The American Bahá’í/Volume 24/Issue 9/Text

←Previous

The American Bahá’í Volume 24, Issue 9

Next→

Return to PDF view Proofread once

[Page 1]

District teaching to rise to new level of community involvement during Plan

One of the goals of the National Spiritual Assembly's Three Year Plan, as presented in the May 17 (Azamát) issue of The American Bahá’í, is to foster the maturation of local and national institutions with particular emphasis on the development of Spiritual Assemblies.

"The primary purpose for which local Spiritual Assemblies are established," wrote the Universal House of Justice (March 3, 1977), "is to promote the teaching work." It is therefore the hope of the National Spiritual Assembly that more and more of our local Spiritual Assemblies will not only develop and implement effective teaching plans for their own communities but engage in collaborative efforts.

Teaching Center appointments announced

To all National Spiritual Assemblies:

With joyful hearts we announce appointment Counselor members International Teaching Center for five-year term beginning May 23, 1993: Mr. Kiser Barnes, Mr. Hartmut Grossmann, Mrs. Lauretta King, Mrs. Joan Lincoln, Mr. Shapoor Monadjem, Mr. Donald Rogers, Mr. Fred Schechter, Mrs. Kimiko Schwerin, Mrs. Joy Stevenson. Profoundly grateful Mr. Masud Khamsi and Mr. Peter Vuyiya for illustrious record years devoted labors in development worldwide operation this vital institution.

Universal House of Justice May 13, 1993

84th National Convention launches Three Year Plan

BY TOM MENNILLO

Wildfire can scarcely spread faster than the spirit that leapt from heart to heart at the 84th Bahá’í National Convention.

"Urgency" was the weekend's watchword as delegates embraced the Convention theme of "...whatever the sacrifice" and unhesitatingly took up a challenge from the National Teaching Committee to win the goals of the Three Year Plan in only 19 Gregorian months.

But remarkable as was that pledge to win the Plan by the November 1994 commemoration of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, it was by no means the only remarkable event of the sacred convocation May 20-23 at the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

• Witness the immediate and enthusiastic response of more than 50 delegates and Convention visitors to a call for pioneers.
• Witness the flurry of heartfelt communications, touched off by the Ridván message from the Universal House of Justice and capped by a "love letter" to the American Bahá’í community penned by two delegates and warmly endorsed by the Convention.
• Witness the recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly for the audacious renewal of mass teaching, the early enrollment of 9,000 children into the Faith, and the establishment of an army of Bahá’í youth to consolidate and deepen the new enrollees.
• Witness the soul-stirring performances of the Bahá’í Gospel Choir at the start of Convention sessions and during the Saturday evening commemoration of the Declaration of the Báb.
• Witness the spontaneous demonstration of unity engendered by an emotional expression of appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions of the Persian believers.

Buoyed by these expressions of solidarity and looking forward confidently to facing and overcoming the challenges of the Three Year Plan, the delegates gathered Saturday morning in Foundation Hall to elect the National Spiritual Assembly for 1993-94: Robert C. Henderson, Dorothy W. Nelson, William E. Davis, Tod Ewing, Firuz Kazemzadeh, James F. Nelson, Juana Conrad, Jack McCants and Alberta Deas.

The National Assembly met shortly afterward to elect its officers for the coming year: James Nelson, chairman; Dorothy Nelson, vice-chairman; Robert Henderson, secretary-general; William Davis, treasurer; Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary for External Affairs; and Juana Conrad, assistant secretary.

Setting the stage

The members of the National Spiritual Assembly for 1993-94 are introduced at the 84th Bahá’í National Convention. From left to right: William E. Davis (treasurer), Dorothy W. Nelson (vice-chairman), Firuz Kazemzadeh (secretary for External Affairs), Tod Ewing, Juana Conrad (assistant secretary), Jack McCants, Alberta Deas, James F. Nelson (chairman), Robert C. Henderson (secretary-general).

Dr. Henderson set the stage for victory at the Convention's opening session by identifying the strengths of the American Bahá’í community and the challenges it faces at the opening of the Three Year Plan.

He pointed first to voluntarism, "the foundation of Bahá’í community life."

The dedicated service of the friends to Bahá’í schools and institutes, Dr. Henderson said, saves the Fund hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.

He also pointed to the use of experts in the many areas in which the National Assembly needs advice, such as in the recent reorganization of the national administration. And he lauded the untold hours of sacrifice many friends.

'Mission 19' seeks to win goals of Three Year Plan in only 19 Gregorian months

BY TOM MENNILLO

"Mission accomplished."

These are words the newly appointed National Teaching Committee lives to say as it launches "Mission 19," a challenge to win the goals of the Three Year Plan in 19 Gregorian months.

This audacious strategy will allow the resources—enrollees, pioneers, increased funds, etc.—gained in that initial period to be enlisted in winning further victories for the Plan.

Immediate but systematic planning will be required, though, to put the needed proclamation, teaching and consolidation elements into place for Mission 19 success.

One tool for planning on the individual, family and community levels is a booklet prepared by the National Teaching Committee and published by the National Spiritual Assembly.

The booklet combines the Ridván message of the Universal House of Justice with the Three Year Plan message of the National Assembly and suggestions for creating local plans of action.

Convention delegates were given copies of the booklet and will report back to their districts. Until more copies are available, the National Teaching Committee has given permission for the friends to make photocopies for their own use.

Another tool in planning for coordinated action will be town meetings in every area of the country. The National Teaching Committee urges everyone to attend if possible and "do their part."

In the meantime, with summer upon us, many of the friends will be going on the road. If they teach during their travels, they are asked to inform the National Teaching Committee immediately so their contributions can be counted against the goals.

The National Teaching Committee also is urging the friends to consider pioneering.

Many resolute souls will be required to carry the banner of the Faith into China. The heart-warming experience at the National Convention of delegates and visitors leaping forward to answer the call can be repeated in all corners of the land.

But even pioneering within a believer's home area will advance the Cause. A nearby community might need a family to help it reach or remain at Assembly strength.

The members of the National Teaching Committee are Sylvester Scott (Temecula, California), chairman; Dawn Haghighi (Chicago, Illinois), secretary; Patricia Steele (Marietta, Georgia); Paul Lample (West Palm Beach, Florida); and Johann Wong (New York City).

Friends wishing to report Plan victories or obtain more information on ways to arise and serve can contact the National Teaching Committee Office at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 (phone 708-869-9039). [Page 2]BY KEN BOWERS

A WORLD TO CONQUER

Remembering the spirit of the Dawn-Breakers

The Universal House of Justice, in this year’s Riḍván message, addressed a special appeal to the individual believer for "immediate, redoubled and sustained action" on "all aspects" of the Three Year Plan, reminding us also that, whatever tests may lie ahead, "our blessings are equal to our challenges, as repeatedly shown by our glorious history."

With these words in mind it seems appropriate to recall a time, nearly a century and a half ago, when the light of the Cause first dawned in the city of Shiraz. There, in the course of an evening destined to be remembered and celebrated for ages to come, the Báb disclosed His Mission to Mullá Husayn, declaring: "Verily I say, I am the Báb, the Gate of God, and thou art the Bábu’l-Báb, the gate of that Gate." With this summons Mullá Husayn’s long search for the Promised One came to an end, and his immortal services as champion of the Cause of God began.

Mullá Husayn’s description of the effect the meeting had on him is recorded in Nabíl’s Narrative:

"This Revelation, so suddenly and impetuously thrust upon me, came as a thunderbolt which, for a time, seemed to have benumbed my faculties. I was blinded by its dazzling splendor and overwhelmed by its crushing force.

"Excitement, joy, awe and wonder stirred the depths of my soul. Predominant among these emotions was a sense of gladness and strength which seemed to have transfigured me. How feeble and impotent, how dejected and timid I had felt previously! Then I could neither write nor walk, so tremulous were my hands and feet. Now, however, the knowledge of His Revelation had galvanized my being. I felt possessed of such courage and power that were the world, all its peoples and its potentates, to rise against me, I would, alone and undaunted, withstand their onslaught.

"The universe seemed but a handful of dust in my grasp. I seemed to be the Voice of Gabriel personified, calling unto all mankind: ‘Awake, for, lo! the morning Light has broken. Arise, for His Cause is made manifest. The portal of His grace is open wide; enter therein, O peoples of the world! For He Who is your Promised One is come!’"

Thus fired by a passionate belief in the new Faith, Mullá Husayn soon set out on the first of many heroic missions, under daunting conditions that would ultimately lead to his martyrdom. So magnificent were the victories he won that Bahá’u’lláh, describing him in the Kitáb-i-lqán as one "who became the recipient of the effulgent glory of the Sun of divine Revelation," stated that "But for him, God would not have been established upon the seat of His mercy, nor ascended the throne of eternal glory."

The story of Mullá Husayn’s life, as recorded in Nabíl’s Narrative, is dramatic and wondrous, and holds lessons of deep value for those who follow the Cause of God today. Primarily it is an illustration of how faith, once found, should be acted upon. As Bahá’u’lláh wrote:

"The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Day Spring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws, Who representth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation....It behoveth everyone who reacheth this most sublime station, this summmit of transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Source of Divine inspiration."

An interior view of the House of the Báb in Shiraz.

The primary duty for the believers of the present day is to teach the Cause of God. It is interesting to remember that the Báb, on the same evening in which He declared His Mission to Mullá Husayn, revealed the first chapters of the Qayyumu’l-Asmá, characterized by Bahá’u’lláh as "the first, the greatest and mightiest of all books" in the Bábí Dispensation. In it He issued a special appeal to the "peoples of the West," directing them to "issue forth from your cities and aid the Cause of God."

Years later Shoghi Effendi, in a letter to the believers in America, described that passage as the originating impulse of the Bahá’í crusade for the spiritual conquest of the planet:

"The impulse from which this historic world-embracing crusade, which, alike in the character of its Founder and the nature of the tasks committed to its participants, is unprecedented in religious history, derives its creative power may be said to have in a sense originated with the mandate issued by the Báb in His ‘Qayyumu’l-Asmá,’ one of His earliest and greatest works, as far back as the opening years of the first Bahá’í century, and directed specifically to the ‘peoples of the West,’ to ‘issue forth’ from their ‘cities’ and aid His Cause."

This crusade, given further impetus in the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, and outlined by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, has been systematically prosecuted since the ministry of the Guardian in a series of unfolding plans, which will continue "as far as the fringes" of the "Golden Age."

We are now in the early months of the latest of these Plans. In many ways our challenge is the same as that which faced Mullá Husayn at the very dawn of the Faith. We have embraced the Cause; it is now our duty to rise up and achieve the objectives set for us by the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly.

In the concluding passages of the Riḍván message, the House of Justice stresses the importance of the individual believer to the success of the Three Year Plan, for it is the individual "who possesses within himself or herself the measures of initiative that ensure the success of any global Bahá’í enterprise, and ‘on whom, in the last resort,’ as our beloved Guardian plainly stated, ‘depends the fate of the entire community.’"

The believers on the American continent, whom the Guardian called "the spiritual descendants of the Dawn-breakers," are the heirs of a summons dating back virtually to the beginning of the Bahá’í Era.

It is true that we have tremendous challenges ahead, but our community numbers in the tens of thousands. Let us remember when there was only one believer among all of humankind, who, with firm faith and unshakeable courage, set out to conquer the world on behalf of his Lord.

Teaching Committee calls for Town Meetings across country to map strategy for winning Plan

The National Teaching Committee is calling for town meetings to be held this summer in selected localities throughout the country. In most cases, attendance is expected to involve individual believers of the entire district.

A primary goal of these town meetings is to stimulate intercommunity collaboration and develop immediate plans of action aimed at winning the goals of the Three Year Plan. It is the hope of the National Teaching Committee that Bahá’í youth will take part in all aspects of these meetings.

Another important objective is to ensure the continuation of efforts to expand and consolidate the Faith throughout the district in light of the disbandment of the District Teaching Committees at the end of the summer (see article on page 1). District Teaching Committees are expected to play a leading role in these consultations.

By the time this issue of The American Bahá’í is received by the friends, host communities for these town meetings should have been confirmed. Shortly, invitations containing details about the time and place for this one-day event will be distributed by the host Assemblies.

The National Teaching Committee urges everyone to attend the town meeting in their area and take part in this historic opportunity to help shape the growth and development of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh at the grassroots level.

A reminder to overseas pioneers

A reminder to overseas pioneers who may be traveling to other countries or returning to the States for a short visit or permanently:

Please get a membership card or a letter from your National Spiritual Assembly stating that you are a Bahá’í in good standing. Your U.S. membership card is no longer valid once you have been transferred to another country. [Page 3]

3 YEAR PLAN GOALS

1. Intensify study of the Sacred Writings as a means of fostering spiritual strength and transformation;

2. Expand vastly the human resources of the Faith;

3. Raise at least 3,000 traveling teachers;

4. Settle at least 500 homefront pioneers on Indian Reservations, in the South, and in other areas of greatest need;

5. Establish local Spiritual Assemblies in every city with a population of 75,000 resulting in no fewer than 150 new Spiritual Assemblies;

6. Strive to become leaders in the movement for race unity and to make Bahá’í communities models of unity which inspire emulation and lead to growth;

7. Teach Bahá’í and other children and youth to become the first generation of Americans free of all prejudices and truly united;

8. Expand programs of education for Bahá’í children, youth and adults and for the strengthening of Bahá’í family life;

9. Promote the advancement of women and publish a statement on women;

10. Foster the maturation of local and national institutions with particular emphasis on the development of spiritual assemblies, the refinement of the art of consultation, the refinement of the Feast, and the operation of the Funds;

11. Strengthen the financial position of the national community;

12. Extend the range of the National Spiritual Assembly's collaborative projects with the Bahá’í communities of Alaska, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Eastern Europe, Greenland, Mexico, the countries of the former Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom.

HOMEFRONT PIONEERING GOALS: INDIAN RESERVATIONS

Indian Reservations, as shown on the map above, are among the homefront pioneering goal areas for the Three Year Plan. If you would like to be one of the 500 individuals who will settle in these or other goal areas, please contact the National Teaching Committee Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: 708/869-9039, ext. 232.

Teaching American Indians

When Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum wrote to the Indian and Eskimo Bahá’ís of the American continent in 1969, she encouraged memorizing the words of Bahá’u’lláh.

She called for a steady and rapid increase of their numbers in the Faith, and encouraged American Indians to pray for strength and guidance in their efforts to increase their knowledge of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings.

Now, 24 years later, our Bahá’í community has but a small number of indigenous believers and only a few indigenous teachers of the Cause.

The Universal House of Justice has called for a massive expansion of the Bahá’í community far beyond all past accomplishments during the next three years.

We have been assured by the House of Justice that we can achieve massive expansion by enhancing the vitality of the faith of individual believers, greatly developing the human resources of the Cause, and fostering the proper functioning of local and national Bahá’í institutions.

Vitality of faith comes from the cultivation of a sense of spirituality that is achieved through meditation and prayer. Shoghi Effendi stressed that the power of Spirit must properly enter the living of American Indians and that the Bahá’í Faith must be presented as a living religion.

As active participation in prayer and meditation will enhance the vitality of faith, obedience to divine laws and principles will transform the spiritual and moral character of believers. This is a description of a living religion.

The development of human resources for the Cause is contingent on the acquisition of knowledge of the Faith and on the application of this knowledge to life's affairs. Shoghi Effendi told us that the American Indians must become the bedrock of their own communities.

People become the bedrock of communities and equal partners in the Cause by carrying on community affairs, building institutions, supporting the funds, and publishing their own literature.

When people arise to carry on their affairs, they acquire and apply knowledge, thus developing human resources.

The proper functioning of Bahá’í institutions will rekindle hope among disillusioned peoples. Shoghi Effendi called for all-Indian Assemblies and for active, sustained participation by Indians in the administrative affairs of the Faith.

Properly functioning, all-Indian Assemblies are sorely needed in communities where discouragement is common and self-esteem has been battered. Believers who cannot serve on all-Indian Assemblies can pray for their formation and for their progress.

Shoghi Effendi also outlined the elements that are necessary for gaining the adherence of large numbers of American Indians. These include unqualified adherence of enrolled indigenous believers, indigenous believers serving on elected councils, and unreserved support of organized teaching efforts by indigenous believers. God willing, the American Bahá’í community will realize these developments during the next three years.

More information about teaching American Indians is available from the National Teaching Committee. If you would like a brief collection of quotations on this topic, please contact Ada James at the National Teaching Committee Office, 708-869-9039, ext. 232.

Tulsa Bahá’ís represented in booklet for celebration honoring Dr. King's birth

The Bahá’ís of Tulsa, Oklahoma, are represented with two full pages in a booklet presenting details of the sixth annual Commemorative Celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Tulsa.

On page 34, three quotations from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh appear with a brief quotation from Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech of August 1963. Page 35 is devoted in its entirety to a reproduction of the National Spiritual Assembly's "open letter" to then-President George Bush. [Page 4]

'SPREAD ABROAD THE TEACHINGS'

This is the time of year when many of the friends are able to offer several weeks to several months in service to the Cause. The urgent need for this level of service and the opportunity to do so are ever-increasing as the doors open for the generality of mankind to hear the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

In its Ridván message, the Universal House of Justice explained that the primary purpose of the newly-launched Three Year Plan is "the next stage in the unfoldment of the divine charter of teaching penned by the Centre of the Covenant." In that Charter, addressing the American believers, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explains that a condition for the attainment of our high destiny is that "Teachers must continually travel to all parts of the continent, nay rather to all parts of the world. ..."

Our National Spiritual Assembly has called for a challenging number of traveling teachers and pioneers both internationally and here on the homefront during the next three years. National Assemblies around the world have requested the assistance of the U.S. believers for their teaching projects.

As you prepare to respond to the call for traveling teachers in the Three Year Plan, please consider the following passages.

UPCOMING BYSC-PIONEERING INSTITUTES

August 31-September 5: Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. January 11-18: Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California.

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

Why travel and teach?

1. "Oh, how I long to announce unto every spot on the surface of the earth, and to carry to each one of its cities, the glad-tidings of this Revelation..." Bahá’u’lláh

2. "...spread abroad the teachings and ordinances of the loving Lord so that the world may become another world, the darkened earth may become illumined and the dead body of the people may obtain new life." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

3. "Travel ye to the East and to the West of the world and summon the people to the Kingdom of God. Hence the mercy of God must encompass all humanity." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

4. "Upon our efforts depends in very large measure the fate of humanity." The Universal House of Justice

Who should serve as traveling teachers?

5. "The duties of teaching and pioneering are enjoined upon all believers." The Universal House of Justice

6. "...the glory of our Faith is not that people with unique abilities do the work of the Cause, but that it is done by the sacrifice of loving and devoted souls who arise selflessly to undertake work they feel themselves incompetent, sometimes, to achieve. God works through them and endows them with gifts they did not dream they could ever possess." Shoghi Effendi

7. "Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation..." Bahá’u’lláh

When should this be done?

8. "Now is the time that you may divest yourselves from the garment of attachment to this phenomenal realm, be wholly severed from the physical world, become angels of heaven and travel and teach through all these regions." Bahá’u’lláh

How should we travel and teach?

9. "With hearts set aglow by the fire of the love of God and spirits refreshed by the food of the heavenly spirit you must go forth as the disciples nineteen hundred years ago, quickening the hearts of men by the call of glad-tidings, the light of God in your faces, severed from everything save God." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

10. "The disciples of Christ forgot themselves and all earthly things, forsook all their cares and belongings, purged themselves of self and passion and with absolute detachment scattered far and wide and engaged in calling the peoples of the world to the Divine Guidance..." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

11. "Putting on the armor of His love, firmly buckling on the shield of His mighty Covenant, mounted on the steed of steadfastness, holding aloft the lance of the Word of the Lord of Hosts, and with unquestioning reliance on His promises as the best provision for their journey, let them set their faces toward those fields that still remain unexplored and direct their steps to those goals that are as yet unattained, assured that He Who has led them to achieve such triumphs, and to store up such prizes in His Kingdom, will continue to assist them in enriching their spiritual birthright to a degree that no finite mind can imagine or human heart perceive." Shoghi Effendi

What are the promised results?

12. "The moment...this Divine message is carried forward by the American believers from the shores of America, and is propagated throughout the continents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa, and of Australasia, and as far as the islands of the Pacific, this community will find itself securely established upon the throne of an everlasting dominion. Then will the peoples of the world witness that this community is spiritually illumined and divinely guided. Then will the whole earth resound with the praises of its majesty and greatness." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

13. "Erelong will God adorn the beginning of the Book of existence with the mention of His loved ones who have suffered tribulation in His path, and journeyed through the countries in His name and for His praise." Bahá’u’lláh

For information about international summer traveling teaching opportunities, contact the Office of Pioneering (international) or National Teaching Office (domestic) at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 90091. Telephone 708-869-9039; Fax 708-869-0247.

1. Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 16

2. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í World Faith, p. 216

3. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, 1977 Edition p. 314

4. The Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance, p. 120

5. The Universal House of Justice, from a letter dated February 7, 1965, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States

6. From a letter dated December, 1943, written by Shoghi Effendi

7. Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 196-197

8. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 11

9. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 6

10. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 10

11. Shoghi Effendi, Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 102

12. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 62

13. Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 70

PIONEERING GOALS FOR THE THREE-YEAR PLAN

COUNTRY	GOAL	COUNTRY	GOAL
AFRICA
Angola	1	Nigeria	2
Bophuthatswana*	1	St. Helena	3
Cameroon*	1	Somalia
Central African Republic*	2	Swaziland	1
Chad*	1	Tanzania	2
Ciskei*	2	Transkei	2
Congo	2	Uganda	1
Côte d'Ivoire	1	Venda	1
Equatorial Guinea*	2	Zambia	6
Ethiopia	2	Zimbabwe*	1
Gabon	1	**AFRICA TOTAL**	**41**
The Gambia	1
Guinea-Bissau	2
Madagascar	1
Mauritius*	1
AMERICAS
Argentina*	1	Jamaica*	6
Bahamas	5	Martinique	2
Barbados	3	Nicaragua	1
Belize*	4	Panama	1
Bolivia	3	Peru	2
Brazil	4	St. Lucia	4
Chile	5	St. Vincent & The Grenadines	4
Colombia*	2	Suriname*	2
Dominica	3	Trinidad & Tobago*	6
Dominican Republic*	1	Turks & Caicos	6
Ecuador	4	Uruguay*	3
East Leeward Islands*	4	Venezuela*	4
Grenada	2	Virgin Islands	3
Guadeloupe	1	West Leeward Islands*	7
Guatemala	4	**AMERICAS TOTAL**	**110**
Guyana	8
Honduras	6
ASIA
Cambodia	2	Malaysia	2
Central Asia Republics		Mongolia	4
Hong Kong*	4	Nepal	1
India*	4	Pakistan
Korea	2	Taiwan*	2
Laos	1	Thailand*	5
		**ASIA TOTAL**	**30**
AUSTRALASIA
Cook Islands*	4	Papua New Guinea*	1
French Polynesia	3	Tonga*	1
Kiribati	2	Vanuatu*	1
Mariana Islands*	2	Western Caroline Islands*	4
Marshall Islands	2	**AUSTRALASIA TOTAL**	**21**
New Caledonia & Loyalty Islands*	1
EUROPE
Albania	10	Italy*	1
Austria	2	Norway*	2
Belgium*	2	Poland	10
Bulgaria	10	Portugal	2
Croatia	1	Romania	10
Czech & Slovak Republics*	16	Russia, Georgia & Armenia	67
Finland	1	Slovenia	1
France*	1	Switzerland*	2
Germany*	2	Ukraine, Belorus & Moldova	15
Hungary*	5	United Kingdom*	1
Ireland*	3	**EUROPE TOTAL**	**162**

\* Bahá’í Youth Service Corps goal countries

• • TOTAL: 368**

RAHMAT B.E. 150 JUNE 24, 1993 [Page 5]

Discussions about Treasury, Funds at 84th National Convention

Delegates and visitors to the 84th National Convention had a lot to say about the funds of the Faith, and a number of questions to raise with the Treasurer and his staff.

During the Thursday evening reports of the National Spiritual Assembly, a new slide show about the achievements of the Holy Year in the areas of finance and organizational development caught the delegates' attention. Many indicated that its clear explanations of the complex issues faced by the Assembly were helpful and extremely interesting.

"The presentation set a new standard for these things," was the comment heard from one of the friends. So favorable, in fact, was the reception that the National Assembly said it will make the slides available to the community in the near future in video tape format.

During his remarks, William E. Davis, who was re-elected to the National Spiritual Assembly and will serve as its treasurer for the coming year, raised the issue of the financial capacity of the American Bahá’í community, noting that the year's financial results showed total contributions of $10.8 million to the various Funds through the Bahá’í National Center. Added to this are the significant amounts paid to Huqúqu’lláh, where the number of those who made payments due under this new Law rose an astonishing four times during just one year.

Mr. Davis also pointed out that as much as $5 million may have been given directly to the Universal House of Justice. Estimates of income to the local Funds across the country add another large number to the total, gifts which of course account for a part of the revenues of the other Funds as local Assemblies make their contributions.

Finally, there were the amounts the friends paid to attend the Bahá’í World Congress (an estimated $20 million), to go to Bahá’í Schools (about $500,000), and to buy books (total book sales were about $2 million).

Noting that these numbers add up to a significant total, perhaps as much as $35-40 million, Mr. Davis said a number of conclusions might be drawn. The first is that the Bahá’í community has made extraordinary efforts to support the Faith it loves. Second, that because the House of Justice called these resources "inadequate," we still have a long way to go to fully meet the Faith's financial requirements. Third, that the only way to cover that distance is through sacrifice: more intense teaching and sustained or increased giving of material means. Growth in numbers is the long-term solution to our dilemma.

One of the interesting questions raised by the friends was what will be done with the resources used to attend the World Congress. One visitor went so far as to suggest that it would be nice to see the entire $20 million contributed this year to the Funds of the Faith!

One of the most penetrating questions raised was stated by Counselor William Roberts when he asked the Convention, "How much of the wealth of the world Bahá’í community resides here in the US?"

Noting that the comments of the delegates up to that stage of the consultation had been "not nickels and dimes, maybe, but at least just quarters and half-dollars," Dr. Roberts said that the Faith needs "serious money" now to build the Arc and do all the other things that need to be done.

He reminded the friends that it was not so long ago that the discussion was about moving from a $1 million budget to one of $5 million; that at that time, such a leap had seemed impossible. "We did it though, and now we need to make another 'quantum leap' in our understanding and in our giving."

SOME THINGS THE FRIENDS WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE TREASURY

(The following is an excerpt from the "Delegate Briefing" materials distributed at the National Convention.)

Strategic Issues

• • Our Assembly feels the time has come for a local Center; should we pursue this now?**

Circumstances and needs vary widely from one community to the next and from one time period to another. The decision generally rests with the local Assembly (or Assemblies) involved. During periods of great financial stringency, the Guardian and the House of Justice urged communities to proceed only if they already had in hand enough money for a Center; at other times, they gave their approval to start a new program.

The local body is often wise to consult with its National Assembly in case of doubt. The vital needs of the International and Arc Funds will no doubt be taken seriously into consideration by every Assembly thinking about a local Center project at this particular time. Finally, there are a number of helpful passages regarding local Centers in Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities: Guidelines for Local Spiritual Assemblies.

• • What is the National Assembly doing in the area of social and economic development? Race unity?**

Promising initiatives are under way in both fields. Mottahedeh Development Services and Health for Humanity are already up and running under the National Assembly's auspices, and work on "Models of Unity Inc." is progressing well. Support for local efforts in these fields also forms an important part of the mandate of the National Teaching Committee, the Office of the Treasurer's Development Section, and others.

• • What is the purpose of the Area Treasurer Seminars?**

Training local Assemblies is a key part of the new Plan. Sharing the results of the study and research done by the Office of the Treasurer can make a useful contribution to this process.

• • How does the $25 million national goal relate to the budget of the National Assembly?**

The budget of the National Spiritual Assembly consists of all the Assembly's plans and programs, and all their costs. This year, the national budget totals about $16 million. The national goal of $25 million, on the other hand, represents the national community's over-all financial capacity at this stage in our development. Every contribution received at the National Center is counted toward this $25 million total.

• • Local Assembly goals—what counts?**

Contributions from the local Spiritual Assembly for the Bahá’í National Fund are the only amounts that count toward the LSA goal. Earmarked contributions, gifts made through the National Fund for other Funds (for example, the Arc Fund) are in a separate category of giving and ideally would be separate goals in the local body's budget.

• • Do individuals' contributions count? If not, why not?**

No, they do not. The goals program is about the relationship between the local institution and the National Assembly; individuals have their own relationship, spiritually as well as financially, with their National Assembly.

• • How was the initial goal suggestion chosen by the Office of the Treasurer?**

First, members of various offices pooled their information about each local Assembly: giving history, community makeup and economic factors, correspondence with the National Assembly, enrollments, etc. Then, a base number was assigned to each Assembly; this number was further reviewed by the task force, and became the suggested amount in the 1990 letters.

• • Why wasn't the local Assembly's chosen commitment taken by the National Spiritual Assembly?**

Mistakes were made in keeping the tally of local Assembly responses. Also, in a few cases, the Office of the Treasurer has no record of having received a letter from a local Assembly, so the information was not available for inclusion in the goal program records. With the help and patience of the local Assemblies, and changes in the computer program that tracks this information, such errors are being corrected.

• • Why do you assess our progress against the calendar, when our cash flow is not regular during the year?**

A number of local Assemblies have indicated that their pattern of local contributions is not even during the year, and this affects their ability to make regular or even contributions to the National Fund. Because more than 1,200 assemblies take part in the goals program, the Office of the Treasurer has not yet been able to devise a way to account for such individual details. Instead, it is forced to use a general, although inexact, yardstick to try to compare progress among Assemblies.

Actually, the National Spiritual Assembly faces the same issue with respect to its contributions to the Bahá’í International Fund. Some time ago the Universal House of Justice indicated that the National Assembly was free to send its contributions in convenient amounts, according to the Assembly's cash position. The House of Justice emphasized that 1) it was important to send regular gifts, even of varying amounts, and 2) the National Assembly should make sure to fulfill its commitment to the International Fund.

• • Must the local Assembly advise the National Assembly of its commitment level?**

Yes. This helps avoid confusion and makes the information available to the National Assembly more accurate and much more useful.

• • What should my Assembly do if the suggested number this year is less than last year's goal amount?**

This year, suggested amounts were based on actual contribution levels as of March 1. In about 10 percent of the cases, the formula used produced a number lower than last year's. Some Assemblies have chosen the lower number, especially where the Treasurer's Office records indicated a number that was higher than the one previously chosen by the local Assembly itself. A larger group has decided to keep last year's goal or even to increase it, where they found that they had easily met their previous goal.

Detailed Questions

• • What is the Bahá’í fiscal year?**

The National Spiritual Assembly closes its books on April 30.

• • Why do we need an IRS tax ID number? Must we re-apply for tax-exempt status?**

Local Assemblies are covered by the tax exemption granted to the National Spiritual Assembly because, according to the by-laws of both institutions, local Assemblies are part of the National Assembly.

SELECTED INCOME AND EXPENSE ITEMS

(in thousands of $)

Item	1991	1992	Pct.
Total Contributions	$10,374	$10,824
Assemblies	$4,364		40%
Individuals	$4,823		45%
Groups	$267		2%
Other	$1,370		13%
Estate Bequests	$1,177	$1,956
Schools Tuition	$486	$536
Book Sales	$1,782	$2,561
**Expenses**
International Fund	$3,199	$3,459
Properties	$2,003
Cost of Books Sold	$999	$2,127
General Administration	$9,403	$10,596
**Net Gain (Loss)**	$1,873	($1,363)

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í Subscription rates

(For outside the continental United States ONLY)

Type	1 Year	2 Years
First class/Surface	$24	$45
Air Mail	$32	$60

Please make check payable to: Bahá’í Subscriber Service, c/o Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. All orders must be pre-paid in U.S. currency. VISA/MasterCard accepted; please include full account number and expiration date. [Page 6]

Community Histories

Studies In the Bábí and Bahá’í Religions, Volume 6 edited by Richard Hollinger HC $35.00

This much-anticipated volume of local Bahá’í histories provides new insight into the unfoldment of Bahá’í community life. The authors challenge many commonly held assumptions about Bahá’í history and demonstrate the diversity of Western Bahá’í communities. Each essay carefully documents the internal dynamics of a particular community from the early days of the Faith to the present.

Community Histories includes six essays by different Bahá’í scholars on the history of the Bahá’í communities in Kenosha, Wisconsin; Baltimore, Maryland; Sacramento, California; St. Brunswick, Nova Scotia; Kansas; and Great Britain. Richard Hollinger's introduction examines critical periods in the evolution of the national Bahá’í community of the United States.

6" x 9", 284pp., table of contents, Introduction, Index Kallmát Press

Gems of Guidance

Selections from the Scriptures of the World compiled by David Jurney HC $10.95

Religion offers guidance on many aspects of life. By reading the sacred scriptures and meditating upon them we come to under- stand more fully God's Will for us.

Here are selections from the teachings of six of the world's major religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the Bahá’í Faith—providing inspiration and insight on life's most enduring themes: creation, unity, meditation, love, prayer, and guidance.

4-3/4" x 6-1/2", 118pp., contents, acknowledgments, references George Ronald, Publisher

Thy Kingdom Come

A Biblical Introduction to the Bahá’í Faith by Thomas Tai-Seale SC $14.95

This startling and original interpretation of Biblical prophecy argues persuasively that three divine calls have been made since the advent of Christ—all clearly foretold in the promise found in the Christian Holy Books. Repeated references to the number three in the New Testament, referring to the warnings and judgments of God, are brought to the reader's attention. The revelations of Muhammad, the Báb, and Bahá’u’lláh give meaning to these words.

5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 250pp., author's note, contents, preface, appendix Kallmát Press

The Spiritual Conquest of the Planet

Our Response to Plans by Melanie Smith and Paul Lample SC $8.00

The Spiritual Conquest of the Planet is the fifth in a series of study guides including The Word of God; The Covenant: Its Meaning and Origin and Our Attitude Toward It (which is now out of print); The Significance of Bahá’u’lláh's Revelation; and Youth Can Move the World.

Spiritual Conquest of the Planet focuses on the mission of the Bahá’í Faith to conquer the world spiritually and our role in that mission. It provides an overview of more than fifty years of effort to execute ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan through a series of national, international, and global plans beginning in 1937. Among the topics covered are common elements conveyed in global plans; the organic unfoldment of the Cause; the pattern of unfoldment found in successive plans in the areas of growth, development, and involvement with society; vision and systematic planning; leadership and participation; and the characteristics of mature action and implementing plans.

The Spiritual Conquest of the Planet offers an indispensable perspective for communities, institutions, and individuals in planning and initiating work to win the goals of the new Three Year Plan.

7-1/2" x 10", 96pp., Index Palabra Publications

Passages

by Fred Johnson CS $9.95

Eight selections from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the Báb set to music. These a cappella arrangements are beautifully rendered by Fred Johnson. Narges Fani (Fani) accompanies Mr. Johnson on "O My Brother! Hearken to the delightsome words. . ." and "My God, my Adored One, my King..." The harmonies and rhythmic motifs employed are reminiscent of Sting's Dream of the Blue Turtles. This album is truly original, professionally produced, and sure to be a favorite. Enjoy!

38 min. Lote Tree Productions [Page 7]

Peace With Your Partner

A Practical Guide to Happy Marriage by Erik Blumenthal SC $10.95

Erik Blumenthal offers a simple and effective guide to self-discovery, conflict-solving, and relationship-building that will change the way you look at yourself, the way you relate to your partner and, ultimately, transform your relationship. Bringing the same positive and encouraging approach to the challenge of marriage that made his other books so popular, he shows how we can all achieve more caring, enriching, and peaceful partnerships.

5" x 7-3/4", 126pp., contents, foreword, notes Oneworld Publications

The Role of the Mirroring Principle and the Word of God in Recovering from Child Abuse

by Phyllis K. Peterson SC $1.50

A glimpse at childhood sexual abuse and the shame of the victims. Using excerpts from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the author argues that survivors of sexual abuse are not born evil, as the doctrine of original sin states, but that their potential to mirror both good and evil was unjustly taken advantage of before there was an opportunity to develop the power of choice. This booklet illustrates how the victims’ childhood environment often limits their ability to trust their own feelings and leaves them with a distorted view of reality. A fine introduction to an often misunderstood condition.

5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 16pp., bibliography Phyllis K. Peterson

The KITÁB-I-AQDAS

Our present stock of The Kitáb-i-Aqdas is quite low. It is difficult to predict when we will run out of stock, but we suspect that the first hardcover edition will be out of print soon.

The U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust is currently working on a pocket-size edition of The Kitáb-i-Aqdas. We expect this edition to be available in late fall.

Remaining hardcover copies are $12.50

If Only I Were . . .

by Mary Mitchell Tartaglia SC $4.95

Here is a tale of a small tree who thinks she’s good for nothing but firewood, and what a surprise is just around the corner! This delightful picture book shares with young readers the fears and joys of a young tree as she discovers her own special gifts.

7-7/8" x 7-7/8", 16pp., 19 illustrations Oneworld Publications

Are You Happy?

by Patti Rae French illustrated by Michael Sours SC $4.95

Here at last, a charming book for very young children introducing them to the positive and dynamic example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. A story little ones will treasure.

7-7/8" x 7-7/8", 16pp., 27 illustrations Oneworld Publications

Live Unity

VT $29.95

Live Unity celebrates the diversity of the human family through the universal language of music. Witness captivating performances by an international lineup of artists including Seals and Crofts, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Flora Purim, Airto, Dan Seals, Kevin Locke, Red Grammer, Douglas Cameron, Lisa Lougheed, Renat Ibragimov, and Nova Bhattacharya. Additional performers share their beliefs about Bahá’u’lláh, the Bahá’í Faith, and the unity of humankind through interviews that are interspersed through the performances. The universal message of this production will open the hearts and minds of seekers around the world.

90 minutes Live Unity Enterprises

National Convention Compilation

A statement and compilation of extracts from the Bahá’í Writings prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice SC $1.50

A statement and compilation of extracts about the Bahá’í National Convention, its conduct, and the important functions it serves within the Bahá’í community. The booklet will help readers to appreciate the significance of this unique institution at which the National Spiritual Assembly is elected and will provide a context for discussing the purposes of the Convention and their effective implementation. Readers will also find information on the station of the National Assembly, its relationship to the Bahá’í community, and a number of fundamental administrative principles.

5-3/8" x 8-1/2", 44pp., table of contents, index Bahá’í Publications Australia

SHIP TO _________________________________________________________________ ATI_

DAYTIME TELEPHONE ( ) __________________________________________

ITEM	QUANTITY	COST
TOTAL

FOR ORDERS SHIPPED OUTSIDE THE U.S., PLEASE ADD 15% (MIN. $3.00)

PAYMENT METHOD

• —CASH
• —CHECK
• —CHARGE (VISA, MASTER, AMEX) [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ] EXPIRATION DATE __________

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

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

PIONEERING: OVERSEAS

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas: AMERICAS-Dominica: MDs and/or Ph.Ds to teach on faculty U.S. off-shore medical university; MDs and/or Ph.Ds with expertise in anatomy, biochemistry, histology, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, neuroscience or behavioral sciences to teach the Basic Sciences program at its medical university. Paraguay: chiropractic practice for sale. AUSTRALASIA-Guam: retired couple or male to serve as caretakers at local Bahá’í center, teachers, nurses. Palau, South Pacific: position in clinical setting with responsibilities including prenatal care, deliveries, GYN surgery, etc. Saipan, Mariana Islands: OB/GYN managers, operating room supervisor, psychiatric care coordinator, staff nurses. Yap, Western Caroline Islands: retired couple to serve as caretakers at the National Center. EUROPE Bosnia/Croatia: position with program providing services for rape/trauma cases, project director to oversee programs in mental health and public health services. 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.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER

Support Services: Assistant meeting and travel coordinator. Full-time position to help coordinate travel and meeting arrangements including hotel and airline reservations, ground transportation, room reservations, on-site set-up for meetings, refreshments. Clerical and word processing skills required.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust: Production Department coordinator. Responsible for developing and implementing production strategies under the direction of the executive secretary of the Publications Board to ensure the timely and cost-effective production of authoritative Bahá’í texts, literature, periodicals, video tapes, audio cassettes and other materials in support of the goals of the National Assembly for expansion and consolidation of the U.S. Bahá’í community. Coordinates the work of freelance assistants, desktop publishing operators, production assistants, audio-visual materials librarian, oversees production of various Bahá’í publications.

Persian/American Affairs: Program assistant. Primary responsibility is to help the department manager implement programs and activities of the Persian/ American Affairs Office. Responsibilities include typing correspondence, translating documents and letters into and from Persian, and record-keeping. Good understanding of Persian culture, Bahá’í principles and laws as practiced in Iran and the U.S. is required.

BOSCH BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

Assistant director. Responsible for helping the school director in all functions related to operating and promoting the school. The assistant director will contact urban Assemblies throughout California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada to apprise them of the programs/possibilities/opportunities existing at Bosch. Also helps with all administrative and personnel activities of the school.

Program coordinator. Primary duty is to develop and coordinate programs at the school to include adults, youth, children and the non-Bahá’í public.

NATIVE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í INSTITUTE

Program coordinator. Primary duty is to develop and implement programs at the Institute with special emphasis on teaching the Faith, the development of children, and a variety of social and economic development programs. When responding, please include a summary of your experience with Native American cultures, specifically Navajo.

Please submit current résumé including Bahá’í service to Stephanie Gladden or Karen Marcellis, Office of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201.

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: Mary M. Phillips (died Davisburg, MI, 1970), Lois Pinchback, William Pinchback Jr., Cassimer Pinckney, Anne Pinneo, Josie Pinson (died Clemson, SC), R.F. Piper, Orol Platt, Lillian Pearl Porter (died Olmstead, IL). Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives. Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives has prepared a series of biographical sketches of prominent African-American, Native American, Hispanic and Asian Bahá’ís for the use of local communities for Black History Month, Race Unity Day, and other special events observances. Any local community that would like copies of these sketches or more information about them should contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

PIONEERING: HOMEFRONT

HELP Davison Township, Michigan (five minutes from the Louhelen Bahá’í School), maintain its Assembly status. Tremendous possibilities for service at Louhelen as well as with multi-cultural, art or youth projects in progress in the area. Contact Léonie or Michael Naylor, P.O. Box 455, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-658-3348).

A LOVELY Oregon town named Philomath seeks Bahá’ís interested in the special kind of relationship that comes with serving on a local Assembly. We need five homefront pioneers willing to come from as close as Corvallis to help win this goal. Philomath has access to several nearby colleges and universities, ocean recreation, a healthy economy, and many wonderful spiritual blessings. For information, contact the Spiritual Assembly of Benton County, Corvallis, OR 97330, or phone 503-745-7916.

YONKERS, one of the oldest Bahá’í communities in New York state, is asking those who are looking for a community in need of help to consider relocating, or homefront pioneering, to Yonkers, just north of New York City and easily accessible by public transportation. We are a diverse community, consisting of many minorities, as well as old established ethnic and religious groups. Contact Solomon Hilton, P.O. Box 1051, Yonkers, NY 10703.

