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[Page 1]Volume 26, Number 9 Qawl B.E. 152 / November 23, 1995

UN hears Bahá’í, 12, speak on unity

It was a message of love and unity that Anisa Kintz, a 12-year-old Bahá’í from Conway, South Carolina, took to New York City when she addressed the annual conference of the United Nations Department of Public Information on September 20.

Several months ago, the National Spiritual Assembly’s United Nations office shared with a number of non-governmental organizations the video Calling All Colors. The people who saw the video were impressed by what they saw and invited Anisa to come and speak.

When she completed her talk, the several hundred participants in the conference were moved to give her a standing ovation.

The text of Anisa’s speech follows:

“Good afternoon. I want to thank you for the opportunity to be here. It is such an awesome responsibility to speak on behalf of the youth and children of the world.

“There are so many things that came to my mind to speak about: the environment, poverty, hunger, war. These are all critical to our survival on this

See ANISA page 15

ANISA KINTZ

Anisa Kintz (right) addressing the 48th annual Conference of the United Nations Department of Public Information on September 20.

Decentralization road is new, but way is lighted

If you continue to have questions about decentralization, it may be a comfort to know this comes as no surprise to the National Spiritual Assembly.

Decentralization is not a process with which the community is familiar, but it was an issue addressed by the beloved Guardian and one that is now being encouraged by the Universal House of Justice.

In many ways decentralization is a development unlike any the community has yet experienced. Your questions and concerns are understandable.

It is our sincere hope that this evolutionary journey will be a fruitful one, affording us every opportunity to prepare for the large-scale growth and expansion promised to us by the Blessed Beauty in our sacred writings.

A time line has been developed by a task force at the National Center after soliciting input from local communities around the country. The time line began in September and will take us through Ridván 1996, at which time we expect the Regional Committees to be appointed.

The process includes participation by Counselors, local Spiritual Assemblies, the Auxiliary Board and data collected from District Conventions.

As of this date we know that the process will be concentrated at the outset in the four regions identified by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan: the Northeast, Southeast, Central and Western states. Recognizing that these areas are quite large, more than one committee may be necessary in each to serve the friends effectively.

Questions such as exact location, paid or volunteer staff, and specific duties are to be answered during this process. Both the institutions of the learned and the elected will continue to consult. It is expected that there will be changes of direction and reconsideration of issues before the community has a clear vision of what the new entity will look like.

It is felt, however, that these efforts will usher in an exciting new phase in the National Assembly’s attempt to better serve the American Bahá’í community.

Reorganization of Bahá’í publications starts to take shape. See page 14.

Kit Cosby (left), the National Spiritual Assembly’s deputy director for external affairs, meets Hillary Rodham Clinton at the White House during a briefing last April on the First Lady’s trip to South Asia where she met with women and girls to discuss their lives. Mrs. Clinton was a plenary speaker in September at the United Nations’ fourth International Conference on Women in Beijing, China (see article on page 13).

‘Dizzy’ trumpeted at unveiling of Hollywood star

By BOB ALLEN

West-bound traffic on Hollywood Boulevard was limited to one lane only on Friday, October 22, as a crowd of people gathered to watch the official unveiling of the late trumpeter John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie’s star on Hollywood’s “walk of fame.”

A host of celebrities joined an estimated 150 fans and well-wishers to pay tribute to the legendary Bahá’í musician whose innovations were in large measure responsible for the advent of contemporary modern jazz.

Among those present at the unveiling were musicians Clora Bryant, Pete Candoli, Buddy Childers, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Jon Faddis, Al Grey, Bill Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Al Jarreau, Quincy Jones, James Moody, Jimmy Owens, Earl Palmer, Charli Persip, David Sanchez, Arturo Sandoval, Jerry Wiggins, Gerald Wilson and film composer Lalo Schifrin.

Tom Bradley, the former mayor of Los Angeles, said he had “known Dizzy for a long time,” adding that Mr. Gillespie was “a devout member of the Bahá’í Faith [who] fervently worked to get people to come together.”

Mr. Bradley also noted that “the last time I saw Dizzy was when he visited my office with several members of the Bahá’í Faith to consult with me on how they might help the city of Los Angeles to come together in unity.”

Jazz radio personality Chuck Niles said that Mr. Gillespie’s star, near the northwest corner of Sycamore St. and Hollywood Boulevard, was both well-deserved and a long time in coming for the world-renowned trumpeter who died in January 1993.

