The American Bahá’í/Volume 24/Issue 5/Text

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[Page 1]

Kitáb-i-Aqdas is released in annotated English translation

To the Bahá’ís of the World

Dearly loved Friends,

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas—the Book described in such exalted terms by the Guardian of the Cause of God as "that priceless treasury enshrining for all time the brightest emanations of the mind of Bahá’u’lláh, the Charter of His World Order, the chief repository of His laws, the Harbinger of His Covenant, the Pivotal Work containing some of His noblest exhortations, weightiest pronouncements, and portentous prophecies, and revealed during the full tide of His tribulations, at a time when the rulers of the earth had definitely forsaken Him"—this Most Holy Book, we have the honor to announce, will, in a copiously annotated English translation, be released to the Community of Bahá at Naw-Rúz.

Bahá’u’lláh's own designations of the Book—the "Unerring Balance," the "Straight Path," the "quickener of mankind," the "source of true felicity"—indicate its phenomenal importance, an importance which staggers the mind when viewed in light of the realization that this Book is, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, the "principal repository of that Law which the Prophet Isaiah had anticipated, and which the writer of the Apocalypse had described as the 'new heaven' and the 'new earth,' as the 'Tabernacle of God,' as the 'Holy City,' as the 'Bride,' the 'New Jerusalem coming down from God.'" Such metaphors of hope have been recited from sacred scriptures down the ages, have fired the imagination and excited the expectations of unnumbered generations, and now, at long last, in this new Dispensation, have been given tangible form by the Promised One of All Ages in this Mother Book of His Revelation.

The publication of the Book in English satisfies a major goal of the Six Year Plan. But even beyond this, it initiates the fulfillment of a prospect voiced by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who anticipated its publication in various languages; it realizes an intention cherished by Shoghi Effendi, who had himself translated substantial portions of it into English which he diffused through his letters and in his compilations of Bahá’u’lláh's Writings, and who had also, "as an essential prelude to the eventual translation and publication of its entire text," initiated steps in 1955 for the preparation of a Synopsis and Codification of the Laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. This was a task on which he made considerable progress and which was completed by the Universal House of Justice in 1973, on the hundredth anniversary of the revelation of the Book which occurred.

Vice President, members of Congress condemn Iran's plan to persecute Bahá’ís

Responding to a report by the United Nations Human Rights Commission detailing government-approved repression of the Bahá’ís in Iran, Vice President Al Gore and several members of Congress voiced strong support for the Bahá’ís and urged the government of Iran to reconsider its policy to block "their progress and development" based solely on religious intolerance.

In February, the UN Commission made public a confidential document, drafted two years ago by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Cultural Council and approved by the country's president and supreme Ayatollah, that spells out in detail the government's plan to deprive Bahá’ís of employment and education, and to deny them "any position of influence" if they identify themselves as Bahá’ís.

The National Spiritual Assembly was quick to condemn a document described editorially by The New York Times as "Iran's Nuremberg Laws" (referring to Germany's infamous edicts of 1935 that shredded the legal rights of German Jews), and at a press briefing March 4 in Washington, D.C., Sens. Chris Dodd of Connecticut and John McCain of Arizona and Reps. Ben Gilman of New York, Tom Lantos of California and John Porter of Illinois deplored the persecution of a law-abiding and peace-loving religious community whose only crime is that its members subscribe to a set of beliefs that are considered heretical by the Islamic rulers of Iran.

The Clinton administration, Vice President Gore said in a statement issued by his office, "is deeply concerned by Tehran's violations of the fundamental human rights of the Iranian people." The vice president applauded the report by Reynaldo Galindo Pohl, the UN Human Rights Commission's Special Representative to Iran, saying it calls attention to serious human rights abuses in Iran.

Mr. Pohl, he said, "has performed a valuable service by highlighting these problems....I hope [the Commission] will adopt the resolution currently under consideration to extend the mandate of the Special Representative so that this important work can continue."

The document made public by the UN Human Rights Commission, said Sen. Dodd, "only serves to confirm what the Bahá’í community has known all along: that the Iranian regime seeks nothing less than the total elimination of the Bahá’í religion. Such behavior can no longer be tolerated if we truly believe in the international rule of law."

The oppression of Bahá’ís in Iran, said Sen. McCain, "has taken an ominous turn for the worse." The UN report, he said, "provides a bleak account of the outrageous conditions imposed on Bahá’ís by their government. If Iran is ever to enjoy normal relations with the free world, it will have to exhibit a far greater acceptance of freedom of religion than has ever been the case in revolutionary Iran."

Rep. Gilman denounced as "reprehensible and chilling" the Iranian government's policy of persecution toward the Bahá’ís, calling it "another reminder that the forces of intolerance and bigotry remain strong in the world." That policy, he added, "is nothing less than a calculated effort to crush the Bahá’í community."

KELLUM AWARDS: OMNI Youth Services, Oscar De Gruy are honorees

On February 27, as a part of its observance of Black History Month, the Bahá’í House of Worship hosted the ninth annual presentation of the David Kellum Awards.

The National Spiritual Assembly established the Kellum Awards, named in memory of a Bahá’í from Chicago who was city editor of the Chicago Defender newspaper and founder of the city's annual Bud Billiken Day parade, to honor individuals and groups who have served as positive role models for young people while fostering better relationships among the races.

This year's recipients were OMNI Youth Services of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, celebrating its 20th year of serving young people and families at risk in the northwestern suburbs of Chicago, and Oscar H. De Gruy, a former Chicagoan who founded the Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop and is now developing others nationwide to teach the oneness of humanity through dance, drama and song.

The awards were presented by Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly. [Page 2]

House of Worship's program enters its 21st year

This summer will mark the 21st year in which the Bahá’í House of Worship has hosted the Special Visit Program, welcoming the friends from across the country as well as a few from other countries.

The dates for this year's Special Visit Program are Thursday-Sunday, July 15-18. Special programming for children is included.

The visit affords a singular four-day weekend experience during which participants can immerse themselves in the beauty and power of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár.

The opportunity to teach the Cause at the "Holiest House of Worship" must be regarded as one of the greatest bounties of the experience, while the times available to the visitors to pray and meditate in the House of Worship, in the gardens, and in the cornerstone room at least equal the bounties of teaching.

Of course, the greatest bounty of all is that these gifts of teaching and worshipping do not have to be measured one against the other; both are readily available—virtually as often and for as long as one is inspired to either share the Word of God or immerse himself in His words.

Participants share their thoughts with those at the House of Worship, and we have chosen a few of their comments that we hope will inspire you to consider joining us for this year's Special Visit Program.

⚫ "Grateful for the extensiveness—especially meeting staff and being shown 'backstage.' Got to sing in choir Sunday a.m. The rest of the meaningfulness would happen anyway outside the program—just the blessedness, grace of visiting the Holy Center. God is Most Glorious."

⚫ "Considering that I myself simply left the group when I felt the call of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, I can't say that anything should be changed. It is always my main focus when here."

⚫ "Before I went I thought in terms of they, them and you. Now I think in terms of us and we. I treasure the opportunity to have read at the Mother Temple of the West. The film of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is a memory so priceless I haven't yet even attempted to express it in words. ...I am grateful for the example set by all those we came into contact with. They were shining stars in the achievement of living and working according to Bahá’í principles....I hope I can return the bounty which I received back to the community here."

These comments by participants in last summer's Special Visit Program typify the feelings of those who come to the Mother Temple for a weekend of learning, teaching, sharing and fellowship.

Highlights of the program include the opening reception in the Visitors' Center; an address by the secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly; tours of the House of Worship, the National Archives, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, the Bahá’í Home and Bahá’í National Center; a workshop on volunteer service at the House of Worship, with an opportunity to teach and guide visitors from all over the world; an in-depth presentation from the Writings on the importance of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár; and a farewell picnic near Lake Michigan and the Hazíratu’l-Quds.

Morning devotions for Special Visitors and the regular daily noon-time devotions offer chances for everyone to take part as readers. Many other exciting programs and opportunities for service are included in the visit.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá once explained that "...Temples are the symbols of the divine uniting force, so that when the peoples gather there...they may recall the fact that the law has been revealed for them and that the law is to unite them.

"In brief, the original purpose of temples and houses of worship is simply that of unity; places of meeting where various peoples, different races and souls of every capacity may come together in order that love and agreement should be manifest between them."

After pondering these words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, we encourage you to consider how a Special Visit to the House of Worship could release such bounties that would directly impact your personal spiritual growth, foster your teaching efforts, and allow you to experience the unity that permeates the Temple.

To register, simply mail in the registration form on this page with a check or money order for $7 to cover registration only. If you have any questions, please phone 708-256-4400.

REGISTRATION FORM

Print Name Bahá’í I.D. List additional names as applicable, Bahá’í ID#'s, ages of children). Attach extra sheet as needed. Address City State Zip Telephone/Work/Home/Area code ( )

A children's program will be conducted each day for ages 4 - 11. No other child care will be available. The registration fee is $7.00 per person. Please make checks available to the Bahá’í Services Fund. Do not send any other payment to us.

HOTEL INFORMATION

Based on our two hotel selections, we can make your reservations. However, you will handle all financial arrangements with the hotel. For those who wish to select their own accommodations, we will send you a list of hotels. All registrants will be sent transportation information and an itinerary of program activities. Please circle your hotel choice and indicate the number in your party.

(1) Skokie Howard Johnson Buffet breakfast included .2 miles from the House of Worship 1bd. rm. is $57.00/ 2bd. rm. is $67.00

(2) Marriott Courtyard Breakfast Additional 10 miles north of the House of Worship Flat rate is $49.00

Both hotels will provide full day shuttle service. Please indicate yes or no for an alternative hotel listing

Return this form to: Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Office Special Visit Program Wilmette, IL 60091

Kindness leads Laotian refugee to embrace Cause of God

A Bahá’í from the Southeast Asian Teaching Institute of Modesto, California, reports:

Savai Khammounetry came to our country two years ago from a refugee camp in Thailand, where he lost his wife. He came to the U.S. with his young daughter, Nouna, and they were resettled in Modesto.

In his first English class, Savai met and became friends with two Persian Bahá’ís who tried to teach him the Faith. The problem was that they did not speak Laotian and Savai did not speak Persian. And none of them could speak English. When Savai later moved, they lost contact with one another.

Savai's next contact with a Bahá’í was in another English class, and this time the Bahá’í was the teacher. She, too, began to teach him about the Faith, but when the semester ended Savai moved to an area that made it impossible for her to reach him.

Shortly afterward, Savai moved into an apartment directly behind a deepened Lao Bahá’í family. Khamphay Keosavangs and his wife, Somsamay, began to teach Savai the Faith in his own language.

One evening the Keosavangs brought Savai and his daughter to a Bahá’í meeting. It was a delightful surprise for Savai, for the meeting was held at the home of his former English teacher. When asked if he had become a Bahá’í yet, Savai replied, "No, but I want to be one!"

Savai became a Bahá’í that evening and an active member of the community by immediately joining the committee. Savai is not only busily deepening in the Faith, but is already teaching his relatives and friends.

An added happy moment took place shortly after Savai had become a Bahá’í when he met his Persian friends from the English class at a meeting.

During their joyous reunion, Savai said he would never forget the kindnesss they had shown him from the first day they met, communicating through the hearts because they could not understand each other's spoken words.

Bahá’ís in Dallas, Texas, area take part in parades marking anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth

Bahá’ís in the Dallas, Texas, area took part in two Martin Luther King Day parades, on January 16 and 18. Each began in downtown Dallas and ended on Martin Luther King Boulevard near the Cotton Bowl.

The Bahá’ís, one of 180 groups participating, were mentioned in the Dallas Morning News, and a Bahá’í banner was featured on the noonday news on television with one Bahá’í interviewed briefly about what Dr. King meant to him.

Also, Texas Christian University published a color photograph of a Bahá’í banner in its newspaper with a caption that mentioned the Faith.

That same weekend, Carrollton, a suburb of Dallas, sponsored the fifth annual King Day Conference. Bahá’í Carrie Smith, a motivational speaker who addressed the conference, was featured prominently in the Dallas Morning News in a color photograph with a picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the background and a headline that read, "In His Footsteps." [Page 3]

Area Treasurer seminars are ‘exhilarating, productive’

Initial response to the first several Area Treasurer Seminars has been enthusiastically positive. "Exhilarating" was the term used by one attendee; others called these new sessions "congenial, loving and uplifting," "very informative," "thought-provoking," and "efficient and productive."

Participants were asked to fill out evaluation questionnaires, rating the quality and usefulness of the verbal presentations by Treasurer's Office personnel, the visual presentation aids used and the reference and other materials handed out. On a scale of 5 points, the overall rating was 4.62; individual elements most appreciated by the participants were the information packets, the module on fund development principles and practices, and the case study discussion around actual questions and problems referred to the National Spiritual Assembly by the friends.

Areas for improvement included more concrete information about fund-raising and social and economic development ideas. "One great benefit of these and future programs, we hope, will be a greater sharing among the local Treasurers themselves of materials and techniques that they have found useful", said one of the National Office presenters. "Much of the real creativity comes from efforts in the field. In addition, the local Treasurer survey indicated that more effective networking with a region can be one of the best resources for an individual Treasurer or Assembly."

Several new materials are incorporated in these sessions, which are expected to be the first in a series that will be carried out during the coming year. The National Spiritual Assembly is encouraged by the results to date, and hopes and expects that local Assemblies everywhere will take advantage of the new program.

"I have a greater appreciation of the role of the Treasurer and how the local Assembly can assist their Treasurer," said one of the friends in Minneapolis. "Much work was put into this presentation. ...Really encourage non-Treasurers to come! I think LSAs with more than one attendee benefit more...."

Kitáb-i-Aqdas

as Shoghi Effendi confirmed, "soon after Bahá’u’lláh had been transferred to the house of ‘Udi Khammar (circa 1873), at a time when He was still encompassed by the tribulations that had afflicted Him, through the acts committed by His enemies and the professed adherents of His Faith."

The accessibility to Western readers of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas in full authorized text, for the first time in one of their major languages, enormously extends the sphere of its influence, opening wider the door to a vast process of individual and community development which must certainly exert an increasingly powerful, transformative effect on peoples and nations as the Book is translated further into other languages. That the English edition of this highly treasured and incalculably potent work should appear now amid the welter of a world at odds with itself is a demonstration of confidence in the ultimate emergence of a peaceful, civilized, global society. That it should be published during the period of the centenary of both the Ascension of its divine Author and the inauguration of His Covenant amplifies the striking impact, already felt, of the Holy Year which marks so important an anniversary.

A Book of such indescribable holiness is itself a symbol of the incomparable greatness of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh and is, indeed, a potent reminder of the high respect which is due to all that has flowed from His prodigious, truth-bearing pen. May the friends of God ever be mindful of its exalted rank among the sacred texts of the Faith; treasure it as the bread of life; regard possession of it as a sacred honor, as a priceless legacy from the Pen of the Most High, as a source of God's greatest bounty to His creatures; place their whole trust in its provisions; recite its verses; study its contents; adhere to its exhortations; and thus transform their lives in accordance with the divine standard.

