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[Page 1]KAMÁL B.E. 151 / AUGUST 1, 1994 VOLUME 25, NUMBER 11

The American Bahá’í

Celebrating the centenary

Scott Bivans of Topton, Pennsylvania, enjoying his first visit to Green Acre Bahá’í School, paints a likeness of the newly rededicated Sarah Farmer Inn in the American Impressionist style. Photos by John McNair.

Green Acre triple ceremony draws 800; restoration of historic Inn is a ‘triumph’

By Marie McNair

"We wanted this to be a memorable occasion," Ray LaBelle, director of the Green Acre Bahá’í School, told the nearly 800 Bahá’ís and their guests who had gathered at the school over the July 4 weekend to take part in an historic "triple celebration":

• the grand reopening and dedication of the newly remodeled Sarah Farmer Inn;
• the 100th anniversary of the founding of Green Acre by Miss Farmer;
• the 100th anniversary of the raising of the world’s first known Peace Flag.

But "memorable" is too mild a word to describe the profound feelings of love, joy and gratitude for Bahá’u’lláh’s blessings felt by everyone whose privilege it was to be at Green Acre for this once-in-a-lifetime ceremony.

James Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, and National Assembly member Alberta Deas hold aloft the peace flag as the choir sings in praise.

The occasion was blessed by the presence of Counselors Wilma Ellis and William Roberts—both of whom have given constant and unwavering support to the Green Acre restoration program since its inception eight years ago—and the members of the National Spiritual Assembly under whose guidance the program has been carried out.

Others taking part included Bahá’ís from across the country and from such far-away places as Alaska, Australia, Ghana and Haiti, and a number of dignitaries and residents from Eliot, Maine, the city in which the school is located.

Formal sessions and evening concerts were held beneath a large tent erected on the Green Acre campus in which more than 700 chairs were placed. The flag-raising ceremony was held on Saturday afternoon, with the Farmer Inn formally dedicated the following day.

Saturday evening’s public concert included music by popular vocalist Red Grammer and the 12-member Bahá’í Gospel Choir.

On Sunday evening, vocalist Gordi Munro performed for Bahá’ís and their guests, as did the jazz quintet Iridescence.

See GREEN ACRE page 10

Chicago banquet an opportunity to look back, forward

By Tom Mennillo

They came to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Bahá’í Faith in North America. They left rededicated to a vision of human nobility and to the service of humanity.

The occasion was a gala banquet June 26 in the dramatic setting of Navy Pier, jutting from midtown Chicago into the waters of Lake Michigan.

The location was appropriate.

It was in Chicago that the Bahá’í Faith was first publicly mentioned in the West, at the 1893 World Parliament of Religions.

Chicago is where the first Americans to become Bahá’ís began to study the Faith in June 1894, and where the first Bahá’í community later was organized.

15-year-old Carlos Slater presents a look into the future at the Chicago banquet.

And it was the Bahá’ís in Chicago who petitioned ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1903 for permission to fund and build the Mother Temple of the West. Land just north of the city in Wilmette eventually was purchased for the holiest House of Worship, which was dedicated in 1953.

With all that in mind, more than 550 people gathered at Navy Pier for an evening of glowing tributes, stirring performances, fond reminiscences, and clear-eyed looks forward.

Among them were Counselors Steven Birkland and Wilma Ellis, who greeted the assemblage on behalf of believers "from Greenland to the tip of South America" in the hundreds of Bahá’í localities the American community was so instrumental in raising up.

Six members of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly and members of the National Assemblies of Canada and Alaska also were present, as were dozens of friends of the Faith from the worlds of politics, religion and business.

These people, many of whom have worked closely alongside the Cause, included the consul general of India to Chicago; the village president of Wilmette, Illinois, and the mayors of Evanston and Wheeling; Lakota medicine man Pete Catches Jr.; and several members of the board of directors of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, held last fall in Chicago.

See BANQUET page 5 [Page 2]

You can transform your home into a 'garden of God'

So you have a seeker who is eager to attend a fireside and the regular monthly community fireside is three weeks away. She has already read Thief in the Night in two days and is asking all the right questions. What will you do?

You rush to call the next nearest community and learn that the host family of their bi-weekly community fireside is away on vacation. Wait! Before you contact your cousin who lives more than two hours away, this may be a new beginning.

How would you like to see your home transformed into a garden of God and a paradise of His happiness?

‘Abdu’l-Bahá writes, "Blessed art thou for having opened the door of thy home unto the people to come and hear of the Kingdom; know that in every home where God is praised and prayed to, and His Kingdom proclaimed, that home is a garden of God and a paradise of His happiness."

So how can you have a fireside in your small apartment, get a speaker and prepare all those refreshments like the one you are accustomed to attending?

Good news! In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, he writes, "One of the best ways to teach is what the Americans call a 'fireside,' in other words a little group of your friends in your own home, to whom you can introduce a few believers whom you feel would be congenial and help confirm them."

He further writes, "The fireside method of teaching seems to produce the greatest results; when each one invites friends into their homes once in 19 days and introduces them to the Faith. Close association and loving services affect the hearts and when the heart is affected, then the spirit can enter. It is the Holy Spirit that quickens and the friends must become channels for its diffusion." So you see, the more intimate the atmosphere, the more likely the Holy Spirit will affect the heart.

Now you don't have to wait for the next community fireside. It may be a bit too large anyway for a new seeker to ask those personal questions, and you will have the wonderful opportunity to exercise your individual responsibility for teaching.

The Guardian again writes the following, "The friends must realize their individual responsibility. Each must hold a fireside in his or her home once in 19 days, where new people are invited and where some phase of the Faith is mentioned and discussed. If this is done with the intent of showing Bahá’í hospitality and love, then there will be results."

This doesn't sound like the fireside you are accustomed to supporting? Well, perhaps now is the perfect time to make a change.

You may even want to suggest at the next Feast that instead of having one community fireside every 19 days, every family or individual may want to host their own fireside and plant several gardens of God all over the community.

Each one may be different from the other. One may just be you or your family and a seeker over for dinner. It could be a neighbor over for a cup of coffee or a relative for a social evening. You could team up with another Bahá’í who may not be allowed to host a fireside in their home or a child who would welcome the opportunity to help in the arrangements.

Whatever the case, the Guardian states, if you have "the intent of showing Bahá’í hospitality and love then there will be results."

So what are you waiting for? Call your friend. Try to do this once in 19 days for a while and watch your home become transformed. And don't forget to let us know the results!

The National Teaching Committee

Bahá’í high school senior quotes from Writings at interfaith baccalaureate

On April 24, Jared Hallock, a graduating high school senior, quoted from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh before an audience of 200 at an interfaith baccalaureate service at the Cloverdale Seventh Day Adventist Church in Boise, Idaho.

The service was the second annual celebration of religious freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Last year, another Bahá’í youth, Chris Ragland, presented a talk.

Jared Hallock spoke during a candle-lighting ceremony that began with several talks on "what the light of religious freedom means to me," ending with these words of Bahá’u’lláh: "O Lord! Make all mankind as stars shining from the same height of glory, as perfect fruits growing upon Thy tree of love."

The event was sponsored by Boise's Religious Freedom Committee, on which a representative of the Spiritual Assembly of Boise has served for several years.

HEAT Wave fireside campaign warms San Antonio

To prepare for the HEAT Wave fireside campaign in their area, the Bahá’ís of San Antonio, Texas, drafted an open letter to the people of that city containing a message about the Faith and an invitation to attend any of the special informational meetings to be held each evening during the 19-day HEAT Wave period.

An ad was placed in a weekly newspaper announcing regularly scheduled activities at the Bahá’í Center.

The HEAT Wave began in San Antonio with 19 continuous hours of prayer and nine separate firesides the first day. Firesides were held at the Bahá’í Center every evening during the month.

To acquaint those who live nearby with the Faith and the new Bahá’í Center, the Spiritual Assembly decided to deliver the "open letter" with its invitation to every resident within a one-mile radius of the Center.

In addition, each Bahá’í in the city was asked to present a copy of the open letter to a friend or acquaintance on each of the 19 days of that Bahá’í month.

During the first week of the HEAT Wave, five six-by 12-foot billboard signs were posted in various locations with the message "Bahá’u’lláh—The Promised One—Has Come."

On the evening of May 22, the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb was held at the Bahá’í Center following an afternoon performance of the Texas Bach Choir, two of whose members are Bahá’ís.

The enthusiasm has carried over into fund-raising, with a "unit" of $9,000 for the Arc raised in only three months. The community eagerly awaits other results of the unified efforts put forth during the HEAT Wave period.

Pictured is one of five billboards posted in May by the Bahá’ís of San Antonio, Texas.

Conference explores dynamics of religion and politics

Scholars and public figures from around the world gathered April 9-11 at the University of Maryland in College Park to explore the nature and dynamics of religion and politics.

The conference, entitled "Once Empires Fade: Religion, Ethnicity and the Possibilities for Peace," was co-sponsored by the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace, the Joseph and Rebecca Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Studies, and the university's Department of History.

It formed a part of the University of Maryland's Focus on Diversity, a three-week climax of the university's year-long initiative, "Moving Toward Community."

Among those taking part were Dr. Suheil Bushrui, a professor in the university's Center for International Development and Conflict Management and first holder of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace; Ernest Gellner of Cambridge University, director of the European Center for the Study of Nationalism; Paul-Marc Henry, an ambassador of France (the highest status a diplomat can achieve in the French Foreign Service) and a member of the Institute International Geopolitique; and more than 15 other speakers from around the world who shared diverse experiences and perspectives. [Page 3]

MISSION 19 (3 MONTHS TO GO!)

U.S. Bahá’í Community Current Goals and Status • Kamál 151 • August 1, 1994

TOTAL ENROLLMENTS OF NEW BELIEVERS

June	205
Year to date	462

THE FUND

(Preliminary, June 30, 1994)

FOUR MAJOR FUNDS

• Goal for 151 B.E.: $25,000,000
• Contributions to Date: $2,462,945

NATIONAL FUND

• Total: $2,130,270

INTERNATIONAL FUND

• From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $36,076
• Earmarked Dollars: $39,767
• Total Contributions: $75,843

ARC PROJECTS FUND

• From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $592,717
• Earmarked Dollars: $274,778
• Total Contributions: $867,495

CONTINENTAL FUND

• From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $20,000
• Earmarked Dollars: $18,130
• Total Contributions: $38,130

TARGETING THE CITIES OF 50,000-PLUS POPULATION WITH NO LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Among the goals for the establishment of 150 new local Spiritual Assemblies during the Three Year Plan is cities with populations of 50,000 or more. The maps below of six major population centers pinpoint several ‎of cities cities‎ of this size that do not have Assemblies. They’re just waiting for you to help in raising Assemblies through traveling teaching or homefront pioneering! So, please, choose a target area and contact the National Teaching Office at 708-733-3494 for the name of a Bahá’í contact in or near that locality.

DETROIT AREA CITIES

• ROCHESTER HILLS
• PONTIAC
• TROY
• ROYAL OAK
• LIVONIA
• WESTLAND
• STERLING HEIGHTS
• WARREN
• ROSEVILLE
• ST CLAIR SHORES
• DEARBORN HEIGHTS
• TAYLOR

CONNECTICUT, MASSACHUSETTS & RHODE ISLAND CITIES

• HAVERHILL
• LAWRENCE
• LYNN
• QUINCY
• BROCKTON
• PAWTUCKET
• CHICOPEE
• BRISTOL
• WATERBURY
• DANBURY
• NEW BRITAIN
• MERIDEN
• WEST HAVEN
• NORWALK
• NEW BEDFORD
• FALL RIVER
• EAST PROVIDENCE
• CRANSTON

CHICAGO AREA CITIES

• SCHAUMBURG
• MOUNT PROSPECT
• DES PLAINES
• CICERO
• OAK LAWN
• HAMMOND

NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY CITIES

• CLIFTON
• EAST ORANGE
• IRVINGTON
• ELIZABETH
• PATERSON
• UNION CITY
• NEWARK
• BAYONNE

LOS ANGELES AREA CITIES

• MONTEREY PARK
• MONTEBELLO
• PICO RIVERA
• HUNTINGTON PARK
• SOUTH GATE
• LYNWOOD
• COMPTON
• CARSON
• BELLFLOWER
• CERRITOS
• ROSEMEAD
• ALHAMBRA
• EL MONTE
• BALDWIN PARK
• WEST COVINA
• FONTANA
• CHINO
• WESTMINSTER

NORTHEAST OHIO CITIES

• LAKEWOOD
• LORAIN
• ELYRIA
• PARMA
• AKRON
• CANTON
• WARREN
• YOUNGSTOWN

[Page 4]

Reprising the call for pioneers for the Three Year Plan

(The following letter from the Universal House of Justice, which first appeared in the August 20, 1993, issue of The American Bahá’í, is of such continuing importance as we near the midway point of the Three Year Plan that it is being reprinted here with the list of goals for pioneers that accompanied it.)

To the Bahá’ís of the world

Dear Bahá’í friends,

Integral to the success and development of the Cause of God is the continual deployment of pioneers and traveling teachers throughout the world. During the course of the Six Year Plan more than 4,000 Bahá’ís left their homes to serve as either short-term or long-term pioneers in other lands. This is an indication of the increased mobility that the modern world provides, and of the believers' eagerness to advance the Cause wherever the need is greatest. It suggests that new methods must be adopted to make the best use of this massive flow of Bahá’ís.

We have therefore decided, in consultation with the International Teaching Center, to adopt a new pattern for the pioneer call for the Three Year Plan. The essence of this method is that friends may arise from anywhere in the world to pioneer to any other part of the world. There are few places where long-term and short-term pioneers and traveling teachers are not needed. But the needs vary in nature, intensity and urgency. To help each volunteer to choose his or her goal, a list of four categories has been prepared to indicate the particular needs. These four categories comprise countries and territories where:

1. there are now especially fertile opportunities for the rapid spread of the Faith that must be urgently met;

2. the Faith is established, but pioneers are needed to stimulate the process of growth and to assist in the opening of new centers;

3. the process of expansion and consolidation has a significant momentum, but there is a need for pioneers who can undertake specific tasks, such as arousing the interest of prominent people, strengthening the communities in certain areas, or assisting with projects of social and economic development;

4. pioneers are greatly needed, but entry is difficult because of restrictions on Bahá’í activity, lack of security, or other circumstances. These conditions present a need for believers who will resourcefully seek out opportunities for pioneering.

