is so desperately needed.

"The spirit of sacrifice weaved into this project will make victory inevitable. It will be a victory that must, in the words of the International Teaching Center to the youth involved, 'emulate and even eclipse the events associated with the heroic teachers in our history.'

"We have witnessed the birth of the hope that only this divine Dispensation can instill in seekers as they embrace the Faith. Looking upon the shining faces of new believers, their spark of Faith warmed our hearts, washing away the dust and discomfort of our travels.

"At these precious moments we tasted the sweetness of 'it is better to guide one soul than to possess all that is on earth' that the Báb told us about. Words cannot do justice to the bounty of teaching the Cause in these times. If only we could share the potency of this experience and the spiritual sustenance it offers us with friends back home. One simple story might give a glimpse.

"The Institutions had asked that we teach the Faith and help in efforts to establish a local Spiritual Assembly in a small town in southern Albania. We were told that we would be among the very first Bahá’ís to visit there and that what we did would set standards for future activities in the community.

"We organized a public meeting at the cultural center, but everything that could go wrong that night did! Because of the rain, many rowdy people came into the building for refuge. They made such a commotion that even the translator could not hear the speaker.

"In a cloud of rowdy laughter and smoke, upside-down, out-of-focus slides about the Faith clicked on and off in a projector gone mad. All seemed lost!

"It turned out that the rudest, loudest and most rowdy person at the meeting became one of the most transformed Bahá’ís we had ever met. He stopped drinking, changed his friends, and even turned in his absentee ballot for the election of the local Spiritual Assembly because he had to work during the election!

"During the five short months of our travels, we have found 79 waiting souls that have embraced the Cause. The stories of transformation are numerous.

"Perhaps the most miraculous story of transformation, however, is that of our own selves. We had leaped into the Holy Year with hopes of serving as called for by the Universal House of Justice in the Ridván 1992 message. Little did we know that by obeying one call we would answer another—personal transformation and renewed allegiance to Bahá’u’lláh.

"Our ardent advice to young and old alike is to seize the day, for the moments are rapidly passing away. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá reminds us: 'Soon will our handful of days, our vanishing life, be gone, and we shall pass, empty-handed, into the hollow that is dug for those who speak no more....We must gird ourselves for service, kindle love's flame, and burn away in its heat.'"

If you seek a similar experience by serving our beloved Cause internationally, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Tel: 708-869-9039; Fax: 708-869-0247.

What are prospects for pioneers in development, teaching?

Last month, we looked at the prospects for overseas employment in the areas of business/finance, the environment, and telecommunications. This month we are looking at development and humanitarian relief and teaching.

Development and Humanitarian Relief

A major area in which international jobs has proliferated is the private voluntary organizations, known as PVOs. These organizations provide assistance worldwide in everything from medicine to social work, high-tech development to teaching and distributing food.

With increased involvement in the former Soviet Bloc, the number of PVOs has increased rapidly. During the last five years the number of PVO registrations with AID (U.S. Agency for International Development) doubled with 1992 being the busiest by far. This trend seems to be continuing into this year.

Although many lower skilled positions are being given to nationals of host countries, many PVOs confirm that jobs continue to be needed in management, especially in the medical field. These needs are particularly prevalent in Eastern Europe (EE), the New Independent States (NIS), and Southeast Asia.

The areas of greatest growth among PVOs are refugee operations and disaster relief. In countries like Somalia there is likely to be a large number of non-governmental opportunities for Americans once peace-keeping forces begin the process of securing the country.

Dr. Philip Johnson, president and CEO of CARE, who is currently running UN relief operations in Somalia, says that civilian positions with development organizations are likely to be offered first to Somali expatriates.

The proliferation of PVOs means that Bahá’ís hoping to serve abroad in the development field will have many more opportunities available to them. Equally important is the need to investigate these organizations carefully to determine that their policies and operations are compatible with the principles of the Faith and that employment by these organizations does not imply support of any partisan political party or group.

Teaching

By far the most prevalent opportunities for serving abroad are in education and this continues to expand as U.S. businesses establish operations abroad and developing countries seek expertise in advanced technology, management, and information. Teachers specializing in these fields are most in demand at all levels from primary grades through university.

Science and math teachers rank equally high worldwide, followed closely by computer technology and business. Oftentimes, teachers in these fields are hired without experience or other requirements. However, most sought after are teachers of English as a Second Language (TESL), also known as English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). We will look at this field in Part III.

For those interested in university level teaching, opportunities are increasing as well. Terms of all lengths can be arranged, so that those who do not want to leave their present position can readily serve in a country, determine whether it is an appropriate pioneering post and make whatever contacts are necessary to secure permanent employment for the future.

Those areas which are most sought are law, political science, business, languages and science. Once again, many opportunities exist in the countries of the former Soviet Bloc.

If you are interested in receiving more detailed information, names and addresses of some organizations, and/or discussing the possibility of pioneering, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039, or fax 708-869-0247. We look forward to hearing from you.

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

Ongoing Traveling Teaching Opportunities

AUSTRALIA; ALBANIA; BAHAMAS; BANGLADESH; BELIZE; BULGARIA; BURKINA FASO; CAMBODIA; CHINA; CISKEI; COLOMBIA; COOK ISLANDS; COSTA RICA; DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; EAST GERMANY; EQUATORIAL GUINEA; FIJI; FRENCH POLYNESIA; GAMBIA; GERMANY; GUATEMALA; GUADELOUPE; GUINEA BISSAU GUYANA; HAITI; HONG KONG; HUNGARY; ICELAND; INDIA; IRELAND; ITALY; MALAYSIA; MALTA; MOZAMBIQUE; NEPAL; NEW CALEDONIA; PAKISTAN; PANAMA; PHILIPPINES; PORTUGAL; PUERTO RICO; ST. VINCENT & GRENADINES; SAMOA; SIBERIA; SIERRA LEONE; SWEDEN; TAIWAN; THAILAND; TONGA; TRANSKEI; TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO; TUVALU; UGANDA; UNITED KINGDOM; VANUATU; WEST LEEWARD ISLANDS; YUGOSLAVIA; ZAMBIA.

Upcoming Pioneering Institutes

April 1-4 Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine. May 6-9- Bahá’í National Center, Evanston, Illinois. June 17-20-Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. Labor Day weekend-Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina.

If you are interested in pioneering, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247 for more information. [Page 5]

Gap between Fund income and expense grows

In its letter to the Feast of Mulk in February, the National Spiritual Assembly indicated that "...year-long austerity measures have kept expenses well under budget. However, contributions have lagged far behind." Further, the Assembly emphasized: "The success of our (local Assembly) goals program, in concert with individual contributions, is critical to helping the Faith meet its international and national requirements." Where exactly do we stand today? And is the U.S. National Bahá’í Fund unique in its situation?

AUSTERITY PROGRAM PRODUCES IMPORTANT SAVINGS

For three years, the National Spiritual Assembly has tightly controlled spending at the national level. Purchasing for the national offices is centralized in the Office of the Treasurer, an effective control mechanism that alone has accounted for many thousands of dollars in savings. This and other measures have enabled the National Spiritual Assembly to keep operating expenses nearly $200,000 below their budgeted level through December.

At the same time, selective investments are being made in areas where long-term improvements in productivity and service can be gained. One important example of this is the Management Information Services Office. Installation of a new mainframe computer system last year has been followed with a comprehensive systems development strategy that will, over time, facilitate decentralizing many activities traditionally done at the National Center. Improved record and file management, electronic inter-office communications and more efficient computer-to-computer links with local communities are all medium-term results that will markedly boost productivity while making significant staff expansion unnecessary.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE NATIONAL BUDGET

Capital Expenditure Cost of Sales of Books Interest Food Services Cont. to Int. Fund Printing Literature & A-V Maintenance and Repair Utilities Insurance Property Taxes Professional Fees Postage and Shipping Telecommunications Supplies Meals, Lodging and Mtngs Local Transportation Air Travel Salaries & Benefits

Year-to-date Combined Expenditure $12,580,19 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 4,500 5,000

Conversations with the friends reveal a widely held impression that the national budget is flexible and easy to change. Looking at a few key elements will show that this is not, in fact, the case.

The accompanying chart (No. 1) shows the major expense categories of the National Spiritual Assembly. Three items stand out: salaries and benefits ($4.75 million as of December for its more than 200 employees); capital expenditures ($1.2 million, basically the cost of repairs to the House of Worship); and the Assembly pledge to the Bahá’í International Fund ($2.5 million).

All other expenses totaled $4.1 million, or one-third of the total. No individual category among these other expenses represented more than 4 percent of the total, and most categories were less than 2 percent of total expenses.

The largest item, staff salaries and benefits, might, in other organizations, lend itself to reductions through personnel cuts or attrition. The National Spiritual Assembly’s staffing levels, however, are already at the minimum; indeed, the Assembly's bankers as well as participants in the Weekend Visit programs have often expressed their astonishment that so much is done by so few people.

A careful review of the national administration’s current staffing has indicated that eliminating posts at the schools, institutes or the National Center itself would dangerously reduce the capacity for action with little or no immediate benefit. The options for significant expense reductions by the National Spiritual Assembly are quite limited; the Assembly has virtually no "discretionary income."

THE CURRENT SITUATION

Chart No. 2 illustrates the trends in the national budget, on the one hand, and contributions and estate bequests on the other. The projected gap for fiscal 1993 is the result of a faster increase in necessary expenditures and slower than expected revenue growth.

Chart 2: Budget/Contributions Gap ($ Millions) 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 1991 1992 1993 NSA Budget NBF Contributions Fiscal Year

As this gap increases, less cash is available to meet obligations as they come due. This circumstance, in turn, leads to increased borrowing under the National Assembly's bank credit lines. Because these credit lines are limited, they must not be used up, and of course higher borrowing costs adversely affect the budget gap.

So we are not alone in our particular situation, but we also have a particular role to play in finding the solution.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

As the National Assembly pointed out in its Feast letter, an important part of the solution is for each local Spiritual Assembly to fulfill its contribution goal for the National Bahá’í Fund. Already, heartwarming responses from local communities have been received at the Office of the Treasurer saying that they are reviewing their planned expenses and their own local needs, and are tightening up any areas where there is room for additional contributions.

The friends have also raised questions about the goal program. Resolving these questions is one reason the National Assembly has launched the series of Treasurer’s seminars. The Assembly is eager for members of every local institution to attend one of these seminars in the weeks ahead; other priorities should be set aside in order for every local group to be represented in this process.

Two things seem to be true right now. On the one hand, the friends are making wonderful efforts to support the Funds. Compared, for example, with other religious organizations, giving by the Bahá’í community over the last two years has outpaced that of most other groups. On the other hand, there is more that can be done; correspondence from the believers reveals less of a sense of urgency or focus than has been the case at other times in the recent past.

The Universal House of Justice has seen the effects of this phenomenon, too; what happens in our National Fund directly affects conditions at the Bahá’í World Center and, indeed, throughout the Bahá’í world.

In a letter written on behalf of the House of Justice on April 28, 1992, to all National Spiritual Assemblies, we read: "It is evident that the opportunities for the advancement of the Faith, for the spread of its influence and for the enhancement of its prestige continue to multiply. However, it is also clear that the ability of the Universal House of Justice to take advantage of these long-awaited opportunities is being severely restricted by the continuation of the crisis in the Bahá’í International Fund, to which reference was made in the two letters of 18 November 1991."

The American Bahá’í community has achieved important progress in its material support for the Cause of God in the last several years, and there can be no doubt that it will rise to the challenges of the present hour as befits the community’s growing power and maturity and its primacy as a chief "standard-bearer" of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

Bahá’ís in Detroit area continue race unity series

On January 31, the Bahá’ís of Detroit and Grosse Pointe, Michigan, co-sponsored a panel discussion on "The Role of Religion in Overcoming Prejudice." Panelists were Rabbi Ernst Conrad of Temple Kol Ami in West Bloomfield; the Rev. Nicholas Hood III of Plymouth United Church of Christ in Detroit; and a Bahá’í, Paula Drewek, who teaches in the Humanities Department at Macomb Community College.

More than 50 people, most of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended the discussion. Among them were the president-elect of the Detroit Bar Association, several lawyers and educators, a physician, a college professor, and several members of the board of directors of the Racial Justice Center of Grosse Pointe. [Page 6]

Ministry of the Custodians

by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum HC $23.95

In a letter dated September 24, 1992, to all National Spiritual Assemblies from the department of the secretariat of the Universal House of Justice, the secretariat states that "the Universal House of Justice rejoices to inform all the friends that at its request the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum has compiled the major communications of the body of the Hands of the Cause of God, and of the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land, during the years from 1957 to 1963, and has written an introduction placing in perspective the events of those critical years. The House of Justice is particularly gratified that this precious record of the years when the Hands of the Cause preserved the unity of the Faith following the passing of Shoghi Effendi, and piloted the Bahá’í world to victory in the Ten Year Crusade, will appear during the Holy Year."

6" x 9", 485pp., Table of Contents, Reference Sources, Index World Centre Publications

Calendars

Bahá’í Wall Calendar

CA $2.95

A fifteen-month (January-March) wall calendar featuring a full-color photograph of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. Feasts, holy days, Ridván, and the Fast are clearly marked. The back of the calendar lists Bahá’í holy days, specifying on which of them work should be suspended; days of fasting; and special-event days. It also lists the Nineteen Day Feasts and contains information from the writings of Shoghi Effendi about Bahá’í anniversaries, as well as an essay about the significance of the Mother Temple of the West on the fortieth anniversary of its public dedication.

11"x17" U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Bahá’í History Calendar 149-150 B.E.

CA $6.95

"‘Abdu’l-Bahá: The Centre of the Covenant" is the focus of this year's history calendar. It features photographs of the Pilgrim House near the Shrine of the Báb, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá met with Bahá’í pilgrams; the interior and pulpit of the City Temple in London where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá made his first public address in the West; the Clifton Guest house, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed while in Bristol, England; a library at Manchester College where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá addressed a meeting on December 31, 1912; and many more photos of places ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited. Also included is a map depicting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's travels from May 1844 until His Ascension on November 28, 1921, in Haifa.

11" x 17", map National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands

Bahá’í Datebook

CA $2.50

A convenient, checkbook-size datebook covering fifteen Gregorian months from January to March that includes both Gregorian and Bahá’í dates. Each month is given a double-page spread and shows the Feasts, holy days, Intercalary Days, legal holidays, and special-event days that fall within it. Bahá’í Holy Days and Feasts are shaded to stand out. The days of Ridván and the Fast are marked with special symbols. Reminders to contribute to the Fund appear at the top of each month. A list of Nineteen Day Feasts, addresses for the Bahá’í Funds, quotations about the Bahá’í calendar, and calendars for the next three years are included. An easy-to-use tool for keeping track of activities within the rhythm of the Bahá’í year.

3-1/2" x 6-1/2" U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Bahá’í Pocket Calendar-10/pk.

CA $2.00

A credit-card-size calendar in a year-at-a-glance format including twelve Gregorian months from March through February. Nineteen Day Feasts, holy days, Náw-Rúz, and the Fast are clearly indicated. The back of the card lists Bahá’í holy days on which work should be suspended, other Bahá’í holy days, Intercalary Days, and days of fasting.

3-5/8" x 2-3/8" U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

A Wider Horizon

Selected Messages of the Universal House of Justice, 1983-1992 SC $10.00

In its Ridván message of 1983 the Universal House of Justice explained that "A wider horizon is opening before us, illumined by a growing and universal manifestation of the inherent potentialities of the Cause for ordering human affairs." Since that time the Faith has seen dramatic changes in its growth, development, and involvement with society. A Wider Horizon charts the course of these changes through messages from the Universal House of Justice.

