The American Bahá’í/Volume 26/Issue 10/Text

The American Bahá’í
Volume 26, Issue 10

Appointment of 81 Continental Counselors announced

To the Baha'is of the world Dear Baha'i Friends

The Day of the Covenant, November 26, 1995, marks the commencement of a new five-year term of service for members of the Continental Boards of Counselors for the protection and propagation of the Faith. We have decided to increase the number of these high-ranking officers of the Cause from 72 to 81 and are happy to announce the names of those now appointed.

Parvine Djoneydi, Mehraz Ehsani (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Shidan Fat’-he-Aazam, Kobina Flynn, Ibrahim Galadima, Hizzaya Hissani,

ren, Wingi Mabuku, Tiati a Zock.

AFRICA (19 Counselors): George Allen, Beatrice Asare, Niaz Bushrui,

Firaydoun Javaheri, Zekrullah Kazemi, Eddy Lutchmaya, Abaineh Merhatsion, Muhammad Otmani, Daniel Ramoroesi, Edith Senoga, Lally War THE AMERICAS (19 Counselors): Eloy Anello, Stephen Birkland, Gustavo Correa, Rolf von Czekus, Jacqueline LHB Delahunt, Wilma Ellis, Tod Ewing,

See COUNSELORS page 11

Volume 26, Number

ue AAMERICAN BBaAHA'

Sharaf B.E. 152 / December 31, 1995

Hand of the Cause greets Princess

at Dialogue

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahé Rahiyyih KhaGnum (tight) greets Her Royal Highness Princess Rahma bint El Hassan (back to camera), one of the speakers at the youth session of the International Dialogue on the Transition to a Global Society, held in October at the University of Maryland in College Park. The Hand of the Cause, one of the featured plenary speakers at the Dialogue, was accompanied by Violette Nakhjavani. (Photo by Farah Ramchandani)

Faith in action: From Arc to teaching

On November 19, 1994, the Baha'is of metropolitan Chattanooga in Tennessee and Georgia arose to help support the Arc Projects. Their spiritual journey was profiled in The American Baha'i (December 31, 1994) as emblematic of similar paths being taken across the Southeast and beyond. A year later we revisited Chattanooga, where again the friends were gathered on November 19, this time to launch a process leading to largescale growth. Once more, their story typifies an intensification of effort in American Baha'i communities large and small.

By TOM MENNILLO

How did a small, not-so-wealthy Baha’i community commit nearly $245,000 toward construction of the Arc on God’s Holy Mountain?

To the Baha’is of metropolitan Chattanooga the answer

INSIDE THIS ISS'

Guidelines on teaching prominent persons _ 2

Increased giving, tight management lead to $600,000 Fund surplus 9

> Mildred Mottahedeh designs special

plate to benefit Arc Projects Fund 16

> Peter Khan speaks at House of Worship __ 17

was spiritual, not financial. Through the initiative of a few and the participation of all, they came to recognize the significance of the Arc Project and their true capacity to meet its needs.

In the year since their November 1994 fund-raiser, Chattanooga-area Bahd’is have proceeded to act on that faith. They have sent more than $145,000 for the Arc and expect, with everyone's prayers, to redeem their pledges in full by Ridvan.

Now the friends in Chattanooga are coming to grips with their spiritual responsibility to teach. After months of deepening and preparation, they know the vital importance— for the individual and the community—of delivering the healing message of Bahd’u'llah. Just as important, they are confident of their true capacity to teach and are ready to act on it.

A campaign is conceived

Not that the road to this point was smooth. Flash back to June 26, 1995, to a meeting in which the Spiritual Assembly of Chattanooga and the local Teaching Committee are reviewing efforts to stimulate and support teaching in the region.

As consultation progresses, a feeling nags at the friends. Sure, there is teaching activity; witness the one to two declarations a month in the area. And there is a rich, loving quality to Baha'i community life. But where is the passion for teaching?

The question is especially troubling in light of a recent challenge from Counselor Wilma Ellis to Auxiliary Board

See CHATTANOOGA page 14

$1.3 million gift received

A bequest of $1.3 million, one of the largest such gifts ever donated to the Faith, was received from the estate of a Wisconsin believer in November.

“This gift has opened a lot of options to the National Spiritual Assembly, and it also serves as a useful reminder that we can all plan ways to support the work of the Faith we love so much even after we leave this life,” said one member of the National Center staff.

The attorney for the estate told the National Assembly that her client came to

her some time ago Related and said, “I’m tired o!

all this money. Help charts, me find a way to get page 9.

rid of it, to use it!”

After discussing the donor’s goals and wishes, as well as the effect tax laws could have on her financial picture, the donor decided to create a living trust. The terms specified that a certain amount of income would be paid to the donor for her lifetime, and the rest would be distributed to various persons and institutions on her death.

The Funds of the Faith figured as the highest priority in the donor’s plan. In addition to the large unrestricted gift to the Baha’f National Fund, another large gift was made to the local Fund of a nearby Assembly.

Other large bequests in the past have made important steps possible that otherwise could not have happened. In the early ‘80s, for example, the National Spiritual Assembly purchased its present headquarters for roughly $2 million; this represented an act of faith on the Assembly's part, buta new headquarters facility was vitally needed because at the time the various offices were scattered at five or six sites throughout Wilmette and Evanston.

Within months, and unexpected bequest for almost exactly the amount needed was received; the national headquarters remains unmortgaged today thanks to that believer’s generosity.

The National Spiritual Assembly expects to use the proceeds of the recent gift to fortify the long-term financial strength of the national administration. [Page 2]THe AMERICAN BAHA’i Z4

UNO C7

One of the goals of the Three Year Plan is to expand vastly the human resources of the Faith. The following article, which is the first in a series, addresses this essential goal.

°

“Thus far, we have achieved a marvelous diversity in the large numbers of ethnic groups represented in the Faith, ...however, there is another category of diversity which must be built up and without which the Cause will not be able to adequately to meet the challenges being thrust upon it. Its membership, regardless of ethnic variety, needs now to embrace increasing numbers of people of capacity, including persons of accomplishment and prominence in the various fields of human endeavor.

“Enrolling significant numbers of such persons is an indispensible aspect of achingthe masses, an aspect which cannot any longer be neglected and which must be consciously and deliberately incorporated into our teaching work, so as to broaden its base and accelerate the process of entry by troops.

“So important and timely is the need for action on this matter that we are impeled to call upon Continental Couselors and National Spiritual Assemblies to devote serious attention to it in their consultations and plans.” (The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1990 message)

Why is it important to teach prominent people? If we are to build a new world order we must change the very foundation on which the old order stands. We must strip money and power of

Teaching prominent people—prelude to entry by troops

their place. To do this we must reach those who at the moment hold the keys to the old world order: doctors, lawyers, bankers, intellectuals, media representatives, entertainers and business people.

It is through their spiritual transformation that we will slowly Be able to change the face of our current political, social and economic landscape. When the wealthy realize that money is good only if can pull people out peverty: when doctors realize that medicine is good only when it can help all those who are in pain, when politicians and the media realize that power is good only when it can alleviate the suffering of the masses, then will the old world order truly topple and a new World Order take its place.

‘Abdu'l-Baha tells us, “O ye concourse of the Kingdom of Abha! Two calls to success and prosperity are being raised from the heights of the happiness of mankind, awakening the slumbering, granting sight to the blind, «The one is the call of civilization, of the progress of the material world. The other is the soul-stirring call of God, .-- However, until material achievements, physical accomplishments and human virtues are reinforced by spiritual perfections, luminous qualities and characteristics rh mercy, no fruit or result shall issue iets foi nor will the happiness of the world of humanity, which is the ultimate aim, be attained.”

By teaching the Cause we teach people to view the world in a new light. The new World Order is based on the proposition not only that all men are created equal but that the lot of humanity can change only when we become concerned for the welfare ofall our brothers and

ers.

the spiritual and material developments are conditioned upon love and amity among all men.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha: Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, pp. 286287)

Our mission, our goal, is to help society—and ourselves—transform. We have been asked to help guide humankind to a new world civilization.

“Wherefore thou shouldst seek to impart the Message to influential persons and become the cause of guidance to the learned and distinguished, that perchance there may be raised up...wise sagacious souls who shall be solicitous for both the good of the state and the welfare of the populace, who shall labor day and night...that its...people may shine out amongst mankind with an extraordinary brilliance and attain to lasting happiness and contentment.” (Abdu‘l-Baha, Teaching Prominent People, p. 1)

What is important is the welfare and happiness of mankind. For us to achieve this we must have help. That help will come from everyone. “...he feels that the great point is to confirm people of true capacity and ability—from whatever social stratum they may be—b se the Cause needs now, and will ever-inc gly need, souls of great ability who can bring it before the public at large, administer its ever-growing affairs, and contribute to its advancement in every field.” (Letter of October 30, 1941, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)

It is our privilege to help the world; to be the ones to share our glorious Faith with the world. It is our privilege to set in motion the tide that will sweep the nations clean. It isour privilege to teach

their importance and put serving humanity in

“Know ye, verily, that the happiness of mankind lieth in the unity and the harmony of the human race, and that

the

Cause of God.

Filmdom’s incomparable tap-dancing duo, the Nicholas Brothers—Baha’f Fayard and his younger sibling, Harold—were in Washington, D.C., in December to attend the annual Kennedy Center Honors program and to visit the White House where they were guests of President and Mrs. Clinton.

The Nicholas Brothers, who were among the Kennedy Center honorees in 1991, have a standing invitation to attend the event every year.

In February 1994 the brothers, who performed their acrobatic dance routines in more than 40 films and a number of plays on Broadway, received

Fayard Nicholas, looking as spry as ever, celebrates his 81st birthday in Marina del Rey, California. More than 200 celebrities and guests attended. (Photo by Farah Ramchandani)

PANINI GW)

Published every 38 days (plus one special issue) for a total of 10 a year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'fs of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Second class postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

Executive Editor: Jack Bowers Associate Editor: Tom Mennillo

The American Baha’f welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Baha'i Faith. Articles should be clear and concise; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all correspondence and other materials to The Editor, The American Baha'i, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Send address changes to Management Information Services, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201.

their star on Hollywood’s Ss “walk of fame” for a lifetime of unforgettable contributions to films and the art of dancing.

Among the films in which they appeared were “Down Argentine Way” (with Betty Grable and Don Ameche), “Sun Valley Serenade” and “Orchestra Wives” (both with the Glenn Miller Orchestra), “Stormy Weather” (with Lena Horne) and “The Pirate” (with Gene Kelly and Judy Garland).

Broadway shows included “The Ziegfeld Follies of 1936,” “Babes in Arms” (1937) and “St. Louis Woman” (1946).

Among their many awards and honors: an Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (1965-66), the National

i]

Pr Nicholas Brothers at Kennedy Center, guests of Clintons after star on Hollywood’s ‘walk of fame’ is unveiled

1, E Harold (left) and Fayard Nicholas, better known

Film Society’s Ellie Award (1984), the Josephine Baker Award (1986), the Ebony Magazine Life Achieve to filmgoers as the tap-dancing Nicholas Brothers, pose proudly with plaques designating their star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. The star was unveiled in February 1994.

mat Award = (1987), Broadway's Tony Award for choreography to Fayard (1989) for the revue “Black and Blue,” and lifetime achievement awards from the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame (1989) and the Professional Dancers Society (1994, with Ginger Rogers).

The Nicholas Brothers gave a command performance at the London Palladium in 1948 for the King of England and have performed for three presi dents—Roosevelt, Eisenhower and Reagan.

A documentary film about their lives and careers, “We Sing, We Dance...,” first broadcast on the Arts & Entertainment network in 1992, won the 1994

“Cable Ace” Award for excellence.

Fayard Nicholas and his wife, Barbara, a former model, have been Baha'is since 1967.

[Page 3]EE YEAR PLAN

Suarar B.E. 152 © December 31, 1995

3

G zi ™ >

°

TOTAL Army of Light teaching plan worksheet

Consultation is no easy skill to learn, requiring as it does the subjugation of all egotism and unruly pas sions, the cultivation of frankness and freedom of thought as well as courtesy, openness of mind, and wholeENROLLMENTS hearted acquiescence in a majority decision. [The Universal House of Justice, from a letter to Baha’f youth in every land, June 10, 1966, Wellsprings of Guidance, p. 97]

The purpose of this worksheet is to help you prioritize your efforts. We have so few resources that we need to be as organized as possible. We can’t afford to waste energy or money.

Here is how this works:

First: Each person in the group should prepare a list of your current teaching activities.

November ee Se ri 137 Second: Add the activities von would keto start. y . Third: Using a scale of “High, Medium, Low,” rank the potential of each activity to be taken to its Year to date... oo 1,290 next step. Each rank (H,M,L) should contain one-third of the total number of activities. [For example, yeu list nine activities, three should be H, three M and three L. If you have too many in one NS ara ee category, reassess your ranking.]

When everyone has finished ranking the items, all scores should be recorded on a blackboard or large sheet of paper. Determine which category has the greatest number of responses: i.e. 4 Hs, 6 Ms, 3.Ls. Record the dominant response next to the item on the chart. Taking this data into account, use consultation to assess which goal areas appear to be of the highest value to focus upon.

‘THE FUND GROUND RULES:

1. People are free to offer suggestions which are broad based and which if carried out would lead to improvement.

(As of November 30, 1995) 2. Criticism of another’s suggestion is not permitted.

3. Questions which clarify or define are encouraged.

4. No process toward prioritization or decision making will be made until all of the ideas offered are understood.

YTD _(est.) Action inspired by confidence in the ultimate triumph of the Faith is, indeed, essential to the gradual and National Bahé’f Fund —_$7,723,980 $6,848,254 complete materialization of your hopes for the extension and consolidation of the Movement in your country. All International Funds $17,800,000 $17,238,574 May the Almighty inspire each and every one of you with the zeal, determination and faith to carry out His will, and to patina His Message to those living in your land and beyond its confines. [11 May 1934, YID94 YTD 95 (est.) written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer] National Bahé’f Fund —$5,444,056 $6,848,254 International Bahd’f Fund $281,794 $1,103,282 Define a project which would take this initiative to a new level: Are Projects Fund $2,783,788 $15,650,608 Focus of project Continental Baha’{ Fund $121,487 $145,667 Dates of project Other Earmarked $211,361 $339,017 Nature of project (proclamation, mass teaching, fireside, service) Subtotal/Int’! Funds $3,398,430 $17,238,574 Other Total/All Funds $8,842,486 $24,086,828 How will we identify that we have moved to a new level? + Increase in intensity of effort? Increase in number of seekers? Increase in declarations? Increase in regularity of actions? National Bah4’i Fund: Goal & Actual Are we Boe confident in our actions? The more important consequences of your activities are the spirit that is diffused into the life of the commu$7,723 980 nity, and the tee to hie the thes we proclaim Ine art of sh Snocsat belief of the people that hear them. For it is only when the spirit has orauehly permeated the world that the people will begin to enter the Faith in large numbers. [18 February 1932, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer] All International Funds: Goal & Actual ‘ F 3 List resources available for moving to new level: [itcceve ore RR s 17235, 574 Number of local believers available to project. Specific talents/skills offered by these individuals. [Eiticrerre ncea vo ve I S170, 000 What financial resources are available? Who will coordinate the project? What will the dates of the project be? What literature do we have available? Other Arc Projects Fund ‘ci #8€=3=—Sfsi 650,608 List resources/actions needed for movement to a new level: Sein What talents/skills do we need? How much manpower do we need? $2,783,788 How can we prepare ourselves? Where will we house additional teachers? How will additional teachers be prepared? What standard of behavior is necessary? International Bahé’i Fund The ambition of every young Bahd’t should be, indeed, to become a well-informed and competent teacher. $1,103,282 [Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Centers of Baha'i Learning, p. 15] How can the Army of Light contribute to this effort? CEES Offer more each? Facilitate a training for teachers? Facilitate a training for adults to empower youth? Mobilize a Baha’i Youth Workshop? i . Continental Baba'( Fund ..with God's help, he trusts, you will succeed. He will surely reinforce your efforts and assist you in the $145,667 completion of that task that lies before you. God will, however, assist us if we do our share and sacrifice in the path of the progress of His Faith. We have to feel the responsibility laid upon our shoulders, arise to carry it $121,487 out, and then expect divine grace to be showered upon us. [20 December 1932, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a National Spiritual Assembly] \ WN J

[Page 4]THe AmeriCAN BAHA'T 4

PIONEERING

Part 3 in a series of articles

Local Assembly’s role in international pioneer work of the Cause

Pioneering Institutes

Essential to preparing for international service, whether as an adult pioneer or as a volunteer in the Baha’i Youth Service Corps, is attending a Pioneering Institute.

A Pioneering Institute, as developed by the Office of Pioneering, is an intensive three-day program (minimum) that includes deepening in the Writings on the Covenant and on the purpose, significance, challenges and rewards of international pioneering; exploring the joy of teaching, the spirit of pioneering, the battles of a spiritual warrior and the lives of early pioneers.

Cross-cultural simulation activities, as wellas first-hand guidance from veteran pioneers, address the day-to-day realities of living and serving ina new environment. Time is also set aside for each prospective pioneer, couple or family to consult with a representative of the Office of Pioneering on their personal plans.

In the past, Pioneering Institutes were planned with the one-foot-onthe-plane pioneer in mind, and participauon was by invitation only to those

tiends with whom the Pioneering Office (then the International Goals Committee) was already engaged.

As it has evolved, the Institute has broadened to embrace a range of needs for friends in all stages of planning for international service. In a letter elaborating on the pioneer call of June 27, 1993, the Universal House of Justice advised, “As the friends respond to the pioneer call, the National Spiritual Assemblies and their appropriate agencies will, of course, exert their utmost effort to offer the administrative support to facilitate their move. However, the approach adopted for the Three Year Plan should free the institutions from the pressure of filling speci goals and allow them to focus their energies on the spiritual preparation of the friends for this vital field of service.”

In keeping with this guidance from the Supreme Body, the emphasis of the Institute has been increasingly toward

the spiritual preparation of prospective pioneers.

In short, the Pioneering Institute is a program of spicitvel preparation for international service. Why is this preparation so important? Does a prospective pioneer really need to attend an Institute?

Throughout the last 25 years, statistics have indicated that those individuals who attend a Pioneering Institute before setting out for their post are more likely to stay, better able to overcome the challenges of adjustment to be happy, effective pioneers. This is especially true for youth taking part in the Baha’i Youth Service Corps.

For the pioneer, the challenges of being a Baha’f in a fast deterioratin; world are expanded and coniplieated by the additional factor of living in a new culture and physical environment. A firm grounding in the Covenant and in the Writings along with a vision of the pioneer’s spiritual mission are essential factors in rising to these challenges.

Of course, this is an ongolns Pursult. But a Pioneering Institute offers an outline of those spiritual prerequisites that serve as the foundation for any successful endeavor in the pioneering field.

Role of the local Assembly

Once the prospective pioneer has turned to the local Assembly to consult and receive guidance on his/her plans for international service and has received the appropriate administrative forms to be submitted to the Office of Pioneering, an important aspect of the next phase of preparation would be to attend a Pioneering Institute. Key to this is encouraging participation in the Pioneering Institute, and, if needed, financially assisting the prospective pioneer, couple or family to attend such a program.

The local Spiritual Assembly can playa supporiye, role for prospective pioneers by offering continuing guidance and opportunities for consultation throughout the preparation pro

cess.

Another option is for an Assembly to consider hosting a regional Pioneering Institute, initially, working hand in hand with the staff of the Office of Pioneering to prepare the program. This may provide a far greater opportunity and more cost-effective means for prospective pioneers to attend an Institute.

Also, the content of a Pioneering Institute represents a valuable deepening for the whole community. A number of locally-sponsored Pioneering Institutes have been successfully carried out.

Local Assemblies have also sponsored the planning and facilitation of Sensitive International Teaching Areas (SITA) programs, which are Pioneering Institutes for areas of the world where special considerations are required. A network of resource people is in place

to assist communities with these SITA programs, and we are developing a network of veteran Baha’f Youth Service Corps volunteers who could provide resources to train youth.

The Baha'is of the U.S. have been given the privilege of being among three or four national communities challenged to carry the major res; sibility for the growth oi the Faith around the world. Pioneering continues to be the primary way we can accomplish this precious service, and we must accept the responsiblity to be adequately prepared for this challenge.

As we continue to grow in our understanding of America’s spiritual destiny and to fulfill our global responsiblilities, beginning at the local level, we will bring to this community the full measure of its promised bounties and blessings.

Pictured in the lobby of the lovely Sarah Farmer Inn at the Green Acre Baha'i School are participants in a Pioneering/BahG’i Youth Service Corps/SITA Institute held in October. Prospective pioneers are destined for posts in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and an Indian Reservation on the

homefront.

Please report domestic, overseas trips of any kind when teaching is done

Every year thousands of Baha’is in the U.S. travel internationally and on the homefront for a wide variety of purposes.

Responding to the following exhortation of Shoghi Effendi, the lovers of Bahd’u'll4h cannot cease mentioning His name and are scattering the fragrances of His Revelation at every moment, in every place they find themselves.

“Upon every participator in this concerted effort, unprecedented in the annals of the American Baha’f community, rests the spiritual obligation to make the mandate of teaching, so vitally binding upon all, the all-pervading concern of his life. In his daily activities and contacts, in all his journeys, whether for business or otherwise, on his holidays and outings, and on any mission he may be called upon to undertake, every bearer of the Message of Baha‘u’llah should consider it not only an obligation but a privilege to scatter far and wide the seeds of His

Faith, and to rest content in the abiding knowledge that whatever be the immediate response to that Message, and however inadequate the vehicle that conveyed it, the power of its Author will, as He sees fit, enable those seeds to germinate, and in circumstances which no one can foresee enrich the harvest which the labor of His followers will gather.” (Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 53)

To record the history of the development of the Cause and monitor the contributions made by the U.S. believers, we are asked to report on all trips undertaken by the friends. If traveling internationally please report trips of any nature.

Please let the Office of Pioneering know about any travels undertaken during the Three Year Plan (since May 1, 1993). Remember that any effort you may make to share the news of Bahd’u'llah’s coming, even the mention of His name or the saying of prayers, can potentially bring the spirit of the Faith

of Baha’u’llah to the people.

Baha’u'llah revealed to us that “The movement itself from place to place, when undertaken for the sake of God, hath always exerted, and can now exert, its influence in the World.” (quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 70)

To make this easier for you, simply fill out and send to us the short report

Ifyou have traveled internat

Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

form below, or tell us by fax, phone or e-mail 24 hours a day. Please report travel on the homefront to the National Teaching Office, 708-733-3494 (fax 708733-3502, e-mail

Report international travel to the Office of Pioneering, 708-733-3511 (fax 708-733-3509, e-mail

nally, please return this form to: Office of Pioneering, Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. If you have traveled to teach within the United States, please return this form to: National Teaching Office, Baha’ { National

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An upbeat, inspired collection of twelve songs full of hope and delight that will charm and move the hearts of adults and

Contentment children alike. For those awaiting a folJewels from the Words of Abdu’l-Baha These valuable teaching dosip to Teaching Peace, tis is it! . "he includes ten new songs as well as a ruse) rol elo SAI Cole heart-stopping rendition of “Over the

and available today!

Rainbow” and a lovely adaptation of the rhyme “Starlight, Star Bright.” A recording that kids, parents, and teachers will love.

35 minutes

Red Note Records

This, the fourth booklet in theJewels series, attractively presents extracts from writings and utterances of ’Abdu’l-Baha on the theme of contentment. Filled with wisdom and compassion, it offers words of comfort and consolation and reveals the spiritual reality of true contentment.

6°x6", 46 pp.

Bah4’i Publishing Trust - United Kingdom

PLEASE TAKE NOTE! CHANGE IN PRICING POLICY!

Effective January 2, 1996, a 10% shipping charge will be added to all orders shipped within the continental United States. The minimum charge will be $2.00 per order and the maximum charge will be no more than $10.00 per order.

Symbol and Secret Qur'an Commentary in Baha’u'llah’s Kitab-1-iqan

Studies in Babi and Baha'i Religions, Volume Seven

Christopher Buck

SC $32.50 (SSS), HC $42.50 (SSH)

The first full volume in English to be devoted to a study of the Kitab-ifqan, a book designated by Shoghi Effendi as “foremost among the priceless treasures cast forth from the billowing ocean of Baha’u’ lléh’s Revelation.” The author, a Baha’f and scholar of Islamic Studies, examines Bahé’u’llah’s explanations of the symbolic verses in the Qur én and the Gospels. Through the Kitab-i-fqan Baha’ u’ lah

has created new meanings for these verses and laid the foundation of

anew religion. The author offers

his research into the revelation of the Kitéb-i-fqan and the early history of its publication, answers attacks non-Baha’{ critics have directed against it, analyzes

Bah’ u’lah’s rhetorical techniques, and illumines how the Kitab-i-fqan forms a bridge to anew Revelation. A \ 4 masterful piece of scholarship and a “must read” for serious students of

The cost of printing and shipping books has increased dramatically over the past two years. Until now, the National Fund has borne the financial burden of shipping and handling orders. This is no longer possible. The shipping charge has been added to avoid raising book prices. The National Spiritual As Bahé’f scripture.

sembly appreciates your kind understanding and cooperation Oe ee OE ee CC meee pets : : jogra

with this change in policy. Kalimit Press

[Page 7]

’| DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

Created Rich

How Spiritual Attitudes and Material Means Work Together to Achieve Prosperity

Patrick Barker

SC $9.95 (CR)

Created Rich teaches both the spiritual and practical principles of wealth acquisition. Although the book is written primarily for Baha’ is and frequently quotes the Baha’f w1 is suitable for anyone wishing to become financially independent. According to the author, almost anyone can achieve financial freedom in a reasonable amount of time by following its guidance, as everyone has the capacity to prosper. Those who have acquired no more than a bare subsistence have either failed to learn the principles governing the acquisition of wealth or failed to observe them. This book explains these principles

Huqtiqu’ll4h

The Right of God

Ramin Khadem and Fred Badiyan

VT $30.00 (EHN)

An excellent video introduction to the subject of Huqtiqu’ lléh. Contains rare historical pictures and includes segments filmed in the Holy Land with the participation of Hands of the Cause of God Dr. ‘Alf-Muammad Vargé and Mr. ‘Alf-Akbar Furditan.

51 minutes Ramin Khadem and Fred Badlyan

The Violence-Free Family

Bullding Block of a Peaceful Civilization

H. B. Danesh, M.D.

SC $12.95 (VFF)

Wherever people face racism and prejudice, children are the most innocent, tragic victims. This book addresses the need for a new type of family and a new approach to the allimportant task of rearing our children. It is an expression of an unshakable belief in the nobility of the human spirit, i the fundamental unity of the human race, and in the ultimate victory of the forces of love and justice over those ‘of hate and tyranny.

Baha'i Studies Publications

and tells how to implement them. 5-1/2'x8-1/2", 207 pp.