The list is attached to this letter for the information of every Bahá’í. More detailed information about many of the countries is being supplied to National Spiritual Assemblies and also to the Continental Boards of Counselors and Continental Pioneer Committees. Both the list and detailed information will be periodically updated as the outflow of pioneers and traveling teachers begins to meet current needs. Notification of areas of especially urgent concern will also be supplied from time to time.

Many National Assemblies have offered, among their international collaboration goals, to raise up a given number of pioneers and traveling teachers during the Three Year Plan. But, as indicated above, even from those countries which have specified no such goal, the friends should feel free to offer their services.

Any Bahá’í who has the urge to serve as a traveling teacher, or as a pioneer for a short or long term, should immediately contact his (or her) National Spiritual Assembly or appropriate national committee to obtain advice and additional information. He can also consult a Counselor or Auxiliary Board member, and write to a Continental Pioneer Committee. Through prayer and consultation, and after considering his own particular experience, inclinations and possibilities, he can choose his goal area and, confidently relying on the confirming power of Bahá’u’lláh, set out to serve the Cause of his Lord in distant lands.

There are still vast areas of the world where no Bahá’ís have set foot. There are millions desperately thirsting for this Water of Life. There are countries where believers are laboring day and night to foster the growth of the tree of the Cause, and are in urgent need of reinforcements. It is our fervent prayer at the Sacred Threshold that stalwart, self-sacrificing friends will arise and that a wave of pioneers and traveling teachers will surge forth to raise the banner of the Cause and reinforce the cohorts of God in every land.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice June 27, 1993

CATEGORY 1

The following are countries and territories where there are now especially fertile opportunities for the rapid spread of the Faith that must be urgently met.

Africa—Benin, Congo Republic, Djibouti (Ethiopia), Equatorial Guinea*+, Guinea, Guinea Bissau. Americas—Nicaragua. Asia—Asiatic Russia including Sakhalin, Azerbaijan, Cambodia)*, Georgia, Kazakhstan Kirgystan*, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.* Europe—Albania*, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland+, Russia*, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Ukraine.

CATEGORY 2

The following are countries and territories where the Faith is established, but pioneers are needed to stimulate the process of growth and to assist in the opening of new centers.

Africa—Bophuthatswana, Botswana+, Burkina, Burundi, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Ciskei, Gabon, The Gambia, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi*+, Mali, Namibia, Niger, Réunion, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal+, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, St. Helena*, Tanzania, Transkei, Uganda, Venda. Americas—Argentina, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, Bahamas, Bermuda, Chile, Dominica*, East Leeward Islands, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe+, Guatemala*, Jamaica including the Cayman Islands, Martinique+, Mexico, Paraguay+, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, West Leeward Islands.+ Asia—Andaman and Nicobar Islands, South Korea+, Sri Lanka, Thailand. Australasia—Cook Islands+, Eastern Caroline Islands*+, Fiji Islands, Kiribati, Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands+, Nauru, New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands+, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Caroline Islands. Europe—Andorra, Azores, Belgium+, Channel Islands, Corsica, Cyprus, Denmark, Elba, Estonia Faroe Islands, Finland, Gibraltar, Greece+, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania*, Madeira, Malta, Monaco, Portugal+, Sardinia, Spitzbergen.

CATEGORY 3

The following are countries and territories where the process of expansion and consolidation has a significant momentum, but there is a need for pioneers who can undertake specific tasks, such as arousing the interest of prominent people, strengthening the communities in certain areas, or assisting with projects of social and economic development.

Africa—Cameroon, Chad*, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland+, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Americas—Barbados, Belize+, Bolivia+, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica+, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Haiti+, Honduras, Panama+, Peru, Suriname*, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela. Asia—Bangladesh, Hong Kong+, India*, Japan*, Macaw+, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Taiwan. Australasia—Papua New Guinea+, Samoa. Europe—Canary Islands+, Iceland, Romania.*

CATEGORY 4

The following are countries and territories where pioneers are greatly needed, but entry is difficult because of restrictions on Bahá’í activity, lack of security, or other circumstances. These conditions present a need for believers who will resourcefully seek out opportunities for pioneering.

Africa—Angola, Comoros, Liberia, Mauritania, Mozambique, Somalia, Togo+, Zaire. Americas—Cuba. Asia—Afghanistan, Armenia, Bhutan, Brunei, Indonesia, North Korea, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Tadzhikistan*, Vietnam. Australasia—French Polynesia*, Wallis and Fortuna.

\* Need for traveling teachers specified, to date \+ Opportunities for youth

Information on the specific needs of many of these countries is available from the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091. Telephone 708-733-3508; fax 708-733-3509.

International opportunities and events this summer

Now through Sept. 15: CROATIA AND SLOVENIA's "Istria Sunshine Project" under the auspices of the regional teaching committee for Croatia and Slovenia, which writes that "It seems that many of our Bahá’í friends in other countries have been reluctant to serve in Croatia in the past few years due to their concern about the [political] conditions....The area of Croatia that the project will be in is very safe. It is also beautiful and most importantly, the population is receptive."

July 28-Aug 13: The "Jolly Viking Project: Conquering the FAROE ISLANDS." Work with the friends from the United Kingdom, Iceland, Denmark, Norway and other countries to increase the human resources of the Faith in this beautiful land, and move toward the establishment of a National Spiritual Assembly for the Faroe Islands.

August: Follow-up teaching campaign in ALBANIA, where thousands became Bahá’ís last summer as a result of the "Open Letter" project. Pioneers and traveling teachers are urgently needed for two to four weeks during August to deepen these new believers and continue enrolling the thousands of others who are waiting.

Aug. 6-14: Bahá’í Summer School of IRELAND. Theme: "Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations in its exigencies and requiremments." Programs for children, youth and adults.

Aug. 9-15: 1994 summer school of HUNGARY. Topics to include: The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Spiritual Transformation, Entry by Troops. Guest speakers to include Counselor Louis Hénuzet. "Beautifully located on lake Balaton, some 150 km from Budapest, offering a wide variety of free-time activities and sports." Cost: $200/person/week.

Aug. 13-20: Second annual Performing Arts Summer Academy, ENGLAND. Intensive professional workshops in drama, dance, vocal [Page 5]

Banquet shows intertwining of Faith, nation

Continued from page 1

In the evening’s keynote address, they heard Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary for External Affairs of the National Spiritual Assembly, trace how intertwined are the ideals of the Faith and of the nation as a whole.

Thornton Chase, Corinne True and the other early believers undertook the construction of the Temple as an expression of such shared longings as unity, peace, and spiritual solutions to economic problems, Mr. Kazemzadeh explained.

In that, he said, they echoed the mission of America that Bahá’u’lláh Himself proclaimed and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá amplified: to combat oppression and proclaim justice at home and abroad.

Notice, said Mr. Kazemzadeh, that in Bahá’u’lláh’s vision the people of various races are not merely to be tolerated but are the channels through which God manifests Himself in the world.

Obedient to that vision, the Bahá’ís have produced something unique in the world today: a truly integrated society.

But that dedication to unity must be redoubled as the Faith enters its second century in America, he said. The United States is in the midst of a tragedy encompassing a loss of moral purpose and a spiritual breakdown. Our diversity is beginning to turn into divisiveness.

Out of this must come a unifying vision, said Mr. Kazemzadeh, and it can come only from agreement on the nature of humankind and the nature of human souls.

One short phrase, he said, expresses Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for the human race: “Noble have I created thee.” Until we recover our nobility, he said, we will not solve the problems that beset us.

The Bahá’í Faith brings to the world a revival of that ideal, Mr. Kazemzadeh said, and as its second century here begins, the Faith marches in the vanguard of history—toward a future of unity and peace.

Tributes from well-known Americans who were unable to attend the banquet echoed that theme.

U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun of Illinois sent a letter commending “all the members of the Bahá’í Faith in Chicago and across the country on your many achievements and contributions. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís is not only a pillar of leadership in the community, but a symbol of strength for future generations.”

U.S. Rep. John Edward Porter of Illinois sent his greetings. Banquet emcee Dorothy W. Nelson, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, noted Rep. Porter’s unwavering support in bringing the plight of the Bahá’ís in Iran to the attention of Congress.

U.S. Rep. Benjamin Gilman of New York, another stalwart in the struggle to obtain human rights for the Bahá’ís in Iran, also wrote to express his continued friendship:

“I salute those who have maintained their faith in the face of repression, who have too often paid the supreme price for their belief. I am also proud that this country, whose shores throughout our history have provided a haven for those fleeing religious intolerance elsewhere in the world, has been able to provide a place where the Bahá’ís can worship and practice the tenets of their faith in peace and harmony with other Americans.

“I applaud the many lasting contributions made by Bahá’ís to our prosperity, tolerance and mutual understanding. I wish every success to you and your members as you embark upon the second century of association between Bahá’ís and the United States of America.”

Proclamations signed by Gov. Jim Edgar of Illinois and Mayor Richard M. Daley of Chicago were read, declaring June 26 to be Bahá’í Centenary Day in the state and the city.

For those fortunate enough to attend the banquet, the evening’s special spirit was evident from the opening strains of “See the Light of His Glory,” written by Jack Lenz, Jimmy Seals and Tom Price and sung by a Bahá’í choir directed by Mr. Price.

Carlos Slater, a 15-year-old Bahá’í from Downers Grove, Illinois, continued the theme, describing the historical progression of civilization from unity of the family to that of the tribe, city/state, and nation, and declaring that with the remarkable inventions of this age of instant communication the world truly is becoming “like one home.”

Of course, what better demonstration of the diversity of peoples inhabiting that global community than the Parade of Nations at the second Bahá’í World Congress in New York City? To their delight, banquet attendees were treated to a video presentation of that soul-stirring event.

The prayer for unity and peace revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Chicago on May 12, 1912, then was read by a representative of the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago.

The scene was thus set for a recollection of people and events that shaped the first century of the Faith in North America.

It was offered in the form of a wonderful “family album” video presentation narrated by Sylvia B.P. Parmelee of Wilmette, who has richly experienced 84 of those 100 years.

As the audience’s attention was drawn to a huge screen on the stage, the album’s “pages” were turned to reveal images from the formation of the Bahá’í Faith on this continent.

First shown were the earliest believers, the precious few whose lifeline to the Center of the Cause was occasional letters but whose faith propelled them to the monumental undertaking of financing and constructing the Mother Temple of the West.

They were represented by Thornton Chase, a Civil War commander of black soldiers who prospered as a Chicago insurance executive and was designated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the first American Bahá’í, and such stalwarts as Phoebe Hearst, Robert Turner, Lua Getsinger, May Maxwell and Sarah Farmer.

Next were such trailblazers as Martha Root, who circled the globe three times for the Faith; George and Coralie Franklin Cook, tireless workers for the education of black Americans; Corinne True, instrumental in building the Temple; entertainment figures such as Carole Lombard, Charles Wolcott and William Sears whose contributions to the Cause transcended all boundaries; and Elsie Austin, one of five members of the National Spiritual Assembly whose resignations in 1953 to pioneer overseas galvanized a World Crusade that saw the opening of 100 countries to the Faith in a matter of months.

The family album also told the stories in photographs of Bahá’í involvement in the race unity movement in this country; the first and second Bahá’í World Congresses; the election in 1963 of the first Universal House of Justice; mass teaching in the South in the 1960s and ’70s; and recent breakthroughs in the arenas of peace, education, and social and economic development.

Following a performance of “Blessed Is the Spot,” the prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that was set to music by Charles Wolcott for the dedication of the Mother Temple of the West, it was left to Mr. Kazemzadeh to put the first century in perspective and point toward the future.

Patricia Locke, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, followed Mr. Kazemzadeh’s address, reading the prayer for America revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Chicago on April 30, 1912.

Fittingly, the evening ended with vocalist Carla Baker, a Bahá’í from New Orleans, and the choir bringing the Bahá’ís and guests out of their seats with “Stand Up and Say Yes,” a lively gospel-flavored composition by Allen Toussaint.

The Grand Ballroom (above) at Navy Pier proved a magnificent setting. Magnificent as well were Carla Baker and the Bahá’í choir (left). [Page 6]

THE PURPOSE OF PHYSICAL REALITY II

The Arc of Ascent

The Purpose of Physical Reality II by John S. Hatcher SC $21.95 / CODE—AAS

The long-awaited sequel to The Purpose of Physical Reality: The Kingdom of Names. The book is “a masterly exposition on the evolution of the human spirit, employing literature, philosophy, theology, psychology and history to demonstrate the ultimate purpose of an all-loving Creator,” says Dr. Duane Troxel, Associate Professor, University of Colorado at Denver. It is also “an enlightening book for a seeker of truth whether it be from the standpoint of theology, art, history or just a hunger to ‘see the light at the end of the tunnel,’” says Jack B. McCants, Ph.D.

8-1/4" x 5-1/2", 385pp., acknowledgments, table of contents, preface, ‎blbliography bibliography‎, references George Ronald, Publisher

On the Shoulders of Giants

by Craig Loehle SC $9.95 / CODE—OSG

Isaac Newton is famous for his statement that if he saw farther than others it was because he stood on the shoulders of giants. The theme of this book is the same: what we can see when our perspective is elevated. If we combine science and religion in a genuine partnership, we will be able to solve problems that have bedeviled humanity for thousands of years. Mr. Loehle’s essays explore how the partnership of science and religion can be used to address real problems and issues such as racism.

7" x 4-1/2", 201pp., contents, acknowledgments, introduction, ‎blbliography bibliography‎, references George Ronald, Publisher

Becoming Your True Self

by Daniel C. Jordan SC $6.00 / CODE—BYTS

Becoming Your True Self offers a concise and challenging analysis of human nature and reveals how each of us can achieve both fulfillment and happiness in life. It explores the search for truth and meaning in a secular world and presents the worldwide Bahá’í community as a successful model of personal and social transformation. Daniel Jordan explains how the followers of Bahá’u’lláh are inspired to realize their true potential and to contribute to the healing and development of the wider community in which they live.