The book is divided into two parts. The first contains twenty-three complete messages from the Universal House of Justice written between 1983 and 1992, including all the Ridván messages and other major messages. Part two is a compilation, based on the letters in part one and other messages, that addresses seventeen major themes such as the processes of integration and disintegration, the urgency of the teaching work, the Holy Year, and the Person and Mission of Bahá’u’lláh. The book also contains an appendix with suggested activities and questions to assist individual and group study.

A Wider Horizon provides an opportunity to examine thoroughly the messages of the Universal House of Justice that are essential to understanding the significance of the past decade in the Faith's evolution and the major challenges the Faith faces in the years ahead. The book offers a view of the messages as much more than a series of disconnected letters and gives a sense of the vision of the Universal House of Justice guiding the Bahá’í world through new stages of growth.

5-3/8" x 8-3/8", 257pp., contents, preface, appendix, index Palabra Publications

THE BAHÁ’ÍS

The Bahá’ís, Magazine Bahá’í International Community Office of Public Information

Each-$2.25 10/pk.-$20.00 100/pk.-$175.00

Like nothing ever produced on the Faith, The Bahá’ís is an inexpensive but comprehensive and highly readable 80-page magazine-style booklet conveying the teachings, history, and present-day activities of the worldwide Bahá’í community.

The Bahá’ís is written in an informative, non-proselytizing style, and makes extensive use of color photographs, graphic charts, time-lines and maps to give a panoramic overview of the Faith's dramatic progress and its relevance to today's major global issues. It is ideal for almost any kind of teaching work, and is especially suitable for presentation to local officials, journalists, and other prominent people who need complete but concise information about the Faith.

8-1/2" x 11", 80pp., color photos, charts, maps Produced by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom

Bahá’u’lláh, CS

Bahá’í International Community's Office of Public Information CS $19.95

This sound edition of the statement on Bahá’u’lláh is the first books-on-tape production the Bahá’í Distribution Service has offered. This brief introduction to Bahá’u’lláh's life and work conveys His vision of the oneness of humanity and offers a perspective on the feelings of confidence with which Bahá’ís the over contemplate the future of our planet and our race. This moving production features readings by Phillip Hinton, Tim Elliot, and Heather Christie, and original music by Colin Weber. This twin cassette edition is handsomely packaged in a dual-cassette box matching the general edition printed by Bahá’í Publications Australia.

120 minutes Bahá’í Publications Australia

Per: Naghmehá 1-3

Mrs. Irandocht Enayati $9.00 each

Mrs. Irandocht Enyati and her group "Naghmehá" (Celestial Melody) have set to music words of Bahá’u’lláh in a multicultural ethno-jazz style. The group consists of Mrs. Enayati, who sings and chants and has set more than thirty poems and prayers to music, and her three accompanists: Peter Held on piano and flute; Kamal Mazloumi on violine, santour, and tonback (Persian drums); and Thomas Gerhard on saxophone, costa contos, guitar, and busouki. The group performs four songs: "Chashm-i-Hamih Rawshan," a song of delightful tidings by martyred Varqá, an Apostle of Bahá’u’lláh; "Rashi-i-Amá," a soul-stirring poem revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in the Síyáh Chál, "In Halq Bahá," a moving poem of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in devotion to Bahá’u’lláh, and "Two Hidden Words," Persian No. 38 and 40.

approx. 35 minutes each produced by Irandocht Enayati [Page 7]

Healing Racism in America

by Nathan Rutstein SC $12.95

A powerful new book on racism in the United States, which takes a penetrating look at America’s historical racial tensions and offers a “vaccine” against the disease of racism. In Healing Racism in America, Nathan Rutstein says that all Americans are infected or affected by the disease of racism and, “like a virus, a preventative measure, a vaccine against the disease exists. I am convinced the preventative measures discussed in Healing Racism in America, if adopted, would begin to eradicate the disease in one or two generations.”

Unlike most books on the subject, Healing Racism offers a solution to America’s most challenging issue a blueprint for change. Rutstein cites powerful scientific data as evidence that all human beings are of the same family. He introduces the Institutes for the Healing of Racism and tells us how this grass-roots movement is spreading across the United States.

HEALING RACISM AMERICA A PRESCRIPTION FOR THE DISEASE NATHAN RUTSTEIN FOREWORD BY JOHN WOODALL, MD

The positive response to his 1989 account of his own racism, To Be One: A Battle Against Racism, led Rutstein to study the root cause of racism in America and to search for a cure. Healing Racism is Rutstein’s tenth book.

6-1/8" x 9-1/4", 184pp., foreword, preface, appendix, index Whitcomb Publishing

Cooperative Peace Strategies

edited by John Davison and Marjorie Tidman HC $19.95

The twentieth century has witnessed a degree of social change and technological progress which has no adequate precedent in recorded history. These changes continue, running an apparently unpredictable course and testing all aspects of the political, economic, social and moral order.

Cooperative Peace Strategies examines the interlocked problems of communication and the mass media, fostering skills in social interaction, social and economic development and the environment, developing global political and economic structures, and involving the people in the peace process.

6" x 8-1/2", 244pp., contents, introduction Bahá’í Publications Australia

Persian/English Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá HC $10.00

This special edition of Will and Testament is printed in both Persian and English. Each page of text is set within a two-color border especially designed to enhance the text. Both the Persian and English texts include a photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Among the many topics discussed in the Will and Testament are: basic beliefs of the Bahá’í Faith, the two-fold character of the Báb’s mission, Bahá’u’lláh’s station, the importance of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Guardianship and the appointment of Shoghi Effendi as Guardian of the Cause and the Interpreter of the Bahá’í sacred texts, the Hands of the Cause of God and the Universal House of Justice, the institution of the National Spiritual Assembly, virtues of Bahá’u’lláh’s significance and the purpose of the Huqúqu’lláh.

6" x 8-1/2", 68pp. Bahá’í Publications Australia

Gulban-i Ma’ání

Vuthúqu’lláh Bulbi-i-Ma’ání HC $6.95

Is a collection of poems by Mr. Vuthúqu’lláh Bulbi-i-Ma’ání whose poetry has been published often in Bahá’í periodicals. This prolific poet was born in Iran and has been pioneering for over thirty years in the Arab world. The bulk of his poetry deals with Bahá’í topics: praise of the Blessed Beauty and Central Figures of the Faith, the Universal House of Justice, commemoration of the Bahá’í Holy Days, and memorializing the recent Martyrs in Iran.

Mir’át Publications

Akhtarán-i Tábán, Volume 2

Forugh Arbab HC $19.95

The first volume of Mrs. Forugh Arbab’s book, a collection of biographies of prominent Bábí and Bahá’í women, is well known to the friends familiar with Persian. In this long-awaited second volume, the author has brought together short biographies of close to 100 other Bahá’í women, who have served the Bahá’í Faith in various capacities. The list includes early heroines and recent martyrs from Iran and around the world.

Mir’át Publications

Peace on Earth

A Book of Prayers from Around the World Bijou Le Tord HC $18.00

PEACE ON EARTH

Bijou Le Tord celebrates all of God’s creation the creatures of land and sea, the children of many nations, the trees and mountains that surround us, the moon and the stars in the sky in this splendid collection of expressions of faith the world over. An Inuit magic prayer to greet the dawn, a Shaker hymn in praise of simplicity, an African child’s thanks for peanuts, as well as joyous songs and prayers from many religious traditions are all gathered here. Also included are poems by such authors as Marc Chagall; e.e. cummings, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Langston Hughes, Madeleine L’Engle, and Leslie Marmon Silko. On each page Bijou Le Tord’s exquisite watercolor illustrations capture the spiritual qualities of everything around us and the mysteries of faith.

9-1/2" x 8-3/4", 80pp. Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.

Videotapes

Lasting Remembrances

The complete proceedings of the 2nd Bahá’í World Congress VT $60.00 (net)

This special ten-hour video set features the following: complete coverage of each of the four plenary sessions, complete live transmission from the Bahá’í World Centre, music featuring 400 voice choir and 70 piece orchestra, dramatic presentations about the heroes and heroines of the Faith, talk by the Hand of the Cause of God Rúhíyyih Khánum and participants’ stories.

10 hours

Bahá’í Newsreel Vol. 3 No. 3

VT $16.00 (net)

This special one-hour edition of the Bahá’í Newsreel highlights events of the World Congress. The events include: The Formal Opening of the World Congress, Theme Pavilion: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in New York City, Highlights of Ancillary Events, and the Youth Movement Forum.

60 minutes

Order Form

Please detach and mail Bahá’í Distribution Service / 1-800-999-9019 5397 Wilbanks Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37343 FAX 1-615-843-0836

Ordered by: (Please print or type) Name Address City State Zip Daytime Phone:

Circle one: AMEX MasterCard VISA Check Money Order on Account

Account Number: Expiration Date:

QTY | TITLE | COST | AMOUNT (Please add 15% for shipping to address outside the U.S.) TOTAL [Page 8]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE 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.

LANDEGG ACADEMY is accepting applications for the position of administrative assistant/secretary for the Director of the Academy. Fluency in English, good knowledge of German, and experience in word processing are essential. Please send application and résumé to the Director, Landegg Academy, Gallen, Switzerland. Phone (41-71) 286022; fax (41-71) 282132.

AS THE MAXWELL International Bahá’í School continues to strive to meet the growing demands of an international residential school, there are a number of new and replacement positions that arise each year. The school has been privileged to have a number of talented, qualified volunteers in such areas as the health center, buildings and grounds, food services, administrative and academic support. While it would be a great asset to find qualified, self-supporting volunteers for service in these areas, the school may be interested in individuals who have the expertise and desire to serve the Faith at this residential school but who may require a small level of financial support. Positions for which we are currently seeking employees or volunteers are (1) a nurse to augment the health center staff. The center consists of a 12-bed medical unit and an emergency room. It provides a variety of health-related services to students and staff. Hours include shift work and on-call duty in the evenings, nights and on weekends. (2) A secretary/administrative assistant for the academic section for a period of 1-2 years. (3) Academic staff: qualified secondary level teachers, eligible for certification in B.C., in all fields are invited to submit résumés. Those who are interested should write to The Principal, Maxwell International Bahá’í School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, BC, Canada VOR 2W0.

THE BOSCH Bahá’í School is accepting applications for summer 1993 employment. Positions available include children's teachers (4), kitchen assistants (3), registration/library book sales assistant, and maintenance assistants (3). All positions require a willingness to serve and interact with children, youth and adults. Those chosen will serve from June 21-August 27 (10 weeks) and receive a small stipend plus room and board. To apply, send a brief résumé or ask for an application for employment from the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387).

THE GREENACRE Bahá’í School is seeking applicants for the 1993 summer program. Help is needed in a variety of areas. Persons with little or no experience as well as skilled professionals are encouraged to apply. Skilled and unskilled: Food service-assistant cooks, dining room coordinator, dishwashing, general help. Maintenance-housekeeping, groundskeeping, general cleaning, gardening. Skilled and experienced: Recreational leader, librarian, children's class teachers, office assistant, program assistant, painters, carpenters, gardeners. Help is needed from mid-June through August with the duration of service varying in some instances. Opportunities for service are in great supply-volunteers are eagerly sought. Compensation, including room and board, is available. For more information, please contact the Green Acre office by phone, 207-439-7200, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern time, or send a letter of intent to: Administrator, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School has a regular and continuing need for short-term and long-term volunteers in a variety of areas. Applications to serve are especially invited from individuals and/or couples interested in one-year or longer periods of service. The school is seeking help from professionally skilled Bahá’ís able to serve the school for a few days or weeks at regular intervals throughout the year. Especially needed are mechanics; building maintenance and heating/air conditioning specialists; gardeners and agriculturalists; and carpenters to provide scheduled service at mutually convenient times during the year and to help with preventive maintenance programs, seasonally-urgent projects, and special property-enhancement projects. Also needed is a talented gardener or small-scale agriculturalist who can offer long-term full-time service to the school. Room and board and full participation in Louhelen's active Bahá’í conference schedule and community life are available for the person or couple invited to serve in this extremely important role. Those who are interested in any of these positions are asked to write to Dr. Rick Johnson, director, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033; fax 313-653-7181).

Service/employment opportunities at the Bahá’í National Center, Bahá’í Schools and Institutes

The National Spiritual Assembly is seeking qualified people for the following positions:

• Bahá’í Publishing Trust: general manager (see ad on this page), editorial assistant, marketing manager, production services coordinator
• Bahá’í Schools and Institutes: a variety of volunteer and paid summer positions are available (see ad on page 10)
• Meetings and Travel: assistant coordinator
• National Teaching Committee Office: Regional Teaching Coordinators
• Native American Bahá’í Institute: Navajo Program coordinator (see ad on page 8)
• NSA Properties Inc.: maintenance team leader
• Persian/American Affairs: administrative assistant
• The American Bahá’í: writer/reporter
• U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office: assistant refugee program coordinator

Other opportunities include:

Administrative assistants

• Essential to the efficient functioning and quality of service provided by the National Spiritual Assembly
• Must be well-versed in Bahá’í principles and administration
• Must be skilled in word processing
• Must have strong self-management and organizational skills
• Some positions require ability to read and write in English and Persian
• Some positions require strong written communication skills

If you are available to serve the National Spiritual Assembly at this time, please write to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Please include a résumé, if available.

ASSISTANT cook: a full-time position during the summer program (10-12) weeks and part-time the rest of the year (20-30 hours per week depending on the session) at the Bosch Bahá’í School. Should have experience in food preparation for large groups-up to 150-breakfast, lunch and dinner. Knowledge of meal planning, menu preparation, nutrition and use of restaurant-type kitchen equipment would be helpful. Housing at Bosch may be available. Please send a letter of intent to the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Phone 408-423-3387 or fax materials to 408-423-7564. Bosch will send application forms on receipt of letters of intent or phone/fax calls. A car is necessary, as the school is some distance from major shopping and population centers.

PIONEERING: OVERSEAS

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas: AFRICA Angola: nurse health workers. Kenya: health coordinator, accountant, construction coordinator, nurses. Lesotho: retired couple to serve as caretakers at National Center. Malawi: physician to work with Ministry of Health project. Senegal: retired couple or single male to serve as caretakers at the National Center. Somalia: project director for primary health services program, medical doctor, health worker trainer, mental health worker, nurse practitioner, engineer. AMERICAS Brazil: elementary school teachers, kindergarten teacher. Guadeloupe: electro-mechanical technicians. Honduras: elementary school and junior high school teachers. Paraguay: chiropractic practice for sale. ASIA-Bangladesh: project coordinator and management adviser for United Nations Population Fund project. Macau: primary school teachers. Sakhalin: teachers. Thai-Burmese border: provide emergency clinical care assistance, develop primary health care and clinical training curriculum for Burmese Border program. AUSTRALASIA-Saipan: OB/GYN managers, operating room supervisor, psychiatric care coordinator, infection control coordinator, staff nurses. EUROPE-Croatia: accountant, emergency response coordinator. MULTI-REGIONAL attorneys needed for positions with the U.S. Commerce Department's Commercial Law Development Program to serve as resident advisors in Albania, Lithuania, Poland and Bulgaria. Health management adviser to act as chief of party for a family health service delivery/institutional development project in Central America. For more information on any of the above, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247, Attn: Office of Pioneering.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Rachel O. North (died Chicago, 1933), Mahlon Norvell, Bess Noyes, Frederick W. Oakes, Marion Richmond Oas, Ruth O'Brien (died Peoria, IL, 1956), Sadie Oglesby, Walter Olitzki (died Beverly Hills, CA, 1949), and M. Lindsay Oliver. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking photographs of local Spiritual Assemblies, local communities and local activities in South Carolina and New York, especially early pictures. Anyone having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Please identify the photographs (time, place, people shown, etc.) if possible.