See DIZZY page 14

‘Dizzy’ Gillespie

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

A letter from the National Teaching Committee	2
From the World Center: Bahá’í teachings on homosexuality	11
The Fourth United Nations International Conference on Women in Beijing, China	13
“The Vision of Race Unity”	16
Progress on the Arc: “The Vineyard of the Lord,” part 11	20

[Page 2]

Strong local Assemblies hold key to entry by troops

"These Spiritual Assemblies are shining lamps and heavenly gardens, from which the fragrances of holiness are diffused over all regions, and the lights of knowledge are shed abroad over all created things. From them the spirit of life streameth in every direction. They, indeed, are the potent sources of the progress of man, at all times and all conditions."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pg. 80

Dear Friends,

In these, the last months of the Three Year Plan, we ask you to consider the station of the institution of the local Spiritual Assembly and to help us meet our goal of forming assemblies in cities with populations of 50,000 or more.

Spiritual Assemblies are the basic administrative unit of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order. They are indispensable in our effort to spread the Cause of God. Without them we will not be able to achieve or receive the entry by troops for which we so ardently pray.

The Universal House of Justice writes, "The establishment and strong growth of local Spiritual Assemblies is one of the most fundamental requirements for the spread of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, the development of Bahá’í community life and the emergence of a transformed society."—Letter dated March 6, 1977, to National Spiritual Assemblies

Spiritual Assemblies are the bedrock of our community. "The divinely ordained institution of the local Spiritual Assembly operates on the first levels of human society....It is concerned with individuals and families whom it must constantly encourage to unite in a distinctive Bahá’í society, vitalized and guarded by the laws, ordinances and principles of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation. It protects the Cause of God; it acts as the loving shepherd of the Bahá’í flock." The Universal House of Justice, Naw-Rúz, 1974, to the Bahá’ís of the world

For the first time in the history of mankind we have been given a divine pattern for society. God, through His Prophet, has revealed to us the method for establishing the Most Great Peace and the unification of the world. Through the institutions of the Spiritual Assemblies we will have justice on earth.

No longer must we rely on the ideas and concepts of men to rule our lives. "The Spiritual Assemblies to be established in this Age of God, this holy century, have,...had neither peer nor likeness in the cycles gone before. For those assemblages that wielded power were based on the support of mighty leaders of men, while these Assemblies are based on the support of the Beauty of ‘Abhá.

"The defenders and patrons of those other assemblages were either a prince, or a king, or a chief priest, or the mass of the people. But these Spiritual Assemblies have for their defender, their supporter, their helper, their inspirer, the omnipotent Lord." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 82

These blessed institutions are our responsibility. It is up to us to help build them so that they may aid us in our endeavors. It is also up to us to realize their importance and foster their growth.

"Let no one, while this System is still in its infancy, misconceive its character, belittle its significance or misrepresent its purpose. The bedrock on which this Administrative Order is founded is God's immutable Purpose for mankind in this day....Its consummation [is] the advent of that golden millennium—the Day when the kingdoms of this world shall have become the Kingdom of God Himself, the Kingdom of Bahá’u’lláh."—Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 156-157

In an effort to be of service to the community the National Teaching Committee would like to suggest some steps to take toward raising local Spiritual Assemblies:

(1) Pray, both as individuals and as a group. We still do not recognize the full potential and power of prayer.

(2) Enlist the help of all the members of your group, including the youth and children. Encourage a strong sense of community spirit. Develop a simple teaching plan that involves the whole community. The more unified you can become, the more successful you will be.

(3) Identify like-minded, receptive groups of people on whom to focus your teaching efforts. Tailor your presentation to their particular needs and interests.

(4) Ask for help from neighboring communities, national Task Forces, your state teaching committee (if your state does not have one you may call the National Teaching Office), and your Auxiliary Board members. We are all in this effort together.

(5) Consider being a homefront pioneer. You may be able to move to a nearby community without having to leave your current job. The Teaching Office has a new handbook for homefront pioneers. Please call Ada James at 1-708-733-3493 for information.

(6) Consider teaching on American Indian Reservations. There is a great need for believers who understand American Indian culture and can teach in a way that is appropriate to each tribe.

(7) Encourage your youth to join the Youth Service Corps and to help teach in goal cities. The enthusiasm and energy of our youth will help set us all on fire.