Naturegraph Publishers

Ethel Jenner Rosenberg

The Life and Times of England’s Outstanding Pioneer Worker

by Robert Weinberg

SC $24.95 (EJR)

A Victorian spinster, a painter of miniatures and portraits, Ethel Rosenberg was the first Englishwoman in her native country to accept Baha’ u’Ilah as the Manifestation of God for this day.Using Ethel Rosenberg’s own diaries and letters, minutes and notes from meetings of the first Baha’ { institutions in Britain, and other original documents, Robert Weinberg explores the life of this fascinating woman, whom Shoghi Effendi describes as England’s outstanding Bah4’f pioneer worker. Includes the Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahé to Ethel Rosenberg.

5°x8-3/4", 336 pp., index

George Ronald Publishers

Two’s Company,

Three’s a Crowd

Susan J. Allen

SC $6.95 (TCTC)

Bullies, racist plots, kidnapping, detective work—are these two stories really about four teenage Baha’ fs from a small, insignificant American town? The answer is a resounding YES to the exciting adventures of Jeremy, Anna, Rachel, and Antonio as they win out over material and spiritual obstacles to find that not two, not three, but four’s company!

5" x 8, 111 pp.

Oneworld

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The aim of the bad ® Multifaith Weekly Plan- +

neristo increase awareness and promote understanding of the major festivals of various world religions. It can be useful to anyone, but will be particularly valuable to administrators, educators, and caregivers who meetings and need to understand reli; Religious observances for eleven world religions noted, and an explanation of the religious s holy day, festival, fasting period, or celebration

ean)

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4-3/4"x8" Unity Arts

Developing Genius

Getting the Most Out of Group

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by John Kolstoe

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When two or more people have a serious discussion in harmony and with good will, the unique product of that group is a special creative energy. It’s more than the combination of ideas. It’s a new and different creation which is greater than the sum of the parts and can enable a group of ordinary people to come up with genius-size ideas. Developing Genius shares principles of consultation being used effectively today. The ideas come from the Bahd’f writings and the author’s own experience.

4-3/4"xT", 260pp., index, line drawings

George Ronald Publishers

Turning Point For All Nations

Baha'i International Community United Nations Office

SC $2.25 (TPFAN)

Astatement issued by the Baha’ { International Community on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations. The statement reflects on how humanity may collectively face its future, defines a role for the U.N. within the emerging international order, examines the al challenge of releasing the power of the ind jal in the emerging world order, and issues a call to world leaders.

8 1/4" x 11 1/4", 31 pp.

Baha'i International Community United Nations Office, New York

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PN@r MISS)

by Dane Anderson, age 8, adapted from an activity by Kim Menillo

2 2OCEIOLR Pom meres’! DD villiant Star. Connzebion a

The Chain

Linhs aH 1. Teach your friends how the Chain to help you make

nine-pointed star links. 1. Fold a chenille wire 2. Before twisting the ends

“Every part of the universe is connected with every other part by ties that are very powerful.”

—‘Abdu‘l-Bahs, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, p. 157

When kids learn Baha'i quotations it makes them feel happy. They feel connected to others and make new friends.

Read and memorize the words of Baha'u'llah. Give these to your friends so that they can feel connected, too.

Start a chain reaction of CONNECTION with your friends.

Reprinted from Brilliant Star, World Embracing Vision, September-October 1995

(pipe cleaner) back and forth accordion style until there are 9 hills with 2 long ends.

. The space between each

fold will be about 1/2 inch. Adjust it if you need to. Be sure there are 18 sides.

. Bring the ends of your

link together. Overlap 2 sides and twist both ends to connect. Now you have a nine-pointed star!

. Ona narrow ribbon of

. Fold the blank end over

together, connect the star to the last star made.

Paper, write a short quotation from the Sacred Writings. Leave about an inch blank at the beginning of the ribbon.

a link of the chain. Tape or staple. Make

Mlustrated by Nina Scott

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he Purchase Singl lg gle Issues, Back Issues, Special Editions and Bulk Orders from Order Now! Give the gift that teaches all year long! 2. Take turns reading verses aloud. Have your guests

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My Part of the Plan np9

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choose a favorite verse. Hunt for verses that answer certain questions.

3. When your guests leave, give each a star link with quotation. Invite them to create a star chain with other friends.

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[Page 9]SHarar B.E. 152 ¢ Decemser 31, 1995

9

THE LIFE-BLOOD

World Center letters: perspective on Arc progress

In a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to our National Spiritual , we read:

“The House of Justice has asked us to...provide you with a copy of a letter of August 13, 1995, which was sent on its behalf to a National Spiritual Assembly, the purpose of which was to correct the unfortunate misconception that the needs of the Arc Fund do not remain the highest priority.

“Such a misunderstanding appears to have arisen from a failure to study carefully the June 20, 1995, message of the House of Justice sent out at the conclusion of Mr. Nakhjavani’s visit to Europe and North America. ...The House of Justice is deeply grateful for your dedicated endeavors to help in meeting the pressing needs of the Arc Projects, and it stands ready to assist you in any way possible.”

°

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of —— Dear Baha'i Friends,

A copy of your Nineteen Day Feast letter for the Feast of Kalimat, July 1213, 1995, has been received at the Baha’f World Center, and we have been asked to convey the following.

The Universal House of Justice very much epprecates your action to share with the dearly loved friends in—— the full text of its message of June 20, 1995, sporting. the results of the mission on which it sent one of its members in connection with the critical financial re Giving, tight

The combination of increased giving by the friends and tight expense management is having its effect on

November 12, 1995

form

1, 1995.

The Mount Carmel Projects Office, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, recently prepared this short update on the progress on the Arc:

At the approach of the close of the Three Year Plan, the projects of the Arc and Terraces on the Mountain of God stand at an exciting threshold. With the structural framework of the Center for the Study of the Texts almost complete, finishing works have commenced inside the building.

A number of contracts have been signed for interior stone, drywall partitions, ceilings. skylights, wooden doors and frames, etc. At the site of the International Teaching Center, work has begun on the second level of the building at the same time as the retaining wall is being extended and strengthened with additional rock anchors.

The physical environment of Mount Carmel is gradually being transwith the emerging beauty of the Terraces below the Shrine of the Bab. It was an exciting moment hen the ninth terrace, in the shadow of the Shrine, adorned with all its stone ornaments, landscaped lawns and flower beds, was briefly opened to Baha’{ visitors during the celebration of the Declaration of the Bab according to the lunar calendar on October

On the upper Terraces, with commencement of bulk excavations at the site of Terrace 11 adjacent to Hatzionut Avenue above the Shrine, all seven phases of construction of the Mount Carmel Projects have been initiated in accomplishment of one of the major goals of the Three Year Plan.

quirements of the Mount Carmel Projects. However, it is concerned that your Feast letter reflects a serious misunderstanding of that message.

In your letter you indicate that “some of the urgent pressure has been lifted,” stating that “the Universal House of Justice itself, in the last paragraph of its message, has indicated that the relief from this urgency will enable it to direct its attention to the vital needs of teaching, consolidation

and proclamation work of the Faith,” and expressing the feeling that your National Spiritual Assembly “must follow in the footsteps of the House of Justice in this matter.”

With this in mind, you further said, “now that the needs of the Arc Fund are not of the highest priority and the need is for massive expansion through teaching, consolidation and proclamation, we would like to ask the friends to reconsider their priorities.”

Itis clear, then, that you did not take sufficiently into account the conditional mood of the last paragraph of the House of Justice message to which you referred. That pareap reads:

“If all the pledges are duly honored, as anticipated, and more friends in the above-named areas, as well as the rest of the world, will continue to offer their loving contributions toward this historic undertaking during this last year of the Three Year Plan, the estimated amount of U.S. $10 million in annual contributions mentioned above will correspondingly be reduced, enabling the World Center to direct its attention with less anxiety to the vital needs of the expansion, consolidation and proclamation work of the Faith throughout all continents.”

“Even though the House of Justice remains confident that the friends will live up to their obligations, sufficient time has not yet passed to enable it to affirm that these conditions have been met. Until such a time, the priority of financially supporting the Mount Carmel Projects will remain.

“The House of Justice leaves it to your discretion to determine how you will keep this vital matter uppermost in the minds of the friends while atthe same time encouraging them to intensify their teaching and consolidation work, for the success in this latter, indispensable aim will undoubtedly assist in meeting the urgent material re juirements of the building projects on

od’s Holy Mountain.”

management build financial strength

the strength of the national administration.

As reported elsewhere, contributions

have risen this year across the board. Matching this effort by the believers has been the careful management

$1,600,000

$1,200,000

[I National Bahé't Fund —1— NBF Monthly Goal

$800,000 $400,000 FE $0 4

May-95 Jiist 5 git hat

Jun-95,

Jul-95

National Baha'i Fund - 1995 Goal and Actual

$2,500,000

$2,000,000

$1,500,000

| EEE Estate Bequests | G55 Contributions —— NBF Monthly Goal

$1,000,000

$500,000

$o

eee ee

National Baha'i Fund with Estate Bequests

Monthly goal met twice in

of the offerings received, so that by the end of October the Controller could report to the National Spiritual Assembly that expenses were $911,000 under budget.

Revenues (contributions plus earned income from book sales, schools and investments) were also down, however, so the net budget surplus stood at $660,000. This compares with a $1 million net deficit in October 1994.

Other achievements made possible by the friends this year are:

continued support for the teaching and pioneering goals;

establishment of a $750,000 reserve

for debt reduction;

a3 percent cost of living increase

for National Center staff, most of whom have received no raises for years except in cases of economic emergency; and

no new borrowing from the National Assembly’s banks.

The remaining challenge for the year will be balancing the $12.5 million annual operating budget. The recent $1.3 million bequest, mentioned in another article, does not affect the operating budget as the National Assembly, by long-standing policy, applies such contributions to long-term capital needs.

Additional financial news, page 11.

[Page 10]THe AMERICAN BAHA'I 10

NATIONAL CONVENTIO

April 25-28, 1995 Rosemont, Illinois

87th Baha’i National Convention Convention Seating Registration

Will you be staying at the Holiday Inn O'Hare? —_-Yes No

Visitors welcome at 87th Convention

In anticipation of the celebration of victories from the Three Year Plan and the introduction of a new Plan by the uiuversal House of Justice, the National Spiritual Assembly has provided for a larger number of Baha'i visitors to attend the upcoming 87th National Convention.

An additional 1,800 believers will be able to take part in this extremely important event, which will be held near Chicago’s O'Hare Airport, convenient to air travelers and those arriving by

car.

All Baha’is in good standing are warmly invited to join the National Spiritual Assembly and delegates next April 25-28 at the Holiday Inn-O’Hare, 5440 N. River Road in Rosemont (see form for registration and hotel information).

What do visitors do?

Non-delegate visitors will have a chance to observe, although they do not take part in consultation between the delegates and the National Spiritual Assembly. They will learn about the current state of the American Baha’{ community and see the consultation developing from the release of the next global Plan from the Universal House of Justice. Several agencies of the Baha'i National Center will be on hand to greet everyone and to answer questions. The nearby Baha’f House of Worship will be open daily to visitors. What goes on at the National Convention?

The Convention opens (Thursday evening) with the seating of delegates and election of the Convention officers. The National Spiritual Assembly then presents its annual report to the community. Most of the sessions before and after the election of the National Spiritual Assembly (on Saturday morning) are devoted to consultation between the delegates and National Spiritual Assembly. Convention attendees will also see the formal unveiling of the upcoming Plan from the Universal House of Justice. The Convention closes at noon on Sunday.

What do the delegates do?

The 171 delegates were elected at District Conventions last October. Their responsibilities are to elect the new National Assembly and to consult

with it on matters of importance to the Faith.

What happens in the election?

The Guardian instructed that the election of the National Spiritual Assembly is to be held ata point midway through the Convention to give the incoming National Assembly an opportunity to consult with delegates and to pres to them the broad outlines of its plans for the coming year. The National Spiritual Assembly is elected by plurality vote; the nine Peele who receive the highest num er of votes cast by the delegates are elected.

Who can consult?

Besides the delegates, members of the National Spiritual Assembly are free to take part in Convention deliberations and may offer suggestions or recommendations; however, only National Assembly members who are delegates may vote on issues or be elected to serve as Convention officers. All non-delegate attendees may observe the consultation, but only delegates can take part in discussions taking place on the Convention floor.

What happens to decisions?

The deliberations and decisions of the Convention are advisory. The Guardian explained that the National Convention is a temporary gathering whose status “is limited in time to the convention sessions, the functions of consultation at all other times being vested in the entire body of believers through the local Spiritual Assemblies.” When the delegates return home, they are asked to report to their fellow-believers in their District on the accomplishments, decisions and aspirations of the Convention.

Last Name First Name Middle Initial Baha’i LD. # Mailing Address Street Hotel Reservations must be City State Zip

made directly with the Holiday Inn O'Hare, 708/671-6350, 5440. N. River Road, Rosemont, IL. Make sure you ask for the Baha’f National Convention rate.

Room Rates are $79 per room, double occupancy. Rollaways are $10 a day. Cribs are free. We ask that you make your hotel reservations at the Holiday Inn O'Hare. Staying at the Holiday Inn helps reduce the National Center’s over-all administrative costs for the Convention.

Free Shuttles to and from O'Hare Airport are offered by the Holiday Inn O'Hare.

Children: We strongly encourage you not to bring children to the Convention unless they are old enough to listen attentively in the visitor sections with their parents. There will be no provisions for chidren’s classes or child care. The sessions are long—three full 13-hour days and two halfdays—and it is difficult to provide meaningful programs for children for such a long period of time. We regret that the National Center does not have the financial or human resources to sponsor a quality program for children. Also keep in mind that while some security will be present, a large urban hotel is not the safest environment for children. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Sharing Rooms: Individuals seeking roommates must make their own arrangements. Neither the National Center nor the hotel can offer such help.

Mail Form to: National Convention Seating Registration Baha'i National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

The National Spiritual Assembly’s U.S. Bahd’i Refugee Office recently received an award from the Illinois Refugee Social Service Consortium for more than 15 years of ‘distinguished service’ to the refugee community. Puran Stevens, coordinator of the Baha'i Refugee Office, accepted the award from the Consortium’s Illinois Refugee Program coordinator, Dr. Ed Silverman, at a ceremony on October 24. The Baha'i Refugee Office coordinates all Baha'i activities related to Baha'i refugees, especially Southeast Asian and Iranian newcomers to the U.S.

Mrs. Guchani-Rosenberg, Dr. Jahangir Cyrus named Auxiliary Board members in Southeastern states

Farah Guchani-Rosenberg of Boca Raton, Florida, and Jahangir Cyrus of Louisville, Kentucky, have been appoled members of the Auxiliar

‘oard for protection, replacing Jac Guillebeaux and Sam McClellan, respectively.

Mrs. Guchani-Rosenberg, who will serve Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi, was born in Iran and comes from a family who pioneered to Turkey.

She came to the U.S. in 1976 to pursue her education as an architect, and since moving to Florida has served as an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Cap Cornwell and as secretary of the Magdalene Carney Baha'i Institute.

Dr. Cyrus, whose territory includes Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and Arkansas, was also born in Iran where he served for three years as secretary of the Baha’i Youth Committee of Tehran.

In the U.S. he has served on local Assemblies, the Kentucky District Teaching Committee and the National Development Committee.

He is a member of the steering committee for Louisville’s city-wide initiative, “Many People One Community,” and is on the board of directors of the National Conference (formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews).

While at the University of Louisville, Dr. Cyrus was director of the training units for the divisions of endocrinology and diabetes and hypertension, and was a two-time recipient of the university’s Outstanding Teacher award.

[Page 11]

DA

Suarar B.E. 152 ¢ Decemaer 31, 1995

Half-year contributions reveal shift in pattern of C.S. believers’ giving

The community’s efforts to build the Arc and meet local and national needs have changed the way Baha'is support the Funds of the Faith.

Areview of giving statistics from local Spiritual Assemblies and individuals in Assembly areas for the period from May 1-October 31 shows individual believers are providing a greater share than local Assemblies of the material resources received in the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of the Treasurer, even as over-all giving by both local Assemblies and individuals has risen dramatically.

Offerings by local Spiritual Assemblies to the international and national Funds of the Faith increased 73 percent, to more than $5.5 million.

This total was 40 percent of the total contributions of $13.9 million received from Assemblies and individuals in the first half of the year; the other 60 percent, some $8.4 million, came from individual believers, whose total offerings increased more

than 200 percent over last year’s level.

Last October, total contributions from these two donor groups were $5.7 million, of which 56 percent came from Assemblies and 44 percent from individuals.

“There are several possible meanings in this information, which may have implications for the way the institutions address the Faith’s material needs,” said a staff member in the Office of the Treasurer.

“Local Assemblies may be facing a growing need locally and are unable to increase their support as quickly as individual believers can. It’s also possible that individuals felt a greater need to give directly to the senior institutions and especially for the Arc, where the biggest increases naturally have occurred.

“One piece of the puzzle we don’t have at the National Center is what has happened in the local Funds: have they also gone up, or have they gone

down as more dollars flow to the national and international Funds? This review also didn’t look at groups and isolated believers; what’s happening there?”

One of the more provocative developments has been the year’s acrossthe-board increases in all the Funds. Conventional wisdom might say that one must go down while another goes up, at least if it is assumed that the available Support is limited.

This year, however, while individuals and Assemblies increased their offerings for the Arc by 523 percent and 253 percent, respectively, they also increased their contributions to the Baha’i National Fund, by 24 percent and 11 percent.

“For years,” the staff member said, “letters and calls to the Office of the Treasurer have said ‘There’s only so much money in the community,’ but might not these statistics indicate a whole different level of capacity than we generally think is the case?”

Stories of giving — from all over, all ages

Texas

“Please accept this contribution in memory of my wife, Marjorie J. Heath, to be applied to the Arc. She passed away 9/21/95. ...The Arc was very dear to her and as an example of her dedication she started teaching piano again after her retirement in order to give more to the Arc. This was in addition to our regular monthly contribution...” Massachusetts

“Greetings for Baha‘u'llah’s Birthday! I wish this was $9,000,000 but the commitment is the same. We have three kids in college and try to help support their college clubs and teaching needs. We also try to stay within unity in our marriage. ...Thank you for the constant Preyer at the National Center for our young people.

hey bear the brunt of today’s stresses and those of the future. They need to have the full realization that if they help, Baha‘u’llah will do the 90 percent of what is ahead to do. ...Our prayers are with each of you and your families.” Clovis, Cal ferns

The children of Clovis held a birthday party for Bahd’u'll4h and, using the Brilliant Star page created for that purpose, sent in pictures, poems and contributions, all wrapped up in a birthday box and sent to the Na tional Spiritual Assembly. There are no words to express the joy the arrival of that gift brought to all those who saw it!

Pakistan (yes, the country!)

A young man living in Pakistan, a new believer and the only. Baha‘i so far in his Muslim family, was talking about the coming winter there, and said he didn’t have a warm coat for the often very cold weather. “That's all right, though, I can make it; I can be cold. This money is going to the Arc!” He was so proud to have a new job, and he gave his first paycheck to the Arc rather than spend it on clothing.

California (again!)

“Enclosed is a check for $150 for the Arc Fund. ...Since we are so in debt, and we are obliged to pay our debts before giving to the Fund, I was racking my brain to find a way to contribute to the Arc Project. ...I finally thought of something. I decided to sell a gold bracelet that my grandmother gave me. It was one I would have liked to pass on to my daughters. ...Instead of selling it to some jewelry store, | asked my daughter if she would like to buy the bracelet. She liked the idea of buying her inheritance so the money could go to the Fund. So here it is with all of our love. We are so happy to be able to contribute to the Arc Project.”

Images International has deepening tapes

Institute for Baha'i Studies seeks papers for Irfan Colloquium, History Conference

ica.

“Windows to the Past,” a series of audio tapes for deepening, has been produced by and is available from Images International.

The first group of 23 inspirational tapes, designed especially to deepen those who are traveling and may not have time to read, covers 19 topics related to the Faith and is narrated by Dr. Darius and Mrs. Grace Shahrokh.

For information about the tapes, please contact Images International, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343 (phone 800470-4525 or 423-870-4525; fax 423870-4774).

Papers are sought for two upcoming conferences planned by the Institute for Baha’f Studies—the Irfan Colloquium (March 29-31) and the biennial History Conference (June 7-9).

If you would like to make a presentation at either conference, please send a 500-word abstract describing your proposal to Lynnea Yancy, Research Office, Baha’f National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 708-733-3548; fax 708-733-3563; e-mail

The Irfan Colloquium, sponsored by the Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund, will examine criticisms of the Faith and ways in which to respond to them; the History Conference will address all aspects of Baha’f history with emphasis on its history in North Amer The Institute is sponsoring a third conference, The New World Order in Bahd‘t Perspective, on January 26-28, also at the Baha’i National Center.

All conferences will start at 7 p.m. Friday evening and end Sunday at noon.

A special hotel rate of $65/night (single or double occupancy) is available at the North Shore Hilton Hotel (phone 708-679-7000) for those who register at least two weeks in advance.

Registration fees ($60 for the New World Order conference) include the cost of all food for the weekend.

Telephone number for the Baha'i National Center Bulletin Board Service (BNCBBS): 708-869-0389

11

Counselors

Continued from page 1

Linda Gershuny, Abdu’l-Missagh Ghadirian, Peter McLaren (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Alejandra Miller, Ruth Pringle, Carmen Elisa de Sadeghian, Isabel de Sanchez, Errol Sealy, Arturo Serrano, Farhad Shayani, David Smith, Rodrigo Tomas.

ASIA (18 Counselors): Borhanoddin Afshin, Fadel Ardekani, Jabbar Eidelkhani, Bijan Farid, Elena Gruzkova, David Huang (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Nobuko Iwakura, Abbas Katirai, Kim Myung Jung, Lee Lee Ludher, Payman Mohajer, Perin Olyai, Zenaida Ramirez, Cyrus Rohani, Vicente Samaniego, Zena Sorabjee, George Soraya, Rosalie Tran.

AUSTRALASIA (11 Counselors): Ben Ayala, Beatrice Benson, Afemata Moli Chang, David Chittleborough (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Violette Haake, Betra Majmeto, Sirus Naraqi, Bruce Saunders, Heather Simpson, Erama Ugaia, Robin White.

EUROPE (14 Counselors): Hooshidar Balazadeh, Uta von Both, Patricia Coles, Louis Henuzet, Patrick O'Mara (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Nabil Perdu, Maija Pihlainen, Polin Rafat, Shapour Rassekh, Ilhan Sezgin, Nosrat Tirandaz, Larissa Tsutskova, Tiberiu Vajda, Sohrab Youssefian.

The following 15 devoted believers are being released from the duties of membership on the Boards of Counselors: Sabir Afaqi, Hushang Ahdieh, Gila Michael Bahta, Friday Ekpe, Kamran Eshraghian, Kassimi Fofana, John Fozdar, Tinai Hancock, Foad Kazemzadeh, Gayle Morrison, Rose Ong, William Roberts, Paul Semenoff, Alan Smith, Shantha Sundram. These distinguished servants of Baha’u’llah have earned our abiding gratitude for their impressive and self-sacrificing contributions to the progress of the Cause. Our fervent prayers surround them as they take up the next phase in their service to the Faith.

In the next stage of the Divine Plan, which will begin at Ridvan, the essential role of the Counselors and their Auxiliary Boards in the operation of the Baha’i Administrative Order will become more evident. During the crucial period ahead they will be required to direct their attention and energies in still greater measure to fostering the evolution of local and national Baha’i institutions and to helping the rank and file of the believers to increase their devotion to Baha‘u'llah, their ardor in teaching, and their ability to draw on the tremendous power latent in the unified action of Baha’f communities.

The Counselors in all continents are being called to a conference at the World Center of the Faith from December 26-31, 1995, to deliberate on the tasks and opportunities of the years immediately ahead.

It is our heartfelt prayer that the exertions of the newly sprees Boards of Counselors may lend a tremendous impetus to the manifold activities of the friends throughout the world.

With loving Baha’i greetings, The Universal House of Justice October 29, 1995

[Page 12]

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Baha'i are published free of charge as a service to the Baha'i community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no per— sonal or commercial ads can be ac— cepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exer-cise their own judgment and care in responding to them.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE NATIVE American Baha’‘f Institute (NABI) is seeking a program coordinator. The successful candidate will lead program initiatives through planning, coordination and implementation. Should have excellent administrative and communication skills and the ability to work and consult with those of diverse ages and ethnic backgrounds. Knowledge of Native American cultures or desire to integrate is a plus. Please send a resumé and application to NABI, P.O. Box 3167, Houck, AZ 86506 (e-mail

THE GREEN ACRE Baha’f School has an opening for a full-time administrative assistant. Responsibilities include registration, reception, telephone, sorting. mail, updating mailing lists and sending out mailings, receiving time sheets, benefits information, filing, bookkeeping,

rocessing insurance claims, backing up kstore clerk. Profile: organized, works well with the public and in teams; word processing skills in general, filing

and bookkeeping skills, service-oriented self-starter with minimum 2-3 years experience in an office environment. Able to work overtime if necessary; training in quality management desirable. For information, contact the Office of Human Resources, Baha’ National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201, or phone 708-733-3429.

EXCITING opportunities overseas. Teaching positions are available in Haikou, Hainan; Jiangxi; Jinzhou, Jilin; Jiangmen, Guangdong; Shangdong; and Shanghai, China. For more information,

please phone Ms. Gwili Posey, 708-7333512, fax 708-733-3509, or email:

THE NATIONAL Treasurer's Office has openings for an accountant and accounts receivable ier. Both are fulltime salaried positions. Candidates for accountant should have a bachelor’s degree in the field or 3-5 years relevant experience. Audit work is preferable; CPA is a plus. Must have advanced knowledge of Excel or other spreadsheet software programs and have good skills in communication and organization. The accounts receivable cashier should be a high school graduate or equivalent including courses in bookkeeping plus 3-5 years experience in cashiering or accounts receivable. Should have good number sequencing skills and the ability to work well with calculators and PCs. For information or an application, write to the Department of Human Resources, Bahd‘i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3429).

PIONEERING (OveRSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas. AFRICA: Gabon—computer hardware/software volunteer consultant needed to help in office of an individual Counselor. Tanzania—urgent need for

“The institutions and agencies of the Bahs'{ World Centre require a broad range of skills

Bahd’t Administration
Cleaning Maintenance

+ Finance / Accounting

Guard Duties

° Horticulture

Information Systems

° Library Science

° Management

° Museum Science

Personnel Services

° Purchasing

° Research

Records Management

Secretarial Services

Skilled Building Trades

Social & Economic Development

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

‘Terms of service are for 12, 18 or 30 months, or of an indefinite duration, depending upon the requirements of the specific position.