5-3/4" x 8-1/4", 61pp., contents, Introduction, references Bahá’í Publishing Trust - United Kingdom

Robe of Light

The Persian Years of the Supreme Prophet Bahá’u’lláh 1817-1853 by David S. Ruhe HC $24.95 / CODE—ROL

In this study of the life of Bahá’u’lláh, Dr. David Ruhe focuses on the early years of Bahá’u’lláh’s life from His birth in 1817 to His banishment to Iraq in 1853. The book discusses that most mysterious time when, in the underground prison, Bahá’u’lláh became aware of His station as the Manifestation of God for this age and embarked on His world-embracing, world-healing mission.

9-1/2" x 6-1/4", 230pp., contents, list of illustrations, preface and acknowledgments, Introduction, appendices, glossary, ‎blbliography bibliography‎, references, Index George Ronald, Publisher

New From U.S. BPT

LIFE DEATH AND IMMORTALITY

The Journey of the Soul SC $10.95 / CODE—LDI

A comprehensive collection of Bahá’í sacred writings that examines the nature of the soul and its development. Chapters 1 through 5 explore fascinating questions such as What is the purpose of earthly existence? Is there life after death? What is true happiness? How do I develop myself spiritually? How will my actions in this earthly life affect me in the life hereafter? What will happen to my soul after I die? What will it be like after I die? Chapter 6 contains a helpful selection of prayers and meditations for spiritual awakening and development. More than a discussion of life after death, Life, Death, and Immortality explains the purpose of material and spiritual existence and encourages living in spiritually nurturing ways now and forever. An excellent book for anyone—Bahá’í and seeker alike—who is searching for meaning in life or interested in spiritual growth and development.

5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 193pp., table of contents, foreword, ‎blbliography bibliography‎, notes, appendices, list of references Bahá’í Publishing Trust - United States [Page 7]

Distribution

The Proofs of Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission SC $3.50 / CODE—PBMS

A wonderful new introductory compilation for seekers. Compiled from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice, this book is divided into easy-to-read sections. Sure to be a favorite.

4-1/2" x 7", 256pp., contents, introduction, preface, references, bibliography Palabra Publications

Melodies From the City of the Covenant CD $16.95 CS $10.95 / CODES—MFCCCD/MFCCCS

This unique album includes a special introduction in Persian by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, with chants by Hands of the Cause of God Dr. A. M. Varqá and Mr. A. A. Furútan. This collection of Persian music and chanting was recorded at the World Congress in New York, featuring Dr. Manoochehr Sadeghi on santour, accompanied by Behruz Sana’i on the zarb. A selection of prayers and poems is chanted and sung by Shokouh Rezai and Narges Nouhnejad.

78 minutes Live Unity Productions

The Secret by Jennifer Lemon illustrated by Mariya Daliri Beale SC $5.00 / CODE—S

Through this children’s story about seven little kangaroos and their difficulty in keeping a secret, parents and teachers are provided with an opportunity to introduce such concepts as confidentiality, secrecy, the dangers of gossiping and backbiting, and merits of independent investigation and truth. Suitable for ages 3–7 years.

10" x 8-1/4", 11pp. Bahá’í Publications ‎Australla Australia‎

The Vision of Shoghi Effendi Proceedings of the Association for Bahá’í ‎Studles Studies‎ 9th Annual Conference SC $22.50 / CODE—VSES

A collection of proceedings from the Ninth Annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies. The volume contains nineteen articles by esteemed international scholars, including Hands of the Cause of God A. A. Furútan, Dhikru’lláh Khádem, John A. Robarts, and A. M. Varqá and former member of the Universal House of Justice David Hofman.

5-7/8" x 9", 234pp., contents, preface, bibliography, bibliographical notes Association for Bahá’í Studies

Bahá’í Education Curriculum ‎Gulde Guide‎ for Parents and Teachers, Volume II SC $16.95 / CODE—BE2

Bahá’í Education, Volume II, is the second in a highly praised series of Bahá’í children’s education curriculum guides that facilitate teaching classes of children of mixed ages from early childhood to junior youth. Concepts are explained at different levels for each age group through a structured series of lesson plans. The book has been designed so that the activity pages can easily be photocopied. This volume contains units on the Love of God and Progressive Revelation.

8-1/2" x 11", 200pp. Bahá’í Publications ‎Australla Australia‎

BACK IN STOCK
The Advent of Divine Justice, PS	$3.00#
The Bahá’ís (magazine), SC	$1.25#
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, PS	$3.00#
The Hidden Words, HC	$11.00#
The Hidden Words, SC	$3.00#
The Secret of Divine ‎Civilizations Civilization‎, PS	$3.00#
Some Answered Questions, PS	$3.00#
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The Vision of Race Unity (10 and 100 packs), PA	$3.50 / $25.00
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SHIP TO __________________________________________________________________ AUA__

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

Classifieds

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 LOUHELEN Bahá’í School is seeking applicants to fill an anticipated vacancy for coordinator of property improvement. This is a regular, full-time permanent staff position, with salary and benefits appropriate to the core supervisory role it offers. The coordinator of property improvement oversees Louhelen’s maintenance and grounds department and is responsible for coordinating and assuring the maintenance, upkeep and over-all physical improvement of the school’s equipment, facilities and grounds. It is anticipated that the position will be available beginning December 1, 1994. ‎Interest Interested‎ persons may ask for more information and application materials from Dr. Rick Johnson, administrator, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 810-653-5033 (fax 810-653-7181).

THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School has an immediate opening for a full-time maintenance person. This person will be responsible for general maintenance and upkeep of the facility and grounds on a year-round basis. Candidates should have a good working knowledge of plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, preventive maintenance, basic carpentry and small engines. Three or more years experience in a similar position is required. Please send a letter of interest and résumé to the administrator, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 or phone 207-439-7200.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas. AFRICA: Angola—nurse health workers. Ghana—fledgling hospital facility seeks OB/GYN volunteers to provide care to low-income population. Eritrea—ophthalmologists. Mozambique—public health nurse. Tanzania—English/ESL teacher, arts/music teacher. Zambia—urgent need for math, physics, chemistry, French and geography teachers. AMÉRICAS: Nevis, West Indies—anesthetist/CRNA. ASIA: Macau—urgent need for teachers. Bangladesh—co-ordinator, training unit needed by CARE in-country programs. Cambodia—health educators. Mongolia—English language teachers, computer software instructor. Philippines—program social scientist to act as senior program officer for USAID-funded Biodiversity Conservation Network at regional office. Sri Lanka—area director responsible for managing over-all programmatic, administration and financial responsibility of managing CARE activities. EUROPE: Czech Republic—teachers of science, math, English, history and social sciences, foreign languages, Bahá’í studies. Latvia—project director/clinic administrator to set up community-based maternal/child health facility; health educator. Romania—Small Business Association adviser. MULTI-REGIONAL: The Peace Corps is recruiting 1,000 volunteers. The following professions are those most requested by host countries: agriculturalists, educators, nurses and other health professionals, skilled trade professionals and vocational educators, natural resources workers, engineers, business people, English teachers and fishery specialists. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091. Telephone 708-733-3512 or fax 708-733-3509.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

LOMITA, a small, quiet suburb in the South Bay area of Southern California at the foot of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, has lost three members of its active Bahá’í community to relocation and lost its Assembly status as well. Lomita, only 10 minutes from the beach, enjoys moderate weather year-round, and boasts such nearby attractions as Disneyland, ‎Knotts Knott’s‎ Berry Farm, skiing and ocean fishing. Three major universities—UCLA, USC and Cal State–Long Beach—are within commuting distance. The community is eager to re-form its Assembly with active Bahá’ís who are willing to become involved in teaching and intercommunity social and deepening activities. For more information, please phone Lauree DiPalma, 310-831-9760, or write to the Bahá’ís of Lomita, Lomita, CA 90717.

WESTLAND, Michigan, a goal city of the Three Year Plan, needs homefront pioneers to help form an Assembly. There are three adult Bahá’ís in Westland, so your help is needed. Westland is in west suburban Detroit, midway between its downtown area and Ann Arbor. Several major universities are near-by including the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. In Westland, you won’t be far from your job or from all of the cultural attractions of southeastern Michigan and southwestern Ontario, Canada. Westland is 20 miles from the Bahá’í Center in Detroit, and 80 miles from the Louhelen Bahá’í School. To help proclaim and teach the Faith in Westland, write to the Bahá’ís of Westland, Westland, MI 48185, or phone 313-467-6662 or 313-728-1509, or send an e-mail to rreini@delphi.com.

BOZEMAN, Montana: the last best place. A cultural center in a rural state. The Bahá’ís there would like to increase their diversity and ask that you consider what you can do to help. For college students and teachers, there is Montana State University with diverse programs such as engineering, liberal arts, music, nursing and more. For businessmen and women, there are the growing resources of the Gallatin Valley, the interstate highway system, the state’s second busiest airport, and an active financial community. For families, there are an exceptional school system, safe neighborhoods, many parks and recreational programs. For fun-lovers, there are five class facilities for skiing and easy access to Yellowstone, the world’s first national park. For those in the arts, there are five theatre groups, the Intermountain Opera Company, a symphony orchestra and choir, a multi-purpose arts center and more. If you can bring ethnic diversity to the Bahá’í community, you are especially welcome. Please phone 406-587-1739 and ask for Mr. or Mrs. Drong, or write to Bozeman, MT 59715.

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: Catherine M. Sullivan, Kathleen Sullivan, Bernice Summers, Valeska Suratt, Fay Swain (died Portland, OR, 1935), Mrs. F.H. Symms, Joan Lear Talley, William M. Tanzer, Myrtle Tatum and Ethel Mortensen Taylor. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking photographs of the Bahá’í community of Montreal, Canada, for its photograph collection. Please identify the photos if possible with names of individuals and dates. Anyone having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

== HELP WANTED in the NATIONAL TEACHING OFFICE == The office of the National Teaching Committee has undergone a recent restructuring in light of the present needs of the Faith. As a result, applications are being accepted for the following full-time positions: National Projects Administrator Responsible for executing projects sponsored by the National Teaching Committee. Some duties include: Manages national support of teaching throughout the U.S. Monitors nationally appointed task forces and national initiatives. Coordinates special activities and events. Experience: Proven project management skills; excellent verbal ability; strong analytical and management capacity; superior interpersonal skills; experience in teaching and familiarity with the principles of Bahá’í administration. Communications and Development Administrator Responsible for the communications and development agenda of the National Teaching Committee. Some duties include: Develops news and messages to the American Bahá’í community for use in print and audio/visual media. Facilitates the production of teaching and deepening materials. Gathers and analyzes information related to the teaching work. Experience: Professional background in writing and production for the media; superior writing skills; comprehensive knowledge of the Bahá’í Writings; proven ability in research and data analysis; ability to coordinate the work of volunteer task forces; excellent interpersonal skills. For more information or to apply, please write to the Office of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3427).

ITEMS AVAILABLE

NEED to complete your sets of Bahá’í News and National Bahá’í Review? We have some duplicates that you may have for the cost of postage. Includes a few issues of Bahá’í News dating back to 1961, most issues of the U.S. Supplement to Bahá’í News, 1960-63, and some more recent ones, and many issues of the National Bahá’í Review, 1968-70. For more information, please contact Lethia Draves, ———, Decatur, IL 62522 (phone 217-429-9341).

WANTED

WE ARE a Bahá’í family who live and teach in the inner city of a major urban center and would like to form a network of support and communication with others like ourselves. Are there friends out there who feel as we sometimes do—that we struggle alone, that the teaching challenges seem insurmountable, that the bittersweet bounty of serving here is little understood? Please write to us! The Powers family, ———, Phoenix, AZ 85006-3338.

VIDEO TAPE footage of Bahá’í classes for children and youth or related activities is wanted by the Bahá’í Education Resource Center of Australia. Don’t be concerned if the video is not of the highest quality, as much editing is anticipated. Footage should be about 15-30 minutes on a two-hour tape. Please send to P.O. Box 923, Leeton, NSW 2705, Australia. Phone (069) 556322.

MISCELLANEOUS

WE ARE collecting articles for an experimental “seekers” newsletter. Articles can be of any length and should explore the deeper implications of Bahá’í principles. Previously published articles are most welcome. If you have tried such an experiment already, please share your experiences with us. For more information, phone Chad Jones, 907-874-2013, or send submissions to: Impact Fireside Project, ———, Wrangell, AK 99929 (fax 907-874-2250).

I AM WORKING on a proposal for the National Spiritual Assembly for the development of “attachment parenting” curricula, specifically targeting infants to three-year-olds. If you practice attachment parenting or would like to know more about it, please write to Lysa Parker, ———, Madison, AL 35758, or phone 205-772-8161.

PICTURE postcard people: I am a Bahá’í from Australia working in Singapore as an English teacher. I am also a member of a loosely organized group in which people from all over the world exchange photographs, postcards, drawings, doodles, short poems, pictures, stamps, unsophisticated art—in fact, almost anything of postcard-size or less. I would like to exchange such things with Bahá’ís who are interested in art for fun’s sake, especially children who like to invent, draw, scribble, write, paste, etc. Please send me something—anything—and I will send you a postcard from Singapore, as well as the names and addresses of other Bahá’ís who are taking part in this exchange. Send to “Postcard People” c/o Colin Quin, ———, Chip Bee Gardens, Singapore 1027. I look forward to hearing from you.

SEVERAL young Bahá’í men from Uganda, Ghana and Togo (all countries in Africa) have written to the Bahá’í National Center asking for American Bahá’í pen pals. If anyone is interested in corresponding with one or more of these believers, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091, or phone 708-733-3508. [Page 9]

Hands of Cause present at National Conventions

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum represented the Universal House of Justice at the first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Cambodia, held April 22-24 in Phnom Penh, and cabled the following: “Visit Cambodia great success. Convention attended by over 200 believers comprising 16 nationalities; 8 out of 9 delegates present as well as two Counselors from Malaysia, Lee Lee Ludher and Shantha Sundram; in joyous spirit new National Spiritual Assembly elected; good press conference on our arrival with four reporters present covering events in English and Khmer and also television coverage which was shown on the national television.