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

With loving Bahá’í greetings, The National Teaching Committee November 1995

Goal cities with populations of 50,000 or more without local Assemblies

(Numbers in parentheses indicate the present adult Bahá’í population)

ALABAMA—Dothan (1) ARKANSAS—Fort Smith (11), Pine Bluff (4) CALIFORNIA—Alameda (25), Alhambra (9), Baldwin Park (1), Belleflower (1), Buena Park (2), Carson (5), Cerritos (12), Chino (7), Compton (14), Daly City (9), El Monte (2), Fontana (11), Huntington Park (1), Lodi (4), Lynwood (4), Montebello (5), Monterey Park (4), Napa (8), National City (15), Norwalk (7), Pico Rivera (1), Redding (21), Rosemead (6), Salinas (12), South Gate (6), South San Francisco (5), West Covina (4), Westminster (9) COLORADO—Greeley (8) CONNECTICUT—Bristol (3), New Britain (7), Waterbury (5), West Haven (3) FLORIDA—Cape Coral (10), Hialeah (5), Miami Beach (10), West Palm Beach (14) ILLINOIS—Aurora (16), Cicero (0), Des Plaines (8), Mt Prospect (7), Oak Lawn (3), Schaumburg (7) INDIANA—Anderson (5), Evansville (10), Hammond (5), Terre Haute (8) IOWA—Waterloo (8) KANSAS—Olathe (14) KENTUCKY—Owensboro (0) LOUISIANA—Bossier City (6), Kenner (5), Lafayette (8), Lake Charles (12) MASSACHUSETTS—Brockton (5), Chicopee (5), Haverhill (6), Lawrence (3), Lynn (7), New Bedford (6), Waltham (6) MICHIGAN—Battle Creek (3), Dearborn Hts (6), Livonia (0), Pontiac (4), Rochester Hills (6), Roseville (1), St Clair Shores (4), Taylor (4), Troy (7), Warren (5), Westland (7), Wyoming (1) MINNESOTA—Brooklyn Park (4) MISSOURI—Florissant (3), St Joseph (8) NEW JERSEY—Bayonne (7), Camden (9), East Orange (5), Elizabeth (3), Irvington (6), Newark (4), Paterson (11), Union City (5), Vineland (6) NEW YORK—Binghamton (4), New Rochelle (4), Niagara Falls (4), Schenectady (8), Syracuse (15), Troy (3), Utica (6) NORTH CAROLINA—Fayetteville (5) OHIO—Canton (8), Elyria (1), Hamilton (1), Lakewood (7), Lorain (1), Parma (2), Springfield (4), Warren (11), Youngstown (14) OKLAHOMA—Broken Arrow (10), Lawton (5) PENNSYLVANIA—Allentown (8), Altoona (8), Erie (5), Reading (6), Scranton (1) RHODE ISLAND—Cranston (5), East Providence (2), Pawtucket (6) SOUTH CAROLINA—Columbia (51) TENNESSEE—Clarksville (3), Jackson (3) TEXAS—Abilene (5), Baytown (12), Brownsville (16), Killeen (3), Laredo (5), Longview (7), Odessa (7), Port Arthur (10), San Angelo (5) UTAH—Orem (3), Provo (0) VIRGINIA—Chesapeake (7), Danville (1), Hampton (8), Lynchburg (6), Portsmouth (9), Suffolk (74) WASHINGTON—Yakima (33) WEST VIRGINIA—Huntington (13) WISCONSIN—Kenosha (12), La Crosse (10), Racine (5), West Allis (6) WYOMING—Cheyenne (7)

Bahá’ís in Brookhaven, New York, form committee to oversee teaching activities

The Bahá’ís of Brookhaven, New York, have formed a teaching committee that will oversee the work of various teaching forces.

Teaching forces will work in the following areas: media; contacting people of capacity; campus clubs; community involvement such as working in soup kitchens; and a teaching forum.

The teaching forum will gather every two weeks for dinner followed by open discussion. [Page 3]

TOTAL ENROLLMENTS

October .......................... 120

Year to date ............... 1,132

THE FUND

(As of October 31, 1995)

	YTD Goal	YTD (est.)
National Bahá’í Fund	$6,396,000	$5,788,455
All International Funds	$15,700,000	$15,395,758

	YTD 94	YTD 95 (est.)
National Bahá’í Fund	$4,585,249	$5,788,455
International Bahá’í Fund	$235,819	$1,062,430
Arc Projects Fund	$2,286,155	$14,031,345
Continental Bahá’í Fund	$101,125	$122,050
Other Earmarked	$192,340	$179,933
Subtotal/Int’l Funds	$2,815,439	$15,395,758
Total/All Funds	$7,400,688	$21,184,213