Please contact:

Bahd'{ World Centre Office of Personne! BO. Box 155 31 001 Haifa, Isracl FAX: 972-4-835-8325

English teachers. CARE needs camp manager, health program manager, environmental program manager for refugee services. Zambia—technical coordinator needed for a rural water supply initiative. AMERICAS: Barbados—lecturer in economics at U. of the West Indies. Guatemala—elementary school teachers, high school principal, English, math and science teachers. Puerto Rico— caretaker for the Amoz Gibson/Gordon Laite Baha’{ Institute. ASIA: Tn ieras PTO hts

gram officer to develop, monitor an evaluate the Ford Founda if and social justice program zakhstan—laboratory edi vide help in upgrading c ogy laboratori

ers. Macau— n—teachers. Siberia, Russia—trainers for project that teaches social/ psychological intervention skills to reduce chemical dependency. Taiwan—general manager for Baha’ Office of the Environment. AUSTRALASIA: Australia—generalists and specialists needed for 2-24 month assignments. Marshall Islands—the College of the Marshall Islands needs qualified pediatric nurse and obstetric nurse as instructors. Samoa—need caretaker couple for the House of Worship. Solomon Islands—counselor for abused women, beautician. Vanuatu—volunteer school teachers. EUROPE: Armeni. nancial controller needed by Save the Children. Czech Republic—English instructors, translator needed for Czech/ English translations for Czech non-governmental organization on energy issues. Portugal—specialists in environmental water resources, computational mechanics, impact assessment, hyd rogeology. Russia—University of Maryland College teaching opportunities, finance & grants manager needed by Save the Children for the Russian Civic Initiatives program in Moscow. Switzerland—volunteer needed for a P.C. network/secretarial support position for the Bahd’f International Community United Nations Office in Geneva. MULTI-REGIONAL: university faculty needed for teaching positions on U.S. military bases overseas. Consultants needed by international consulting firm for short- and long-term assignments, primarily in Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States, to suppers the U.S. Agency for International Development. Panama has an urgent need for two Spanish-speaking Couples to serve in the Kuna region of the San Blas Islands. Urgent need for pioneers to settle in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’ National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509; e-mail

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

WHY NOT leave the larger cities, as the Guardian directed? Forego your high-priced lifestyle (it’s called sacrifice) and move to a small, lovely, friendly town to teach the Faith (it’s called homefront pioneering). Alpine, Texas, desperately needs dedicated Baha’is who love the Faith and long to share it with others. For more information, write to Antoinete Isaac, Alpine, TX 79830, or phone 915-837-5916.

HELP IS NEEDED to reach Assembly status in Galesburg, Illinois, a town of 30,000-plus within commuting distance of Peoria and the Quad Cities area of IIlinois/lowa. The population is racially and ethnically diverse, with many students from overseas at Knox College. Major employers include Knox, Carl Sandburg Junior College, various factories (including Maytag), restaurants, two hospitals, and many retail outlets. Residents are quite supportive of cultural activities. Much Baha’{ teaching has been done through the years, with some enrollments and many scattered seeds;

. Kator to probacteriolteach

12

THe AMERICAN BAHA'I

there are now two active Bahd‘fs and a weekly fireside. The Heartland Baha’f School will be held here again this year, with associated proclamation opportunities. The town is ripe; we simply need more harvesters, especially those who have served on Assem| and/or have experience teaching Christians. Contact Helen Katz, Galesburg, IL 61401 (phone 309-341-1847).

WACO, a city of 106,000 near the center of Texas, home to Baylor University, McLennan County Junior College and Texas State Technical College, needs homefront pioneers. There are two large hospitals, a large and beautiful lake, Cameron Park, a zoo, kiddie land, and the longest single-span expansion bridge in the world. If that’s not enough, the Baha’ Center was recently opened to welcome the warmest hearts in Texas! Check us out. For information, please write to Brenda Khozein,

Waco, TX 76710 (phone

817-772-3638) or, on the Internet, e-mail

YOU ARE NEEDED to help the Bahd’f community of San Marcos, California, preserve its local Spiritual Assembly as we joyously say farewell to a pioneer to Siberia. San Marcos, 30 minutes north of San Diego and 20 minutes east of the

Pacific Oceanis a growing community that is home to California State University and Palomar College. Be a part of San Diego County’s entry by toops teaching process in San Marcos. Write to the Bahd‘fs of San Marcos, P.O. Box 1892, San Marcos, CA 92079 or e-mail

MULTI-RACIAL family of eight seeking child-development centered community to live/pioneer in or near. Varied teaching and consolidation skills to offer. Please contact Richard and Vesta Pellegrino, 803-386-3386.

JOIN A FAMILY of homefront pioneers and help teach in the culturally diverse town of Kerman, California (pop. 6,000), 75 percent Hispanic, 10 percent Punjabi. Other cultures include Portu suese and Russian. Kerman is in Cali fornia’s central valley, an hour and a half from the Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. Fresno, only 30 minutes away, offers employment and educational opportunities. We are especially looking for youth or those who are interested in a youth workshop. For more information, please write to Meredith King,

Kerman, CA 93630, or phone

209-846-4468.

HELP RAISE a Spiritual Assembly in Oldsmar, Florida—a community of four Bahd’i adults and five children that is close to Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Write to Sandy Caputo,

_ Oldsmar, FL 34677, or phone 813-854-1466.

THE BAHA’f community of Lisle, IIlinois, 25 miles west of the Bahd’i House of Worship and a half hour from Chicago, will establish a Spiritual Assembly by Ridvén 1996 with your help. Only three adult Bahd’fs are needed to round out our active Group. Lisle is a multicultural community of more than 19,000 offering a variety of housing in all price ranges. Five colleges and the headquarters of many Fortune 500 companies are within a five- to 15-minute drive. Surrounding Bahd’f communities in DuPage County provide nurturing love with a firmly established Bahd’f Sunday school, monthly meetings of area community representatives, and a Baha’{-sponsored event almost every evening. Phone Bill or Stacey Hall, 708-968-2958, or e-mail s ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahd‘f Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the follow

[Page 13]Suarar B.E. 152 ¢ Decemser 31, 1995.

ing individuals: Charles Adams, Claribelle Adams, Howard Adams, Wilmer Alice Adams, Margaret J. Aducat, Minnie Aftermaur, Alice Akridge (died Chicago, IL, 1971), Rebina R. Alai, Alma E.E. Albertson (died Greenville, MI, 1941) and Claudia Coles Aldridge. Anyone who knows family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to write to the National Baha’ Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611, or to phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahd‘i Archives is seeking copies of local community bulletins or newsletters, especially from larger communities. They can be from any time period. We would appreciate being put on the mailing list of local community newsletters. Anyone who has bulletins or newsletters they could donate is asked to send them to the National Baha’f Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

A ZN ta)

THE RESEARCH Office at the Baha’f National Center is comp ng a list of Baha’fs (1) with expertise relevant to Baha’{ scholarship and research; (2) able to serve as mentors for Baha’ college students; and/or (3) able to serve as faculty and mentors for the Wilmette In: tute and its four-year program, “Sj tual Foundations for a Global Civilization.” Baha’is who teach full- or parttime at colleges or universities are particularly invited to apply. Please send your name, address and field/subject to Robert Stockman, Research Office, Baha’f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3425; fax 708-733-3563; email

PROFESSOR of sociology at Northeast Louisiana University wishes to contact other Baha’is who teach introduction to sociology, social psychology, and/or gerontology classes. Also serves as executive director of gerontology for a master of arts program in Sonn Ise at the university in case any students might be interested in this area. Please write to Dr. Christopher J. Johnson, Department of Sociology, N.E. Louisiana Universi

| Monroe, LA 712090330, or phone 318-342-1465.

INFORMATION is needed to com-~ plete a brief report on the lives of seven men, including three Baha'is, who were known writers, and all of whom served as customs collectors. Needed is the year and place of birth and the year of death for Joseph H. Hannen, an active Baha’ during and after World War I in Washington, D.C. Please write to Paul Pearsall, Jersey City, NJ 07306.

1AM COMPILING stories for a book about how God works mysteriously in our lives enroaen prayer, dreams, visions, miracles, healing, etc.—the kind of stories that raise goosebumps or send a tingle along the spine. Please submit your stories to Kim Mennillo,

Red Bank, TN 37415; e

mail

YoutH Activities

THE NATIONAL Teaching Committee is seeking Baha'f Youth Service Corps volunteers, ages 18-23, to fill a variety of posts in the U.S. including service opportunities at the permant schools and institutes and opportunities in such

laces as Phoenix and Holbrook, AZ; pas and Orangeburg, SC; Buncombe County, NC; Holland, MI; Los Angeles, CA; St. Paul, MN; and Kansas City, MO. There are also opportunities for young

le who want to enroll in a college or university in a goal locality to serve as a homefront pioneer. If you would like to serve at any of these posts, or if you are

interested in establishing a post in an— other locality, please contact Ada James in the National Teaching Committee office, 708-733-3493.

THE WORK/STUDY program at the Native American Baha’tlinstitute (NABI) presents a unique youth service opportunity. Young people who are interested in pamuing Baha’ service work with college or vocational studies are encour aged to ape ly to the Institute. Youth at

ABI will Be eacled through a program that includes course work, the arts, travel, and community and Institute service. Join us at NABI and prepare for a lifetime of service to humanity. Write to NABI, P.O. Box 3167, Houck, AZ 86506, or e-mail

INTERNATIONAL Baha’‘f Youth Service Corps opportunities: The enthusiastic services of Baha'i youth are needed all over the U.S. and the world. The wide range of needs and opportunities include such arenas as reaching the masses with the message of Baha'u'llah, , deepening new believers, conducting children’s classes for children and youth and carrying out other educational activities, assisting the administrative work of Baha’i institutions, hands-on work with a variety of social and economic development projects, proclaiming the Faith through the arts, mobilizing the youth of a region or even a country, teaching fellow students and teachers, and more. In the most recent pioneer call from the Universal House of Justice, 97 countries listed specific needs and opportunities for youth pioneers, including many university study options. In addition, many National Spiritual Assemblies have written to our national community to advise of the following opportunities. AFRICA —The Gambia (English): Two arenas of service: help with the brand new urban pre-school opening in September or with a rural education center at the Bwiam Regional Baha’{ Center. Senegal (French):

iinga Teaching Project” near Dakar needs French-speaking youth to help with teaching, children’s classes, activities for women and for youth. Abilities in drama welcome. AMERICAS—Alaska (English and indigenous languages): Nome youth service project, working with Es-kimos, and Norton Sound Project. Honduras (Spanish): volunteers with experience in printing needed to help develop a social and economic development project focused on the production of Bahd’{ literature in La Ceiba. At Project Bayan youth are needed who have studied Spanish for at least two years and can stay for 6-12 months, or medical students who have completed their first two years of medical school for 4-month periods (one at a time). Jamaica (English): Youth in Kingston area have begun to rise up and become active. They would very much benefit from working with youth from other countries. Venezuela (Spanish): Three “entry by troops projects” and an ongoing year of service program supported by local youth, incorporating proclamation, teaching, consolidation, theater, music and other aspects are in need of 6-10 youth at a time for at least six months Service. Knowledge of Spanish a must. Low living costs. ASIA—urgent needs. Sone the Office of Pioneering as soon eee India (English): New Era Dement Institute, “an exciting place to work [which] offers a unique opportunity to learn about social and economic development in a Baha’i context,” is looking, for one or two deepened Baha'is who enjoy working closely with other youth to come for anywhere from four months to a year, preferably arriving in June. Thailand (Thai and English): The Santitham School, a social and economic development project of the National Spiritual Assembly of Thailand and “a landmark of the Baha’f Faith in the North-East of Thailand,” whose contributions to society have been appreciated by the provincial government,

needs dedicated volunteers for periods of at least six months. AUSTRALASIA— Australia (English): Seven arenas of service: children’s classes, firesides and hospitality, House of Worship guiding, gardening and janitorial and National Baha’f Office work, for several youth from anywhere in the world. Accommodations on House of Worship property provided. EUROPE—Albania Albanian): ..one or more devoted and capable youths...to be] accompanied by an Alanian youth...who could be in charge of driving’a van and directing the Mobile Institute. ...” Driving experience im tant. France (French): The Office of Public Information of the Baha’{ International Community in Paris needs a bilingual (French/English) assistant for duties such as office administration and secretarial work, follow-up on publications, and participation in public relations projects. If you can arise to meet one of these needs, please contact your local Spiritual Assembly for initial consultation and information and to receive a copy of the Pioneer/Baha‘i Youth Service Corps Volunteer Form. As you work toward your goal, The Office of Pioneering will help you to do as the Universal House of Justice advises: “Through prayer and consultation, and after considering his own experience, inclinations il ies, he can choose his goal dently relying on the confirming power of Baha’u’llah, set out to serve the Cause of his Lord. ...”

ENJOY relaxing music while supporting the Arc Fund. The Spiritual Assembly of Lakewood, California, has available compact discs by flautist Travis Williams with all proceeds to go to the Arc. Each CD includes three improvised pieces based on Baha’i prayers and performed on a bamboo flute. The prayers are reprinted inside the cover, so they make great gifts for non-Baha’i friends. Please send $10 (or more) plus $2 for shipping and handling for each CD to the Lakewood Baha’i Fund, P.O. Box 241, Lakewood, CA 90714.

DON’T MISS the opportunity to own or give as a gift “The Laughter of Angels,” a professionally produced cassette of Baha’i-inspired music written and sung by Red Grammer, Mary Davis, Art Hatley, Chris and Janet Ruhe, Laurie Early and many others, offered as a fund-raising effort by a committee of the Solomon Hilton Baha’ Summer School of New York state. Cassettes are $10 each, and all proceeds go to the school’s scholarship fund. Please make checks payable to Jean Jaczko and send (with your address) to Christopher Ruhe,

Beacon, NY 12508.

VOLUNTEER SERVI

THE MAXWELL Baha‘ School in British Columbia urgently needs volunteers, ages 20 through retirement, in the following areas: two people in the janitorial department; one computer “trouble-shooter” for PC software and hardware; an administrative assistant with good clerical /communication skills. Would prefer a commitment of six months to a year. Volunteers are given room and board, a modest allowance, and help with health-care coverage. Applications for a year of service are also being accepted for the 1996-97 academic year. If you think ers can help now or would like to apply for service in the future, please phone Barbara Taylor, 604743-7144 (fax 604-743-3522; e-mail

- or write to the Maxwell International Baha’{ School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, BC VOR 2W0, Canada.

708-733-3502;

The Clark County (Nevada) Bar As sociation recently presented its 1995 Liberty Bell Award to Aleda Nelson, a BahG’i from Las Vegas who is president of Eric Nelson Auctioneering. The award, sponsored nationally by the American Bar Association, recognizes individuals for their public service in strengthening freedom, justice and respect for the law. Ms. Nelson is pictured with Tom Sheets, president of the Clark County Bar Association. In presenting the award, Judge Lloyd D. George said, ‘Ms. Nelson has been involved in the fight against bias, bigotry and racism in America for many years. She has promoted annual Interfaith Forums and the Anytown Human Relations Program, and presently serves as a national trustee of the National Conference (formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews).”

Wilmette Institute begins four-year study program on ‘Spiritual Foundations’

The Wilmette Institute has begun its four- em program of suey of the Faith entitled “Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization.”

The program has two parts, a homestudy component (October to June) and a one-month residential summer session next July at National-Louis University in Wilmette, Illinois.

Participation in the summer session is an integral part of the program. The first year’s homework and classes focus on the study of Baha’i theological principles, unity of religion and its developmental PECs: general knowledge of world religions, emergence of the Faith and the Bayan perio: introduction to philosophy.

The first group of students has begun the home-study segment. The second group will be admitted into the program in January.

Those who are interested in enrolling may contact the Wilmette Institute’s registrar at 708-733-3492 (fax e-mail

The Institute is also starting to develop correspondence courses on the Faith for release at a later date.

The Wilmette Institute also plans to organize a one-month, multi-level intensive study of the Persian language to aid in the study of the Writings in Persian. It will be offered at NationalLouis University next July once a sufficient number of applicants have indicated their interest.

Those who are interested may contact the Persian/ American Affairs Office at the Bahai National Center (phone 708-733-3526; fax 708-869-0247; e-mail

, and an

[Page 14]Chattanooga

Continued from page 1

THe AMERICAN BAHA'I

member Mary K. Radpour’s assistants: double the number of believers and number of Spiritual Assemblies in the area by Ridvan 153.

There are also the initial reports from

reater Houston, where the friends

ave made teaching the agenda and scrutinized each community activity in light of how well it contributes to growth.

Have we been aiming too low, participants in that June meeting wonder? If we put our collective mind and heart into increasing the ranks, the maturation, and the influence of the Faith in our region, can we achieve the same level of success we did with the Arc?

Of course we can, the friends decide, and the Teaching Committee is commissioned to draw up a proposal. It’s a plan!

The plan, as approved by the Chattanooga and Hamilton County Assemblies, took up Counselor Ellis’ challenge as the short-term goal.

For the long term, the goals would be to deliver the healing message of Baha‘u’llah to everyone in the area and to spiritualize public discourse on vital issues with the Baha’ teachings.

It was recognized that all of the institutions—local Spiritual Assemblies, Groups, and Mrs. Radpour and her assistants—would have to play a role from the start in shaping the teaching campaign.

The friends also acknowledged that individual initiative and universal participation—no matter one’s age or perceived limitations—must be the campaign’s hallmarks.

And they assured the community that all types and manner of teaching would be appropriate and necessary for success.

To support the teaching effort, the Teaching Committee decided to establish four action teams: human resources, community events, publicity and materials, and finance. Later, through consultation, the first two teams were combined and then redivided under the names initial contact and follow-up.

Under the plan, any time a teaching initiative was conceived an action proposal would go out to the teams for consultation on what resources—human or material—it could muster for the initiative.

The Teaching Committee’s role would be to monitor the progress of initiatives, stimulate efforts in areas that seemed to be lacking, and act as liaison with and between institutions. ‘Soaring on Eagles’ Wings’

The months of infrastructure-building and weekly communications with the friends culminated November 19, the anniversary of the Arc fund-raiser, in a day-long program called Soaring on Eagles’ Wings to launch the process.

After opening prayers and readings, the 60 to 70 friends in attendance were greeted with a reminder that no one who arises to teach is alone.

Calling for a new believer to stand, the local Teaching Committee chairman noted first the assistance of God, the Supreme Concourse, and the Writings. Then he cited the example of be lievers all over the world, the guidance of the international, national, and local institutions, and finally the help of the body of believers.

By the time he finished, everyone was on their feet.

But under what banner would this effort be waged? Through secret ballot, the friends overwhelmingly ushered in the Edie Osborn Teaching Campaign in memory of a stalwart Baha’f teacher and mother of Mrs. Radpour.

Activities designed to help the friends realize the magnificence of their previous teaching filled the balance of the morning. One by one they

of All Ages”; that Baha’u’llah’s coming is an unparalleled historical event that will never be repeated; that He is the “Organizer of the Planet”; that development of His World Order is a Divine Plan; and that the Arc on Mount Carmel is the heart and nerve center of spiritual forces in the world “enshrining the Spirit of God.”

Turning to the teaching work, Mr. McCants reiterated the potency of divine assistance.

We have access to Baha’u'lléh’s soul itself, he said. In fact, we are taught that the souls of all the departed are closer than our life vein. We also have

The months of infrastructure-building and weekly communications with the friends culminated November 19, the anniversary of the Arc fund-raiser, in a day-long program called Soaring on Eagles’ Wings to launch the process. After opening prayers and readings, the 60 to 70 friends in attendance were greeted with a reminder that no one who arises to teach is alone. Calling for a new believer to stand, the local Teaching Committee chairman noted first the assistance of God, the Supreme Concourse, and the Writings. Then he cited the example of believers all over the world, the guidance of the international, national, and local institutions, and finally the help of the body of believers. By the time he finished, everyone was on their feet.

approached maps of the city, region, states and world and placed dots where they live and where they have pioneered or travel-taught.

As the maps filled with incredible evidence of their triumphs, believers of all ages told stories confirming the blessings conferred through ea iB,

Over lunch, the friends toured displays of teaching initiatives under way in the community. The pre-youth also circulated to gather information for newsletter profiles they would write about individuals in the community.

Several rousing teaching songs brought the crowd back together to hear the day’s special speaker, Jack McCants, whom the National Spiritual Assembly had graciously released arly from its monthly meeting to attend.

The Arc and teaching

Mr. McCants briefly brought the friends back to their triumphant Arc fund-raiser of a year ago, describing the Chattanooga community as a “shining light” that has been seen all the way to Haifa.

He averred that the American Baha’i community as a whole, by rising to meet the callenge of raising $40 million during the Three Year Plan to keep the Mount Carmel projects on schedule, has passed “its greatest test so far” in demonstrating that it is not bound by the “excessive and enervating materialism” described by Shoghi Effendi in The Advent of Divine Justice (p. 24).

Mr. McCants also shared his personal views about the importance of the Arc Projects.

He reminded the friends of the “uniqueness of this time,” noting that Bahd‘u’ll4h is not merely another in a line of Prophets but the “Promised One

access to a perfect prayer for every need, he said, in urging the Baha’is to teach new believers how to pray.

Mr. McCants had several thoughts on the process of sharing the message:

It’s easier to teach with others, because it takes the burden off each individual to “know all the answers.”

¢ There is certitude in knowing where in the Writings a principle or teaching can be found.

Don’t discount the power of love.

We are telling someone about our Lord, our best friend.

Instead of seeing limits in our

qualities or circumstances, see instead how lucky we are to possess what we do and use it to our advantage.

Listen to a seeker the way ‘Abdu’lBahé did.

Finally, Mr. McCants said, take heart in that you are more precious to God than you'll ever know. If you realize that God loves you, you can do anything.

He urged the friends in Chattanooga to write to the Universal House of Justice and ask for its prayers for success. Immediately, an e-mail message was drafted and sent to the Supreme Body. A second message of love and appreciation was sent to the National Spiritual Assembly.

Finding receptive souls

Because Mr. McCants enthralled the friends for two and a half hours, the goal-setting workshop was held over until the following Sunday, appropriately the Day of the Covenant. It was well worth the wait.

Workshop facilitators Carla and Raymond Jeffords and Mrs. Radpour took attendees afresh through the elements of guiding individual souls that the National Teaching Committee had

introduced in Atlanta in January 1994:

finding and teaching receptive

souls;

strengthening bonds of fellowship;

systematic deepening; and

continued learning and service.

The Chattanooga-area community, in their opinion, is earning excellent marks on the latter four elements. Because the first area—finding and teaching receptive souls—needs to be strengthened, that was to be the workshop focus.

Who is likely to respond to the message of Baha’u’llah? Everyone, eventually. But who is likely to respond most quickly? According to the facilitators, they are people who are uncomfortable with the current condition of the world and people who are hopeful that there are answers to those ills.

We lack the numbers at present to reach these receptive souls en masse, the speakers acknowledged. What we have, though, are qualities and circumstances that allow us as individuals and as a community to teach.

That was quickly confirmed by a simple exercise.

Attendees were asked to write on index cards the names of people they know who might be receptive. Who in their neighborhood? In their work life? Recreational life? Family? Circle of friends? Acquaintances?

Next the friends were asked to look over the names and ask what they knew about these people that might open a door to teaching them the Faith. Taking action

Finally, how could those people be introduced to the teachings of Baha’u'‘lléh? Some suggestions were to ask directly if they are interested, invite them to firesides, introduce them to another Baha’i, invite them to a gathering, invite them to a Holy Day observance or to worship services, invite them toa home or meal, converse with them about ideas, befriend them, or be of service to them in some way.

Another exercise generated a tally of teaching and community activities in which the friends are engaged at present.

That impressive and lengthy listing led to the final exercice, in which attendees were asked to make personal commitments to individual teaching, fireside support, teaching institutes, extension teaching, involvement in current teaching initiatives, and helping to develop initiatives where there are “holes” in current efforts.

Mrs. Radpour wrapped up the workshop witha challenge of her own. Noting that there is power in our movement together, she proposed to the local Spiritual Assemblies that they choose a target population for intensified teaching over a set period of time.

As many activities as possible would focus on that population, she said, and the results would be analyzed to gauge how to proceed.

After the workshop ended, there was little left to say—but much to do. Pray for their strength to make it happen.

[Page 15]NEWS FROM OVERSEA:

Suarar B.E. 152 © Decemser 31, 1995

15

More than 7,000 enrolled in Haiti teaching campaign

More than 7,000 people were enrolled in the Faith in within a recent two-week span during Haiti’s ongoing, Artibonite Teaching Campaign. “After two weeks of teaching,” according to a report from the National Spiritual Assembly, “the present tally is 7,189 new believers, 57 localities opened, and three villages entirely converted to the Baha’i Faith.”

.

Meanwhile, in Myanmar’s Mandalay Division, a weekend teaching campaign held last July 28-30 led to the enrollment of 122 new believers, the opening of a dozen new localities and the re-formation of one lapsed Assembly. About 30 Bahd’is including members of the National Spiritual Assembly and Auxiliary Board took part in the campaign, which was organized by the National Teaching Committee.

°

The Russian Federation’s national Bahai summer school was held August 25-30 in Chita. About 90 friends from eight countries took part including Counselor John Fozdar, two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, and several Auxiliary Board members. A Baha’f from Taiwan attended the school, then remained for a few extra days to teach. During his visit 10 Chinese people and four other residents embraced the Cause. Other friends from Alaska, Canada, Norway and the U.S. traveled to Chita to hel teach during the summer. As a result of their efforts, 122 people were enrolled in the Faith, three localities were opened, one new local Spiritual AssemPy was elected, and the friends in two other communities were deepened. At the same time, 14 Baha’fs from Chita traveled to various villages, concentrating on deepening those who had enrolled during previous visits but also enrolling seven new believers.

.

In Korea, a teaching campaign dedicated to the Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu’ll4h Muhdjir and launched at the end of summer school last July succeeded in its first two weeks in enrolling nine new believers and forming one new local Spiritual Assembly. The campaign was supported by an average of 15 teachers per day including Baha'is from Guam, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand.

°

A “spirit of joy and radiance” animated the 26 young Baha'is who gathered in Barbados last July 18-29 for an orientation to launch the “Sparks of Peace” 1995 Caribbean teaching campaign. Two members of the Continental Board of Counselors took part in the sessions, Errol Sealy at the beginning and Stephen Birkland on the final day. The young participants were from Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad/ Tobago. They formed five teams, one of which remained in Barbados while the others traveled to teach in Antigua, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Tobago. Everyone returned to Barbados for an evaluation weekend August 11-13.

.