PIONEERING: HOMEFRONT

HELP US save our Assembly! Move to Wilton Manors, Florida, a charming community of 13,000 with the small-town ambience of the '50s. Wilton Manors, within minutes of Fort Lauderdale, has great schools, good employment opportunities, and sunshine! We would love to welcome you to our Bahá’í community with plenty of activities to support your spiritual growth. For more information, phone Heidi Melius, 305-565-9143.

THE Bahá’í Group of Apache Junction, Arizona, invites homefront pioneers to come and grow with us. We hope to raise an Assembly by Ridván. Apache Junction, population 18,000-plus, is on the edge of the metropolitan Phoenix area. Summers are hot with mild winters and a dry climate. A great setting for active retirees, providing an excellent opportunity for community involvement. Several community colleges and a major university are within driving distance. For information, please write to Kent Bumpas, P.O. Box 4055, Apache Junction, AZ 85278.

KINGSTREE, South Carolina, a quiet, rural town only 30 minutes from the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, needs homefront pioneers to help its Assembly function. A position teaching ninth-grade English will be open for the 1993-94 school year in nearby Greeleyville whose principal also wants to hire a Spanish teacher. The high school is known for having the best-behaved students in the county; the administration supports its teachers, and there are few disciplinary problems. Rentals in Kingstree go fast, and July is the best month for rentals. Houses are also available at reasonable prices. For an employment application, phone the high school at 803-354-5571. For information about the Kingstree area, phone Heather Lally, 803-354-5339 between 6-9 p.m. Eastern time.

CHARMING, colonial Annapolis, Maryland's capital city and boating capital of the world on the shores of Chesapeake Bay, needs at least three adult Bahá’ís to help preserve the local Assembly in this Ten Year Crusade goal community. Annapolis is 30 minutes from Baltimore and Washington, in one of the largest employment areas in the eastern U.S. Temporary housing and/or job search help is available for relocating singles or couples. For more information, phone Dale Maxwell, 410-280-5103, Linda Platt, 410-280-3408, or write to P.O. Box 4486, Annapolis, MD 21401.

HELP! The Spiritual Assembly of Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, is in jeopardy. Located 45 minutes from Center City, Radnor is surrounded by colleges and parks, has one of the best public school systems in the country, and a diverse and active Bahá’í community. Come join us! For more information, phone 215-688-2385.

AM WILLING to relocate to become a homefront pioneer. African-American, interracially married with two young daughters. Have taken part extensively in race unity activities. Have a master's degree in industrial engineering and eight years' experience as an ergonomist. Contact Brently Donaldson, Winfield, KS 67156, or phone 316-221-4587 (evenings).

THE Bahá’ís of Bloomington Township, Indiana, need a family to move to the community. [Page 9]

World News

Forty-four Bahá’í youth traveled through Siberia last June-August as part of the Marion Jack IV teaching campaign to spread the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. Twenty-two of them were from the United States, and 22 from Russia, Moldova and Ukraine. As a result of their efforts, more than 300 people were enrolled in the Faith. The four groups traveled to 24 cities, 12 of which had been opened to the Faith during previous Marion Jack campaigns. Each group carried a silk-screened display that included, in Russian, a brief history of the Faith, an explanation of progressive revelation, examples of writings and prayers of Bahá’u’lláh, a photograph of the House of Worship in India, and another photograph of Bahá’ís of many races. Music was used to attract people to the display. An estimated 107 informal presentations were made, 2,500 flyers were posted, and 60,000 pieces of Bahá’í literature in Russian were distributed. Also, 40 television and 18 radio interviews were broadcast, and 28 newspaper articles about the Faith were published.

In Benguela, Angola, a teaching campaign last year coordinated by Ndeley Agbaw resulted in the enrollment of 688 new believers, the formation of 20 new local Spiritual Assemblies, and the opening of eight new localities. Meanwhile, in Caxito, a campaign organized by Adae Júlia led to 57 new Bahá’ís, the formation of four new local Assemblies, and the opening of one new locality to the Faith.

In Rajasthan, India, a 10-day teaching campaign last October led by 14 volunteers resulted in 230 enrollments and the formation of six new local Spiritual Assemblies. The Bahá’í teachers visited a dozen towns and villages and held two public meetings in Jhalawar City.

On November 12, the "Mother Temple of Africa" in Kampala, Uganda, was reopened after a full restoration. More than 1,000 visitors attended the ceremony including the German Ambassador, the wife of the Russian Ambassador, the USAID director, and a number of religious dignitaries. The visitors were invited to the Bahá’í Center to see an exhibit of books. Copies of the Statement on Bahá’u’lláh were given to the special guests, and light refreshments were served. On November 12, the New Vision newspaper printed an article about the Faith, and on November 13 printed a photograph of the Temple and a caption about its reopening. Radio Uganda and Uganda Television broadcast stories about the event on their news programs, and Uganda Television produced a follow-up story about the Faith on a program entitled "Uganda Today."

Prince Alfred of Liechtenstein recently presented 15 lectures in 10 cities in Japan to commemorate the centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh. The Prince, who is not a Bahá’í, was asked about his own religious background. He replied that he was born into a Catholic family, but had little interest in religion until he studied the Bahá’í Faith. A total of about 3,000 people attended the Prince's series of public talks entitled "The Science of Our Global Future and the Vision of Bahá’u’lláh." Prince Alfred also attended a number of receptions in his honor to which Bahá’ís were invited, and paid courtesy calls on dignitaries accompanied by local Bahá’ís.

BAHÁ’U’LLÁH: DIE ERDE IST NUREINLAND

Bahá’ís in Berlin, Germany, took part with more than 100,000 of their fellow countrymen in a recent demonstration against racism and hostility to foreigners. The friends are pictured as they marched in front of the Brandenburg Gate carrying banners reading "Bahá’u’lláh: The Earth Is but One Country" and "Bahá’í Community Berlin." As the Bahá’ís have become more visible in their opposition to racism, the quotation "The Earth Is but One Country" is becoming more widely known among the public, and some local councils and other groups have begun to use it to headline their own statements and declarations.

"Youth for Peace and Social Transformation," the third Bahá’í Regional Youth Encounter, was held last September 27 in Puno, Peru. The program, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly, was broadcast on three radio stations.

In response to the Head of State's call for a period of prayer and fasting January 9-15, the Bahá’ís of Sierra Leone prepared a 20-minute program consisting of prayers interspersed with meditations on themes mentioned in the proclamation. The program, which twice mentioned the name of Bahá’u’lláh and included a quotation from the Writings on the security and protection of nations, was broadcast twice in prime time on National Radio.

In Honduras, the Bahá’í National Public Relations Committee cooperated with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Program (UNDEP), and the Ministry of Culture to organize a national essay contest on "Women for the Year 2000."

European Bahá’í Business Forum holds annual Conference in Paris, sets plans

The annual Conference of the European Bahá’í Business Forum (EBBF) was held last September 25-26 near Paris, France. EBBF now has members in 18 countries of Europe and on five continents. Other recent activities:

• Publishing a statement, "Emerging Values for a Global Economy."
• Publishing several articles including "Toward a New Paradigm of Management" by George Starcher and "Group Decision Making and Bahá’í Consultation" by Ezzat Zahrai.
• Writing a series of seven articles on "Entrepreneurship" for publication as supplements to the Albanian Economic Tribune.
• Organizing a symposium to be held March 29-30 in Tirana, Albania, whose theme will be "Managing the Transition to a Free Market Economy."
• Registering EBBF as a non-profit association in Paris, giving it legal status and placing it under the jurisdiction of a Bahá’í institution, the National Spiritual Assembly of France.
• Publishing regular newsletters.

Future plans include a seminar in Ljubjana, Yugoslavia, publishing papers presented at the 1992 annual Conference, and organizing the 1993 Conference to be held in September 1993 at Landegg Academy in Switzerland.

Seventy people attended the awards ceremony in Tegucigalpa at which the top prize was awarded to Gladys Pineda, a member of the Bahá’í community of Tegucigalpa whose essay focused on the Bahá’í vision of women in the year 2000 and whose paper was read to the audience. A Bahá’í youth, Yolanda Estrada, won honorable mention.

Representatives of the President of Cape Verde, the president of the Municipal Council of Praia, UNICEF workers and other leaders of thought were among the 77 people who attended a public conference last November 12 commemorating the centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh. Several months before the event, Bahá’ís had presented copies of "The Promise of World Peace" and the Statement on Bahá’u’lláh with invitations to the conference to the President, the Prime Minister, other ministers and ambassadors, distributed press kits to the media, and placed paid announcements on national radio for six days.

The first Bahá’í Autumn School of Central Asia was held last October in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. A representative of the Ministry of Justice attended, giving a talk during which he praised the noble aims of the Faith. A representative of the Commission for International Relations also spoke, praising Bahá’í efforts to establish peace on earth. School sessions included study of the Covenant, Bahá’í laws, and the Administrative Order.

In the brief time since the Faith was established in Mongolia, local Assemblies have been formed in the capital city, Ulaan Bataar, and in Darkhen and Erdenet, with a fourth community, Ulzeet Horoo, close to Assembly status with eight adults and nine children. In Ulan Bataar, four people were enrolled late last year when a new believer brought her husband, sister and brother-in-law into the Faith.

On November 12, the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the new National Center was opened in Madrid, Spain, with about 150 people attending the ceremony, among them Ricardo Díez-Hochleitner, president of the Club of Rome, and Enrique Miret Magdalena, the principal theologian of Spain. Taking part in the program were Mariano Perrón, representing the Catholic Church; José Cardona, secretary of the Federation of Evangelical Churches of Spain; and Samuel Toledano, president of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain.

About 275 non-Bahá’ís were among the visitors to an exhibit of works by a group of Bahá’í artists in Gimar, Canary Islands. During the 15-day show, more than 200 copies of the peace message and Statement on Bahá’u’lláh were given to the public.

National Assembly seeks information from professionals

The National Spiritual Assembly is seeking information about Bahá’ís with professional experience in any of the following areas:

Education: curriculum developers, school administrators, credentialed teachers, educational staff trainers/developers.

Health care: health care professionals with a concentration in geriatrics.

Human resources: recruiting, benefits administration, training and organization development.

Planned giving: financial planning; wills, charitable remainder trusts; pooled income funds, etc.

Social and economic development: fund-raising, grant proposal and writing, project selection and administration.

Race unity consultants.

If you are qualified in any of these fields, please send your résumé to the Bahá’í National Center, Department of Human Resources, Wilmette, IL 60091.

BAHÁ B.E. 150/MARCH 21, 1993 [Page 10]

Louis Gregory Museum to proclaim Cause in Charleston, S.C.

Four years have passed since Bahá’ís from around the world joined together in unity to purchase the childhood home in Charleston, South Carolina, of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory.

At the time of the purchase the ramshackle house, decayed from many years of neglect, only held promise for the Bahá’ís. Work on the home has progressed slowly but noticeably as it stands silent and strong in the historic district of Charleston. The house, at No. 2 Desportes Court, has proven to be an effective teacher, even in its unfinished state. When the Spiritual Assembly of Charleston presented plans for its renovation to the city's Board of Architectural Review, the board designated it a museum, giving it the singular honor of being the first Bahá’í museum in the U.S.

And when two regulatory agencies were debating whether to allow certain improvements to the building, the South Carolina Department of Archives and History determined that even with the renovations, "[the] property retains the qualities of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association necessary to convey its historic significance."

Charleston takes great pride in its history, and millions of tourists visit the city every year. Once the project is completed the museum will have an exhibition room that will include presentations on the tenets and history of the Faith; a special display devoted to racial amity, a topic dear to Mr. Gregory’s heart; and information about his life and times and such contemporaries of his as Dr. W.E.B. DuBois, Dr. Alain Locke, and Booker T. Washington.

Help is still needed to complete the project. The museum is not a Bahá’í Center, but a means of proclaiming the Faith, educating visitors, and honoring an outstanding Bahá’í and world citizen.

Contributions for the continued renovation of the Gregory Bahá’í Museum have come from all over the world. Spiritual Assemblies have included donations as part of their monthly expenses; youth have gladly contributed money earned from baby-sitting; children's classes have raised funds; friends have offered their time, skills and expertise.

Before her passing, Counselor Magdalene Carney wrote:

"May the friends rally around this property acquisition and care for it in a way to attract the masses in Charleston. No doubt, Mr. Gregory will assist from the Supreme Concourse."

If you would like to help, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Charleston Inc., P.O. Box 21887, Charleston, SC 29413 (phone 803-795-6559).—Jacquelyn Jones

The boyhood home of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory in Charleston, S.C.

Sixth 'I Have a Dream' Youth Assembly to be held in August in D.C.

The sixth annual "I Have a Dream" Youth Assembly will be held August 26-29 in Washington, D.C.

The event is sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission and co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture 4-H Extension Service. The National Spiritual Assembly is also a co-sponsor.

Bahá’ís who are interested in being workshop leaders, organizers or participants are asked to contact Cornelia Rutledge, c/o MLK Youth Assembly, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 1320 19th St. N.W., Suite 701, Washington, DC 20036.

The National Assembly hopes that a large number of young Bahá’ís will take part. In particular, Bahá’ís who are Native Americans are encouraged to join some 2,000 other youth from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds from around the country.

The cost for the event and accommodations is usually $75-$100. Youth who need financial help should contact their local Spiritual Assembly for scholarship support.

HEALTH FOR HUMANITY

Non-profit charitable group plans first national conference in May

Health for Humanity, now firmly established as a not-for-profit charitable corporation under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly, is planning its first national conference May 23 at the Bahá’í National Center in Evanston, Illinois.

The idea for Health for Humanity sprang from the experiences of a group of medical professionals and a network of their friends—who regularly donated their time to volunteer health-care activities in economically depressed or underserved areas around the world.

Almost universally, their efforts generated strong enthusiasm and support from their colleagues in the medical community. Even more impressive was the degree to which the volunteers themselves felt they learned and were positively changed by the experience.

Today, the Health for Humanity team consists of both medical and non-medical participants among whom are primary care physicians, specialists and sub-specialists, nurses and other health professionals. International consultants, educators, health-care administrators and representatives of businesses are involved in the production and distribution of health-care supplies and equipment.

Volunteer service with Health for Humanity can be for as long as a year or as short as a few days. It can be as complex as practicing neurosurgery in a third-world area or as straightforward as helping to secure medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and arranging for their supplies and transportation to areas of need.

What makes Health for Humanity different from other programs is its dedication to group consultation, coupled with a deep appreciation for the unique contribution that each culture and each individual can make to the whole.

Its role is not to impose its preconceived ideas of health care on local communities; rather, it is to facilitate problem-solving, organize resources and expertise, advise on the introduction of technology appropriate to the culture and economics of a region, and, ultimately, to help in the emergence of local capabilities.

The focus of Health for Humanity is long-term, on building enduring relationships rather than on short-term interventions. In its brief history, Health for Humanity has touched lives in Guyana, Honduras and Albania.

In Guyana, a Health for Humanity project on eye care provided medical equipment and supplies; seminars, training, textbooks and educational materials for nurses; training in microsurgery for government-employed ophthalmologists, and state-of-the-art intraocular surgery for patients.

Also in Guyana, Health for Humanity pediatric specialists have shared expertise in neonatal advanced life support and pediatric cardiology, lectured, made hospital rounds, and visited outpatient clinics.

In northern Honduras, before the construction of a tiny, seven-bed Hospital Bayan, there was no medical care for hundreds of miles. Patients died for lack of simple remedies; they lost limbs before infections could be adequately treated.