National Bahá’í Fund: Goal & Actual

Where we are	$5,788,455
Where we need to be	$6,396,000

All International Funds: Goal & Actual

Where we are	$15,395,758
Where we need to be	$15,700,000

Arc Projects Fund

Where we are	$14,031,345
Where we were last year	$2,286,155

International Bahá’í Fund

Where we are	$1,062,430
Where we were last year	$235,819

Continental Bahá’í Fund

Where we are	$122,050
Where we were last year	$101,125

NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE

Army of Light National Youth Conference December 28 - 31; 1995 Dallas, Texas

Personal Information: Name ________________________________________ Street Address _______________________________ City _________________________________________ State _________ Zip __________________________ Phone _______________________________________ Bahá’í ID Number _____________________________ Sex _________ Race/Ethnic Background _______________________

Special Assistance Required (i.e.-Wheelchair access, walking assistance, Blind Access) _____________________________________________

• Pre-registration deadline—postmarked by November 20.
• Be sure to include payment with your registration form.
• Use only one form per person. Photocopies are acceptable.

Fee for registration: $25. Fee must be included with registration form. Please make checks payable to: Bahá’í Youth Conference

Please note: On-site registration fee will be $35.

HOTEL: Hyatt Regency DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) 1-800-233-1234 or 214-453-1234

Rooms are $50 a night for up to four people, based on availability.

VOLUNTEERS: We need volunteers. Please check your area of preference: Ushering: ____________________________________ Security: _____________________________________ Registration: _________________________________ As Assigned: _________________________________

Please Note: December 10 is the final day to reserve a room at these rates. These rates are available for the nights of December 28, 29, & 30. Checkout is 12 noon on December 31.

For airline tickets to the Youth Conference, please phone Keri Blake at Total Travel’s Group Department, 1-800-528-4133, and ask for the form for the Dallas Bahá’í Youth Conference.

If you are under 18, please have your parent fill out the following: I, __________________________________, the parent of ______________________________, a minor, authorize the Bahá’í Youth Conference Task Force to consent to any and all medical or surgical treatment deemed advisable by any physician or surgeon licensed under the provisions of the Medical Practice Act effective while my child is attending this event.

Date: ________________________________________ Signature of parent: ___________________________ Insurance company: ___________________________ Policy#: _____________________________________

If you are under 15, and attending without a parent, please fill out the following: I, ________________________________, parent of __________________________________, appoint ________________________________ to be my child’s sponsor at the Bahá’í National Youth Conference. The sponsor, who is of the same sex and over 21, will serve as a good and kindly parent to my child and is fully responsible for him/her at the conference.

Date ________________________________________ Signature of parent ___________________________ Date ________________________________________ Signature of Sponsor _________________________

On-Site Registration: On-site registration begins on Thursday afternoon, December 28.

Medical Release for those under 18: Everyone under the age of 18 must have a parent fill out the medical release section on the registration form. NO EXCEPTIONS!

QUESTIONS: Any questions you may have about the conference should be directed to:

National Teaching Office 708-733-3498

Send registration form to:

Dallas Youth Conference c/o National Teaching Office 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL. 60201-1611

Dallas teaching project

Needed: Youth who can serve full-time during the week before and after the National Youth Conference in the Amatu’l-Bahá Teaching Crusade sponsored by the Metro Dallas Spiritual Assemblies. The project runs from December 22 through December 27 and from January 1 through January 7.

Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. They are free to take part for as many or as few days as they would like.

For more information, please contact the National Teaching Office at 708-733-3498 or Kambiz Rafraf at 214-248-8178. [Page 4]

Army of determined youth arises to serve Cause

Most youth are faced with tough, life-changing decisions during the transition from high school to college. Questions arise like "How do I answer the call to heroic service to the Faith and excel in school and learn a profession?" not to mention "What should I do with the rest of my life?"

Recent newspaper articles cite that a growing number of students, parents and school administrators are recognizing the value of taking time between high school and college or during the college years to pursue learning in a different way, including learning about one’s own academic and vocational inclinations.

The Universal House of Justice, in a 1984 letter addressed to the Bahá’í youth of the world, called for a "mighty mobilization of teaching activities reflecting regularity in the patterns of service rendered by young Bahá’ís." In the same letter the Supreme Institution outlined ways in which this mobilization can take place, including "while still young and unburdened by family responsibilities, you give attention to the idea of volunteering a set period, say one or two years, to some Bahá’í service, on the homefront or abroad, in the teaching or development field."