The group of young Baha’{ musicians from Italy, “Light in the Darkness,” spent last August traveling and teach ing the Faith. The friends first gathered in Povoletto where they were joined by five young people from Italy, Poland, Switzerland and Zaire who supported their work during the tour. From August 1-6 the group traveled in Slovenia, visiting Ljubljana, Skofja, Loka and Kranj where they performed in nine concerts, held four radio interviews and took part in one public meeting. Asa result of these activities, at least two people were enrolled in the Faith. The group next went to Hungary, visiting Budapest and Zanka Kovenskal, meeting local Baha‘is, attending a summer school and singing ina club for an audience of about 100. Finally, the friends toured Lithuania, spending time in Kaunas, Klaipeda and Vilnius during their 15-day stay. While there they took part in a public meeting at the uni

versity, four firesides and one unity Feast attended by about 40 non-Baha’is. While they were in Klaipeda a local resident embraced the Faith, becoming the first believer in that city. °

An estimated 50,000 people heard or read about the Faith during a visit last June and July to Ontario and British Columbia, Canada, by Anil Kumar Sarwal, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of India. In all, Mr. Sarwal spoke at some 25 firesides in Toronto and Vancouver with attendance varying from 15 to 30 Baha’is and their guests. During these firesides six people declared their belief in Baha'u'llah. Mr. Sarwal gave public talks at the Toronto Baha’{ Center, Brampton City Center, Guelph University, Heritage Hall in Vancouver and the Surrey Baha’i Center; spoke at three Sikh temples in Toronto and two in Vancouver; distributed pamphlets and spoke with interested people at Indian bazaars in both cities; and met with a number of prominent people throughout the country. News of his visit was published in several newspapers, two half-hour programs were recorded for broadcast on cable television, and five radio interviews were held including one in Hindi and two in Punjabi.

.

The Baha‘ International Community was invited to send representatives to a workshop last June 29-30 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, conducted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to discuss the situation of displaced people in that country. Asress Araia and Asfaw Tessema were the Baha'i delegates. About 200 other people took part including Ministry workers, university professors, representatives of a number of non-governmental organizations, and prominent members of society. The Baha’fs reported that their contributions to the discussions included the necessity of education for girls and women, the universal protec tion of human rights, and consultation at all levels. .

Award ceremonies for the second annual International Children’s Art Competition were held last July 8 at Taiwan’s Taipei Zoo. The event is sponsored by the Baha’f Office of the Environment in cooperation with the Council of Agriculture, the Ministry of Education, Yangmingshan National Park, and the Homemakers’ Union. More than 2,000 children from 46 countries entered drawings in the competition, whose theme was “Animals and Me.” A panel of judges chose first-, second- and third-place winners in each of three age groups. Countries in which the winners reside are Bol , Hungary, India, Macau and Russia. Entries from Taiwan were judged in separate categories.

.

On August 3, a Baha’ delegation was received at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, Malawi, by the new president of the Republic, Bakili Muluzi. Those paying the courtesy call were eight members of the National Spiritual Assembly, an Auxiliary Board member and two members of the Public Relations Committee. After a prayer for unity and an overview of the principles of the Faith, the president was given a copy of The Promise of World Peace.

.

The Baha‘j International Peace Relay Team, a group of 50 people from around the world, ran from Hiroshima to Nagasaki, Japan, between mune 6-9 to mark the 50th anniversary of the dropping of atomic bombs on the two cities during World War II. The relay teams started running in Hiroshima at

Justice R.S. Pathak (center), former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, presents a copy of the Baha’ International Community's statement, ‘Turning Point for All Nations,’ to Hans-C von Sponeck, resident coordinator, UN Systems in India, during a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the United Nations sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of India. The gala event, held October 13 in New Delhi, drew an audience of about 250, many of them prominent members of Indian society in various walks of life. Justice Pathak was Chief Guest at the ceremony and delivered its keynote address, ‘The United Nations and the New World Order.’ The Baha'i viewpoint on the UN was offered by Counselor Zena Sorabjee.

8:15 a.m. on August 6, at the exact time and date the first bomb was dropped in 1945. The goal, Nagasaki, was reached at 9:30 a.m. on August 9. Along, the way, leaflets with information about the Faith were handed to people on the roads of western Japan. At the official commemoration of the bombing of Nagasaki, a Baha'i youth group from New Zealand, “Youth for One World,” presented its “Friendship and Peace Performance” at Epicenter Park. Both runners and performers attracted considerable media interest including appearances on radio and television and articles in newspapers.

More than 400 meet in St. Louis to say ‘no’ to hate, ‘yes’ to unity

More than 400 people came together November 5 at the Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri, to say “no to hate” and “yes to unity.”

The gathering was organized by St. Louis county and city governments, the Interfaith Partnership and the Baha’i Public Information Office of St. Louis.

The audience was welcomed by Mayor Freeman Bosley of St. Louis and county executive Buzz Westfall. The keynote speaker was former U.S. Sen. Thomas F. Eagleton.

Hamid Azimiaraghi of the St. Louis Baha‘f Public Information Office recited a prayer for unity, and religious leaders were given “Racism—Just Undo It” buttons courtesy of that office.

Meanwhile, Baha’is circulated copies of the Baha‘i statement on race unity to members of the audience and officials.

[Page 16]THe AMERICAN BAHA'I 16

COMMUNITY NEWS

EXCELLENCE IN INGS...

Rosin Cuanoter, a Baha’ who is an assistant professor of African-American studies at Northeastern University in Boston, was recently awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and chosen to take part in the U.S. State Department's Art Embassies program. The Fulbright award offers faculty, teachers, professionals and students a chance to conduct research, teach or study abroad. As a Fulbright Scholar, Ms. Chandler will teach sociology and the history of art at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, while working with community-based groups to establish art programs.

lan Berry, a Baha’i from Clackamas County N.W. (near Portland), Oregon, has been awarded a four-year Presidential Scholarship to Portland State University. Mr. Berry, who maintained a 3.8 grade point average in high school where he earned letters in drama and as newspaper editor, is working with a number of Baha’f youth to develop scripts for radio shows. He plans to study dramatic arts in college, majoring in film.

Israw U. Steen, a young Baha’f from Kalamazoo, Michigan, was graduated magna cum laude in 1995 as valedictorian of her high school class. She was also the school’s homecoming queen, co-captained the cess varsity basketball team for two years, and was awarded a fouryear honors scholarship to Michigan State University where she plans to pursue a career in law or education.

Mixe Gorpon, a Baha'i from Brookings, Oregon, who teaches at Azalea Middle School, has been named Technology Teacher of the Year for 199596 by the Technology Educators of Oregon.

Braororb Miter, a Baha'i from Northfield, Massachusetts, recently had published by Lindisfarne Press his book, Returning to Seneca Falls: The First Women’s Rights Convention and Its Meaning for Men and Women Today. The book challenges modern Americans, especially men, to consider an appropriate response to their spiritual heritage which was forged through the parmecslip of a feminist, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and a black man, Frederick Douglass.

Susan Berkman, a Baha'i from Palm Desert, California, received a 1995 Scholarship Award from the Foundation of the State Bar of California for her work with people who are visually and physically challenged.

Pauta Jonanna Posas, a 19-year-old student at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and president of the Duke Baha’i Club, submitted an international research proposal in a grant-writing competition for rising sophomores and was one of seven students awarded funding by the university. She spent last June and July at Hospital Bayan in Palacios, Honduras, researching through Dereon interviews the med-ical practices of Garffuna natural healers, and plans to return to Honduras during her junior year.

Ravpu F. Les, a Baha’, is the author of an article entitled “The Inspiration of Joseph Smith and the Advent of Baha’u’llah” which was published recently in Restoration Studies IV, a privately published volume of essays about the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints based in Independence, Missouri. Mr. Lesh’s article summarizes Baha'i history, notes the many parallels between Baha’i and Mormon teachings, and describes the Baha’ view that Joseph Smith may be a “seer” inspired in some ways by the Baha’f Revelation.

Micvaet CosteLto, a Baha'i from Sarasota (Manatee County), Florida, who is an award-winning stage actor/director, is in his second year as a regular member of the cast of the NBC-television series SeaQuest 2032, playing the role of “Secretary General McGrath” of the U.E.O. (United Nations).

Karen Brook, a Baha’{ from Harvard, Illinois, who is a freshman in the Campus Honors Program at the University of Illinois, where she is majoring in environmental sciences, has been awarded a National Merit Scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic performance in high school.

Esranpian JASON Saset-Peyman, a Baha'i from San Jose, California, was honored for academic excellence by the superintendent of the San Jose United School District on graduating this year from Bret Harte Middle School. He also received the President’s Education Award, the Physical Fitness Award, and State Cup Soccer Championship Award.

Canter Smith, a young Baha’f from Maine who is serving for 18 months as a gardener at the World Center before entering Old Dominion University, earned National Honor Society recognition in high school where he captained the swim team and was a member of the tennis team, the New England champion high school jazz and marching bands, the All-State jazz band, and the Southern Maine jazz and concert bands.

Robin Chandler

Michael Costello

Mildred Mottahedeh’s limited edition ‘Nightingale’ plate.

Mildred Mottahedeh designs special ‘Nightingale’ plate to help Arc Fund

It’s used in Haifa. Presidents Reagan and Bush gave it to their Cabinet members and special friends. It’s in homes all around the world, whether they are castles or ranch-houses, It has made possible a distinguished record of Baha‘i service spanning more than half a century. And for a small number of believers, it will grace their own homes in the next few months.

We are talking about Mottahedeh china, and especially about a limitededition “Nightingale” plate, all the sales proceeds from which have been generously offered to the National Spiritual Assembly for the Arc Projects by the plate’s maker, Mildred Mottahedeh. And therein lies a story. As Mrs. Mottahedeh tells it:

“In October 1994 I had an automobile accident in which my right knee was badly injured. I am 87 years old and not feeling too strong. ... The night of the accident I when home and before going to sleep said to God, ‘Please take me into the next world. ...’

“The next morning I woke up smiling, and before a eyes was a vision of a blue and gold plate with gold nightingales seated on golden wings and around them the first few lines of the Tablet of Ahmad. In the center was the Greatest Name ina 19-pointed star. I immediately got the idea to produce the plate for the Arc. ...”

Working with local Baha’i artist Martha Valenzuela, Mrs. Mottahedeh developed a design using 22-karat gold and other special materials, which has been warmly praised by the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly.

Production should be completed in the next four to six months and, after subtracting $50 from the purchase cost to cover production, materials and shipping costs, all income will go to the Arc Projects.

This latest service comes from one for

whom service to the Cause has been a way of life for half a century.

Mrs. Mottahedeh and her husband, Rafi, met the beloved Guardian in 1937. In succeeding years, Shoghi Effendi would often send her as his ambassador to Baha’is and others all over the world. Suggesting to the couple that their business become a means of teaching the Faith, the Guardian set their feet on a path which would make them friends of presidents, kings and leaders in all walks of life.

These contacts have opened many doors and, sometimes, meant the difference between life and death for persecuted Bahd4’is. Mrs. Mottahedeh opened the first Baha’f Office at the United Nations and served on the elected International Baha’f Council, forerunner of the Universal House of Justice.

A plate designed by Mrs. Mottahedeh was even by the National Spiritual Assembly to President Reagan on the occasion of his declaration of support for the Baha'is in Iran.

The “Nightingale” plate will be available in a limited edition, at a cost of $500 each; $450 of this amount may be tax-deductible to the purchasers. Advance orders are being taken by the Office of the Treasurer at the Baha'i National Center in Wilmette.

Pioneering Office revises overseas Service Forms

The Office of Pioneering has revised its International Service Forms. These new forms will soon be mailed to all local Assemblies and should be filled out by anyone who is planning to pioneer, travel teach or enlist in the Baha‘i Youth Service Corps. This packet will also contain valuable information and a listing of those countries which are in need of the abovementioned services.

[Page 17]Suarar B.E. 152 * Decemeer 31,1995 17

SPECIAL PULL- ECTION

In address at Baha’i House of Worship

Peter Khan speaks on nature, challenge of tests

The following is a transcript of an address given at the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, on Saturday, September 23, by Dr. Peter Khan, a member of the Universal House of Justice.

.

Dear Friends,

Ispeak for both Janet and myself in expressing our boundless happiness to be back here in the bosom of the American Baha’i community. We lived here for 12 years in the state of Michigan. They were 12 very formative, very happy years where we learned so much about the Faith and about the nature of the Bahai community.

And in returning to the United States on this occasion, our hearts are filled with the memory of those years and of the energy, the dedication and the wonder of the American Baha’ fs we had the pleasure of knowing at that time.

I speak to you, of course, tonight as an individual. I do not speak for the Universal House of Justice. [speak simply as an individual Baha’i who happens at this time to be a member of that body. So the remarks I offer you this evening are mine alone.

Ibegin by directing my attention and yous toa theme given emphasis by the

loved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, from the earliest years of his ministry as Guardian of the Cause. In fact, in the very first message sent by the Guardian to the Baha'is of the United States and Canada, on January 21, 1922, the Guardian drew attention to this point, and reiterated it in subsequent messages. And what was the point?

Shoghi Effendi, 73 years ago, told the believers in America that at some time in the future they would be tested. He said that they would receive tests— intellectual rather than physical. He said they would be sent to purify the American Baha’is and to make them brighter en ever.

A few years later Shoghi Effendi returned to that theme. He said, “...and yet how often we seem to forget the clear and repeated warnings of our beloved Master, Who, in particular during the concluding years of His mission on earth, laid stress on the severe mental tests which would inevitably sweep over his loved ones of the west. Tests that would purge, pa: and prepare them for their noble mission in

ife.”

Inevitable mental tests

This theme, that the American Baha'is were being prepared for what Shoghi Effendi describes as the inevitable coming of mental tests, appears again and again in his writings and was further emphasized by the Universal House of Justice in its lengthy letter of May 19, 1994, in which the House of Justice offered the hope and the prayer “may they, the American Bahd’is, be granted the celestial strength to pass over and over again the mental tests which ‘Abdu’l-Baha promised He would send to them to purify them.”

There are many other passages in the writings of the Guardian which refer to these mental tests. For example, in the last of the published messages from Shoghi Effendi to the American Baha'is, he foreshadowed what the future would hold. He indicated at that time that there would be intellectual rather than physical tests from outside the Baha’{ community. He referred to the fact that the Faith would be subject to the onslaught of ecclesiastical leaders, the traditional defenders of religious orthodoxy, and that these would be powerful detractors aiming at the extinction of the Faith from without.

But in addition, in that last message of September 1957, Shoghi Effendi clearly and unambiguously referred to the fact that there would be mental tests to the American Bahé’is from within their community. He listed a number of forces at work in American society and said the administrative strongholds of the Faith were bound to be subjected to a severe spiritual challenge from within due to the impact of those forces, and ie urged the friends to strengthen the

Baha’i community in preparation for the combat with the “nefarious elements seeking to undermine it from within.”

These statements are part of the heritage of the American Baha’i community. ney, are statements which foreshadow periods of challenge, periods of difficulty, periods of testing and also foreshadow great victories.

As one of the statements I have read points out, Shoghi Effendi describes these tests as having the purpose of making the friends “shine ever brighter,” of being “ever more luminous,” of “enabling the

Shoghi Effendi, 73 years ago, told the believers in America that at some time in the future they would be tested. He said that they would receive tests—intellectual rather than physical. He said they would be sent to purify the American Baha’is and to make them brighter than ever.

American Baha’i community to fulfill the glorious destiny laid down for it in the Writings of the Bab, Baha‘u’llah and ‘Abdu’I-Baha.

The point I make tonight is that I have, over a period of time, come to the conclusion that we live now in that time of mental tests. That the time of mental tests is not off in the distant future but it is now.

The nature of mental tests

Why do I say this? I say this because of the nature of mental tests. We are well experienced and well knowledgeable about physical tests. Our dear friends from the Cradle of the Faith, many of whom are in the audience tonight, are well versed in physical tests. For 150 years this infant Faith in various countries of the world has had to contend with physical tests— with torture, imprisonment, martyrdom, the disruption of homes and families. We are not experienced in mental tests.

The Universal House of Justice, in a message of January 1986, referred to the fact that the Cause of God was emerging from obscurity. In other words, it was leaving the first of the seven stages of its evolution laid down by the Guardian and entering the second stage—and that second stage is that of persecution or repression. We are now entering and have entered the stage where we, as a worldwide Baha‘f community, will learn more and more about mental tests.

And my perception, my view, is that tonight as we gather here, my Belief is that we are now experiencing these mental tests. What do I mean by mental tests? Tests which lead to an erosion of faith and belief and which can give rise to disorder in the Baha’i community. One of the features of mental tests is that we may be blinded by the standards and values of a non-Baha’i society and by being blinded thereby may fail these tests.

We may run the risk of underestimating the danger of such tests, of being complacent, of not becoming aware of these tests until it is too late. We may be like the warrior in his armor plate waiting for battle, waiting too late while the battle rages and is decided in front of him while he stands there waiting.

I believe that there are three elements to the mental tests which we, as part of the American Baha’i community—and I think Janet and I still think of ourselves as being American Baha'is in many ways— and I hope no tape of this reaches Australia—there are three elements of the mental tests which I feel are pertinent to us tonight. And I'd like to mention these three and then discuss them in detail.

The first is this. I believe we are tested now by the need to develop spirituality in a materialistic environment. This is our test. ond, we are tested in

our level of commitment to the betterment of humanity in an environment which is increasingly characterized by apathy and lethargy. And third, we are tested by the need to acquire an entirely new attitude toward social organizations and institutions.

I believe that it is in these three areas that we, who live in this glorious country, who are part of this vibrant community, we are tested. Will we pass or will we fail. The community will pass. The American Baha'i community is destined to go through great and wonderful things. But we, as individuals, are subject to tests.

Developing a sense of spirituality

Let me take up the first of these. The first mental test that I think is upon us today is the challenge to develop a sense of spirituality in an environment which is increasingly preoccupied and, indeed, obsessed with the materialistic dimensions of life. The writings of the Guardian, the statements of the House of Justice in recent years, repeatedly call upon the friends to spiritualize their lives, to develop a world view which accommodates the all-important, the vital spiritual dimension of existence together with and, indeed, with priority over its material dimension.

We are urged to do this. We are told in our Teachings that our duty as believers in Bahd’u’llah is to commit ourselves to the spiritualization of our lives. Weare promised that if we do this, we will augment our powers and capacities and that we will, only in this way, find happiness and fulfillment.

When this does not occur—and who is to say that we will pass this test—when this does not occur, religion degenerates to a mere creed; a set of rituals and empty practices. When this does not occur, we will find ourselves drawn inevitably into the materialistic perception of world events and the course of world history. We will be obsessed with the fears, the anxieties, the preoccupations, the apprehensions and suspicions of those around us and our world view of the spiritual progress of humanity will be lost. Our community life will degenerate into ritualistic practice if this process of spiritualization is not embarked on and energetically pursued.

Why do we find it so difficult? I think it is because we—no matter how many Bahd’fs there are in any location, we are relatively few. We spend most of our lives interacting with people who are not Baha’is, some of whom are wonderful people of fine and exalted values and others are not. We are subject to forces and influences and inclinations and advice and ideas which are essentially materialistic. And this unconsciously molds our world view.

For decades, and indeed centuries, it was commonly held that in order to spiritualize our lives, we should forsake the material world. We should discard material possessions. We should embrace asceticism in the pursuit of the spiritual development of ourselves. This erroneous conception has been put to rest by the Revelation by Baha’u’llah of the Law of Huqtiqu’lléh.

In giving us the mercy and the benefit of the Law of Huqtiqu’ll4h, Baha’u’llah has, in essence, told us this part of your surplus, of your accumulated assets, this part belongs to God. The rest of it, the other 81 percent, is yours.

You may wish to offer it sacrificially for the welfare of mankind. You may wish not to do so, that is your business. Part of it belongs to God. We are called upon as a matter of conscience to pay our Huquq. We don’t speak of contributing to Huqtqu’ll4h. One contributes to the national, local and international Funds but one pays Huququ'll4h.

The wisdom of Huqiqu’llah

The concept of spiritualization as involving necessarily the total abandonment of material comforts, pursuits and benefits, that concept has been overthrown by the insight and wisdom provided by the

[Page 18]18

THe AMERICAN BAHA'I

SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION

Law of Muqagy a I want to share with you my perception of spirituality, of how it is that we may attain spirituality. Because this is our challenge. This is a challenge to every one of us—how to attain a spiritualized development of ourselves.

Ibelieve that the process of spiritual development rests upon three principles. The first is this: that certain actions which we carry out in this world prescribed by the Manifestation of God attract a mysterious but vital spiritual power to them.

That there are certain prescriptions given in the Teachings of our religion which we accept with faith on the understanding that if we follow these prescriptions, we will attract in a mysterious, incomprehensible manner a great spiritual power. This is a complex and difficult point for us to understand.

Fortunately, during the course of the Dispensation preceding the coming of the Bab and Baha'u'llah, scientists began the systematic study of magnetism. And as a result, human society learned something about magnets and about the magnetic princi i" and magnetism as a phenomenon. We know now that magnetism is a phenomenon whereby atoms are snared in little systems of organization called dipoles which are all pointing in the same direction, and associated with it is something we call magnetic force— a force which acts at a distance which is invisible but which is very strong.

As a result, one finds that this first of the three principles that I see underlying the process of spiritual development, that this principle is illustrated in the Baha'i Writings repeatedly by Baha’u’llih, ‘Abdu’l-Bahé and the Guardian by use of the analogy of the magnet. The enetaey) of the magnet has enabled the Central Figures of our Faith to vividly convey to us the vital principle that certain actions carried out, according to the prescription of God, attract a powerful invisible force.

Let me read some examples. One place, “Faith is the magnet which draws the confirmation of the Merciful One.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahd saying, “the commemoration of God attracts confirmation and assistance like unto a magnet.” Again, “unity and harmony is the magnet which draws the confirmations of God,” and so on. “Directing mankind in the right path is the magnet which attracts the help of God.”

The magnet which attracts

Shoghi Effendi says, “Today, as never before, the magnet which attracts blessings from on high is teaching the Faith of God.” In another place, the Guardian says, “consecration to the glorious task of spreading the Faith and living the Baha’ life creates

e magnet for the Holy Spirit.” And so it goes on.

So the first of the three principles which I see as underlying spiritual development is the principle of magnetism—the principle of certain actions carried out in a spirit of devotion and consecration attracting a great spiritual force just as in the mundane world certain arrangements of atoms attract the force of magnetism. This principle of magnetism carries stight through the Baha'i Writings. You find, for example, that Baha’u’Ilah speaks of His Revelation and describes it as a “magnet” or “lodestone.”

He says His Revelation will act as a “lodestone for all the nations and kindreds of the earth.” In another

lace, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd refers to Baha’u'll4h as the Mani station of God in these terms: “The Lord has manifested the Magnet of the souls and hearts in the Pole of the existing world.”

So this first principle underlying the spiritualization process, I balicde: is that of the attraction of powerful spiritual forces through prescribed actions. A so-called magnetic principle.

The second principle, I see, in the process of spiritual development is that of constructive interaction. The first one is that if we pray, if we fast, if we teach the Faith, if we practice unity, if we hold spiritual meetings, we attract spiritual forces and powers.

The second principle of constructive interaction is illustrated by a simple example.

We know in our Writings that prayer attracts spiritual forces. Let us say I pray a little bit that I will attract a certain amount of the spiritual forces. This will reinforce my endeavors. This will make me

stronger. I will eeu more. It is a very simple model, but it is enough for our purpose. I will pray more. This will attract a greater measure of spiritual powers. I will pray even more. This will attract even further spiritual powers. I will pray even more and so it will build uP

So I speak of this second principle as one of what I call constructive interaction. You start off with a little bit. It attracts some forces, makes you stronger. You do more which attracts even more forces and so it builds up. And, in that sense, we are called upon to practice these spiritual virtues, to carry out these devotional practices—the practice of teaching and contributing to the Fund, of participating in the work of the Faith—confident that they will attract spiritual forces which will reinforce our endeavors and make us do even more and more.

The very fact that we, as believers, are subject to testing implies no guarantee that we will successfully traverse that test. The history of our Faith repeatedly demonstrates that there are some who pass and there are some who fail, and the Cause of God proceeds toward its glorious destiny.

‘The Temple is already built’

It is in this light—this principle of constructive interaction—this is the only way in which I can comprehend a strange and mysterious statement which appears in our Writings and which is attributed to the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, here on this very spot in the year 1912. On that occasion, when ‘Abdu’l-Baha had laid the cornerstone of this magnificent edifice in which we are sheltered tonight, He made a very strange remark. Having laid the cornerstone, ‘Abdu’l-Baha is reported to have said to the friends patered on that occasion, “The Temple is already

uilt.”

“The Temple is already built.” In 1912 there was a stone that they put in the ground, none of this structure was here. ‘Abdu’l-Baha said, “The Temple is already built.” How can we understand a statement such as that? I believe it was simply an expression of this principle of constructive interaction. That what He was saying as He explained at that time, “You have only to begin. Everything will be all right.”

Telling the dear friends gathered in 1912, “Make a start, make a beginning. You will attract spiritual powers. This will reinforce your endeavors. You will do even more, attract even greater spiritual powers, and a time will come when the Temple will come into physical existence. It is already built by virtue of the efforts you have embarked upon in 1912.” It is in that sense that I see this principle of constructive interaction as vital to the process of spiritualization.

As I mentioned, I think there are three elements of the spiritualization process. The principle of magnetism, by which we carry out certain actions and attract spiritual forces, and the principle of constructive interaction by which we make an effort that attracts even more powers and so it builds up from there.

If only there were these two principles—how much simpler life would be. It is a source of great regret to me that I have to tell you that there are not two principles but three. Because the third principle is that of testing.

The testing is inevitable. The testing is a source of drama, the source of success and failure in our personal and collective lives. But when we make efforts, when we attract spiritual forces, when we build up in strength, and so on, we are tested.

We are subject to tests again and again. We are told that the testing process is intrinsic to that of spiritual development. There are not two principles, there are three, and the third is that of testing.

We are tested to see if we really have the fortitude, the strength, the determination to persist in the face of adversity, in the face of distraction, in the face of

ridicule, in the face of the desire to relax, to avoid the hardship and the effort that is involved.

The Guardian tells us that this process of testing is necessary, as he describes it, so that inner spiritual forces become stimulated, and that tests are gifts of God to enable one to grow and develop. But let us also be aware that tests are not automatically passed. The very fact that we, as believers, are subject to testing implies no guarantee that we will successfully traverse that test. The history of our Faith repeatedly demonstrates that there are some who pass and there are some who fail, and the Cause of God proceeds toward its glorious destiny.

I have tonight chosen as my iene mental tests. And the first of the mental tests that I have drawn attention to is that of spiritualizing our lives ina materialistic environment. To do this, we need to identify the dangers which confront us.

We need to commit ourselves with determination to the pursuit of acts of devotion, to the implementation of the great moral and ethical laws of our Faith. And we need to realize clearly and definitely that the principles to which we subscribe as Baha‘is are in many ways radically different from what have become the standards and the generally accepted norms of American society around us.

We are not here for the purpose of condemnation. We are here for the purposse of finding our paths to God, of

inding our way forward during a time of great turmoil and testing and hardship and suffering for all elements of humanity. We will only do so by a full realization that we ave chosen the path of Baha’u’ll4h—and the path of Baha'u'llah is in many ways quite distinctly different from that of the society around us.

To take but one example: our concept of chastity as an indispensable element of the moral life of a Bah@’t is that sexual relations are permissible only between two people of the opposite sex who are married to each other. This is our standard. It is not the standard of our society. It is a standard which is decried as puritanical. It is described in some areas as homophobic. It is described in many other ways. But this is our standard. This is what our religion tells us, and we are committing ourselves to a spiritual path in the pursuit of the law of Baha’u’Ilah irrespective of whether or not it conforms to the society around us.