Today, patients make their way to the hospital on foot or by motorized dugout canoes called cayugas. The two founding physicians treat a variety of illnesses, provide preventive education, and collect modest charges from patients. The Honduran project is fast becoming a significant focus for provision of volunteers and supplies.

In Albania, Health for Humanity professionals have consulted with local counterparts about health needs. By networking with friends and other aid agencies, more than $50,000 in medications, equipment and supplies have been delivered.

Also, modern intraocular lens implant surgery has been introduced in Albania and is being practiced successfully by local ophthalmologists. Plans are under way to help establish a comprehensive eye care and blindness prevention program.

Areas under development for further involvement in Albania include the treatment of infectious disease, prevention of malnutrition, and a modern health management program.

But the work has only begun. If you are interested in lending your skills to the program, learn more about membership by writing to Health for Humanity, 467 Jackson St., Glencoe, IL 60022. Phone or Fax 708-835-5088.

Bahá’í Summer School staff

Fill your summer with devotion, study and recreation while serving at one of the Bahá’í Schools or Institutes.

Write, fax or call for more volunteer or employment information.

Bosch Bahá’í School 500 Comstock Lane Santa Cruz, CA 95060 408/423-3387 Fax: 408/423-3387

Louhelen Bahá’í School 3208 South State Road Davison, MI 48423 313/653-5033 Fax: 313/653-7181

Green Acre Bahá’í School 188 Main Street Eliot, ME 03903 207/439-7200 Fax: 207/439-7202

Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute Route 2, Box 71 Hemingway, SC 29554 803/558-5093 Fax: 803/558-2921

Native American Bahá’í Institute Box 3167 Houck, AZ 86506 602/367-5126 Fax: 602/755-3432

Musical program in Reno designed to help residents 'rise above AIDS' with love

On December 12, more than 100 guests joined Bahá’ís at a musical/devotional presentation, "Rising Above AIDS: An Offering of Love," sponsored and planned by the Spiritual Assembly of Reno with support from Bahá’í communities throughout northern Nevada.

Included on the program was a wide range of music performed by Bahá’í singers and musicians, healing prayers, and selections from The Hidden Words, with each recitation and musical selection dedicated to people afflicted with AIDS.

Guests at the event donated patches to make an AIDS quilt to be hung at the Reno Town Center as a token of love from the Bahá’í communities of northern Nevada. [Page 11]

TRAIL OF LIGHT

Nine-member team teaches Cause in 16 states

Nine Bahá’ís from three Central American Indian tribes the Guaymi, the Bri-Bri, and the Mayan-made up a "Trail of Light" team that traveled through 16 states, visiting Indians in 10 of them, before and after the World Congress in New York City.

They were joined for part of the trip by Auxiliary Board member Kevin Locke, and by Counselor Jacqueline Delahunt for the balance. In addition, two translators, Trace Dreyer and Helen Mirkovich, and two drivers, Cornell Menking and Ted Lew, traveled with the group.

The purpose was to proclaim and teach the Faith. In the past, "Trail of Light" teams have emphasized cultural exchange, especially dance and music. This team, however, was to talk directly about Bahá’u’lláh, emblazoning His Name while going to and returning from the Congress.

At least 19 tribal leaders or Reservations were visited. The group also visited Indians in nine major cities where presentations of the Bahá’í message were made in person and via radio, television and newspaper interviews.

The most significant achievement was a high quality of interaction between team members and Indian tribal government and community leaders, educators and spiritual leaders.

In all of these meetings, the utmost courtesy and hospitality was shown to the group, and the message was received with genuine warmth and appreciation. The statement on Bahá’u’lláh, sometimes with other Bahá’í literature, was presented in every instance.

On several occasions, the leaders mentioned that prophecies or dreams were being fulfilled by the visit, or that the meeting places had been dedicated to the unity of the Indian people.

Prayers for the success of the group's mission were often offered, and special gifts were usually presented to members of the team. At least two tribal leaders contacted the media about the visit.

Invitations to investigate the truth of the message were usually included, especially as a way to end a conversation or presentation when it became apparent that the hearer might be interested but was not going to commit himself at that moment.

A welcome outcome of the effort was its deepening effect on a number of Bahá’í communities and individuals including a number of American Indian Bahá’ís. The warmth of expression of team members and information about the effect of obedience to Bahá’u’lláh's teachings on the communities from which these teachers came sometimes had a visible impact on the Bahá’ís.

As for team members, they gained teaching experience and a deeper understanding of Bahá’u’lláh's teachings, according to evalutations given at the end of the trip.

Also, they had an opportunity to take part in the World Congress and to visit the "Mother Temple of the West" in Wilmette.

The "Trail of Light" achieved its goal of blazoning the Name of Bahá’u’lláh and teaching in Indian areas of the U.S. with a brilliance worthy of the name of the group. I am grateful that my personal situation permitted me to serve as the Counselor member of this team. It is important not to let these achievements lose their impact.-Jacqueline Delahunt

Maxwell Dance Workshop sparkles in first U.S. appearance

Seattle-area crowds applaud hard-working young group

BY ANNA POWERS

It is early Sunday morning. The sky is dark as the bus with 28 students from the Maxwell Dance Workshop turns onto the highway for the return trip to the Maxwell International Bahá’í School in Vancouver, British Columbia.

As the bus disappears, tears roll down my cheeks. I am moved and touched by the dedication and spirit I have seen during the past two days.

They had arrived here in Mercer Island, Washington, at 10:30 Thursday evening after a six-hour bus trip from the school. I knew they were tired, and expected we would be taking them directly to their host families for a good night's rest. To my surprise, they formed a circle on the floor and began a prayer session.

I thought, "Well, this is a nice way to end a long journey." It was evident then that there was a spirit of unity and sense of purpose for the work that lay ahead.

By now it was past 11 p.m. and I was ready to take my group of students home. Instead, Laura Lee, the artistic director, said, "Okay, time to run through our numbers and rehearse for tomorrow's performance."

I was astonished. I thought to myself, "How can she ask these young people, after so long a trip and so late at night, to start dancing!"

Then I was amazed as they lined up in formation and joyfully rehearsed-going through the steps they were to take the next day for three performances.

Although the students had been working hard for several weeks and had had extra rehearsals for this, their first appearance in the U.S., they still wanted to make sure their performances would be the best they could be.

As I marvel at their dedication and willingness to please Ms. Lee, I look at the clock. Midnight...and still more work to do. I look at the clock again. One a.m., and the rehearsal is over. I've still heard no complaints.

Members of the Dance Workshop from the Maxwell International Bahá’í School in Vancouver, British Columbia, are pictured in January during one of their first U.S. performances at Mercer Island, near Seattle, Washington.

At 6:45 that morning the students boarded the bus for their first performance, at Meeker Junior High School, at an assembly organized by the school's Multi-Cultural Club to honor the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As the members of the Maxwell Workshop began their first dance, "The Hustle," the 1,100 faces in the audience beamed with approval as they focused on every move of this dynamic group of fast-moving, radiant youth.

As the racism dance ended, I looked at the audience, many of whom had been moved to tears, as was I. How powerfully the message of love conquering hatred among races was portrayed through music and dance. Not a word had to be spoken. The message was clear, and hearts were touched.

All the Workshop's dances convey a message dealing with such issues as world harmony, equality of the sexes, drug and alcohol abuse, and racism.

But it is more than dance that reaches the audience, it is the spirit of the youth themselves. One can feel the love and unity within the group-faces from diverse cultures and races from all over the world. What a dynamic example of the love we hope to instill and inspire in others.

After the performance, the young people from the Maxwell School joined the Meeker students for lunch, then paired off and visited various classrooms to lead discussions on racism and the need for world unity.

On Saturday, local youth were invited to attend an all-day session with the Maxwell youth not only to discuss these and other issues and exchange ideas, but also to learn some dance steps.

That evening, the Maxwell Dance Workshop performed at the Mercer Island Community Center for the city's Drug Prevention Project.

The gymnasium was full; families came from throughout the area bringing children, youth and college-age students to see the performance. The director of the Department of Youth and Family Services was enthusiastic and supportive, realizing that the young dancers from Canada were making a significant contribution to the local youth.

"These issues are all so interlinked," he said to me. "I must learn more about this Bahá’í Faith."

I smiled and thought to myself, "Yes, it is truly amazing how the light illuminates the earth."

Yes, youth can move the world! I had seen for myself how youth from the Maxwell School had moved an area of Seattle, Washington. And this was their first trip here, their first-ever performance in U.S. schools.

Recording artist Dan Seals presents fireside in L.A.

Dan Seals, a Bahá’í who is a nationally acclaimed recording artist, presented a musical fireside January 11 at the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles, California.

A part of the program consisted of Mr. Seals' singing his new hit song, "We Are One," which compares the religious wars in Ireland and elsewhere with the racially motivated hate crimes that have taken place in the South-all through the eyes of children. The chorus then proclaims that "we are flowers of one garden and waves of one sea."

More than 100 attend Colorado East Bahá’í winter school

More than 100 people including several seekers attended the Colorado East Bahá’í winter school January 15-17 at the Barclay Lodge in Estes Park.

Auxiliary Board member Carl Ewing spoke on the Station of Bahá’u’lláh and its relevance in our daily lives, and facilitated a discussion on teaching stories.

An "all-age" class was held in which parents and children learned together. Dennis Green directed a presentation of the play "The drama of the Kingdom," written by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. [Page 12]

Bahá’í Chair has lofty goal: establishing lasting world peace

the university’s Center for International Development and the Bahá’í community. Dr. Kaufman presented the opening remarks, calling the inauguration of the Bahá’í Chair "the beginning of a relationship that will be consolidated over the years.

"From its inception," he added, "a shared vision between the Bahá’ís and the university has made this association only natural."

Commenting on the urgency of the mission to establish world peace, Dr. Kaufman recalled ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prophecy that the Lesser Peace would emerge by the end of this century.

"Friends," he said, "we have only a few years to go. If this is true, we have a lot of work to do."

The next speaker was Judge Nelson, whose efforts on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly played an important part in establishing the Chair.

She began by referring to the opening passage of "The Promise of World Peace," in which the Universal House of Justice points out that world peace "is now at long last within the reach of nations," that it is "not only possible but inevitable," and is "the next stage in the evolution of this planet in the words of one great thinker, 'the planetization of mankind.'"

Judge Nelson enumerated some of the principles of the Faith which, when adopted by humankind as a whole, will bring about and secure a lasting peace. She added that these principles, such as consultation, a universal auxiliary language, universal compulsory education, freedom from prejudice, the equality of women and men, and a world government, will all be studied at the Center for International Development by Dr. Bushrui and his students.

Dr. Goldstein then read messages of congratulation from the National Spiritual Assembly of France, the board of directors of the Temple of Understanding, and others, and introduced Dr. Kirwan who called the inauguration of the Bahá’í Chair "a singularly important event in the life of the university."

Dr. Kirwan also recalled his first exposure to the Faith while visiting Haifa some 25 years ago. He and his wife, he said, often visited the gardens surrounding the Shrine of the Báb, and were struck by the atmosphere of serenity and peace.

Eventually, he said, after hearing the teachings of the Faith, they were able to understand the reason for the feelings they had experienced.

"We are here today," he concluded, "to translate those feelings into practical action. Bahá’u’lláh said, 'These fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the Most Great Peace shall come.' We can act together to bring that peace more quickly."

Dr. Bushrui was then officially installed by a proclamation of the university as the first holder of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace.

A life-long Bahá’í and scholar of international repute, Dr. Bushrui, a native of Lebanon, told the audience that he was born into a violent world, had been a refugee on no less than three occasions, and had lost his home and property—yet he had not lost his faith in peace.

As a teacher, he said, he now hoped to help bring about peace by adding an exploration of the heart to the normal academic emphasis on the mind.

Dr. Bushrui ended his remarks with an observation that summed up the spirit and purpose of the Bahá’í Chair: "I am a human being—therefore, I am a Jew, I am a Buddhist, I am a Hindu, I am a Christian and a Muslim and a Bahá’í and many other things besides. If I do not feel this way, then I am not a human being."

The closing remarks were offered by Dr. Goldstein, who expressed his confidence that "together we will make a significant contribution to the goal of world peace."

The mission of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace is to promote alternatives to the violent resolution of conflict through conflict management, global education, international development, spiritual awareness, and world trade. Its strategies will include sharing the experience of the Bahá’í world community in building a global society, and offering it as a model for study. The specific goals with which the Chair is concerned are:

• to conduct and publish research, design courses, and organize seminars in the field of Bahá’í studies and world peace within an interdisciplinary context;
• to initiate public forums for discussing the issues proposed in the statement of the Universal House of Justice, "The Promise of World Peace"; and
• to establish academic linkages with and provide technical help to Bahá’í institutions in the field of peace education and international development.

Among the initiatives already set in motion under the auspices of the Bahá’í Chair are a three-year certificate program in World Order Studies; the publication of several books on peace including A Golden Treasury of Peace, which includes excerpts on the vision of peace as expressed by major poets of the English language; the sponsorship of international conferences such as "Once Empires Fade: Religion, Ethnicity and the Possibilities for Peace," and co-sponsorship (with the Temple of Understanding) of another conference, "The Fourth International Dialogue on the Transition to a Global Society: The Spiritual and Interreligious Dimension."

The Bahá’í Chair for World Peace is an important and natural addition to a university already renowned for its leadership in international studies. In fact, the very existence of the Chair is due primarily to the heroic and devoted efforts of the late Dr. Edward Azar, founder and head of the university's Center for International Development and Conflict Management. Although not a Bahá’í, Dr. Azar was so inspired by reading "The Promise of World Peace" that he approached the Universal House of Justice with the idea of establishing an endowed Chair to study Bahá’í principles he considered vital to the goal of peace. Together with the university and the Bahá’í community, Dr. Azar labored for the rest of his life to realize the establishment of the Chair, which the House of Justice designated in December 1992 as "the most concrete direct response to 'The Promise of World Peace.'"

The Bahá’í Chair now takes its place at the Center for International Development alongside a number of significant programs dedicated to furthering the cause of world peace and international cooperation. For information about the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace, write to the Center for International Development and Conflict Management, Mill Building, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, or phone 301-314-7703 (fax 301-314-9256).

The ceremony was followed by a formal dinner and program on the theme "Poetry and Images of Peace." Included were musical performances by a variety of talented artists, and a moving selection of prose and poetry on the topic of peace by some of history’s greatest writers, as read by Dr. Bushrui and his daughter, Nadia Bushrui Malarkey.

The international significance of the establishment of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace was underscored by the presence at the ceremony of representatives of the National Spiritual Assemblies of France, India, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, as well as by the attendance of representatives from the Bahá’í International Community, Universidad Nur, and Landegg Academy.

Among the many gifts received in honor of the occasion were books and materials for the Bahá’í Chair library from the National Spiritual Assembly of Lebanon, similar donations from National Assemblies represented at the ceremony, and, most important, a generous gift of Bahá’í scriptures in Arabic and Persian from the Universal House of Justice.

It is both appropriate and portentous that such a milestone in Bahá’í history should have taken place in the Holy Year, during which the Faith has attained a measure of recognition and respect beyond any it has ever enjoyed.

There can be no doubt that the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace will in future years play an increasingly significant part in accelerating the influence and prestige of the Cause of God in circles of thought the world over.

Regional Teaching Operations Coordinators sought

As part of the reorganization of the national administration, the National Spiritual Assembly is recruiting for four Regional Teaching Operations Coordinators for new Regional Teaching Offices.