For more than 10 years the National Spiritual Assembly has had an organized program, the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps (formerly known as the Youth Year of Service), to help Bahá’í youth to do just this. To date, more than 300 young Bahá’ís have taken part.

In its message to the Bahá’í youth in every land dated June 10, 1966, the Universal House of Justice outlined "three great fields of service" which "lie open before young Bahá’ís, in which they will simultaneously be remaking the character of human society and preparing themselves for the work they can undertake later in their lives." These are:

"First, the foundation of all their other accomplishments, is their study of the teachings, the spiritualization of their lives, and the forming of their characters in accordance with the standards of Bahá’u’lláh."

"The second field of service, which is linked intimately with the first, is teaching the faith, particularly to their fellow youth, among whom are some of the most open and seeking minds in the world." Youth are often able to arise to teach wherever need and opportunity are greatest because of their "native urge to move from place to place," their generally greater freedom to choose where they will study, work and live, and perhaps most important, their "abounding zeal."

"The third field of service is the preparation by youth for their later years" which includes their duty "to acquire knowledge of the arts and sciences and to learn a trade or a profession whereby they...can earn their living and support their families. This, for a Bahá’í youth, is in itself a service to God, a service, moreover, which can be combined with teaching the Faith and often with pioneering."

How do I educate myself and serve the Cause at the same time?

Through the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps, youth have become increasingly involved in diverse projects on the homefront and abroad that greatly broaden their perspectives, train and educate them, while serving the urgent needs in the teaching and development work of the Cause.

Although a period of full-time service may involve a momentary pause in a formal program of education, the experience often gives youth a unique perspective on the needs of humanity and on their own inclinations and abilities, matures and motivates them, and provides a focus for their continuing studies. A period of full-time service to the Cause is an integral part of the spiritual and material education of youth, not "time off."

The Universal House of Justice has also pointed out that youth may "combine a pioneer project with a continuing educational program." There are a growing number of opportunities in today's world for pursuing an education that includes study abroad, international and domestic internships, and other structured "hands-on" learning experiences.

More and more students are finding innovative ways to secure their education and training, often in new places. One Bahá’í youth who enrolled in a University in Asia for a year, wrote home: "Life here has made me realize a lot about life in the States, the bad and the good. I think I can really learn a lot from [these] people because they work so hard, are so selfless and their morals and friendships have high standards."

Bahá’í youth can take advantage of opportunities such as these to broaden their education and world vision and prepare themselves for longer-term pioneering at a later date.

The House of Justice tells us that "each individual must decide how he can best serve the Cause." In deciding when to pioneer, it is helpful to remember that "upon becoming a Bahá’í, one's whole life is, or should become devoted to the progress of the Cause of God, and every talent or faculty he possesses is ultimately committed to this overriding objective. Within this framework he must consider, among other things, whether he can be a more effective pioneer later, or alternately whether the urgent need for pioneers, while possibilities for teaching are still open, outweighs an anticipated increase in effectiveness. This is not an easy decision, since oftentimes the spirit which prompts the pioneering offer is more important than one’s academic attainments."

Of course, other factors such as one’s financial situation and family needs must be considered and consulted about with family, community and the Institutions of the Faith.

"Finally," says the House of Justice, "bearing in mind the principle of sacrificial service and the unfailing promises Bahá’u’lláh ordained for those who arise to serve His Cause, one should pray and meditate on what his course of action will be. Indeed, it often happens that the answer will be found in no other way."

What can I do to prepare?

"Would to God that Bahá’í warriors ...will promptly arise and enroll themselves to achieve the goals. ..." (Shoghi Effendi, Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 49)

Prepare both spiritually and materially.

Become a "spiritual warrior" right now, right where you are.

Study the writings every morn and eve, "with greater earnestness."

Sustain the fire of your love for Bahá’u’lláh and teach all who cross your path.

Lend your support to the systematic plans of the Bahá’í institutions, whether in educating children, teaching, community service, and others.

Enroll in the Army of Light and after deepening intensively with other youth, join them in telling the people in other areas about the coming of Bahá’u’lláh.

Strive every day to think, speak and act more like a Bahá’í.

Begin to orient your studies and work toward the most pressing needs of the Cause and of humanity.

"The Bahá’í community will need men and women of many skills and qualifications; for as it grows in size the sphere of its activities in the life of society will increase and diversify. Let Bahá’í youth, therefore, consider the best ways in which they can use and develop their native abilities for the service of mankind and the Cause of God, whether this be as farmers, teachers, doctors, artisans, musicians, or any one of the multitude of livelihoods that are open to them."—The Universal House of Justice

Prepare the practical means—begin to save money.