We differ from the people around us very much in certain concepts. For example, we differ in the concept of duty. The concept of duty has in many ways become unpopular. But we are people of duty. We are =peor who do things we don’t particularly want to do out of a sense of duty. We are people who do things we find difficult, which we find uncomfortable, which we find disconcerting. Why? Not out of a desire for martyrdom, but out of a sense of duty.

We Baha’is are a people of duty. We are a people of discipline. We are a people of responsibility. We are a people who revere and honor such concepts as honesty and trustworthiness. We need to pass the test of spiritualization in a materialistic environment.

We need, above all, courage; the courage and the willingness to be different, to persevere, to persist in the work of the spiritualization of our lives irrespective of all other considerations and the forces and influences of the people around us.

The second of the three tests that I feel are upon us in the United States today is that we are tested to develop ourselves as committed human beings concerned about the future of humanity and the changing world. The Cause of God today requires more and more such committed human beings.

The future of America

Shoghi Effendi, in a passage written not long before his passing, referred to the future of the American nation. And one of the things he mentioned as being within the future of the American nation has arrested my attention in recent years. He said, at that time, that the Baha’fs of America faced a future challenge. And what was that challenge? In the message published in the book, Citadel of Faith, Shoghi Effendi refers to a number of challenges before the American friends, one of which was that “apathy [Page 19]Suarar B.E. 152 * Decemoer 31,1995 19

SPECIAL PUL SECTION

and lethargy [would] paralyze their spiritual faculties in the ace

We, today, face that test—the test of overcoming apathy and lethargy. The test that those around us incrensinely lack zeal and idealism and a passion for changing the world. Society around us has lost its vision. It lacks heroes and heroines. They have become discredited. Exposés have been written about them. They have been found to have feet of clay. There are no heroes. There are no heroines. There is no vision.

It is a matter of making it through day by day, being concerned only for one’s self because no one else is interested in us. You survive or not. It is a hard, cruel world out there.

The creation of a new society

That is not the Baha’i way. We are people committed to the creation of a new society. We are summoned to heroism. We are summoned to sacrifice. We are summoned to idealism and to altruism. We are people creating a new society, a new civilization. We are people who love and are concerned about generations yet unborn and we are prepared to dedicate our lives that those generations to come, in decades and centuries into the future, may have a better life; may have a life of peace and unity and harmony and the possibility for the full development of their potential.

This is the idealism to which we are summoned as Bahd’is. We need to overcome the apathy and lethargy of our society and stand apart as people dedicated to the creation of a new world.

What does this mean? How do we achieve this? How will it come about? I believe that we, as believers, need a far deeper understanding of the role of the Faith in the redemption of mankind.

We are not simply spreading one religion to clutter up a world full of religions. We are not simply seeking to elbow our way into the community of the faiths of mankind. We are not simply content to make

“' the Encyclopedia Britannica Year Book and become known as a religion that has spread around the world. We are not simply content to assemble an array of national and local Assemblies and prestigious events and gatherings. Our religion is that of the Promised One of All Ages. Our religion is that of the World Redeemer Who has come after thousands upon thousands of years of toil and turmoil and suffering during the whole of recorded history.

We stand at a break point in the history of human civilization and we, as Baha’fs, are the vehicle for the implantation of spirit into the body of mankind which is now being molded through great difficulty and suffering into a unified entity.

In my present functioning as a member of the Universal House of Justice, I find myself at times meditating on a statement which appears in the writings of the Guardian and it appears without conditionality—I find no conditionality attached to it. It is rather a definite statement without any maybes or possiblies or perhapses.

And in that statement, the Guardian refers to the institution of which I am a member, the Universal House of Justice. And he says that “this House is one which posterity will regard as the last refuge of a tottering civilization.”

When I read that passage, I say to myself, “What does it mean about the future condition of mankind?” I sometimes sit in the council chamber in the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, I look at my eight colleagues seated around the table, I realize that we nine are not the House of Justice. It is a great, magnificent spiritual entity of which we are simply the weak and feeble outward expression.

The great changes to come

But I say to myself, “This institution, this Universal House of Justice with which I have to some extent become familiar over these years, it, the Guardian tells us definitely, categorically, without condico will be such that posterity will look upon it as the ‘last refuge of a tottering civilization.”

I offer this passage to you simply as an indication of the great changes that are coming to humanity.

When they will come—in which decade, in which

century—we know not. But we do know that they will come—that the Cause of which we are all members is destined to play a major transforming, revolutionizing role in the history of humanity on this planet.

And I think if we can revive in our minds the vision of the magnitude of the aims and objectives of the Cause—aims which are far beyond human comprehension, which are feasible only because of the power of God which we believe animates Baha’u’llah and His Revelation—if we do this, then we will revive that vision and we will become once more committed human beings dedicated to the welfare of humanity in this generation and countless generations yet unborn into the future.

Finally, I come to the third of the three mental tests to which I have wanted to draw attention tonight. And it is a challenge and a test which the Baha’{

. . .we are challenged to detach ourselves, to emancipate ourselves from the prevailing and, indeed, not just prevailing but rapidly increasing sense of suspicion, of distrust and disfavor which characterizes attitudes of people in our society toward their institutions. ..

friends in many parts of the world are experiencing. I address my remarks to you as American Baha'is but I have made similar remarks in other countries that I have visited recently.

My concern—and what I see to be a very dangerous and pressing mental test to the Baha’is in the western countries as well as other parts of the world—is that the believers in these countries live in a society which has developed certain attitudes about social organizations and institutions.

These attitudes are firstly that people are suspicious and distrustful of their government and its bureaucracy. They have found through bitter experience that their governmental leaders have become corrupt, that the bureaucracy of their social organization suffocates them, restricts their freedom and, in many ways, is a source of their suffering.

ope today do not have a sense of community. They have learned, at bitter cost, not to trust each other, not to trust those who appear honest and upright and of good character because, so often, they have been found to be opposite. They have, therefore, developed a sense of extreme individualism, of worship of unfettered personal freedom.

The attitudes of society People in our society increasingly feel a sense of owerlessness in relation to their authorities. They ind themselves insignificant, unable to change the system, doomed to suffer its adverse and oppressive circumstances and consequences. Therefore, they often resort to radical actions outside the system. They become terrorists. They become anarchists. They seek the overthrow of the system. They seek its destruction. They say, often with a certain justification, anything is better than what we've got.

These are increasingly the attitudes of the societ: around us. They were foreshadowed by Baha’u'llal in His Tablets to the kings and religious leaders. Shoghi Effendi described in detail the evolution of society during what he called this “age of critical transition.” It is now upon us. People in our society have developed those attitudes and, if we were to question those people, they would offer us ample justification for the attitudes which they display.

The great mental test we face as believers is the test that we may, unconsciously and inadvertently, transfer those attitudes from the larger society which is manifestly in decline into the Baha'i administrative system.

That is our test. Because if we bring those attitudes in with us, without even realizing it, we will disrupt and damage the administrative system ordained by Baha‘w'llah,

Shoghi Effendi wrote on this theme some years ago. He said, “Our present generation, mainly due to the corruptions that have been identified with organizations, seems to stand against any institution. Religion as an institution is denounced. Government as an institution is denounced. Even marriage as an institution is denounced.

“We Baha’is should not be blinded by such prevalent notions. If such were the case, all the Divine Manifestations would not have invariably appointed someone to succeed Them. Undoubtedly, corruptions did enter those institutions but these corruptions were not due to the nature of the institutions, but to the lack of proper directions as to their powers and the nature of their perpetuation.”

“What” —this is still the Guardian’s words—“What Baha’u’ll4h has done is not to eliminate all institutions in the Cause, but to provide the necessary safeguards that would eliminate corruptions that caused the fall of previous institutions.” What those sa epuards are is most interesting to study and find out and most essential to know.

The challenge of detachment

In other words, we are challenged to detach ourselves, to emancipate ourselves from the prevailing and, indeed, not just prevailing but pepidly, increasing sense of suspicion, of distrust and disfavor which characterizes attitudes of people in our society toward their institutions and avoid such attitudes coming into the relationship of the believers to the Baha’f institutions.

They are not the same. They are radically different. This is a system ordained fi Baha‘u’llah, by the Manifestation of God. It has characteristics. It has a system to it which enables it to purify itself of any adverse attitude and behavior. It stands quite different from the way of the world. If we bring the way of the world into the Baha’f Administrative Order, all we will do is temporarily disrupt it. All we will do is iepaeely damage our own personal spiritual development.

We need to develop new attitudes. We need to develop a far deeper understanding of the Covenants of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha. It is not enough to sign the card to say, “I believe there is a Covenant. There are these people around with a variety of titles. Whatever they are I accept them. Fine, that’s it.” This is not enough, friends.

We will be swept away because there are dangerous forces in our society. There are insidious influences. We have to protect ourselves now, and our protection is deepening in the Covenant. ~ Let me read to you a very, very difficult and challenging paragraph from the Guardian. In this paragraph the Guardian makes statements which I would never dare to say. I read them because it is the Guardian. lam safe. You can’t attack me for reading them. The Guardian is writing. I would never have the courage to stand before you and make the kind of statements I am going to read to you now.

Shoghi Effendi says that “the believers need to be deepened in their knowledge and appreciation of the Covenants of both Baha’u’ll4h and ‘Abdu’l-Baha. This is the stronghold of the faith of every Baha'i, and that which enables him to withstand every test and the attacks of the enemies outside the Faith. ...” So far it’s not too bad. I would have said that. Now comes the difficult part.

“This is the stronghold of the Faith of every Baha'i, and that which enables him to withstand every test and the attacks of the enemies outside the Faith and the far more dangerous, insidious, lukewarm people inside the Faith who have no real attachment to the Covenant, and consequently uphold the intellectual aspect of the teachings While at the same time undermining the spiritual foundation upon which the whole Cause of God rests.”

The Covenant: our protection

Now do you understand why I said I would not have had ike courage to make these remarks? It is simply the words of the Guardian telling us that only through deepening in the Covenant will we withstand not only the attacks of people outside the Faith but what he describes as the “far more dangerous”

[Page 20]SPECIAL PUL! SECTION

attacks, the “insidious” attacks of those he describes as “lukewarm people inside the Faith who have no real attachment” to the Cause, who uphold the intellectual aspect of the teachings while undermining its spiritual foundation.

Friends, we do not have the right to judge. As individuals we cannot judge. I cannot say this pereon is one of those lukewarm people who upholds the intellectual, undermines the spiritual. [have no right to make such a statement. You cannot make that statement about me or about anybody else in this room or in this country.

We are not here to categorize or to judge. But Shoghi Effendi tells us that the Baha’{ community includes those elements. We are not here to engage in adversarial actions against those we categorize in that way. We are here to make ourselves spiritually healthy and strong so that whoever they are, wherever they are, we are not to judge, but we will be immune to their dangerous, insidious influence.

So our task is not to engage in witch hunts. Not to go searching and to put labels on this one, that one or the other. Our task is to do exactly as Shoghi Effendi said—to deepen ourselves in the Covenant so we will be spiritually strong and healthy and withstand these adverse attitudes toward the institutions of the Faith.

We need also in dealing with this test, the test of acquiring a new attitude toward our social organizations and institutions, we need to rethink what is criticism. There is criticism and there is criticism. There are passages in the Writings which refer to criticism as being an appropriate measure, an appropriate element of Baha’f consultative and community practice, and nobody is disagreeing with that. But what we also have in our Writings are references to the extremely dangerous character of what the Guardian refers to as “vicious and negative” criticism.

“Criticism and discussions of a negative character, which may result in undermining the authority of the Assembly as a body, should be strictl avoided.” And I think most people are smart eacteh to know what is the difference. They are also smart enough to find ways of worming around whatever tule you lay down. Because it is a question of attitude rather than a question of mere words of speech.

Freedom from negative criticism

We look toward a constructive, developmental Baha’i community which doesn’t pretend it is immune from any means of further development and refinement of its practices and conduct but which is free from what the Guardian refers to as criticism of a negative nature which has the effect of undermining the authority of the Assembly.

One of the favorite and most wasteful and destructive practices in Baha’i community life in certain quarters is that of Recculaton about the calamity. I am sure you've all had experiences at certain times of spectacular remarks about the evaporation of skyscrapers and submarines off the coast and so on.

There is a passage—there are many passages in the Baha’ Writings—where Shoghi Effendi says we don’t know in what form the calamity will occur. Calamity is occurring now and so on and so forth. There is one passage and I am going to read it to you where the Guardian says this is calamity. Finally, we found it.

The letter, written on behalf of the Guardian, December 18, 1949, was published in the Baha'i News in July 1950—and what does he say? He defines a calamity. He says:

“Vicious criticism is indeed a calamity. But its root is lack of faith in the system of Bahd’u’llah (i.e. the administrative order) and lack of obedience to Him— for He has forbidden it. If the Baha’is would follow the Baha‘{ laws in voting, in electing, in serving, and in abiding by assembly decisions, all this waste of strength through criticizing others could be diverted into cooperation. ...”

So one of the elements of acquiring the new attitude toward social organizations is deepening in the Covenant, a second one is that of rethinking the nature of criticism because it is a constructive element

of Baha’f consultation, and the third and final element that I mention is quite revolutionary. It is a statement where Shoghi Effendi was asked to define what were the parameters for the Cause in bringing in large numbers of people. And he set out four parameters; three of them are obvious and the fourth one is very unusual. He said these were the requirements without which the Cause can never really bring in large numbers of people. He said:

“Without the spirit of real love for Baha’u’llah, for His Faith and its institutions, and the believers for each other.” Three of those are obvious, the fourth one isn’t.

We would expect the believers to have real love for Baha’u’llah. We would expect them to love His Faith. We would expect them, in fact, hope that the believers would love each other.

But Shoghi Effendi defines as one of the four re There is no doubt in my mind that all the promises in the Writings about the future glory and destiny of the American Baha’i community will be fully and completely realized. Everything that ‘Abdu’l-Baha says about it will come true. It will occur. It is inevitable. There is no doubt about it.

uirements for bringing in large numbers of people that we develop a sense of love, a sense of real love for the institutions of the Faith. This is radically new in the Baha’f Dispensation.

Where do you find individuals who, since we are in the state of Illinois, who will come to you and say, “T love the Illinois state legislature.” Where do you find somebody who says, “I love the House of Representatives,” or “I love the Senate.” Maybe you'll find a few who say, “I am in love with the Supreme Court,” particularly if it has gone their way. Where do you find people who say, “I love the executive branch of government; I love the city council; I love our district administration.” This is foreign to western thought. This is inimical. This is radical.

The prevailing thought is that less government is better. The more government, we should get these rascals out of our hair, and so on. We go off in an entirely different direction.

We are not just 60 degrees away. We are not 90 degrees or 150 degrees away. We are 180 degrees away. Weare in entirely the opposite direction, because our religion tells us that without the spirit of real love for the institutions of the Cause, we cannot bring in large numbers of people.

Ihave almost reached the end of my remarks but not quite because it is easy to love institutions which one perceives as functioning marvelously well. It is easy to love institutions that function marvelously. If you are in a community and your local Spiritual Assembly is doing magnificent, wonderful things, sure you can love it. I love them also.

But can you love an institution which is functioning in an incomplete developmental way, which is making mistakes, which is having trouble with its unity, with its activity, with its executive action, which forgets to advise you of important events and

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THe AMERICAN BAHA’i

the like? This is our challenge. How can we do it without hypocrisy?

We can do it the same way a parent loves a child. When the child is stumbling, is behaving badly, is filled with some illness, or is grappling with some social grace, the parent loves the child because the parent sees in that child the potential for development. Through love and nurturance, the child will develop and fulfill its potential. Through criticism and a lack of love the child’s growth will be stunted; its development will never be realized.

So it is we are called upon to love our institutions, not ina sense of artificiality, not in a sense of hypocrisy, but in a sense of perfect faith that these are institutions ordained by Baha’u’llah with a glorious, magnificent future ahead of them. Through our love, our nurturance, our Cee our compassion, our understanding, they will develop. They will evolve.

It is this kind of love we seek—radically different from the attitude of criticism, suspicion, disorder, corruption which informs the attitude of people in the society around us toward institutions which are in decline and dissolution.

The Plan’s triple theme

As you know, the Three Year Plan, now hastening to its conclusion, revolves around a triple theme—enhancing the vitality of the faith of individual believers, greatly developing the human resources of the Cause, and fostering the proper functioning of local and national Baha‘ institutions. Itis in striving to overcome the three mental tests that [have called attention to tonight that I believe we can best fulfill the responsibilities laid upon us in pursuit of the Three Year Plan in our role as Baha’fs.

I bring my remarks to conclusion. It is well known that the American Baha’i community is a community which is endowed with great potential. ‘Abdu’lBaha blessed these shores with His footsteps. He lavished love and care on this country.

Shoghi Effendi wrote his major messages: to the American Baha’is. He called upon the American believers as the chief executors of the Tablets of the Divine Plan. And I can assure you that the Universal House of Justice loves the American Baha’i community and its institutions in no less a way than the love that was showered upon the friends in this country by the Master and by the Guardian.

We turn to the American Baha’i community witha great deal of trust and confidence and, if you will allow it, with pride at the potential and the greatness of what this community can achieve.

There is no doubt in my mind that all the promises in the Writings about the future glory and destiny of the American Baha’i community will be fully and completely realized. Everything that ‘Abdu’l-Baha says about it will come true. It will occur. It is inevitable. There is no doubt about it.

But what there is doubt about is, where will you and I be? Will we be part of this great development? Will we be part of these victories? Will we survive these dangerous and challenging mental tests to which I see we are subjected now? Will it be our lot to ride on the crest of this wave of victories or will we be swept aside? Will we, in fact, join those in Baha‘f history who failed the tests when the tests came upon them? The choice is ours. The choice is ours, friends. The choice is ours.

National Assembly seeks financial support for The American Baha’i

As first announced last February, financial constraints have forced the National Spiritual Assembly to reduce the number of issues of The American Baha’ from 19 a year (every Baha’i month) to 10.

Asa result, the National Assembly is inviting the community to help defray the cost of producing this vital publication through voluntary earmarked contributions.

The suggested yearly contribution is $20 per household, although any amount above or below that

figure would be welcome.

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to emphasize that any donation to help underwrite the cost of producing The American Baha'i is entirely voluntary, but expresses the hope that every believer will choose to support the paper to the extent that he or she is able.

The American Baha‘ will continue to be mailed free of charge, as has always been the case, to all Bahd‘i households regardless of whether or not a donation has been received. But in the present economic circumstances it represents an expense that can no longer be fully covered by the National Fund’s

general revenues.

[Page 21]Suarar B.E. 152 * Decemser 31,1995 21

Y

MAKIN’ MOVES-—yourlink to the Baha'i community, says— ‘Start the New Year right—JOIN THE ARMY OF LIGHT!’

A CALL TO ARMY OF LIGHT TEACHING TEAMS

Issued by the National Teaching Committee

Do you have good teachin, ideas or projects? Do you feel that no one will listen to them because you are a youth? We have a solution for you. Please see Page 3 of this issue for our Army of Light worksheet. It will help you prepare a solid plan for your teaching efforts that you can take to your Spiritual Assembly. Show them what you are all made of!!

If you need help planning, please call your regional AO} coordinator.

We want to hear from you. Please send us your ideas, thoughts and suggestions. Do you have good teaching stories to tell? Are you interested in reviewing Bahd'f music for Makin’ Moves? Do you have some photos of youth activities we can print? We want this to be your page—a place were you can get to know what's happening around the country. Let us know how you're Makin’ Moves!!

The Army of Light places American youth in the vanguard of teaching armed with the might of knowledge, attitudes and skills. It focuses the power of youth to serve as invincible, audacious spiritual warriors in championing the Cause of Baha'u'llah. It is a transformation of potential into heroism for this unique and urgent time.

Act now to elevate the quality and intensity of your efforts by “inviting people of every sort and every gift to the banquet table of the Lord of Hosts.” If you have not yet organized under an “Army of Light” banner, we challenge to do so as soon as possible. Your collective endeavors should encourage the contribution of youth of all ages, backgrounds and experiences and be aimed at vastly expanding the human resources of the Cause.

This challenge reflects the vision and confidence invested in youth by the Guardian and reaffirmed by The Universal House of Justice:

The future has always belonged to youth, and now more than ever before, in order to ensure the fulfillment of Baha’u’llah’s plans for this planet. ...

Now is the time, therefore, to consecrate yourselves and prepare yourselves for the work that lies ahead of you. ... You must study both the teachings and the Administration, in order to be ready and qualified - qualified with both knowledge and shining personal characters... (Shoghi Effendi: Light of Divine Guidance, Vol.2, p. 106)

YOU ARE THE FUTURE, and it is up to you to make that

future bright.

a

ARMY OF LIGHT TEAMS RAISING BANNERS FOR BAHA’U’LLAH

BANNER (name) OF TEAM

AREA SERVED BY TEAM

CONTACT FOR TEAM (name) (address) (phone)

In case you have not organized your Army of Light team so this information can be shared now, you may contact the National Teaching Committee later with this infor mation by calling: 1-800-396-2757 or by e-mail at

2

Makin’ Moves, Teaching Office, Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 or

N

A story of commitment

Here at the Treasurer’s Office, we received an email from a youth who is setting a remarkable example of LOVE and COMMITMENT to the Faith.

This letter speaks for itself. “Subject: commitment to Baha’i Funds

Author: S So, hey, thanks for the info! This Arc pledge is an Effendi, Messages to the Baha'i World, p. 102 Date: 11/9/95 4:03 PM important step in my spiritual growth.” GOAL I—Practice putting on the armor of To: Treasurer's Office ‘ongratulations to the author of this note. Let us | God's love.

Allah’u’Abha hear from more youth who are setting these ex- GOAL I—Cultivate greater firmness in the

I'm not attending the National Youth Conference in Dallas this December because I want to use the travel and registration money I’d need towards my

ledge for the Arc Fund. I cherish Baha’i fellowship;

had a phenomenal time last year in Phoenix (for me personally, the Phoenix Conference had the same impact as the World Congress) -- but this year, I must apply the money instead towards my commitment to the Arc.

[I’ve told very few people the actual numbers of my contribution, but it might be inspirational for other youth, so I'll tell you. Feel free to include the numbers in the quote; just please don’t use my name.

Anyway, the numbers are inspirational to me: I’m 19 years old, and after | heard Mr. Nakhjavani speak, I pledged to contribute a $9000 unit (myself). Nineteen years old, nine thousand dollars... I thought it was kinda cool. (Not to be egotistical.)]

amples every day. Telephone 708-733-3475 or e-mail

. ..the Baha'is are laboring to create a new world which is distinguished by sacrificial commitment to high ideals, concern for the welfare of all humanity, integrity and economy in the use of funds, and unified support for great endeavors. Let us go forward serenely confident that the Lord of Hosts will enable His devoted followers to overcome any and all obstacles in the path of His rapidly developing Cause."

Universal House of Justice, September 17,1992

ae &

Pictured are children in the Bahé'i community of South Cobb County, Georgia, who have undertaken a number of special projects to help the community not only reach but double its goal of $9,000 for the Arc.

Army of Light goals

“Putting on the armor of His love, firmly buckling on the shield of His mighty Covenant, mounted on the steed of steadfastness, holding aloft the lance of the Word of the Lord of Hosts, and with unquestioning reliance on his promises as the best provision for their journey, let them set their faces toward those fields that still remain unexplored and direct their steps to those goals that are as yet unattained. ...” Shoghi

Covenant, and see the Covenant as a source of peace and security.

GOAL I1I—Through interaction with the Word of God, learn to see oneself as a warrior who is commited to, capable of and confident in serving Bahé'u'llah.

GOAL IV—Prepare to move into the field of action as teachers of the Cause relying on Baha'u'llah.

GOAL V—Develop skills to help walk the spiritual path of service with practical feet.

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Tue AMERICAN BAHA'I

ESPANOL

Presentacion en la Casa de Adoracién

El Dr. Peter Khan da charla sobre naturaleza, desafio de las pruebas

Lo siguiente es el texto de una charla dada en la Casa de Adoracién Baha'i en Wilmette, Illinois, el stbado 23 de septiembre de 1995 por el Dr. Peter Khan, miembro de la Casa Universal de Justicia.

.

Queridos amigos,

Hablo por los dos, Janet y yo, al expresar nuestra felicidad sin limites al estar de regreso aquf en el seno de la comunidad baha’‘f americana. Nosotros vivimos aqui por 12 afios en el estado de Michigan. Esos fueron 12 afios muy formativos, afios muy felices donde aprendimos tanto acerca de la Fe y acerca de la naturaleza de la comunidad baha’i. Y al regresar a los Estados Unidos en esta ocasién, nuestros corazones estan llenos con la memoria de aquellos afios ide la energia, la dedicacién, y la maravilla de los

aha’ is americanos que tuvimos el placer de conocer en ese tiempo.

Les hablo, por supuesto, esta noche como individuo. No hablo por la Casa Universal de Justicia. Hablo simplemente como un individuo baha’f quien da la casualidad en este momento de ser miembro de ese cuerpo. Por lo tanto los comentarios que les ofrezco esta tarde son sélo mfos.

Empiezo dirigiendo mi atenci6n y la de Uds. a un tema enfatizado por el amado Guardian Shoghi Effendi desde los primeros afios de su ministerio como Guardian de la Causa. De hecho, en el primer mensaje enviado por el Guardian a los baha’fs de los Estados Unidos y Canad, el 21 de enero de 1922, el Guardian atrajo la atencién a este punto, lo reiteré en sus mensajes posteriores. :Y cual fué el punto?

Shoghi Effendi, 73 afios atras, dijo a los creyentes en América que en ae momento en el futuro, ellos serfan probados. El dijo que ellos recibirfan pruebas—intelectuales mas que fisicas. £1 dijo que ellas serian enviadas para purificar a los baha’is americanos y hacerlos mas brillantes que nunca. Unos pocos afios después, Shoghi Effendi regresé a ese tema. El dijo, “y sin embargo cudn a menudo parece que nosotros olvidamos las claras y repetidas advertencias de nuestro amado Maestro, Quien, en

articular durante los afios finales de Su misién en ja tierra, puso énfasis en las duras pruebas mentales que inevitablemente se extenderfan sobre sus amados del Oeste, pruebas que purgarfan, purificarfan y los prepararian para su noble misi6n en la vida.”

Pruebas mentales inevitables

Este tema, que los baha’is americanos estuvieran siendo preparados para lo que Shoghi Effendi describe como la venida inevitable de las pruebas mentales, aparece vez tras vez en sus escritos y fue ademis enfatizado por la Casa Universal de Justicia en su larga carta del 19 de mayo de 1994 en la cual la Casa de Justicia ofrecié la esperanza y la oracion “pueda que a ellos, los bahd’is americanos, se les conceda la fuerza espiritual para que pasen una y otra vez las pruebas mentales que ‘Abdu’l-Baha prometié que EI les enviaria para purificarlos.” Hay muchos otros pasajes en los escritos del Guardian que se refieren a estas pruebas mentales.