“I feel now is the time to concentrate on not only encouraging and supporting newly formed National Bahá’í Assembly, but to concentrate on traveling teachers throughout that historic, vast and promising land. ...”

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum also represented the Universal House of Justice at the first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Mongolia last April 29-May 1. More than 70 Bahá’ís took part including friends from Ulaan Baatar, Darkhan, Erdenet, Sainshand, Bulgan and Olziit and Bahá’ís from 15 other countries. The Hand of the Cause reported: “Two Counselors attended the Convention, Rose Ong and Bijan Farid, also the sponsoring National Spiritual Assembly of Singapore was represented by its secretary-general. The Convention was a singularly joyous one. ...

“We were met at the airport by national television and spot coverage of the new National Spiritual Assembly, eight of whom are Mongolian and the ninth the Knight of Bahá’u’lláh for Mongolia. ...The Convention coverage was shown in some detail on national television on the 12th Day of Riḍván when all the Bahá’ís had gathered for the Feast in their newly rented Bahá’í Center. I had a well-attended press conference that lasted almost two hours with many interesting and perceptive questions. The new National Assembly gave a reception [that was] well attended by notables and officials including a number of ministers and the Chief Justice. ...During this period a number of Mongolians have embraced the Faith, among them one of Mongolia’s most famous traditional singers.”

Pictured are many of the more than 30 children who attended a Bahá’í Children’s Conference held June 26 at the Bahá’í Center in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. Besides prayer, song and refreshments, the conference consisted of talks on such topics as ‘Bahá’u’lláh Has Come,’ ‘Respect and Obedience to Parents,’ ‘Telling the Truth and Being Trustworthy,’ and ‘The Importance of Religion in All Things.’

The Universal House of Justice was represented at the first Regional Convention of the Bahá’ís of Slovenia and Croatia, held April 30-May 1 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, by the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá. Also taking part were Counselor Sohrab Youssefian, four members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Austria, and Bahá’ís from Slovenia, Croatia and 14 other countries. In honor of the first Regional Convention, the director of the Office of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia stated in a letter dated April 26: “Our hope is that your aspirations for world peace, the abolition of racial, religious, class and national prejudices, the establishment of the equality of men and women, and the development of high standards of character will be realized. All people of good will who suffer injustice in the world share these dreams with the Bahá’ís; therefore a collective effort is needed to achieve your desires.”

The first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Kazakhstan was held in Alma Ata with 120 Bahá’ís including 10 delegates from 12 towns taking part. The Universal House of Justice was represented by Counselor Lauretta King, a member of the International Teaching Center. Also present were Counselor Abbas Katirai, representing the Counselors in Asia, and Shamsi Sedaghat, a representative of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Central Asia. “The high spirit of the Convention,” it was reported, “inspired 27 local participants to volunteer for travel-teaching and pioneering in various parts of Kazakhstan.”

On April 23-24, Counselor King represented the Universal House of Justice at the first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Kyrgyzstan, held at the National Library in Bishkek with more than 150 adults, youth and children from many parts of the country taking part. Also present were Counselor Katirai and Dr. Ezzatullah Safapour, “who commenced emblazoning the name of Bahá’u’lláh in our homeland.”

Another member of the International Teaching Center, Counselor Shapoor Monadjem, was the Universal House of Justice’s representative in late April and early May at the first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Tajikistan in Dushanbe. Also present were Counselor Burḥání’d-Dín Afshin and two Auxiliary Board members. “In a most spiritual attitude and a heavenly atmosphere,” the friends reported, “while beseeching His Holy Threshold for confirmation through prayers and supplications, we engaged ourselves in electing the National Spiritual Assembly.”

Counselor Monadjem, again representing the Universal House of Justice, and Counselor Afshin were present April 22-24 at the first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Uzbekistan, held in Tashkent. “This momentous occasion,” it was reported, “reached its highlight when, in an atmosphere of prayer and contemplation, the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Uzbekistan was elected by the delegates; thus yet another pillar of the Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh was established.”

On March 8, the Bahá’í Vocational Institute for Rural Women in Indore, India, in collaboration with the Indore branch of the All-India Women’s Conference, observed International Women’s Day with a workshop entitled “Preparation for the Fourth World Conference on Women—1995.” More than 100 women and a few men attended the event. The workshop had two main goals: to contribute to preparations for the fourth World Conference on Women to be held in Beijing, China, in September 1995; and to identify the role of the woman as an agent of social change within the family and community. Presentations and consultations were focused on the themes of the World Conference—equality, development, and peace.

A successful training seminar for Bahá’í youth from England and Wales was held April 15-17 in Liverpool, England. Organized by the European Bahá’í Youth Council and the National Bahá’í Youth Committee, the seminar was attended by 33 youth and conducted by members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom, members of the Auxiliary Board, and a member of the Bahá’í Youth Council. The seminar served to introduce the young people to the vision of “a new movement among a new generation of Bahá’í youth in Europe” and challenged them to extend their vision to their contemporaries both within and without the Bahá’í community. It also emphasized the important mission of Bahá’í youth in these crucial years leading to the establishment of the Lesser Peace.

A model of the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel, as well as drawings of it and other works by the late Hand of the Cause of God and architect William Sutherland Maxwell, was recently seen by an estimated 70,000 people during the course of its exhibition in Montreal, Quebec City, St. John and other major cities in Canada. The work was part of a traveling display entitled “The Architecture of Edward and W.S. Maxwell,” sponsored by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

HUQÚQU’LLÁH

Payments for Huqúqu’lláh should be made to “The Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust” and sent to one of the Trustees:

• Dr. Elsie Austin, 9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, Unit 612, Silver Spring MD 20901 (telephone 301-589-8481).
• Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (telephone 310-394-5449).
• Mr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (telephone 216-333-1506).

Inquiries regarding Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116. [Page 10]The big-tent rededication ceremony (right) on July 3 for the Sarah Farmer Inn was a peaceful scene (above) for all ages involved.

Children and youth (above) take time out for a pickup game of soccer.

The youth group Agents of Change (right) performs at the Sarah Farmer Inn rededication.

(From left) Liz and Ray LeBelle and Manny and Janet Reimer pose under the newly rehung portrait of Sarah Farmer in the Inn.

Green Acre spirit ‘reflection of’ Arc projects

Continued from page 1

After the concerts, the paths along which the audience walked when leaving the tent were lit by 120 candles held within paper lanterns, much like those that were used during ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Green Acre in 1912.

It was during that historic visit that the Master said that one day a great Bahá’í university would be established at Green Acre.

At Saturday morning’s session, Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Assembly’s secretary for External Affairs, recounted the history of Green Acre and how Sarah Farmer established it as a part of her search for spiritual truth before she had heard of the Faith and its teachings.

“This place had a mission from the outset,” he said. “That mission is enlightenment in the broadest possible sense. From its inception Green Acre was a spreader of knowledge, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said it would continue to do so.”

After introducing the other members of the National Assembly who were present, Judge James Nelson, chairman of the National Assembly, said the restoration of Green Acre “is a spiritual and material triumph. If ever pride were appropriate, we may be quite proud of what has been done here.”

“When I walked into that building [the Sarah Farmer Inn],” said Counselor Roberts, “I was in shock. It is extraordinary, beautiful, majestic, calming, peaceful and precious. The spirit that is here is a reflection of that which is going on at the World Center [building the Arc on Mount Carmel].”

More than 700 people attended Saturday afternoon’s flag-raising ceremony which honored the hope for world peace expressed by Sarah Farmer at a similar event a century ago.

“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world,” said Counselor Ellis. “This place is far more historic than anyone here can imagine. In the history of Green Acre, you can see God’s divine Hand.

“What I love most about Sarah Farmer,” the Counselor continued, “is that she kept going. This day should be devoted to her. There is something wonderful about her being a woman working for peace.”

After music by the Bahá’í Gospel Choir, the audience left the tent and proceeded to a flag pole next to Bahá’í Hall (also newly renovated) where the flag was hoisted for all to see.

Both Counselors spoke at Sunday morning’s program in the tent, which ended with a “town meeting” at which the Counselors and members of the National Spiritual Assembly invited the audience to share their thoughts, experiences and successes, and to ask whatever questions they wished.

Speaking of the imperative need to [Page 11]teach the Cause to everyone on earth, Counselor Roberts said that “we must open the gates to involve more and more people in the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

“There is nothing more important in this day than mentioning His Name and teaching the Cause of God.”

Counselor Ellis spoke of unity in diversity, especially with respect to diversity in music. “We should get ourselves around people who are different from us,” she said, “so that we’ll be able to handle and appreciate those differences.”

As for teaching, she said, “we need to understand that we only open our mouths and Bahá’u’lláh does the rest. Once we get this in our minds we will be effective teachers.”

Ken Bowers, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, shared news of recent teaching victories around the country, calling attention to the importance of teaching activities by youth, such as the “Army of Light” campaign, in helping the ‎Bahá’ícommunity Bahá’í community‎ to reach its goal of entry by troops.

“The spirit released at the World Congress,” he observed, “has been released into the generality of humankind.”

The Sunday morning session also included a performance by the Boston Bahá’í Youth Workshop.

The dedication ceremony that afternoon for the Sarah Farmer Inn included music by the group Agents of Change and by Mr. Grammer; talks by Counselor Roberts, National Assembly member Patricia Locke, and Mr. LaBelle; and reminiscences of Green Acre by Auxiliary Board members Tahereh Ahdieh, Eugene Andrews and Sally Foo.

The Sarah Farmer Inn, built in 1890, has been completely restored, retaining the distinctive character and styling of its turn-of-the-century architecture.

All the guest rooms have been enhanced and upgraded to offer comfortable accommodations. Many have been furnished with period pieces to capture the essence of the historic Inn.

The room in which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed in 1912 has been lovingly restored and is reserved for prayer and meditation.

During the dedication ceremony, long-time Bahá’ís Janet and Manny Reimer were given the honor of replacing the portrait of Sarah Farmer above the fireplace in the Sarah Farmer room as it had been before the renovation was begun.

Throughout the weekend, tours of the Inn were conducted by Bahá’ís who were not residing on campus.

To accommodate the needs of those who were not staying at the school for the ceremonies, a large food tent was set up with proceeds from food and book sales used to defray the costs incurred during the weekend.

The glorious three-day event was capped by the news that two of the visitors to Green Acre had declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

Red Grammer (above left) provides a treat for rededication attendees while Auxiliary Board member Sally Foo (above right) finds the bookstore to her liking. (All photographs on pages 10-11 are by John McNair)

(Left) What is a Bahá’í event if it isn’t a reunion?

This beautifully carved sign greets visitors to Green Acre Bahá’í School.

(Above) The Bahá’í Gospel Choir was a stalwart group, contributing its talents on many occasions during the gala weekend.

One visitor who will never forget her weekend at Green Acre is Michelle Burke of Charlemont, Massachusetts, shown moments after she signed her declaration card.

A visitor to Green Acre adds his name to the many on the guest register. [Page 12]

Media and the Faith

Conference explores art of attracting masses

By Tom Mennillo

The sky’s the limit for proclaiming the Cause through media, say Bahá’í communicators.

With satellites ever-circling the globe, the sky might also be the next place to look for delivery of teaching and deepening materials to Bahá’í individuals and communities.

A Satellite Initiative Task Force was one of several ideas to come out of a Bahá’í Media/Arts/Teaching Conference held July 1-4 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The conference, sponsored by Pavón International and the Spiritual Assembly of Nashville, drew more than 50 participants to the Nashville Bahá’í Center.

Over four days, they discussed strategies for spreading the Faith through traditional media of communication including radio, television and print.

They also explored such exciting avenues as CD-ROM and the “information highway” of online computer services.

Content wasn’t ignored, though.

Live singing, dancing and poetry—even improvisational cello—emotionally demonstrated the power of the arts as a teacher.

And videos such as the new “Spiritual Revolution II” series gave proof that high-quality materials exist that Bahá’ís would be proud to show any seeker.

Conference organizer Marcia Day of Beverly Hills, California, set the expectations for the weekend.

About 15 years ago she had attended a conference in Peru on media, she said. It opened with a short film of Counselor Raul Pavón raising the antenna in Ecuador for the planet’s first Bahá’í radio station.

What was most significant, she said, was not the inauguration of Radio Bahá’í but the two years Counselor Pavón and his family spent preparing broadcast materials to air once that day arrived.

Those of us in the media today must now be preparing materials for all strata of society, she said, in anticipation that regular outlets will be found to deliver those materials.

If we do that, we might experience the kind of grateful reception she got in South America when an Amerindian woman embraced a radio and exclaimed, “My Lord Bahá’u’lláh speaks to me each day through Radio Bahá’í.”

Counselor Isabel de Sanchez of Lima, Peru, echoed Ms. Day.

Noting that through technology we can reach so many people so easily, she called those in the media and arts “pioneers in the fullest sense.”

“Art is of the human spirit,” Counselor de Sanchez said through interpreter Thomas Kavelin of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. “You will show this human spirit to the world.”

Auxiliary Board member Mary K. Radpour of Chattanooga, Tennessee, extended the theme to all Bahá’ís, indicating there is room for everyone to help in proclaiming the Cause through media.

Some are creative, she said, while others can be involved in recording and still others can help raise funds. And everyone can find ways to become “instruments of God” by using the materials to further the Faith.

Mrs. Radpour challenged attendees to listen to people’s needs, then develop materials that address even the questions they haven’t voiced.

In that way, she said, hearts will be opened to the transforming message of Bahá’u’lláh.

That is what Bahá’ís in south Florida are attempting to do with their “attraction” approach to entry by troops.

The project, as reported to the conference by Ed Price of Boca Raton, Lee Brocius of Miami and Dennis Godsey of Pompano Beach, aims to shift the paradigm of how we use our teaching energy and resources.

In most communities, they pointed out, about 90 percent of time is spent on “prospecting” for seekers and only 10 percent on actual teaching.

But if the media are used effectively, they said, people will “come to us” and we can devote our main energies to “loving them” into the Faith.

The Floridians identified several qualities a successful media project must have: a spiritual foundation for teaching, effective listening and communications skills, confidence in core Bahá’í knowledge, a welcoming of diversity, and support for the Funds.