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.

THE BAHÁ’Í community of Marblehead, Massachusetts, warmly welcomes anyone who would like to relocate to New England. We are a small Bahá’í Group of three adults and one child, but we are very active and energetic in regard to firesides and teaching. Marblehead, a suburb 20 miles north of Boston, is on the beautiful North Shore coastline. The town's unique history and beauty attract tourists from all over the world. Marblehead has a good school system and offers many cultural activities for children and adults. A variety of jobs are available, both locally and in commuting distance to nearby cities. We would be more than happy to provide help in obtaining housing and employment. If you are interested in the challenge of helping us grow toward Assembly status, please write to Barbara Anton, Marblehead, MA 01945, or phone 617-631-8175.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: openings for both medical and educational personnel in the heart of the Navajo Indian Reservation. The Assembly of Chinle Chapter, Arizona, would like to help you pioneer to the area. For information about medical employment, please phone Jeannette Wirtz, 602-674-5904; for information about school positions, please phone Jean Scott, 602-674-8323.

YOU ARE NEEDED to help save the jeopardized Spiritual Assembly of Watertown, Massachusetts, a diverse suburb of 35,000 people only 20 minutes from downtown Boston. Watertown is close to many universities, hospitals and electronics firms, has reasonably priced housing and excellent public transportation. For information, phone Ted or Afaf Stevens, 617-926-8126.

WANTED

I AM a Bahá’í who is involved with our local Institute for the Healing of Racism, and would like to develop a mailing list of all other Institutes (or other similar groups). The list may provide the future means for such things as a newsletter and general clearing-house for information. Individuals and groups interested in being included on the mailing list are asked to write to Craig Harmsen, Springfield, MA 01118 (phone 413-782-6256).

THE WOODBURN (Oregon) Project Teaching Institute is seeking vans and similar vehicles to help expand teaching activities among the widely scattered migrant camps in Marion, Clackamas and Washington counties. Of the 150 recent declarations, one-third have become active teachers, and the majority are well-deepened Bahá’ís. Entry by troops seems imminent. For information, or to offer your help, please contact the project coordinator, Jan House, Aurora, OR 97002, or phone 503-678-5162.

WANTED: Papers, correspondence, recollections, stories, photographs, tapes, newspaper clippings, notes of talks, programs, compilations, instructions, outstanding work, index cards, etc. relating to the Worlds of God Index, National Reference Library Committee, Marian Crist Lippitt, and/or H. Emogene Hoagg to complete and document this monumental conceptual index. Any expenses you incur will be reimbursed. Please send to Diane Iverson, Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-439-8532).

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.

MISCELLANEOUS

WOULD YOU LIKE to become a more effective teacher of the Cause? The San Francisco William Sears Teaching Project is offering sessions for those who would like to start teaching efforts in their own communities. Come spend a month on the project, anytime between June 14 and August 22, and you will receive on-the-job training and hands-on experience while you take part in this project. The cost is $10 per day including housing and meals. Please contact the San Francisco Bahá’í Center, 415-431-9990, for more information. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of San Francisco. [Page 9]

World News

Last October, all 1,000 inhabitants of nine small villages in an area 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Banjul, The Gambia, were enrolled under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh. Their acceptance of the Faith came after Bahá’ís had visited the villages six times in two years. After the fifth such visit, a majority of the villagers were ready to enroll but were waiting until everyone was ready. On the sixth visit, in October, the village chief, village elders and the Imam led their people into the Faith. Soon afterward, plans for elected a local Spiritual Assembly and starting classes for children were made.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Albania was informed that the Bahá’ís of Mamaliaj elected their first local Spiritual Assembly in February, bringing to 27 the number of local Assemblies in that country.

The Spiritual Assembly of Hong Kong presented its first Hong Kong Award for Service to Humanity during a ceremony last December that was attended by about 150 Bahá’ís, their friends, and other guests including public figures, local officials, and representatives of Hong Kong’s foreign consulates. The award, instituted by the Bahá’ís to mark the Holy Year, was presented to Chai-fong Tong, who has been working tirelessly for almost two decades with Hong Kong’s homeless people and drug abusers. The ceremony was widely covered by the electronic and print media.

The first school in the United Kingdom to operate directly on Bahá’í principles was opened in May 1992 in Gwynedd, Wales. Called Beaconsfield, the school started with three teachers to serve the needs of seven students.

International Women’s Day was observed in New Delhi, India, in March with a round table panel discussion organized by the Bahá’í Office of Public Information in collaboration with the All India Women’s Conference and the United Nations Information Center, New Delhi. The distinguished panel of speakers consisted of Justice Leela Seth; journalist B.G. Verghese; Dr. Vasudha Dhagamwar, director of the Multiple Action Research Group; and Dr. Malavika Karlekar, senior Fellow at the Center for Women’s Development Studies. The Faith was represented by Counselor Zena Sorabjee, who chaired the discussion. The UN was represented by the director of the United Nations Information Center, who read a message from the UN Secretary-General, and by June Ward from UNICEF.

The 45-member Campus Association for Bahá’í Studies at the University of British Columbia, Canada, proclaimed the Faith in March through displays and video presentations. Two professionally made displays were set up in the concourse of the University’s Student Union, together with booths that exhibited a large selection of Bahá’í books for perusal and for sale. More than 700 copies of the Statement on Bahá’u’lláh were given out. Highlights of the second Bahá’í World Congress and "Bahá’í Newsreel" videos were shown throughout the week, and a special showing of the film "The Prisoner of ‘Akká" was held. The booths were staffed for nine hours each day to answer questions and hold discussions with students, professors and visitors.

2609 ബഹായി ധം | കാസർഗോഡ് മുതൽ തിരുവനന്തപരം വരെ 1992 mm 1993 800 B60008 6600

In India, the State Bahá’í Council of Kerala organized a Bahá’í March for Unity that started last September and was scheduled to end at Naw-Rúz after covering the entire state of Kerala. The purpose of the march was to emblazon the Name of Bahá’u’lláh throughout Kerala.

The Bahá’ís of Monaco held a symposium on the environment January 16-17 at the Hermitage Hotel in Monte Carlo. Guest speakers were Dr. Arthur Dahl, assistant coordinator of the United Nations "Earth Watch" program, and Dr. Frédéric Briand, director of the International Commission for the Scientific Exploration of the Mediterranean Sea.

A Task Force for Women established by the Continental Board of Counselors in Europe convened a seminar for women from January 15-17 at the DePoort Conference Center in the Netherlands. Its purpose was "to awaken the power of women, to let them realize their own capacities, and to plan activities in this connection." About 30 women attended the seminar, at which special attention was given to learning to speak freely in public. Other topics of discussion included making an assessment of one’s personal qualities, prayer and meditation, the spiritual qualities of women, and setting priorities.

"Joyfully announce opening Banani International Secondary School on 31 January," the National Spiritual Assembly of Zambia reports. "Excited by unexpected influx of students: 45 expected, 58 enrolled. Student body wonderfully diverse, and parents encouraging and supportive." The Banani School, a residential school for girls, is 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Lusaka. It was built by the Bahá’í community, and has six classrooms, a 120-bed dormitory complex, and a 150-seat dining room. Efforts are being made to secure funding for a library, which would include a computer section.

In Switzerland, more than 100 young people from 22 countries attended a Forum for Young Professionals last December 27-January 2 at the Landegg Academy. The theme of the conference was 'Ethics for a Global Society.'

Bahá’í "Morning Devotions" can be heard every Monday to Saturday starting at 6:10 a.m. on the Voice of Guyana radio station. Other Bahá’í programs on the station are "Bahá’í Magazine" (the first Sunday of each month at 6:20 p.m.), "Stories of Bahá’u’lláh" (the other three Sundays each month at 6:20 p.m.), and Proclamation" (each Wednesday starting at 3:50 p.m.).

The National Teaching Committee of Fiji organized a recent teaching institute for the Bahá’ís of Bequa Island, the focus of which was the major goals of the Three Year Plan. Attending were many Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís on the island along with 13 Bahá’ís from Suva, Nausori, Navua and Sawani. A highlight of the institute was the formal presentation of the Faith to the Paramount Chief of Bequa, who had resisted the Bahá’í presence on the island until it was explained to him that Bahá’ís accept all other religions and that the Faith would not conflict with Christianity. This was an important step toward the development of the Faith on Bequa, as it assured the resident Bahá’ís that their chief no longer opposes their religion.

In January, the Continental Board of Counselors in Australasia visited Yadua, Fiji, a coastal village about halfway between Nadi and Suva with about 300 people, 20 of whom are Bahá’ís. After presenting a gift of a whale’s tooth during traditional welcoming ceremonies to Ratu Aisea Naitoka, chief of the village, the Ratu brought documents containing signatures and gave them to the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly. These were "native lease" documents for five acres of land the Ratu wanted the Bahá’ís to have. According to Fijian custom, only a chief has the power to grant a native lease to a religious group, and other than land where a Protestant church now stands, the Bahá’í Faith is the only religion to whom the Ratu has granted a lease. The Bahá’ís were told that at the end of the last century, a seer had said that before Christianity came to Fiji the people were united. Since then, he said, the people were divided. He prophesied that a specific piece of land would be used in the future by a religion that would unite the people of Fiji. It was this piece of land the chief wanted to give to the Bahá’ís, who gratefully accepted the gift.

"Spirit of Unity" gathering at Yale planned by Bahá’í

On April 23-24, the first "Spirit of Unity" Gathering at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, brought together Native American scholars, doctors, lawyers, political and spiritual leaders, story-tellers, singers, dancers, drummers and students from across the country to explore and discuss current issues of concern to Native Americans.

The principal organizer of the Gathering was John Bathke, a Navajo Bahá’í who was graduated from Yale in May with a degree in Middle Eastern Studies and will begin working in September in the Archives Department at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel. [Page 10]

Committees

forts with other communities to lend support and spread the Faith beyond their own localities in the spirit of unified action during the Three Year Plan.

For some Assemblies achieving this level of maturity will first involve deepening and consolidation; for others it will involve assuming more responsibility, especially through extension teaching efforts. In the past, the work of expansion and consolidation throughout the country has been very much tied to the District Teaching Committees, and many communities have enjoyed the benefits of their valiant efforts to promote the growth of the Cause. It is now time, however, for the local Spiritual Assemblies to spread their own wings and soar.

For the past several years, the District Teaching Committees have been striving to fulfill their purpose of raising strong, functioning local Spiritual Assemblies and encouraging grassroots initiatives and intercommunity collaboration. These efforts have coincided with the National Spiritual Assembly's objective to reorganize and decentralize its administration.

It thus has been determined that, in the interests of decentralizing the administrative apparatus of the Cause and developing initiatives for the growth of the Faith on the local level, the network of District Teaching Committees will be dismantled and none will be appointed this year.

In a few areas, task forces will be appointed by the National Teaching Committee to carry forward particular tasks, such as coordinating an ongoing teaching project that is now being coordinated by the District Teaching Committee. The National Teaching Committee will be working directly with some of the District Teaching Committees in establishing these task forces.

In most districts, the National Teaching Committee anticipates that intercommunity task forces will arise from the grassroots. One such task force, the Metro 9000 Task Force, was established in 1988 to coordinate teaching efforts in the Bay Area (CA), acting as a clearing house for information about teaching, and supporting teaching efforts with financial or human resources. It is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of San Jose, and is composed of volunteers representing 10-14 Assemblies in the area.

The National Teaching Committee wholeheartedly encourages the development of such intercommunity efforts. The town meetings to be held this summer (see article on page 2) will afford an opportunity for communities to discuss various approaches to the teaching work in the absence of the District Teaching Committees and initiate plans for collaborative endeavors.

To ensure that the important work of the District Teaching Committees does not come to a halt and that the shift between dependence on and independence from the District Teaching Committees is as smooth as possible, a period of transition is necessary. Therefore, District Teaching Committees will be asked to continue to function until August 31, 1993. As of that date, all of the District Teaching Committees will be disbanded.

In the period between now and the end of August, the primary task of the District Teaching Committees will be to make sure that the ongoing tasks of the committees are transferred to local Spiritual Assemblies. For most of the District Teaching Committees, these responsibilities have been to:

• work consistently with functionally weak Assemblies to teach and deepen Bahá’í community members [helping with the election at Ridván if necessary]
• assist with the registration of all Bahá’í Groups and help bring them to Assembly status
• initiate or support a teaching project aimed at large-scale growth in the district
• keep the National Teaching Committee informed of any events in the district that affect the teaching work
• establish and maintain an Action Alert system
• help organize teacher-training sessions for children
• facilitate the settlement of homefront pioneers
• help maintain accurate membership lists
• produce or coordinate a district newsletter

All local Spiritual Assemblies are responsible for teaching and training new teachers in their communities. They are also responsible for keeping accurate membership lists, informing the National Teaching Committee or National Spiritual Assembly about significant developments, and communicating with other communities in the district (for example, by sharing local bulletins).

All capable Assemblies that are not already handling these affairs in their own communities and are still relying on the District Teaching Committees to carry out these responsibilities on their behalf are encouraged, now, to address these responsibilities on their own.

Bahá’í communities that are not yet developed enough to handle these tasks should be helped by other assemblies in the area to reach fully functioning status. In the next few months, the District Teaching Committees will be evaluating the status of the Assemblies in their districts and may make suggestions to particularly strong Assemblies about possible extension teaching goal areas.

If a district newsletter is considered necessary to the friends in the district, one of the Assemblies may produce one. As far as the other District Teaching Committee tasks are concerned, Assemblies may be asked by the National Teaching Committee or National Spiritual Assembly on a case-by-case basis to initiate an action alert or help with homefront pioneer settlement.

Those who have questions about decisions concerning the District Teaching Committees are encouraged to phone the National Teaching Committee office, 708-869-9039.

Summer 1993 Schools Calendar

June 26-July 1, Idaho (Southern) School, Luther Heights, at Alturas Lake. Registrar: Andrea Determan, Blackfoot, ID 83221; (208) 785-0063.

June 30-July 5, Florida [Southern Flame] School, Melbourne. Registrar: Helen Hauck, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442; (305) 426-0991.

July 1-4, New Jersey School, Lakewood. Registrar: Betty Ann Turko, Lakewood, NJ 08701; 908/367-2755.

July 4-10: Washington (East)/Idaho (North) School, near Pomeroy. Registrar: Shannon McConnell, Richland, WA 99352; (509) 943-9146.

July 7-11, Iowa School, Sioux City. Registrar: Autumn Wagner, Boone, IA 50036; (515) 432-5162.

July 12-16, Wisconsin School, Brownsville. Registrar: Lisa Riemer, West Bend, WI 53095; (414) 338-3023.

July 16-18, Colorado (East) Camping Weekend, near Woodland Park. Registrar: Sandra Bolz, Lafayette, CO 80026; (303) 666-9275.

July 21-25, Illinois [Heartland] School, Greenville. Registrar: Carl Clingenpeel, Naperville, IL 60563; (708) 778-0705.

July 25-31, Montana School, near Livingston. Registrar: Linda Wanzenreid, Lewistown, MT 59457; (406) 538-8047.

July 27-31, Oregon (East) School, Weston. Registrar: Karlene Truax, Irrigon, OR 97844; (503) 922-5188.

July 30-August 2, Maryland/Virginia [Dayspring] School, Frostburg. Registrar: BiBi Kearney, Vienna, VA 22180; (703) 938-9261.

August 5-8, Texas School, Bridgeport. Contact: Walter Palmer, Allen, TX 75002; (214) 727-4310.

August 6-8, Georgia School. Contact: Reginald and Natalie Colbert, Atlanta, GA 30342; (404) 239-0357.

August 6-10, Washington (West) School, McKenna. Registrar: Becky Cleere, P.O. Box 67, McKenna, WA 98558; (206) 458-3910.

August 7-9, California (Southern) School, Cherry Valley. Registrar: Susan P. Millett, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730; (909) 987-7129.

August 11-15, Oregon (West) [Badasht] School, near Roseburg. Registrar: Norman Ives, Coos Bay, OR 97060; (503) 267-3157.

August 13-22, New York School, Poughkeepsie. Registrar: Charles and Barbara Clark, Middletown, NY 10940; (914) 342-4082.

August 18-22, Colorado (East) Summer School, near Wetmore. Registrar: Sandra Bolz, Lafayette, CO 80026; (303) 666-9275.

August 18-22, Minnesota School, Onamia. Registrar: Steve Grams, Willmar, MN 56201; (612) 235-6530.

September 3-6, Tennessee School, Monteagle. Contact: Kaihan Strain, Hixson, TN 37343; (615) 842-1750.

September 17-19, Green Lake Conference, Wisconsin. Addresses and workshops will be given by members of the National Assembly. Registration: Green Lake Conference Center, 1-800-558-8898.

Pictured (left to right) are members of the first Spiritual Assembly of Northwest San Luis Obispo County, California, which was formed April 21: Paul Parrish, Kristin Kaiser, Winifred Wilcox, Lisa Stromsöe, Roz Barbier-Clark, Nancy Vincent Zinke, Karen Olin Parrish, Loreda Lucas. Not pictured is Ken Willie.

1500 Traveling Teachers Sought for 1st Year of Three Year Plan

Traveling teachers are Bahá’ís who travel to localities other than their own and participate in teaching activities in those communities. Are you a traveling teacher? The National Spiritual Assembly would like to count your efforts toward its goals! Please return this form below to: National Traveling Teaching Coordinator, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Name: ID #: Street: City/State/Zip: Date(s) traveled: Where did you go? What did you do? [Page 11]

Goals of Three Year Plan include placing 500 homefront pioneers on Reservations, in cities of 50,000

One of the goals of the Three Year Plan is to place 500 homefront pioneers. Homefront pioneering goals include selected cities with population of 50,000 or more, Indian Reservations and areas in the Southern states. The National Teaching Committee hopes to recruit 300 qualified believers as homefront pioneers during the first year of the Three Year Plan.

Homefront pioneers have historically played an important role in expanding and consolidating the Faith and must continue to do so, as indicated by the following statement of Shoghi Effendi:

"The movement of pioneers, whether settlers or itinerant teachers, which in fields so distant from this base, has exhibited so marvelous a vitality, must, within the limits of the homeland itself, be neither interrupted nor suffer a decline. The groups and isolated centers so painstakingly formed and established must, conjointly with this highly commendable and essential duty, be maintained, fostered and if possible multiplied." (Citadel of Faith, p. 75)

Effective homefront pioneers contribute more than merely relocating to a new locality; they are actively engaged in promoting the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh through every aspect of their daily lives. Some prerequisites for successful homefront pioneering are a praiseworthy character, an upright conduct, trust in God, and detachment from earthly things.

There are many stories about homefront pioneers, about sacrifices they have made, and about how their work helped to advance to the Cause. From these stories we can see how spiritual prerequisites were applied in action. One such story involves the Gibson family:

In 1952 Amoz Gibson, his wife and their three children pioneered to Gallup, New Mexico. Shortly afterward, he and his wife secured jobs on the Navajo Reservation in Piñon, Arizona.

The driving purpose behind this effort was to teach the Faith. Amoz Gibson urged his friends to concentrate their efforts on one person for whom they would pray, and to whom they would demonstrate love. Soon traveling teachers came to visit the Reservation and the teaching work progressed. As other homefront pioneers came to the Navajo Reservation they became examples of unity and cooperation.

It was due to the character, detachment, reliance on God and commitment to living a Bahá’í life demonstrated by Amoz Gibson and his fellow pioneers that large numbers of Navajo people became avowed believers in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The victories that are now being realized on the Navajo Reservation were made possible because of the work of these stalwart souls.

The National Teaching Committee has received news that at Ridván 1993 a Spiritual Assembly was formed in Piñon, Arizona, for the first time. Immediately, this Assembly decided to help with the formation of an Assembly in Shiprock, Arizona, where there has been no Assembly for 10 years.

During the Three Year Plan homefront pioneers serving in Indian communities will be challenged to help enhance the vitality of faith of indigenous believers, to empower American Indians to become actively engaged in the work of the Cause, and to foster the proper functioning of Spiritual Assemblies.

Arising to pioneer on an Indian Reservation requires the same degree of dedication, detachment, and preparation as international pioneering.

A staff member of the National Teaching Committee Office works closely with each pioneer wishing to serve in Indian communities.

Spiritual Assemblies are asked to consult with prospective pioneers and make recommendations to the National Teaching Committee. Special trainings to prepare homefront pioneers to live and work in Indian communities are conducted in cooperation with the Office of Pioneering.

It is important that those who are interested in pioneering to Indian communities contact the National Teaching Committee office well in advance and carefully follow the guidance they receive.

Three Year Plan offers unique opportunities for homefront pioneers in pivotal roles. Believers of all ages can take part in winning this goal. However, the National Teaching Committee relies on individual believers to keep them informed of initiatives of all kinds.

Only when the National Teaching Committee is informed of each homefront pioneering effort can it present accurate information for the National Spiritual Assembly's consideration. Please contact Ada James in the National Teaching Committee office to report homefront pioneering initiatives or to obtain more information about homefront pioneering.

Stories Wanted: Race Unity Activities

The National Teaching Office wants information on various efforts in which Bahá’ís are engaged to promote race unity. We would like to be able to share more news and information in upcoming issues of The American Bahá’í and create a network that will enable the friends throughout the country to replicate successful initiatives. Please send a summary of your efforts with photographs, when available, to: National Teaching Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 708-869-9039; Fax 708-869-0247.

Three Year Plan booklet sent to all Assemblies and Groups

To help in devising local strategies By CAMILLE HERTH, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Making plans for the growth of the Faith provides a framework upon which the structure of the New World Order can be built through the united action of the friends.