The Regional Teaching Operations Coordinators (RTOCs) are full-time employees who report to Regional Teaching Committees and who assist in the implementation of directives/plans of the Regional Teaching Committee, manage the regional offices, and provide administrative/operations support to the regional teaching work. Skills and qualifications include: (1) In-depth knowledge of the Bahá’í writings and Administrative Order; (2) experience in serving on administrative bodies of the Faith; (3) background and proven accomplishments in teaching as it pertains to the Faith; (4) knowledge of Bahá’í communities and activities in the region; (5) proficiency in consultation, ability to inspire and empower others, experience in problem-solving, strategic analysis, and developing short- and long-term plans; (6) ability to implement and manage change; (7) experience in managing 3-7 direct reports; (8) proven success in interacting with a wide range of people; and (9) availability to travel extensively.

The skills and qualifications listed in 1-5 above also pertain to Regional Teaching Committee membership.

To apply for the Regional Teaching Operations Coordinators positions or to express interest in serving on your Regional Teaching Committee, please send your résumé to the Office of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone Human Resources at 708-869-9039.

Bahá’ís of LARGO

RACISM JUST UNDO IT

In January, the Bahá’ís of Largo, Florida, carried this banner in Clearwater's Martin Luther King Jr. parade. The Largo community observed King Week with a candle-light service at a local park. Twenty-six people attended including 13 who were not Bahá’ís. [Page 13]

Q & A

Answers to questions about Assembly formation at Ridván

The following are the answers to the questions most commonly asked about Assembly elections at Ridván. If, having reviewed these remarks, your Assembly or Bahá’í Group still has questions or would like further clarification, please contact the Bahá’í National Center.

FORMATION

Must a previously established Spiritual Assembly re-form between sunset April 20 and sunset April 21 to be recognized by the National Spiritual Assembly?

An existing Spiritual Assembly or a community that has had an Assembly before can only re-form on the first day of Ridván (unless it qualifies for the extended period which includes the 12 days of Ridván). Assemblies that have been lapsed for lengthy durations (10 or more years) may form as a new Assembly at any time during the year if permission is granted by the National Spiritual Assembly.

When can a Bahá’í community have the extended period in which to elect its Spiritual Assembly?

In the U.S., the extended period applies to communities in which there has been rapid acceptance of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh by a number of people (sometimes called "mass enrollment") who are as yet unfamiliar with the concepts of Bahá’í administration, and their location makes it difficult for those who are helping with the formation to reach these communities on the First Day of Ridván. The extension also applies to the rare cases in which special assistance is needed because most of the believers in the community are illiterate. In such cases, the annual meeting and election may take place at any time during the 12 days of Ridván, from sunset on April 20 to sunset on May 2, 1993.

A community has a local Spiritual Assembly, but the individuals on the community list do not take part in Bahá’í activities. Should the Assembly continue to be formed under these circumstances?

Yes. The Universal House of Justice, in a letter dated April 19, 1979, has advised: "While it is true that some Assemblies have unsteady foundations at first, the friends obviously do not form Assemblies to lose them. At the time of their establishment they may appear to be 'artificially created' but are in fact a stepping stone in the progressive development of the teaching work, a fact recognized by Shoghi Effendi." If believers have not been taking part in community activities for many years, efforts should be made during the year to contact them and ascertain their feelings about their Bahá’í membership.

What happens if 15 days advance notification is not given before an election?

Less than 15 days advance notice will not necessarily invalidate an election. The principle is that all members of the community must be notified of the election. The Assembly should form and write a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly explaining the reasons why 15 days notice could not be given. The election should be considered valid unless the Assembly is notified by the National Spiritual Assembly that it cannot be recognized.

ELIGIBILITY

Some believers, such as university students, live part of the year in one community and the rest of the year in another. In which community are they eligible to vote for and serve on the Assembly?

Believers cannot be considered members of more than one community at the same time. The locality in which adult believers reside for the longest period of time (e.g., seven out of the 12 months) should be considered the community in which they are eligible to serve on the Assembly. If the length of time they spend at each residence is approximately the same, they may choose the community in which they desire to hold membership.

Can believers who live just outside of the city limits but have a business and receive mail at a post office box in the city be considered eligible to serve on the city's Assembly?

Only those who actually reside within the boundaries of an established locality have the privilege either to vote for or to be elected as a member of the Assembly.

If some Bahá’ís are planning to move into a community to help save a jeopardized Assembly but cannot physically be living in the community until after the first day of Ridván, can they be counted as community members?

According to the current policy of the National Spiritual Assembly, if they have made a firm commitment, such as obtaining a lease or putting a down payment on a house, then they can be counted if they are able to physically reside in the community within 90 days of the First Day of Ridván.

Are Bahá’ís who have recently been enrolled (i.e., who have recently had their declaration card countersigned) but have not yet received Bahá’í identification cards from the National Spiritual Assembly eligible for election to a Spiritual Assembly?

Unless they are from the Middle East, newly enrolled Bahá’ís may be included on the voting list. Persian declarants (any person from a Persian background regardless of their immigration status or length of stay in the U.S.) and Middle Easterners may take part in administrative functions only after their enrollments and transfers are confirmed by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Is a Bahá’í with credentials from another country (not a visitor) who has not yet received U.S. Bahá’í credentials eligible for election to an Assembly?

Yes, pending the transfer of their membership into the U.S. Bahá’í community from the community of the country in which they were last residing, Bahá’ís with credentials from other countries may be considered eligible for election to an Assembly. They must submit their credentials (return receipt requested) to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, attn: Management Information Systems, and ask that their membership be transferred to the U.S. Bahá’í community. If, after 60 days following the election, the Bahá’ís still have not received their United States Bahá’í credentials, the National Spiritual Assembly should be notified.

Are believers from other countries who do not have credentials considered eligible to vote for and serve on a local Spiritual Assembly?

No, such believers are not eligible to take part in elections until their status has been verified and their transfer has been completed. They must contact their former National Spiritual Assembly and ask that their credentials be sent to our National Spiritual Assembly.

Can members of the community who are mentally ill or senile vote in the election and/or serve on the local Assembly?

If these believers are obviously incapable of serving, they should not be considered eligible to vote for or serve on the Assembly. The local Spiritual Assembly or Bahá’í Group should immediately inform the National Spiritual Assembly of their condition. If the community is uncertain whether a person is capable of serving, the person should be added to the voting list and can be elected to the Assembly. (If elected, that person must be invited to attend the Assembly meetings.) If the Assembly later determines that the person is incapable of serving (or that his/her behavior is disruptive to the functioning of the Assembly), the Assembly should write to the National Spiritual Assembly, recommending that the person be removed from the Assembly and declared ineligible to serve.

If a person has asked to withdraw from the Faith but the Assembly has not received notice from the National Spiritual Assembly that the withdrawal has been accepted, should he or she be counted on the voting list?

If word has not been received before the election that the National Spiritual Assembly has officially accepted the withdrawal, that person must be counted as a member of the community.

Is a person who has withdrawn from the Faith and wishes to be reinstated before an election takes place eligible to serve on the Spiritual Assembly?

Before a person can be reinstated to Bahá’í membership, a recommendation from the local Spiritual Assembly must be sent to the National Spiritual Assembly. Once the person has been approved for reinstatement, the Assembly will be notified. Until then, he or she will not be eligible to serve on the local Spiritual Assembly.

If the boundaries of the civil community change during the year due to local government action, will this affect the boundaries of the Bahá’í community? Will the members no longer in the civil boundary be ineligible to vote in the community at Ridván?

Bahá’í community membership is often affected by civil boundary changes, and because of this, those who are eligible to serve during one year on the Assembly may not be members of the same community the next year. The National Spiritual Assembly should be notified of all civil boundary changes. No change in a membership list due to civil boundary changes should be made until the National Spiritual Assembly approves or acknowledges the change.

Is it permissible to consider ineligible for election to an Assembly those who have moved into a community after the election call has been sent?

There is no minimum amount of time Bahá’ís must reside in a community before they can take part in a Bahá’í election. Even if they move to a community the day of an election they may take part in the election, as long as it is evident that they are making their home in that community.

JOINT DECLARATION

Must everyone sign the joint declaration section of the Formation Report Form at the same time? What if a member is temporarily unavailable?

Those who are unavailable to sign the joint declaration at the same time as the others may sign their name(s) a few days earlier or later.

If a member of the community refuses to sign the joint declaration, can the Assembly still be formed?

If an Assembly is forming for the first time, it is essential that all nine signatures appear on the form. If all nine signatures cannot be obtained, the Assembly cannot be formed. However, if an Assembly has previously been established in the community and a person refuses to sign, or, if for any other reason, one of the signatures cannot be obtained, the form should be sent to the National Spiritual Assembly with an explanation of why the signature is missing. A decision will be made regarding recognition of the Assembly and communicated to the Assembly.

ASSEMBLY ELECTION

What is the minimum number required to attend an election meeting?

No quorum is needed to hold an election for a Spiritual Assembly. As long as all community members are properly notified of the meeting the election is valid, even if no more than one person is present at the meeting to vote.

Is it permissible to go to believers' homes to collect ballots in order to form an Assembly?

In areas where it is likely that a large percentage of the believers will not attend the election meeting, it is recommended that believers are visited and encouraged to participate. If it is found in the process that a believer will not be able to attend, absentee voting should be encouraged.

Can persons who had intended to take part in the annual meeting but unexpectedly find that they cannot attend the election vote by telephone?

Those who unexpectedly cannot attend the election may call a person previously designated by the Assembly to accept the ballots (usually the teller or the Assembly secretary).

What arrangements should be made for community members who do not speak English or cannot write?

One or more persons can be authorized by the Assembly or the Bahá’í Group to fill out the ballot on behalf of those who cannot speak or write in English, according to their wishes.

If no one comes to the election meeting but absentee [Page 14]ballots are obtained, can an Assembly be elected and recognized?

In all cases, an Assembly should be formed and the formation papers submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly describing any unusual or extenuating circumstances. The information will be reviewed and a decision will be made. In the meantime, those elected should begin to carry out the duties and responsibilities of an Assembly.

Is it permissible for people to vote for themselves?

Yes. Shoghi Effendi said, “This is entirely a matter of conscience; if the individual feels for some reason justified in voting for himself, he is free to do so.”

At the election meeting one of the elected members refuses to serve on the Assembly. What should be done?

The newly elected Spiritual Assembly should consult, seeking the guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly if necessary, and call for a by-election if a vacancy is declared. Before the person can be replaced, all members of the community must be notified of the need for a by-election.

What should be done if there is a tie vote for the ninth position on the Assembly?

A second ballot to break the tie must be cast by those present at the election meeting. Each voter should vote for one of the individuals who have tied for the ninth position. No other name should be introduced on the ballot. There is an exception to this rule: If one of the persons involved represents a minority, that person should be given priority without question. (The National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. has decided that in this country a minority is defined by race, not nationality.) In all cases of doubt, or if both persons represent a racial minority, a re-vote should be cast to choose between those who have tied.

After the Spiritual Assembly is elected, it is found that a person elected to the Assembly moved out of the Bahá’í community prior to the election. Should the person who received the next highest number of votes fill the ninth position on the Assembly or should the newly elected Assembly call for a by-election?

If the Assembly finds that an elected member had moved prior to the election, the votes cast for that person must be considered invalid and the person with the next highest number of votes becomes a member of the Assembly. If the ballots have been destroyed and the tellers do not recall who had the next highest number of votes, a by-election should be called.

REPORTING RESULTS

How is election information to be reported to the National Spiritual Assembly?

Shortly before Ridván every year, the National Spiritual Assembly sends election forms and instructions to established local Spiritual Assemblies. Assemblies that have not received the forms by April 10 and Bahá’í Groups that are ready to form their Assembly at Ridván should request Local Spiritual Assembly Formation Report Forms from the Management Information Systems office at the Bahá’í National Center. The forms should be completed carefully according to the instructions and returned to the National Spiritual Assembly immediately after the election or formation by joint declaration. It is especially important that the names of all nine Assembly members are recorded on the form.

NOTE: It is preferable that Assembly officers be elected and so noted on the election or joint declaration form at the time it is returned to the National Spiritual Assembly. However, if it is not possible to elect officers immediately after the Assembly formation, a temporary secretary (someone who can receive mail and telephone calls on behalf of the Assembly) should be appointed and recorded on the form. Permanent officers should be elected and reported as soon as possible on the “Assembly Officer and Address Change” form.

What should be done if a Formation Report Form cannot be obtained in time for the election or joint declaration?

The election results may be reported in a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly. The letter should include the name of the Bahá’í locality, the time and date that the Assembly was formed, and the names and Bahá’í ID numbers of all nine Assembly members. If the Assembly is formed by joint declaration, the letter should include the nine signatures of the members. If the Assembly is formed by election, the number of Bahá’ís in the community, the number of those voting in person, the number of those voting by absentee ballot, and the number of votes each elected member received must also be included. Permanent Assembly officers or a temporary contact person should also be noted.

Please fill in all information requested for officers of your Assembly, including name, Bahá’í identification number, current address and telephone number.

If you are not able to elect officers right away, please appoint a temporary correspondent and list that person’s name, address, Bahá’í identification number and telephone number in the box marked “corresponding secretary.” When you elect officers at a later date, report them on the local Spiritual Assembly Officer and Address Change form.

Remember to send the yellow copy immediately to the Management Information Systems office at the Bahá’í National Center and to keep the blue copy for your files.

In this box, please list all nine names and Bahá’í identification numbers of Assembly members, and the number of votes each member received. Do not fill in this box if you are forming by joint declaration.

The secretary of the Assembly, or the person assigned to help in its formation, should complete this box certifying that he or she has verified the membership of each member of the Assembly.

You can look for identification numbers on your community membership printout or the person’s Bahá’í membership card.

Please be sure to print your name, as well as sign it, and to provide us with your telephone number(s). [Page 15]

RIDVÁN ELECTION FORMS

Here are samples of both sides of the Ridván election form for this year. We have highlighted each section with a brief explanation to help you with questions you may have about the form. In addition, please note the following:

1. Remember to complete both sides of the form and to include all requested information.

2. If you are not able to find an identification number or some other piece of information, please attach an explanation on the form, such as “new believer, doesn’t have I.D. card yet,” and so on.

3. If your Assembly does not receive election materials in time for Ridván, you may ask for extra forms and instructions from your District Teaching Committee, or you may cut these forms out of The American Bahá’í and use them.

4. Please review the forms before sending them in to be certain you have included as much information as possible and an explanation for anything you have had to omit. Remember that we are receiving and recording information from more than 1,500 local Spiritual Assemblies, and sometimes inadvertent mistakes or incomplete or incorrect information on an election form may cause delays in getting your Assembly’s information properly recorded.

5. Any questions about Assembly formations may be addressed to the Bahá’í National Center. A National Center hotline will be available from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (CST) on April 20 and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 21. The telephone number is 708-869-9039. Please call if you feel there is any problem with your Assembly forming.

Please let us know where you want your Assembly mail to be delivered and what the Assembly’s current address is.

Election forms that have been sent to existing Assemblies will have the Assembly’s address label already attached over the upper right-hand box where the locality name, Bahá’í locality code and district are requested.

Your Bahá’í locality code can be found on your membership printout or your mailing label on the Assembly’s copy of The American Bahá’í.

Remember that all Assembly mail will be sent in care of the secretary. If this is not the case with your Assembly, please be sure to provide your locality name, Bahá’í locality code, and district in this box.

If you are forming by election, please complete the top section of side B.

If you are forming by joint declaration, please complete the bottom section of side B.

You can look for identification numbers on your community membership printout or a person’s Bahá’í membership card.