Let us rejoice. Let us be filled with the felicitous spirit evoked in the Blessed Beauty's own announcement of the Mother Book of His Dispensation when He said: "We announce unto everyone the joyful tidings concerning that which We have revealed in Our Most Holy Book—a Book from above whose horizon the day-star of My commandments shineth upon every observer and every observed one." May we be such upholders of its laws and principles as to deserve His gloriously promised benediction: "Blessed those who peruse it. Blessed those who apprehend it. Blessed those who meditate upon it. Blessed those who ponder its meaning. So vast is its range that it hath encompassed all men ere their recognition of it. Ere long will its sovereign power, its pervasive influence and the greatness of its might be manifested on earth. Verily, thy God is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed."

The Universal House of Justice March 5, 1993

Glenwood Springs Bahá’ís co-sponsor first interfaith observance of King birthday

The Spiritual Assembly of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, was a co-sponsor in January of the first interfaith observance of Martin Luther King Day ever held in that city.

The other co-sponsor was the First United Church of Christ.

Speakers from six churches and the Faith spoke on "the influence/potential of each [church] on the elimination of prejudice." Also observed at the same time were World Religion Day and Prayer for Christian Unity Week. Ninety-three people attended, only eight of whom were Bahá’ís.

Awards were made to four high school students who placed in a Martin Luther King Essay/Peace Poster Contest sponsored by the local Assembly, and the winning essay was read as a tribute to Dr. King.

The high school choir sang "I Have a Dream," composed by a Bahá’í musician, Randy Armstrong, and included in his new release, "Uno Mondo."

New monument on grave of Dr. Zia Bagdadi is dedicated during Bahá’í Holy Year Conference in Augusta, Georgia

The dedication of a monument on the grave of Dr. Zia Mabsút Bagdadi was among the highlights of a Bahá’í Holy Year Conference held February 19-21 in Augusta, Georgia.

More than 100 Bahá’ís from a number of southern states, Maine and Haifa, Israel, gathered for the conference and dedication ceremony. Attending with his daughter was architect Foulad Manteghi of Toronto, Canada, who designed the monument with the approval of Dr. Bagdadi's nephew, ‘Alí Nakhjavání, a member of the Universal House of Justice.

"Dr. Bagdadi served constantly in many capacities from the earliest development of the Faith in North America until his death," the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum said in a cable to the conference, "his loyalty to both ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi a shining example and inspiration to others."

On Sunday morning, when the monument to Dr. Bagdadi was dedicated at Westover Memorial Park, the friends heard an inspiring message from Mr. Nakhjavání, in which he said that Dr. Bagdadi "served the Faith with admirable fidelity and constancy....

"As an outstanding speaker and teacher of the Faith, as an administrator on both local and national levels, as a pioneer of the Faith with the full support of his dear wife, as editor of the Persian section of Star of the West, and as a translator of important Tablets and Epistles of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, he labored assiduously, watched over the interests of the Faith with alacrity and vigilance, and persevered to the end in his noble efforts to win the good-pleasure of his Lord, his Master, and his Guardian."

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum suggested that "the Georgia Bahá’ís, particularly the youth, take this occasion to draw near to the spirit of this noble soul and dedicate themselves to a year of service, in whatever way they can, to his memory and in his name..."

The conference itself included talks on Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the Covenant by Jack McCants, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Auxiliary Board members Soo Fouts, Elizabeth Martin and Trudy White; a Saturday evening public meeting attended by 75-100 people at which Mrs. Fouts spoke on "Principles for World Peace"; the presentation of an award to Nathaniel and Brenda Brown, an interracial couple, for their tireless work to promote race unity in the Augusta area; and separate programs for children and youth.

The Spiritual Assembly of Richmond County has decided to hold an annual conference in memory of Dr. Bagdadi.

Pictured is the new monument atop the grave of Dr. Zia Mabsút Bagdadi in Augusta, Georgia. The monument was dedicated during a Holy Year Conference held February 19-21.

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

800 attend tribute to Dizzy Gillespie in Washington, D.C.

On February 1, about 800 people from the Washington, D.C., area attended a musical program entitled "Remembering Dizzy: His Life, Love and Legacy" sponsored by WDCU-FM.

The memorial tribute to the late jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie was co-sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Washington and the Blues Alley Jazz Club.

Among those taking part were a number of Bahá’ís including Mr. Gillespie's long-time friend and colleague, pianist Mike Longo; jazz vocalist Ellen Gross; and poet Donna Denize.

Members of the Bahá’í Club at the University of the District of Columbia, where the radio station is located, served as ushers and offered hospitality.

On January 19, the Bahá’í Club at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina, sponsored a memorial tribute to Mr. Gillespie, who was born in nearby Cheraw, South Carolina.

Girl Scout Council calendar includes cover photograph of Bahá’í environmentalist

The 1993 calendar of the Tres Condados (California) Girl Scout Council includes on its front cover a photograph of Bahá’í Kathleen Goddard Jones of San Luis Obispo County South.

Ms. Jones is well-known in the environmental community as the "Lady of the Dunes" for her knowledge about, and decades of work toward the preservation of the Nipomo Dunes.

In April, she was featured in a special "USA Weekend" article in the San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. [Page 4]

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.

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 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).

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 eagerly sought. Compensation, including room service are in great supply-volunteers are 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.

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 Lesotho: retired couple to serve as caretakers at the National Center. Senegal: retired caretakers couple or single male. Somalia: program manager for agricultural revitalization, health project manager. AMERICAS Brazil: elementary school teachers, kindergarten teacher, auditors, audit manager.. Guadeloupe: electro-mechanical technicians. Honduras: elementary school and junior high school teachers. Paraguay: chiropractic practice for sale. ASIA-Macau: primary school teachers. Sakhalin: teachers.

AUSTRALASIA-Paulau, Caroline Islands: OB/GYN. EUROPE-Bosnia: six-month assignments with the International Rescue Committee for a medical coordinator, public health facilitator, registered nurse, nursing educator. The Ruaha Secondary School in Tanzania urgently needs biology, chemistry and math teachers. For more information on any of the above, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091; telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247, Attn: Office of Pioneering.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Xorol Oliver (died Evanston, IL, 1955), Emily Olsen, Agnes O'Neill (died Boston, MA, 1950), Gita Orlova, Emma A. Ortmann, Berthalin Osgood, Emilie Ott, Almasears Overbeck and Hazel Owen (died Hinsdate, NH, 1966). Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives has available several free information sheets on local archives and records. Any local Spiritual Assembly wanting a copy is asked to write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 708-869-9039.

MISCELLANEOUS

DO YOU REMEMBER Brattleboro, Vermont? This year we'll be celebrating 50 years since the first Assembly was formed here. All former residents of Brattleboro, Windham County, and anyone who was ever a student at area colleges are urged to contact the 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee, c/o Martha Schmidt, Newfane, VT 05345, and send a letter, photos, or any information about dates you lived here, where you lived, and any reminiscences you may have to help us prepare for this event. We need to hear from you by June 15, if at all possible. Thank you.

PIONEERING: HOMEFRONT

COME to beautiful Florence, South Carolina, home of the newly acquired first Bahá’í Center in the state, and help us begin entry by troops. Only an hour away from the Louis Gregory Institute and within listening range of WLGI Radio Bahá’í. Many children and activities for youth. Don't delay! For information, phone 803-664-9766.

CITRUS COUNTY, Florida, needs homefront pioneers to strengthen its Assembly. Several members have summer homes and are gone for several months of the year, and a majority of older members in what is an active community of long-time Bahá’ís are experiencing health problems. Please consider this central Florida location which includes lakes, rivers, the Gulf of Mexico plus many parks and recreation areas for an active outdoor lifestyle. There are many retirees in the county, and many organizations and services to help meet their needs. There are two hospitals; several elementary, middle and high schools; a community college; and universities in nearby Gainesville and Tampa. Employment opportunities are primarily in the medical and service fields. Housing is reasonable. Bahá’í activities include representation on the Citrus County Interfaith Council, organizing an Institute for the Healing of Racism, and well-attended observances of Race Unity Day and World Religion Day. Please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Citrus County, P.O. Box 106, Lecanto, FL 34461, or phone 904-726-6408.

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Tillamook County, Oregon, invite and encourage urban Bahá’ís to consider moving to the country, described by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the place "of the soul," to help form our first local Spiritual Assembly. Tillamook County, on the Oregon coast, is a wholesome place in which to retire, raise a family, or offer a Youth Year of Service. Portland is only one and one-half hours away. Dairy farming and tourism form the economic base with employment opportunities for doctors, nurses, teachers and psychotherapists. There is a community college and hospital, and a small Latino community of 500 adds to the diversity. The Bahá’í community of six adults is eager to answer questions about relocating. For information and help, please contact Peggy Evans, 503-368-7001.

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.

MONTANA has been called "the last best place," and Bahá’ís there anticipate its becoming the first Bahá’í state. We offer a variety of living situations and opportunities. Areas of focus include a jeopardized Assembly in Ravalli County, establishing Assemblies on the Blackfoot and Flathead Reservations, re-forming an Assembly in Kalispell, and helping the Group in Sidney. Come help us achieve our goals. Come to God's country! For information, contact Lisa Hochmann, Somers, MT 59932, or phone 406-857-3799.

THE NEWLY FORMED Assembly of Dubuque, Iowa, seeks members of minority groups as homefront pioneers. We are a loving, active community whose primary focus is on "the most challenging issue" of racism. Dubuque is a city in which public sensitivity to issues of race is prominent, offering an opportunity for Bahá’ís to deliver the Message of Bahá’u’lláh both directly and indirectly. Employment/educational resources include two hospitals, five colleges, excellent public schools, and publishing. We would be happy to help in finding jobs and housing. Contact Charlotte A. Solarz, co-secretary, Dubuque, IA 52003, or phone 319-582-3270.

WANTED

CARTOONS on Bahá’í themes are needed for the upcoming publication of a collection of Bahá’í cartoons. All formats (single panel, multi-panel, strip) accepted. Submit up to 25 photocopies of your original black and white artwork to Arman Danesh, Ontario L7N 2C3, Canada. The deadline is August 31, 1993. Only, accepted submissions will receive a response unless the submission is accompanied by a self-addressed envelope and International Reply Coupon (IRC).

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of the New Castle, Pennsylvania, area are planning a panel discussion on race unity May 29 at the local public library and would like to include a display of children's drawings about the family of man, the elimination of prejudice, beauty in diversity, etc., to be displayed during May-June with the mayor's proclamation of June 11 as Race Unity Day. We hope to have drawings from children and youth, individuals and children's classes, all over the country. If you can help, please send drawings by May 15 to Lynne Annis-Christy, New Castle, PA 16105. We will send photos of the display to those who contribute drawings, and the drawings will be made available to others for future teaching efforts. Please be sure the child's or youth's name, community and state are on the art work.

THE NATIVE American Bahá’í Institute needs a four-wheel drive wagon-style vehicle for a mobile teaching institute to reach the Navajo and Hopi peoples. Please contact NABI, P.O. Box 3167, Houck, AZ 86506, or phone 602-367-5126, ext. 8595.

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.

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.

THE GREEN LAKE Bahá’í Conference Committee is looking for an IBM 386 or above compatible operating system to enhance its efficiency during committee meetings and at the conference. If anyone has such a system and would like to contribute it to our committee, please phone Kamran Mesbah, 608-873-13467 after 7:30 p.m. CST. [Page 5]

World News

From April-August last year, five Bahá’ís traveled on seven occasions from Toliary, Madagascar, to visit six localities in the area. Most of the trips covered a three-day period. As a result, 91 people were enrolled in the Faith and four new local Spiritual Assemblies were formed.

In Canberra, Australia, two Bahá’ís recently paid a courtesy call on the Chief Justice of the High Court, Sir Anthony Mason. The two were representing the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia, and the judge received them on behalf of all the judges on the court. Judge Mason was given a letter from the National Assembly, a selection of Bahá’í literature, and was told about the Holy Year and the Bahá’í World Congress in New York City.

On December 8, two Bahá’ís met with Sir Francis Burt, the governor of Western Australia, at Government House in Perth. the governor said he was familiar with the Faith, and recalled having received a copy of "The Promise of World Peace." He asked a number of probing questions about the Bahá’í view on a world federal system and the commonwealth.

As a result of progress achieved during the Six Year Plan, the Bahá’í community of New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands has shown marked growth, both statistically and in its level of spiritual maturity, as reflected in its many activities. For example, the number of adult Bahá’ís in the community almost doubled between Ridván 1986 and 1992, and the number of local Spiritual Assemblies tripled during the same period.

More than 130 Bahá’ís and guests from 25 communities and abroad attended Bulgaria's first Bahá’í winter school last December 26-30 in Lovech. Workshops led to commitments to develop regular children's classes, deepening programs, and a correspondence course.

On November 26, Member of Parliament Simon de Jong from Regina-Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan, spoke about the Faith in Canada's House of Commons, mentioning the World Congress, the central principles of the Faith, and the persecution of the friends during the last 100 years. "Bahá’ís take great effort to live their lives in accordance with their beliefs," he said. "They work selflessly for the eradication of racial, class, and religious divisions and prejudices....It is a very contemporary message needed to be heard in these troubled times."

"The Role of Women in a United Europe" was the theme of an international conference held last October 28-November 1 at Landegg Academy in Switzerland. The conference, attended by 90 participants from almost all European countries, was held under the auspices of Catherine Lalumiére, secretary-general of the Council of Europe, and Regula Lanz-Bauer, president of the National Council of Women's Organizations of Switzerland. Among the speakers was Helvi Sipila of Finland, the first women to be appointed assistant secretary-general of the United Nations.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Dominican Republic formally placed the Statement on Bahá’u’lláh into circulation at the National Library in Santo Domingo during a public meeting attended by almost 200 people. The principal speaker at the event was León David, a well-known poet and arts critic who is not a Bahá’í. Before the meeting, interviews were published in three of the leading daily newspapers and broadcast on three national television stations; afterward, all four morning newspapers carried extensive reports of the event.

COTEL-PANAMA Savario del Bab Haifa Israel Centano del fallecimiento de Bad 2 de Stays, 1992 CONGRESO MUNDIAL BAHAT Vietonya Assitere Alester Bane By MORACIONES DE LA PE BADAI EN 1992 VIGESIMO CORECO Panam NEASARIO DEL TEMPLO LA FE UNIDAD EN DIVERSIDAD COTEL PANAMA JULION1992

The National Post Office of Panama issued a commemorative envelope in honor of the Bahá’í Holy Year. It includes pictures of the Shrine of the Báb, the World Congress logo, and the House of Worship in Panama. In addition, the Post Office made a special rubber stamp for the occasion which reads: 'The Bahá’í Faith Unity in Diversity: Twentieth anniversary of the Bahá’í Temple of Panama. Shown on the envelope is one of the postal stamps printed with the House of Worship on it in 1985.