Por ejemplo, en el ultimo de los mensajes publicados de Shoghi Effendi a los baha’is americanos, él anuncié lo que presentaria el futuro. El indicé esa vez que habrian peruiebes intelectuales mas que fisicas Resa fuera de la comunidad baha’t. El se refirié al hecho de que la Fe seria sujeta al ataque de los lideres eclesidsticos, los defensores tradicionales de la

ortodoxia Sates y que estos serfan poderosos detractores dedicdndose a la extincién de la Fe desde afuera.

Pero, ademas, en ese tiltimo mensaje de septiembre de 1957, Shoghi Effendi muy clara y muy inequivocamente se refirié al hecho de que habrian pruebas mentales para los baha‘is americanos desde dentro de su comunidad. EI hizo una lista de un ntimero de fuerzas que estaban en la sociedad americana y dijo que las fortalezas administrativas de la Fe estaban destinadas a estar sujetas a serios desafios espirituales desde dentro, debido al impacto de esas fuerzas, y él urgié a los amigos a fortalecer

la comunidad baha‘i en preparacién para el combate con los “nefarios elementos que buscan debilitarla desde dentro.”

Estas declaraciones son parte de la herencia de la comunidad baha’i americana. Ellas son declaraciones que predicen periodos de desafio, periodos de dificultades, periodos de pruebas y también predicen pends victorias. Como una de las declaraciones que

e leido seftala, Shoghi Effendi describe que estas pruebas tienen el propésito de hacer a los amigos “brillar atin mas,” de ser ” atin mds luminosos,” de “capacitar a la comunidad baha’i americana para cumplir el glorioso destino establecido para ella en los Escritos del Bab, Baha’u’lléh, y ‘Abdu’l-Baha.”

El punto que hago esta noche es que, sobre un periodo de tiempo, he llegado a la conclusién de dus vivimos ahora en ese tiempo de las pruebas mentales,

jue el tiempo de las pruebas mentales no esta en el

‘uturo distante sino que es ahora.

La naturaleza de las pruebas mentales

¢Por qué digo esto? Lo digo por la naturaleza de las pruebas mentales. Estamos bien experimentados y conocedores de las pruebas fisicas. Nuestros queridos amigos en Iran y los amigos de la Cuna de la Fe, muchos de los cuales estan en la audiencia esta noche, estan bien versados en las pruebas fisicas. Por 150 afios, esta infante Fe en varios paises del mundo ha tenido que contender con las pruebas fisicas— con tortura, con encar-celamiento, con martirio, con el trastorno de hogares y familias.

Nosotros io estamos experimentados en pruebas mentales. La Casa Universal de Justicia en un mensaje de enero de 1986, se refirié al hecho de que la Causa de Dios estaba saliendo de la oscuridad. En otras palabras, estaba saliendo de la primera de las siete etapas de su evolucién, establecida por el Guardian, y entrando a la segunda etapa y esa secunda etapa es la de persecusién o represién. Nosotros estamos ahora entrando y hemos entrado a la etapa donde, como una comunidad baha’i mundial, aprenderemos mas y mas acerca de las pruebas mentales.

Y mi percepcién, mi opinién, es que esta noche al juntarnos aqui, mi creencia es que nosotros estamos experimentando estas pruebas mentales. ;Que quiero decir con pruebas mentales? Son pruebas que conducen a una erosién de la fe y la creencia y pueden suscitar al desorden en la comunidad Baha'i.

Una de las caracteristicas de las pruebas mentales es que podemos estar cegados por los principios y valores de una sociedad no-baha‘{ y, al estar asi cegados, podemos fallar estas pruebas. Podemos correr el riesgo de menospreciar el peligro de tales pruebas, de ser complacientes, de no llegar a darnos cuenta de estas pruebas hasta que es demasiado tarde. Podemos ser como el guerrero en su blindaje esperando por la batalla, esperando demasiado tarde mientras que la batalla ruge y se decide en frente de él mientras que él esta parado aqui esperando.

Yo creo que hay tres elementos en las pruebas mentales, las cuales, nosotros como parte de la comunidad baha’i—y yo creo que Janet y yo todavia nos consideramos baha’is americanos en muchas maneras, y espero que ninguna cinta de esto llegue a Australia—hay tres elementos en las pruebas mentales las cuales yo siento que son pertinentes a nosotros esta noche. Y me gustaria mencionar estos tres y luego analizarlos en detalle.

El primero es éste: Creo que estamos siendo probados ahora por la necesidad de desarrollarnos espiritualmente en un ambiente materialista. Esta es nuestra prueba. Segundo, estamos siendo probados en nuestro nivel de responsabilidad para el mejoramiento de la humanidad en un ambiente que esta cada vez mas caracterizado por la apatia y el letargo. Y, tercero, estamos siendo probados por la necesidad de adquirir una actitud completamente nueva hacia las organizaciones e instituciones sociales.

Creo que es en estas tres areas que nosotros, quienes vivimos en este glorioso pais, quienes somos parte de esta vibrante comunidad, estamos siendo probados. Pasaremos 0 fallaremos; la comunidad las

pasaré. La comunidad bahd’i americana esté desinada a pasar cosas grandes y maravillosas, pero nosotros, como individuos, estamos sujetos a las pruebas.

Desarrollando un sentido de espiritualidad

Continuaré con el primero de estos. La primera peucba mental que yo creo que esta sobre nosotros

‘oy dia es el desafio de desarrollar el sentido de espiritualidad en un ambiente que esta cada vez mas preocupado y, sin duda, obsesionado con las dimensiones materialistas de la vida. Los escritos del Guardian, las declaraciones de la Casa Universal de Justicia en afios recientes, repetidamente llaman a los amigos a espiritualizar sus vidas, a desarrollar una vision del mundo, que acomode la dimensién espiritual, importante, vital, de la existencia junto con, y sin duda, con prioridad sobre, la dimensién material.

Estamos urgidos en hacer esto. Se nos ha dicho en nuestras Ensefianzas que nuestro deber como creyentes en Bahd’u’ll4h es comprometernos a la espiritualizacién de nuestras vidas. Se nos promete que si lo hacemos, aumentaremos nuestros poderes y capacidades y que solamente de esta manera encontraremos la felicidad y nos sentiremos realizados. Cuando ésto no ocurre—y zquién dice que pasaremos esta prueba?—cuando ésto no ocurre, la religién se degenera a un simple credo, un conjunto de ritos y practicas vacias. Cuando ésto no ocurre, nos encontraremos atrafdos inevitablemente hacia la percepcién materialista de los acontecimientos mundiales y el curso de la historia mundial. Estaremos chsesiontiles con los miedos, las ansiedades, las preocupaciones, las aprehensiones, y las sospechas de aquellos alrededor nuestro, y nuestra vision del mundo, del progreso espiritual de la humanidad, estara perdida. Nuestra vida de comunidad degeneraré en practicas ritualistas si el proceso de espiritualizacion no es emprendido y enérgicamente perseguido.

éPor qué lo encontramos tan dificil? Creo que es porque nosotros, no importa cuantos baha’is hay en cualquier localidad, somos relativamente pocos. Nos pasamos la mayor parte de nuestra vida relacionandonos con personas que no son baha’fs, algunos de ellos son maravillosas personas de muy finos y exaltados valores, y otros no lo son. Estamos sujetos a las fuerzas e influencias e inclinaciones y consejos e ideas que son esencialmente materialistas. Y ésto inconscientemente moldea nuestra visién del mundo.

Por décadas, y sin duda siglos, habfa una opinién muy generalizada que para espiritualizar nuestras vidas, deberfamos renunciar al mundo material. Deberiamos desechar las posesiones materiales. Deberiamos adoptar el ascetismo en la busqueda del desarrollo espiritual de nosotros mismos. Esta concepcién errénea ha sido dejada de lado mediante la Revelaci6n de Baha’u’llah de la ley de Huququ'lléh.

Al darnos la misericordia y el beneficio de la ley de Huqtiqu lah, Baha’u’llah nos ha dicho, en esencia, que esta porcién de vuestro superavit, de vuestros bienes acumulados, esta porcion pertenece a Dios. El resto, el otro 81%, es vuestro.

Pueden desear de ofrecerlo en sacrificio para el bienestar de la humanidad. Pueden desear de no hacerlo; eso es vuestro asunto. Parte de eso pertenece a Dios. Estamos llamados como cuestién de conciencia a pagar nuestro Huqtiq. No hablamos de contribuir al Huqtqu’ll4h. Uno contribuye a los Fondos nacional, local e internacional pero uno paga el Huqtiqu’llah.

La sabiduria del Huqiqu'llah

El concepto de espiritualizacién que involucra necesariamente el abandono total de comodidades materiales, actividades y beneficios, ese concepto ha sido derrocado por la perspicacia y sabiduria proveida por la ley de Huqtiqu’llah. Quiero compartir con Uds. mi percepcién de espiritualidad, de cémo es que podemos lograr la espiritualidad, porque éste es nuestro desafio. Este es el desafio de

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cada uno de nosotros—cémo lograr un desarrollo espiritualizado de nosotros mismos.Creo que el proceso de desarrollo espiritual se basa sobre tres principios. El primer principio es éste: que ciertas acciones que realizamos en este mundo, prescritas por la Manifestaci6n de Dios, atraen un poder espiritual misterioso pero vital; que hay ciertas prescripciones dadas en las Ensefianzas de nuestra religién que aceptamos con fe en el entendimiento de que si seguimos estas prescripciones, nos atraeremos en una manera misteriosa, incomprensible, un gran poder ecpiniual Este es un punto ay, complejo y muy dificil para nosotros de entener.

Afortunadamente, durante el curso de la Dis pensacion anterior a la venida del Bab y Baha’u'llah, los cientificos empezaron el estudio sistematico del

magnetismo. Y, como resultado, la sociedad humana aprendié algo acerca de los imanes y acerca del

rincipio magnético y magnetismo como un

fendmeno. Sabemos ahora que el magnetismo es un

fenémeno donde los atomos estan dispuestos en pequefios sistemas de organizacién llamados dipolos, que estén todos apuntando en la misma direccién, y asociados con ello es algo que llamamos la fuerza magnética—una fuerza que actta a distancia, que es invisible pero que es muy fuerte.

Como resultado, uno encuentra que este primer de los tres principios, que yo veo fundamental al proceso de desarrollo espiritual, que este principio es ilustrado en los Escritos Baha’is repetidamente por Baha'u'llah, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, y el Guardian usando la analogia del imdn. La analogfa del iman ha posibilitado a las Figuras Centrales de nuestra Fe a expresarnos vividamente el principio vital de que ciertas acciones realizadas, de acuerdo a las prescripciones de Dios, atraen una fuerza poderosa invisible.

Leeré algunos ejemplos. En un lugar, “la fe es un iman que atrae la confirmacién del Misericordioso.” ‘Abdu’l-Baha dice, “la conmemoraci6n de Dios atrae la confirmacién y ayuda como un imén.” Otra vez, “la unidad y la armonja es el iman que atrae las confirmaciones de Dios” y continta, “Dirigir a la humanidad en ei recto sendero es el iman que atrae la ayuda de Dios.”

El iman que atrae

Shoghi Effendi dice, “Hoy dia, como nunca antes, el iman que atrae las bendiciones de lo alto es ensefiar la Fe de Dios.” En otro lugar, el Guardian dijo, “la consagraci6n a la gloriosa tarea de esparcir la Fe y vivir la vida baha’{ crea el imdn para el Espiritu Santo.” Y asf contintia.

Por lo tanto el primero de los tres principios que yo veo como basico al desarrollo espiritual es el principio de magnetismo, el principio de que ciertas acciones realizadas en el espiritu de devocién y consagraci6n atraen una gran fuerza espiritual, asi como en el mundo cotidiano ciertas disposiciones de Atomos atraen la fuerza de magnetismo. Este Einsple del magnetismo se encuentra por todas los

ritos Baha'is. Uds. encuentran, por ejemplo, que Baha’u’llah habla de su Revelacién y la describe como un “imaén” o “piedra iman.” Dice que Su Revelacién actuaré como una “piedra iman para todas las naciones y pueblos de la tierra.”

En otro lugar, ‘Abdu’l-Baha se refiere a Baha’u’ll4h como la Manifestacién de Dios en estos términos: “el Seftor ha manifestado al Iman de las almas y corazones en el Polo del mundo existente.”

Por lo tanto, este primer principio basico al proceso de espiritualizacién, yo creo, es aquel de la atraccién de poderosas fuerzas espirituales a través de acciones prescritas, lo que lamariamos un principio magnético.

El segundo principio, yo veo, en el proceso del desarrollo espiritual es aquel de la interaccién constructiva. El primero es que si oramos, si ayunamos, si ensefiamos la Fe, si practicamos la unidad, si hacemos reuniones espirituales, atraemos las fuerzas y poderes espirituales. El segundo principio de interaccién constructiva es ilustrada con un simple ejemplo.Sabemos en nuestras Escrituras que la oracién atrae fuerzas espirituales. Digamos que oro un poquito para atraer una cierta cantidad

le fuerzas espirituales. Esto reforzara mis esfuerzos.

Esto me hard més fuerte. Oraré mas. Es un modelo moderno muy simple, pero es suficiente para nuestro

Propssite; Oraré mas; ésto atraeré una mayor medida de poderes espirituales. Oraré atin mas; ésto atraerd atin mas poderes espirituales. Oraré atin més y asi se aumentara.

Por lo tanto hablo de este segundo principio como uno que le llamo la interaccién constructiva. Uds. comienzan con un poquito. Atraen algunas fuerzas, les hace mds fuertes. Hacen mas, lo que atrae atin mis fuerzas y asi aumentaré. Y, en ese sentido, estamos llamados a practicar estas virtudes espirituales para llevar a cabo estas practicas devocionales—lia practica de ensefiar y contribuir al Fondo, de participar en el trabajo de la Fe, confiados de que traeran fuerzas espirituales las cuales reforzaran nuestros esfuerzos y nos llevara a hacer atin mas.

‘El Tiemplo ya esta construido’

Es en este sentido—este principio de interaccién constructiva—que es la tnica manera en la cual puedo comprender una extrafia y misteriosa declaracié6n que aparece en nuestras Escrituras y que es atribufda al Maestro, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, aqui en este mismo lugar en el afio 1912. En aquella ocasi6n, cuando ‘Abdu’l-Baha habia colocado la primera piedra de este magnifico edificio en el que estamos resguardados esta noche, El hizo un extrafio comentario. Habiendo colocado la primera piedra, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd se dice haber dicho a los amigos reunidos en aquella ocasién, “el Templo ya esta construido.”

“El Templo ya esté construfdo.” En 1912 habia una piedra que ellos pusieron en la tierra, nada de esta estructura estaba aqui. ‘Abdu’Il-Baha dijo, “el Templo ya esta construido.” zC6mo podemos entender una declaracién tal como ésa? Yo creo que fue simplemente una expresién de este principio de interaccién constructiva, que lo que El estaba diciendo, como lo explicé en ese momento, era ‘Uds. solamente tienen que empezar. Todo estara bien.’ Les decia a los queridos amigos reunidos en 1912, ‘Empiezen algo, hagan un comienzo. Uds. atraeran poderes espirituales. Esto reforzard sus esfuerzos. Haran aun mas, atraeran poderes espirituales atin mayores y vendra una época cuando el Templo llegara a la existencia fisica. Ya esta construfdo por virtud de los esfuerzos que Uds. han emprendido en 1912.’ Es en ese sentido que yo veo este principio de la interaccién constructiva, tan vital para el proceso de la espiritualizaci6n.

Como mencioné, pienso que hay tres elementos en el proceso de la espiritualizacién. El principio de magnetismo, por el cual realizamos ciertas acciones y atraemos fuerzas espirituales, y el principio de interaccién constructiva mediante el cual hacemos un esfuerzo y eso atrae atin mas poderes y por lo tanto se aumenta desde ahf.

Si solamente hubieran estos dos principios, cuan simple seria la vida. Es fuente de gran pesar para mi que tengo que decirles que no hay dos principios sino tres, porque el tercer principio es el de las pruebas.

Las pruebas son inevitables. Las pruebas son una fuente de drama, de éxito y fracaso en nuestras vidas personales y colectivas. Pero cuando hacemos los esfuerzos, cuando atraemos las fuerzas espirituales, cuando aumentamos nuestras energias, y asi contintia, nosotros somos probados. Estamos sujetos a las pruebas vez tras vez. Se nos ha dicho que el proceso de pruebas es intrinsico al de desarrollo espiritual. No hay dos principios; hay tres y el tercero es el de las pruebas.

Somos probados para ver si realmente tenemos la fortaleza, la fuerza, la determinacién para persistir en la cara de la adversidad, en la cara de la distracci6n, en la cara del ridiculo, del deseo de relajar, de evitar las dificultades y el esfuerzo que esta involucrado.

El Guardian nos dice que este proceso de pruebas es necesario, como él lo describe, para que las fuerzas espirituales internas lleguen a ser estimuladas, y que las pruebas son regalos de Dios para capacitarnos en crecer y desarrollarnos. Pero también estemos conscientes de que las pruebas no se pasan automaticamente. El mero hecho de que nosotros, como creyentes, estamos sujetos a las pruebas no implica que se garantiza que atravesemos éxitosamente esa prueba. La historia de nuestra Fe repetidamente demuestra que hay algunos que

pases y hay algunos que fracasaron y la Causa de ios avanza hacia su glorioso destino.

He elegido esta noche como mi tema, las pruebas mentales. Y la primera de las pruebas mentales a la que he dirigido la atencién es ésa de espiritualizar nuestras vidas en un ambiente materialista. Para hacer esto, necesitamos identificar los peligros que confrontamos.

Necesitamos comprometernos con determinacién a la btisqueda de los actos de devocién, a la implementaci6n de las grandes leyes morales y éticas de nuestra Fe. Y necesitamos darnos cuenta clara y definitivamente que los principios a los que nos subscribimos como baha‘is son en muchas maneras radicalmente diferentes de lo que han llegado a ser los principios y las normas generalmente aceptadas de la sociedad Americana alrededor nuestro.

No estamos aqui con el propésito de condenar. Estamos aqui con los propésitos de encontrar nuestras sendas hacia Dios, de encontrar nuestros caminos adelante durante un tiempo de gran confusién y pruebas y dificultades y sufrimientos para todos los elementos de la humanidad.

Nosotros solamente lo haremos al darnos cuenta completamente de que hemos elegido el camino de Baha’‘u’llah. Y el camino de Baha’u'llah es, en muchas maneras, muy claramente diferente de la sociedad que nos rodea.

Para tomar solo un ejemplo. Nuestro concepto de castidad como un elemento indispensable de la vida moral de los bahd’is es que las relaciones sexuales son permitidas solamente entre dos personas del sexo opuesto que estan casados entre si. Este es nuestro principio. No es el principio de nuestra sociedad. Es un principio que es condenado como puritano. Es descrito en algunas areas como homof6bico. Es descrito en muchas otras maneras. Pero es nuestro principio. Esto es lo que nuestra religién nos dice y nosotros estamos comprometidos a un sendero espiritual en la bisqueda de las leyes de Baha‘u’llah independientemente de si se ajusta 0 no con la sociedad alrededor nuestro.

Nos diferenciamos mucho de la gente alrededor nuestro en ciertos aspectos. Por fan lo, nos diferenciamos en el concepto del deber. El concepto del deber ha llegado a ser en muchas maneras poco popular. Pero nosotros somos gente de deber. Somos gente que hacemos cosas que no queremos particularmente hacer desde un sentido del deber. Somos gente que hacemos cosas que encontramos dificiles, que encontramos incémodas, que encontramos desconcertantes. ;Por qué? No por un deseo de martirio, sino por el sentido del deber.

Nosotros los baha’is somos gente de deber. Somos

ente de disciplina. Somos gente de responsabilidad.

omos un pueblo que reverencia i, honra tales conceptos como la honestidad y la veracidad. Necesitamos pasar la prueba de la espiritualizaci6n en un ambiente materialista. Necesitamos, por sobre todo, valentia; la valentia y la voluntad de ser diferentes, de perseverar, de persistir en el trabajo de la espiritualizacién de nuestras vidas sin tener en cuenta todas las otras consideraciones y las fuerzas e influencias de la gente alrededor nuestro.

La segunda de estas tres pruebas que yo siento que esté hoy sobre los Estados Unidos es que estamos probados para desarrollarnos como seres humanos dedicados, preocupados acerca del futuro de la humanidad y del mundo cambiante. La Causa de Dios hoy en dia requiere mas y mas de tales seres humanos dedicados.

El futuro de américa Shoghi Effendi, en un pasaje escrito no mucho antes de su fallecimiento, se refirié al futuro de la nacién americana. Y una de las cosas que él mencioné a realizarse dentro del futuro de la nacién americana me ha atrafdo la atenci6n en los recientes afios. El dijo, en aquella época, que los baha’is de América enfrentaban un futuro desaffo. Y zcudl era ese desafio? El se refirié al desaffo de que la apatia y el aletargamiento paralizaria sus facultades eepiiualesl Enel mensaje publicado en el libro, Citafel of Faith, Shoghi Effendi se refiere a un nimero de desaffos delante de los amigos americanos, uno de los cuales fue que “la apatia y el aletargamiento les paralizarian sus facultades espirituales en el futuro.” Nosotros, hoy dia, enfrentamos esa prueba—la prueba de vencer la apatia y el letargo. La prueba de

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que a aquellos alrededor nuestro cada vez mas les falta el fervor y el idealismo y la pasi6n por cambiar el mundo. La sociedad alrededor nuestro ha perdido su vision. Faltan héroes y heroinas. Han llegado a estar desacreditados. Se han escrito exposiciones acerca de ellos. Se han encontrado que tienen los pies de arcilla. No hay héroes. No hay heroinas. No hay vision.

Es una cuestién de pasarlo dfa por dia, estar preocupado solamente por si mismo porque nadie se interesa por nosotros. Uds. sobreviven 0 no; es un mundo duro y cruel.

La creaci6n de unas sociedad nueva

Esa no es la manera baha’{. Nosotros somos gente dedicada a la creacién de una nueva sociedad. Estamos llamados al heroismo. Estamos llamados al sacrificio. Estamos llamados al idealismo y al altruismo.

Somos gente creando una nueva sociedad, una nueva civilizaci6n. Somos gente que amamos y estamos preocupados acerca de las generaciones que ni han nacido todavia y estamos preparados para dedicar nuestras vidas a esas generaciones que vienen en décadas y siglos en el futuro, que puedan tener una mejor vida; que puedan tener una vida de paz y unidad y armonjia y la posibilidad de un completo desarrollo de sus potenciales. Este es el idealismo al cual estamos llamados como baha’is. Necesitamos vencer la apatia y el letargo de nuestra sociedad y distinguirnos como gente dedicada a la creaci6n de un nuevo mundo.

{Qué significa esto? g;Cémo logramos esto? ;Cé6mo sucederd? Yo creo que nosotros, como creyentes, necesitamos un entendimiento mas profundo del papel de la Fe en la redencién de la humanidad. Ne estamos simplemente esparciendo una religién para llenar un mundo lleno ya de religiones. No estamos simplemente buscando abrirnos a codazos nuestro camino en la comunidad de las creencias de la humanidad. No estamos simplemente contentos en estar incluidos en el Libro Anual de la Enciclopedia Britanica y llegar a ser conocidos como una religién que se ha esparcido alrededor del mundo. No estamos simplemente contentos de ensamblar una selecci6n de asambleas locales y nacionales y eventos y reuniones prestigiosos.

Nuestra religién es aquella del Prometido de Todas las Edades. Nuestra religi6n es aquella del Redentor del Mundo Quien ha venido después de miles y miles de afios de trabajo penoso y confusién y sufrimiento durante toda la historia escrita. Estamos en el punto de ruptura en la historia de la civilizaci6n humana y nosotros, como bahd’is, somos el vehiculo para la implantacién del espiritu en el cuerpo de la humanidad la que esta ahora siendo moldeada a través de grandes dificultades y sufrimientos en una entidad unificada.

En mi funcién actual como miembro de la Casa Universal de Justicia, me encuentro a veces meditando en una declaraci6n que aparece en los escritos del Guardian y aparece sin condicionalidad. No encuentro cond icicvalidad adjunta a ella. Mas bien es una declaracién definitiva sin ningtin “tal vez” o “posibles” 0 “quizds.” Y en esa declaraci6n , el

juardian se refiere a la institucién de la cual soy miembro, la Casa Universal de Justicia. Y él dice que “esta Casa es una que la posteridad considerar4 como el ultimo refugio de una civilizacién tambaleante.”

Cuando lei ese pasaje, me dije, “qué significa acerca de la futura condicién de la humanidad?” A veces me siento en la camara de consejo en la Sede de la Casa Universal de Justicia, miro a mis ocho colegas sentados alrededor de la mesa, me doy cuenta que nosotros nueve no somos la Casa de Justicia. Es una gran, magnifica entidad espiritual de la cual somos solamente la débil expresi6n externa.

Los grandes cambios que vienen

Pero me digo, “esta institucién, esta Casa Universal de Justicia, con la cual hasta cierto grado he legado a familiarizarme en estos afios, ella, el Guardian nos dice definitivamente, categéricamente, sin condicionalidad, sera tal que la posteridad la mirard como ‘el tiltimo refugio de una civilizacién tambaleante.”” Les ofrezco este pasaje simplemente como una indicacién de los grandes cambios que estan llegando a la humanidad.

Cuando vendran—en qué década, en qué siglo— no sabemos. Pero sabemos que vendran; que la Causa de la cual somos todos miembros esta destinada a jugar un transformante y revolucionante papel mayor en la historia de la humanidad en este planeta. Y pienso que si podemos revivir en nuestras mentes la visién de la magnitud de los propésitos y objetivos de la Causa—propésitos que estan mas alla de la comprensién humana, que son posibles solamente por el poder de Dios que creemos anima Bahd‘u’llah y su Revelacién. Si hacemos esto, entonces reviviremos esa visi6n y llegaremos una vez mis a ser seres humanos dedicados al bienestar de la humanidad de esta generacién e incontables generaciones venideras en el futuro.

Finalmente, llego a la tercera de las tres pruebas mentales a las cuales he querido dirigir su atencién esta noche. Y es un desafio y una prueba que los amigos bahd’is en muchas partes estan experimentando. Les dirijo mis comentarios a Uds. como bahd’is americanos, pero he hecho comentarios similares en otros paises que he visitado recientemente.

Mi preocupaci6n y lo que veo ser una prueba mental muy peligrosa y apremiante para los bahd’fs en los paises occidentales también para otras partes del mundo, es que los creyentes en estos paises viven en una sociedad que ha desarrollado ciertas actitudes acerca de las organizaciones e instituciones sociales. Estas actitudes son primeramente que la gente es sospechosa + desconfiada de sus gobiernos y burocracias. Ellos han encontrado a través de amargas experiencias que sus lideres gubernamentales han llegado a ser corruptos, que la burocracia de sus organizaciones sociales les sofoca, les limita sus libertades, y de muchas maneras, es una fuente de sus sufrimientos.