COMPLETE ONLY ONE OF THE SECTIONS BELOW:

ASSEMBLY ELECTION (to be completed if there are 10 or more adult Bahá’ís in your locality) SIDE B

An election meeting was held on ________________, 19___, at _______ a.m. [ ] p.m. [ ] The following should be reported to the community after the ballots are counted: TELLERS REPORT Number Voting in Person ............................................................................ ______________ Number Voting by Absentee Ballot ............................................................. + ______________ Total Number of Ballots Cast ..................................................................... = ______________ Number of Invalid Ballots, If Any ............................................................... - ______________ Total Number of Valid Ballots Cast ............................................................ = ______________ Number of Believers not Voting ............................................. + ............... ______________ Total Number of Adult Believers in Locality .... = ...................................... ______________ Tellers: (There must be more than one) Name (Please print)                                        Phone No. ____________________________________   ___________ Name (Please print)                                        Phone No. ____________________________________   ___________ Name (Please print)                                        Phone No. ____________________________________   ___________ Has the community accepted the tellers’ report? ____________ ____________________________________ Signature of Chief Teller *If the Assembly was not formed on the first day of Ridván, please attach an explanation.

JOINT DECLARATION (to be completed if there are exactly nine adult Bahá’ís in your locality)

A joint declaration was held on ________________, 19___, at _______ a.m. [ ] p.m. [ ] JOINT DECLARATION ID Number Name Signature ________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ Individual ID numbers are on the community membership list or an individual’s membership card

PLEASE REPORT ELECTION OF OFFICERS ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS FORM

[Page 16]وابسته به آن ۴/۷۵ میلیون دلار؛ مخارج مربوط به مشرق‌الاذکار ۱/۲ میلیون دلار؛ تبرع به صندوق بین‌المللی ۲/۵ میلیون دلار. چنانچه دیده می‌شود بیشترین خرج مربوط به حقوق کارمندان است. در مؤسسات تجاری برای مقابله با این مخارج از تعداد کارکنان می‌کاهند. اما تعداد کارکنان در دفتر محفل ملی هم اکنون نیز در حداقل است. هر گونه کاهشی در شمار کارکنان لطمه‌ای جدی به پیشرفت امور خواهد زد.

وضع کنونی

به طور کلی در سال مالی ۱۹۹۳ مخارج افزایش و درآمد کاهش یافته است. کسر بودجه چنانچه ادامه یابد سبب خواهد شد که محفل ملی مبالغ بیشتری از بانک‌ها وام بگیرد و درعین حال از ایفاء مسؤولیت‌های مالی خود باز ماند.

چه باید کرد؟

چنانکه در پیام محفل روحانی ملی آمده است، یکی از راه‌های حل مشکل کنونی این است که محافل روحانی محلی اهداف مالی خود را که از پیش در قبال محفل ملی تقبل کرده‌اند، تأمین نمایند. تعدادی از جوامع محلی به اجرای این اهداف قیام کرده‌اند. همچنین محفل روحانی ملی سمینارهائی ترتیب داده است که در آن مسائل مربوط به برنامه اهداف مالی مورد مذاکره و تشریح قرار می‌گیرد. از همهٔ تشکیلات محلی دعوت شده است که در یکی از این سمینارها شرکت نمایند.

بزرگداشت روز مارتین لوتر کینگ

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY ‎CELEBERATIONS CELEBRATIONS‎

در روز ۱۸ ژانویه سال جاری بیش از ۶۰۰ نفر – که ۶۰ تن از آنان از احباء بودند – در هشتمین جلسهٔ "صبحانه برای اهداء جایزه به همسایه خوب" در شهر سن حوزه شرکت کردند. این جلسهٔ صبحانه هر سال جهت بزرگداشت زادروز مارتین لوتر کینگ، رهبر احقاق حقوق سیاهان، تشکیل می‌شود.

دو تن از نونهالان بهائی که هر دو عضو کلوپ سخنرانی بهائی سن حوزه هستند و یکی ۷ سال و دیگری ۱۲ سال دارد، در آن جلسه سخنرانی کردند. در طی این جلسه به ۲۸ نفر جوائزی برای شرکت در خدمات اجتماعی اهداء شد. در پایان این برنامه یکی از مناجات‌های بهائی توسط یکی از احباء، خانم ننسى پورتيو تلاوت گردید و سپس از شرکت‌کنندگان دعوت شد که در سفری که با قطار از سن حوزه تا سان فرانسیسکو برای شرکت در راهپیمائی صورت می‌گرفت شرکت کنند.

جلسهٔ صبحانه با همت و پشتیبانی مؤسسهٔ مارتین لوتر کینگ شهر سنتا کلارا – وابسته به مرکز مارتین لوتر کینگ برای تحول مسالمت‌آمیز اجتماع – تشکیل شده بود. ۴ نفر از احباء، از جمله اعضاء هیئت مدیره مؤسسهٔ مذکورند.

همچنین در همان روز حدود ۵۰ نفر از احبای جنوب کالیفرنیا در مراسم راهپیمائی که به مناسبت بزرگداشت روز مارتین لوتر کینگ در لوس آنجلس صورت می‌گرفت، شرکت کردند. رگبار شدید باران تعداد تماشاچیان راهپیمائی را از نیم میلیون به ۱۵ هزار نفر کاهش داده بود.

احباء در حالی که هر یک پلاکی به دست داشتند که یکی از آیات مبارکه بر آن نوشته شده بود، به رغم باران شدید با شکیبائی در راهپیمائی شرکت کردند. شبکه خبری ان‌بی‌سی در زمان پخش خبر راهپیمائی قسمتی از فیلم راهپیمائی را که احباء در آن دیده می‌شدند، نشان داد.

بهائیان شهر دالاس در تگزاس نیز در مراسم مشابهی که در روز ۱۶ و ۱۸ ژانویه صورت می‌گرفت شرکت جستند. مراسم هر یک از این دو روز از مرکز شهر دالاس آغاز می‌شد و در بلوار مارتین لوتر کینگ پایان می‌پذیرفت.

بهائیان یکی از ۱۸۰ گروهی بودند که در مراسم مذکور شرکت می‌کردند و نامشان در روزنامه بامدادی ذکر گردید. یکی از پرچم‌هائی که احباء در زمان راهپیمائی حمل می‌کردند، در برنامه اخبار ظهر تلویزیون نشان داده شد و با یکی از احباء درباره اهمیت مارتین لوتر کینگ مصاحبه کوتاهی به عمل آمد.

همچنین در روزنامه دانشگاه مسیحی تگزاس Texas Christian University يك عکس رنگی از پرچمی که یاران به دست داشتند، چاپ شد و در زیر عکس از امر مبارک سخنی به میان آمده بود.

در همان آخر هفته در کارلتون که یکی از شهرهای حومهٔ دالاس است، پنجمین کنفرانس سالانهٔ روز مارتین لوتر کینگ برگزار شد. یکی از احباء، خانم کری سمیت سخنرانی پرهیجانی در این کنفرانس ایراد کرد که خبر آن به همراه عکس رنگی بزرگی در روزنامه بامدادی دالاس درج گردید. عکسی از حضرت عبدالبهاء در زمینهٔ پشت این عکس دیده می‌شد و عنوان مقاله "بر اثر اقدام او" بود.

شورای جوانان بهائی اروپا

EUROPEAN BAHÁ’Í YOUTH COUNCIL

شورای جوانان بهائی اروپا پیش از شروع سال مقدس برنامهٔ تبلیغی گسترده‌ای را آغاز کرده بود که شامل سفرهای تبلیغی به ۴۵ کشور بود.

دو تن از جوانانی که در این برنامهٔ تبلیغی شرکت کرده‌اند، نامه‌ای از کشور جنگ‌زده یوگسلاوی فرستاده‌اند که بخش‌هائی از آن در زیر درج می‌شود:

"در ‎کرواواس کرواسی‎ بیشتر از هر جای دیگر حقیقت کلام حضرت بهاءالله که فرمود "رگ جهان در دست پزشک داناست" معلوم می‌شود.... داستانی را برایتان نقل می‌کنیم:

"تشکیلات امری از ما خواسته بودند که برای تأسیس محفل روحانی در یکی از شهرهای کوچک آلبانی تبلیغ کنیم. به ما گفتند که اولین بهائی‌هائی هستیم که از آنجا دیدار می‌کنیم.

"در مرکز فرهنگی یک جلسهٔ عمومی ترتیب دادیم. اما شیرازهٔ همه کارها به هم ریخت. به خاطر باران شدیدی که می‌بارید یک عده آدم پر سر و صدا برای فرار از باران وارد ساختمان شدند. آنقدر صدا می‌کردند که حتی مترجم هم نمی‌توانست صدای ناطق را بشنود. اسلایدهای سر به پائین و يك پروژکتور خراب در انبوهی از سر و صدا و خنده و دود سیگار از امر مبارک خبر می‌دادند. هیچ چیزی درست کار نمی‌کرد!

"اما عجیب اینجاست که شلوغ‌ترین و بی‌ادب‌ترین کسی که آنجا بود تبدیل شد به یکی از تقلیب شده‌ترین بهائی‌هائی که تا آنوقت دیده بودیم. مشروبش را ترك کرد، دوستانش را عوض کرد و حتی چون روز انتخاب محفل می‌ایستگاه کار می‌کرد، غیابی رأیش را داد!

"در طی این ۵ ماه ۷۹ نفس منتظر را دیده‌ایم که به امر مبارک اقبال کرده‌اند. داستان‌هائی که از تقلیب این افراد داریم بسیار است.

"اما شاید بزرگ‌ترین معجزه‌ای که در مورد تقلیب دیده‌ایم، تقلیب خودمان باشد. به امید پاسخ گفتن به صلای بیت العدل اعظم وارد سال مقدس شده بودیم، اما کجا می‌دانستیم که با قبول این صلا یکی دیگر از نوایای مبارک را که تقلیب روحانی خودمان باشد، انجام خواهیم داد!..."

دوستانی که مایل باشند زندگیشان را با اینگونه تجربیات سرشارتر کنند، می‌توانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر مهاجرت تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۹۰۳۹-۸۶۹ (۷۰۸)

بزرگداشت دیزی گیلسپی

REMEMBERING DIZZY

حدود ۸۰۰ نفر از واشنگتن دی‌سی و حومه در روز اول فوریه سال جاری در يك برنامهٔ موسیقی با عنوان "یادی از دیزی: زندگی و محبت و میراث او" شرکت کردند. این برنامه را ایستگاه رادیوئی WDCU ترتیب داده بود.

احبای واشنگتن و یکی از کلوپ‌های جاز نیز در ترتیب این برنامهٔ یادبود که به افتخار یکی از بزرگ‌ترین شیپورنوازان جهان اجرا می‌شد، شرکت داشتند.

از جمله احبائی که در برنامهٔ مذکور شرکت جستند، عبارت بودند از: دوست قدیمی دیزی، پیانیست جاز مايك لانگو؛ خواننده جاز آلن گروس و دانا دنیز که شاعر است.

ایستگاه رادیوئی مذکور در دانشگاه ناحیه کلمبیا قرار دارد و اعضای کلوپ بهائی آن دانشگاه در امور مربوط به میزبانی برنامه شرکت داشتند.

بهداشت برای بشریت

HEALTH FOR HUMANITY

"بهداشت برای بشریت" نام يك مؤسسهٔ خیریهٔ غیرانتفاعی است که تحت اشراف محفل روحانی ملی تأسیس شده است. اولین کنفرانس این مؤسسه روز ۲۳ می امسال در محل دفتر محفل ملی برگزار خواهد شد. تجربیات گروهی از پزشکان و دوستانشان که داوطلب خدمات طبی و بهداشتی در کشورهای جهان سوم می‌شدند، سبب تأسیس "بهداشت برای بشریت" بود.

گروهی که در "بهداشت برای بشریت" خدمت می‌کنند، اساساً مرکب از پزشکان و متخصصان بهداشتی است. مشاوران بین‌المللی و متخصصان آموزش و پرورش و نمایندگان تجاری نیز در تولید و توزیع مواد و وسائل كمك می‌کنند.

تمرکز اصلی این مؤسسه در ایجاد روابط پایدار و درازمدت است. "بهداشت برای بشریت" از زمان آغازش تأثیر بسزائی در گویانا و هندوراس و آلبانی داشته است. با این حال کار این مؤسسه تازه آغاز شده است و به داوطلبان بسیاری نیازمند است. علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر با آن شرکت تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۵۰۸۸-۸۳۵ (۷۰۸)

حقوق الله

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

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA. 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116

Dr. Elsie Austin P.O. Box 927 Silver Spring, MD. 20910 [Page 17]فرا رسیدن عید نوروز و صیام را به دوستان عزیز تبریک می گوئیم.

معرفی مقدماتی کتاب مستطاب اقدس

KITAB-I AQDAS نوشته دکتر آهنگ ربانی

(ادامه از شماره قبل)

محل نزول کتاب اقدس

حضرت بهاءالله و همراهان در ۳۱ آگوست ۱۸۶۸ به سجن اعظم عکا وارد شدند. دوره عکا تا صعود مبارک یعنی شب شنبه ۲۹ می ۱۸۹۲ به مدت تقریبی بیست و چهار سال ادامه یافت. دوران سخت و غم انگیز سجن اعظم دو سال و ده ماه و پنج روز طول کشید.

بالاخره چون قشله عکا مورد احتیاج عساکر دولت عثمانی بود، امر دولت صادر شد که هیکل مبارک و همراهان آن محل را تخلیه نمایند. لذا جمال مبارک با عائله مکرم و همراهان چهار ماه بعد از شهادت حضرت غصن‌الله الاطهر از سجن اعظم خارج شدند. حضرت بهاءالله با عائله مبارک در بیت مالک که در قسمت مغربی عکا قرار داشت مقر گزیدند. همراهان مبارک در منازل دیگر و غالباً در کاروانسرای مشهور به "خان عوامید" سکنی یافتند.

هیکل مبارک پس از سه ماه اقامت در بیت مالک به بیت خمار نقل مکان فرمودند و پس از آن مدت چهار ماه در بیت رابعه مقر داشتند تا سرانجام در منزل عبودی خمار مستقر گردیدند.

بیت عبودی خمار خانه‌ای بود به ظاهر کوچک و محقر که دو اتاق داشت. هیکل مبارک اتاق طبقه فوقانی بیت عبودی خمار را که در شرق خانه و مشرف به دریا بود، به خود اختصاص دادند و همین اتاق مقدس محل نزول کتاب مستطاب اقدس است. مدتی بعد در موقع ازدواج حضرت عبدالبهاء، عبود که تاجر مسیحی بود و خانه‌اش از طرف شرق به بیت عبودی خمار اتصال داشت، دیوار خانه را برداشت و آن را عملاً ضمیمه بیت عبودی خمار ساخت. در نتیجه این دو خانه تبدیل به یک بیت گردیدند. از این زمان برای هیکل اطهر و عائله مبارک از حیث جا و مکان فی‌الجمله گشایشی حاصل شد و از آن زمان آن منزل مکرم به بیت عبود در بین یاران اشتهار یافت که هم اکنون محل زیارت احباء است.

تاریخ نزول کتاب اقدس

تاریخ دقیق آغاز نزول و خاتمه کتاب اقدس معلوم نیست ولی در این سفر کریم ذکر مطالب و وقایعی است که با توجه به تاریخ وقوع آن حوادث زمان تقریبی نزول این رق منشور را می توان معلوم داشت:

۱- فرانسوا ژوزف، امبراطور اطریش که در کتاب اقدس "ملك نمسة" خوانده شده، در ماه شعبان ۱۲۸۶ ه ق (۱۷ نوامبر ۱۸۶۹ میلادی) برای افتتاح کانال سوئز به مصر مسافرت نمود و سپس به زیارت اراضی مقدسه به اورشلیم رفت. در کتاب اقدس به مسافرت نامبرده به اراضی مقدسه اشاره ای است: "یا ملك النمسة، كان مطلع نور الاحدیة فی سجن عکاء اذا قصدت المسجد الاقصی. مررت و ما سئلت عنه..."