Understanding the importance of focused and concerted efforts, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá revealed a blueprint for growth in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and Shoghi Effendi guided the friends through an elaborate series of systematic strategies which ultimately led to the expansion of the Faith to all corners of the globe.

Since its inception the Universal House of Justice has continued to provide world-embracing Plans for the promotion of the Cause. The most recent is the Three Year Plan, spanning the period between Ridván 1993 and Ridván 1996.

As soon as it was informed of the aims of the Three Year Plan, the National Spiritual Assembly, like National Assemblies throughout the world, began a process of consultation with Continental Counselors and its National Teaching Committee to set goals for the Bahá’ís of this country that will help to achieve the goals of the Plan of the Universal House of Justice. These goals were presented in the May 17 (‘Azamat) issue of The American Bahá’í.

In turn, local Spiritual Assemblies are being asked to develop plans for teaching on the local level that will support the goals of the National Spiritual Assembly and thus help to meet the objectives of the Three Year Plan of the Universal House of Justice.

Individuals responding either to these local plans or directly to the national plan will thus be taking part in an effort to bring about the expansion and development of the Faith on a world-wide basis and contribute in meaningful ways to the establishment of the Kingdom of God on Earth.

The success of the Three Year Plan depends in large part on the response it receives from local Bahá’í communities and individual believers. It is thus crucial that local Spiritual Assemblies, Bahá’í Groups, families and individual believers carefully consider how they can contribute to the goals of the Three Year Plan and implement their own plans to do so.

To facilitate the process of community, family and individual planning, the National Spiritual Assembly has recently distributed to each local Spiritual Assembly and Bahá’í Group a booklet containing the Ridván 150 Message from the Universal House of Justice, the goals of the National Spiritual Assembly, and other guidance and information about the development of teaching plans.

The National Teaching Committee encourages Assemblies to share the material provided in this booklet with the members of the local community, devise a plan for community efforts, and develop avenues of service for individual believers and their families which they, in turn, can plan to pursue.

In addition, the National Teaching Committee asks that communities share these plans with the committee so that it may offer further guidance and support to local teaching efforts. [Page 12]gave to planning the second Bahá’í World Congress, which, because of their services, he said, came in under budget.

Second, Dr. Henderson pointed out, is the importance of contributing to the Bahá’í Funds. He said American Bahá’ís demonstrated in the past year the high priority they place on spiritual affairs, but the expansion of the Faith and completion of the Arc on Mount Carmel will require a fresh infusion of material resources.

Third is the primary challenge of "too few people"—a global challenge as well, said Dr. Henderson. The Three Year Plan calls for a massive expansion of the Bahá’í community far beyond what has been seen before.

Our numbers remain too small for the American community to make the mark the Divine Plan promises for it, he said.

But who will solve the problems of society if the Bahá’ís don't? We must bend our will to find ways to increase our membership, he said.

Fourth, said Dr. Henderson, is a need to expand the campaign for racial unity in the Name of Bahá’u’lláh and His Teachings.

Dr. Henderson said there is no more consistent example of race unity efforts than that of the Bahá’ís, the "initiators and sustainers of activity wherever you look." But we need to help people understand that Bahá’u’lláh and His Teachings form the basis for our vision of race unity, he said.

Self-diagnosis of the problem is helpful only in knowing what must be achieved, he cautioned. Then it must be achieved through Teachings that tell us to transform our lives.

The last challenge, said Dr. Henderson, is to deepen the love, joy and unity that exist among the friends and to strengthen the relationship between the believers and the institutions of the Faith.

Wholehearted love and mutual support are the keys, he stated. The House of Justice tells us that it is not enough to increase the number of believers. Transforming souls and consolidating the community of God are required as well.

Dr. Henderson noted that true consultation the sacrifice.

Messages to, from the House of Justice

To the Universal House of Justice

Dearly loved Esteemed Members,

The delegates to the 84th Bahá’í National Convention gathered in the presence of International Counselor Fred Schechter and Counselors Jacqueline Delahunt, Wilma Ellis and William Roberts are pleased to express our admiration for the tireless labors of our National Spiritual Assembly during the Holy Year.

Inspired by the powerful emanations from the gift of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book, striving for personal transformation and responding to the "immense opportunity at this critical moment in the social evolution of the planet," we joyfully embrace the triple theme of your Ridván message.

Anticipating massive enrollment, we are determined to redouble our efforts by the study of the Sacred Writings, the vast expansion of our human resources, the championing of the cause of race unity, and the recognition of our sacred responsibility bestowed upon us by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. We "take courage in the security of God's law and ordinances."

In these dark hours before the dawn, mindful of your prayers at the Holy Threshold, we are confident that all our trials will be transformed into stunning victories.

Delegates to the 84th Bahá’í National Convention May 21, 1993

Delegates to the 84th Bahá’í National Convention in the United States

The message conveying your hopes about the ultimate outcome of the Three Year Plan in your community and the spirit of rededication to the glorious mission assigned to you in the Tablets of the Divine Plan has refreshed our hearts and renewed our confidence in the capacity of the dearly loved American believers to make a major leap during this brief span in a further triumphant advance towards the glorious destiny traced for them by the unerring pen of the Centre of the Covenant. Persevere and be assured that He continues to watch over you and guide your steps. You shall time and time again be remembered in our ardent supplications at the Holy Threshold.

Universal House of Justice May 23, 1993

goes far beyond free, frank and open discussion. It moves us toward a communion with Bahá’u’lláh for inspiration. Candor, he said, will not build the Kingdom, but our harmony will.

The secretary-general's theme was picked up by Dr. Kazemzadeh who pleaded with the delegates to resist the temptation to withdraw into the fellowship, love and integrity of the Bahá’í community—comforting as that might be.

Bahá’u’lláh's Revelation, he said, is for a world that is in the midst of a dark night and must be rescued from itself. That is why we engage in external relations.

Dr. Kazemzadeh said the most important external affairs event of the past year was the appearance of a secret Iranian "blueprint" for cultural genocide against the Bahá’ís in the Cradle of the Faith and beyond.

No longer, he said, can the Iranian authorities explain away the persecution of Bahá’ís as the work of overzealous local officials, because the document uncovered by the United Nations special envoy was "signed and sealed in the highest spheres of government."

The Faith is not a "one-issue group," though, said Dr. Kazemzadeh. Its prestige in the outside world has grown immensely through such activities as its primacy in lobbying for ratification of the UN convention on lessening racial tensions in the world.

The human rights community also has chosen the Bahá’ís to take the lead in devising strategy, Dr. Kazemzadeh said, recalling the role of the Bahá’í International Community Office of the Environment in last year's "Earth Summit" in Rio de Janeiro.

Yael Wurmfeld (center), director of the Office of Pioneering, discusses options with some of the more than 50 Bahá’ís who volunteered at the 84th National Convention to pioneer overseas during the Three Year Plan.

Other issues in which the BIC is active and winning friends, he said, include sustainable development, the advancement of women, and improving the status of the world's children.

Increasing the Faith's financial resources is critical, Dr. Kazemzadeh reiterated. The external affairs budget had to be cut by $100,000 this year despite the importance of work in that arena.

The good news financially, said the National Spiritual Assembly's treasurer, Mr. Davis, is that in spite of the nation's economic difficulties of recent years, contributions to the National Fund rose by 4 percent in the fiscal year just completed.

A total of 2,173 people gave to the Fund for the first time, he said, including 416 new believers.

But when will we "expand the circle" of participation in the Funds, he asked. Those who give have enabled the Faith to place in the top 10 among U.S. religious communities in per capita donations—but not enough of the friends are contributing, according to Mr. Davis.

As evidence of this, he noted that only 19 percent of local Spiritual Assemblies reached or surpassed their goals last year and that 10 percent of Assemblies made no contributions whatsoever to the National Fund.

This "silent minority" is holding back the progress of the Faith, he said, since the Administrative Order depends on mutual, loving support.

Not surprisingly, a pattern of indebtedness continues to plague the U.S. Bahá’í community, Mr. Davis noted. The deficit on the books of the National Spiritual Assembly grew by $1.4 million in 1992.

That must end, he declared. It is imperative to move "from a debilitative position to one of strength" so the National Assembly can accumulate reserves and provide the highest level of service to the community.

Local Assemblies have received a renewed goals appeal, and 25 area development seminars have been completed, with 10 more planned for June/ July and a second round projected for mid-fall.

Also, because of the deficit and the need to structure the National Center for widespread growth, an across-the-board administrative reorganization was undertaken in the past year, Mr. Davis said.

To cut expenses, an austerity plan was established that included monitoring expenses and reducing staff, he said. To allow for long-term achievement of goals, a new national teaching structure was devised and changes were made in management information services.

Several arms of the National Assembly were targeted for eventual self-sufficiency, he said, including the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, the Bahá’í Home and the permanent Bahá’í schools. And new resources such as a race unity consulting and referral agency were put in motion.

Mr. Davis said the two most strategic questions at this point are: How do we accommodate unavoidable increases in the complexity of our work and the costs of doing it; and how do we build the financial strength we must have in order to discharge our sacred responsibilities to the House of Justice?

In a communication of April 26, the Supreme Body stated: "...your steps in these matters will need to be measured and gradual, each one building on the success of the previous one....As always, the Universal House of Justice is most grateful for the significant support of the American Bahá’í community...and deeply appreciates your own relentless effort to find ways of increasing that support. ...Rest assured of its continued, ardent prayers at the Holy Threshold that the Blessed Beauty may increasingly reward your stewardship."

A quantum leap

The financial theme was sounded again in a question-and-answer session the next morning when Counselor William [Page 13]Roberts pointed out that much of the Bahá’í world's wealth resides in United States. With the Arc project and other needs of the House of Justice and National Asembly in mind, he said, we have to shift our thinking from "half-dollars and dollars to hundreds and thousands of dollars." We need to "make a quantum leap from where we are and where we've been to where we have to go."

But we have the capacity, given the commitment, to do that, he said. The challenge is to work up momentum for that leap.

The same kind of urgency—this time on the teaching front—was voiced by Mr. McCants.

Alluding to the paltry 1,600 declarations recorded over the past year, he challenged the American Bahá’í community to "ask yourself...how many people you enrolled in the past year. Don't dump the responsibility on anyone else."

James Nelson agreed, saying that teaching is not a matter of experts or funds. He added, "There's a marvelous device any Bahá’í can carry" to locate an expert teacher: a mirror. And he promptly pulled one from his pocket to prove the point.

A Plan of action

After seeing a video on the recently completed International Convention, delegates and visitors heard the Ridván message from the House of Justice read.

With the groundwork thus laid, it was time to present the Three Year Plan goals for the American Bahá’í community.

Of the latest chapter in the Divine Plan the Supreme Body noted, "Its brevity is compelled by the swiftly changing tides of the times....The Plan's primary purpose is indispensable to the future of the Cause and of mankind."

The Plan, Dr. Henderson explained, revolves around a triple theme: enhancing the vitality of the faith of individual believers; greatly developing the human resources of the Cause; and fostering the proper functioning of local and national Bahá’í institutions.

Dr. Henderson said the first theme—enhancing vitality—has several components:

• Teaching
• Advancing the Funds
• Lovingly supporting the institutions
• Cultivating a sense of the sacred in every aspect of Bahá’í life
• Nurturing love, unity and harmony among the friends

"A massive expansion of the Bahá’í community must be achieved far beyond all past records," the House of Justice said in its Ridván message.

On the homefront, the Plan encourages individuals to mount personal campaigns of teaching including fireside teaching and specific projects, and to reach goals of placing 3,000 traveling teachers and 500 homefront pioneers.

Other domestic areas of activity include pursuing specific goals for youth and children and advancing the race unity campaign, highlighting Bahá’u’lláh as its Source and Author.

Overseas, an unprecedented total of at least 1,364 pioneers is called for during the Three Year Plan. These include short- and long-term pioneers, traveling teachers and exchange traveling teachers from other countries.

The latter will result in the exciting opportunity for American Bahá’ís to teach in many countries such as the newly opened nations of Eastern Europe; in return, Bahá’ís from those countries will teach receptive populations of their ethnic backgrounds here.

Critical to advancing the Funds, Dr. Henderson noted, is cultivating the discipline of giving as an integral part of devotional life. Targeted in the Plan are marshaling long-term financial support for local and national institutions and implementing planned giving programs.

Members of the National Teaching Committee entertain a question from Delegate number 137 (Nelson Scott of Florence, South Carolina).

Resources are being made available to help believers win the goal of intensifying their study of the Sacred Writings. Among them are the "Master Key" program and study programs for the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

Programs also are to be developed or expanded for children, youth and adults to cultivate a sense of the sacred: a core curriculum for children's classes; permanent and seasonal Bahá’í schools; and youth and children's academies.

Dr. Henderson said the theme of developing the human resources of the Cause begins with mobilizing the Bahá’ís to reach and actively engage women, minority populations, people of prominence, and children and youth—inside and outside the community.

At the same time, he said, we must rear the first generation of children free of prejudice. Tools that will be available to help us reach that admirable goal include the core curriculum, Brilliant Star, youth academies and workshops, "Calling All Colors" children's conferences, and college clubs.

Another important aspect of the Plan is identifying and using the skills and interests of the friends. Teaching through the arts will be expanded, as well as the Youth Service Corps, volunteer programs, and the Faith's greater utilization of task forces and work groups of expert advisers.

And to ensure that no individual or community will be operating in a vacuum, avenues will be taken to integrate communications—especially to share effective models of action. The American Bahá’í will play a critical role, as will targeted communications to specific audiences. Town meetings and seminars will be employed, augmented by weekend visits.

Mindful that with growth will come the need for an ever-maturing administration, the third theme addresses fostering the proper functioning of local and national institutions.

One goal, said Dr. Henderson, is to cement the Faith's leadership position within the race unity movement, demonstrating the unique power of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings to effect social transformation. Tools will include the "Models of Unity" process, to open doors and assess needs, and a new entity, Models of Unity Inc.

The Bahá’í Gospel Choir lent its spirit and exuberance to the Convention by opening two of the sessions with well-received musical selections. (Photo by Brent Poirier)

Leadership on another issue of burning importance—the development of women is expressed in the goal of the National Spiritual Assembly's publishing a statement on women.

To create strategies for massive expansion, the Plan will focus on the local strategic planning process; accelerate systematic projects for large-scale growth; sponsor regional conferences to plan and evaluate joint efforts; and establish regional agencies.

At the same time, the Plan targets the establishment of local Spiritual Assemblies in every city with 50,000 or more residents and the adoption of extension teaching goals by at least 200 local Spiritual Assemblies.

Systematic training for local Assemblies will be pursued through modules, specialized programs for urban Assemblies, and area development seminars.

Financially, the Plan strives to strengthen the institutions by promoting key programs such as the Arc Projects, local Assembly goals, and the Honor Roll. The area development seminars will play a role in this process, and new revenue-generating activities are envisioned.

New avenues of service are being developed: Mottahedeh Development Services; consulting services such as Models of Unity Inc. and conflict management training; and the Asset Management Group.

Can the goals of the Plan be won in only 19 months? The Universal House of Justice wrote at Ridván: "Do not be dismayed or deterred. Take courage in the security of God's law and ordinances. These are the darkest hours before the break of day. Peace, as promised, will come at night's end. Press on to meet the dawn."

Tackling the Plan head-on

Delegates spent much of Friday and Saturday consulting on the three major themes of the Three Year Plan.

They were guided in their deliberations by Counselors Wilma Ellis, William Roberts and Fred Schechter. Mr. Schechter was recently appointed by the Universal House of Justice to serve as a Counselor member of the International Teaching Center in Haifa.

The delegates were further inspired by the uplifting performances of the Bahá’í Gospel Choir and by a poignant letter that the Bahá’ís of China had addressed to the International Convention.

Mr. Schechter said he couldn't help but think of the House of Justice's words about the significance of the Three Year Plan while listening to the soul-stirring choral music and the uplifting message from China.

If we relate the Teachings to our Bahá’í life, he declared, we will assure the success of our American community now and ensure that China will be the country of the future.

The House of Justice talks of a "mutuality," Counselor Schechter said, between teaching and administration. [Page 14]time we understood that, or neither will function as it should," he said. "Until we have massive numbers, we won't know what our institutions can do."

Among the initiatives put forward by delegates in their consultations were an unprecedented push to teach children and to empower the youth, and a call for renewed mass teaching.

It was recommended to the National Spiritual Assembly that a goal be established to bring at least 9,000 more children into the Faith at the beginning of the Plan. An army of youth teams would then be charged with consolidating that gain.

Other speakers urged putting youth in the vanguard of winning the goals of the Plan, citing their energy and the need to make them full, valued members of the Bahá’í community, lest we "lose them." The recommendation to teach large numbers of people in receptive populations was met with enthusiasm and words of caution.

Counselor Ellis called the initiative "exciting," but noted that mass teaching isn't always smooth and requires great courage and sensitivity. "Masses don't fit in boxes," she reminded her audience.

Dr. Henderson noted that mass teaching among Southeast Asians has resulted in many enrollments and the salutary effect of early declarants taking the lead in community building. There's no reason it can't work in all cities and towns, he said.

Dr. Deas seconded that notion and urged that we not "retreat this time."

Counselor Roberts underscored the importance of not putting on "rose-colored glasses" when it comes to mass teaching. He called for a redefinition of the process so "unhelpful elements" that stopped the progress of earlier efforts can be rooted out.

He also called for any such mass teaching not to single out what he called "passive" populations, such as the rural poor. Don't be afraid to talk "to people who might talk back," he said.

Window of opportunity

Saturday afternoon saw an extraordinary display of commitment to the Three Year Plan goal of sending at least 1,364 pioneers around the world.

Mrs. Conrad touched off a mass signup of pioneers through comments she made on the goal of strengthening local Spiritual Assemblies.

The institution of the local Spiritual Assembly is perfect, she said, but the people who serve on them can do better. One path to maturation is through sending pioneers.

The window of opportunity has opened in many countries, she said. It will close fast, though, once the materialism of the West takes hold and clouds the thoughts of the people.

"No other community has the resources we have to respond to the call," Mrs. Conrad declared.

That brought many of the delegates forward to volunteer for pioneering—to a standing ovation from their fellow delegates and visitors to the Convention.

A further call to "carry the healing Message" to the homefront brought more Convention attendees to the front of Foundation Hall.

In an emotional moment, those present joined in singing "We Have Come to Give Thanks," the gospel-style anthem with which the Bahá’í Gospel Choir earlier had delighted the attendees.

Dorothy Nelson, who chaired the Convention, promised on behalf of the National Assembly to "send a cable to the House of Justice in the next hour to tell them what just happened here."

Next came the announcement of the results of balloting that returned the nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly to service for the next year.

James Nelson pledged the members' renewed dedication to serve the American community. He assured delegates that the National Assembly is united, with no cliques or factions. "When we disagree, it's based on principle, not association," he said.

Dr. Henderson echoed his colleague, saying that everything is dust compared to service to Bahá’u’lláh.

The recent International Convention at the World Center was very much on the minds of the Counselors as they addressed the Convention Saturday evening.

"I have been to the mountain," said Counselor Roberts. On the side of Mount Carmel, he said, he drew strength from the "ardent consultation" of his fellow-believers from all over the world.

It saddened him, Dr. Roberts said, to hear the Universal House of Justice's yearning for the American community. One member, he said, came to him with a heavy heart to ask why the Bahá’ís here have not "invited thousands of souls into the Faith."

Dr. Roberts said he was reminded of the glorious service American Bahá’ís have rendered, and he declared that it is time for us to "reclaim the splendor of our history." We don't have the luxury of saying, "We're coming," he said.

The way to move this country forward, Counselor Schechter said, is to take these Three Year Plan goals and make them our agenda. Push everything else aside—no matter how important it might be—and we will assuredly meet and even surpass our goals.

Following the Counselors' presentation, the latest Bahá’í Newsreel, "Reflections on the Holy Year," was premiered. The assemblage then walked silently up the steps to the House of Worship's auditorium for the commemoration of the Declaration of the Báb.

The Most Holy Book

The final session of the National Convention was reserved for a discussion of Huqúqu’lláh and the Book in which that mighty Law was revealed, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

Daryush Haghighi, a Trustee of Huqúqu’lláh, reported on the progress of the friends' deepening on and compliance with the Right of God.

He outlined two accomplishments that have hastened the process: the publication of a special issue of The American Bahá’í on Huqúqu’lláh, and the international conference on the Right of God during the second World Congress last November in New York City.

The recommendations from that conference, he said, will shape guidance on implementation of Huqúqu’lláh for many years to come, adding that the unity and solidarity established with the Bahá’í institutions have made all of the progress possible, especially in educating the friends.

Dr. Henderson lauded the Trustees, saying their spiritual qualities have inspired compliance with "this holy law."

Attention then turned to the Most Holy Book, which Dr. Kazemzadeh placed in the context of the Faith as one "essentially of Scripture."

There are wonderful stories of the Central Figures and notes of early pilgrims, but they do not constitute authority, he said. That rests exclusively with Scripture, and the center of Bahá’í Scripture is the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

It is easier to talk of what the Most Holy Book is not, said Dr. Kazemzadeh. It is not a compendium of teachings, or a mystical work, or a description of the progress of Revelation.

So what is the Kitáb-i-Aqdas? Dr. Kazemzadeh likened it to a "series of thunderbolts," not arranged in any discernible order or carrying a theme except the expression of the Will of God for humankind.

The Most Holy Book, he said, is not for this day alone. It exists in eternity, linking the past, present and future.

He explained that much of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas deals with previous Dispensations, completing a cycle. It also is applicable to today and the charter for the future World Order, he said.