Money is especially important if paid advertising is chosen to anchor a media campaign. Many Bahá’í communities in an area must share the financial—as well as the human resources—burdens of the project.

Any campaign must also be sustainable, they said.

Money raised for it must be “new money” so that the project does not cause a hardship to those who have already sacrificed to support the Funds and does not take away from those Funds.

Mechanisms for individual teaching and for consolidation of those who come into the Faith also must be in place.

The medium on which the Floridians have chosen to focus is paid television advertising. They mapped out for attendees how a television campaign might work.

First, they said, the community must position itself by forging an identity in the public mind that is positive and consistent. TV ads typically consist of a theme, a tag line, and a logo. The proposed tag line for the south Florida spots is “Say: All things are of God,” from Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 222.

The ads then must be reinforced for maximum impact, they said. Radio and print ads might promote the campaign, and local materials can be developed for handout to those who express interest in the Faith.

Other avenues for reaching the public were touted throughout the conference:

• Radio.

Proclamation through radio is quite similar in strategy, according to Mark St. Clair of Tallahassee, Florida.

A community, he said, first must identify the particular audience it wants to reach and define that group in demographic and lifestyle terms.

Then a station or stations that will reach that audience and has affordable air time available must be found.

In negotiating with a station general manager, the community must keep in mind that contracts typically are for 13 weeks, billing is monthly, and the more time you buy the less expensive it is per

A public meeting during the conference gave participants an opportunity to perform. (Top photo) Gwendolyn Marie Watson plucks on her cello during devotions. (Second from top) Vytas Reid involves the audience in a rap. (Third from top) Mary Davis sings a selection from her latest tape. (Bottom) Billie Crofts and Thomas Kavelin tell what the Faith means to them. [Page 13]

Vision in Action

(Left photo) Participants in the first Bahá’í Media/Arts Conference gather outside the Nashville Bahá’í Center.

(Below) Counselor Isabel de Sanchez makes a point during a small-group discussion.

(Right photo) Conference organizer Marcia Day (right) talks with some conference participants about regional follow-up sessions planned for the coming year.

hour. Ask, he said, whether the show will be promoted on the air.

Of course, the show can be promoted in other ways, Mr. St. Clair said, including formal advertising and informal "getting the word out" through friends and seekers.

He suggested assembling a feedback file so the community can regularly evaluate the program and its impact.

What kind of program can a community air?

Mr. St. Clair listed such sources of material as live call-ins; interviews; commentaries/editorials; letters from listeners or questions from listeners via phone; person-on-street interviews; speeches, talks, or lectures; reports of an event; music; magazine-style features; documentaries, and dramas.

The program does not have to be a full half-hour, he said. Spots up to a minute long or modules of three to four minutes might be purchased.

In any format, he added, the community must be careful to tailor the show to its audience.

The voices heard, language used, music played, length of program, and pace of editing all must be appropriate, he said, for the group that will be listening.

• Public access cable television.

This medium also is well within reach of Bahá’ís, said Mark Vaccaro of Speedway, Indiana.

Cable access is mandated by law, he said, with the only stipulations that programs be of interest to the community and be sponsored by a group in the community.

Many cable companies offer free training on their video cameras and editing machines, he said. Then Bahá’ís rent the equipment to film a program.

Mr. Vaccaro said many Bahá’í communities choose, however, to run already recorded programs. These they borrow from other communities or purchase from an outlet such as the Visual Services Office of the International Bahá’í Audio Visual Center. A local contact number can be appended to these tapes when shown.

• Radio and television spots that do not specifically mention the Faith but address issues from a Bahá’í perspective.

These have been used successfully by Greg Ives of Portland, Oregon. An example is an advertisement for an adoption service that he played for the audience.

• CD-ROM and the "information superhighway."

Jim Cheal of Satellite Beach, Florida, told the conference that the mathematical language of "ones" and "zeroes" used in computers represents a universal language that the Faith can use right now to reach out with the message of Bahá’u’lláh.

Bahá’ís, he said, can network with each other and communicate with seekers instantaneously through services such as America Online and the Internet.

For media people, the possibilities are endless, he said. Professionals working in various media can collaborate on projects no matter where they live, to produce materials with much greater impact than any one medium could achieve.

Mr. Cheal termed CD-ROM an ideal way to distribute such teaching and deepening materials because compact disc drives hold thousands of images or words of information in a fully interactive form.

In fact, some Bahá’ís are already working on instructional materials that take advantage of that capability, he said.

• Satellite transmission.

The biggest stir at the conference was caused by a proposal designed to deliver Bahá’í materials to individuals and communities via satellites.

Doug Ruhe of Newburgh, New York, explained that time can be purchased on satellites either to beam programs directly to a target audience or to make programs available for Bahá’ís to record for use in their teaching and deepening.

Marcia Day and several other participants consulted long hours during the conference to organize a Satellite Initiative Task Force that will offer to the National Spiritual Assembly "our skills, resources, and dedication to put into place a vehicle that will emblazon the name of Bahá’u’lláh to the masses."

Excitement also was generated by a presentation on raising up local media task forces.

Parks Scott of Birmingham, Alabama, noted that the human resources and technology to "change the course of the world" was present in the room but hasn’t been harnessed.

The "pucker in the pickle" for doing that, he said, is a structure that will equip the Bahá’ís to handle any opportunity while ensuring institutional oversight by the institutions.

In Birmingham, he said, a media task force is evolving that consists of a steering committee and several "action teams."

He said the steering committee is made up of representatives of area Spiritual Assemblies operating under a written, approved mandate. This, he said, protects the Assemblies and saves them from having to consult on everything the task force does.

The action teams, by contrast, are made up of volunteers who coordinate such functions as materials production, finances, speakers, bookings, distribution, and hospitality.

When a media opportunity arises, these coordinators swing into action and oversee planning, he said. [Page 14]

Skokie Bahá’ís take part for second year in city’s gala Festival of Cultures

For the second year in a row, the Bahá’í community of Skokie, Illinois, took part May 20-22 in the Skokie Festival of Cultures.

The Festival, begun as an offshoot of the VOICES program (Valuing Our Image Concerning Ethnicity in Skokie), seeks to address the city’s growing multiculturalism and to foster communication among its various racial and ethnic groups.

Susan Fox, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Skokie, served on the executive board of the Festival’s planning committee and was chairman of the recruiting and volunteers committee.

Because of the significant Bahá’í presence, the Skokie Park District decided this year to expand the Festival by including an “interfaith” tent.

Although three other religious groups were represented, the colorful and well-designed Bahá’í display drew the most attention from the estimated 10,000 Festival-goers, while more than 600 children came to the Bahá’í button-making table to design their own buttons with the words “One Planet, One People...Please” printed across the top.

The Bahá’í display generated many questions and expressions of admiration. Many people accepted Bahá’í literature, and some signed up for tours of the House of Worship or expressed an interest in attending a fireside.

Pictured is the Bahá’í table in the ‘Interfaith Tent’ at the Skokie, Illinois, Festival of Cultures. Manning the table are Melinda Weaver (seated) and Linda Elarde, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Skokie.

Soil from 11 nations placed in Brazil’s ‘Peace Monument’

In June, soil from 11 nations—including samples taken from the source of the Nile River—was deposited into a distinctive “Peace Monument” to mark World Environment Day and the second anniversary of the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The five-meter, hourglass-shaped concrete and ceramic monument was created by the Bahá’í International Community in collaboration with the Bahá’í community of Brazil as a lasting symbol of the new spirit of cooperation that characterized the Earth Summit. In 1992, on the last day of the Earth Summit, soil from 40 nations was deposited in the monument, with soil from another 15 added in 1993.

The 11 countries who added soil this year were Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Kiribati, Liberia, Mauritius, Mexico, Norway, Suriname and Uganda.

As with the deposits made in 1992 during the Summit and again for World Environment Day in 1993, many of the samples came this year from historically significant sites.

The soil from Uganda is from the village of Jinja, which is at the headwaters of the Nile. The soil from Liberia was taken from the grounds of the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia, an important historic site where all of the country’s presidents take their oath of office.

The soil from Denmark was collected from the Grenen (Branch), the tongue land of Skagen where the Baltic Sea meets the waters of the North Sea and continuously alters the form of the continent with moving sand.

In previous years, soil has come from near the Great Wall in China; from the slopes of Swayambhu Hill in Kathmandu, Nepal, which has both an important Buddhist shrine and Hindu temple at its peak; and from Iceland’s most sacred and historic spot, the site of the first parliament, founded 1,100 years ago.

The inauguration of the Peace Monument was part of the closing ceremonies for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known See MONUMENT page 19

An Open Invitation

On Sunday September 25, 1994 the Bahá’ís of Inglewood California will host the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the declaration of Thornton Chase, the first American Bahá’í.

This centennial celebration comes one year after the unveiling of the new Thornton Chase monument made possible by the contributions of hundreds of Bahá’ís throughout the United States.

We invite you to attend ‎this years this year’s‎ centennial celebration, the 82nd annual memorial service. The 2 O’clock service will be held in Inglewood at Inglewood Park Cemetery, 720 East Florence Avenue, site of the Thornton Chase Monument. The committee is adding some new quotations on the back of the monument (quotations chosen from dozens sent in from around the country), and there will be several notable speakers to highlight this memorable event as well as refreshments to soothe the palates of all attendees.

For further information call 310/519-1811 or 310/419-0643

A cappella composition from Hidden Words premiered at Seattle, Washington, concert

Jerome Wright conducts the Seattle Girls’ Choir in a rehearsal of Matthew Levine’s piece taken from The Hidden Words.

An a cappella piece composed by Matthew Levine, a Bahá’í from Redmond, Washington, was premiered May 15 by the Seattle Girls’ Choir.

The song, taken from The Hidden Words No.3 (Arabic), was performed before 900 people at the non-Bahá’í choir’s spring concert.

Mr. Levine also recorded the choir for his latest album.

After the recording session, he gave copies of The Hidden Words and The Seven Valleys to Jerome Wright, founder and artistic director of the choir.

And he passed out booklets on the Bahá’í Faith to all the choir members. One girl exclaimed, “Oh, neat! The Bahá’í Faith. They believe in peace and stuff.” [Page 15]

Portland, Oregon, Assembly addresses goal of Plan by upgrading its operations

After more than a year of consultation, the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Oregon, acted recently to make its operations more efficient.

The Assembly created offices of the secretary and of the treasurer, and an office of community development is taking shape.

The new structure will involve more Bahá’ís in the affairs of their community, especially since the Assembly’s workload has grown to require more time than the members themselves can offer. The Assembly also wished to decentralize as many of its activities as possible.

The office of the secretary will initially include four positions serving under the direction of General Secretary Loie Mead: membership and records secretary; community relations secretary; filing secretary; and corresponding secretary. The Assembly’s recording secretary is Michael Sears.

The office of the treasurer will consist of Treasurer Skye Lininger and an assistant, Koroush Ghaemmaghami.

In looking to create an office of community development, the Assembly is responding to the Three Year Plan goal of developing human resources within the Bahá’í community.

Starting point for teaching Cause to American Indians is found in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablets of the Divine Plan

By Michael Bigler

The National Spiritual Assembly’s Three Year Plan states as one of its goals: “Settle at least 500 homefront pioneers on Indian Reservations, in the South and in other areas of greatest need.”

While success in meeting any teaching goal comes more easily when it is placed within the framework of the Writings, the starting point for understanding any teaching goal related to American Indians is within the Tablets of the Divine Plan:

“You must attach great importance to the Indians, the original inhabitants of America. For these souls may be likened unto the ancient inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula, who, prior to the Revelation of Muhammad, were like savages. When the Muhammadan Light shone forth in their midst, they became so enkindled that they shed illumination upon the world. Likewise, should these Indians be educated and properly guided, there can be no doubt that through the Divine Teachings they will become so enlightened that the whole earth will be illuminated.”

This paragraph, found within a Tablet that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá addressed to the believers in the U.S. and Canada, is very rarely accurately remembered.

Yet it may be the single most important statement for Indian people, inside or outside the Faith.

Not only does the paragraph confer a divine responsibility on the American believers to undertake Indian teaching, but it is within the set of Tablets that has given the reason for, structure of, and goals to the teaching plans of the American believers.

Indeed, these Tablets have shaped the American Bahá’í community, and the friends should study this extract carefully to understand what it requires as well as promises in the area of Indian teaching.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement offers a vision of the glory that awaits the Indian people of the American continents. This is remarkable because almost nowhere else can Indian people turn for the promise of a glorious future in which their yet-to-be-developed qualities will serve all of humankind.

This promise, which is conditioned upon education and guidance from the Divine Teachings, is not exclusive. It does not say that spiritual leadership will be given to the American Indians, or that there is any sort of superior quality of spirituality on the part of the native peoples.

Those two notions would be removed from the unific concepts of the Faith brought by Bahá’u’lláh and would be offensive to the Indians themselves.

Instead, the promise that is actually held out for the native people of America is far greater, as explained by Shoghi Effendi.

The Guardian gave both an objective and an intent to the work when he wrote that it would lead to the Indians realizing “that they are equals and partners in the affairs of the Cause of God, and that Bahá’u’lláh is the Manifestation of God for them.”

This small statement, found in A Special Measure of Love, offers a powerful remedy for the pain that the Indian people suffer.

When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s promise is studied with the elaboration of the Guardian’s statements, the way in which the rest of the Writings speak to the Indian people starts to clear, and the road to accomplishing the teaching work opens up.

---

“Know thou the value of these days... Beg thou God to make thee a lighted candle...”

The Bahá’í Faith is on the move, and we need ever increasing numbers of Bahá’ís to carry it forward.

Whether you are traveling or moving to a new home, a student or retired, a Bahá’í for many years or recently declared, call the National Teaching Office to find out where you can be of the most service. 708/733-3494

Help light unlit candles [Page 16]

Persian

در بیانیه‌ای که توسط حکمران ایالت ایلینوی امضاء شده بود، روز ۲۶ جون بعنوان "روز سدۀ بهائی" در ایلینوی نام گرفت.

اهمیت صد سال اول امر بهائی در آمریکای شمالی موضوع سخنرانی جناب دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده، منشی امور خارجی محفل روحانی ملی بود.