۲- خطاب به قیصر آلمان می‌فرمایند: "اذكر من كان اعظم منك شأناً و اکبر منك مقاماً. این هو و امثاله؟"

منظور هیکل مبارک این است که ای قیصر آلمان متوجه و بیدار باش که شخصی که از تو بزرگتر و تواناتر بود نابود و ناپدید شد. مقصود از این شخص ناپلئون سوم امبراطور فرانسه است که در جمادی الثانی ۱۲۸۲ (اول سپتامبر ۱۸۷۰ میلادی) در جنگ شکست خورد و از سلطنت و فرمانروائی خلع گردید و در اواخر سال ۱۲۸۷ ه ق به ذلت و خواری وفات یافت.

۳- خطاب به یحیی ازل است که نامبرده را نصیحت و تذکار می فرمایند و اشاره به نابودی سید محمد اصفهانی است که ازل را اغوا و بر دشمنی تحریک می نمود. سید محمد اصفهانی در ۱۲ ذیقعده ۱۲۸۸ ه ق (ژانویه ۱۸۷۲) در عکا کشته شد.

در الواح متعددی ذکر این است که بعد از ورود به مدینه منوره عکا کتاب اقدس نازل شده منجمله در اشراقات (اشراق هشتم) می فرمایند: "و این آیات در این مقام در کتاب اقدس در اول ورود به سجن از سماء مشیت الهی نازل: کتب علی کل اب تربية ابنه و..."

در لوح میر محمد ابراهیم می فرمایند: "قد انزلنا فی السجن کتاباً سمى لدى العرش بالکتاب الاقدس و فيه شرعنا الشرائع و زیناه باوامر ربك الآمر على من فی السموات و الارضين. قل يا قوم، تمسكوا به ثم اعملوا بما نزل فيه من بدایع احکام ربكم الغفور الكريم."

همچنین حضرت ولی امرالله می‌فرمایند: "کتاب اقدس پس از انتقال جسد ابهی به بیت عبودی خمار (در سال ۱۸۷۳ میلادی) در ایامی که هنوز آن وجود مبارک از طرف دشمنان خارج و دوستان داخل هر دو به مصائب بی منتهی محاط و گرفتار، از سماء مشیت رحمانیه نازل گردیده است." (کتاب قرن بدیع، ج ۲، ص ۳۸۳)

اسامی و القاب کتاب اقدس

در نفس کتاب اقدس، این سفر مجید، ناموس اکبر نامیده شده است. قوله الکریم: "قد نزل ناموس الاكبر فی المنظر الانور."

و نیز در لوحی مخاطباً لابناء الكليم می فرمایند، قوله العزيز: "قد جاء ناموس الاعظم و يحکم جمال القدم علی کرسی داود." (کتاب قرن بدیع، ج ۲، ص ۳۷۷)

در آثار مبارکه کتاب اقدس به القاب متعالیه متعدد دیگری نیز ملقب گشته، از جمله: ام الکتاب، کتاب الله، میزان الله، فرات الرحمة، مشكوة الفلاح، قسطاس الهدى، روح الكتب، روح الحيوان، ام الالواح، صراط الاقوم، سفينة الاحكام، رق منشور، حجت عظمی، میزان العدل، محيى العالم، مرجع اعلی، برهان الرحمن، لوح الاقدس، سفر قدیم، صحيفة عليا.

حضرت رب اعلی جل ذكره و ثنائه بارها اصطلاح ام الکتاب را در آثار مبارکه خویش آورده اند، منجمله در کتاب قيوم الاسماء می‌فرمایند: "يا عباد الرحمن، ان الله ما خلقکم و ما رزقکم الا لامر قد كان عندنا فی ام الکتاب علی الحق عظيماً."

و نیز می‌فرمایند: "ان هذا لهو الله فی السموات و الارض و على الامر بدیع بیدی الله العلی قد كان بالحق فی ام الكتاب مكتوباً."

جمال قدم جل کبریائه در لوح ملا احمد یزدی در خصوص حضرت رب اعلی و کتاب مستطاب بیان می فرمایند: "انه لسلطان الرسل و کتابه لأم الکتاب." در این ظهور امنع صمدانی اصطلاح "ام الکتاب" و "ام الالواح" و "صحيفة حمراء" و "ام البیان" به کرات در آیات مبارکه نازل گردیده. گاهی این ترکیبات علیا در شان جمیع آیات نازله از قلم اعلی به کار رفته و در مواردی به الواح مخصوصی اطلاق گردیده، و بالاخره کتاب مستطاب اقدس بطور خاص "ام الکتاب" و "ام الالواح" نامیده شده: "امروز آیات ام الکتاب بمثابة آفتاب مشرق و لائح؛ به کلمات قبل و بعد مشتبه نشده و نمی‌شود." (کلمات فردوسیه)

اشتمال لغوی کتاب اقدس

قرآن تقریباً شامل ۷۰ هزار کلمه و ۶ هزار و ششصد و چند آیه است. کتاب بیان فارسی متضمن حدود یکصد هزار کلمه و کتاب بیان عربی حدود ۱۰ هزار کلمه را در بر دارد. کتاب مستطاب اقدس تقریباً مشتمل بر ۱۰ هزار کلمه است.

مرحوم اشراق خاوری با دقتی تمام آیات کتاب اقدس را به ٤٨٧ آیه برشمرده است (به استثنای آیه عنوان کتاب، "بسمه الحاکم علی ما کان و ما یکون" که به حساب نیامده است.)

کتاب مستطاب اقدس از اول تا به آخر از قلم مبارک جمال كبریاء نازل و ثبت گشته است. به فرموده حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله: "کتاب مستطاب اقدس من البدو الى الختم از قلم شارع مقدس این دور اعظم تنظیم گشته." (کتاب قرن بدیع، ج ۲، ص ۳۸۵)

و در زمان حیات عنصری هیکل مبارک آن سفر جلیل استنساخ یافت و در بین یاران منتشر گردید. به جرأت می توان گفت که این رق منشور از حیث متانت و اصالت نسبت به کتب آسمانی قبل بی مانند و بی نظیر است.

جمال قدم جل کبریائه در کتاب اقدس می فرمایند: "قد زینت الالواح بطراز ختم فالق الاصباح الذی ینطق بین السموات و الارضين."

(ادامه دارد)

صندوق ملی و بودجه ملی

NATIONAL ‎BUDJET BUDGET‎ AND NATIONAL FUND

محفل روحانی ملی در پیام ضیافت شهرالملک به آگاهی یاران رساندند که اقداماتی که برای صرفه جوئی در مخارج صورت گرفته سبب شده است که هزینه مالی کمتر از بودجه ای باشد که از پیش معین شده بود. با این حال میزان تبرعات کاهش یافته است. خلاصه ای از اقدامات و برنامه های محفل روحانی ملی برای آگاهی یاران درج می شود.

صرفه جوئی در مخارج

سه سال است که محفل روحانی ملی کوشیده است مخارج را در سطح ملی کنترل کند. امور مربوط به خریداری زیر نظر دفتر امین صندوق صورت می گیرد و این امر سبب شده است که از خرج کردن چندین هزار دلار جلوگیری شود. صرفه جوئی هائی از این قبیل باعث شده است که محفل ملی مخارج خود را تا دسامبر سال گذشته حدود ۲۰۰ هزار دلار کمتر از بودجه نگاهدارد.

در عین حال تغییراتی در دفتر سجلات صورت گرفته که کارآئی دوائر دفتر محفل را در دراز مدت بیشتر خواهد کرد.

ساختار بودجه ملی

برخی از دوستان می پندارند که تغییر در بودجه ملی امری آسان است اما با دقت بیشتر روشن می شود که چنین نیست.

مخارج اصلی محفل روحانی ملی در سه مقوله می گنجد: حقوق کارمندان دفتر محفل و مؤسسات [Page 18]

BLUEPRINT FOR DESTROYING THE IRANIAN BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY

دفتر امور خارجی محفل روحانی ملی (واقع در واشنگتن دی‌سی) جهت آگاهی مطبوعات اعلامیه‌ای به تاریخ ۲۳ فوریه سال جاری راجع به تضییقات احبای ایران صادر نموده است. خلاصه‌ای از مفاد این اعلامیه در زیر درج می‌گردد:

دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده سخنگوی بهائیان آمریکا اعلان کرد که اخیراً مدرک محرمانه‌ای به دست آمده که به تصویب عالی‌رتبه‌ترین اولیای امور در ایران رسیده است. بر مبنای این مدرک خط مشی دولت ایران برای از میان بردن جامعه بهائی آن کشور مشخص شده است.

نمایندهٔ ویژه سازمان ملل متحد در ایران، گزارش تازه‌ای در ژنو منتشر ساخته است که در ضمن آن جزئیات خط مشی رسمی دولت ایران در قبال بهائیان ذکر شده است. نمایندهٔ مذکور با نقل برنامهٔ دولت ایران چنین نتیجه گرفته است که "حکمی که دیگر احکام را نقض می‌کند این است که از گسترش و تحول جامعهٔ بهائی جلوگیری خواهد شد."

دکتر کاظم‌زاده اظهار داشت که پیشنهادهای هولناکی که در این مدرک آمده است خط مشی حساب‌شدهٔ عالی‌رتبه‌ترین اولیای امور دولت ایران را در مورد از میان بردن جامعهٔ بهائی آشکار می‌سازد. مطابق متن اصلی این مدرک خط مشی دولت ایران "در رابطه با مسائل بهائیان" توسط "شورای عالی انقلاب فرهنگی" تهیه شده است. شورای مذکور مسؤول حفظ و تأمین "پاکی" اعتقادات است. مدرک مذکور به تصویب ریاست جمهوری ایران حجة‌الاسلام هاشمی رفسنجانی و آیة‌الله علی خامنه‌ای جانشین آیة‌الله خمینی رسیده است.

این مدرک محرمانه به تاریخ ۲۵ فوریه سال ۱۹۹۱ صادر شده اما برای نخستین بار در این هفته توسط کمیسیون حقوق بشر سازمان ملل متحد در ژنو علنی گردیده است و بنا به گفتهٔ دکتر کاظم‌زاده حاوی تمامی اقدامات سرکوبگرانه‌ای است که دولت جمهوری اسلامی از سال ۱۹۷۹ علیه بهائیان صورت داده است.

همچنین در گزارش جدید سازمان ملل متحد چندین مدرک رسمی اخیر دولت ایران درج شده است که نمونه‌هایی از تبعیضات علیه بهائیان را آشکار می‌سازد. یکی از مواد مدرک محرمانه پیشنهادی بر مبنای "مقابله و از بین بردن ریشه‌های فرهنگی آنان [بهائیان] در خارج از کشور" است. دکتر کاظم‌زاده اظهار داشت که منظور از آن ماده اقدامات ایران برای خنثی کردن حمایت بهائیان ایالات متحده و آلمان و دیگر کشورها است. ایشان در این مورد به حملاتی که اخیراً در مطبوعات فارسی زبان خارج از کشور نسبت به بهائیان شده است، اشاره کرد و به‌ویژه از مقاله‌ای که در یکی از روزنامه‌های لوس آنجلس درج شده است یاد نمود.

آقای گالیندو پل Galindo Pohl نماینده ویژه سازمان ملل متحد در ایران در گزارش اخیر خود از نامه‌هایی که به اولیای دولت ایران فرستاده، نقل کرده است. این نامه‌ها در رابطه با اعدام جناب بهمن سمندری در ماه مارچ سال ۱۹۹۲ و نیز صدور اخیر حکم اعدام دو تن دیگر از احباء که سه سال پیش دستگیر شده بودند، فرستاده شده است.

در نامه فرستاده سازمان ملل متحد خطاب به وزیر امور خارجه ایران آمده است که "به دو بهائی مذکور شفاهاً ابلاغ شده که دادگاه انقلاب اسلامی حکم اعدام آنان را به خاطر بهائی بودنشان صادر کرده است." نماینده سازمان ملل در نامه خود اشاره کرده که چند سال پیش آن دو بهائی را در زندان اوین ملاقات کرده و سپس چنین ادامه می‌دهد: "بسیار سپاسگزار خواهم بود که آن جناب در حق آن دو محکوم شفاعت کنند."

در زیر عین مدرک محرمانه‌ای که توسط نمایندهٔ سازمان ملل متحد منتشر شده است، درج می‌شود:

شماره: ۱۳۲۷ / م تاریخ: ۶۹/۱۲/۶ پیوست: ندارد	بسمه تعالی جمهوری اسلامی ایران شورایعالی انقلاب فرهنگی	۲۴ آرم شورایعالی انقلاب فرهنگی شورای عالی انقلاب فرهنگی محرمانه
حضرت حجت الاسلام جناب آقای محمدی گلپایگانی ریاست محترم دفتر مقام معظم رهبری سلام علیکم — بعد از تحیات عطف به نامهٔ شماره ۱/۷۸۳ س مورخ ۶۹/۱۰/۱۵ دائر بر ابلاغ اوامر مقام معظم رهبری به ریاست محترم جمهوری در رابطه با مسائل بهائیان به استحضار می‌رساند حسب ارجاع ریاست محترم جمهوری اسلامی و رئیس شورایعالی انقلاب فرهنگی موضوع جهت طرح و بررسی در دستور جلسه ۱۲۸ مورخ ۶۹/۱۱/۱۶ و ۱۱۹ مورخ ۶۹/۱۱/۲ شورایعالی انقلاب فرهنگی قرار گرفت و در تعقیب مذاکرات و مراتبی که در جلسه ۱۱۲ مورخ ۶۶/۵/۲ شورایعالی انقلاب فرهنگی به ریاست مقام معظم رهبری (رئیس و عضو شورایعالی) در این خصوص بعمل آمده بود، نظارت و اوامر اخیر مقام معظم رهبری در رابطه با مسائل بهائیان به اطلاع شورایعالی رسید و با عنایت به مفاد قانون اساسی جمهوری اسلامی ایران و مسائل شرعی و قانونی و سیاستهای عمومی کشور مورد مذاکره و مداقه و اعلام نظر واقع گردید و در راستای تعیین و پیشنهاد نیات رفیع و معقول در برخورد با مسائل مذکور، و با عطف توجه خاص به اوامر مقام عظیم‌الشأن رهبری جمهوری اسلامی ایران دائر بر آنکه "در این رابطه سیاست‌گذاری درستی بشود تا همه بفهمند چه کار باید بشود یا نشود" ماحصل مذاکرات و پیشنهادات بشرح زیر جمع‌بندی گردید و ریاست محترم جمهوری و رئیس شورایعالی انقلاب فرهنگی ضمن مناسب دانستن نتیجهٔ مذاکرات و پیشنهادات مقرر فرمودند مراتب به استحضار مقام معظم رهبری رسانده شود تا ضامن ارشادات لازم بهر ترتیب که صلاح‌دید میفرمایند عمل شود. جمع‌بندی نتایج مذاکرات و پیشنهادات الف: جایگاه کلی بهائیان در نظام مملکتی ۱- بدون جهت آنان از مملکت اخراج نمی‌شوند. ۲- بی‌دلیل آنان دستگیر، زندانی و یا مجازات نمی‌شوند. ۳- برخورد نظام با آنان باید طوری باشد که راه ترقی و توسعهٔ آنان مسدود شود. ب: جایگاه فرهنگی ۱- در مدارس چنانچه اظهار نکردند بهائی‌اند ثبت نام شوند. ۲- حتی‌المقدور در مدارسی که کادر قوی و مسلط بر مسائل عقیدتی دارند ثبت نام شوند. ۳- در دانشگاه‌ها چه در ورود و چه در حین تحصیل چنانچه احراز شد بهائی‌اند از دانشگاه محروم شوند. ۴- فعالیت سیاسی (جاسوسی) آنها با وضع قوانین و مقررات دولتی پاسخ داده شده و فعالیت‌های اعتقادی و تبلیغی را با فعالیت‌های دینی، تبلیغی و فرهنگی پاسخ داد. ۵- مؤسسات تبلیغی (مانند سازمان تبلیغات اسلامی) شعبه‌ای مستقل برای مقابله با فعالیت‌های اعتقادی و تبلیغی بهائیت تأسیس نمایند. ۶- جهت مقابله و از بین بردن ریشه‌های فرهنگی آنان در خارج از کشور پیشنهاد و طرح تهیه شود. ج: جایگاه حقوقی و اجتماعی ۱- در اختیار گذاردن وسایل معاش در حد متعارف که در اختیار همهٔ آحاد ملت قرار داده می‌شود. ۲- امکانات جهت زندگی معمولی و حقوق عمومی مانند سایر شهروندان ایرانی از قبیل دفترچه بسیج، گذرنامه، جواز دفن، اجازهٔ کار و امثال اینها تا جائی که تشویق به بهائیت نشوند. ۳- در صورت ابراز بهائی بودن اجازهٔ استخدام ندارند. ۴- پستهای مؤثر (مانند معلمی و ....) به آنان داده نشود. با آرزوی توفیقات الهی دبیر شورایعالی انقلاب فرهنگی دکتر سید محمد رضا هاشمی گلپایگانی امضاء بسمه تعالی مصوبهٔ شورایعالی محترم کافی به نظر می‌رسد از توجه و اهتمام آقایان متشکرم امضاء سید علی خامنه‌ای

[Page 19]

Classifieds

nity to help form an Assembly. Two community members who are moving to South Carolina as homefront pioneers have a lovely three-bedroom home available. Includes living-dining room, den, library, two baths, full basement, studio in back yard, woods on two sides; three minutes from Indiana University and Bloomington, a city of 40,000 with a culturally diverse population. For information, please phone Dick or Sara Hatch, 812-332-3862.