La gente hoy dia no tiene un sentido de comunidad. Han aprendido, a un amargo costo, en no confiarse el uno al otro, en no confiar en aquellos que parecen honestos y rectos y de buen caracter posaue: amenudo, han encontrado lo opuesto. Ellos

an desarrollado, por lo tanto, un sentido de individualismo extremo, de adorar sin limites la libertad personal. La gente en nuestra sociedad cada vez mas sienten un sentido de impotencia en relaci6n a sus autoridades.

Las actitudes de la sociedad

Se encuentran insignificantes, incapaces de cambiar el sistema, condenados a sufrir sus adversas y opresivas circunstancias y consecuencias. Por lo tanto, a menudo recurren a acciones radicales fuera del sistema. Llegan a ser terroristas; llegan a ser anarquistas. Buscan derrocar el sistema; buscan su destruccién. Ellos dicen, a menudo con cierta justificacién, ‘cualquier cosa es mejor de lo que tenemos.’ Estas son cada vez mas las actitudes de la sociedad alrededor nuestro. Fueron previstas por Baha’u’llah en Sus Tablas a los reyes y lideres religiosos.

Shoghi Effendi describe en detalle la evolucién de la sociedad durante lo que él denominé esta “edad de transici6n critica.” Esta ahora sobre nosotros. La gente en nuestra sociedad ha desarrollado esas actitudes y, si fuéramos a cuestionar esa gente, nos ofrecerfan una amplia justificacién para las actitudes que muestran.

La gran prueba mental que enfrentamos como creyentes es la prueba de que podemos, inconcientemente y sin darnos cuenta, transferir esas actitudes de la sociedad mayor que esta manifiestamente en descenso al sistema administrativo baha’i.

Esa es nuestra prueba, porque si traemos esas actitudes con nosotros, sin siquiera darnos cuenta, perturbaremos el desarrollo y dafiaremos el sistema administrativo ordenado por Baha’u’llah. Shoghi Effendi escribié sobre este tema afios atras. El dijo, “nuestra presente generacién, principalmente debido a las corrupciones que se han identificado con las organizaciones, parecen ponerse en contra de cualquier instituci6én. La religién como una instituci6n es denunciada. El gobierno como institucién es denunciado. Atin el matrimonio como institucién es denunciado. Nosotros los baha’is no debemos estar cegados por estas ideas corrientes. Si tal fuera el caso, todas las Manifestaciones Divinas no habrian invariablamente designado a alguien para que Les

THe AMERICAN BAHA'I 24

sucedieran. Indudablemente, las corrupciones entraron a esas instituciones, pero estas corrupciones no fueron debido a la naturaleza de las instituciones, sino a la falta de direcciones apropiadas en cuanto a sus poderes y la naturaleza de su perpetuaci6n.”

“Lo que,” esto es todavia las palabras del Guardian, “Lo que Baha’u’llah ha hecho no es elimimar todas las instituciones en la Causa, sino que proveer la salvaguarda necesaria que eliminaria las corrupciones que causaron la cafda de las instituciones anteriores.” Lo que son esas garantias es muy interesante de estudiar y encontrar y lo mds esencial de saber.

El desafio del desprendimiento

En otras palabras, estamos desafiados de desprendernos, de emanciparnos del imperante, y sin duda, no s6lo imperante pero el rapido aumento del sentido de sospecha, de desconfianza, de desaprobacién que caracteriza las actitudes de la gente en nuestra sociedad hacia sus instituciones y evitar que tales actitudes entren en la relaci6n de los creyentes a las instituciones baha’is.

Ellas no son las mismas; son radicalmente diferentes. Este es un sistema ordenado por Baha‘u’ll4h, por la Manifestacién de Dios. Tiene caracteristicas, tiene un sistema que lo capacita pee purificarse de cualquier actitud y conducta adversa. Existe muy diferente de la manera del mundo. Si traemos la manera del mundo al Orden Administrativo Baha’, todo lo que haremos es perturbarlo temporariamente. Todo lo que haremos es dafiar irreparablamente nuestro desarrollo espiritual personal.

Necesitamos desarrollar nuevas actitudes. Necesitamos desarrollar una mds profunda comprensi6n de los Convenios de Baha‘u’llah y ‘Abdu’lBaha. No es suficiente firmar la tarjeta que dice “Creo que hay un Convenio. Hay esta gente alrededor con una variedad de titulos. Lo que ellos son los acepto. Bien, eso es.” Esto no es suficiente, amigos.

Seremos arrastrados porque hay fuerzas peligrosas en nuestra sociedad. Hay influencias insidiosas. ‘Tenemos que protegernos ahora y nuestra protecci6n es la profun aan en el Convenio. Les leeré un parrafo muy, muy dificil y muy*desafiante del Guardian. En este parrafo que les leo el Guardian hace declaraciones que nunca me atreveria a hacer. Se las leo porque es el Guardian. Estoy a salvo; Uds. no me pueden atacar por leerlas. El Guardian esta escribiendo. Nunca tendria el valor de pararme delante de Uds. y hacer la clase de declaraciones que les voy a leer ahora.

Shoghi Effendi dice: ”...que los creyentes necesitan ser profundizados en sus conocimientos y apreciaciones de los Convenios de ambos de Bahd’u’llah y ‘Abdu’l-Baha. fista es la fortaleza de la Fe de cada baha’i, y lo que lo capacita para resistir toda prueba y los ataques de los enemigos fuera de la Fe. ...” Hasta ahora no esta mal; yo habria dicho eso, Ahora viene la parte dificil.

“Esta es la fortaleza de la Fe de cada baha’{, ylo ue lo capacita para resistir toda prueba y los ataques

le los enemigos fuera de la Fe y la gente mds peligrosa, insidiosa, y poco entusiasta dentro de la Fe que no tienen un apego real al Convenio, y por consiguiente mantienen el aspecto intelectual de las ensefanzas mientras que al mismo tiempo minan los fundamentos sobre los cuales descansa toda la Causa de Dios.”

El Convenio: nuestra proteccién

~Ahora entienden porque dije que no habria tenido el valor de hacer estos comentarios? Son simplemente las palabras del Guardian, diciéndonos que solamente a través de la profundizacién en el Convenio resistiremos no solamente los ataques de gente fuera de la Fe sino lo que él describe como ‘los ataques mis peligrosos,’ los ataques insidiosos de aquellos que él describe como “la gente...poco entusiasta dentro de la Fe que no tienen un apego real” a la Causa, que “mantienen el aspecto intelectual de las ensefianzas mientras que minan” su fundamento espiritual.

Amigos, no tenemos el derecho de juzgar; como individuos no podemos juzgar. No puedo decir esta persona es una de aquellas personas poco entusiastas que mantiene lo intelectual, pero que mina lo espiritual. No tengo el derecho de hacer tal declaraci6n. Uds. no pueden hacer esa declaracién acerca de mi

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o de cualquier persona en este sal6n 0 en este pais. No estamos aqui para calificar 0 juzgar. Pero Shoghi Effendi nos dice que la comunidad baha‘i incluye esos elementos. No estamos aquf para entrar en acciones adversarias en contra de aquellos a quienes los calificamos en esa manera. Estamos aqui para hacernos saludables y fuertes espinitualment’ para que quienquiera que sea, dondequiera que ellos estén, no estamos para juzgar, estaremos inmunes a sus peligrosa e insidiosa influencia.

Por lo que nuestra tarea no es entrar en caza de brujas. De no ir buscando y de poner rétulos a éste y a ése, a aquello. Nuestra tarea es de hacer exactamente como Shoghi Effendi dijo: de profundizarnos en el Convenio para que seamos arise y sanos espiritualmente y resistamos estas actitudes adversas hacia las instituciones de nuestra Fe.

Necesitamos también, al tratar con esta prueba, la prueba de adquirir una nueva actitud hacia nuestras organizaciones e instituciones sociales, necesitamos reconsiderar lo que es la critica.

Hay critica y luego hay critica. Hay pasajes en los Escritos que se refieren a la critica como una medida apropiada, un elemento apropiado de la consulta bahda’i y de la practica de la comunidad y nadie esta en desacuerdo con éso. Pero lo que también tenemos en los Escritos son referencias al cardcter extremadamente peligroso de lo que el Guardian describe como la critica “feroz y negativa”: “La critica y las discusiones de un cardcter negativo, lo que puede resultar en minar la autoridad de laAsamblea como un cuerpo, deben ser estrictamente evitadas.” Y pienso que la mayoria de la gente es bastante inteligente para saber cual es la diferencia. Ellos son también bastante inteligentes para encontrar maneras de esquivar cualquier regla que Uds. establezcan, porque es una cuestién de actitud mas que una cuestién de meras palabras de expresién.

La libertad de la critica negativa

Miramos hacia una comunidad baha’f en desarrollo constructivo, qi no pretende que es inmune de cualquier medida para desarrollar y refinar sus practicas y conducta, pero sf esté libre de lo que el Guardian describe como la critica de una naturaleza negativa, que tiene el efecto de minar la autoridad de la Asamblea.

Una de las practicas favoritas y mas derrochadoras en la vida de la comunidad baha’‘f en algunos ambitos es aquella de la especulaci6n acerca de la calamidad. Estoy seguro de que todos Uds. han experimentado en ciertos momentos los comentarios espectaculares acerca de la evaporacién de los rascacielos y los submarinos fuera de la costa y etcétera.

Hay un pasaje—hay muchos pasajes en los Escritos Bahé'is—clonde Shoghi Effendi dice que no sabemos. en que forma la calamidad ocurriré. La calamidad esta ocurriendo ahora y etcétera.

Hay un pasaje, y se lo voy a leer, en donde el Guardian dice ‘Esto es la calamidad’. jPor fin lo encontramos!

La carta (esta) escrita en nombre del Guardian, el 18 de diciembre de 1949, publicada en el Baha’ News en julio de 1950, y zque dice é1? £1 define una calamidad. fl dice: “La critica maliciosa es sin duda una calamidad. Pero su raiz es la falta de fe en el sistema de Baha'u'llah (eso es, el orden administrativo) Y, la falta de obediencia a piest ort El la ha pro ibido. Si los baha’is siguieran las leyes en votar, en elegir, en servir y en obedecer las decisiones de la asamblea, todo este desperdicio de fuerza a través de criticar a los demas podria ser desviado a la cooperaciOn. ...”

Asi que uno de los elementos de adquirir la nueva actitud hacia las organizaciones sociales es la profundizaci6n en el Convenio, el segundo es el de reconsiderar la naturaleza de la critica porque es un elemento constructivo de la consulta baha’{, y el tercer y tiltimo elemento que menciono es bastante revolucionario. Es una declaracién en donde a Shoghi Effendi se le pidié que definiera cuales eran los parametros para que la Causa pueda atraer a grandes numeros de personas. Y él expuso cuatro parametros, y tres de ellos son muy obvios y el cuarto es muy fuera de lo corriente. El dijo que éstos son los requisitos sin los cuales la Causa nunca en realidad puede atraer grandes ntimeros de personas. E! dijo: “Sin el espiritu de verdadero amor por Bahd’u'llah, por Su Fe y sus instituciones, y los creyentes los unos

a los otros.” Tres de esos son obvios, el cuarto no lo es. Supondriamos que los creyentes tengan un verdadero amor por Bahd’u'llah. Esperariamos que ellos amena Su Fe. Supondriamos que ellos, de hecho esperarfamos, que los creyentes se amen los unos a otros. Pero Shoghi Effendi define que uno de los cuatro requisitos para atraer grandes ntimeros de personas es que desarrollemos un sentido verdadero de amor, un sentido de amor verdadero por las instituciones de la Fe.

Ssto es radicalmente nuevo en la Dispensacién Baha’f. zD6nde encuentran individuos, ya que estamos en el Estado de Illinois, que vengan y digan “Yo amo a la Asamblea Legislativa del Estado de Illinois?” ;Dé6nde encuentran a alguien que diga, “Yo amo a la Casa de Representantes?” “Yo amo al Senado.” Tal vez encontraran algunos oes que digan, “Estoy enamorado de la Corte uprema,” particularmente si el fallo ha ido a su favor. Donde encuentran personas que digan, “Yo amo la Rama Ejecutiva del Gobierno?” “Yo amo el Consejo Municipal.” “Yo amo nuestra administracion del distrito.”

Esto es ajeno a nuestro pensamiento occidental. Esto es adverso; ésto es radical. El pensamiento imperante es que menos gobierno es mejor; mas gobierno, debemos sacarnos estos pillos de encima, y etcétera. Nosotros vamos en una direccién totalmente diferente. No estamos sélo a 60 grados de distancia; no estamos a 90 grados 0 150 grados de distancia. Estamos a 180 grados de distancia. Estamos totalmente en la direccién opuesta, porque nuestra Religién nos dice que sin el espiritu de amor verdadero para las instituciones de la Causa, no podemos atraer grandes ntimeros de personas.

He llegado casi al final de mis comentarios, pero no completamente porque es muy facil de amar las instituciones cuando uno percibe que funcionan maravillosamente bien. ...Es facil de amar las instituciones que funcionan maravillosamente. Si estan en una comunidad y su Asamblea Espiritual local esta haciendo cosas magniffcas, maravillosas, seguro que Uds. la aman. Las amo yo también. Pero gpueden amar a una institucién que esta funcionando en una etapa de desarrollo incompleto, que esta haciendo errores, que esta teniendo dificultades con su unidad, con su actividad, con su accién ejecutiva, que se olvida de avisarles de eventos importantes y algo por el estilo? Este es nuestro desafio. ~C6mo podemos hacerlo sin hipocresia?

Podemos hacerlo de la misma manera que un padre ama a su niiio. Cuando el nifio se esté tropezando, se est4 portando mal, esta con algunas enfermedades, o esta luchando con algunos modales, el padre ama al nifio porque el padre ve en ese nifio el potencial para el desarrollo. A través del amor y de la educaci6n, el nifio se desarrollaré y realizar su potencial. Através de la critica y la falta de amor el crecimiento del nifio sera detenido; su desarrollo nunca sera realizado.

As{ que somos nosotros los Ilamados a amar nuestras instituciones, no en un sentido de artificialidad, no en un sentido de hipocresia, pero en un sentido de fe perfecta que éstas son las instituciones ordenadas por Baha’u’llah con un glorioso magnifico futuro delante de ellas. A través de nuestro amor, nuestra educacién, nuestro apoyo, nuestra compasi6n, nuestra comprensi6n, ellas se desarrollaran. Ellas evolucionaran. Es esta clase de amor que buscamos—radicalmente diferente de las actitudes de critica, de sospecha, de desorden, de sorupeien. que informan la actitud de la gente en la sociedad que nos rodea, hacia las instituciones que estan en decadencia y disoluci6n.

El triple tema del Plan

Como Uds. saben, el Plan de Tres Afios, apresurandose a su conclusi6n, gira alrededor de un triple tema—realzar la vitalidad de la fe de los creyentes individuales, desarrollar grandemente los recursos humanos de la Causa, y fomentar el funcionamiento apropiado de las instituciones locales y nacionales baha’is. Est en el esfuerzo para superar las tres pruebas mentales, a las cuales he llamado la atencién esta noche, que creo podemos mejor cumplir las responsabilidades puestas sobre nosotros en el curso del Plan de Tres Ajiios en nuestro papel como bahd’is.

Traigo mis comentarios a la conclusién. Es bien sabido que la comunidad baha’i americana es una comunidad que esta dotada con gran potencial. ‘Abdu’l-Bahé bendijo estas costas con Sus pisadas. El Prodige amor y cuidado a este pafs. Shoghi Effendi escribié sus grandes mensajes a los baha’is americanos. EI apelé a los creyentes americanos como los ejecutores principales de las “Tablas del Plan Divino.” Y les puedo asegurar que la Casa Universal de Justicia ama a la comunidad baha’f americana y a sus instituciones en una manera no menos que el amor que fue brindado sobre los amigos en este pais por el Maestro y por el Guardian. Miramos a la comunidad baha’i americana con mucha fe y confianza y, si Uds. lo permiten, con orgullo en el potencial y la grandeza de lo que esta comunidad puede lograr.

No hay duda en mi mente que todas las promesas en las Escrituras acerca de la futura gloria y el destino de la comunidad baha’i americana sera total y completamente realizadas. Todo lo que ‘Abdu’l-Baha dice acerca de ella seré cumplida. Ocurrird; es inevitable. No hay duda acerca de eso. Pero si hay duda acerca de donde estaremos Uds. y yo. ;Seremos parte de este gran desarrollo? ¢Seremos parte de estas victorias? ;Sobreviviremos estas pruebas mentales peligrosas y desafiantes a las cuales veo que estamos sujetos ahora? 2Ser4 nuestra suerte de ser Ilevados en la cresta de esta ola de victorias 0 seremos hechados a un lado? ;Nos uniremos, de hecho, a aquellos quienes en la historia baha’f fracasaron las pruebas cuando se les vinieron encima? La elecci6n es nuestra. La elecci6n es nuestra, amigos. La elecci6n es nuestra.

Newspaper profiles two men who left Baptist Church to embrace Baha’i Faith

An article November 18 on the Religion page of the Tacoma (Washington) Morning Tribune headlined “Conversion—or progression?” told the story of two Baptist ministers who left the church last fall to embrace the Baha’i Faith.

The two men, Robert Carpenter Sr. and Elrico Evans, were two of six unpaid associate ministers at Shiloh Baptist Church, one of Tacoma’s oldest and largest African-American congregations, before their departure in October 1994.

Mr. Carpenter, who has studied comparative religions for 43 years, said in the article that he has been a Baha‘ at heart since 1972. Mr. Evans said he realized in 1994 that the Faith represents what he believed while ministering for 11 years at Shiloh Baptist.

“Why the division between us today about reli ion?” asked Mr. Carpenter. “If God is one God and

(e's God of everything, why are we so separated as Christians and Jews and Muslims and Buddhists and Hindus and Baha'is?”

As for the impact of their leaving the church, Mr. Evans, who with Mr. Carpenter leads a Thursday night study group on the Faith, said, “Everybody else has got to come to the truth for themselves. I can’t bring it to them.”

GET YOUR NEWS ON THE AIR!

Radio Baha'i, North America's first Baha'i radio station, now has a weekly news broadcast. This unique news service covers U.S. and international Baha'i events and achievements.

Now we need your help to put the efforts of individual friends and your community “on the air.” Put Radio Baha'i on the mailing list for your local newsletter today.

Your community is working hard for this beloved Cause. Now, let the whole world know about it!

Post your local newsletter to: Radio Baha'i

Route 2, Box 69 Hemingway, SC 29554

[Page 26]26

THe American BAHA'I

DUCATION / SCHO

Upcoming Programs at Bosch Baha’i School—A Winter Respite

Have you ever need to get away, even though it was only the middle of the week? Well, Bosch Baha’{ School has the perfect solution, especially for those of you in their area. Why don’t you consider Bosch for a personal, midweek retreat. They are open seven days a week and they provide meals and all accommodations, even when the School is not hosting a specific session. It is also possible to plan additional days around a session, such as coming a few days early or staying a few days later. Call Bosch for more information.

January 5-7, 1996: College Club Weekend, facilitated by the U.C. Santa Cruz College Forum, with special guest, Allegra Kazemzadeh from the National Teaching Office

Come join college-age youth as they work together to organize networks between College Clubs across California and the United States. Special emphasis will also be placed on learning how to better communicate with each other and working with the local Spiritual Assembly.

January 19-21, 1996: Personal Weekend at Bosch!

Come for yourself. Spend leisurely hours in the Bookshop/Cafe. Study to your heart’s content in the expanded library facilities. Take long walks in the solitude of the woods. All this is yours during this special weekend session, which is yours to design. Feel free to stay all three days, or come just for one!

January 26-28, 1996: The Glorious Journey—A Hospice-type Program, with Barbara Trauger-Querry

Ms. Trauger-Querry is an art therapist who has worked extensively as a hospice team member. This session is open to all.

February 2-4, 1996: Seekers’ Weekend, with Jan and Lorrie Faulkner and Darryl Metcalf

Take this opportunity to provide an engaging venue for teaching the Faith to your friends and non-Baha’{ family members and loved ones. A fireside-type environment will be provided by three excellent teachers from Southern California. Remember, there is a serious price cut for those Baha’ fs bringing seekers.

Having Trouble Contacting NABI?

Were you aware that the telephone system, which includes email and fax lines, at the Native American Baha’f Institute are cellular in nature? If you have ever tried to talk for any length of time to someone over a car phone, you have begun to experience what the staff at NABI deal with every day.

Please take this into consideration when trying to reach the friends at NABI. Several times every day the phone services are interrupted, making e-mailing messages and sending and receiving faxes especially difficult. Therefore, we would encourage you to not give up. If you are trying to phone NABI, please call periodically throughout the day. If you have emailed them a message and haven’ t heard back, don’t be discouraged. It is very possible that they either did not receive your message or have been unable to respond due to cellular difficulties. When e-mailing, it is helpful to include your street address and phone number, as that will give them the option of responding to your request in other than e-mail format.

Remember, you can always contact the National Education and Schools Office if repeated measures to reach NABI have been thwarted. We will be happy to assist in any way possible:

National Education and Schools Office Telephone) 708/733-3492 Fax)708/733-3502

E-mail)

February 9-11, 1996: Renewing the Spirit of the “Fortress for Well-being,” with Dr. Diane Rockloff, a licensed marriage and family therapist

This is the first in a series of sessions designed to work with individuals whose marriages may need some “help” (isn’t that almost all of us!). Couples who attend should be prepared to attend all three weekend sessions, one March 13 and the other May 3-5.

Bosch and the World Wide Web

Thanks to an individual Bosch Advisory Board member, you can now access the most up-tothe-minute information about Bosch Baha’f School on the Web at http://www.bosch.org/ bosch. The friends at Bosch invite you to come browse their page and learn about upcoming

Visit Green Acre this Winter!

January 12-14, 1996: “The Fire and the Gold: Benefiting from Life’s Tests,” by and with Brian Kurzius.

Participants will examine the role of mental and physical tests and how to turn them to the advantage of both the Cause of God and their own lives with the author, Mr. Kurzius.

January 26-28, 1996: “Race Unity: Walking The Talk,” with Thelma Khelghati and Mary K. Makoski.

With a focus on making the vision of race unity a reality, this conference will be advertised to the public as part of an African-American Heritage Festival. A Saturday evening performance, “Amazing Grace,” featuring stories of personal transformation from slavery to the present day, will be open to the public.

February 9-11, 1996: “Each One Bring One,” with Dr. Eugene Andrews

events or order books from their on-line This weekend will offer spiritual enrichment for bookshop. Imagine, the convenience of shop- _ seekers. Included will be spiritual deepening and ping for the most current Baha’{ publications __ inspiration, time for personal reflection, and warm from the comfort of your personal computer! _ hospitality in a cozy setting.

Gospel Music Proves to be a Teaching Aid at LGBI

In November, the Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Gospel Choir performed at a church in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. This performance was arranged through the Mt. Pleasant Baha’ f community’s interaction with the local churches. The program focused the music and narration on the station of Baha’u’llah. An extremely enthusiastic response was heard from the audience throughout the performance. The pastor and two senior members of the church also attended a follow-up fireside held two weeks later on the “Station of Baha’u’lléh” from the perspective of the Holy Bible. The pastor invited the choir to come and sing again with plans for the

Radio Baha’i Outreach

bishop to attend their next performance.

In Dillon, South Carolina, where hundreds of people enrolled in the Faith twenty years ago, a local Baha’ f arranged for the LGBI Gospel Choir to sing at the AME church. The church accompanied the choir at many points, singing the praises of Baha’u’ll4h. The pastor commended the choir and announced to the congregation that he was a regular listener of Radio Baha’. In addition, an individual member of the congregation payed tribute to the community services she had witnessed by the Baha’{ youth from LGBI during the summer months.

Radio Baha’ {, located at Louis G. Gregory Baha’{ School in Heminway, South Carolina, recently collaborated with several other radio stations in the area to support the work of the Georgetown County AIDS Task Force. They particularly assisted the Task Force by focusing much of their program toward AIDS-related issues during National AIDS Awareness Week. In addition, one of the WLGI staff members was asked to co-host a program on another local radio station on the issue of AIDS awareness.

Helen S. Goodall Baha’i School — In Session!

As part of their Three Year Plan, the Red Bluff (California) local Spiritual Assembly determined to reach out to all Baha’ fs living within the northernmost district of California. The result of this goal was the Helen S. Goodall Baha’ { School, which held its first session in August of this year, nestled adjacent to Mt. Lassen Volcanic Park.

Enthusiasm for the school ran so high that a winter session, with a theme of “Cornerstones of Unity,” was planned for December 28th - 31st. A full day will be dedicated to each of the Central Figures of our Faith, with George Roberts and Nick Savage presenting the class on the Bab, Nabil and Azadeh Fares on Baha’ u’ll4h, Phoebe Babo on ‘Adbu’1-Baha, and Margaret Gallagher on Shoghi Effendi. In addition, a candlelight vigil was held in downtown Red Bluff on December 31st to welcome in the new year with prayers and songs of peace, unity, and brotherhood. Local churches were invited to attend this glorious event.

To find out more about the Helen S. Goodall Baha’ { School, please call the Red Bluff Assembly at 916/529-5856 or 1-800-233-0931. They can also be reached by faxing 916/527-4238. Sessions are already being planned for June and August 1996, with focus on the appointive and elective institutions and teaching into the millennium.

[Page 27]Suarar B.E. 152 * Decemoer 31,1995 27

EDUCATION / SCHOOLS

Open House at Louhelen Baha’i School Promotes the Faith

A highly successful Open House was held at Louhelen on November 19 for the purpose of showcasing the year-long efforts of Ms. Carrie Kneisler — a well-known Evanston, Illinois, artist — to enhance the beauty, peacefulness, and uniqueness of the School. Over twenty local residents dropped in for a relaxing afternoon which included tours of the facility, stories on the history of Louhelen, complimentary cappuccino and a delicious spread of appetizers and hot, spiced cider. Many of the visitors came specifically seeking information about the Bahd’{ Faith and eagerly engaged the staff in discussions throughout the day. One of these friends has returned to participate in weekly firesides and two others made plans to attend Habib Riazati’s course during the upcoming Winter School session.

The Open House was planned to coincide with a series of local news articles on Louhelen. Dr. Barbara Johnson’s trip to the International Women’s Conference in China resulted in a lengthy article in which the School was mentioned. Dr. Rick Johnson was then interviewed for a feature on spirituality and prayer. A few days before the Open House, Louhelen was featured as the “Church of the Week” in the local paper. This particular article ended with an invitation to the community to attend the Open House on the 19th. And, over the Thanksgiving weekend, an article appeared in which the Johnson’s were quoted as being thankful for living in a time when

b

Welcome to the Louhelen Baha’f School!