دکتر کاظم‌زاده نخست از پیوستگی نزدیک آرمان‌های امر بهائی و آرمان‌های ملت آمریکا سخن گفت. جناب تورنتن چیس ‎Thornton Cahse Thornton Chase‎ و دیگر احبای اولیه آمریکا بنای مشرق‌الاذکار را بعنوان اظهار آرمان‌هائی چون وحدت و صلح و تعدیل معیشت تلقی می‌کردند و در این راه اعمالشان بازتاب دستورهای حضرت بهاءالله بود که توسط حضرت عبدالبهاء اظهار می‌شد که با ستم بستیزند و دادگری پیشه کنند.

دکتر کاظم‌زاده گفت باید توجه کرد که نظر حضرت بهاءالله فقط این نیست که با مردمی که از نژادهای گوناگون باشند باید مدارا کرد، بلکه هیکل مبارک چنین تعلیم می‌دهند که آن مردم نشان خدا در جهانند.

ایشان سپس اظهار داشت که جامعۀ بهائی از آنجا که دستور حضرت بهاءالله را در مورد وحدت نژادی به دل پذیرفته توانسته است جامعۀ‌ای در این کشور ایجاد کند که به راستی اختلاط و اتحاد نژادی در آن به چشم می‌خورد. با این حال کوشش احباء در قرن دوم بهائی برای ایجاد وحدت باید مضاعف شود.

دکتر کاظم‌زاده گفت در حال حاضر ایالات متحده دستخوش گرفتاری‌های گوناگونی از جمله انحطاط روحانی و نداشتن هدفی روحانی است و تنوع و کثرتی که در این ملت وجود دارد به تفرقه تبدیل شده است. از این میان باید چشم‌اندازی وحدت بخش به در آید و این هنگامی رخ می‌دهد که در مورد اصل آدمی و آدمیت توافقی کلی حاصل شود.

جناب کاظم‌زاده چنین افزود که حضرت بهاءالله در این مورد فرموده‌اند "‎خلقنک خلقناک‎ عزیزاً [تو را شریف آفریده‌ام]". تا این شرافت را احراز نکنیم هیچ یک از مشکلاتی را داریم حل نخواهیم کرد. امر بهائی این آرمان را حیاتی تازه می‌بخشد.

آثار مبارکه حضرت نقطه اولی

WRITINGS OF THE BAB

نوشته دکتر آهنگ ربانی

(ادامه از شماره پیش)

دیانت مکرمه [حضرت نقطه اولی] به شریعت بیان و مؤمنین به حضرتش به پیروان بیان مشهور بودند. حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله جلت سلطنته در تمجید این سفر مجید می‌فرمایند، قوله الاحلی:

"این مصحف آسمانی را باید فی‌الحقیقه گنجینه‌ای از وعود و بشارات و شرح اوصاف و نعوت موعود دانست نه سنن و احکامی که دستور و نظام مستمر جامعۀ بشریه را تشکیل داده یا برای نسل‌های آتیۀ انسانی در قرون و اعصار متمادی مقرر شده باشد.... این منشور متضمن اصول و قواعد و احکام و فرائضی است که ‎متعمدآ متعمداً‎ به نحو شدید و غلیظ تشریع گردیده و منظور از آن انهدام تأسیسات عتیقه بالیه و ایقاظ رؤسای دین و انتباه غافلین از رقد غفلت و خمودت و ایجاد انقلاب و تحول جدید در قلوب نفوس و تمهید سبیل برای ظهور دور بدیع بوده است."

در مورد چاپ و طبع کتاب مستطاب بیان، حضرت عبدالبهاء می‌فرمایند:

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

(ادامه در شماره آینده)

مدرسه گرین ایکر

GREEN ACRE

حدود ۸۰۰ نفر از احباء و میهمانانشان در جلساتی که در تعطیلات ۴ جولای سال جاری در مدرسه بهائی گرین ایکر تشکیل می‌شد، شرکت کردند.

آقای ری لابل Ray Labelle، مدیر مدرسه مذکور خاطرنشان ساخت که شرکت‌کنندگان در یک جلسه تاریخی شرکت داشتند که هدف از تشکیل آن بزرگداشت سه رویداد بود: افتتاح مجدد مهمانخانه بازسازی شده سارا فارمر Sarah Farmer، صدمین سالگرد تأسیس مدرسه گرین ایکر توسط خانم سارا فارمر، و صدمین سالگرد برافراشتن اولین پرچم صلح در جهان.

در این مجالس بزرگداشت مشاورین قاره‌ای خانم ویلما الیس و جناب ویلیام رابرتس و اعضای محفل روحانی ملی و یارانی از آلاسکا و استرالیا و گانا و هائیتی شرکت داشتند.

جلسات اصلی و کنسرت‌های شبانه در زیر خیمه بزرگی با گنجایش ۷۰۰ صندلی که در محوطه مدرسه برافراشته شده بود، تشکیل می‌شد.

حضرت عبدالبهاء، در سال ۱۹۱۲ از محل مدرسه گرین ایکر دیدار فرمودند و اظهار داشتند که یک روز یک دانشگاه بزرگ بهائی در آنجا تأسیس خواهد شد.

دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده، منشی امور خارجی محفل روحانی ملی در ضمن روایت تاریخ مدرسه گرین ایکر اظهار داشت که آن محل از آغاز تأسیس مأموریتی داشته و آن تنویر افکار به معنی گسترده آن بوده است. مدرسه گرین ایکر از آغاز ناشر دانش بوده و به فرمودۀ حضرت عبدالبهاء، این مأموریت ادامه خواهد یافت.

جناب جیمز نلسون رئیس محفل روحانی ملی پس از معرفی اعضای آن محفل مقدس اظهار داشت که جریان بازسازی و تعمیر مدرسه گرین ایکر فتح و ظفری روحانی و مادی است و به راستی می‌توان به این دستاورد افتخار کرد.

خانم الیس از وحدت در کثرت سخن به میان آورد و همچنین در بیانات خود راجع به تبلیغ امرالله گفت باید بدانیم که کار ما این است که فقط لب به تبلیغ بگشائیم و بقیۀ امور را به اراده حضرت بهاءالله تسلیم کنیم. وقتی این نکته را دانستیم مبلغان موفقی خواهیم بود.

آقای کن باورز Ken Bowers منشی لجنۀ ملی تبلیغ بشارات تبلیغی اخیر از جمله "سپاه نور" Army of Light را با حاضران در میان گذاشت و فعالیت‌های جوانان را بزرگ‌ترین امید جامعه برای اقبال دسته‌جمعی مردم به امر الهی خواند.

و گفتنی است که در طی این رویداد سه روزه تاریخی ۲ نفر به امر مبارک اقبال کردند.

نشریات اخیر مؤسسه معارف بهائی

NEW PUBLICATIONS

ندا به اهل عالم اثر ارزنده حضرت ولی امرالله که جناب هوشمند فتح اعظم با نثری شیرین و جذاب ترجمه کرده‌اند. ۱۰۰ صفحه، جلد شمیزی، ۹ دلار.

مقالات و رسائل در مباحث مختلفه مجلد سوم از آثار معلم و فیلسوف شهید بهائی دکتر علیمراد داودی، تهیه و تنظیم دکتر وحید رأفتی. متجاوز از ۴۰۰ صفحه جلد شمیزی ۲۵ دلار و جلد مقوائی ۳۳ دلار.

پیروزی یک عقیده داستان شهادت یکی بهائی گمنام و بی‌گناه در دوران انقلاب مشروطه در شهر تبریز، اثر نویسنده ارمنی سرکیس مبایجیان. بیش از ۱۰۰ صفحه، جلد شمیزی، ۶ دلار.

یاران عزیز می‌توانند نشریات فوق را از کتاب‌فروشی‌های بهائی خریداری نمایند و یا مستقیماً به مؤسسه معارف بهائی سفارش داده و دریافت دارند. شماره تلفن: ۳۳۰۴۰ (۹۰۵) شماره فکس: ۳۲۷۶ (۹۰۵)

کلاس فشرده تزیید معلومات

محفل روحانی شهر یونیورسیتی پارک در ایالت تگزاس از یاران عزیز دعوت می‌نماید در کلاس سه روزه تزیید معلوماتی جناب دکتر ریاض قدیمی که از ۳ تا ۵ سپتامبر سال جاری در مرکز بهائی آرلینگتن تشکیل می‌شود شرکت نمایند.

آگهی مدرسه نانسی کمپل

NANCY CAMPBELL COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

مدرسه نانسی کمپل Nancy Campbell که به یادبود مبلغ فقید بهائی خانم نانسی کمپل در شهر استراد‌فورد در ایالت اونتاریو (کانادا) تأسیس یافته و به وسیله وزارت آموزش و پرورش کانادا به ثبت رسیده است از اول سپتامبر ۱۹۹۴ کلاس‌های نهم تا سیزدهم خود را افتتاح کرده و پذیرای دانش‌آموزان به طور عادی و یا شبانه‌روزی خواهد بود.

هدف از تأسیس این مدرسه که بر اساس تعالیم بهائی تأسیس یافته تعلیم و تربیت محصلان از نظر علمی و هنری و همچنین اخلاقی و روحانی است، به نحوی که بتوانند مصدر خدمات مادی و معنوی در جامعه انسانی گردند.

دوستان می‌توانند برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با مدرسه مذکور تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۳۴۱۹-۶۲۸ (۹۰۵)

Nancy Campbell Collegiate Institute 12 Hatt St. Dundas, ON. L9H 2E8 [Page 17]

Persian

۲ تا ۵ سال خواهد بود. به خاطر داشته باشید که در این فاصله باید هر گونه تغییر نشانی مکاتباتی را مرتباً به دفتر امور زائرین در مرکز جهانی اطلاع دهید.

۳- وقتی نوبت شما نزدیک شود نامه‌ای مبنی بر این مطلب دریافت خواهید نمود که تقاضای زیارت شما برای تعیین تاریخ زیارت مورد بررسی قرار گرفته است. همراه آن نامه پرسشنامه‌ای نیز برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر که مورد لزوم است ارسال خواهد شد. همچنین چندین تاریخ متفاوت به شما ارائه خواهد گردید تا در فاصله زمانی بیش از شش ماه ترتیب ارجحیت تاریخ‌های مورد نظر خود را تعیین نمائید.

۴- پرسشنامه فوق‌الذکر را باید حد اکثر در مدت سه ماه تکمیل نموده با تعیین ارجحیت تاریخ‌های مورد نظر به دفتر امور زائرین عودت دهید.

تبصره: احبائی که مایل هستند به اتفاق یکدیگر برای زیارت ارض اقدس مسافرت نمایند بسیار مهم است که ترتیب ارجحیت یکسانی در پرسشنامه خود برای تاریخ زیارت ذکر نمایند. (به ماده ۱۰ مقررات راهنمائی مراجعه نمائید). تعیین نوبت و تاریخ زیارت بر اساس تاریخ وصول پرسشنامه‌ها خواهد بود، یعنی کسانی که زودتر پرسشنامه را عودت دهند زودتر دعوت خواهند شد. لذا توصیه می‌شود پرسشنامه‌ای را که برای شما ارسال خواهد شد هر چه زودتر تکمیل نموده عودت دهید.

۵- دفتر امور زائرین دعوت‌نامه مخصوص زیارت برای شما خواهد فرستاد.

۶- پس از وصول دعوت‌نامه مزبور می‌توانید تاریخ تعیین شده را قبول یا رد نمائید.

۷- در صورت موافقت با تاریخی که تعیین شده است می‌توانید در تاریخ مزبور برای زیارت نه روزه به ارض اقدس مسافرت نموده و دوره زیارت خود را آغاز نمائید.

نظر به اینکه پیشرفت امرالله سبب ازدیاد احبائی است که تقاضای زیارت می‌نمایند تعیین نوبت و تاریخ زائرین امری بسیار پیچیده و مشکل است. به این سبب بیت العدل اعظم مقرر فرموده اند که از این پس پذیرفتن تقاضاهای فوری برای تعیین تاریخ زیارت نه روزه مقدور نخواهد بود. همه یاران متقاضی باید در ردیف متقاضیان در انتظار نوبت خود بمانند تا مطابق با تاریخی که تقاضای آنان واصل شده است برای زیارت دعوت شوند. با آنکه بیت العدل اعظم از دلائل و علل شخصی که باعث تقاضای اجازه استثنائی می‌گردد به خوبی واقف هستند اما برای رفع هر گونه تبعیض از کلیه یاران دعوت می‌نمایند که از این ترتیب عمومی تبعیت فرمایند، زیرا شرط انصاف نیست که با صدور اجازه برای زیارت استثنائی نوبت سایر متقاضیان به تعویق و تأخیر افتد.

زیارت مرکز جهانی بهائی تجربه‌ای بی نظیر و مقدس در زندگانی فرد بهائی بوده و امری روحانی است که شایسته است یاران الهی از سال‌ها قبل از زیارت آن را پیش بینی نمایند و برای آن آماده شوند. اطمینان داریم که ترتیب جدید سبب تأمین این شؤون و حفظ شرایط تقدس زیارت یاران و تسهیل تعیین نوبت و تاریخ زیارت آنان خواهد شد.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی دفتر امور زائرین

خط مشی و مقررات راهنمای ترتیب جدید تعیین نوبت و تاریخ زیارت نه روزه (آغاز اجرا: اول مارچ ۱۹۹۴)

۱- فصل زیارت از آخر اکتبر تا آخر جولای سال بعد است. در ماه‌های آگست و سپتامبر زیارت نه روزه انجام نمی‌گیرد. هر گروه زیارتی تقریباً مشتمل بر یکصد نفر از احباء خواهد بود.

۲- نوبت زیارت بر اساس تاریخ وصول تقاضای زیارت هر متقاضی تعیین می‌شود.