During the second Bahá’í World Congress, a delegation representing the National Spiritual Assembly of Luxembourg paid an official visit to the country's ambassador to the United Nations in New York City. The ambassador, who had heard of the Faith through letters from the Bahá’í International Community and his acquaintance with a Bahá’í family in Luxembourg, asked many questions about the Faith and what it means to be a Bahá’í. He was impressed when told that 50 Bahá’ís from Luxembourg were attending the World Congress.

Teachers of Bahá’í children's classes in Ban Haad Naad, Ban Takham Neau and Ban Tapong, Thailand, recently held a one-day conference for students to create a new enthusiasm for class attendance. About 60 children attended the conference, which started with prayers and songs and included workshops, games, and writing assignments for the students. The teachers were encouraged by the conference. They realized that the children had learned much about the Faith from their weekly classes, that they were united, and that they were happy to help one another.

Twenty-one Bahá’ís gathered at Concord, New South Wales, Australia, for a recent Bahá’í Institute for Aboriginal Teaching dedicated to "Uncle" Fred Murray, the first full-blooded Australian aboriginal to become a Bahá’í. The program included a study of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, and of letters from the Universal House of Justice and International Teaching Center.

Sacramento, California's Hmong Teaching Institute continues to locate Southeast Asian families, enroll members in Cause

The work of the Hmong Teaching Institute of Sacramento, California, continues to bring about wonderful results.

There are now 45 Southeast Asian Bahá’í families in the greater Sacramento area, and recently a Hmong Bahá’í, Ms. Sia Thao, was the first Southeast Asian elected to serve on the Spiritual Assembly of South Sacramento.

During February alone, 51 Southeast Asian Bahá’ís from greater Sacramento were added to the roster of U.S. Bahá’ís. Included were four new declarants as well as 17 adults and 30 children who had come to the States as Bahá’ís but had thus far been lost to the Faith.

From the outset, three young Southeast Asian Bahá’í women helped to orally translate for the Hmong Teaching Institute, enabling the friends to communicate with the Hmong adults.

In the summer of 1990, the Institute held garage sales to raise the funds for a group of Hmong children to attend a week of summer sessions at the Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz.

Pictured are members of the first Hmong Bahá’í family, the Vangs, found in West Sacramento, California, in 1989.

Keeping the children and youth active in the community, holding picnics for them and their friends, involving them in Feasts and Ayyám-i-Há celebrations, and conducting classes for children and youth each week (with an enrollment now exceeding 60) has helped to foster deep feelings of family and community unity.

Teaching children and youth through participation in community activities and creating bonds of friendship among adults not only brings about harmony and understanding but fosters the growth of the Faith among the Southeast Asian peoples as the new Bahá’ís among them strive to live according to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and to spread the message of His teachings among their families and friends.

Chinese newsletter

Guang Ming, a newsletter in English about Chinese teaching, is produced every two months by the Chinese Desk of the National Teaching Committee. Anyone who would like to receive a (free) copy may contact the Committee at the Bahá’í National Center, 708-869-9039, ext. 231. [Page 6]

Nightingale Books

Is a series of quality editions of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, launched to commemorate the centenary of His passing. Each volume features original illustrations, which complement the power and beauty of the text.

Meditations of the Blessed Beauty

Meditations of the Blessed Beauty HC $29.95 SC $16.95

A new selection of extracts from Bahá’u’lláh’s writings on themes of creation and spiritual regeneration. His profound and powerful words are complemented by a beautiful set of specially commissioned photographs.

The wild and dramatic landscapes of Norway and Iceland provide a visual backdrop of icebergs and volcanoes, mountains and pebbles, flowers and forests. Each photograph is a meditation in itself, embracing the mystery and wonder of creation.

A wonderful book for giving to friends, contacts, and prominent people. It will affect the heart and soul of all who take time to dwell on its words and images. Each book contains a commemorative stamp on special manuscript paper as a life-long souvenir of the Holy Year.

8" x 9-1/4", 96pp., introduction, references Bahá’í Publishing Trust - UK

Tablet of Carmel

HC $16.95 SC $9.95 Tablet of Carmel

This moving a powerful Tablet brings to life the ancient spiritual mysteries of God’s holy mountain. We are pleased to offer this beautiful gift edition featuring a splendid collection of original photographs of Mount Carmel, specially commissioned for this publication. A superb item for presentation to friends, contacts and dignitaries, and for use in public displays and exhibitions.

7" x 6-1/4", 66pp., introduction, key to photographs Bahá’í Publishing Trust - UK

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

by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá HC $10.00 Rawah

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

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

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.

Wider Horizon Selected Messages of the Universal House of Justice 1983-1992

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

Peace on Earth

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

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 PEACE ON EARTH 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.

Bahá’u’lláh, CS

by the 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 world 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

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. 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.

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 HEALING RACISM IN AMERICA A PRESCRIPTION FOR THE DISEASE NATHAN RUTSTEIN FOREWORD BY MAGI RA [Page 7]

Teaching Tools

1/2 Off Until June 1st!

CLOSED FOR INVENTORY We will be closed May 3-5 for physical inventory.

THE VISION OF RACE UNITY AMERICA'S MOST CHALLENGI ISSUE MATUNG HIRITUALATIONS

The Bahá’í Faith and its World Community

To the Peoples W The Bahá’í Faith Peace PROMISE OF WORLD PEACE TO THE PEOPLES OF THE WORLD

Bahá’í Faith (Earth Pamphlet) 10/pk. $3.50 1.75 50/pk. $14.00 7.00 100/pk. $25.00 12.50

Bahá’í Faith World Community 10/pk. $3.50 1.75 EDUCATION MARK:1 MAKAVALYING 50/pk. $10.95 5.00

Bahá’u’lláh (general edition) $1.50 .75

Perspective Series-educ. 10/pk. $12.95 5.00

Promise of World Peace (presentation ed.) $3.50 1.75

To the People of the World 100/pk. $25.00 12.50

Vision of Race Unity (pres. ed.) Each $2.00 1.00 10/pk. $17.50 8.75 25/pk. $40.00 20.00

BAHA’U’LLAH

THE BAHÁ’ÍS

The Bahá’ís, Magazine by the Bahá’í International Community's 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.

8-1/2" x 11", 80pp., color photos, charts, maps

Reprinted with the permission of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom

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 Expiration Date: Account Number:

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

Guidelines from Universal House of Justice on developing Bahá’í Administrative Order

The Universal House of Justice recently asked its Research Department to prepare some guidelines for the development of distinctive Bahá’í communities. The resulting document, "Issues Concerning Community Functioning," includes extracts from letters written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi on fostering the evolution of Bahá’í communities.

ISSUES CONCERNING COMMUNITY FUNCTIONING

A memorandum prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice February 1993

A number of questions have recently been raised about how to help malfunctioning local Bahá’í communities, specifically those communities that have difficulty responding to the needs and problems of their members, whose Spiritual Assemblies are unable to reach decisions, are unwilling to entertain frank and open consultation and fail to acknowledge the existence of problems in the community. As a contribution to the development of such communities, we offer the following comments.

1.1. The nature of change

Before addressing the issue of the kinds of steps that might be taken to bring about change within the Bahá’í community, it is useful to consider the Bahá’í perspective on the nature of change. Shoghi Effendi, in letters written on his behalf, underlines the evolutionary nature of the growth and development of Bahá’í communities. He characterizes the inevitable difficulties associated with the immaturity of both individual believers and institutions as "growing pains" which, he confidently affirms, will eventually be overcome, because of the perfection of the system introduced by Bahá’u’lláh. We cite below a selection of extracts from these letters:

"You have complained of the unsatisfactory conditions prevailing in the... Bahá’í community; the Guardian is well aware of the situation of the Cause there, but is confident that whatever the nature of the obstacles that confront the Faith they will be eventually overcome. You should, under no circumstances, feel discouraged, and allow such difficulties, even though they may have resulted from the misconduct, or the lack of capacity and vision of certain members of the community, to make you waver in your faith and basic loyalty to the Cause. Surely, the believers, no matter how qualified they may be, whether as teachers or administrators, and however high their intellectual and spiritual merits, should never be looked upon as a standard whereby to evaluate and measure the divine authority and mission of the Faith. It is to the Teachings themselves, and to the lives of the Founders of the Cause that the believers should look for their guidance and inspiration, and only by keeping strictly to such a true attitude can they hope to establish their loyalty to Bahá’u’lláh upon an enduring and unassailable basis. You should take heart, therefore, and with unrelaxing vigilance and unremitting effort endeavor to play your full share in the gradual unfoldment of this Divine World Order." (August 23, 1939, to an individual believer)

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

"The Guardian feels that, through attracting new souls, the Cause will outgrow its present limitations and function more efficiently." (February 27, 1943, to an individual believer)

"He was very sorry to learn of the inharmony amongst the friends there; and he feels that the only wise course of action is for all the believers to devote themselves to teaching the Faith and cooperating with their National Body.

"Often these trials and tests which all Bahá’í communities inevitably pass through seem terrible, at the moment, but in retrospect we understand that they were due to the frailty of human nature, to misunderstandings, and to the growing pains which every Bahá’í community must experience." (November 25, 1956, to an individual believer)

"It is very unfortunate that some of the believers do not seem to grasp the fact that the administrative order, the local and National Assemblies, are the pattern for the future, however inadequate they may sometimes seem. We must obey and support these bodies, for this is the Bahá’í law. Until we learn to do this we cannot make real progress....

"The Bahá’ís are far from perfect, as individuals or when they serve on elected bodies, but the system of Bahá’u’lláh is perfect and gradually the believers will mature and the system will work better...." (November 1, 1950, to an individual believer)

1.2 Fostering change

With regard to the means of fostering change within a Bahá’í community, we attach a compilation of extracts from letters written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi. While these extracts do not deal specifically with strategies for helping communities that are chronically malfunctioning, they do provide useful guidance concerning actions that can be taken to bring about change within Bahá’í communities. Before considering these approaches, it is useful to reflect on the fact that the implementation of any approach must be guided by the exercise of wisdom and patience, and the avoidance of an adversarial attitude in relation to the Assembly and the Bahá’í community. In Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 343, Bahá’u’lláh counsels the believers to avoid two extremes of behavior in relation to the Faith. He states:

"In this Day, We can neither approve the conduct of the fearful that seeketh to dissemble his faith, nor sanction the behavior of the avowed believer that clamorously asserteth his allegiance to this Cause. Both should observe the dictates of wisdom, and strive diligently to serve the best interests of the Faith."

Note His emphasis on observing "the dictates of wisdom" and striving "to serve the best interests of the Faith."

Based on the attached extracts, there appear to be a number of actions which individual believers can take to foster the next steps in the evolution of the Bahá’í community. These include:

1.2.1 Individual example

Shoghi Effendi, in a letter dated September 30, 1949, written on his behalf to an individual believer, states that "the first and best way" to remedy the malfunctioning of a Bahá’í community is for the individual to "do what is right." See extract [1].

In addition to deepening, teaching and serving the Faith, the beloved Guardian stresses the importance of, and the benefits that derive from, such qualities as persistence, self-sacrifice, patience and loving forgiveness. See extracts [2] and [3].

1.2.2 Assisting the local Spiritual Assembly

Shoghi Effendi indicates that individual believers can foster the development of the local Spiritual Assembly by such means as participating in its election, supporting and upholding its decisions, and turning toward it for the resolution of problems. See extracts [4]-[7].

1.2.3 Recommendations to institutions

Individual believers have "the right to openly express their criticism of any Assembly action or policy," and to offer suggestions and recommendations for the improvement of the local community, provided the criticism and suggestions are offered in a constructive way and the authority of the Assembly is not undermined. See extracts [8] and [9].

The Universal House of Justice, in a letter dated August 3, 1982, written on its behalf to an individual believer, provides the following guidance concerning the manner in which individual views should be offered within the Bahá’í community:

"It is important to note, however, that individuals who wish to present their views should do so in a way compatible with the Bahá’í spirit of consultation. It sometimes happens that a believer insists on expounding his views at Bahá’í meetings, and frequently disrupts such gatherings, and may even display such behavior in the presence of non-Bahá’ís. If he stubbornly persists in this conduct, despite exhortations and warnings given to him by the proper Bahá’í institutions, he will somehow have to be prevented from taking the law into his own hands and jeopardizing Bahá’í interests. When differences such as these arise, it is important that frank and loving consultation between the person concerned and the local Spiritual Assembly, and if need be the National Spiritual Assembly, should take place, or perhaps the institution of the Counselors could help resolve the problem."

1.2.4 Consultation with Auxiliary Board members

The Auxiliary Board members and their assistants are charged with stimulating the grassroots of the Bahá’í community and with encouraging and helping the maturation of local Spiritual Assemblies. An individual believer or a local Spiritual Assembly might profitably seek the advice of the Board members for ideas about how to resolve the specific difficulties that exist in a community.

1.2.5 Appeal to the National Spiritual Assembly

Individual believers have the right to appeal a decision of the local Spiritual Assembly to the National Assembly. See "The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice," pp. 14-15, for details of the appeal process. The decision as to whether to exercise this right rests with the individual. The following extract from a letter dated September 12, 1988, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice pertains to this subject:

"As you know, you are free to request the Assembly to reconsider its decision. However, you may wish to weigh this course of action against the reaction it could produce, and which may cause you further stress. In some cases, it is preferable if one accepts humbly the view of the Assembly in a spirit of sacrifice, and without further dispute. Then, any wrong decision will eventually be set right. When the believers act submissively and in a spirit of self-effacement it attracts the good pleasure of God, which in itself serves as a consolation to their hearts."

2. Consultation and the expression of feelings

The view has been put forth that the open expression of feelings and the honest expression of ideas are fundamental to productive Bahá’í consultation, and, further, that the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-Step program can make an important contribution to honest and open communication. In this regard, guidance was sought concerning the expression of feelings in the course of consultation.

While there may well be similarities between elements of the process of consultation and the 12-Step program, they differ in their over-all goals. The intent of the open expression by the individual as practiced in AA is, by and large, to effect a healing and a release from the habit of drinking. Consultation, on the other hand, has as its object "the investigation of truth."