“Among the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to Almighty God is the education and training of children, young plants of the Abha paradise.” —‘Abdu’l-Baha

Upcoming Programs at Louhelen

January 5-7, 1996: Marriage and Childrearing: A Course for Youth, with Dr. Michael Rogell and Dr. Barbara Johnson

The National Spiritual Assembly has requested that a course be created for youth to reinforce the foundations of their future marriages and the eventual rearing of their children. This highly interactive weekend session, based on the Sacred Writings and incorporating a variety of ac’ 's includes such topics as: Identifying a Partner, Requesting Parental Consent, Preparation for Marriage, Childrearing, Consultation and Communication, and God’s Purpose for Humanity. The course is geared toward youth ages 15-25.

February 2-4, 1996: The Prosperity of Humankind, with Dr. June Thomas, Kate Lindsay, Billy Rogers, and Nancy McIntyre

This symposium based on the statement “The Prosperity of Humankind,” will explore spiritual approaches to urban and rural development through presentations, focused discussion, and action planning. Other topics include small scale agriculture, marketing relationships and spiritual land use ethic.

February 16-18, 1996: Celebrating Marriage, with Dr. Khalil Khavari and Mrs. Sue Khavari

A “honeymoon weekend” not just for the newly married, this program is for couples, whether newly engaged or long-married. Participants will study the Bahd’{ teachings on marriage, explore strategies to enhance and protect marriage, practice consultation and communication, learn to handle stress within marriage, as well as enjoy a ro-, mantic candlelit dinner, a community celebration, and time to share “Why I’m crazy about you.” Dr. and Mrs. Khavari, well-known authors, educators, and family counselors, offer an encouraging, optimistic approach to the difficult but immensely rewarding task of nur race unity can be achieved.

turing life’s most precious relationship—that between husband and wife.

“A Lamp of Thy Knowledge Among Thy Creatures”

The Wilmette Institute was established by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’ fs of the United States in 1995 to offer academic and professional programs. The Institute meets its financial needs through grants and tuition fees and is not supported by the National Baha’{ Fund.

Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization is a four-year, university level, study program offered by the Wilmette Institute. Its aims and objectives are to assist the friends to gain systematic and in-depth knowledge of the Baha’ f Faith and to develop the skills and know-how for propagation and promotion of the teachings of Baha’u’ll4h. The program consists of two components: 1) eleven months of self-study per year, and 2) a one month residential study session to be held at National-Louis University (located within walking distance of the Baha’ { House of Worship in Wilmette) each July. The program has been developed by professionally accomplished scholars of the Faith, and the residential portion will feature focused sessions presented by this faculty. The Wilmette Institute recognizes the sacrifices the friends will have to make to attend the residential program, it feels that a month of interaction between the faculty and students is necessary for the practical work aimed at the skill development and student/teacher interaction which are an essential element of the program.

The Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization program is organized ina modular way to allow for the continuous enrollment of students. Students may enroll in the program during either of two enrollment periods each year and, as the modules offered are designed as independent units of study, they may be taken in any order. Within the next few years, modules offered will include study of the nature of religion, the basic principles of Baha’ { theology, the Baha’{ way of life, the structure and governance of the Baha’f community, global civilization, Baha’ { history, Baha’ { scriptures, and programs designed specifically to assist the friends in the develop —’Abdu’l-Baha

ment of skills necessary for teaching the Faith effectively.

You are never too far away to join the Wilmette Institute! Our first group of students live throughout the United States and abroad and began the home-study element of the first module in October. They have received approximately 1,000 pages of material, including program details, assignments and exercises, reading lists, bibliographies, maps and other reference materials as the first portion of a multivolume Student Handbook. In addition, all students with e-mail capability have access to an electronic network entitled GLOBAL. This use of the Internet has facilitated individual, as well as group, communication between faculty members, students, and Wilmette Institute staff. Each month telephone conferences are conducted for groups of students, with every student assigned to a particular group, to providing direct access to the faculty member(s) responsible for the material being studied.

The Wilmette Institute is now accepting applications for students interested in entering a period of study that will begin in February. This group of students will have their eleven month study period extend from February 1996 through January 1997, with the month of residential study being required in July 1996, along with those students already in process.

The Wilmette Institute is accepting proposals from the friends who would like to be considered for faculty positions or be involved in the development of special programs. Applications for volunteer support staff will be entertained, as will any financial contributions, which will be used to set up a scholarship program for students in need.

For more information, or to receive an informational packet, contact:

Wilmette Institute Don’t forget! 536 Sheridan Road 4 < Wilmette, IL 60091 For the latest information

on Baha’i Schools and Institutes programs and fe Wilmette Institute, call:

1-800-DWN-BRKR

Registrar: 708/733-3492 FAX: 708/733-3502 E-Mail:

[Page 28]NAW Oe) TNE

28

THe AmericAN BAHA'I

Nombramiento de los Consejeros Continentales

A los baha’is del mundo Queridos amigos baha’is,

El dia del Convenio, 26 de noviembre de 1995, sefiala la iniciacién de un nuevo término de cinco afios de servicio de los miembros de los Cuerpos Continentales de Consejeros para la Proteccién y Propagacién de la Fé. Hemos decidido aumentar el ntimero de estos oficiales de alto rango de la Causa, de setenta y dos a ochenta y uno y con alegria anunciamos los nombres de aquellos ahora nombrados.

AFRICA (19 Consejeros)—George Allen, Beatrice Asare, Niaz Bushrui, Paraneibjoneyal Mehraz Ehsani (Fiduciario del Fondo Continental), Shidan Fat-’he-Aazam, Kobina Fynn, Ibrahim Galadima, Hizzaya Hissani, Firaydoun Javaheri, Zekrullah Kazemi, Eddy Lutchmaya, Abaineh Merhatsion, Muhammad Otmani, Daniel Ramoroesi, Edith Senoga, Lally Warren, Wingi Mabuku, Tiati a Zock.

LAS AMERICAS (19 Consejeros)—Eloy Anello, Stephen Birkland, Gustavo Correa, Rolf von Czekus, Jacqueline LHB Delahunt, Wilma Ellis, Tod Ewing, Linda Gershuny, Abdu'l-Missagh Ghadirian, Peter McLaren (Fiduciario del Fondo Continental), Alejandra Miller, Ruth Pringle, Carmen Elisa de Sadeghian, Isabel de Sanchez, Errol Sealy, Arturo Serrano, Farhad Shayani, David Smith, Rodrigo Tomas.

ASIA (18 Consejeros)—Borhanoddin Afshin, Fadel Ardekani, Jabbar Eidelkhani, Bijan Farid, Elena Gruzkova, David Huang (Fiduciario del Fondo Continental), Nobuko Iwakura, Abbas Katirai, Kim Myung Jung, Lee Lee Ludher, Payman Mohajer, Perin Olyai, Zenaida Ramirez, Cyrus Rohani, Vicente Samaniego, Zena Sorabjee, George Soraya, Rosalie Tran.

AUSTRALASIA (11 Consejeros)—Ben Ayala, Beatrice Benson, Afemata Moli Chang, David Chittleborough (Fiduciario del Fondo Continental), Violette Haake, Betra Majmeto, Sirus Naraqi, Bruce saa Heather Simpson, Erama Ugaia, Robin White.

EUROPA (14 Consejeros)—Hooshidar Balazadeh, Uta von Both, Patricia Coles, Louis Hénuzet, Patrick O'Mara (Fiduciario del Fondo Continental), Nabil Perdu, Maija Pihlainen, Polin Rafat, Shapour Rassekh, Ilhan Sezgin, Nosrat Tirandaz, Larissa Tsutskova, Tiberiu Vajda, Sohrab Youssefian.

Los siguientes quince devotos creyentes han sido relevados de los deberes de ser miembros de los Cuerpos de Consejeros: Sabir Afagi, Hushang Ahdieh, Gila Michael Bahta, Friday Ekpe, Kamran Eshraghian, Kassimi Fofana, John Fozdar, Tinai Hancock, Foad Kazemzadeh, Gayle Morrison, Rose Ong, William Roberts, Paul Semenoff, Alan Smith, Shantha Sundram. Estos distinguidos siervos de Baha’u'll4h merecen nuestra perdurable gratitud por

sus notables y abnegadas contribuciones al progreso de la Causa. Nuestras fervorosas plegarias les envuelven al asumir la siguiente fase de su servicio a la Fé.

En la préxima etapa del Plan Divino, que se inicia en Ridvan, el papel esencial de los Consejeros y los miembros de sus Cuerpos Auxiliares en el funcionamiento del Orden Administrativo Baha'f llegaré a ser mds evidente. En el transcurso del periodo crucial que enfrentan se requeriré que ellos dirijan su atencién y energias en una ppperccn atin mayor a fomentar la evolucién de las instituciones baha'fs locales y nacionales y ayudar a las masas de los creyentes a acrecentar su devocién a Baha'u'llah, su ardor al ensefiar, y su habilidad de atraer el tremendo poder que es latente en las actividades unificadas de las comunidades baha’'fs.

Se convoca a los Consejeros de todos los continentes a una conferencia en el Centro Mundial de la Fé desde el 26 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 1995, para deliberar sobre las tareas y oportunidades de los afios venideros.

Es nuestra ferviente oraci6n de que los esfuerzos de los Cuerpos de Consejeros recientemente nombrados presten un vasto impulso a las multiples actividades de los amigos a traves de todo el mundo.

Con carifiosos saludos baha'fs,

La Casa Universal de Justicia 20 de octubre de 1995

Guest commentary

The Lesser Peace is a process, not an event

By TARAZ SAMANDARI

“The fifth candle is the unity of nations—a unity which in this century will be securely established, causing all the peoples of the world to regard themselves as citizens of one common fatherland.” — ‘Abdu'l-Baha

4 e

This statement by ‘Abdu’l-Bahé and its subsequent confirmation by the beloved Guardian in a number of references have given Baha’is assurance that humanity’s evolution will continue on its destined course.

Some have come to expect that the establishment of the Lesser Peace will come about as a single event or will pa about the immediate cessation of warfare. A close reading of the Baha’i Writings discloses that just as the development from the Lesser Peace to the Most Great Peace is a gradual process, so too is the establishment of the Lesser Peace itself.

The Universal House of Justice writes, “The powers released by the Revelation of Baha’u’llah...are shaping world events in an evolutionary process destined to lead ultimately to the inauguration of the Most Great Peace.” (letter of July 4, 1988, to an International Youth Conference)

And again, “The Lesser Peace itself will pass through stages...peace will come in stages. First there will come the Lesser Peace when the unity of nations will be achieved. ...” (letter of January 31, 1985, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual Baha’)

This process began “in the closing years of the Heroic Age of our Faith” (Citadel of Fail Bs 32) and has slowly but definitely advanced.

Although the motives for establishing the “permanent peace” by “suspicious rival nations” may be pragmatism, security, coexistence or the fear of a nuclear holocaust, the process itself is irresistible (“The Promise of World Peace,” sec. iv).

“Humanity willingly or unwillingly is resistlessly approaching” the stage of “the unification of the whole world” (The Promised Day Is Come, p. 118). The Universal House of Justice refers to “the drive toward world unity” as “one of the dominant pervasive features of life on the planet during the closing years of the twentieth century” (“The Promise of World Peace,” sec. iv), citing the cooperation among nations for mutual interests and the signing of many international accords and conventions (“The Promise of World Peace,” sec. ii) as evidence of this process.

In response to a series of world conferences sponsored by the United Nations, the House of Justice discerned a “gathering momentum of an emerging unity of thought in world undertakings” (message of January 23, 1995, to all National Spiritual Assemblies).

Since 1985, when that marvelous statement on peace was issued, with at least a major contribution from the ending of the Cold War, several remarkable events have combined to change the ways in which nations interact with one another. Although at times flawed in motive or disunited, arrogant in attitude or failing in its goals, or even suffering the misconduct of its own forces, the international community is called upon to meet the challenges of an increasingly inderdependent world.

“The political unification of Eastern and Western hemispheres,” “the emer gence of a world government and the establishment of the Lesser Peace,” as anticipated by the beloved Guardian, are taking a “long and tortuous” path and are being attained “through a series of victories and reverses” (Citadel of Faith, pp. 32-33).

“Through the shadow of confusion deranging present-day, society, there is a far glimmer, yet so faint but discernible, of an approach, slow but definite, toward [the Lesser Peace].” (The Universal House of Justice, message of Ridvan 1989)

The processes envisioned by ‘Abdu’l-Bahd early in this century in His Seven Lights of Unity are well under Way.

The establishment of the Lesser Peace will not necessarily mean an end to war altogether. Indeed, the Baha’i writings point out that in this stage of the world’s development, “Force will be made the Servant of Justice” (The World Order of Baha’u'Iléh, p. 204).

Conflict among nations after the establishment of the Lesser Peace is not only possible but quite likely, as there will surely be those who will challenge the fragile unity that has been formed. Force will be needed to preserve peace and provide an adequate deterrent to potential aggressors.

The Guardian often compared the federation of the world’s nations to the federation of the United States (see also The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 88). He wrote, “That so fundamental a revolution, involving such far-reaching changes in the structure of society, can be achieved through the ordinary processes of diplomacy and education seems ne improbable” (The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 45).

The evolutionary process is

gradual—transformation does not occur overnight but is “slow and painful” (The Promised Day Is Come, p. 5).

“The precise circumstances attending the establishment of the Lesser Peace are not known to us; even its exact timing is concealed in the Major Plan of God.” (The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1989)

In analyzing world affairs, we must learn to see the proverbial tree within the seed (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, p. 82). Consider how ‘Abdu’l-Baha referred to “the ideals that fired the imagination” of Woodrow Wilson. He said those endeavors signalized “the dawn of the Most Great Peace” (The Advent of Divine Justice, p-88).

Note that ‘Abdu’l-Bahé refers to the American president's efforts to establish a weak assembly of nations that was rejected by his own countrymen and ultimately failed to prevent World War II, not as the inauguration simply of the Lesser Peace but of the Most Great Peace.

Perhaps there will be other dramatic developments that will combine to establish a clear precedent, but it is also possible that a key event or chain of events (some of which may already have come to pass) may, Pe recognized only in future years as having brought about the unity of nations in the twentieth century. With this in mind we may better interpret events as they develop.

Meanwhile, let us continue to be assured by the promise of ‘Abdu’l-Baha concerning His Lights of Uni ..Each and every one of these will inevitably come to pass inasmuch as the power of the kingdom of God will aid and assist in their realization.”

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Santa Monica, CA. 90402 Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116

Dr. Elsie Austin 9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, #612 Silver Spring, MD. 20901

[Page 30]THe American BAHA'I 30

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[Page 35]

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Alexina Taylor Keeling, former pioneer to Finland, Venezuela, dies in Texas

Alexina Taylor Keeling, a former pioneer to Finland and Venezuela, died November 16 in Cleburne, Texas.

Having accepted the Faith as a Tennessee college student in 1960 under the tutelage of her Spanish teacher, Dr. Sarah M. Pereira, Miss Taylor offered her services as a pioneer in the Ten Year Crusade.

When the European Teaching Committee suggested that she fill a goal in Finland, Miss Taylor gratefully accepted the assignment and set out for her post, arriving in March 1961. Despite the difficult climate, a challenging language, and being one of a very few black Americans in that Scandinavian country, Miss Taylor served with love and perseverance, endearing herself to the Finnish community.

After eight years at a post she had come to love deeply, the U.S. International Goals Committee asked that she consider moving to Venezuela, an important goal of the Nine Year Plan, and a post where her ability in Spanish could be put to use.

Complying, with this request, Miss Taylor left Finland in February 1969 and arrived in Venezuela in April. Her stay was short-lived, however, as government authorities denied her application for a visa and she was obliged to return to the States after a few months.

Miss Taylor was later married to Jack Keeling and spent 20 years as an elementary school teacher in several U.S. communities. Her loving spirit led her to many activities of community service, especially involving children, throughout the remainder of her life.

Among other community awards, Alexina Keeling was chosen in October to receive the Model of Unity award from the Baha’i community of Grapevine, Texas.

NN

0 you know someone who is interested

in a certain aspect of the Bahs't Faith

but doesn't want to read an entire volume? World Order is an excellent vehicle for reaching such people, For example, the Winter 1995.96 issue celebrates the United Nations’ fifticth anniverstry and looks at how nations can move peacefully toward one world. "Turning Point for All Nations," a statement by the Bah4't International Community, proposes reforms in the polity of the United Nations, the

Wor ll Order + «for people who want more than a pamphlet but less than a book.

MARCH 10, 1928

Snarar B.E. 152 ¢ Decemper 31, 1995

iS » £: 4 Ss /ROWENA BURACK CURRINGTON)

DECEMBER 13, 1983

IRST BAHA'T PIONEER ST. PAUL, ISLAND, EO USK Lally

HUQdaU'LLAH

Payments for Huqtqu'llih should be made to “The Baha'i Huqtqu'lléh Trust” and sent to one of the Trustees: ¢ Dr. Elsie Austin, 9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, Unit 612, Silver Spring, MD 20901 (phone 301-5898481). ¢ Dr. Amin Banani,

Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449). ¢ Dr. Daryush Haghighi,

Rocky River, OH

44116 (phone 216-333-1506). Inquiries regarding Hu-qidqu'llih should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Baha'i Huqdqu'llah Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116.

closest thing to a world parliament that we have. Dr. Augusto Lopez-Claros, in "Implications of European Economic Integration,” follows the evolution of the European Community in its progression toward unity through economic collaboration. The editorial, "The United Nations—A Portrait in Growth and Development,” tics the articles together by ‘emphasizing the Baha'is’ efforts in support of a ‘world organization as a means for bringing. about world peace and prosperity.

37343, or call 1-800-999-9019,

Wilmette, IL 60091,

‘Type of subscription:

QS15 United States, one year (our issues) $28 United States, two years

QS15 Ail other countries, surface mal, one year 528 All other countries, surface mail, two years QS20Ai1 other countries, airmail, ove year S38 All other countries, airmail, two years

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To subscribe, fill out the form below, and mail to Bah4't Subscriber Service, Bah4'{ National Center,

Payment must be enclosed. For Canadian or international orders enclose international money ‘order or bank cheque drawn on 2 U.S. bank in U.S. dollars payable to Bah’ Subscriber

‘To charge your VISA/MC account, give number, expiration date, and name on account. ‘Telephone orders accepted: phone (708)733-3453,

35

On August 13, a memorial stone was dedicated at the resting place in Anchorage, Alaska, of Rowena Burack Currington, who in 1966 became the first Baha'i pioneer to St. Paul Island in the Bering Sea. Mrs. Currington, born in New York City, was an actress who left Hollywood in 1965 for Alaska. In Fairbanks, she met and married Richard Currington; their only child, Paul, was born on St. Paul Island. After returning to Alaska, Mrs. Currington served on the National Spiritual Assembly and on the local Assemblies of Fairbanks, Nenana and Anchorage while putting her acting and directing skills to work for the Faith in a number of theatre productions and solo performances.

On the first Day of Ridvan, the first-ever local Spiritual Assembly of Fall River, Massachusetts, was elected with help from Dr. Iraj Mottahed of Dartmouth and Jack and Wandra Harmsen and their daughters, Nadia and Debora, of Bourne. Eight of those elected to serve on the Assembly are Cambodians who had fled their country as refugees in recent years and settled in Fall River. One of the Assembly’s first orders of business was to organize Baha'i classes for children

and adults.

IN MEMORIAM

Barbara De Angel Calico Rock, AR February 22, 1995 Esmat M. Dini

La Mesa, CA November 17, 1995 Lee A. Ebert Jr. Winchester, VA October 20, 1995 Yaliyeh Eshtehar Poway, CA October 6, 1995 Bahereh Haghani

Cora E. Altree Veneta, OR August 17, 1995

Dorothy Backus Nantucket, MA October 28, 1995 Irene B. Becker

St. Lucie County, FL October 20, 1995 Tillie Berlin

Santa Barbara, CA October 26, 1995

Ziba Bidardel

Bedford, TX Carlsbad, CA June 1995 September 5, 1995 Gretchen Bronwick James B. Hobbs Salem, OR Crossville, TN

September 19, 1995 Charles I. Brown Mt. Vernon, WA September 26, 1995 Alvin Burley

Roosevelt Island, NY October 4, 1995

November 10, 1995 Vahid Karamzadeh Gillette, WY

March 30, 1995

Alexina Keeli Cleburne, TX November 16, 1995 George Kibby Ellenton, FL October 19, 1995 Elizabeth Lamb Shorewood, WI October 12, 1995

Hortensia Ledesma Monterey, CA August 16, 1995 Sharon A. Maceri Naples, FL November 27, 1995 Mahiheh Nazerian Chattanooga, TN November 7, 1995 Lloyd Newcomer Gladstone, OR November 4, 1995

George Nothnagel Bristol, WI October 23, 1995 Steve E. Plantin Brooklyn, NY September 18, 1995

Ray Russell Palo Alto, CA October 16, 1995

Mabel Shumway Aberdeen, WA October 5, 1995 Herbert L. Turner I Asheville, NC November 10, 1995 Davood Zaboori Los Angeles, CA October 21, 1995 Frough S. Zargham

Corona del Mar, CA September 9, 1995

[Page 36]THe AMERICAN BAHA'I 36

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY

5-7: College Club Weekend, facilitated by UC-Santa Cruz College Forum, Bosch Bahd’j School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

6: The Canali Concert, a Fund-raising event for teaching and the Arc, Auburn (Washington) Performing Arts Center. For information, phone Diane Lewis, 206-277-8326, or Neda Mohandessi, 206-641-7012.

11-14: Baha’ International Conference, Aotea Conference Center, Auckland, New Zealand. Organized by the National Spice al Assemblies of Australia and New Zealand at the request of the Universal House of Justice. Address inquiries to 1996 Baha’ International Conference, P.O. Box 13027, Hamilton, New Zea

land. Early registration forms are now available 11-15: Pioneering, SITA Training and Youth Service Corps (YSC) Weekend,

Bosch Baha’i School (by invitation from the Office of Pioneering). For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, 708-733-3508.

12-14: “The Fire and the Gold: Benefiting from Life’s Tests,” Green Acre Baha'i School, Eliot, Maine. For information, phone 207-439-7200 or fax 207439-7202.

19-21: Personal Weekend, Bosch Baha’i School. Come browse in the bookan iy shop/café, study in the expanded library, or simply walk in the solitude of the Three members of the Baha community of Savannah, Georgio, were grad- | woods. For information, phone 408-423-9087, fax 408-123-7564, or e-mall Barbara Rudolph (left) whose degree is in nursing, Volari Morgan (center) with a degree in chemistry, and Joseph Goldstein with a degree in English.

26-28: “The New World Order in Baha’{ Perspective,” weekend conference sponsored by the Institute for Baha’{ Studies, Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette, Illinois. For information, phone 708-733-3425, fax 708-733-3563, or e-mail

26-28: “Race Unity: Walking the Talk,” Green Acre Baha’ ‘hool. Includes a

| PG tercldlscndsaey Gulla rsSWVal The Amcricon BOAT | Saturday evening performance, “Amazing Grace,” as part of a region-wide jaf RGNINGTOe eel ay mec me ers ete | Acicaiy American Heritage Festival. For information, phone 207-439-7200 or [i NeW Abbess |) CS oe ye meee I 26-28: “The Glorious Journey,” hospice-type program facilitated by Barbara I weeks for processing. (This also updates National's data base.) | Trauger-Querry, an art therapist and experienced hospice team member, Bosch — Baha'i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail | A. NAME(S): | CT a — FEBRUARY Ia, = — ae - — ees 2-4: Seekers Weekend, Bosch Baha’ School. Also, “Free Will and Obedience | i ; | to God.” For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail ! oe lies 3-4: Bah4‘f Conference, “Women: A Key to World Peace,” DuBois Conference ay otis Center, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff. Keynote speaker: Juana * | Conrad, assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly. Deadline for I B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS: I early registration: January 7. For information, phone 520-526-3315. 6-10: Pioneering Institute, Hong Kong. For information, contact the Office of | | Pioneering, Baha’{ National Center, 708-733-3506. | Soestadiress P.O, Box or Other mailing address rl “Each One Bring One,” seekers’ enrichment weekend, Green Acre | | hool. For information, phone 207-439-7200 or fax 207-439-7202. aaa iss Acaanie ape 9-11: Renewing the Spirit of the “Fortress for Well-Being,” marriage counselI | ing session, Bosch Baha’{ School. Also, PIO Rep training facilitated by Trish cn ow | Swanson, director of the National Office of Public Information. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail | | 16-18: Baha’{ Video/Stage National Conference, Baha’{ Center, San Francisco, loo ae oa Ely otee | California. To encourage and inspire Baha'is to use video and stage for teaching,

i: ; and consolidation even when they have few resources. For information or to

ero pa erg oanmN register, phone the San Francisco Baha’ Center, 415-431-9990 (or fax 415-4319991). [__ Raine of new Baba Community Moving date ‘Area code” Phone number Name J 16-19: Black History Celebration, Bosch Baha'i School. For information, | F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): | phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail 23-25: Mystical Conference, Bosch Baha'i School. Also, CORE parent or race | | g. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail ‘Area code Phooe aumber Nane “Area code Phone number Name I 4 SGHIVE Ea SS BECAUG ae | 23-25: Baha’i Conference for Women, Barberville, Florida. Theme: “Develop|G. WERECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: H.1WOULDLIKEACOPY: =— | ing Our Reality.” Principal speaker: Rebequa Murphy, United Nations Office 1 1 pesos it ae name, [] nt mes and atte on cor |] Ourtoutoltrecrvesontyoccoey | for the Advancement of Women. Cost: $90 before January 23, $110 afterward. | cancel the copy forthe person(s) and LD. lstedabove the fell names ofall fay mem. owacory-Jielnitiny ose, Registrar: Ana Mai Deland, FL 32720. Make checks

. For information, phone Effie Weir, 407-645-3379.

24: Concert celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Spiritual Assembly of Somerville, Massachusetts, Somerville High School. Tickets $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Donations will also be accepted for the Arc Fund and Boston area Baha'i Center. Concert to feature singer Narges Fani, the Boston Area Baha’ Youth Workshop, and others. Send checks payable to “LSA Somerville—Con

trmber) listed above. ters they should pear on the raion | LD. nomiber and asress above payable to WINGS | records, their LD. numbers, and the corec: |

cert” to Haleh Nadji, Somerville, MA 02145. MARCH 1-3: Rebuilding the Fortress, marriage counseling, session, Bosch Baha'i

School. Also, computer session facilitated by Carl Fravel. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

8-10: Assistants to Khavari/Gilpatrick training session, facilitated by Counse‘Jor Stephen Birkland. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

15-17: International Women’s Writing Guild, Bosch Baha’{ School. For inAormation, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail Vvalafeadabeal a Usaral sasvel losdbaalushuallalbaal 22-24: Youth Deepening Weekend, Bosch Bah’ School. For information, CE ee a eee ee ee ee isieal te phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

26-28: Ninth “Irfan Colloquium” sponsored by the Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund and the Institute for Baha’ Studies, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. For information, phone 708-733-3425, fax 708-733-3563, or email

BAHA'f NATIONAL CENTER

112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091

Swarr 8.£. 152 / Decemper 31, 1995