۳- کلیه مکاتبات و مخابرات مربوط به تقاضاهای زیارت بین افراد متقاضی و مرکز جهانی بهائی انجام می‌گیرد و نه از طریق محافل روحانی ملی. تقاضای خود را مستقیماً و کتباً به مرکز جهانی بهائی ارسال دارید. تقاضای زیارت از طریق تلفن پذیرفته نمی‌شود. تقاضای خود را می‌توانید با پست به نشانی:

Post Office Box 155 31 001 Haifa ISRAEL

ارسال دارید و یا آن را با فکس شماره (۹۷۲-۴-۳۵۸-۵۰۷) و یا با پست الکترونیک تحت عنوان مخابره نمائید.

۴- بین زیارت نه روزه هر فرد تا قبول تقاضای زیارت مجدد از همان فرد باید پنج سال فاصله باشد. بنابراین اگر مثلاً بعد از مارچ ۱۹۸۹ موفق به زیارت نه روزه شده‌اید نباید زودتر از پنج سال بعد از این تاریخ تقاضای زیارت مجدد به مرکز جهانی ارسال دارید. دعوت‌نامه‌هائی که برای احبائی که در پنج سال اخیر زائر بوده‌اند از قبل ارسال شده است به قوت خود باقی خواهد بود.

۵- یاران الهی نمی‌توانند نوبت زیارت خود را با نوبت افراد دیگر عوض کنند و یا جای خود را به دوستان یا اقوام دیگر واگذار نمایند و یا دعوت‌نامه خود را به دیگری منتقل سازند.

۶- برای تعیین نوبت زیارت دسته جمعی افراد یک خانواده باید در نظر داشته باشید که تقاضای زیارت خانوادگی می‌تواند شامل والدین (یا پدربزرگ و مادربزرگ) و فرزندان کمتر از ۱۸ سال آنان باشد. در این صورت نوبت و تاریخ همزمان برای زیارت خانواده مزبور تعیین خواهد گردید. فرزندان ۱۸ سال به بالا باید رأساً برای خود تقاضا نمایند. بنابراین اگر مایل باشند به اتفاق سایر افراد خانواده به زیارت موفق شوند باید تقاضای زیارت خود را با ذکر نکته مزبور همزمان با تقاضای والدین خود ارسال دارند تا در صورت امکان بتوان نوبت واحدی برای زیارت همۀ آنان تعیین نمود. (رجوع شود به ماده ۱۰ ذیل)

۷- والدین حتی‌المقدور باید از آوردن اطفال کمتر از ده سال خودداری فرمایند. در صورتی که والدین و فرزندان کمتر از ده سال همراه داشته باشند باید بدانند که اطفال مزبور فقط در صورتی که از تاریخ تولدشان نه سال تمام گذشته باشد می‌توانند دارالآثار را زیارت نمایند. والدین نباید از افرادی که در مرکز جهانی خدمت می‌کنند برای نگاهداری اطفال خود استفاده نمایند. ترتیب نگاهداری اطفال از وظایف خود والدین است.

۸- افراد کمتر از ۱۸ سال فقط در صورتی اجازه زیارت خواهند داشت که همراه فرد بزرگسالی باشند که مسؤول مواظبت و رفتار آنان خواهد بود.

۹- احبائی که از حقوق اداری محروم هستند برای زیارت نه روزه پذیرفته نخواهند شد.

۱۰- احبائی که مایلند به اتفاق یکدیگر برای زیارت به ارض اقدس بیایند باید تقاضای خود را در یک زمان ارسال دارند. این افراد بعنوان یک گروه شناخته نمی‌شوند اما چون همزمان تقاضای زیارت کرده‌اند ممکن است نوبت زیارت آنان همزمان واقع شود. بنابراین صورت ارجحیت تاریخ‌هائی که برای زیارت به آنها پیشنهاد می‌شود ممکن است تاریخ‌های مشابهی را شامل باشد.

۱۱- تسهیلاتی که در سابق مرسوم بوده و در ترتیب جدید ملغی شده به قرار ذیل است:

الف. احبائی که برای سفر کوتاه به ارض اقدس آمده باشند، حتی در مواردی که محل خالی در گروه زائرین موجود باشد، نمی‌توانند به گروه زائرین نه روزه ملحق گردند.

ب. دعوت‌نامه‌های فوری برای زیارت نه روزه صادر نخواهد شد. همۀ احباء باید منتظر رسیدن نوبت خود باشند تا برای زیارت دعوت شوند.

ج. مایۀ تأسف بیت‌العدل اعظم است که از این پس امکان نخواهد داشت که تقاضای احبائی که نظر به بعضی دلائل شخصی درخواست تشریف زودتر از موعد معین می‌نمایند مورد رسیدگی و موافقت قرار گیرد.

د. در گذشته محافل روحانی ملی برای بعضی از گروه‌های خاص مثلاً برای گروهی از جوانان کسب اجازه زیارت می‌کردند و محافل ملی مزبور مسؤول تعیین افراد گروه بودند. این روش از ابتدای فصل زیارتی ۱۹۹۳-۱۹۹۴ از طرف بیت‌العدل اعظم ملغی شده است.

هـ. تقاضای صدور دعوت‌نامه برای زیارت در تاریخ معین پذیرفته نمی‌شود. اگر یاران مایل به زیارت ارض اقدس در تاریخ معین باشند می‌توانند از اجازه سفر سه روزه استفاده نمایند.

بزرگداشت صدمین سالگرد انتشار امر بهائی در آمریکای شمالی

100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BAHA’I FAITH IN NORTH AMERICA

غروب ۲۶ جون سال جاری حدود ۵۶۰ نفر در شیکاگو گرد آمدند تا در مراسمی که برای بزرگداشت صدمین سالگرد انتشار امر مبارک در آمریکای شمالی برگزار می‌شد شرکت کنند.

دو تن از مشاورین قاره‌ای خانم ویلما الیس Wilma Ellis و جناب ستیون برکلند Steven Birkland و ۶ نفر از اعضای محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده و نمایندگانی از محافل ملی کانادا و آلاسکا و نیز عده‌ای از دوستان اهل بهاء از عالم سیاست و دین و تجارت در این مراسم شرکت داشتند.

از جمله افراد سرشناسی که نتوانسته بودند در جلسه بزرگداشت شرکت کنند یکی خانم سناتور کرول موزلی بران ‎Carol Mosely-Braun Carol Moseley Braun‎ بود که در طی نامه‌ای که فرستاده بود از دستاوردهای اهل بهاء در سراسر این کشور قدردانی کرد و از محفل روحانی ملی بعنوان "نه تنها یکی از پایه‌های جامعه بلکه نمونه‌ای از قوت برای نسل‌های آینده" یاد کرد. [Page 18]

ترجمه متحدالمال دارالانشاء بیت العدل اعظم

MESSAGES FROM THE WORLD CENTER

خطاب به محافل روحانی ملی مورخ اول مارچ ۱۹۹۴

یاران عزیز الهی،

نامه ضمیمه خطاب به محافل روحانی ملی مربوط به ترتیب جدیدی است که برای تنظیم برنامه زائرین مقرر گردیده است.

بیت العدل اعظم واقفند که در جوامع بهائی تحت اشراف بعضی از محافل ملیه برای ارسال اطلاعات به کلیه افراد احباء، ‎مشکلاتی خاصی مشکلات خاصی‎ موجود است. لذا مقرر فرموده‌اند به استحضارتان برسانیم که برای مطلع ساختن احباء، از ترتیب جدید تعیین برنامه زائرین هر محفل باید به نحوی که صلاح و مقتضی بداند اقدام نماید. مثلاً ممکن است این اطلاعات را فقط برای محافل روحانی محلی یا محافل محلی خاصی ارسال دارید. یا ممکن است کاملاً کافی بدانید که به احباء، اطلاع داده شود که ترتیب جدیدی برای تقاضای اجازه زیارت اتخاذ گردیده است، بنابراین نفوسی که قصد داشته باشند برای زیارت به ارض اقدس مسافرت نمایند باید برای اخذ اطلاعات و راهنمائی لازم به دفتر محفل روحانی ملی مراجعه نمایند.

همانطور که ملاحظه می‌نمائید یکی از نکات در ترتیب جدید آن است که افراد احباء، باید تقاضای خود را برای اخذ اجازه و تعیین تاریخ زیارت مستقیماً به ارض اقدس ارسال دارند نه از طریق محافل روحانی ملی، ولیکن اگر احباء، به عللی برای اخذ اجازه و تعیین تاریخ زیارت به محفل روحانی ملی مراجعه نمایند، دفتر آن محفل باید تقاضای مزبور را فوراً به مرکز جهانی بهائی ارسال دارد. بسیاری از احباء، از نحوه مسافرت‌های بین‌المللی آگاه نیستند و یا دقیقاً نمی‌دانند که چگونه می‌توانند با مرکز جهانی مکاتبه و مخابره نمایند. بیت العدل اعظم انتظار دارند که در این موارد محافل روحانی ملی به احبائی که چنین اطلاعاتی را لازم دارند ارائه طریق و مساعدت نمایند.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی، دارالانشاء

ترجمه متحدالمال دارالانشاء بیت العدل اعظم

خطاب به محافل روحانی ملی مورخ اول مارچ ۱۹۹۴

یاران عزیز الهی،

بیت العدل اعظم مقرر فرموده‌اند که تفصیل ترتیب جدیدی را که برای تعیین برنامه زائرین از اول ماه مارچ ۱۹۹۴ به موقع اجراء گذاشته می‌شود، به استحضارتان برسانیم و نیز مراتب امتنان عمیق معهد اعلی را به محافلی ابلاغ نمائیم که تا بحال در ترتیب دادن برنامه زائرین بذل مساعی نموده‌اند و در این دوران تغییر و تحول با صبر و تحمل در رفع مشکلات و پاسخ دادن به سؤالات احباء اقدام کرده‌اند.

متحدالمال دفتر امور زائرین خطاب به عموم احباء شامل مقررات و ترتیبات مربوط به تقاضای زیارت لفا ارسال می‌گردد. تقاضا می‌شود که این متحدالمال و صورت مقررات مزبور را به هر نحو که مقتضی می‌دانید در اسرع اوقات به اطلاع یاران الهی برسانید. متحدالمال و مقررات ضمیمه کاملاً روشن و صریح است و برای آنکه به سؤالات و تقاضاهائی که به دفتر آن محفل مقدس می‌رسد جواب داده شود، کافی به نظر می‌رسد. البته آن محفل مقدس یا افراد احباء، می‌توانند برای اخذ توضیحات بیشتر درباره ترتیب جدید زیارت اعتاب مقدسه با مرکز جهانی بهائی نیز مکاتبه نمایند.

به علاوه تقاضا می‌شود نفوس ذیل را از این مقررات مستحضر سازید:

۱- افرادی که برای زیارت دعوت شده و قبولی خود را اطلاع داده‌اند،

۲- افرادی که برای زیارت دعوت شده‌اند اما هنوز اطلاع نداده‌اند که آیا می‌توانند در تاریخ تعیین شده اقدام به زیارت نمایند یا خیر.

فهرست اسامی یارانی که از جامعه آن محفل مقدس برای زیارت دعوت شده‌اند (در صورتی که چنان نفوسی در فهرست باشند) ضمیمه است.

افرادی که دعوت‌نامه برای آنان ارسال شده و قبولی خود را اعلام داشته‌اند با حرف (C) و نفوسی که دعوت شده اما هنوز قبولی خود را اعلام نداشته‌اند با حرف (I) مشخص شده‌اند. برای این قبیل دوستان باید شرح داده شود که تبعیت از ترتیباتی که در متحدالمال ضمیمه مقرر شده برای آنان لازم نیست و نیز به آنها اطمینان دهید که دعوتی که از آنها شده به قوت خود باقی است. نفوسی که تا بحال قبولی خود را تأیید نکرده‌اند باید فوراً به دفتر امور زائرین اطلاع دهند که تاریخی که برای زیارتشان تعیین شده مورد قبول است یا خیر. اگر در بین نفوسی که اسامی آنان در فهرست ضمیمه قید شده افرادی باشند که با گذرنامه ایرانی یا با جواز سفر یا با گذرنامه‌ای سفر می‌کنند که برای ورود به اسرائیل نیاز به ویزا دارند، باید در اولین فرصت ممکن خصوصیات گذرنامه یا جواز سفر خود را با ذکر تاریخ صدور و مدت اعتبار و نام کشور صادر کننده و نام شهری که در آنجا تقاضای ویزا خواهند کرد به مرکز جهانی اطلاع دهند.

مساعدتی که برای آشنا ساختن یاران ساکن حوزه خود با مقررات جدیدی که در این متحدالمال و ضمائم آن ذکر شده مبذول خواهید داشت موجب کمال امتنان خواهد بود.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی دارالانشاء

ترجمه متحدالمال دفتر امور زائرین در مرکز جهانی بهائی

خطاب به عموم احبائی که قصد زیارت ارض اقدس را دارند مورخ اول مارچ ۱۹۹۴

یاران عزیز الهی،

بیت العدل اعظم مقرر فرموده‌اند ترتیب جدیدی را که برای تعیین نوبت و تاریخ زیارت ارض اقدس به موقع اجراء گذاشته شده است به اطلاع یاران عزیز برسانیم. ترتیب جدید به منظور ساده کردن و تسهیل نحوه تعیین نوبت و تاریخ زیارت با استفاده از کامپیوتر و برای رفع هر نوع بی نظمی اتخاذ شده است. بیت العدل اعظم از حسن تفاهم و صبر و تحمل یاران الهی در طول سال گذشته که ترتیب جدید تنظیم می‌گردید، صمیمانه قدردانی می‌نمایند. همانطور که احتمالاً از پیام‌هائی که به محفل مقدس روحانی ملی مخابره شده ‎دریافته اید اید دریافته‌اید‎ بیت العدل اعظم برای رسیدگی به تقاضاهای زیارت نُه (۹) روزه اعتاب مقدسه اخیراً نحوه جدیدی تعیین نموده‌اند. ترتیب تعیین نوبت و تاریخ زیارت نیز بر اساس این نحوه جدید تغییر کلی یافته است. خط مشی کلی برای ترتیب برنامه زیارت در ورقه ضمیمه تشریح شده است. معهد اعلی دوستان عزیز را دعوت می‌فرمایند که قبل از تسلیم تقاضای خود برای زیارت نُه روزه مندرجات اوراق ضمیمه را به دقت مطالعه نمایند.