The distinction between the purpose of consultation and therapeutic endeavors is made explicit in the following extracts from letters written by or on behalf of the Universal House of Justice:

"It should be borne in mind that all consultation is aimed at arriving at a solution to a problem and is quite different from the sort of group baring of the soul that is popular in some circles these days and which borders on the kind of confession that is forbidden in the Faith." (From a letter dated March 19, 1973, from the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, published in "Consultation: A Compilation" [Wilmette, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1980], p. 22)

"In regard to your question about the fifth step in the 'AA 12-Step Program,' we have been asked to share with you the following extract from a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice on August 26, [Page 9]1986, to an individual believer: "...there is no objection to Bahá’ís being members of Alcoholics Anonymous, which is an association that does a great deal of good in assisting alcoholics to overcome their lamentable condition. The sharing of experience which the members undertake does not conflict with the Bahá’í prohibition on the confession of sins; it is more in the nature of the therapeutic relationship between a patient and a psychiatrist." (From a letter dated November 5, 1987, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

The honest expression of feelings in general communication requires both wisdom and moderation. In Gleanings, Bahá’u’lláh counsels the believers thus:

"They who are the people of God have no ambition except to revive the world, to ennoble its life, and regenerate its peoples. Truthfulness and goodwill have, at all times, marked their relations with all men. ..." (pp. 270-71)

"Beware lest ye contend with any one, nay, strive to make him aware of the truth with kindly manner and most convincing exhortation...." (p. 279)

"Whatsoever passeth beyond the limits of moderation will cease to exert a beneficial influence...." (p. 216)

And Shoghi Effendi, in a letter dated July 5, 1947, written on his behalf, makes the following statement about the importance of "balance in all things":

"One might liken Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings to a sphere; there are points poles apart, and in between the thoughts and doctrines that unite them.

"We believe in balance in all things; we believe in moderation in all things—we must not be too emotional, nor cut and dried and lacking in feeling; we must not be so liberal as to cease to preserve the character and unity of our Bahá’í system, nor fanatical and dogmatic."

Concerning the open expression of feelings during consultation, clearly the expression of feelings and the emotional tone of the interaction make an important contribution to the consultative process. In one of His talks, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá describes "love and fellowship" as the "foundation" of "true consultation." He states:

"...true consultation is spiritual conference in the attitude and atmosphere of love. Members must love each other in the spirit of fellowship in order that good results may be forthcoming. Love and fellowship are the foundation." (The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá During His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912 [Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1982], pp. 72-73)

The Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that are cited in "Bahá’í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932," pp. 20-23, provide helpful guidance concerning the expression of feelings during consultation. For example:

‘Abdu’l-Bahá calls upon the members of a Spiritual Assembly to unite such that their "thoughts," "views," and "feelings may become as one reality, manifesting the spirit of union throughout the world...." (pp. 20-21)

The Master advises the members to "take counsel together in such wise that no occasion for ill-feeling or discord may arise." He affirms that "This can be attained when every member expresseth with absolute freedom his own opinion and setteth forth his argument. Should any one oppose, he must on no account feel hurt for not until matters are fully discussed can the right way be revealed. The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions...." (p. 21)

It is important to note that truth emerges after the "clash" of carefully articulated views (which may well be expressed with enthusiasm and vigor), not from the clash of feelings. A clash of feelings is likely to obscure the truth, while a difference of opinion facilitates the discovery of truth.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá provides the following advice concerning the manner in which views should be expressed in the course of consultation. It is suggested that this guidance could also pertain to the expression of feelings:

"They must then proceed with the utmost devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and moderation to express their views. They must in every matter search out the truth and not insist upon their own opinion, for stubbornness and persistence in one's views will lead ultimately to discord and wrangling and the truth will remain hidden. ..." (p. 22)

For additional statements from the Writings which could be pertinent to the subject of the expression of feelings in the consultative process, reference could be made to "Consultation: A Compilation."

1. Individual example

"You must not make the great mistake of judging our Faith by one community which obviously needs to study and obey the Bahá’í teachings. Human frailties and peculiarities can be a great test. But the only way, or perhaps I should say the first and best way, to remedy such situations is to oneself do what is right. One soul can be the cause of the spiritual illumination of a continent. Now that you have seen, and remedied, a great fault in your own life, now that you see more clearly what is lacking in your own community, there is nothing to prevent you from arising and showing such an example, such a love and spirit of service, as to enkindle the hearts of your fellow Bahá’ís.

"He urges you to study deeply the teachings, teach others, study with those Bahá’ís who are anxious to do so, the deeper teachings of our Faith, and through example, effort and prayer, bring about a change." (September 30, 1949, to an individual believer) [1]

"The remedy to Assembly inharmony cannot be in the resignation or abstinence of any of its members. It must learn, in spite of disturbing elements, to continue to function as a whole, otherwise the whole system would become discredited through the introduction of exceptions to the rule.

"The believers, loving the Cause above all else and putting its interests first, must be ready to bear the hardships entailed, of whatever nature they may be. Only through such persistence and self-sacrifice can we ever hope to preserve on the one hand our divine institutions intact, and on the other force ourselves to become nobler, better instruments to serve this glorious Faith." (November 20, 1941, to an individual believer) [2]

"Regarding your question about the need for greater unity among the friends there is no doubt that this is so, and the Guardian feels that one of the chief instruments for promoting it is to teach the Bahá’ís themselves, in classes and through precepts, that love of God, and consequently of men, is the essential foundation of every religion, our own included. A greater degree of love will produce a greater unity, because it enables people to bear with each other, to be patient and forgiving." (July 7, 1944, to an individual believer, quoted in Bahá’í News, no. 173, February 1945, p. 3) [3]

2. Assisting the local Spiritual Assembly

"Meantime we must do all we can to strengthen and support the local and National Assemblies by exercising great care in the elections, so as to secure the return of the wisest and most suitable members, then by loyal cooperation and obedience. If we disapprove of their decisions we must be careful to avoid discussing such matters with other believers who have no authority to put them right. We must put our views frankly before the Assembly itself and only in the case of not getting a satisfactory reply appeal to the National Assembly, if it is a question of the conduct of the local Assembly, and to Shoghi Effendi if the National Assembly is concerned." (March 4, 1925, to an individual believer) [4]

"The situation in ... about which the National Spiritual Assembly has already written him in detail, has very much grieved and afflicted his heart, as he is convinced that nothing short of complete unity among the friends, whether in their individual or collective labors, particularly in these days of administrative organization and development in the Cause, can ensure the steady progress of the Faith in that center. There is no task more urgently necessary than the assurance of perfect harmony and fellowship among the friends, especially between the local Assemblies and individual believers, and these in their turn should inspire confidence in the individual believers, and these in their turn should express their readiness to fully abide by the decisions and directions of the local Assembly. The two must learn to cooperate, and to realize that only through such a cooperation can the institutions of the Cause effectively and permanently function. While obedience to the local Assembly should be unqualified and wholehearted, yet that body should enforce its decisions in such a way as to avoid giving the impression that it is animated by dictatorial motives. The spirit of the Cause is one of mutual cooperation, and not that of a dictatorship.

"The remedy to Assembly inharmony cannot be in the resignation or abstinence of any of its members. It must learn, in spite of disturbing elements, to continue to function as a whole, otherwise the whole system would become discredited through the introduction of exceptions to the rule."

"The believers should have confidence in the directions and orders of their Assembly, even though they may not be convinced of their justice or right. Once the Assembly, through a majority vote of its members, comes to a decision the friends should readily obey it. Specially those dissenting members within the Assembly whose opinion is contrary to that of the majority of their fellow-members should set a good example before the community by sacrificing their personal views for the sake of obeying the principle of majority vote that underlies the functioning of all Bahá’í Assemblies." (October 28, 1935, to an individual believer) [5]

"The Assemblies have been established to administer the affairs of the Cause with authority. The believers have the right to vote for whoever they please. If they do not like their Assembly's acts, they must, for the sake of the unity of the Faith, abide by its decisions. The individual has the right to make suggestions, to protest, but he has no rights over the Assembly; his force is his vote. If one of the friends is dissatisfied over the local situation he should nevertheless cooperate with his Spiritual Assembly and do all he can to help it. He can pray for it, he can show through his own deeds a noble Bahá’í example. The system is perfect, but if the instruments are imperfect we must still uphold the system, knowing God will watch over and protect His Cause, and that such conditions are only temporary and will pass away as the Cause grows and the Bahá’ís mature.

"He urges you not to lose heart, and never to stop serving the Faith. No matter what the attitude of others may be, it cannot exonerate you from showing the right attitude; your duty is to God, and you should rest assured in the end He will solve all these problems." (November 14, 1948, to an individual believer) [6]

"Over and over, in going through the correspondence he received from your Assembly, he was struck by the fact that the friends acted so unadministratively. Instead of taking up their accusations and problems and unhappy feelings with their local Assembly, or the National Assembly, they referred to individuals or individual members of the Assembly, or they refused to meet with the Assembly. The first thing a believer should do is to turn to an Assembly—that is why we have Assemblies! He feels this trouble would never have arisen if the Bahá’ís utilized their Assemblies as they should. One of the healing remedies Bahá’u’lláh has given to a sick world is the Assembly (which in future will become a House of Justice); its members have very sacred and heavy responsibilities, its power to steer the community, to protect and assist its members is likewise very great." (June 30, 1949, to a National Spiritual Assembly) [7]

3. Recommendations to institutions

"Now with reference to your last dear letter in which you had asked whether the believers have the right to openly express their criticism of any Assembly action or policy: it is not only the right, but the vital responsibility of every loyal and intelligent member of the community to offer fully and frankly, but with due respect and consideration to the authority of the Assembly, any suggestion, recommendation or criticism he conscientiously feels he should in order to improve and manage the affairs of the Cause. But it should be clear that all criticisms and discussions of a negative character which may result in undermining the authority of the Assembly as a body should be strictly avoided. For otherwise the order of the Cause itself will be endangered, and confusion and discord will reign in the community." [Page 10]

El ‘plan secreto’ de Iran de reprimir a los Bahá’ís

La Comisión de los Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas reunida en Génova, Suiza, en febrero pasado, hizo público un secreto "el plan de destruir la Comunidad Bahá’í" decretada hace dos años por el Concilio Cultural Revolucionario del Irán Islámico y aprobado por el Presidente de Irán y el supremo Ayatollah, Ali Khamenei.

El documento fue presentado a la Comisión como parte de un reporte comprensivo del estatus de los derechos humanos en Irán por el representante especial de ‎la las‎ Naciones Unidas, Reynaldo Galindo Pohl, quien reveló detalles específicos del plan del Concilio y concluyó que "una regla limita todas las demás, nombró, tal que provea que el progreso y desarrollo de los Bahá’ís deba ser bloqueado".

El memorando del Concilio Islámico fechado Febrero 25 de 1991, "codifica y sistematiza varios tipos de acciones represivas que el régimen Islámico ha tomado contra los Bahá’ís desde 1979" dijo el Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, respondiendo a las revelaciones en nombre de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional.

"Este siniestro plan confirma la calculada política de los funcionarios de alto rango de Irán de destruir la comunidad Bahá’í," él dijo. "Esto confirma inequívocamente la intención de las altas autoridades de la República Islámica de crear unas condiciones económicas, sociales y culturales bajo las cuales la comunidad Bahá’í de Irán gradualmente sería pauperizada, debilitada y muerta."

El memorando, dijo el Dr. Kazemzadeh, "confirma todos los alegatos que la Comunidad Internacional Bahá’í ha hecho a las Naciones Unidas concernientes a la deliberada y sistemática persecución de los Bahá’ís basados solamente en la intolerancia religiosa y el odio."

Entre otras cosas, el plan declara que a los Bahá’ís se les debe negar el empleo y deben ser despedidos de los colegios y las universidades "si ellos se identifican como Bahá’ís", y deben ser destituidos de "toda posición de influencia, como es el sector educativo, etc."

Además, el documento añade, "para ampliar esto no se les anima a ser Bahá’ís, es permisible proveerles con... libros, pasaportes, certificados de defunción, permisos de trabajo, etc."

Pero como el señor Galindo Pohl señala en su reporte a la Comisión, "ni los certificados de matrimonio ni los de divorcio están legalmente reconocidos en la República Islámica de Irán," y "los Bahá’ís están privados de sus derechos de herencia."

El memorando del Concilio Cultural Revolucionario también llama a "confrontar y destruir las raíces culturales" de la Fe afuera de Irán. El Dr. Kazemzadeh dijo esto refiriéndose a los planes del gobierno Irani de contra atacar los esfuerzos de apoyo a la comunidad Bahá’í de Irán por parte de los Bahá’ís en los Estados Unidos y otros países alrededor del mundo.

"No otro documento del gobierno," él dijo, "ha revelado tan claramente la determinación de las altas autoridades en Irán de desarraigar la Fe Bahá’í de ese País y aun atacarla en el extranjero."

El Dr. Kazemzadeh notó un reciente surgimiento en los ataques a los Bahá’ís en un periódico en idioma persa publicado afuera de Irán que incluía un artículo reciente en uno de los periódicos de Los Ángeles.

Aún más alarmante es la ausencia de algún recurso legal para los miembros de la Comunidad Bahá’í de Irán, dejando abierta la posibilidad de arrestos y ejecuciones, sujetos solamente al juicio de las autoridades iraníes. Más de 200 Bahá’ís han sido condenados a morir desde que el régimen Islámico tomó el poder en Irán en 1979.

El más reciente de ellos es el Dr. Bahman Samandari, un miembro de la comunidad Bahá’í de Teheran, quien fue arrestado el 17 de Marzo de 1992, sin cargos específicos y ejecutado el siguiente día. Su lugar de entierro fue guardado en secreto de su esposa a quien no se le dio el certificado de defunción o información acerca de los cargos contra él o el veredicto que ‎sentenciada sentenciaba‎ su ejecución.

Aún más reciente, de acuerdo con el reporte del sr. Galindo Pohl a la Comisión de los Derechos Humanos, las sentencias de muerte fueron escritas contra dos Bahá’ís quienes fueron arrestados hace tres años y aún están en prisión en Karaj.

"Se reportó que los juicios que resultaron en las sentencias de muerte (de los Bahá’ís) tuvieron lugar sin la asistencia de abogados defensores", el sr. Galindo Pohl dijo en una carta al Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores. "... Yo estaría muy agradecido si Ud. intercede urgentemente para asegurar que esas personas puedan beneficiarse de todos los procedimientos de seguridad estipulados en el Convenio Internacional de los Derechos Civiles y Políticos. ... "También apreciaría si su Gobierno pudiera informarme de la situación actual de esas personas, de los cargos precisos contra ellos, y de todos los detalles relevantes de sus juicios y sentencias".

El reporte del Representante de las Naciones Unidas a la Comisión cita que "numerosos casos confirmados y documentados de hostigamiento, detención arbitraria, confiscación de propiedades, expulsión de los hogares y discriminación en general" contra los Bahá’ís incluye lo siguiente:

• Por más de 12 años a los Bahá’ís se les ha sistemáticamente negado el acceso a las instituciones de educación superior como son universidades y colegios. ...Fue posteriormente reportado que los Bahá’ís estaban experimentando serias dificultades en la circulación de libros Bahá’í entre ellos mismos y en el mantenimiento de clases para instruir sus niños en los valores espirituales y morales. En Enero de 1991, el Ministro de Información ordenó el cierre de las clases de niños Bahá’ís a través de Irán.