Do we need vitality in our Bahá’í community? This Book, said Dr. Kazemzadeh, is the source of vitality we need "for the spiritual conquest of the planet. You, yourself, can derive all the inspiration, the spiritual energy you will ever need from this Book."

A demonstration of unity

The 84th National Convention ended in a spirit of intense unity following an emotional expression of appreciation for the Persian believers and of solidarity between two groups that have felt cruelly the pain of oppression: African-Americans and Persian-Americans.

As delegates of many races and backgrounds linked arms at the front of the room, the remainder of the assemblage did likewise and sang "Alláh-u-Abhá."

Dr. Henderson, commenting on the display of affection, said the Faith is not afraid to bring its troubles into the open, not keep them in the shadows. In fact, he said, our troubles can be turned into a source of love and unity.

"...the paramount purpose of all Bahá’í activity is teaching. All that has been done or will be done revolves around this central activity, the head cornerstone of the foundation itself,' to which all progress in the Cause is due. The present challenge calls for teaching on a scale and of a quality, a variety, and intensity outstripping all current efforts."--The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 1988

Tampa Bahá’ís play leading role in conference

Bahá’ís played a leading role in a two-day conference May 7-8 in Tampa, Florida, entitled "Race Relations in Hillsborough County."

The conference, called by County Commissioner Sylvia Rodriguez Kimbell in response to a series of racial incidents including the abduction and burning of a black man visiting the area from New York, was based in part on the National Spiritual Assembly's "Models of Race Unity" materials.

Bahá’ís helped facilitate four of seven workshops that covered race relations in business, government, law enforcement, community/religious groups, education/ arts, the media, and among young people.

Among the more than 220 people at the conference were Bahá’ís representing other community groups. These included Dr. Barbara Loeding, president of the Tampa/ Hillsborough County Human Rights Council, and Tom Rykwalder, representing the North Tampa Ministerial Association.

Guest speakers at the conference were Walter E. Fauntroy, former Congressman from Washington, D.C.; Johnny Ford Sr., the mayor of Tuskegee, Alabama; and Arthur A. Fletcher, chairman of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

Conference attendees will be invited back several times over the next three years to continue the dialogue and to check progress in implementing its statements of vision. [Page 15]

Minnesota school gives 'Glad Tidings' to 187 students

The Glad Tidings Bahá’í School is a successful weekly children's school serving Bahá’í communities in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, area.

Begun in 1974 with five children in a Twin Cities apartment, the classes were soon moved to their first rental facility, a local day care center. Nineteen years and three moves to larger quarters later, the Glad Tidings Bahá’í School now meets 26 Sundays per year on the campus of the University of Minnesota, serving 187 registered students from nursery age through high school.

The school is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Golden Valley, and funded through donations provided by area Spiritual Assemblies, Groups and individuals. No tuition is charged, but the cost per student served is published regularly.

Glad Tidings meets for two hours each week. During the first half-hour, children and parents together enjoy songs, prayers by the children, and community news. First-time attendees and newly enrolled believers are introduced, after which children go to classes while adults take part in well-prepared deepenings.

To strengthen the quality of classes and to facilitate teacher recruiting and training, local Bahá’í educators working with the school have developed an educational curriculum for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.

More than 425 sets of this curriculum have been distributed around the world by the Spiritual Assembly of Golden Valley and the Bahá’í Distribution Service as the "Enlighten Curriculum."

The Glad Tidings School encourages putting words into deeds. Community announcements often solicit help for teaching and economic development efforts, both near and far.

Often, children's classes embark on special projects. Students have visited synagogues and observed church services. One class recently spent its class period feeding the poor at a community soup kitchen.

The training and unity provided by this commitment is evidenced by the high level of activity among local Bahá’í youth, who organize weekend retreats and teaching activities.

Students at the Glad Tidings Bahá’í School pose for their annual all-class photo. Glad Tidings has provided weekly Bahá’í classes for children and youth in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area for the past 19 years.

In the past few years, people who are not yet Bahá’ís have found the Glad Tidings School. Many have registered their children and attend the sessions for adults. In fact, during the past school year there were 12 declarations as a direct result of the school's operations, many of them right at Glad Tidings.

It has become common for whole families to enter the Faith together. To encourage this dimension of Glad Tidings, three sessions per year are set aside as special "newcomer" sessions, when all are invited to bring friends. On these days, the adult session provides an introduction to the Faith.

Communities interested in learning more about the Glad Tidings School or "Enlighten Curriculum" may contact the Spiritual Assembly of Golden Valley at P.O. Box 27011, Golden Valley, MN 55427.

BAHÁ’Í FAITH ADOPT A HIGHWAY

The Bahá’ís of Orange and San Diego counties in California have joined a growing list of Bahá’í communities taking part in the 'Adopt-a-Highway' program. In exchange for maintaining a two-mile stretch of the I-5 Freeway for the past two years, the Bahá’ís have been given two large signs that identify the Faith as being a part of the anti-litter program. The signs are located at the El Camino Real exit (southbound) and the San Diego/Orange County border (northbound). Considering the volume of traffic on the freeway, the visibility these signs give the community is considerable.

Pictured (left to right) are Bahá’ís Mohebat Bolbolan, Sahar Sattarzadeh, Helen Roohani and Samaan Sattarzadeh.

Opportunities plentiful for traveling, teaching Cause in countries overseas

Every spring the Office of Pioneering surveys most National Spiritual Assemblies about their needs for traveling teachers for the next Bahá’í year. Your urgent support is needed for the following short-term and long-term international teaching projects:

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

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

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

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

EASTERN EUROPE: Albania, Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland, Ukraine, Yugoslavia.

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

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

Special international summer traveling teaching projects

BOTSWANA: "Star '93" project for southern Africa, June 23-August

COLOMBIA: Firesides, proclamation events, deepening new believers, youth and children's classes, July and August

FINLAND: "International Youth Forum," June 28-July 2, followed by Bahá’í Summer School, July 2-8

FRANCE: Conferences, meeting members of local organizations, teaching, starting mid-July

GREECE: Proclamation, firesides, media activities, deepenings, children's and youth classes, June 15-August 15

HUNGARY: Focused teaching in five consecutive localities, June 15-August 16. Bahá’í Summer school, August 17-24. Focused teaching in two consecutive areas, August 24-September 9

ICELAND: Reforestation work on Bahá’í endowment land, other teaching activities, June-September

POLAND: Two teams of traveling teachers needed for summer months

ROMANIA: "Moldova Project" encompassing both Romanian Moldova and the Republic of Moldova, June 21-July 18; "mobile institute" consolidation work in villages, June 21-July 31; village teaching campaign aimed at "revolutionizing methods of teaching used in Romania," July 19-August 10; summer school in Curtea de Arges, August 10-15; teaching project on the Black Sea Coast, August 16-September 15

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: teaching and consolidation, June and July

"Time of Transformation Youth Tour" to Albania, Macedonia, Turkey (Adrianople), Bulgaria and Romania, July 15-September 1

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

"O Friends! Abandon not the everlasting beauty for a beauty that must die, and set not your affections on this mortal world of dust." -Bahá’u’lláh [Page 16]

Denver's Bryant Award presented to two outstanding women

Gwendolyn H. Scott of Denver, Colorado, and Anne Lee Grady of Conifer are the recipients of the second annual Alteria M. Bryant Award Celebrating the Diversity of Women for their work in promoting racial unity and justice. The award is presented by Women Uniting the World, a committee of the Spiritual Assembly of Denver, and is named for Alteria Bryant, who in 1900 became the first Bahá’í in the Rocky Mountain area of the U.S.

The purpose of the award is to emphasize the growing importance of the contributions of women in all fields of human endeavor. Each year, two women are recognized for their outstanding contributions in a designated area of achievement. Ms. Scott, a retired teacher and Fulbright scholar, was nominated by the "A World of Difference" program of B'nai B'rith and by the Denver Sister Cities Committee. She began her work with "A World of Difference" prejudice reduction program in 1988 and was one of the writers of a 400-page study guide now being used in 36 school districts in Colorado.

Ms. Scott is a teacher trainer for the program, which has trained more than 7,300 Colorado teachers and has impacted more than 95,000 Colorado students.

All Bahá’ís must secure permission from the Universal House of Justice before traveling to Israel, whether for business, visiting relatives, a three-day stay in Haifa, or any other reason.

The address of the Universal House of Justice is P.O. Box 155, Haifa 31 001, Israel.

Ms. Grady, born in West Africa and educated in South Africa, was nominated by "Reaching Across the Lines." She is a founder of the three-year-old group, modeled after the South African program "Koinonia," which brings blacks and whites together in a program of dinner and dialogue.

She also serves on the board of trustees of the newly formed Youth Services Council Corporation, which encourages at-risk young people to succeed in life through education and leadership development.

Awardees were given bronze "Dove Dancer" sculptures, designed and executed by Rik Sargent, a Bahá’í artist from Denver, expressly for the Bahá’í award. Mr. Sargent, best known locally for the life-size pack of running wolves at the entrance to the Denver Museum of Natural History and the Centennial Monument for the city of Littleton, is creating the grave-site marker for the Thornton Chase Memorial in Inglewood, California.

Mary Baca, one of last year's recipients of the Alteria M. Bryant Award Celebrating the Diversity of Women presented by Women Uniting the World, a committee of the Spiritual Assembly of Denver, Colorado, is flanked by this year's award winners, Gwendolyn H. Scott (left) and Anne Lane Grady.

Nomination forms for this year's award were sent with cover letters to 150 area organizations. From the 12 nominations received, seven finalists and two awardees were chosen.

One hundred twenty-five people, about half of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended the awards ceremony and banquet. Among them were the Denver superintendent of schools, who had nominated one of the finalists, and one member of the city council.

Forty Bahá’ís gather at Bosch School in California for second annual Southeast Asian Round Table

Forty Bahá’ís from 20 communities gathered April 30-May 2 at the Bosch Bahá’í School near Santa Cruz, California, for the second annual Southeast Asian Community Builders Round Table hosted by the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office.

Participants men, women and youth joined with "helpers" (individuals who have been helping Southeast Asian Bahá’ís to adapt to life in the U.S. and deepen their knowledge of the Faith) to determine the needs of Southeast Asians in this country and to empower them to consolidate and promote the Cause more actively during the Three Year Plan.

Kay Zinky, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh to the Magdalen Islands, is pictured as she celebrated her 90th birthday in April in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mrs. Zinky is also well known for her research of the Bahá’í writings and is the author of Martha Root, Herald of the Kingdom.

Key issues discussed at the conference included how to obtain the full potential of the human resources in our communities; how to empower the women; how to reach the youth; and the necessity of taking children's classes into Southeast Asian neighborhoods.

The Southeast Asian Bahá’ís have found that, although many American Bahá’ís can be relied on to do things for the Southeast Asian people, the time has come to work with the other Bahá’ís in efforts to consolidate, deepen and share the Faith in their areas.

As the Southeast Asians put it at the conference, "We can no longer say, 'You must do this for us'; we must now say, 'Show us how to do it for ourselves.'"

The Southeast Asian women and youth, all of whom were attending their first Bahá’í conference, did not hesitate to speak out, offering their opinions and suggestions. Those who at first appeared shy became the most outspoken as the Southeast Asian men encouraged them to take part in the discussions, explaining that this was their right as Bahá’ís.

The spirit, enthusiasm and courage exemplified by those at the conference prompted two young men, Kai Chang from Merced and Saroun Keo from Modesto, to declare their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

At the end of the conference, two major goals were set. First, a "Support System of Helpers" is to be established, consisting of Southeast Asian and American Bahá’ís throughout California who will be linked by computer in an effort to better help all Southeast Asian Bahá’ís in the state.

Second, three of the Bahá’í communities that have experienced tremendous growth this year will need to establish Bahá’í Centers.

The work needed to complete either of these goals will involve all Bahá’ís in the participating communities including women and youth.

The love of Bahá’u’lláh and the dedication to spread His Cause throughout the country was apparent during the conference as everyone took part fully in the discussions and helped set the goals to be carried out during the Three Year Plan.

The feelings of many of those in attendance was best summarized by Chue Chang, a Hmong Bahá’í from San Diego: "The time has come to no longer refer to ourselves as American Bahá’ís or Southeast Asian Bahá’ís. It is the time of unity and we are all one, with one common bond and one common goal: to spread Bahá’u’lláh’s message of world unity. We are Bahá’ís!"

The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office extends an open invitation to Bahá’ís in all communities that have large numbers of Southeast Asians to join with its other "helpers" in locating any Southeast Asian Bahá’ís who might be in their area but do not know how to reach us. The individual rewards are overwhelming, and the enrichment that this diversity will bring to your Bahá’í communities is endless.

If you are interested, please phone the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office for further information (708-869-9039). [Page 17]

Bahá’ís in New Orleans welcome David Hofman for busy week-long visit

David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice, visited the New Orleans, Louisiana, area January 29-February 5, where he took part in a number of planned activities, met with the friends, and taped television and radio programs for later broadcast.

Mr. Hofman spoke at a public meeting in Baton Rouge at which 22 non-Bahá’ís were present, at a potluck/fireside in New Orleans whose 60 guests included 15 non-Bahá’ís, and at a well-attended dinner and public meeting in Kenner.

He also spoke to classes at Louisiana State University and Southern University, and had lunch with administrative personnel from both universities.

Mr. Hofman met at various times with Bahá’ís from Baton Rouge, Lafayette, New Orleans, Gretna and Algiers including Assembly members, children and youth. About 25-60 people were present at each of the meetings in the area. Newspaper coverage was good, and Mr. Hofman taped a number of programs including a one-hour talk show for local cable educational TV.

Bahá’ís in New Orleans, Louisiana, welcome David Hofman (fourth from left), retired member of the Universal House of Justice, who spent January 29-February 5 in the New Orleans area.

A journalist finds Faith, makes biggest commitment of his life

(This article, "Bahá’ís accepted me into fold," by columnist Barry Kawa, appeared Sunday, May 2, in The Charlotte Observer's suburban edition, serving York, Lancaster and Chester counties in North Carolina, and is reprinted with permission.-Ed.)

I looked at the blank index card that would enroll me into the Bahá’í Faith, wondering if I had the courage—and the commitment—to sign.

"There's no obligation," I heard Dr. Behruz Sabat, the chairman of the Fort Mill Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly, say. Around me, in a meeting room at the Bethelwood Campground in Tirzah, other area Bahá’ís smiled and awaited my decision. Even at that important moment in my life, I fought back a smile.

My sense of humor that emerges at the most inopportune times wanted to ad-lib, "...and your money back if not satisfied!" For once, I grew serious, reflecting on the path that led me to this crossroad.

I thought back to 1984 when I was a youthful workaholic as reporter on a weekly newspaper in Layton, Utah. I covered the county council, wrote the high school football column, and came up with a weekly religion feature.

One week, I focused on the local librarian who happened to be a Bahá’í and on what he thought about living in a predominantly Mormon community. What he told me about his faith intrigued me: that God had many manifestations, including Buddha, Moses, Christ and Muhammad, ending with the Persian messenger Bahá’u’lláh.

That message appealed to me, but I never pursued my initial interest. Soon, I moved on to the next faith that called me, requesting a story.

That Bahá’í seed lay dormant until a few months ago when I wrote of a Bahá’í billboard on Cherry Road that you may have seen. "Who Is Bahá’u’lláh?" the sign asked, giving a phone number to call.

I called and wrote a small piece in my February 26 column about the interesting billboard.

After reading that article, a Bahá’í from Indian Land, Mehrdad Badiian, called, inviting me to a fireside at his home. I usually decline such invitations because I feel uncomfortable when I don't know anyone.

But for some reason, I heard myself saying yes.

I enjoyed my fellowship with about 15 Bahá’ís, impressed by their sincerity and commitment. Again, as I did nine years ago, I found their message appealing: oneness of mankind, equality of races, oneness of religion.

I took home Bahá’í videos, books, and a warm glow that cold March evening. At the next fireside, I realized that these meetings were special. Bahá’ís of every race and every age made the gatherings unusually diverse, which put me at immediate ease.

In early April, I attended the Bahá’ís' two-day retreat at the Bethelwood Campground in Tirzah. About 100 Bahá’ís from around the Carolinas were there.

I looked at the love and hope in these earnest people's eyes, and the smiles on their faces.

I couldn't help but smile, too. I knew that I belonged there, and that my future was in this wonderful faith.

I was a Bahá’í. I knew that nine years ago when I did that first story. But I was too young then and unable to make a serious commitment about anything.

I reached for my pen.

Somewhere, I was aware of people shaking my hand and hugging me. They sang a song of welcome to me and accepted me as one of their own.

I had made the biggest—and most important—commitment of my life.

Service project during Ayyám-i-Há

As a service project during Ayyám-i-Há, Bahá’í children in eastern Pierce County, Washington, collected nearly 100 stuffed animals to give to a local fire department. The animals are carried on fire and paramedic trucks to be given to children affected by fires, auto accidents or other tragedies. The project was organized by the "Connecting the Hearts Service Committee," formed last June to carry out service activities in Pierce County. Since its inception, the committee has held a canned food drive, painted murals in a pediatrics ward at a local hospital, and, most recently, organized a literacy campaign in cooperation with the area library district to collect quality family reading materials for the county's migrant workers.

Bahá’ís from seven states meet in Charleston, WV, for Appalachia Council

In February, Bahá’ís from seven states including Oregon and New Hampshire gathered in Charleston, West Virginia, for a day-long Appalachia Council sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Charleston in cooperation with the District Teaching Committees of Southern Ohio and West Virginia.

The 47 attendees consulted about teaching and proclamation in the 12-state Appalachia region.

Stated goals of the planning session were (1) to understand Appalachia as a region, a culture unto itself, so that Bahá’í programs can be based on the characteristics and values of the people living there; and (2) to work toward a systematic approach to Bahá’í activities in the region, enhancing what has begun and helping the transformation and evolution of this culture during the coming decades.

A second gathering was planned for June 26 in Jackson, Kentucky, to be sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Lexington and coordinated by the District Teaching Committee of Kentucky. [Page 18]

LA VISIÓN DE UNIDAD RACIAL

El asunto más desafiante para los Estados Unidos de America Un informe de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de los Bahá’ís de los Estados Unidos de América

El racismo es el asunto más desafiante que confronta los Estados Unidos de America. Una nación cuyo linaje incluye a todas las razas de la tierra, cuyo lema es E Pluribus Unum, cuyos ideales de libertad bajo la ley han inspirado a millones por todo el mundo, no puede continuar amparando prejuicios contra ningún grupo racial o étnico sin traicionarse a sín traicionarse a sí misma. El racismo es una afrenta a la dignidad humana, una causa de odio y división, una enfermedad que devasta la sociedad.

A pesar de los esfuerzos ya hechos para su eliminación, el racismo continua ejerciendo su mal sobre esta nación. El progreso hacia la tolerencia, el respeto mutuo, y la unidad ha sido dolorosamente lento y marcado con repetidos revesces.

Los recientes resurgimientos de actitudes raciales divisivas, el número creciente de incidentes raciales, y la intensificada desesperación de las minorías y de los pobres, hacen que la necesidad de soluciones sea más necesaria y urgente. El ignorar el problema es exponer al país al peligro físico, moral y espiritual.

Percibiendo la magnitud y la urgencia del asunto, nosotros, la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de los Bahá’ís de los Estados Unidos, hablando en nombre de la comunidad entera de los Bahá’ís de este pais, apelamos a todas las gentes de bien a que se levanten sin más tardanza para resolver los problemas sociales fundamentales de este país. Nosotros hacemos esta apelación por causa de nuestro sentido de responsabilidad, por la experiencia global de la comunidad Bahá’í en lograr armonía racial dentro de sí misma, y por la visión que las Sagradas Escrituras de nuestra Fe expresan sobre el destino de los Estados Unidos de América.

La unidad de la humanidad es el eje alrededor de la cual giran todas las enseñanzas de la Fe Bahá’í. Es a la vez una declaración de principios y una aserción de la cual es la meta final de la experiencia humana en el planeta. Hace más de un siglo, Bahá’u’lláh, el Profeta Fundador de la Fé Bahá’í, escribió: "El bienestar del género humano, su paz y seguridad, son inasequibles a menos que y hasta que su unidad esté firmemente establecida." Este es un principio que emerge del origen y propósito de la existencia humana.

La Palabra de Dios tal como aparece en los escritos Bahá’ís ofrece muestras de profundo discernimiento tal como puede verse en los siguientes pasajes:

Velado en Mi ser inmemorial y en la antigua eternidad de Mi esencia, conocía Mi amor por ti. Por tanto, te creé, grabé en ti Mi imagen y te revelé Mi belleza. ¿No sabéis a caso por qué os hemos creado a todos del mismo polvo? Para que ninguno se enaltezca a sí mismo por encima de otro. En todo momento, ponderad en vuestro corazón cómo habéis sido creados.

Puesto que os hemos creado a todos de una misma substancia, os incumbe ser como una sola alma, caminar con los mismos pies, comer con la misma boca y habitar en la misma tierra, para que mediante vuestros hechos y acciones se manifiesten, desde vuestro más íntimo ser los signos de la unicidad y la esencia del desprendimiento. Este es Mi consejo para vosotros, ¡Oh concurso de la luz! Prestad atención a este consejo para que obtengáis el fruto de la santidad del árbol de la maravillosa gloria.

Todos los hombres han sido creados para llevar hacia adelante una civilización siempre en avance. El Todopoderoso es Mi testigo: El actuar como las bestias del campo no es digno del hombre. Las virtudes que son propias a su dignidad son indulgencia, misericordia, compasión y amorosa bondad hacia todas las gentes y pueblos de la tierra.