MOVING to the Atlanta, Georgia, area? Alpharetta, north of Atlanta, needs more Bahá’ís. Alpharetta, among the fastest-growing areas in the U.S. and a site of the 1996 summer Olympics, is near the scenic Piedmont foothills and the start of the Appalachian Trail. For more information, please contact Theo Miller, Alpharetta, GA 30201, or phone 404-664-4845.

CEDAR PARK, Texas, a small city near Austin, a mixture of country and city, needs two or three adult Bahá’ís to re-form its Assembly. Good schools, community college, many stores, offices, some manufacturing, varied employment opportunities 10-40 minutes away. Buses to downtown Austin and the University of Texas; otherwise, need transportation. Average rents (for the area). Contact Bahá’ís for help in finding a house (no apartments available). Write to Cedar Park, TX 78613, or phone 512-331-8970.

IF YOU ARE thinking of homefront pioneering, please think of Manitou Springs, Colorado, which has seven adult Bahá’ís. Manitou is a small city of 5,000 at the foot of Pike's Peak. There are many employment opportunities in nearby Colorado Springs. For information, contact Joan Tabib, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, or phone 719-685-9445.

Ronald S. Gilpatrick, administrator of Bosch Bahá’í School, dead at 58

We were deeply grieved to learn of the passing late yesterday of Ron Gilpatrick whose radiant and generous spirit refreshed and inspired our hearts. His contributions to the Faith as a member of the National Bahá’í Education Committee, the National Race Unity Committee, several local Spiritual Assemblies, and most recently as director of the Bosch Bahá’í School enrich the annals of the American Bahá’í community.

Ron Gilpatrick was a true educator. His spirit, his manner, and his understanding of the meaning of service brought out the best in all who were privileged to know him.

We ask for your prayers that the soul of this courageous and gentle friend will speed its way to reunion with its Beloved and that the hearts of his devoted family will be solaced in this time of separation.

The National Spiritual Assembly January 21, 1993

Ronald S. Gilpatrick, administrator of the Bosch Bahá’í School, died January 20 in Santa Cruz, California. He was 58 years old.

Mr. Gilpatrick, a native of San Francisco, spent 20 years as a teacher, principal and administrator in the San Jose Unified School District. He was superintendent of schools for six years in Belmont and for three years at Laguna Salada Unified School District.

As a Bahá’í, Mr. Gilpatrick served on the National Education Committee, the National Race Unity Committee, as a member of several local Spiritual Assemblies, and was a delegate from his district to the Bahá’í National Convention for many years.

WANTED

THE NATIONAL Committee for Service to the Hearing Impaired and Deaf is seeking help and correspondence from hearing impaired/deaf Bahá’ís in the U.S. and other English-speaking countries. The committee is also seeking contact from any others who are knowledgeable about hearing impairment or deafness. The committee is working on universal signs to be used for the Central Figures of the Faith. If you are interested in helping, or would like to contact other deaf Bahá’ís, please write to the committee at P.O. Box 2650, Olympia, WA 98507, or phone (TDD or voice) 718-981-3550.

PLEASE SEND a copy or originals of newspaper accounts of the trip made by the late Hand of the Cause of God Tarazullah Samandari to the U.S. and Canada in 1967-68 to Dr. A. Jazab, Albuquerque, NM 87114 (phone 505-897-5980). Photographs and/or slides are also welcome. Thank you.

A TEAM LEADER and three teaching team members are needed full-time in Renton, Washington, to spearhead the "William Sears Hearts-Afire" teaching campaign which is now under way. The ambitious goal of the campaign is to bring about entry by troops in the Renton area. The teaching team will be housed and fully subsidized. A teaching center will be established as the hub of activity for those who enter the Cause. The Bahá’í community is strong, loving, supportive and fully committed to the goals of the Sears campaign. We hope that you or someone you know will be able to serve in this wonderful teaching effort. For more information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Renton, P.O. Box 2205, Renton, WA 98056, or phone Aaron Lewis, 206-277-8326, between 5:30-9:30 p.m. Pacific time.

THE UNALASKA Bahá’í Library is desperately seeking Vol. III of The Bahá’í World to complete its series. An individual member is willing to pay "top dollar" but if anyone would be willing to donate this volume to help the pioneering effort here, it would be deeply appreciated. Please respond to Julie Hathaway, P.O. Box 73, Unalaska, AK 99685, or phone 907-581-1261.

Bahá’í UN representative Mary Power honored by B'nai B'rith

B'nai B'rith Women, an organization that supports Jewish women in their families, communities and society, held an awards luncheon January 18 in the delegates' dining room at the United Nations headquarters in New York City to honor women of achievement.

Given awards at the luncheon were Mary Power, representative to the UN for the Bahá’í International Community, and Barbara Leslie, representative to the UN for B'nai B'rith.

Ms. Power, chairman of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women in New York and a member of the steering committee for NGO Forum '95, was honored for her many years of work at the UN on behalf of women including her role as convenor of "Advocates for African Security: Lessening the Burden for Women."

Ms. Leslie was presented an award for her involvement in women's issues and support activities for NGO Forum '95. Forum '95 will be held prior to the fourth United Nations Conference on Women, "Action for Equality, Development and Peace," which is to take place in 1995 in Beijing, China.

Ms. Power, who has been named director of the newly formed Bahá’í International Community Office for the Advancement of Women, spoke briefly on "Women: Challenges to the Year 2000." Issues that appear foremost as challenges, she said, "not only in local and national communities, but on a global scale, are violence against women and the need to forge partnerships between men and women to seek solutions to problems traditionally labeled 'women's problems.'"

Barbara Leslie (left), representative to the United Nations for B'nai B'rith, and Mary Power, representative to the UN for the Bahá’í International Community, were the recipients of Women of Achievement Awards presented by B'nai B'rith during a luncheon January 18 at UN headquarters in New York City.

Los Angeles Bahá’ís march in annual King Day parade

In spite of torrential rains that reduced the usual number of parade-watchers from half a million to only about 15,000, nearly 50 Bahá’ís in Southern California took part in this year's Martin Luther King Day parade January 18 in Los Angeles.

The Bahá’ís marched steadfastly through the rain, each carrying a sign with a quotation from the Writings. When NBC television covered the event on the evening news, they used footage of the Bahá’í marchers as a transition into Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech.

San Francisco

involved.

The Bahá’ís have been asked by a housing project director to help start after-school tutoring and ESL programs in a nearby housing development. This is the first community service project undertaken as part of the Sears campaign.

The Bahá’í community of San Francisco is experiencing accelerated growth. Its members ask their fellow Bahá’ís in the U.S. and around the world to help by reciting the Prayer for the Western States each day to help ensure the continued success of the Sears campaign.—Ularan Blann

IN MEMORIAM

Vernon D. Allen Pacolet, SC Date Unknown

Creole Bateman Hemingway, SC Date Unknown

Alvin Buffalohead Ponca City, OK December 5, 1992

Nettie Cooper Nesmith, SC January 26, 1993

Mamie Davis Loris, SC May 25, 1991

Theodore A. Dodge Tucson, AZ November 7, 1992

Madelane Fredrick Kirkland, WA Date Unknown

Irvin Frowitter Laurie, MO January 5, 1993

Harold Gail San Francisco, CA November 19, 1992

Ida Goodman Mexican Hat, UT Date Unknown

Mary Nell Graham Sarasota, FL Date Unknown

Laura Graves Orange, VA January 13, 1993

Sandra Guilbault Sierra Vista, AZ 1992

Joseph B. Harper Tuscaloosa, AL December 20, 1992

Ruth Hood Folsom, WV November 4, 1992

L. Byron Hopper Los Angeles, CA January 7, 1993

Hugh D. Lowery Bakersfield, CA November 17, 1992

Arthur McCurdy Birmingham, AL March 1990

Rhoda Menefee Los Angeles, CA October 25, 1992

Bessie Mote Roseburg, OR Date Unknown

Joe Moyd Hemingway, SC Date Unknown

Guy Pearce Peoria, IL December 17, 1992

Nellie McCulough Hemingway, SC Date Unknown

Shahnaz Poursharif Arlington, TX September 9, 1992

Freeman J. Porter Chicago, IL November 23, 1992

Jamshid Qobadi Carpinteria, CA November 28, 1992

Lillian D. Richards Fort Worth, TX November 11, 1992

William Ross The Bronx, NY Date Unknown

Ruth Running Horse Parmelee, SD Date Unknown

Larry Sherrill Roseburg, OR Date Unknown

Elizabeth Simmons Milledgeville, GA 1991

Roan O. Stone Hallsville, TX January 1, 1993

Gregory Taylor Decatur, IL November 14, 1985

Richard Thompson Little Rock, AR 1983

Bah Tsosie Ganado, AZ 1990

James Velkov Sunnyside, NY 1992

Fannie Lee Williams Hemingway, SC Date Unknown

Lois Wright Las Vegas, NV Date Unknown [Page 20]

Bahá’í Faith MANKIND IS ONE

On October 10, Bahá’ís from Roswell, Georgia, and neighboring communities took part in the Roswell Youth Parade with a float and banner. The theme of the parade was 'This Land Is Your Land, Be Earth Wise.' The Bahá’í float was topped by a globe and nine-pointed star and included a banner that read 'The earth is but one country...'

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

A. NAME(S): 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.

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

MARCH

26-28: Alabama Spring School, Willer's State Park Resort near Rogersville. Lodging and camping available. Contact Keitha Hudson, registrar, 205-595-9905.

APRIL

1-4: Pioneer Training Institute, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot Maine. For information, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-439-7202.

2-4: "Power and Empowerment: A Bahá’í Vision of Professional Development," Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

2-4: Singles Conference of Northeastern Florida, for Bahá’ís and their friends, Bahá’í Center, Jacksonville. For information, phone the New Era Committee, 904-241-2343.

9-11: "Fruit of the Holy Year: Strategies for Bahá’í Youth Workshops," Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

16-18: Wisconsin Youth Retreat Weekend, Central Wisconsin Environmental Station, Stevens Point. Bahá’í Youth (ages 13-20) are encouraged to bring friends who are close to the Faith. Dormitory lodging; bring own sleeping bag for bunk beds. Meals provided. Rate: $25. Registrar: Lisa Reimer, West Bend, WI 53095 (phone 414-338-3023).

23-25: Race Unity Institute I, general session, all ages: "Let deeds, not words, be your adorning," a unique multi-cultural project combining youth and adult resources for those interested in positive, effective action, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Separate classes for ages 11 and under. This inaugural program of an ongoing project based on Models of Unity will include speakers, workshops, multi-cultural entertainment and cuisine. Participants will examine the issue of race unity; commit their own potential to addressing the issue; and share their individual and group talents to celebrate this bold new step in furthering the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. Tuition: $50. VISA and MasterCard accepted. For information, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

24: "Love and Law" (speaker to be announced), Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

24-25: Observance of the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Spiritual Assembly of Reno, Nevada. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Reno, c/o Candy Fife, P.O. Box 6447, Reno, NV 89513, or phone 702-747-2854.

MAY

6-9: Pioneer Training Institute, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

7-9: "World Order and Inner Oneness: Creating a Civilization That Makes Sense," Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

15: "Making a New World Order in Our Backyard," Accepting the Challenge of Leadership: Center for Interracial Unity Series, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

23: Health for Humanity, first national conference, Bahá’í National Center, Evanston, Illinois. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for the membership to meet and consult about issues of concern. Every interested person is invited to take part. Please send your name, address, phone number and a $20 registration fee to Health for Humanity, 467 Jackson St., Glencoe, IL 60022.

28-30: 20th annual Conference of Nur, Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) College, sponsored by the Spiritual Assemblies of Lancaster and Harrisburg. Theme: "The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book." Special programs, workshops, and entertainment for children, youth and adults. For a registration form and/or information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Lancaster, P.O. Box 17608-2453, Lancaster, PA 17608, or phone 717-299-1041. Registration deadline: May 10.

28-31: Bahá’í Marriage Enrichment Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. A special time to renew and enrich your relationship and to explore the Bahá’í guidance about the institution of marriage. Register (MasterCard/VISA) by phoning 408-423-3387; for information, write to the school at 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or fax 408-423-7564.

JUNE

13: International Bahá’í Picnic, Queenstown Heights Park, Niagara Falls, Ontario, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Niagara Falls, P.O. Box 145, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2E 6S8.

17-20: Pioneer Training Institute, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

17-20: International Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, Montreal, Canada. Theme: "Spirituality: The Key to Personal and Social Transformation." A one-day conference on the Kitáb-i-Aqdas will be held June 17. For information, phone 613-233-1903.

24-27: Bahá’í Youth Service Corps training session, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan, For information, phone 313-653-5033; fax 313-653-7181.

JULY

1-4: New Jersey Bahá’í Summer School, Georgian Court College, Lakewood. Theme: "Connecting Our Hearts to the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh." For information or to register, phone 908-367-7155.

21-25: Hungry Mother Youth Retreat, Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, Virginia. For information, phone Clint Dye, 703-873-6754.

23-25: Third annual Hemlock Haven Bahá’í Conference, Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, Virginia. For information, phone Maggie Hewitt, 703-783-7884.

AUGUST

26-29: Sixth annual "I Have a Dream" Youth Assembly, Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission. For information or to take part, phone Cornelia Rutledge, 202-966-2356.

28-September 4: 1993 Parliament of the World's Religions, Palmer House Hotel, Chicago, Illinois.

SEPTEMBER

4-7: Pioneer Training Institute and Bahá’í Youth Service Corps training session, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

17-19: Green Lake Bahá’í Conference, American Baptist Assembly Conference Grounds, Green Lake, Wisconsin. To make housing reservations, phone 1-800-558-8890.