تغییراتی که در این اوراق شرح داده شده منحصراً مربوط به تقاضای زیارت نُه روزه است. تقاضاهای مربوط به مسافرت سه روزه به مرکز جهانی بهائی یا هر نوع مسافرت دیگری به اسرائیل باید طبق روش سابق از طریق محفل روحانی ملی یا مستقیماً به مرکز جهانی ارسال گردد.

از اول مارچ ۱۹۹۴ ترتیب تقاضای زیارت نُه روزه برای احبای سراسر عالم به نحو ذیل خواهد بود:

۱- اگر قصد دارید برای زیارت نُه روزه به ارض اقدس مسافرت نمائید باید تقاضای کتبی خود را به دفتر زائرین در مرکز جهانی بهائی ارسال دارید. این ترتیب شامل نفوسی که قبلاً تقاضای خود را به محفل روحانی متبوعه خود یا به مرکز جهانی بهائی ارسال داشته‌اند نیز می‌گردد. (کلیه تقاضانامه‌هائی که از اول مارچ ۱۹۹۴ به مرکز جهانی بهائی واصل گردد مطابق ترتیب جدید مورد رسیدگی قرار خواهد گرفت و در دفتر امور زائرین وصول تقاضای زیارت اعلان خواهد گردید. اگر اخیراً تقاضانامه‌ای به ارض اقدس ارسال داشته‌اید که تاریخ آن قبل از اول مارچ ۱۹۹۴ بوده ضروری است که مجدداً تقاضانامه‌ای به دفتر امور زائرین به مرکز جهانی بهائی ارسال دارید تا طبق ترتیب جدید به جریان گذاشته شود.)

در تقاضانامه خود باید اطلاعات ذیل را قید نمائید:

الف. نشانی کامل مکاتباتی،

ب. نام اعضاء خانواده که در تقاضای مزبور مشارکت دارند، مشتمل بر نام شخص، نام میانی (یا نام‌های میانی) و نام خانوادگی (مطابق ماده ۶ مقررات راهنمائی زیارت ارض اقدس)،

ج. تاریخ تولد هر یک از افرادی که نامشان در تقاضانامه ذکر شده است،

د. شماره تسجیل امری برای هر یک از افراد مزبور (در صورتی که چنین شماره‌ای موجود باشد)،

هـ. تاریخ تقاضانامه قبلی داوطلب (در صورتی که قبلاً برای زیارت نُه روزه تقاضا نموده باشند.) برای منظور داشتن تاریخ تقاضای قبلی در ردیف نوبت زیارت باید مراتب قبل از ۳۱ دسامبر ۱۹۹۴ کتباً به دفتر امور زائرین در ارض اقدس اطلاع داده شود.

۲- وصول تقاضانامه شما به این شطر به اطلاع شما خواهد رسید. تحت مقررات جدید برای زیارت نه روزه تخمین دقیق مدت زمانی که بعد از وصول تقاضانامه از متقاضی، برای زیارت تعیین تاریخ و دعوت خواهد شد فعلاً مقدور نیست اما به احتمال قوی این فاصله در حدود [Page 19]INKA (Intertribal Native-American Kit of Artists), a mostly Bahá’í performing group based in Chicago, has been proclaiming the Faith through Native American music and dance for the past year with performances throughout the Chicago area including the Parliament of the World’s Religions, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Chicago Children’s Museum, the AT&T Theatre, and a number of schools, colleges and cultural centers. The six-member group includes the four-member Orona family of Wilmette (all of whom are Bahá’ís of American Indian background) supported by two non-Bahá’ís of Zuni and Choctaw heritage. Pictured performing a traditional Deer Dance is Roman Orona, accompanied by his father, Joel, on flute.

Monument

Continued from Page 14

as the Earth Summit, and the ’92 Global Forum, the parallel conference for the independent sector, and is the only lasting symbol of those historic events.

A quotation from Bahá’u’lláh—“The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens”—is etched in four languages on the four sides of the upper pyramid; on its lower half, the words “world peace” are engraved in more than 35 languages. A glass strip at its midpoint displays multi-colored soils taken from the contributing nations.

In ceremonies on June 5, diplomats from many of the 11 countries contributing soil attended with mayors from around Latin America who were attending a conference in Rio at the time. Children ascended steps to the monument to deposit the soil.

Summer events

Continued from Page 4

and instrumental music supplemented by seminars on arts-related topics. All ages from 12 years.

Aug. 15: International conference for educators, Shenzhen, CHINA.

Aug. 20-27: Third Bahá’í Summer School of CROATIA and SLOVENIA. Join members of the new Regional Spiritual Assembly and participants from many countries for talks, workshops and afternoon teaching activities.

Sept. 21-24: Sixth International Research Conference on Housing, Beijing, CHINA. Sponsored by the Urban Studies Institute of China. Themes: Housing and Public Policies, Housing and Quality of Life, Sociology of Housing, and more. Papers requested.

Sept. 19-21: International Symposium on “Family Beyond the Year 2000,” Moscow, RUSSIA. Sponsored by 10 Russian institutions including the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Russia in recognition of the United Nations Year of the Family. The symposium is depending on the international participation of “Bahá’í family experts.” Summaries of papers for short presentations on various subjects needed immediately. Traveling teaching before and/or after the symposium is encouraged.

Oct. 10-15: Seminar on the International Year of the Family: Families, Women and Children, Tianjin, CHINA. Presentations of related papers encouraged.

Director of Maryland's Center for Conflict Management speaks in Poland on human rights, conflict resolution

Responding to an invitation by Dr. Stanisław Zyborowicz, a professor at the Institute of Political Science and Journalism, Adam Minkiewicz University, Dr. Edy Kaufman, director of the Center for International Development and Conflict Management (CIDCM) at the University of Maryland in College Park, traveled to Poland from April 19-22 to speak on human rights and conflict resolution issues.

The trip was co-sponsored by the university in Poznan, the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace, and Landegg Academy.

On his return to the University of Maryland, Dr. Kaufman said his purpose in visiting Poland was to inform faculty and students about the principles and methodology of conflict resolution and the CIDCM’s efforts to promote their application in areas of existing or potential conflict.

During his contacts with the ‎medja media‎, Dr. Kaufman emphasized the important role that the Bahá’í community of Poland had played in arranging his visit. He also took part in special activities planned by the university’s Bahá’í Club.

In an effort to make the Faith better known to the community while providing a needed service, the Spiritual Assembly of Yuma, Arizona, agreed this year to co-sponsor a city baseball league, Country Boys Baseball. Jim Rhodes, a member of the Bahá’í community, agreed to coach one of the teams, the Padres, who compiled a 16-1 record, won the league championship and set a number of league records including highest team batting average, best stolen base percentage and most strikeouts by a pitching staff. Mr. Rhodes is standing far left; the only Bahá’í team member, his son, third baseman David Rhodes, is seated far left. In June, the team was honored by American Legion Post 56 at a dinner and awards ceremony. The Bahá’ís presented the Legion post with a plaque for its community involvement, and Mr. Rhodes was asked to say a few words about the Faith and its principles.

Bahá’ís in Idaho Falls take part in Earth Day observance

On April 23, Bahá’ís in the Idaho Falls, Idaho, area took part for the first time in the annual Earth Day celebration at ‎Tauphus Tautphaus‎ Park.

The friends provided about 200 spruce seedlings for those attending, set up a coloring table for children, and mounted a display that included pamphlets and an information sheet with Bahá’í telephone numbers for the Idaho Falls, Blackfoot and Pocatello areas.

On May 7-8, the Bahá’ís proclaimed the Faith during the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Using the theme “We are flowers of one garden,” the friends invited children to make flowers from various colors of tissue paper, and gave out Bahá’í literature in English and Spanish.

Follow-up firesides were held, and plans were made to take part in both events again next year.

IN MEMORIAM
Carlton Christiansen Jefferson, OR June 13, 1994	Irene E. Kob Yucaipa, CA June 8, 1994	Ata’ullah Mohajerin Tempe, AZ May 15, 1994	Nellie Terry Fort Defiance, AZ May 18, 1994
Ruth Edmondson Lexington, KY June 21, 1994	June W. Kraus Rapid City, SD May 28, 1994	Ollie Provancial Mission, SD May 1994	Thomas Walking Eagle Rosebud, SD June 7, 1994
Habibullah Eshtehar ‎Tuatin Tustin‎, CA October 30, 1993	Doris Kurzius Seattle, WA May 27, 1994	Jack K. Saunders Victor, MT May 16, 1994	Merlin Young Pendleton, OR May 21, 1994
Solomon Hilton Yonkers, NY April 10, 1994	Andre Midgette Hartford, VT May 12, 1994	Vera Shaw Beverly Hills, CA April 22, 1994

[Page 20]Members of the Bahá’í Public Presentations Workshop of Yakima, Washington, present a copy of the Spanish-language Bahá’í book El Regalo (The Gift) to the children’s librarian at the Yakima Public Library. The workshop is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Yakima. The children are (left to right) Jonathan Gottlieb, Jordan Gottlieb and Eva Lohrasabi.

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): ________________________________ I.D. # ___________ Title ___________ ________________________________ I.D. # ___________ Title ___________ ________________________________ I.D. # ___________ Title ___________ ________________________________ 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

AUGUST

10-14: Iowa Bahá’í School, Briar Cliff College, Sioux City. Registrar: Don Calkins, 1432 16th St., Des Moines, IA 50312 (phone 515-282-7763).

11: Meeting of the Bahá’í Institute for Built Environment, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Those interested in the work of the Institute are asked to contact Mahdad Saniee, 747 Great Hill Road, Guilford, CT 06437 (phone 203-457-9102).

11: Meeting of the Agricultural Seminar, Association for Bahá’í Studies, Cambridge, Massachusetts. For information, write to ABS Agricultural Committee, Route 3, Box 51-D, Floyd, VA 24091.

11-14: 18th annual Conference, Association for Bahá’í Studies, Boston Marriott Cambridge Hotel, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Theme: “Anarchy into Order: Understanding Humanity’s Role and Destiny.” For information, contact the Association for Bahá’í Studies, 34 Copernicus St., Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7K4, Canada (phone 613-233-1903).

12-15: Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” Youth Assembly, Little Rock, Arkansas. For a registration form, please phone Cornelia Rutledge, 800-527-6243, ext. 84614, or 202-966-2356, and leave your name and address. Registration deadline: July 11.

12-17: Youth Eagle Institute, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

12-21: New York Bahá’í School, Poughkeepsie. Registrar: Mrs. Kiz Johnston, P.O. Box 146, Hoosick Falls, NY 12090 (518-686-9082).

13-18: Junior Youth Institute (ages 11-14), Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.

16-21: Oregon (East) School, Meadowood Speech Camp (near Pendleton). Registrar: Melissa Young, 1420 May St., Hood River, OR 97031 (phone 503-386-2249).

17-21: Minnesota School, Onamia. Registrar: Steve Grams, 1109 Lakeland Dr. SE, Willmar, MN 56201 (612-235-6530).

19-21: Race Unity Conference, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

19-21: Southern California Bahá’í summer school, Highland Springs Resort, Cherry Valley. Theme: “The Destiny of America.” For information, please phone 909-983-1022 or 909-929-2163.

20-25: General Session, “The Destiny of America: Race Unity and Partnership,” “Family Financial Planning,” “Daughters of the Kingdom,” Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.

21-28: World Unity Festival, Flagstaff and Coconino County, Arizona. For information, phone Joan Harrington, 602-526-3192 (fax 602-774-0433).

23-29: Annual meeting of the Society of Persian Arts and Letters, Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.

26-28: Massanetta Springs (Virginia) Bahá’í Conference. Theme: “The Destiny of America.” Speakers to include Auxiliary Board members Tahereh Ahdieh and Jim Sturdivant. Registrar: Brenner Pugh, 1605 Bellevue Ave., Richmond, VA 23221 (phone 804-353-0873).

27-September 1: General Session, “The Destiny of America,” Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.

30-September 5: Summer Institute, “The Family in Perspective,” Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.

SEPTEMBER

1-4: Program for Sensitive International Teaching Areas (SITA), Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. Attendance is by invitation.

1-6: Bahá’í Youth Service Corps/Pioneer Training Institute, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. Attendance is by invitation.

2-5: Homecoming, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

2-5: Appreciation of the Arts with presentations and workshops by Jack Lenz, Christa Schanda, Taraz Toosky, others, Bosch Bahá’í School. Early registration advised. For information, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.

2-5: Tennessee Bahá’í Institute, Monteagle. Theme: “The Destiny of America: Critical Moment in Evolution.” Registrar: Kaihan Strain, 4615 S. Mayfair Ave., Hixson, TN 37343 (phone 615-842-1720).

3-4: Conference of the Central Texas Association for Bahá’í Studies, Austin. Sponsored by the Tsavo West Bahá’í Institute/Deepen magazine. For information, contact the Spiritual Assembly of Austin, c/o Bijan Ma’sumian, 3421-B Greystone Dr., Austin, TX 78758.

3-5: Kentucky Bahá’í School, Lake Cumberland. Registrar: Chris Hamilton, 866 Woodway, Bowling Green, KY 42101 (502-782-9060).

9-11: Second annual conference, “Marriage: The Second Most Challenging Issue,” Hilton Hotel, Great Valley, Pennsylvania (just outside Philadelphia). For information, phone Melanie Etemad, 215-527-1928.

16-18: Chinese Weekend and Conference with Auxiliary Board members under Stephen Birkland, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information or to register, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.

16-18: “Take Wings and Fly,” annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Program includes Dr. and Mrs. David Ruhe, Marguerite Sears, Louise Matthias, variety of workshops, performances by the Metro Denver Bahá’í Choir, singer/songwriter Yvonne Varis. Special program for youth conducted by Oscar DeGruy. Children’s classes, nursery available. For information, phone 303-928-0543.

16-18: Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference. For housing and meal registration, contact the Green Lake Conference Center, American Baptist Assembly, Green Lake, WI 54941 (800-558-8898 or 414-294-3323). For program-related information, contact Salma Mughrabi-Howard, secretary, Green Lake Committee, 1803 Toonen Dr., DePere, WI 54115 (414-337-1844).

KAMÁL B.E. 151 / AUGUST 1, 1994