• Durante los 12 años pasados a la comunidad Bahá’í se le ha negado el derecho de elegir y mantener sus instituciones administrativas. ...Sin instituciones administrativas la propia existencia de los Bahá’ís como una comunidad religiosa viable está seriamente en peligro. Como individuos, los Bahá’ís son considerados oficialmente como "infieles sin protección" y, además, sus derechos civiles y libertades son frecuentemente ignoradas. El no reconocimiento de su religión se manifiesta de varias maneras, incluyendo el rechazo del derecho básico de expresar libremente sus creencias religiosas.

• ... a muchos Bahá’ís en Irán se les continua privando de los medios de ganarse la vida. Un considerable número de más de 10.000 Bahá’ís quienes fueron despedidos de sus posiciones en el gobierno y la educación continúan desempleados y no reciben ningún beneficio por desempleo. A algunos Bahá’ís despedidos de sus puestos de gobierno se les han pedido, aún, que devuelvan los salarios o pensiones que se les pagaron. Las pensiones de retiro de los Bahá’ís despedidos por razones religiosas han sido paradas.

• En Octubre 28 de 1989, la Oficina de Seguros y Pensiones de la Armada dijo que la pensión de un capitán despedido fue suspendida por su membresía en la "secta desviada Bahá’í" y de acuerdo con una carta de fecha Agosto 27 de 1984 por la Corte Islámica Revolucionaria de la Armada.

• En Septiembre 24 de 1991 el director de la Oficina de Seguros y Pensiones del Ministerio de Defensa y Apoyo de las Fuerzas Armadas envió una carta que dice: "Basados en la información recibida, Ud. es un Bahá’í y por ello sin derecho a los pagos pensión. Sin embargo, Ud. debería convertirse al Islam y demostrar remordimiento por haber sido un Bahá’í y luego de que Ud. proporcione pruebas a esta Oficina de que Ud. ha abrazado el Islam, se tomarán los pasos para restaurarle sus pagos de pensión".

• En Noviembre 20 de 1990 el Comité Preliminar de Reconstrucción dijo que un técnico del Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud Pública de la Universidad de Teheran, quien se retiró después de 24 años de servicio, había sido encontrado culpable del "crimen de membresía" de la secta Bahá’í y entonces ‎despedidos despedido‎ permanentemente de su puesto en el gobierno y que su pensión había sido discontinuada. En Enero 12 de 1991, la Octava Rama de la Corte de Administración de Justicia dijo que: "Basados en el código penal y en los récords existentes, el Comité Preliminar en Reconstrucción estando aún en ejercicio sentencia que, no hay fundamentos legales para pagar la pensión o traer a circulación el archivo. La queja es por lo tanto rechazada y esta sentencia es final."

• En Junio 24 de 1991, la Novena Rama de la Corte Administrativa de Justicia dijo que: "Debido al hecho de que la membresía en la secta desviada Bahá’í, una secta que es considerada fuera del Islam, es causa de despido de todas las posiciones de Gobierno, con todo lo que esto implica, y teniendo en consideración el hecho de que las quejas no han desmentido la membresía en la secta desviada, la Corte no encuentra las quejas aceptables. Este veredicto es final."

• Incidentes de hostigamiento se han reportado en las ciudades de Karaj y Aran en Kashan donde a los Bahá’ís se les ordenó cerrar sus almacenes. A los Bahá’ís no se les permite oficialmente abrir sus propios negocios. A los Bahá’ís granjeros se les niega la admisión en las cooperativas de agricultores que son frecuentemente las únicas fuentes de créditos, semillas, fertilizantes y pesticidas.

• Se ha reportado recientemente que a los ancianos y viudas Bahá’ís fueron expulsados de sus propias casas. A través de los años, grandes números de propiedades privadas y negocios, incluidos hogares y fincas, han sido arbitrariamente confiscados de los Bahá’ís. Muchos... se están vendiendo en subastas sin consideración a las apelaciones de los Bahá’ís afectados.

• Un ‎documentos documento‎ reciente del Fiscal de la República de Irán en Teheran dice que una mujer que "es acusada de afiliación con la descarriada secta Bahá’í" y luego, "ella ha sido sentenciada a la confiscación completa de todas sus pertenencias", que son puestos "bajo la autoridad de seleccionados abogados de los guardianes espirituales".

• ...otro miembro de la Comunidad Bahá’í, un residente de Isfahan quien es mayor de 80 años de edad, fue sacado de su propia casa a mediados de Septiembre de 1992 por varios oficiales gubernamentales quienes tomaron posesión del edificio y tomaron todos sus libros, varios miles de volúmenes. Esta persona no pudo tomar nada consigo mismo y ahora depende de sus amigos. Ninguna apelación o queja ha sido tenida en cuenta por las autoridades concerniente a este caso.

• ...Los Lugares Sagrados Bahá’ís, sitios históricos, cementerios, centros administrativos y otros bienes, tomados mayormente en 1979, continúan confiscados o han sido destruidos. Teniendo acceso solamente a los cementerios que el gobierno ha destinado para ellos, los Bahá’ís en muchas comunidades experimentan dificultades al enterrar sus muertos. Fue posteriormente alegado que a los Bahá’ís no se les permita marcar las lápidas de sus compañeros muertos, haciendo casi imposible identificar las tumbas de sus amados.

• La más reciente ola de persecución se dice que ha afectado profundamente a toda una generación de Bahá’ís en la República Islámica de Irán. Se ha reportado que a ellos se les ha ofrecido alivio de las persecuciones si ellos estuvieran preparados para retractarse de su Fe.

• ...Los Bahá’ís no son libres de salir de la República Islámica de Irán, como también casi imposible obtener sus pasaportes.

Bajo la sistemática persecución del gobierno de Irán a la comunidad Bahá’í hay cargos sin consistencia de espionaje levantados contra la Fe, como se representa en el siguiente artículo de Enero 22 de 1992, en el periódico de kayhan:

"... Desde el comienzo de su aparición, la Fe Bahá’í ha sido un instrumento del imperialismo occidental en los países Islámicos, especialmente en la República Islámica de Irán, en orden de crear disensión religiosa y de debilitar la fe religiosa y el fervor de la gente. ..."

"Las relaciones con Israel, ‎espionando espiando‎ para el Sionismo, y la conexión con la CIA caracterizan las actividades de esta secta en el período Pahlavi."

Estos y otros cargos han sido repetidamente negados por los mismos Bahá’ís, y no se evidencia apoyo para ellos como nunca se ha producido por parte del gobierno de Irán.

Fort Worth Bahá’ís take part in area interfaith dialogue

The Bahá’í community of Fort Worth, Texas, took part last October-December in an interfaith dialogue whose purpose was to introduce members of various religious groups to a number of belief systems and to initiate a communication among their members.

Those represented in the dialogue, which was sponsored by the local chapter of the National Council of Christians and Jews, included members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Unitarian Church, Muslims, Jews and Bahá’ís from throughout the Fort Worth area.

Meetings were held in various churches, synagogues, mosques and centers; more than 20 non-Bahá’ís attended the session at the Bahá’í Center. [Page 11]

THE LIBRARY

Reference section splendid source for pioneers

Are you thinking of pioneering overseas? To a community in the U.S.? Where do you turn for the information you need on living conditions, employment, education and the many other questions that arise? Think Reference Section of your nearest library!

We took a one-hour stroll through a nearby library to scout out some of its resources and would like to share this information with you.

We were looking primarily for materials to help prospective international pioneers; however, we noted many resources for homefront pioneers as well.

In the "general works" section (the 000s in the Dewey Decimal System of classification) are the atlases, maps, almanacs and encyclopedias. If you need more information on a country than you can find in the encyclopedia or the Information Please almanac, you can wander over to the "social sciences" section (300s) and find details on its economy, climate, history, universities, government and much more in the Europa Year Book, which also has a volume on international organizations.

Or, you can move to the "geography and history" section (900s) to read Countries of the World or The Statesman's Yearbook. Some libraries may also have a copy of Cities of the World, a 4-volume work that presents not only geographical and historical facts, but also comprehensive data on local customs, community health services, political conditions, municipal services and educational and commercial facilities.

Back in the "social sciences" section, we noted The Directory of Career Training and Development, plus a selection of business directories, intern program information career guides and resumé books that could help those of you who are planning for a future career or changing careers.

For overseas university studies, there is the International Handbook of Universities or The World of Learning. The World Guide to Higher Education provides a means of comparing the systems, the degrees and the qualifications of the various educational institutions.

So now you are thinking about tuition? The International Scholarship Book, The Foundation Directory, Grants Register, and The Complete Grants Sourcebook for Higher Education point out where funds can be found if you qualify for them.

And there's the Macmillan Guide to Correspondence Study for those who wish an alternative means of studying, whether abroad or at home.

Where to look for employment leads? A search in the "business" section (600s) uncovered The Worldwide Chamber of Commerce Directory (which includes not only foreign Chambers of Commerce in principal cities worldwise but also foreign Consulates and Embassies in the U.S.), as well as Principal International Businesses, World Marketing Directory, the Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries, the Directory of Foreign Manufacturers in the U.S., and How to Get a Job Overseas.

So much is available: answers to tax and immigration questions (330s), tropical health (500s) and banking needs (Rand McNally Bankers' Directory, 600s) can be found in the library.

The best resource, of course, is the reference librarian, who can help you find these and many other materials.

Call or visit your library and find out about the world or your neighborhood. Discover the treasures that are waiting for you in your local library.

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

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.

A new listing of overseas service posts for Bahá’í youth

from the World Congress Youth Movement Task Force

The following post descriptions are extracted from the "Youth Service Directory" published by the World Congress Youth Movement Forum Task Force.

AFRICA

Cameroon: The National Spiritual Assembly of Cameroon needs five youth to assist in teaching and deepening in rural areas.

Chad: A community development project is under way requiring male volunteers familiar with community development to work in primary health care, village schools, literacy and handicrafts.

Equatorial Guinea has a list of more than 20 service opportunities for Bahá’ís ages 21 and over.

Swaziland invites volunteers for teaching and consolidation in rural areas, and for work at a private medical clinic.

Zambia's William Masehla Bahá’í Institute has begun regular training sessions for African and international youth teaching in southern African Countries. Adjacent to the institute, the Banani School for Girls needs female volunteers for organizing activities, supervising dorm life, school-initiated community service projects, and more.

AMERICAS

Barbados has a three-year teaching project which emphasizes a live-in institute program. Participating "resident teachers" carry out direct teaching, children's classes, deepenings and firesides.

Belize needs help in consolidating its 7,000-8,000 Bahá’ís, and in organizing firesides, children's classes and youth meetings. Teaching at a Bahá’í school and teaching the Faith through drama are also open.

Bolivia: Call or write the Office of Pioneering for a copy of Bolivia's own comprehensive Service Opportunities Directory!

Brazil's School of the Nations has openings for youth to serve as teachers' assistants weekdays, and traveling teachers on weekends. Help is also needed in teaching and socio-economic development work in the Amazon region.

Grenada needs youth for teaching all over the island, and to help run the Bahá’í Center.

Venezuela: teaching and consolidation in rural, urban and Indian areas, children's classes, youth, pre-youth, and women's group activities.

ASIA

>ng needs volunteers to help y SuоH age local believers to take part in Feasts, Holy Days, firesides and deepenings, and contribute to the fund.

AUSTRALASIA

Eastern Caroline Islands consists of many small, remote islands whose resident Bahá’ís need help with deepening and community building, as well as teaching new waiting souls.

Fiji Islands offers the opportunity for 2-4 youth to present the Faith to high school students through music for 2-4 week periods.

Kiribati needs youth to deepen believers who live on isolated neighboring islands, and to help facilitate communication between the youth of these islands and the National Youth Committee.

New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands: 2-3 youth are required to carry out projects with island youth, under the supervision of the National Youth Committee.

Tonga welcomes any youth who can become a part of 4-6 member traveling teaching teams that visit target areas for 9-14 day periods, as well as participate in camps, institutes and other activities.

EUROPE

Hungary: nine more traveling teachers or BYSC volunteers are needed to achieve the six-year plan goal before Ridván! Self-initiating, independent and self-supporting individuals required.

Albania has opportunities for teaching, consolidating and administering the affairs of the Faith for Italian and English Speakers.

Austria's Information Center in Vienna offers a youth the opportunity to answer phone and walk-in inquiries about the Faith, help with discussion evenings in the National Assembly office, and with National Secretariat activities.

Belgium's Bahá’í Publishing Trust service involves preparing and reviewing translations with the help of electronic software; creating a glossary of Bahá’í words and data bank of finished translations.

For information about any of these posts, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039; fax 708-869-0247).

Reminder to pioneers

Reminder to overseas pioneers who may be traveling to other countries or returning to the States for a short visit or permanently. Please get a membership card or a letter from your National Spiritual Assembly stating that you are a Bahá’í in good standing. Your U.S. membership card is no longer valid once you have been transferred to another country.

Bahá’ís in Orlando, Florida, area play leading role in Sanford's seventh annual King Week observance

In January, Bahá’ís in the Orlando, Florida, area took part in planning and carrying out the seventh annual celebration in nearby Sanford marking the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Two Bahá’ís, Ben and Francine Levy, have served since 1988 on Sanford's Martin Luther King Steering Committee. Francine Levy served as a judge in the M.L. King Oratorical, Poster and Essay Contest, and the Bahá’í communities of Orlando, Orange County East, Seminole County East, Seminole County West, and Volusia County contributed funds to help pay for college scholarships for the winning contestants.

About 15 Bahá’ís were among some 600 people who attended a Unity Prayer breakfast January 16 whose main speaker was Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles.

Later, another 15 Bahá’ís and children from Orlando and Orange County East joined more than 50 groups from across the state in the King Week parade in Sanford.

At an Interfaith Religious Observance on Sunday, Dr. David Closson, a professor at Valencia College and member of the Bahá’í community of Orange County East, read the "Prayer for America."

And at the MLK Commemorative Banquet on January 18, Dr. Closson, playing African drums, was part of a musical group supported by a vocalist and Australian didgiderou player who performed poet Sterling Brown's "Strong Men." [Page 12]

سفر تبلیغی به اوکرائین

TEACHING IN UKRAINE

اخیراً دو تن از احبای مقیم ایالت کلورادو، آقای سعادت استوار و همسرشان خانم قدسیه رحیم پور استوار سفری یک ماهه به کشور اوکرائین واقع در شمال غربی ترکیه کردند. انگیزه سفر تقدیم خدمتی به آستان الهی در سال مقدس و هدف از آن دیدار با احباء و مبتدیان آنان بود.

حضرات پس از تماس با دفتر مهاجرت و دریافت اطلاعات لازم عازم اوکرائین شدند و در کنفرانس ادسا نیز شرکت نمودند. شرکت در کنفرانس آنان را به هیجان آورد و سخت تحت تأثیر ایمان تازه تصدیقان در آورد.