Habiendo pasado por las etapas de infancia y turbulenta adolescencia, la humanidad se está acercando a la madurez, una etapa que será testigo "de la reconstrucción y la desmilitarización de todo el mundo civilizado - un mundo unificado orgánicamente en todos los aspectos esenciales de su vida..." En ningún otro país es la promesa de unidad orgánica más demostrable y evidente que en los Estados Unidos de América ya que este pais es un microcosmo de las diversas poblaciones de la tierra. Sin embargo esta promesa ha quedado en gran medida sin realizar debido al racismo arraigado que, como el cáncer, está carcomiendo las entrañas de la nación.

Durante mucho tiempo, y en muchos lugares a lo largo de la historia, la humanidad ha derrochado sus energías y recursos en esfuerzos inútiles para probar lo improbable: que una porción de sí misma, a causa de separaciones geográficas por diferencia del color de la piel, o la diversidad de expresión cultural, es intrínsecamente distinta de otra. La ignorancia y prejuicio en que tales esfuerzos están fundados ha conducido a conflictos sin fin en nombre de la santidad de la tribu, raza, clase, nación, o religión. Aunque parezca paradójico, a pesar de todos los esfuerzos negativos llevados a cabo por las diferentes razas, la humanidad ha probado exactamente lo contrario: ha afirmado su unicidad. La prueba está en el hecho de que, bajo las mismas circunstancias, toda la gente, sin importar su procedimiento étnico o cultural, se portan esencialmente en la misma forma. En sus futiles esfuerzos de clasificar y separar sus diversos elementos, la humanidad se ha desorientado y confundido. Privada de la ayuda que proporciona la divina influencia de la religión la gente es incapaz de lograr una orientación adecuada para su realidad y propósito interno y por esta razón no puede alcanzar una visión coherente de su destino. Es en este aspecto que los Bahá’ís encuentran propósito, dirección, y realización en las enseñanzas de Bahá’u’lláh, el Fundador de su Fé.

La unidad de la humanidad es una verdad espiritual abundantemente confirmada por la ciencia. El reconocimiento de esta verdad obliga al abandono de todo prejuicio de raza, color, credo, nación, y clase de "todo lo que permita a la gente considerarse a sí mismas superiores a otros." El principio de la unidad de la humanidad "no es sólo una súbita expresión de ignorante emoción o una expresión de vaga esperanza piadosa...No constituye solamente la enunciación de un ideal... Implica un cambio orgánico en la estructura de la sociedad de hoy día, un cambio tal como el mundo jamás ha experimentado."

II

La aplicación del principio espiritual de la unidad de la humanidad a la vida de la nación creará la necesidad y hará posible cambios vastos en la posición económica de los segmentos de la población que no son blancos. Aunque la pobreza aflige a miembros de todas las razas, en general sus víctimas tienden a ser gente de color. El prejuicio y la discriminación han creado gran disparidad en las normas de vida, proporcionando a algunos con ventajas económicas excesivas mientras niega a otros las necesidades básicas para llevar una vida saludable y digna. Viviendas malas, regímenes alimenticios deficientes, cuidado de la salúd inadecuado, y educación insuficiente son consecuencias de la pobreza que aflige a los afro-americanos, los indioamericanos, y los hispanoamericanos, en mayor grado que al resto de la población. El costo para la sociedad es grande y de graves consecuencias.

La evidencia del efecto negativo de conflictos raciales y étnicos en la economía ha causado que un número de empresas y corporaciones hayan instituido programas educativos para enseñar la resolucion de conflictos que están designados para eliminar tensiones raciales y étnicas en áreas de trabajo. Estos son pasos importantes y deben ser elogiados. Sin embargo, si estos esfuerzos están destinados principalmente a salvar la economía, no habrá solución duradera para las desastrosas consecuencias del racismo. Porque no es suficiente ofrecer educación académica y empleo a la gente mientras que al mismo tiempo, por prejuicios raciales la mantenemos aislada de la interacción social normal basada en el amor fraterno y respeto mutuo. La solución fundamental que reducirá la violencia, regenerará y enfocará la energía intelectual y moral de los grupos minoritarios y logrará asociarlos en la construcción de una sociedad progresiva descansa últimamente en el reconocimiento común de la unidad de la humanidad.

Es enteramente humano el fracasar, si aquello que se considera más importante, que es la forma en que la gente se percibe a sí misma se les niega, especialmente la dignidad que proviene del aprecio genuino de otros por su posición como seres humanos. Ningún plan educacional, económico o político puede ocupar el lugar de esta necesidad esencial humana; no es una necesidad que los negocios o escuelas, ni siquiera los gobiernos pueden satisfacer, carentes de una actitud de apoyo por la sociedad entera. Tal actitud necesita estar basada en una verdad espiritual y moral que todos reconozcan y acepten como suya y que, como el oxígeno que sirve igualmente a todos, por igual, inyecta vida a su esfuerzo común para vivir en unidad y paz. La ausencia de verdadero interés por otros generado por esta verdad, causa desesperación en aquellos que han sido discriminados; y en un estado de desesperación, la gente pierde los coherentes poderes morales para realizar su potencial. Esta vitalizante verdad, nosotros estamos convencidos, está sumarizada en la frase: la unicidad de la humanidad.

Tan esencial es este principio de la unicidad de la humanidad para la eficacia de programas educacionales que no puede ser sobreestimado. Sin su amplia influencia tales programas no van a contribuir significativamente al crecimiento de la sociedad. El mero hecho de que algunas empresas están implementando, por su cuenta, programas educacionales es indicativo de la visible deficiencia del entero sistema educacional. Tal como hemos dicho, más allá de los mecanismos educacionales está el prerrequisito esencial de una actitúd apropiada por parte de los que preparan los programas educacionales y, más importante, aún por parte de la sociedad en su totalidad. En base a esto, la educación no sólo es la ruta más corta para salir de la pobreza; también del prejuicio. Un programa nacional que enfatice los valores de la tolerancia, hermandad, apreciación de otras culturas además de la propia, y respeto por las diferencias será un paso muy importante hacia la eliminación del racismo y, a consecuencia, el mejoramiento de la economía.

III

La persitente negligencia de los gobiernos y la mayoría del pueblo Americano con respecto a los daños del racismo pone en peligro a la vez el orden interno y la seguridad nacional del país.

Desde el día de su nacimiento, los Estados Unidos de América adoptó un conjunto de valores contradictorios. Los padres fundadores proclamaron su devoción a los principios más altos de igualidad y justicia, sin embargo preservaron la esclavitud en la Constitución. La esclavitud envenenó la mente y corazón de la nación y no fué abolida sinó después de una guerra civil sangrienta que casi destruyó la joven república. Las consecuencias malévolas de la esclavitud todavía son visibles en este país. Ellas continúan afectando el comportamiento de ambos Negros y Blancos Americanos y previene la curación de viejas heridas.

El curar las heridas y construir una sociedad en que la gente de diversas procedencias étnicas puedan vivir como una sola familia son los puntos más urgentes que confronta América hoy día. Su paz, su prosperidad, y hasta su posición en la comunidad internacional dependen en gran parte de la resolución de este asunto.

El hecho de que la virulencia de este tema racial en [Page 19]América atraiga la atención del mundo entero debe espolear a este país a llevar a cabo un esfuerzo sin precedente para eliminar de su medio el prejuicio y la discriminación. El ejemplo de América no dejará de causar una influencia profunda en la sociedad mundial, además contribuirá en gran modo al establecimiento de la paz universal. "Porque el lograrse la unidad entre la gente blanca y de color," los escritos Bahá’ís proclaman, "será una seguridad de paz en el mundo."

La responsabilidad del logro de la paz racial y la unidad en los Estados Unidos de América recae por igual sobre los Negros y Blancos Americanos. Para crear una sociedad en la cual los derechos de todos sus miembros sean respetados y garantizados, ambas razas tienen que estar animadas por el espíritu de optimismo y fe en la realización eventual de sus aspiraciones más altas. Ni el Blanco ni el Negro Americano deben asumir que la responsabilidad para la eliminación del prejuicio y sus efectos corresponde exclusivamente al otro. Ambos deben reconocer que la unidad es esencial para la sobreviviencia común. Ambos deben reconocer que hay una sola raza humana. Ambos deben reconocer que una sociedad que funciona armoniosamente y que permite la expresión total del potencial de todas las personas que la integran puede resolver los problemas sociales y económicos que ahora tiene confundida a una sociedad plagada de desunión.

cambio verdadero tendrá lugar sin una asociación cercana, fraternidad y amistad entre las diversas personas. La diversidad de color, nacionalidad, y cultura mejoran la experiencia humana y nunca deben convertirse en una barrera para las relaciones armoniosas, la amistad, o el matrimonio. "O Mis bienamados!" escribió Bahá’u’lláh. "El tabernáculo de la unidad ha sido elevado; no os miréis como extraños. Sois los frutos de un árbol, y hojas de una rama."

IV

Nuestro llamado está dirigido principalmente a los Americanos individualmente porque la transformación de la nación entera últimamente depende de la iniciativa y transformación del carácter de los individuos que la componen. Ninguna idea grandiosa o plan de acción por parte del gobierno, u otra organización interesada puede pretender triunfar si el individuo falla en responder en la unidad.

Es por esto que los Bahá’ís ofrecen las enseñanzas de su Fe y el ejemplo de su comunidad para que sean examinados, convencidos de que ambos pueden contribuir a la eliminación del racismo endémico en la sociedad Americana.

Hacemos esto con fe firme en la asistencia de nuestro Creador, quien en Su amor infinito creó a toda la humanidad de la misma materia con la intención de que todos habiten el mismo hogar.

Nosotros creemos además que el día de la unificación de la raza humana ha llegado y que "El potencial inherente en la estación del hombre, la completa medida de su destino en la tierra la innata excelencia de su realidad, tiene que hacerse manifiesta en este día prometido de Dios."

ADDENDUM

La Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de los Bahá’ís de los Estados Unidos es el cuerpo administrativo de los Bahá’ís de este país. Esta consiste de nueve miembros y es eligida anualmente por delegados de los cuarenta y ocho estados contiguos. La asamblea dirige, coordina y estimula las actividades de los cuerpos administrativos locales y de los 110,000 Bahá’ís de los Estados Unidos.

Bahá’u’lláh fué el profeta fundador de la Fé Bahá’í. Los principios centrales de Su religión son la unidad de Dios, la unidad de la religión y la unidad de la humanidad.

Es evidente que ambos, Negros y Blancos Americanos en grandes números están sintiendo profunda frustración por lo que cada grupo percibe como un fracaso de los esfuerzos de las décadas recientes por el progreso de las relaciones entre las razas. Para racionalizar este fallo, ambos han reaccionado retirándose al terreno más familiar de la separación racial. A medida que los problemas del crimen y la adicción a las drogas crecen, la tendencia es usar la aparente irremediabilidad de estos problemas como una muestra de fracaso de los años de esfuerzo por parte de ambos por sobrepasar las barreras de siglos. Formidable como es la meta a ser alcanzada, ¿Podemos decir con justicia que no ha habido progreso significativo desde los dias de protesta en los restaurantes en los Estados del Sur?

Del mismo modo, las víctimas de la largamente conservada y por mucho tiempo preservada discriminación racial buscan alivio en la idea de que los Americanos Negros, los Americanos Blancos, los Indios Americanos, los Asiático Americanos, los Hispanoamericanos etc. son tan marcadamente diferentes los unos de los otros que todos ellos deben demarcar sus propios teritorios culturales y sociales y mantenerse en ellos. ¿Tiene esto sentido? ¿No significa esto apartarnos de la realidad de nuestra humanidad común? ¿No será esto la fórmula para la descomposición total de la civilización? Aquellos quienes llaman a la separación predican en verdad una doctrina cruel. Si la nación está decidida a someterse a tal punto de vista, ¿Dónde exactamente, tanto los Blancos como los Negros Americanos dividirán su herencia cultural?

El racismo es algo profundo. Infecta los corazones de ambos Blancos y Negros Americanos. Partiendo de que, sin hacer un esfuerzo consciente, premeditado y sostenido, nadie puede librarse del efecto de su influencia corrosiva, ambos grupos tienen que darse cuenta de que tal problema no puede ser resuelto ni fácil ni inmediatamente. "Que ninguno piense que nada menos que el amor sincero, paciencia extrema, humilidad verdadera, tacto consumado, iniciativa firme, madurez de sabiduría, esfuerzo premeditado, y súplicas persistentes, pueden tener éxito en borrar la mancha que esta evidente maldad ha dejado en el honorable nombre de su país común."

Ambos grupos deben comprender que ningún

medida a su alcance de acuerdo a sus circunstancias personales y a medida que las oportunidades lo permitan. Es por esta razón que nosotros llamamos respetuosamente y urgentemente a nuestros conciudadanos Americanos de cualquier procedencia que sean a que miren la situación racial con nuevos ojos y con una nueva determinación para prestar apoyo efectivo a la resolución de un problema que estorba el avance de esta gran república hacia la realización completa de su glorioso destino.

Nosotros mencionamos la experiencia de la comunidad Bahá’í, no con un sentido de orgullo o victoria final, porque, lo que nosotros hemos logrado todavía queda corto de la meta que nosotros aspiramos; no obstante, los resultados obtenidos hasta hoy son muy alentadores, y es a modo de estímulo que queremos llamar la atención a ellos.

Desde su incepción en 1863 la comunidad Bahá’í ha estado dedicada al principio de la unidad del género humano. Los Bahá’ís confían en la fe en Dios, la oración diaria, la meditación, y el estudio de los Textos Sagrados para efectuar la transformación del carácter necesario para el crecimiento personal y la madurez; sin embargo, su objetivo es crear una civilización mundial que a su vez afectará el carácter del individuo. De este modo el concepto de la salvación personal está unido a la salvación, seguridad, y felicidad del todos los habitantes de la tierra y nace de la creencia Bahá’í de que "el mundo de la humanidad está compuesto de un cuerpo" y que "cuando una parte del organismo sufre el resto de las partes del cuerpo también sentirán las consecuencias."

Guiados e inspirados por tales principios, la comunidad Bahá’í ha acumulado más de un siglo de experiencia en crear modelos de unidad que transcienden raza, cultura, nacionalidad, clase y las diferencias de sexo y religión, proporcionando evidencia indisputable de que la humanidad en toda su diversidad puede vivir como una sociedad global unificada.

Los Bahá’ís ven la unidad como la ley de la vida; en consecuencia todos los prejuicios son vistos como enfermedades que amenazan la vida.

En lugar de considerar que la unidad de la humanidad sólo puede establecerse después de que los otros problemas que la afligen hayan sido resueltos, los Bahá’ís creen que el desarrollo material y espiritual dependen del amor y la

Nuevos miembros Centro Internacional de Enseñanzas

CON CORAZONES JUBILOSOS ANUNCIAMOS NOMBRAMIENTO CONSEJEROS MIEMBROS CENTRO INTERNACIONAL DE ENSEÑANZA POR PERÍODO DE CINCO AÑOS COMENZANDO EL 23 DE MAYO DE 1993: SR. KISER BARNES, SR. HARTMUT GROSSMANN, SRA. LAURETTA KING, SRA. JOAN LINCOLN, SR. SHAPOOR MONADJEM, SR. DONALD ROGERS, SR. FRED SCHECHTER, SRA. KIMIKO SCHWERIN, SRA. JOY STEVENSON. PRODUNDAMENTE AGRADECIDOS AL SR. MAS'UD KHAMSIY ALSR. PETER VUYIYA POR EXPEDIENTE ILUSTRE AÑOS DEVOTOS A LABORES EN DESARROLLO FUNCIONAMIENTO MUNDIAL ESTA INSTITUCIÓN VITAL.

CASA UNIVERSAL DE JUSTICIA 13 DE MAYO DE 1993

La Fé Bahá’í es una religión mundial independiente con adherentes en virtualmente todos los paises. La comunidad mundial Bahá’í, que cuenta con más de cinco millones de creyentes, incluye casi todas las nacionalidades y clases. Más de 2,100 grupos étnicos y tribus están representadas. En la actualidad hay 155 asambleas espirituales nacionales.

Bahá’u’lláh fué el profeta fundador de la Fé Bahá’í. Los principios centrales de Su religión son la unidad de Dios, la unidad de la religión y la unidad de la humanidad. Su religión "proclama la necesidad y la inevitabilidad de la unificación de la humanidad..." Además prescribe a Sus seguidores la obligación principal de buscar la verdad sin ninguna limitación, condena toda forma de prejuicio y superstición, declara que el propósito de la religión es la promoción de la amistad y el acuerdo, proclama su armonía esencial con la ciencia y la reconoce como la principal promotora de la pacificación y el progreso ordenado de la sociedad humana. En forma inequívoca mantiene el principio de igualdad de derechos, oportunidades y privilegios para hombres y mujeres, insiste en la educación obligatoria, elimina los extremos de riqueza y pobreza, aboliendo además las instituciones clericales, prohibe la esclavitud, el ascetismo, la mendicidad y el monasticismo, prescribe la monogamia, ve en forma desfavorable el divorcio, enfatiza la necesidad estricta de obedecer al gobierno, exalta cualquier trabajo hecho en el espíritu de servicio al nivel de oración, urge la creación o la selección de un idioma auxiliar internacional y delínea las bases de aquellas instituciones que deberán establecer y perpetuar la paz general de la humanidad.

Comments reflect spiritual bounties of Service Corps/Pioneer Institutes

Comments from recent participants in Bahá’í Youth Service Corps/Pioneering Institutes:

"Focused, spiritually alive and ready to go!" "Training camp for spiritual warriors." "Intense, fulfilling, confirming." "I feel enlightened, happy, at peace with myself and an urgency to serve the Cause." "Everybody, not just pioneers, should go to a Pioneering Institute!"

Pioneering Institutes, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly's Office of Pioneering, are now offered in conjunction with Bahá’í Youth Service Corps training at regular intervals throughout the year. Each institute involves an intense program of deepening in the Writings, cross-cultural activities, interaction with current and veteran pioneers, and help with practical aspects of effective pioneering. As success in pioneering is in direct proportion to one's spiritual and practical preparation, attending a Pioneering Institute is one of the most important provisions for this most meritorious service to Bahá’u’lláh.

For an invitation to an institute or for further information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 or (708)869-9039. [Page 20]

نقشه سه ساله ملی امکان بخشیدن به انجام تعهدات و شکوفا ساختن قوا و آمادگی برای تهیه برنامه اجرائی

THREE YEAR PLAN

نقشه سه ساله که از رضوان سال ۱۹۹۳ آغاز شد ششمین نقشه جهانی از سلسله نقشه هائی است که جهت اجرای منظم فرامین تبلیغی حضرت عبدالبهاء طرح گردیده است محفل روحانی ملی با همکاری اعضای هیئت مشاورین قارهای مذاکراتی درباره امکانات و مشکلاتی که جامعه بهائی آمریکا در این مرحله از مأموریت خود با آن ،روبروست ترتیب داد و اهداف ملی را معین نمود از این به بعد بر عهدة جامعة ياران است که برای انجام اهداف نقشه به پا خیزند.

سهم محافل روحانی محلی

یکی از عناصر مهم پاسخ گونی جامعه امری به نقشه سه ساله طرح نقشههای محلی است. بیت العدل اعظم فرمودهاند که هنگامی که محفل روحانی محلی نقشه ای محلی اختیار می کند تأثیر بسزائی بر خود و حیات جامعه می گذارد محفل روحانی با طرح اینگونه نقشه ها مرحله توسعه خود را از لحاظ امری در هر محل می سنجد و چشم اندازی از پیشرفتهای ممكن الوصول به وجود میآورد و اقدامات و راههای رسیدن به آن را برای تحقق استعدادهای جامعه در زمینه رشد و توسعه جامعه و شرکت در حیات آن پیشنهاد می کند.

محلی نقشه جداگانه ای ،نیست بلکه خود بخشی از نقشه سه ساله است. اهداف محلی باید پشتیبان اهداف ملی و بین المللی باشد که اولویتهای بیت العدل اعظم و محفل روحانی ملی را در بر میگیرد بنابراین آشنائی با نقشه سه ساله اساس برنامه ریزی محلی است. محفل روحانی یا جامعه امری ممکن است بخواهد در طی سال جلسات تزیید معلوماتی درباره فرامین تبلیغی و استقرار آن تشکیل دهد تا بتواند درک بهتری از مأموریت خود به دست آورد.

تعیین نقشه اجرائی محفل روحانی باید با حمایت هیئت معاونت نقشه محلی را طرح بریزد. جریان طرح ریزی نباید بیش از حد همه جزئیات را در بر بگیرد بلکه باید با مرحله پیشرفت جامعه متناسب باشد. باید بر جنبه عملی تمرکز کرد و سپس دربارۀ آن تأمل کرد که کوششهای موجود بهبود یاید و اثر آن بیشتر شود. منابع لازم برای برنامه ریزی را میتوان در این نشریات یافت جزوۀ توسعه محافل روحانی تبلیغ و محافل روحانی و پیام دارالتبلیغ بین المللی که در دسترس مساعدين است و جزوه جدیدی با عنوان تسخیر روحانی کره زمین که آن را میتوان از طریق مرکز توزیع مطبوعات امری تهیه نمود.

سهم اعضای هیئت معاونت

محافل روحانی محلی و جمعیتهای بهائی جهت طرح و اجرای نقشه های خود میتوانند از پشتیبانی و کمک اعضای هیئت معاونت و مساعدینشان سود بسیار ببرند بیت العدل اعظم الهی فرموده اند که هیئت معاونت مؤسسهای است که در هر نقطه ای وجود دارد و از یاران ثابتی تشکیل شده است که با محلی که در آن خدمت میکنند و نیز با مشکلات و استعدادهای جامعه آن محل آشنائی دارند. هیئت معاونت جهت تشویق و تقویت امور محفل روحانی و احداث شور و شوق در یاران تشکیل شده است همانگونه که محفل روحانی ملی و مشاورین قاره ای همکاری کردند که اهداف ملی نقشه وضع شود اعضای هیئت معاونت و مساعدینشان آماده اند که با محافل محلی و جوامع مشورت نمایند و پیام رضوان معهد اعلى و نقشه سه ساله را بررسی کنند و در خلال دورۀ نقشه چشم انداز پیشرفت امرالله را در اختیار جامعه محلی ایجاد نمایند و نقشه های عملی را برای تحقق پیشرفت آن طرح ریزند. علاوه بر این اعضای هیئت معاونت مساعدینشان میتوانند با خدمات فداکارانه افراد به خدمات خود در خلال نقشه سه ساله ادامه دهند.