سپس به یالتا عزیمت کردند و با استفاده از یک مترجم جوان غیربهائی با احباء و مبتدیانشان دیدار کردند و از حقائق امر مبارک با آنان سخن گفتند. به گفتهٔ آقای استوار "هر شب جلسات امری با شرکت یاران و متحریان حقیقت برقرار بود. در آن جلسات تزیید معلومات می‌شد و قطعه‌های اسم اعظم و شمایل حضرت عبدالبهاء به دوستان تقدیم می‌شد."

آقای استوار و همسرشان در یک مصاحبه رادیوئی شرکت کردند که در دو روز پخش شد. همچنین فرصتی به دستشان رسید که بتوانند با شهردار یالتا دیدار کنند؛ شهردار تحت تأثیر تعالیم بشردوستانه امر مبارک قرار گرفت.

همچنین در دیداری از کتابخانه عمومی شهر موفق شدند که چند اثر امری به زبان روسی را تقدیم کتابخانه نمایند آثار امری مذکور در کتابخانه و قرائت خانه آن نهاده شد.

سفر به اوکرائین چنان باثمر بوده که این دو بهائی عزیز تصمیم گرفته‌اند در پائیز امسال نیز عازم آن دیار شوند و مدتی طولانی‌تر از سفر سابق را به خدمت امر مبارک و نشر نفحات الهی بپردازند.

آقای استوار و همسر گرامی یاران عزیز را تشویق می‌نمایند که در صورت امکان در اینگونه سفرها به جمهوری‌های سابق شوروی شرکت کنند که باعث تشویق احباء و هدایت دیگران شود. مخارج دو نفر در یک ماه شامل بلیط دوطرفه هواپیما حدود ۲ هزار دلار است.

فعالیت‌های تبلیغی در مدستو

TEACHING ACTIVITIES IN MODESTO

به تازگی اخبار خوش تبلیغی از شهر مدستو (Modesto) در ایالت کالیفرنیا رسیده است. یکی از دوستان ساکن آن شهر گزارشی تهیه نموده و آن را به دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی فرستاده است که خلاصه‌ای از آن در زیر درج می‌شود:

فعالیت‌های تبلیغی یاران مدستو منجر به تصدیق ۲۷ نفر بزرگسال و ۲ جوان و ۲۷ خردسال گردیده است. این افراد از نژادهای گوناگون بدین ترتیبند: یک نفر سرخپوست، ۷ نفر از آمریکائیان نسل اروپائی، ۱۲ نفر کامبوجی و ۵ نفر لائوسی.

خردسالان این افراد با کودکان احبای مدستو که بیش از ۵۰ نفر هستند، در کلاس‌های گوناگون درس اخلاق که هر دو هفته یکبار تشکیل می‌شود، شرکت می‌کنند.

لجنهٔ جوانان فعالیت‌های سودمندی برای جلب جوانان غیربهائی صورت می‌دهد. جوانان بهائی جامعه اعم از کامبوجی و آمریکائی و ایرانی در جلسات هفته‌ای جوانان شرکت می‌کنند.

جلسات تبلیغی هر هفته روزهای چهارشنبه و نیز در هر ماه دو بار دائر است. مبتدیانی از هر ملیت و نژاد در آن جلسات شرکت می‌کنند. همچنین جلسات هفته‌ای تزیید معلومات نیز یکی به زبان فارسی و دیگری به زبان انگلیسی تشکیل می‌شود.

چند سال پیش با راهنمائی دفتر امور پناهندگان یک مؤسسه تبلیغی برای تبلیغ افراد جنوب شرقی آسیا تشکیل شد. احبای مدستو با رهبری آن مؤسسه به تدریج بر میزان فعالیت‌های خود افزوده‌اند. برخی از فعالیت‌های مؤسسه تبلیغی مذکور عبارت است از: - تماس گرفتن با جوامع کامبوجی و لائوسی برای جلب محبت و آماده ساختن آنان برای اقبال به امر مبارک، - فراهم ساختن کمک‌هائی چون تهیه غذا و پوشاک مورد احتیاج جوامع مذکور، - فراهم ساختن کمک در مورد رجوع به مطب پزشکان و بیمارستان‌ها، - کمک به آموختن زبان انگلیسی، - ترتیب مهمانی‌های قبل از زایمان (baby shower)، - شرکت در جلسات و مراسم گوناگون جوامع مذکور از قبیل تشییع جنازه و جشن‌ها و غیره، - کمک به تزیید معلومات دینی جوامع مذکور به ویژه معلومات دربارهٔ امر مبارک.

روابط حسنه‌ای که بین یاران و سران دینی جوامع جنوب شرقی آسیا (رهبران بودائی) ایجاد شده، باعث گردیده است که گاهی معابدشان را برای انعقاد جلسات امری در اختیار احباء قرار دهند.

روزهای پنجشنبه برنامه‌های تبلیغی تلویزیونی به مدت نیم ساعت از یک ایستگاه محلی پخش می‌شود. این برنامه‌های تلویزیونی یا از میان برنامه‌هائی که در تشکیلات ملی تهیه شده انتخاب می‌شود یا برنامه‌ای است که با کمک یکی از احبای محل تهیه می‌شود.

همچنین احبای مدستو اقداماتی برای اعلان عمومی امر مبارک صورت می‌دهند. از جمله یک جلسهٔ وحدت نژادی در یکی از پارک‌های شهر منعقد شد که حدود ۴۰۰ نفر در آن شرکت کردند. جلسهٔ مذکور شامل برنامه‌های موسیقی و آواز دسته جمعی بود که مورد استقبال عدهٔ زیادی از نژادهای گوناگون واقع شد.

همچنین جلسهٔ دیگر به مناسبت روز سازمان ملل متحد در سالن بزرگی انعقاد یافت. برای شرکت کنندگان در این جلسه غذا تهیه شده بود. در جلسهٔ مذکور هم سخنرانان بهائی و هم ناطقان غیربهائی به ایراد سخنرانی پرداختند.

در حال حاضر جامعهٔ بهائی مدستو مرکب از افراد ژاپنی و فیلیپینی و ایرانی و آمریکائی و سیاهپوست و سرخپوست و کامبوجی و لائوسی و اسپانیولی زبان است و این خود بهترین نشان وحدت نژادی آن جامعهٔ فعال و سرافراز است.

اطلاعیه مرکز توزیع مطبوعات امری

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE BAHA’I DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

مرکز توزیع مطبوعات امری به آگاهی یاران می‌رساند که قیمت دو کتاب زیر تقلیل یافته است: حضرت بهاءالله، تألیف جناب محمدعلی فیضی از ۳۸/۹۵ دلار به ۲۹/۹۵ دلار آیات الهی (منتخباتی از بیانات حضرت بهاءالله برای هر روز) از ۲۴/۹۵ دلار به ۱۹/۹۵ دلار. تلفن برای سفارش کتاب‌ها: ۹۰۱۹-۹۹۹ (۸۰۰).

نامه‌ای از چین

LETTER FROM CHINA

آقای فرزام کمال‌آبادی نامه‌ای از چین خطاب به دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی فرستاده‌اند که قسمت‌هائی از آن در زیر درج می‌شود: "... به یاد شما عزیزان هستیم. به هدایت الهیه قرار است ساکن شهر پرغوغای شانگهای گردیم. موسم درو و محصول است نه فصل کشت و کار. انشاءالله همهٔ شما را به زودی در اینجا میزبانی نمائیم.

اخبار بسیار است و درب اقتصاد آزاد چین باز گشته. احتیاج شدید به تشویق مهاجر مخصوصاً جوانان - تماس با جوامع دور دست و یا اهل تجارت و کارگزار مخصوصاً احبای باوفای ایران است. به نوشتهٔ مجلات ژاپن و غیره "چین مرکز توسعهٔ قرن بیست و یکم در جهان" است. مثل زمان توسعهٔ ژاپن و آلمان پس از جنگ دوم جهانی و یا آمریکا در اول قرن بیستم و یا زمان "یورش طلا" وقت است احباء مستقر و پایه‌گذار گردند که این دریچهٔ طلائی موقعیت چندی نپاید که بسته گردد و فرصت‌ها از دست برود.

نشریات انجمن ادب و هنر

PUBLICATIONS

یاران عزیز می‌توانند نشریات انجمن ادب و هنر آکادمی لندن را از طریق دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی خریداری فرمایند. صورت این نشریات به شرح زیر است: - خوشه‌هائی از خرمن ادب و هنر شماره‌های ۱ و ۲ و ۳ قیمت: ۱۶ دلار - نغمه‌های الهام (مجموعه اشعار جناب فرهمند مقبلین، قیمت: ۸ دلار - چهار رساله تاریخی دربارهٔ طاهره قرةالعین، تألیف جناب ابوالقاسم افنان، قیمت: ۸ دلار.

پاکت پستی یادبود سال مقدس

PANAMA COMMEMORATIVE ENVELOPE

اداره ملی پست کشور پاناما پاکت‌هائی برای یادبود سال مقدس صادر کرده است. بر روی این پاکت عکسی از مقام اعلی و علامت ویژهٔ کنگره جهانی و تصویر مشرق‌الاذکار پاناما نقش بسته است. علاوه بر این اداره پست مهر ویژه‌ای نیز تهیه نموده که بر روی آن چنین درج شده است: "امر بهائی، وحدت در کثرت: بیستمین سالگرد افتتاح معبد بهائی پاناما".

حقوق الله HUQUQU’LLAH از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است تقدیمی‌های حقوق الله را در وجه ‎Baha'i Bahá’í‎ ‎Huququ'llah Huququ’llah‎ 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

JALÁL B.E. 150 / APRIL 9, 1993 [Page 13]نفوس مقبلة موقنه از اطراف از احکام الهی سؤال نمودند و به کمال عجز و ابتهال سائل شدند. لذا امر به ارسال کتاب اقدس شد. (اسرار الآثار، ج ۱، ص ۱۶۸)

بنا به مفاد بیان مبارک بین نزول کتاب اقدس و انتشار آن چند سالی فاصله بوده است و این سفر مجید در حدود سال ۱۲۹۳ ه ق (۱۸۷۶ میلادی) در بین دوستان ایرانی انتشار یافت. به نظر می‌رسد علت تأخیر انتشار کتاب اقدس در بین یاران احتمالاً به خاطر آن بوده که احکام مربوط به حقوق‌الله در آن رق منشور نازل گردیده بود تا جائی که مدت‌ها بعد از انتشار کتاب اقدس نیز حقوق‌الله از کسی دریافت نمی‌شد:

"آنچه از مصدر امر در این سنه صادر شده این بود که فرمودند که اگر نفسی بخواهد به کمال میل و رضا حقوق الله را ادا نماید، امنای بلاد اخذ نمایند و معروض دارند. و تا این سنه مع آنکه حکم حقوق در کتاب‌الله به نص صریح نازل بود، کلمه‌ای از لسان مبارک در این باب اصغاء نشده." (آثار قلم اعلی، ج ۶، ص ۳۱۴-۳۱۵)

چاپ‌های کتاب اقدس به زبان اصلی

حضرت عبدالبهاء، در لوحی خطاب به معاون‌التجار نراقی می‌فرمایند، قوله العزیز:

"کتاب اقدس را به خط من ادرک لقاء ربه، حضرت زین المقربین تطبیق نمائید... خط جناب زین صحیح است." (امر و خلق، ج ۱، ص ۱۱)

الف. نسخه‌ای از کتاب مستطاب اقدس موجود است که به چاپ سنگی احتمالاً در سنة ۱۳۰۸ هجری قمری، در بمبئی به خط جناب زین‌المقربین تکثیر یافت. ابتدای آن کتاب مستطاب اقدس و سپس الواح عربی متعددی در آن آمده است. جناب زین‌المقربین در خاتمهٔ کتاب می‌نویسد: "فرغ من کتابته کاتبه المسکین، حرف الزاء، يوم الجلال، يوم العزه من شهرالبهاء من سنة ۴۷... مطابق شهر الرجب ۱۳۰۷"

ب. همین مجموعهٔ مبارک در محرم ۱۳۱۴ هجری قمری در مطبعهٔ ناصری در بمبئی چاپ سربی یافت. این کتاب اقدس که در بین یاران ایران به "کتاب اقدس بزرگ" مشهور بود، چاپ بسیار نفیس و گرانقدری است.

ج. این سفر جلیل به طور مستقل به خط نسخ در قطع کوچکی در هندوستان چاپ شده است.

د. کتاب مستطاب اقدس به سال ۱۳۲۰ شمسی در طهران به چاپ سربی به طور زیبائی چاپ و منتشر شده.

انتشار عمومی کتاب مستطاب بیان بعد از انتشار کتاب مستطاب اقدس خواهد بود

حضرت عبدالبهاء، جل سلطانه می‌فرمایند:

"ای منادیان میثاق، در خصوص ترجمه و طبع کتاب بیان احکامی در بیان موجود که به نص کتاب اقدس نسخ گردیده و بهائیان را تکلیف نصوص قاطعهٔ کتاب اقدس است. حال اگر کتاب بیان نشر شود و یا ترجمه گردد، ملل اجنبیه حتی اهل ایران گمان نمایند که اساس دین بهائیان آن احکام مندرجهٔ شدیده در کتاب بیان است و حال آنکه به نص قاطع کتاب اقدس آن احکام بیان منسوخ و مفسوخ است. پس باید کتاب بیان را بعد از انتشار کتاب اقدس در جمیع جهات ارض و اقالیم عالم نشر داد تا خواننده بداند که آن احکام شدیده منسوخ و مفسوخ است و پیش از انتشار کتاب اقدس و ترجمه‌اش و شهرت احکامش، نشر کتاب بیان جائز نه. و علیکم التحیه و الثناء. ۱۶. ع ع." (مائدة آسمانی، ج ۲، ص ۱۶-۱۷)

(ادامه در شمارهٔ بعد)

افشای مدرک محرمانه ایران و بازتاب آن در مطبوعات

PRESS COVERAGE OF THE IRANIAN SECRET DOCUMENT

در شمارهٔ پیشین این نشریه به آگاهی دوستان عزیز رسید که در ماه فوریه امسال نماینده ویژه سازمان ملل متحد گزارشی دربارهٔ وضع حقوق بشر در ایران منتشر ساخت.

در طی این گزارش مدرک محرمانه‌ای ارائه شده که به تصویب عالی‌ترین مقامات دولت ایران رسیده است. مدرک یادشده حاکی از خط‌مشی دولت ایران در قبال بهائیان آن کشور است. (متن کامل آن مدرک در شمارهٔ گذشتهٔ این نشریه درج گردید).

انتشار گزارش آقای گالیندو پل Galindo Pohl فرستادهٔ ویژهٔ سازمان ملل متحد بازتاب‌های گوناگونی در ایالات متحده داشته است که برخی از آن در زیر خواهد آمد:

آقای آل‌گر Al Gore نایب ریاست جمهوری ایالات متحده

ایشان ضمن اظهار حمایت از احبای ستمدیدهٔ ایران در مورد گزارش اخیر نمایندهٔ سازمان ملل متحد در خصوص نقض حقوق بشر توسط دولت ایران نگرانی خود را ابراز داشت.

آقای‌گر گفت: "مدت زیادی است که از وضع بد جامعهٔ بهائی ایران آگاه بوده‌ام، به همین جهت خبر اینکه هنوز هم بهائیان ایران به خاطر اعتقادات دینیشان مورد ستم واقع می‌شوند، ناراحتم می‌کند." وی افزود: "دولت امریکا به شدت نگران موارد نقض حقوق بشر توسط دولت ایران نسبت مردم آن کشور است."

نایب ریاست جمهوری ایالات متحده از گزارش اخیر آقای گالیندو پل، فرستادهٔ ویژه سازمان ملل متحد در ایران، تقدیر کرد و اظهار داشت که گزارش مذکور باعث جلب توجه مردم نسبت به موارد نقض حقوق بشر در ایران است.

آقای‌گر همچنین اظهار داشت که "نمایندهٔ ویژهٔ سازمان ملل متحد با تأکید بر این مشکلات در گزارش اخیرش خدمات گرانبهائی انجام داده است. امیدوارم کمیسیون حقوق بشر سازمان ملل متحد پیشنهادهای مربوط به تمدید وظائف نمایندهٔ ویژه را که در جریان است، اتخاذ نماید تا ایفای وظیفهٔ مهم او همچنان ادامه یابد."

لازم به یادآوری است که هنگامی که آقای آل‌گر در مجلس سنا خدمت می‌کرد، همواره یکی از پشتیبانان اهل بهاء در مورد حقوق اولیهٔ آنان بود.

روزنامهٔ "واشنگتن پست"، یکی از معتبرترین روزنامه‌های ایالات متحده، در یکی از شماره‌های خود (۳ مارچ) مقاله‌ای درباره اوضاع بهائیان تحت عنوان "از بهائیان بپرسید" درج کرده است.

در مقالهٔ واشنگتن پست آمده است که "فرستاده ویژه سازمان ملل به ایران آقای گالیندو پل که وکیلی از اهالی گواتامالا است، در گزارش اخیر خود روش رسمی ایران را در قبال بهائیان - که در نظر مسلمانان بنیادگرای ایران گروهی کافرکیش به شمار می‌روند - افشا کرده است... مدرکی که آقای پل در سال گذشته به دست آورده است روش ایران را بدتر از آنچه انتظار می‌رفته، روشن می‌سازد.

"این مدرک که توسط شورای انقلاب تهیه شده است، در ظاهر حاکی از اعتدال است. در آن آمده است که ’بی‌دلیل آنان دستگیر، زندانی یا مجازات نمی‌شوند’ و مجاز خواهند بود که از ’وسائل معاش در حد متعارف که در اختیار همهٔ آحاد ملت قرار داده می‌شود’ برخوردار باشند. اما پس از این بر طبق مدرک مذکور دولت متعهد می‌شود که بعنوان یک جامعه ’راه ترقی و توسعهٔ آنان مسدود شود’ و در حد فردی نیز از تحصیل و داشتن ’پست‌های مؤثر’ و اشتغال به کار ’در صورت ابراز بهائی بودن محروم باشند’."

در مقالهٔ واشنگتن پست یادآوری شده است که به نظر می‌رسد ایران نسبت به انتقاد شدیدی که جامعهٔ بین‌المللی در خصوص رفتار حکومت آن کشور با بهائیان ابراز کرده، واکنش نشان داده و بدین ترتیب "مسألهٔ بهائیان" را مطرح ساخته است تا رنگی از انصاف و قانون در آن ظاهر سازد. با این حال در مورد مسائل اساسی همچنان به روش خود ادامه می‌دهد که یک گروه از ملت را مورد تبعیض قرار دهد. این گروه در ایران توسط ایمان خود و نیز حمایت بسیاری از هموطنان مسلمان به حیات خود ادامه می‌دهد.

یکی دیگر از معتبرترین روزنامه‌های ایالات متحده، نیویورک تایمز نیز در سرمقالهٔ روز ۲۷ فوریهٔ سال جاری مطالبی دربارهٔ گزارش نمایندهٔ سازمان ملل متحد راجع به مدرک محرمانه مذکور درج کرد.

در سرمقالهٔ روزنامه پس از اشاره به گزارش نمایندهٔ ویژهٔ سازمان ملل متحد و مدرک محرمانه آمده است که "این دستورالعمل یادآور قوانین شوم نورنبرگ است که در سال ۱۹۳۵ توسط حزب نازی وضع شد و بر مبنای آن حقوق شهروندان یهودی آلمان لغو گردید."

"از زمان حکومت آیة‌الله‌ها در سال ۱۹۷۹ حدود ۲۰۰ نفر از بهائیان اعدام شده و هزاران نفر از آنان زندانی شده‌اند. اما حمله به ۳۰۰ هزار نفر بهائی ایران با هر شکایتی که در خارج صورت گرفته، کاهش یافته است."

در ادامهٔ سرمقالهٔ مذکور نوشته شده که حال دستورالعملی به دست آمده است که بر مبنای آن بهائیان از اشتغال به کار و تحصیل در صورت اظهار بهائی بودن ممنوع خواهند بود. در پایان مقاله چنین آمده است:

"در سال ۱۹۳۵ هیتلر با افتخار به همهٔ جهانیان گفت که یهودیان از کار و مقامات دانشگاهی خود محروم خواهند شد. نشانی از پیشرفت نسبی اخلاقی است که دستورالعمل غیرقابل دفاع ایران ’مهر محرمانه’ خورده بود."

همچنین اخبار مربوط به گزارش نمایندهٔ ویژهٔ سازمان ملل متحد که در مطبوعات غربی درج گردید، در مطبوعات فارسی‌زبان نیز بازتابی داشته است و چند روزنامه فارسی‌زبان مطالب مربوط به گزارش مذکور را با نقل و ترجمه فقراتی از مطبوعات غربی درج کرده‌اند.

مسائل مربوط به عملکرد جوامع بهائی

ISSUES CONCERNING COMMUNITY FUNCTIONING

به تازگی بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی از مرکز مطالعهٔ نصوص خواسته است که کلیات و دستورالعمل‌هائی برای ایجاد و گسترش جوامع بهائی تهیه نماید. بدین جهت مرکز مطالعه نصوص مجموعه‌ای از آثاری که از جانب حضرت ولی‌عزیز امرالله نوشته شده، جمع‌آوری کرده است. متن این مجموعه در صفحات انگلیسی شمارهٔ کنونی این نشریه درج گردیده است. از علاقه‌مندان تقاضا می‌شود به آن رجوع نمایند.

۲۱ آپریل روز اول عید رضوان

[Page 14]

پیام بیت العدل اعظم

MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

ترجمه پیام بیت العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به بهائیان عالم مورخ ۵ مارچ ۱۹۹۳

یاران عزیز و محبوب،

با کمال افتخار اعلام می‌داریم که در عید نوروز ترجمۀ انگلیسی کتاب مستطاب اقدس و توضیحات مربوط به آن در اختیار جامعۀ جهانی بهائی قرار خواهد گرفت. حضرت ولی‌امرالله در توصیف عظمت مقام این سِفر کریم چنین می‌فرمایند: «آن خزانۀ گرانبهایی است که همواره حاوی کمالات بی‌پایان دین الله و دستور و نظام جهانی و کامل‌ترین تجلیات روح حضرت بهاءالله و محور و مآثر اعظم وی و مبیّن اعظم وصایا و پیمان الهی و منشور حیات‌بخش و ثابت‌ترین نمونۀ آن برای هدایت روزافزون پویندگان راه حق است.» (ترجمه)

حضرت بهاءالله این کتاب مقدس را «صراط المستقیم» و «ترازوی عدل الهی» نامیده و تبیین‌کنندگان احکامش را «خازنان رحمت الهی» خوانده‌اند، بیانی که حاکی از اهمیت و شرف این سِفر کریم است. عظمت و جلالت مقام این کتاب مستطاب مایۀ اعجاب و حیرت عقل می‌گردد. وقتی در نظر آوریم که حضرت ولی‌امرالله آن را با چه چنین عباراتی توصیف فرموده‌اند: «این سِفر بدیع مخزن احکام و شروط ربانیه است... کانون نور الهی در میانۀ جاوید و هیکل رؤیا و مدینۀ مقدسه» و «عروس» و «اورشلیم جدیده» و «نازل شده از آسمان». و در خاتمه چنین فرموده‌اند: «این سِفری است که بر جمیع کتب مقدسه غلبه یافته و همواره مایۀ اشتعال نوری دائمی برای تحريك انتظارات و ترقیات نسل‌های بی‌شمار بوده و سرانجام در این دور جدید وسیلۀ موعود برای اتمام نزول امر الکتاب الالهی و نهایتاً استقرار واقعیت یافته و فیض محسوس پوشیده است».

با انتشار ترجمۀ انگلیسی این سِفر جلیل یکی از اهداف عمده نقشۀ شش‌ساله تکمیل می‌گردد. علاوه بر آن بیان حضرت عبدالبهاء شروع به تحقق می‌یابد که پیش‌بینی فرموده بودند: «بزودی است که این کتاب مستطاب که مشتمل بر آیات و کلمات ربانی است در میان ملل دیگر نیز ترجمه و انتشار یابد». و این امر همچنین سبب تحقق کامل نیت مبارك حضرت ولی‌امرالله می‌گردد که شخصاً فقرات عمده‌ای از این کتاب را به انگلیسی ترجمه و آنها را در ضمن توقیع خود و نیز در مجموعۀ منتخباتی از آثار قلم اعلی منتشر نموده بودند. و نیز ترجمۀ نهایی و انتشار متن کامل کتاب که در سال ۱۹۵۵ شروع به تلخیص و تدوین احکام و حدود کتاب مستطاب اقدس نمودند. این ‎مشروع مشروع‎ که به انجام رساندنش خود به میزان قابل ملاحظه‌ای آن را ‎بیان پایان‎ رسانده بودند، در سال ۱۹۷۳ مقارن با یکصدمین سال نزول کتاب مستطاب اقدس بود، بوسیلۀ بیت العدل اعظم به اتمام رسید. زیرا حضرت ولی‌امرالله دربارۀ زمان نزول این اثر جلیل چنین می‌فرمایند: «کتاب مستطاب اقدس که از نظر جلال الهی به بیت ‎خودی عودی‎ مقارن (در حدود سال ۱۸۷۳ میلادی) در حالی که هنوز آثار نزول وحی از سر و روی او پیدا بود به این امضاء نازل گردید: «قُلْ قَدْ نُزِّلَ الْکِتَابُ فِی سُجُوفِ الْقُدُسِ إِذْ مَاءُ الْحَیَوَانِ فِی یَدِ الْقُدْرَةِ عَنْ لِسَانِ الْعَظَمَةِ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَعْرِفُونَ.»

برای اولین بار در دسترس فارسی‌زبانان قرار خواهد گرفت، دامنۀ نفوذ این اثر جلیل به زبان‌های دیگر توسعۀ یافته و پیشرفت‌هایی را بر روی افراد و جوامع خواهد ساخت که مطمئناً باید تأثیری شدید و روزافزون و تحول‌انگیز بر روی امم و ملل عالم داشته باشد. انتشار ترجمۀ انگلیسی این کتاب مستطاب که ‎قرای مکتبۀ قوای مکتومۀ‎ در آن را احصا و نشان نمود، در این زمان که جهان درگیر بی‌نظمی و افتخارات داخلی است، نشانۀ اطمینان و اعتماد به استقرار نهایی جامعه‌ای جهانی است که از صلح و نظم حقیقی برخوردار خواهد بود. تقارن انتشار این سِفر جلیل با سنتۀ صعود شارع آسمانی آن از آغاز عهد و میثاق الهی تأثیرات شگفت‌انگیز سال مقدس را شدیدتر می‌سازد، یعنی سالی که به تکریم این وقایع مهم اختصاص یافته و تا بحال شاهد ظهور ثمرات و آثار ویژۀ آن بوده‌ایم.

وصف و بیان آن است که مراتب قدسیت و نقشش برای هر بهاءالله نشان دارد و یادآور احترام عمیقی است که باید برای کلیۀ آثار نازلۀ از قلم معجز شیم و حقیقت‌نگار آن حضرت ملحوظ داشت. امید است که در این ایام جاویدانی این کتاب جلیل را در بین آثار مقدسۀ امر بهائی درست دریابند و مالکیت آن را به منزلۀ میراثی گرانبها که از قلم اعلی و منشاء فیوضات بی‌منتهای ربانی نازل گردیده دانسته و محتوای آن را با نهایت هوشیاری و دقت مطالعه کنند، احکامش را تأمل نمایند، منشوراتش را مطالعه کنند، احکامش را عامل گردند و بدین ترتیب حیات خود را با موازین الهی منطبق سازند.

باید مسرور بود به این بیان اعلی که جمال ابهی در وصف اُمّ‌الکتاب دور مبارکش به آن ناطق است: «لَعَمْرِی لَمْ یُنَزَّلْ فِی کِتَابِ الْقُدُسِ الَّذِی أَشْرَقَ مِنْ أُفُقِ سَمَاءِ فَضْلِی إِلا مَا نَزَّلْنَاهُ فِی کِتَابِنَا الأَقْدَسِ الَّذِی شَرَّفَهُ اللهُ بِکَلِمَاتِهِ الَّتِی غَلَبَتِ الْعَالَمَ کُلَّهُ شَاهِدًا وَ مَشْهُودًا.» امید چنان است که در اثر تمسك به احکام و اصول امر مبارك شایستۀ آن باشیم که مشمول نعمات و برکات محتومۀ جلیلۀ حضرتش گردیم که می‌فرمایند: «طُوبَی لِلْقَائِمِینَ عَلَی نُصْرَتِی لَعَمْرِی إِنَّهُمْ لِلْمُکَرَّمُونَ. طُوبَی لِلْمُتَمَسِّکِینَ بِسُنَّتِی...» یا الفاظی نازل شده که کل را قبل از افتخار به آن فرا می‌خواند: «سَوْفَ یَظْهَرُ فِی الأَرْضِ سُلْطَانُهُ وَ نُفُوذُهُ وَ اقْتِدَارُهُ. إِنَّ رَبَّکَ لَهُوَ الْعَلِیمُ الْخَبِیرُ.»

بیت العدل اعظم

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(ادامه از شماره قبل)

سبك و لحن کتاب مستطاب اقدس

سبك بیان الهی در کتاب مستطاب اقدس سبکی بدیع و لحنی دلپذیر و شیوا و رسا و دلنشین است: «آیات این کتاب بدیع نازل... به آیات الهی هیجان جان است... طوفانی است در دریای معانی... به امواج لآلئ ‎طلع طفح‎ ینطق بروحها و اسرارها. تالله پروردۀ هر احکام من عندی علی کماله و ازل الاشارات المتقنة لشدة ‎ظهورها طهورها‎.» (سرّ و علن، ج ۱، ص ۱۰ - ۱۱)

سبك آیات الهی و لحن کلمات سبحانی در این منشور آسمانی، روشن و صریح و عاری از حشو و زوائد است. در آن خبری نیست و از ایجاز مخل و اطناب مملّ اثری نه.