اقدامات لازم برای ایجاد برنامه های عملی

صورت برخی از اقداماتی که جوامع امری میتوانند برای طرح نقشههای عملی صورت دهند:

تماس با اعضای هیئت معاونت همانگونه که محفل ملی برای تهیه اهداف ملی با مشاورین دیدار کرد محافل روحانی محلی نیز میتوانند با عضو هیئت معاونت یا یکی از مساعدین جهت مشورت و کمک به جریان طرح برنامه تماس بگیرند. حتی محافل قوی بنیه نیز از این همکاری بهره خواهند برد. عضو هیئت معاونت میتواند محافل را در مطالعه و بررسی نقشه سه ساله کمک کند و برنامه اجرائی آن را به جامعه امری ارائه دهد پس از طرح برنامه اجرائی مساعد می تواند خدمات ارزشمندی به یاران جهت اجرای آن تقدیم نماید بیت العدل اعظم فرموده اند که اختیار و هدایت از محافل روحانی مایه میگیرد در حالی که به کار بردن نیروی لازم برای انجام وظائف در وهله اول بر عهدۀ کل افراد جامعه است وظیفه اصلی اعضای هیئت معاونت این است که کمک نمایند و نیروی مذکور را برانگیزند و آن را فعلیت بخشند.

سهم افراد

طرح برنامه های اجرائی محلی یاران باید تا ۱۵ جولای برنامه های اجرائی خود را به لجنۀ ملّی نشر نفحات ارسال فرمایند. تعیین اهداف فردی توسط اشخاص و خانواده ها ضرورتی همانند ضرورت طرح نقشه های محلی دارد. بدون شرکت افراد هر نقشه ای که وضع شود از پیش محکوم به تعویق و تعطیل خواهد بود. هر فردی با تعیین اهداف تبلیغی فردی میتواند معین کند که چه سهمی در حمایت از نقشه های محلی و ملی بر عهده خواهد داشت و چنانکه حضرت ولی عزیز امر الله فرموده اند بعنوان یکی از امنای وفادار فرامین تبلیغی حضرت عبدالبهاء در هر یک از اقداماتی که خود را در محدوده حدودی که اصول ادرای امر معین کرده قادر به اجرای آن بداند چه نقشی ایفا خواهد کرد هیکل مبارک فرموده اند که یاران در قبال وظائفی که بر عهده دارند نباید حتماً انتظار داشته باشند که از جانب نمایندگان منتخب جامعه خود دستوری دریافت دارند.

فرد بهائی میتواند پرسشهای زیر را با خود مطرح سازد تا راه تبلیغ را برای خود هموارتر نماید:

- چگونه میتوانم هر سال یک نفر را به جرگه اهل بها، بیاورم؟ - چگونه میتوانم مبلغ موفقی شوم؟ - برای تشکیل بیوت تبلیغی در منزل خود یا حضور مرتب در آنها چه هدفی باید برای خود معین کنم؟ - آیا میتوانم مبلغ سیار شوم یا به مهاجرت داخله یا خارجه قیام کنم؟ آیا میتوانم در طول نقشه سه ساله برای مدتی معین به طور تمام وقت خدمتی به امر الله تقدیم کنم؟ - به چه ترتیبی برنامه منظمی برای مطالعه آثار مبارکه طرح کنم؟ چه آثاری را باید بخوانم؟ - برای تقدیم مرتب تبرعات به صندوق های امری و محلی، ملی قارهای بین المللی ساختمانهای قوس و ازدیاد مبلغ آن چه اقداماتی باید انجام دهم؟ - دقيقاً به چه نحو و از چه راهی میتوانم به تحقق اهداف محلی و ملی و بین المللی نقشه سه ساله خود و حیات جامعه کمک کنم؟ - برای برنامههای مربوط به وحدت نژادی چه سهمی می توانم بر عهده بگیرم؟ - مطالعه پیام رضوان و نقشهٔ سه ساله برنامه اجرائی کمک کنم؟

مشورت در جامعه محلی بسته به اندازه جامعه امری محفل روحانی میتواند پیش از مرحله نهائی برنامه اجرائی وسائل لازم را برای بهره گیری از نظریات اعضای جامعه فراهم آورد.

مشورت با جوامع اطراف از جوامع امری در اوائل تابستان دعوت خواهد شد که در جلسات عمومی برای مشورت با جوامع اطرافشان شرکت کنند و منابع خود را روی هم نهند و تأثیر مجاهداتشان را مضاعف نمایند. جوامع امری میتوانند در اینگونه جلسات طرحهای محل خود را با هم در میان نهند و برنامه هائی به اتفاق طرح ریزند.

در اختیار نهادن برنامه اجرائی یاران باید به خاطر داشته باشند که نسخههائی از برنامه اجرائی خود را در اختیار مساعدین و معاونین و لجنة ملى نشر نفحات گذارند.

تاریخ و شرح فعالیتهای سال اول نقشه

تاریخ و شرح برخی از فعالیتهای لازم برای تحقق اهداف نقشه سه ساله در سال اول در زیر درج میگردد:

• • رضوان ۱۹۹۳** آغاز نقشه سه ساله
  • ۲۰_۲۳ می** کانونشن ملی اعلان نقشه توسط محفل روحانی ملی.
  • می - جولای** طرح برنامه های اجرائی محلی تعیین اهداف فردی توسط اشخاص و خانواده ها.
  • جون** جلسات ناحیه ای جوامع محلی جلسات ناحیه ای برای مشورت درباره نقشه سه ساله ترتیب خواهند داد. به هر یک از جوامع امری پیشنهاد میشود که جهت ایجاد فعالیتهای مشترک و در میان نهادن برنامهها با دیگر جوامع در این جلسات شرکت نمایند.
  • جون - اگست** فعالیتهای تبلیغی تابستان در نقشه سه ساله از یاران خواسته شده است که به مهاجرت و سفرهای تبلیغی مبادرت ورزند. عده زیادی از مهاجران و مبلغان سیار باید به پا خیزند و وظائف خود را در دیگر نواحی به انجام رسانند جوانان باید تشویق شوند در صف اول خادمان فعالیتهای دوره تابستان باشند.
  • ۲۳ سپتامبر** صدمین سال ذکر نام امر بهائی در امریکا نقشههای محلی تا این تاریخ به دست لجنه ملی نشر نفحات خواهد رسید و تجزیه و تحلیل خواهد شد. هر یک از ۱۵۰ نقطه ای که برای تأسیس محافل معین شده،اند باید از طرف یکی از محافل محلی بعنوان هدف تبلیغ و توسعه انتخاب شده باشد.
  • اکتبر** کانونشنهای ناحیه ای
  • رضوان ۱۹۹۴** پایان سال اول نقشه پایان سال اول باید تحرک گسترده یاران و افزایش معتنابه تازه تصدیقان را در بر گیرد و اهداف زیر باید تا آخر آن انجام گرفته باشد:
• قیام ۱۰۰۰ مبلغ سیار
• مهاجرت ۲۵۰ مهاجر به داخل کشور
• تأسیس ۷۵ محفل روحانی جدید
• طرح ۱۰ برنامه برای رشد در مقیاس بزرگ

[Page 21]تبلیغی بدان اشاره شده است، فعلیت بخشد، اما بغیر از بهائیان کدام گروه دیگر مشکلات جامعه را برطرف خواهد ساخت؟ باید با عزمی راسخ تعداد اعضای جامعه را افزایش دهیم.

جهاد دیگر اهل بهاء، به گفته جناب هندرسن، تأمین وحدت نژادی به نام مقدس حضرت بهاءالله و تعالیم مبارک او است. بهتر از کوشش‌هائی که اهل بهاء در قبال وحدت نژادی به عمل آورده‌اند، نمونه‌ای نمی‌توان پیدا کرد. هر جا برویم می‌بینیم که احباء هم مبتکر اقدامات بوده‌اند و هم ادامه دهنده آن، منتهی کاری که باید بشود این است که دیگران بدانند که حضرت بهاءالله و تعالیم مبارکش اساس این خدمات و فعالیت‌ها است.

جناب هندرسن در پایان سخنانش گفت وظیفه دیگری که بر عهده داریم این است که محبت و مسرت و وحدتی که در جامعه امری وجود دارد باید عمیق‌تر شود و به مؤسسات امری سرایت کند. محبت بی‌دریغ و حمایت دوجانبه اهمیت تام دارد. بیت العدل اعظم فرموده‌اند که افزایش تعداد به تنهائی کافی نیست، بلکه تقلیب اشخاص و تحکیم اساس تشکیلات هم ضرورت دارد. دکتر هندرسن چنین ادامه داد که مشورت حقیقی فقط به معنی مذاکرات صمیمانه و بی‌تعارف نیست، بلکه مشورت حقیقی ما را به حرکت می‌آورد که برای کسب الهام با حضرت بهاءالله ارتباط برقرار کنیم. رک بودن ملکوت الهی را بر روی زمین مستقر نخواهد ساخت، اما اتحاد و هماهنگی چنین خواهد کرد.

دفتر روابط خارجی

سپس دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده بیاناتی ایراد کرد و در ادامه سخنان دکتر هندرسن از حاضران تقاضا کرد که به رفاقت و محبت و وحدتی که در جامعه بهائی با همه دلربائی خود وجود دارد، دل خوش نکنند. امر حضرت بهاءالله برای جهان ما ظاهر شده، جهانی که در تاریکی به سر می‌برد و باید از خود در امان بماند. به همین دلیل است که ما با جهان خارج ارتباط برقرار می‌کنیم.

ایشان گفت که مهم‌ترین واقعه مربوط به امور خارجی در سال گذشته کشف مدرک محرمانه‌ای از ایران بود که دستور قتل عام فرهنگی بهائیان مهد امرالله در آن درج شده بود. سران امور در ایران دیگر نمی‌توانند تضییقات احباء را کار چند نفر از دست‌اندرکاران متعصب محلی قلمداد کنند زیرا مدرکی که توسط فرستاده ویژه سازمان ملل متحد افشاء شد، به مهر و امضای بالاترین اولیای امور رسیده بود.

دکتر کاظم‌زاده در ادامه سخنان خود اظهار داشت که امر مبارک متشکل از مردمی که فقط یک درد داشته باشند، نیست. شرکت در فعالیت‌هائی چون تشویق به تصویب قطعنامه سازمان ملل متحد برای کاهش برخوردهای نژادی و سهمی که احباء در کنفرانس محیط زیست سازمان ملل متحد بر عهده داشتند بر احترام و حیثیت امر مبارک افزوده است. حامیان حقوق بشر نیز بهائیان را برای ایجاد خط مشی برای فعالیت‌های مربوط به احقاق حقوق ستمدیدگان برگزیده‌اند.

دکتر کاظم‌زاده گفت دیگر مسائلی که جامعه جهانی بهائی در آن فعالیت داشته، عبارت است از: توسعه و عمرانی که قابل ادامه یافتن باشد، پیشرفت مسائل مربوط به زنان و بهبود موقعیت کودکان جهان.

دکتر کاظم‌زاده تاکید کرد که افزایش منابع مالی امر ضرورتی تام دارد. در سال جاری به رغم اهمیتی که کارهای دفتر امور خارجی دارد، از بودجه آن ۱۰۰ هزار دلار زده شده است.

دفتر امین صندوق

جناب ویلیام دیویس در سخنان خود اظهار داشت که خبر خوش این است که به رغم مشکلات اقتصادی که ایالات متحده را در سال‌های اخیر در بر گرفته است، تبرعات به صندوق ملی در سال مالی گذشته ۴ درصد افزایش یافت. ۲۱۷۳ نفر برای نخستین بار به صندوق ملی تبرع نمودند. ۴۱۶ نفر از این تعداد را تازه تصدیقان تشکیل می‌دادند.

سپس جناب دیویس پرسید شرکت همگانی یاران در امر تبرعات کی صورت خواهد گرفت؟ هر چند تبرعات یاران به صندوق ملی جامعه امری را در رده ۱۰ جامعه دینی که بیش از دیگر جوامع تبرع می‌کنند، قرار داده است، با این حال همه یاران در این مهم شرکت نمی‌نمایند. بعنوان مثال، فقط ۱۹ درصد محافل محلی اهداف مالی خود را تحقق بخشیدند و ۱۰ درصد محافل به صندوق ملی هیچ تبرعی تقدیم نکرده‌اند. احبائی که تبرع نمی‌کنند، پیشرفت امر مبارک را به تأخیر می‌اندازند. مقروض بودن جامعه امری توان آن را کاهش می‌دهد. در سال ۱۹۹۲ کسر بودجه محفل ملی ۱/۲ میلیون دلار افزایش یافت. این روند باید به پایان رسد.

جناب ویلیام رابرتس، عضو هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای نیز درباره امور مالی جامعه امری سخنانی ایراد کرد. ایشان گفت که بیشتر ثروت عالم بهائی در ایالات متحده است. با توجه به ساختمان‌های کوه کرمل و دیگر نیازهای بیت العدل اعظم و محفل روحانی ملی باید تبرعات یاران از نیم دلار و یک دلار تبدیل به صد دلار و هزار دلار شود. برای رفتن از جائی که هستیم تا جائی که باید باشیم، لازم است جهشی پرتاب‌مانند کنیم.

تبلیغ امرالله

نیاز و ضرورتی که در بیانات دکتر رابرتس بود، در سخنان جناب جک مک‌کنتس نیز وجود داشت، منتهی این بار تمرکز بر امر تبلیغ بود. ایشان با اشاره به تعداد ناچیز تازه تصدیقان (۱۶۰۰ نفر) که در سال گذشته ضبط شده بود، گفت از خود بپرسید که در سال گذشته چند نفر را تبلیغ کرده‌اید. مسؤولیت را بر گردن دیگری نیندازید.

جناب جیمز نلسن هم در بیانات خود گفت که تبلیغ مسأله متخصصان یا اشکال مالی نیست. یک وسیله عالی هست که همه بهائیان می‌توانند با خود حمل کنند تا یک مبلغ ماهر بیایند: یک آینه! در این هنگام جناب نلسن فوراً آینه‌ای را از جیب در آورد تا مطلبی را که گفته بود، در عمل نشان دهد!

نقشه سه ساله

پس از گزارش‌های اعضای محفل روحانی ملی نوار ویدیوئی مربوط به کانونشن بین‌المللی به نمایش گذاشته شد و بعد از آن پیام رضوان بیت العدل اعظم الهی قرائت شد. سپس نقشه سه ساله و اهداف مربوط به جامعه امری ایالات متحده به آگاهی حاضران رسید.

دکتر هندرسن درباره نقشه سه ساله و سه اصلی که محور آن را تشکیل می‌دهد، توضیحاتی داد. این سه اصل عبارت است از:

۱- ازدیاد شوق و شور ایمانی افراد احباء.

۲- بسط هر چه بیشتر منابع انسانی امر الهی.

۳- تقویت نحوه اقدام و ایفای صحیح وظایف و مسؤولیت‌های تشکیلات محلی و ملی بهائی.

دکتر هندرسن اظهار داشت که اصل اول مرکب است از: تبلیغ امرالله، افزایش تبرعات، پشتیبانی محبت‌آمیز از تشکیلات، تقدیس و تنزیه در همه جوانب حیات بهائی، پرورش محبت و وحدت و هماهنگی در میان یاران.

گسترش عظیم و بی‌سابقه جامعه بهائی مستلزم تبلیغ است. در داخل آمریکا افراد یاران تشویق شده‌اند که بر هر نوعی شده - برنامه‌های تبلیغی شخصی یا دائر کردن بیوت تبلیغی و غیره - به ابلاغ کلمه الهی قیام نمایند. هدف این است که ۳۰۰۰ نفر مبلغ سیار و ۵۰۰ نفر مهاجر داخلی داشته باشیم. همچنین ۱۳۶۴ نفر مهاجر به مدت کوتاه یا بلند باید به خارج از ایالات متحده ارسال شوند.

جلسه آخر کانونشن به حقوق الله و کتاب اقدس اختصاص یافته بود. دکتر داریوش حقیقی، یکی از امنای حقوق الله در ایالات متحده، درباره پیشرفت‌هائی که در خصوص افزایش آگاهی یاران از حکم حقوق الله صورت گرفته است، گزارش داد و عوامل آن را برشمرد.

سپس دکتر کاظم‌زاده راجع به کتاب مستطاب اقدس و اهمیت آن در زمان حال و آینده مطالبی ایراد کرد. ایشان اظهار داشت که کتاب اقدس مایه شور و نشور جامعه امری است و تمام نیروهایی را که برای اجرای اهداف خود لازم داریم، می‌توانیم از این کتاب مستطاب بگیریم.

بیانیه درباره حضرت بهاءالله

STATEMENT ON BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

به آگاهی یاران عزیز می‌رساند که در سال گذشته بنا به امر بیت العدل اعظم الهی بیانیه‌ای درباره حضرت بهاءالله توسط دفتر روابط عمومی جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی تهیه گردید و چاپ و منتشر شد.

چندی پیش ترجمه فارسی این بیانیه نیز تهیه شد و اکنون در دسترس همگان قرار دارد. ترجمه فارسی بیانیه مذکور به همراه حواشی و یادداشت‌ها ۸۶ صفحه دارد و شامل ۱۵ فصل است. در پیشگفتار این بیانیه آمده که این رساله که به مناسبت سده درگذشت حضرت بهاءالله انتشار می‌یابد، مقدمه مختصری است ”بر زندگانی و آثار آن حضرت...“.

مطالعه این بیانیه برای دوستان فارسی‌زبان اعم از بهائی و غیربهائی سودمند خواهد بود. یاران عزیز می‌توانند در مواردی که صلاح بدانند، نسخه‌ای از آن را به دوستان غیربهائی خود اهداء نمایند.

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند جهت خرید این بیانیه با مرکز توزیع مطبوعات امری تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۹۰۱۹-۹۹۹ (۸۰۰)

تصحیح و اعتذار CORRECTION در یکی از شماره‌های گذشته نشریه ”امریکن بهائی“ (شهرالعظمة ۱۵۰ بدیع) به آگاهی دوستان رسید که پنجمین کنفرانس انجمن فرهنگ و هنر آکادمی لندگ از ۲۸ آگوست تا ۳ سپتامبر امسال در محل آکادمی در سوئیس برگزار خواهد شد. در آن شماره موضوع اصلی دوره پنجم انجمن ادب و هنر اشتباه ذکر شده بود. بدینوسیله به آگاهی یاران می‌رساند که عنوان رسمی که آکادمی لندگ برای دوره مذکور در نظر گرفته، این است: ”دوره ورقاء“.

[Page 22]

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

خطاب به نمایندگان هشتاد و چهارمین کانونشن ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده مورخ ۲۳ می ۱۹۹۳ MESSAGE OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

پیام آن عزیزان که حاکی بود از امیدواری آن یاران به نتیجه نهائی نقشه سه ساله جامعه امری آن سامان و تجدید عهد آن دوستان نسبت به مأموریت مقدسی که در فرامین تبلیغی بر عهده آنان یاران نهاده شده، دل‌های این مشتاقان را شادمان ساخت و اطمینان این جمع را نسبت به ظرفیت و توان یاران آمریکا افزون نمود که در این برهه کوتاه جهت پیشرفتی پیروزمندانه به سوی مقدرات باشکوهی که از قلم مصون از خطای مرکز میثاق برای آن عزیزان رقم خورده، جهشی بی‌نظیر خواهند داشت. پای بیفشارید و مطمئن باشید که جمال ابهی حافظ شما و هادی اقداماتتان خواهد بود. در احیان دعا و مناجات به درگاه مقدس الهی همواره به یاد شما عزیزان خواهیم بود.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

هشتاد و چهارمین کانونشن ملی

84TH BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CONVENTION

هشتاد و چهارمین کانونشن ملی از ۲۰ تا ۲۳ می سال جاری در مشرق‌الاذکار ایالات متحده تشکیل شد.

عنوانی که به کانونشن داده بودند "هر فداکاری که لازم باشد" بود و کلمه‌ای که آن را وصف می‌کرد "فوریت" بود. لجنه ملی نشر نفحات پیشنهاد کرده بود که جامعه امری آمریکا اهداف نقشه را در ۱۹ ماه به انجام رساند و این خود بر ضرورت فوری قیام یاران می‌افزود به طوری که، بعنوان مثال، ۶۹ نفر از نمایندگان و کسان دیگری که در کانونشن شرکت کرده بودند، تعهد کردند که به خارج از کشور مهاجرت کنند.

صبح روز شنبه ۲۲ می نمایندگان کانونشن که از روح همبستگی موجود در کانونشن به حرکت آمده بودند، در سالن اجتماعات مشرق‌الاذکار در طبقه زیرین آن معبد عظیم‌الشأن گرد هم آمدند و اعضای محفل روحانی ملی را به شرح زیر انتخاب کردند: جناب رابرت هندرسون Robert C. Henderson، خانم دورتی نلسن Dorothy W. Nelson، جناب ویلیام دیویس William E. Davis، جناب تاد یوئینگ Tod Ewing، جناب فیروز کاظم‌زاده، جناب جیمز نلسن James F. Nelson، خانم جوانا کانراد Juana Conrad، جناب جک مک‌کنتس Jack McCants و خانم آلبرتا دیز Alberta Deas.