کتاب اقدس به زبانی نازل شده که جاذب و جامع شرایع الهیه است. طوبی للقائمین طوبی للمتمسكين طوبی للمبصرین و... و به الفاظی نازل شده که کل را قبل از اقبال احاطه فرموده: «سوف یظهر فی الارض سلطانه و نفوذه و اقتداره، ان ربك لهو العلیم الخبیر.» (آیات آغازین کتاب اقدس)

نکتۀ بسیار جالب و مهم آنکه اهل بهاء در این منشور جلیل به خطاب «یا مَلأ الانشاء» یا «یا ملأ القواعد و یا ایها الناس» یا «قَدْ أَتَی مِیقَاتُ الْحَقِّ» و امثالهم مورد خطاب قرار گرفته‌اند.

بهاءالله در سراسر جهان به مفاد حکم واجب‌الاطاعة فوق نه تنها سبک و لحن و احکام این اثر جلیل را تبیین می‌فرمایند و به صراحت با هیچیک از سبک‌ها و هنرها و قوانین مجعولۀ بشریه موضوعه و قوانین متمردۀ فترت و موازین مجهوله بشریه موازنه و مقایسه نمی‌کنند، بلکه هرگز و ابداً سبک‌ها و هنرها و موازین و قوانین خویش را نیز با این سِفر جلیل برابر نمی‌کنند و مطابق نمی‌سازند.

جلیل در بخش‌های ممتازۀ کتاب اقدس نیز به همان شدتی است که اتهامی به آن نیست. سبك فصاحت و بلاغت و شیوۀ نگارش آن لبریز از آیات جدید و لطیف و مفصل و با نغمه‌های الهی است (کتاب قرن بدیع، ج ۲، ص ۱۹۳).

انسانی که عبارت از مظهر مظهر امرالله و مظهر ‎ببیع بدیع‎ امر است خداوند است و نیز زیر احکام و حدود بیانی نوین و مبیّن و صریح و واضح مرکز عهد و میثاق الهی و اصول و تعالیم عالی روحانی و تأسیس مؤسسات بی سابقۀ اداری که در این سِفر مجید نازل گشته‌اند، آن را در بین کتب و صحف قبل بی نظیر و بی مانند ساخته است.

من باب نمونه، عدم نصّ صریح و واضح در کتب آسمانی نسبت به تعیین خلافت و ولایت چه اشتیاق‌ها و مصیبت‌ها به وجود آورده... و در این دور مکرم ۳۰ سال قبل از صعود مبارك، با بیانی بس رسا و شیرین و با عباراتی بسیار واضح و دلنشین مرکز عهد و پیمان الهی را در کتاب اقدس معین فرموده‌اند و توجه به او را فرض و واجب گردانده‌اند:

«إِذَا غِیضَ بَحْرُ الْوِصَالِ وَ قُضِیَ کِتَابُ الْمَبْدَإِ فِی الْمَآلِ تَوَجَّهُوا إِلَی مَنْ أَرَادَهُ اللهُ الَّذِی انْشَعَبَ مِنْ هَذَا الأَصْلِ الْقَدِیمِ.»

با این نص صریح روشن و با نزول سورۀ غصن در ادرنه و صدور کتاب عهدی در اواخر ایام مبارك، مرکز میثاق واضحاً معین گشته و تجلیل و تعظیم شده. به این ترتیب از سال‌ها قبل از صعود مبارك، با فضل و عنایت الهی جامعۀ اسم اعظم ابتدا و سرمد از تفرقه و انشقاق محفوظ و مصون ماند.

«... وَ قَدْ انْشَعَبَ مِنْ سِدْرَةِ الْمُنْتَهَی هَذَا الْهَیْکَلُ الْمُقَدَّسُ الأَبْهَی، غُصْنُ اللهِ الْفِنَانُ، فَهَنِیئًا لِمَنْ اسْتَظَلَّ فِی ظِلِّهِ وَ کَانَ مِنَ الرَّاقِدِینَ. قُلْ قَدْ تَمَّتْ نِعْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَی مَنْ فِی الأَرْضِ وَ السَّمَاءِ وَ اسْتَحْکَمَتْ کَلِمَةُ اللهِ فِی أَرْضِ الْمَشِیئَةِ وَ ارْتَفَعَ فَرْعُهُ إِلَی مَقَامٍ أَحَاطَ الْوُجُودَ، فَتَعَالَی هَذَا الصُّنْعُ الْمُبْدِعُ الْمُنِیعُ الْمُبَارَكُ الْمُجِیدُ.» (سوره غصن)

انتشار کتاب مستطاب اقدس در بین یاران جمال قدم در لوحی به امضاء خادم‌الله می‌فرمایند:

«این بسی واضح و معلوم است که کتاب اقدس از سماء مشیت نازل شد در سنین معدوده مستور بود تا آنکه جمعی از عباد...» [Page 15]

Community

community to offer fully and frankly, but with due respect and consideration to the authority of the Assembly, any suggestion, recommendation or criticism he conscientiously feels he should in order to improve and remedy certain existing conditions or trends in his local community, and it is the duty of the Assembly also to give careful consideration to any such views submitted to them by any one of the believers. The best occasion chosen for this purpose is the Nineteen Day Feast, which, besides its social and spiritual aspects, fulfills various administrative needs and requirements of the community, chief among them being the need for open and constructive criticism and deliberation regarding the state of affairs within the local Bahá’í community.

"But again it should be stressed that all criticism and discussions of a negative character which may result in undermining the authority of the Assembly as a body should be strictly avoided. For otherwise the order of the Cause itself will be endangered, and confusion and discord will reign in the community." (December 13, 1939, to an individual believer) [8]

"Regarding the matter of Mrs. ... and the inharmony that seems to exist among certain of the friends in...: when Bahá’ís permit the dark forces of the world to enter into their own relationships within the Faith they gravely jeopardize its progress; it is the paramount duty of the believers, the local Assemblies, and particularly the National Spiritual Assembly to foster harmony, understanding and love amongst the friends. All should be ready and willing to set aside every personal sense of grievance—justified or unjustified—for the good of the Cause, because the people will never embrace it until they see mirrored in its community life what is so conspicuously lacking in the world: love and unity.

"The Bahá’ís are fully entitled to address criticisms to their Assemblies; they can freely air their views about policies or individual members of elected bodies to the Assembly, local or National, but then they must wholeheartedly accept the advice or decision of the Assembly, according to the principles already laid down for such matters in Bahá’í administration." (May 13, 1945, to a National Spiritual Assembly) [9]

Marcia Zafuto Tippens, former pioneer to Bermuda, dies in Texas at age 49

Marcia Zafuto Tippens, a former pioneer to Bermuda, died February 28 in Richardson, Texas, shortly after her 49th birthday.

Mrs. Tippens declared her faith in Bahá’u’lláh in October 1968. After moving to Canada the next year, she served for two years at the Canadian National Center.

In September 1973 Mrs. Tippens pioneered to Bermuda, which was then a consolidation goal for the United States and preparing for the election of its own National Assembly. She was appointed to the Bermuda Teaching Committee during both of her years of service to that community.

Iran draws fire for persecution of Bahá’ís

community by denying education and jobs to those who refuse to deny their faith. Tragically, it is a faith that believes that the prophets of all religions represent the same divine spirit—that all the peoples of the world are one."

Rep. Lantos, co-chairman with Rep. Porter of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, called "this latest documentary evidence of a systematic, government-directed and government-approved effort to discriminate against and persecute" the Bahá’í community of Iran "an outrage."

At a time when "ethnic cleansing" has re-entered the world's vocabulary, he said, "we are witness [in Iran] to a clear and systematic plan to eradicate a people and a culture.

At a press briefing March 4 in Washington, D.C., at which Iran's continuing mistreatment of its 300,000-member Bahá’í community was roundly condemned, National Spiritual Assembly Secretary for External Affairs Firuz Kazemzadeh is flanked by U.S. Reps. Ben Gilman of New York (left) and John Porter of Illinois.

"These actions are outrageous, egregious and deserving of universal condemnation by all governments and individuals who respect fundamental human rights."

Rep. Porter said that the UN report "confirms for the first time that the ongoing persecution of the Bahá’í community is a calculated policy written and approved by Iran's highest-ranking officials. It reveals that the official Iranian policy is to repress Bahá’ís at every opportunity while maintaining 'plausible deniability.'"

Rep. Porter also denounced the Iranian government's plan to "confront and destroy" Bahá’í cultural roots outside Iran, which he said is "tantamount to a program of cultural genocide."

Editorials supporting the Bahá’ís have been published in a number of major newspapers including The New York Times, the Washington Post and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, while articles condemning Iran's human rights abuses have appeared in several others including the Chicago Tribune.

Awards

tional Spiritual Assembly, who also spoke about the Bahá’í vision of race unity and the importance of developing the full potential of America's youth.

Accepting on behalf of OMNI Youth Services was J. Harry Wells. Among those attending the ceremony were the mayor of Wheeling and members of the board of directors and staff of OMNI.

OMNI's mission is to infuse a sense of responsibility in young people and to minimize their contact and involvement with the child welfare, juvenile justice and mental health systems.

Mr. De Gruy, an accomplished actor and dancer who has devoted 23 years to helping young people as a counselor and workshop director, was accompanied to the ceremony by members of a Chicago area youth workshop, one of two he is directing this winter for young people interested in learning about consultation and cooperative ways of working together.

Mr. De Gruy and OMNI Youth Services join a distinguished list of past Kellum Award winners including:

1985—Harold Washington, first black mayor of Chicago, and Margaret Burroughs, founder of Chicago's DuSable Museum of African American History.

1986—State Sen. Jesse White of Chicago and the Jesse White Tumblers from the Cabrini-Green housing development, and Naomi Oden, a children's advocate from Detroit, Michigan.

1987—Milton Bullock, founder of Do It for the Kids, and TWIG (Together We Influence Growth), an inner-city/suburban youth exchange program.

1988—Michael Brownstein, founder of RAMP (Reading and Math Program) for inner-city youth.

1989—Merrie Dee, media personality and victims' rights worker.

1990—Catholic priests George Clements and Michael Pfleger for their work with youth against drugs.

1991—Chicago's Ida B. Wells After School Program.

1992—BUILD (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development), and Paul E. Rayon, a community volunteer from Robbins, Illinois.

A reception followed this year's award ceremony, music for which was presented by violist Jennifer Lai, a Bahá’í from Evanston.

UN Day picnic in Dallas, Texas

An estimated 60 people, several of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended a Bahá’í-sponsored picnic last December in Dallas, Texas, commemorating United Nations Day.

Children at the picnic painted a mural which was afterward cut up and pieces given to those who wished to take part of it home.

The diverse group included African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Persians.

Jessie Entzminger, Bahá’í who brought races together in S. Carolina, dead at 79

Jessie Entzminger, a Bahá’í who quietly brought blacks and whites together in segregated Columbia, South Carolina, for many years, died January 29 in Columbia. She was 79 years old.

Mrs. Entzminger became a Bahá’í in the 1940s, and it was not uncommon for her to hold integrated meetings in her home at a time when strict segregation was the norm throughout the South.

Mrs. Entzminger served as chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Columbia for many years and was often a delegate to the annual Bahá’í National Convention in Wilmette.

IN MEMORIAM

Barbara Anderson Gossville, NH August 8, 1992

Alvin P. Antrum Buffalo, NY February 8, 1993

Lily Mae Banks Duncan, OK Date Unknown

Flora M. Banks Duncan, OK Date Unknown

Albert W. Darrah Boise, ID December 19, 1992

Jessie Entzminger Columbia, SC January 29, 1993

Ernest B. Fuller Cottonwood, AZ January 31, 1993

Richard Hardesty Coeur d'Alene, ID October 9, 1992

Herbert Hern Sr. Westfield, NY April 6, 1992

Melinda Isaacson Danbury, NH October 3, 1992

Henry Johnson Guthrie, OK Date Unknown

Evelyn Kee Ganado, AZ Date Unknown

Dr. Andrew Maxwell Del Mar, CA Date Unknown

L.R. McCord St. Petersburg, FL April 17, 1992

Dr. Ethel Meyer Bremerton, WA February 15, 1993

Joe Newton Mesa, AZ Date Unknown

Hector Perez Santa Clarita, CA December 23, 1992

Javad Pirouzbakht Rockville, MD Date Unknown

Bahereh Reyhani Columbia, MO February 21, 1993

A. Russel Werneken Phoenix, AZ July 12, 1992

Julius (Ned) Young Jamestown, NY September 9, 1990 [Page 16]The Bahá’ís of Lake Oswego, Oregon, took part last September in an ‘International Days’ celebration in that city, marching in the parade or seated on a decorated pick-up truck behind this colorful banner carried by Bahá’ís of Chinese, Filipino and American background.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.

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

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

APRIL

17: New York Bahá’í School spring session, Rock Tavern Unitarian Meeting House, Rock Tavern. For information, contact J. Jaczko, 914-564-3831.

23-25: Race Unity Institute I (general session, all ages), Bosch Bahá’í School. Inaugural program in an ongoing project based on “Models of Unity.” Participants will explore the issue of race unity and commit their own potential in addressing that issue. Cost: $50 per person. Phone 408-423-3387 (VISA or MasterCard) or write to Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

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.

21-23: National Chinese Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Main sessions in Mandarin. For information, contact Jenny Lerner, Milwaukee, WI 53211 (phone 414-332-6365).

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.” 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.

28-31: Bahá’í Pacific West Coast Youth Conference, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Bellevue, Washington. Theme: “Mass Enrollment in the West.” For information, contact Ala Moshiri, Bellevue, WA 98004 (phone 206-453-9779).

JUNE

4-6: Youth Research Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone Tasha Peck, 408-423-3387, or fax 408-423-7564.

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, write to ABS, Ontario K1N 7K4, Canada, or 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.

26: 81st annual Souvenir Picnic of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Wilhelm Property, Teaneck, New Jersey. Picnic, afternoon and evening programs. Keynote speaker: Counselor William Roberts. For information, phone 201-652-6385.

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

7-9: Southern California Bahá’í School, Highland Springs Resort Center, Cherry Valley. Theme: “Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Source of All Blessings.” For information, phone 708-869-9039.

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.

29: Annual International Bahá’í Picnic, Canatara Park, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.

SEPTEMBER

3-6: Tennessee Bahá’í Institute, DuBose Conference Center, Monteagle. Theme: “Rendezvous of the Souls.” Contact: Kaihan Strain, Hixson, TN 37343 (phone 615-842-1750).

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.

26: 81st memorial service for ‎Thonrton Thornton‎ Chase, Inglewood Park (California) Cemetery.

OCTOBER

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