محفل ملی جدید مدت کوتاهی پس از اعلان نتیجه انتخابات جلسه‌ای تشکیل داد و هیئت عامله آن بدین ترتیب انتخاب شد: جناب جیمز نلسن بعنوان رئیس، خانم دورتی نلسن بعنوان نایب رئیس، جناب رابرت هندرسون بعنوان منشی، جناب ویلیام دیویس بعنوان امین صندوق، جناب فیروز کاظم‌زاده بعنوان منشی امور خارجی و خانم جوانا کانراد بعنوان کمک منشی.

تمهید مقدمات

جناب رابرت هندرسون در ابتدای جلسات کانونشن مقدمات لازم را برای پیروزی در اجرای هدف‌های جامعه امری فراهم ساخت. ایشان نکات مثبت جامعه بهائی آمریکا را خاطر نشان کرد و مشکلاتی را که جامعه امری در آغاز نقشه سه ساله در پیش دارد باز شمرد.

دکتر هندرسون نخست اشاره‌ای به این موضوع کرد که خدماتی که داوطلبانه صورت گیرد، اساس حیات جامعه بهائی است. خدمات بی‌دریغ یاران در مدارس و مؤسسات بهائی و استفاده از متخصصان در رشته‌های گوناگون سبب می‌شود که سالانه صدها هزار دلار در مخارج صرفه‌جوئی شود. دکتر هندرسون همچنین از خدمات شایان یاران جهت برگزاری دومین کنگره جهانی بهائی قدردانی کرد.

سپس جناب هندرسون اظهار داشت که تقدیم تبرعات به صندوق‌های امری اهمیت بسیار دارد. ایشان گفت که جامعه بهائی در سال گذشته به ثبوت رساند که چه اهمیتی برای امور روحانی قائل است، با این حال امور اداری جامعه و نیز اتمام بنای ساختمان‌های کوه کرمل مستلزم افزایش چشمگیر تبرعات است.

مشکل دیگری که دکتر هندرسون به آن اشاره کرد، کمی تعداد احباء بود که در واقع یک اشکال اساسی در جامعه جهانی بهائی است. نقشه سه ساله متضمن رشد معتنابه جامعه بهائی به نحوی بی‌سابقه است. شمار اعضاء جامعه بهائی کمتر از آن است که جامعه بهائی آمریکا بتواند تأثیری را که در فرامین

ترجمه عریضه نمایندگان کانونشن ملی

خطاب به بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی مورخ ۲۱ می ۱۹۹۳ LETTER FROM CONVENTION DELEGATES TO THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

اعضای محبوب و محترم، نمایندگان هشتاد و چهارمین کانونشن ملی بهائی در حضور مشاور بین‌المللی جناب فرد شکتر Fred Schechter و مشاورین قاره‌ای خانم جکلین دلاهانت Jacqueline Delahunt و خانم ویلما الیس Wilma Ellis و جناب ویلیام رابرتس William Roberts مسرورند که مراتب ستایش و قدردانی خود را نسبت به خدمات خستگی‌ناپذیر محفل روحانی ملی در طی سال مقدس ابراز نمایند.

نمایندگان حاضر در کانونشن با الهام گرفتن از تأثیرات پرتوان کتاب مستطاب اقدس و تلاش برای حصول تقلیب روحانی فردی و نیز با استفاده از فرصت‌های بی‌شماری که در مرحله کنونی تکامل اجتماعی مردم کره زمین وجود دارد، شادمانه اصول سه‌گانه پیام رضوان معهد اعلی را لبیک می‌گویند.

به انتظار تسجیل دسته‌جمعی مردمان عزم آن داریم که از طریق مطالعه آثار مبارکه و توسعه چشمگیر منابع انسانی و پیشگامی در راه تحقق اهداف مربوط به وحدت نژادی و توجه به وظائف مقدسی که حضرت عبدالبهاء در فرامین تبلیغی بر دوش ما نهاده‌اند، مساعی خود را دوچندان نمائیم. به فرموده معهد اعلی "در حصن حصین قوانین و احکام الهی جرأت و امان یافته‌ایم."

در این ساعات تیره پیش از دمیدن صبح با اتکاء به ادعیه بیت‌العدل اعظم در حق این جمع مطمئنیم که همه دشواری‌هائی که در پیش داریم به پیروزی‌هائی چشمگیر بدل خواهد شد. نمایندگان هشتاد و چهارمین کانونشن ملی بهائی

ترجمه نامه نمایندگان هشتاد و چهارمین کانونشن ملی بهائی

خطاب به جمیع محافل روحانی محلی در ایالات متحده مورخ ۲۳ می ۱۹۹۳ LETTER FROM CONVENTION DELEGATES TO LSA’S

محافل محترم روحانی محلی، در سایه مقدس‌ترین مشرق‌الاذکار بهائی جای گرفته‌ایم. حضور پرمهر چهار تن از اعضای هیئت مشاورین راهنمای ما بوده است. وظیفه مقدس روحانی خود را که انتخاب اعضای محفل روحانی ملی بوده است، به انجام رسانده‌ایم و مفاد پیام رضوان سال ۱۵۰ بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی بر لوح قلب نقش گرفته است. اکنون ما نمایندگان هشتاد و چهارمین کانونشن ملی مایلیم اساس نظم بدیع حضرت بهاءالله را که همانا محافل روحانی محلی است، مخاطب داریم.

لزوم و فوریتی آشکار در بسیاری از مذاکرات و مشاورات ما حس می‌شد. این فوریت ما را بر آن می‌دارد که آن را با شما در میان نهیم. مشاورین عزیزمان پیشنهاد کرده‌اند که قیود اجرای امور به نحو معمول را رها کنیم و بی‌هیچ پروائی پیام الهی را به گوش همگان برسانیم.

لجنه جدیدالانتصاب نشر نفحات ما را به مبارزه فرا خوانده است که اهداف نقشه سه ساله را در طی ۱۹ ماه به انجام رسانیم. ۶۹ نفر از حاضران درخواست مهاجرت به سرزمین‌های گوناگون را برای برافراشتن علم امر بهاء در آن نقاط پاسخ گفتند. همچنین پیشنهادی به محفل روحانی ملی گرامیمان داده شد که شور و نشور تبلیغ دسته‌جمعی را دوباره ایجاد نمائیم.

بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی "ارتباط متقابل بین تبلیغ امرالله و اداره امور تشکیلاتی" را خاطر نشان ساخته و تأکید فرموده اند که "نقشه مذکور معیار عزم اهل بهاء در سبیل استفاده از فرصت‌های بی‌شماری است که در مرحله کنونی تکامل اجتماعی مردم کره زمین وجود دارد." مشاورین عزیز تقاضا فرمودند که در این مرحله از پیشرفت امر مبارک در وظائف خود نسبت به معهد اعلی کوتاهی نورزیم. محفل روحانی ملی نیز مشتاق است که اخبار اقدامات روزافزون افراد احباء را که باید با حمایت و کمک و تشویق محافل محلی همراه باشد، دریافت دارد.

به دلائلی که در بالا گفته شد، خود را ملزم یافتیم که این اقدام بی‌سابقه را به عمل آوریم و هر یک از محافل روحانی را مستقیماً مخاطب قرار دهیم. بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی در پیام رضوان گوشزد فرموده‌اند که محافل روحانی محلی بعنوان تشکیلات اولیه موظفند "محبت و پشتیبانی یاران را که تحت حمایت خویش دارند به خود جلب کنند و تعداد هر چه بیشتری از افراد را در انجام وظائف امری سهیم سازند." همچنین معهد اعلی خاطر نشان ساخته‌اند که مسئولیت نهائی تبلیغ امرالله بر عهدۀ فرد بهائی است و این هر یک از اعضای محافل روحانی را نیز در بر می‌گیرد.

بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی صلا داده‌اند که "به دیدار سپیده دم رهسپار شوید." اما اکنون تیره ترین ساعات شب را می‌گذرانیم و بحرانی در برابر داریم. زمان حاضر هم دوران بحران ماست و هم لحظه دستیابی به شکوهی جاودان.

افتخار و شرف ماست که اقدامی را که حضرت عبدالبهاء آغاز فرمودند و آرزو داشتند به انجام رسانند، به پیش رانیم. همصدا با حضرت عبدالبهاء دعا می‌کنیم که "امیدوارم که در این خصوص همت عظیمه نمائید و یقین است که مؤید و موفق خواهید گشت." نمایندگان هشتاد و چهارمین کانونشن ملی بهائی [Page 23]

Randolph Bolles Chute, who battled long illness to serve Cause in U.S., abroad, dies in San Diego

Randolph Husayn Bolles Chute died April 30 in San Diego, California. Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, he pioneered to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) with his family during the Ten Year World Crusade while still a child. Back in the States, Mr. Chute battled illness to serve the Cause devotedly in San Diego; Charlottesville; Tucson, Arizona, where he earned a degree in architecture in 1988; and as a homefront pioneer for three years to Lemon Grove, California.

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rú-híyyih Khánum, one of Mr. Chute’s relatives, said in a message to his family: "...however acute our grief at losing beloved Randolph, we cannot for a moment forget his pure and noble nature, his steadfast consecration to Bahá’u’lláh’s Cause, his meek endurance of so much pain and physical adversity in what was to be a short life."

Treasurer from page 5

blies report to the National Assembly. The Internal Revenue Service has changed its record-keeping methods, however, and needs an individualized number for each local Assembly. Often, the IRS will send application forms for tax exemption along with the letter notifying the local Assembly of its tax identification number, but this does not mean that the Assembly’s tax-exempt status is in question. No application for tax exemption need be made by local Assemblies at the present time.

How important is the ACS (Automatic Contribution) program to the Bahá’í National Fund?

Very important! As the friends have become more comfortable with the idea, more of them, and more Assemblies and Groups, have signed up. Today, roughly one-quarter of all contributions processed at the Bahá’í National Center for the various funds comes via the ACS. This is a tremendous help to the National Assembly in its planning and budgeting processes.

Can we still earmark our contributions?

Certainly. The National Assembly has never indicated the contrary to the friends because the freedom of the believers to specify the amount and the purpose of their donations is a basic principle of the Funds. The guidance of the central institutions of the Faith does urge the friends, however, not to restrict their gifts too much, so as not to tie the institutions’ hands in meeting their many obligations.

News briefs

On April 24, the Bahá’í community of San Diego hosted a special cultural program devoted to Kurdistan.

More than 150 people gathered at the Bahá’í Center in San Diego to enjoy a program presented by the Kurdish Cultural Center of North America directed by Husayn Al-Kurdi.

A highlight of "Kurdish Night" was the presentation of the KCC Lifetime Service Award to noted Kurdish educator Bahia Farajullah Al-Kurdi Gulick, a Bahá’í from Sun City, Arizona.

Mrs. Gulick reminded her audience of Bahá’u’lláh’s historic exile to Kurdistan, where He lived for more than two years as an exile from His country, His community and His family.

Friendly relations were established among Bahá’ís and Kurds in the San Diego area, with future interactions anticipated.

Susan Hegarty, an actress from California who portrayed Juliet Thompson in a dramatic presentation at the second Bahá’í World Congress last November, was in Indianapolis, Indiana, in February, starring in the play, "And a Nightingale Sang." The play’s program, which includes short biographical sketches of cast members, says, "Most recently Ms. Hegarty performed for over 30,000 people at the Bahá’í World Congress in New York City, highlights of which were broadcast by satellite around the world."

Ms. Hegarty, who teaches the Faith wherever she appears, presented copies of "The Vision of Race Unity" to members of the cast.

Vajih Mohtashami, pioneer to Belize, dies in accident

Vajih Mohtashami, a pioneer to Belize from Iran who had lived and studied in the U.S. for a time and had many friends here, died January 29 as the result of a traffic accident.

The Universal House of Justice sent the following cable to the National Spiritual Assembly of Belize:

"Deeply grieved accidental death devoted pioneer Vajih Mohtashami. Praying Holy Shrines progress his worthy soul and loving support his dear wife Layli and children."

As a part of their Ridván celebration, children from Ewing Township, New Jersey, ages 5-16, held a musicale and cookie party for residents of a local home for senior citizens. Performing were the Bahá’í children’s chorus, led by Martha Yazhari of Montgomery, and flutist Layla Yazhari (pictured), a high school sophomore who played 'Syrinx' by Debussy. Following the music, the 30-35 residents were served refreshments by the young Bahá’ís who had baked the cookies themselves.

Dorothea Lacy, former pioneer to Switzerland, dies

Dorothea S. Lacy, a former pioneer to Switzerland, died April 7 at her home in Bellaire, Texas, following a long illness.

Mrs. Lacy, born the daughter of a Presbyterian minister in Trenton, Tennessee, was introduced to the Faith in 1942 by her sister, Sarah. Dorothea embraced the Cause in 1946, served on the Spiritual Assembly of Houston, and, in 1961, pioneered to Switzerland with her husband, Ed, and six-year-old son, Neil.

Their service in Locarno was cut short after more than a year when Mrs. Lacy was diagnosed with breast cancer and forced to return to the States. After recovering from her illness she became a homefront pioneer to Bellaire, serving as secretary when its first Assembly was formed in 1968 and as a member until her death.

IN MEMORIAM

Atlanta, GA Carrie C. Andrews Date Unknown

Payam Behrouzi San Jose, CA May 3, 1993

Willie E. Benson Megget, SC Date Unknown

Rudy Bethune Sumter, SC June 3, 1992

Nether Brisbane Wadmalaw Island, SC Date Unknown

Marion Bromell Georgetown, SC Date Unknown

Johnny Brown Andrews, SC Date Unknown

Julia Brown Johnsonville, SC Date Unknown

Robert Lee Brown McDonough, GA Date Unknown

Mary E. Bruce Darlington, SC Date Unknown

Walter Brunson Mullins, SC Date Unknown

Gladys Buchanan Cheraw, SC Date Unknown

Candace Burgess New Zion, SC Date Unknown

Binnie Cain Sumter, SC Date Unknown

Janet Carlisle Houston, TX April 13, 1993

Connie Chough Mesa, AZ Date Unknown

Herman Chough Mesa, AZ December 15, 1992

Randolph Chute San Diego, CA April 30, 1993

Irene Davis Sumter, SC Date Unknown

Wilson Eaddy Gresham, SC Date Unknown

Robert Elliot Concord, NH Date Unknown

Barbara Ellison San Luis Obispo, CA 1989

Peggy Jean Foley Miami, FL March 31, 1992

Thomas Ford Georgetown, SC Date Unknown

Elis Gamble Cades, SC Date Unknown

Thomas Ganzy Cheraw, SC Date Unknown

James Graham Johnsonville, SC Date Unknown

Lucille Gravatt Fort Thompson, SC Date Unknown

Bertha Green Megget, SC Date Unknown

Rufus Green Georgetown, SC Date Unknown

Willie Godbolt Marion, SC Date Unknown

Rose Halmos San Luis Obispo, CA 1992

Bahram Hamedian Houston, TX March 24, 1993

Marcelina Harvey South Tucson, AZ Date Unknown

Grover Hickson St. Matthews, SC Date Unknown

Mitchell Holmes Georgetown, SC December 1992

Mary K. Hughes Mullins, SC Date Unknown

Edwin Iron Rope Porcupine, SD March 25, 1993

Lillie James Rimini, SC Date Unknown

Marvin Johnson Smyrna, DE 1992

Virginia Kalaiwaa Woodburn, OR Date Unknown

Danny Klepper Wichita Falls, TX April 23, 1993

Willie Knowlin Pee Dee, SC Date Unknown

Lorraine Kroll Temple Terrace, FL April 6, 1993

Dorothea S. Lacy Bellaire, TX April 7, 1993

Margaret Laine Guadalupe, CA 1992

Julia Laster McDonough, GA Date Unknown

Thomas Mack Wadmalaw Island, SC Date Unknown

Arnold McBride Dillon, SC Date Unknown

Alifair McCants Latta, SC 1992

Augustine Mirabel Taos Pueblo, NM January 6, 1993

Rose Montgomery Timmonsville, SC Date Unknown

Frances Patrick Warrensville Hts., OH May 3, 1993

Vernice Perry Chesapeake, VA Date Unknown

Alonzo A. Phelan Bismarck, ND October 1990

Keo Pipathsouk Rockford, IL March 5, 1993

Vicki Reeves Briarcliff Manor, MN Date Unknown

Joe Reid Mullins, SC Date Unknown

Fred H. Reis Niagara Falls, NY April 1993

Anny Rice Georgetown, SC February 1993

Roosevelt Rogers Cheraw, SC February 1993

Edna L. Roth Arlington Hts., IL April 22, 1993

Dr. M. Iraj Rouhani Athens, GA May 4, 1993

Felice Sadgwar Wilmington, NC December 26, 1986

Clery Salley Swansea, SC Date Unknown

James Samuels Pee Dee, SC Date Unknown

Joe Samuels Pee Dee, SC Date Unknown

Ethel M. Sims Oakwood Village, OH May 3, 1993

John R. Simms McDonough, GA Date Unknown

Elsie M. Smith Northboro, MA April 20, 1993.

Charlotte Sokolitz Birmingham, MI April 8, 1993

Ethel Sparks McDonough, GA Date Unknown

Roger Stops Crow Agency, MT October 30, 1991

Genie B. Stroud McDonough, GA Date Unknown

Helen M. Tiles Meggett, SC Date Unknown

Concepcion Tolentino Somerton, AZ Date Unknown

Estelle Thurmon McDonough, GA Date Unknown

Francis Wazlavek Akron, OH April 19, 1991

Lilla P. Weaver McDonough, GA Date Unknown

Jimmy White Holly Hill, SC Date Unknown

Leroy Williams Timmonsville, SC Date Unknown

C.J. Woodear Gresham, SC Date Unknown. [Page 24]A race unity gathering was held last fall on the Navajo Reservation in Mexican Springs, New Mexico. The event was sponsored by the Bahá’í Group of Tohatchi and was held in a tepee erected by Monte Yellowhorse and friends on a high hill with views of up to 60 miles. The “talking circle”-style discussion was led by Cyndi Busher of Flagstaff, Arizona.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.	To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of The American Bahá’í, send your new address and your mailing label to MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know what your new address will be.	This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.

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

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

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

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

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area code \_\_\_\_\_\_ Phone number \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Name \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): Area code \_\_\_\_\_\_ Phone number \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Name \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Area code \_\_\_\_\_\_ Phone number \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Name \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

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

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

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUNE

14-August 22: William Sears Teaching Project, San Francisco, California. For information, contact the Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco, 170 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94103.

JULY

3-8: Persian-American Bahá’í Studies Program, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

3-8: “Law and Society: The Kitáb-i-Aqdas” and “The Next Phase in the Evolution of the Bahá’í Community,” Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

4-31: World Order Studies program, Landegg Academy, Switzerland.

10-15: Junior Youth Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School. Information: phone 408-423-3387.

10-23: Day Camp session, Treehaven Institute, Kyle, South Dakota, sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Pass Creek. For information, write to Treehaven Institute, Box 407, Kyle, SD 57752, or phone 605-455-2621.

11-17: Camp Louhelen, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

17-22: “The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Charter of a World Civilization” and “The Next Phase in the Evolution of the Bahá’í Community,” Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

18-23: Junior Youth Institute, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

18-August 8: Bahá’í Junior Youth Academy, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

22-25: Bahá’í Black Men’s Gathering (sponsored by Counselor William Roberts), Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

23-25: Models of Race Unity, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

23-25: Hemlock Haven Bahá’í Conference, Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, Virginia. Theme: “For the Love of Bahá’u’lláh.” Speakers: William Davis, Trudy White. Cost: $86 (adults), $61 (children). Registration information: Judy and Marcus Potts, 703-387-2106; Maggie Hewitt, 703-783-7884.

23-25: Unity of Hearts Teaching Conference, Fountain, Michigan. Focus: How to teach American Indians and ways and means of achieving it. Pre-registration is encouraged. For information, phone Kathy Racki, 715-694-2326, or Payam Nadimi, 312-338-2722.

24-29: “The Bahá’í Concept of Law” and “The Vision of Race Unity: Changing Attitudes and Impelling Action,” Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

30-August 1: Family and Friends: Session One, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

31-August 5: Junior Youth Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

AUGUST

6-11: Family and Friends: Session Two, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

7-12: “The Dynamics of Group and Individual Action” and “Law for a New Age: A Study of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas,” Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

13-18: Family and Friends: Session Three, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

20-26: Summer Festival ’93, Landegg Academy, Switzerland.

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.

27-29: Eleventh annual Massanetta Springs Conference, Harrisonburg, Virginia, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Staunton. Theme: “Building the New World Order.” Please register by July 15. Two nights, six meals: adults $96, youth $72, children $52. Jim Lamb, \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Staunton, VA 24401 (phone 703-885-6996).

27-29: Young Black Males’ Conference (co-sponsored with South Carolina Action Council for Cross-Cultural Mental Health and Human Services), Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

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.

31-September 5: Bahá’í Youth Service Corps Training and Pioneer Training Institute, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

SEPTEMBER

10-12: “Faith, Family and the Future,” annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Confirmed presenters: Counselor Wilma Ellis, Marguerite Sears, Louise Matthias, Sharon and Carl Ewing. Special program for youth; children’s classes, nursery. For information, phone 303-928-0543.

17-19: Green Lake Bahá’í Conference, American Baptist Assembly Conference Grounds, Green Lake, Wisconsin. To make housing reservations, phone 1-800-558-8898.

24-26: Peace Fest ’93 and South Carolina Peace Week, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

26: 81st memorial service for 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.

DECEMBER

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