Study another language and culture so you can serve in new places.

If you plan to go to college, consider applying before beginning Bahá’í Youth Service Corps and deferring your enrollment until you return. Some universities will even defer scholarship awards!

Where will I go? What will I do?

The enthusiastic services of Bahá’í youth are needed all over the U.S. and the world. 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 community to advise of other opportunities. Many opportunities are open here in the U.S. as well.

What if I’m ready to go soon?

In these critical "darkest hours before the dawn" every opportunity must be taken advantage of "without hesitation or delay." The House of Justice looks expectantly to the response of the youth, calling upon you "with love and utmost longing" to "immerse yourselves in the Divine Teachings, champion the Cause of God and His Law, and arise for the quickening of mankind" with assurance of "the loving support and guidance of the Bahá’í institutions operating at every level."

To learn more about the steps to take in working toward your service, first contact your local Spiritual Assembly. If at all possible, do this about a year before you plan to begin your service so you have ample time. For further help, you may contact the Office of Pioneering (international service) or the National Teaching Office (homefront service) at the Bahá’í National Center.

Sensitive International Teaching Areas (SITA)

Sensitive International Teaching Areas (SITA) programs—coordinated by the Office of Pioneering—are now available on a regional/local basis in many areas of the country.

What is a SITA?

Why should you know about SITA programs and deepenings?

For answers to these and other questions, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3506; e-mail

Time now to plan for ’96 overseas teaching as registration nears for recruitment fairs

• December 1-2, Winter Park, Florida. Association of American Schools in South America (AASSA). Registration fee is $125; if you are hired, the placement fee is $300. Deadline is around Thanksgiving. Contact: AASSA-Teacher Search, 14750 NW 77th Court, Suite 210, Miami Lakes, FL 33016 (phone 305-821-0345; fax 305-821-4244; e-mail

• February 22-25, 1995, Boston, Massachusetts; March 7-10, San Diego, California. International School Services (ISS). Application deadline: December 15. To register, an individual must have a full professional file established with ISS. The cost to establish this is $75; the cost to take part in the recruitment fair or center is $125. Contact: ISS, Educational Staffing Program, P.O. Box 5910, Princeton, NJ 08543 (phone 609-452-0990; fax 609-452-2690).

• February 23-25, Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State University. The registration fee is $75. Deadline to register is February 2. Contact: Ohio State University, Student Academic and Career Center, 110 ‎Alps Arps‎ Hall, 1945 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43211-1172 (phone 614-292-2581; fax 614-292-4547).

• March 1-3, Waterloo, Iowa. University of Northern Iowa. Registration fee is $130 for an individual teacher, $250 for a teaching couple and $5 for the registration packet. Registration is limited to 750 participants and the roster usually is filled by about mid-December. Contact: UNI Overseas Placement, SSC No. 19, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0390 (phone 319-273-2083; e-mail

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 Bahá’í Youth Service Corps. This packet will also contain valuable information and a listing of those countries which are in need of the above-mentioned services. [Page 5]The Bahá’í World, 1993-94 World Centre Publications HC $22.95 (BW94H), SC $11.95 (BW94S) The latest release of the comprehensive and authoritative annual survey of activities of the Bahá’í International Community. Written with both the general public and a Bahá’í audience in mind, the volume includes three introductory articles, a basic reading list, and a glossary of Bahá’í terms for those who are not familiar with the Bahá’í Faith. Other articles, many liberally illustrated by color and black-and-white photographs, provide a vivid record of Bahá’í undertakings all around the globe. With its presentation of timely information and coverage of issues of topical concern, The Bahá’í World, 1993-94 is a valuable asset in proclamation activities and an excellent resource for libraries, media organizations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and academic researchers. 6"x9-1/2", 346 pp. World Centre Publications

The Greatness Which Might Be Theirs Reflections on the Agenda and Platform for Action for the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women: Equality, Development and Peace A Compilation SC $6.00 (GWMBT) A collection of essays presented to the attendees of the recent UN Conference on Women held in Beijing. Some of the papers represented in this compilation include “Religion as an Agent for Promoting the Advancement of Women at All Levels”, “Educating Girls”, “Primary Health Care and the Empowerment of Women”, “Ending Violence Against Women, Protection of Women’s Rights” and “Creating Legal and Institutional Structures for Gender Equality”. An excellent source of information on a range of issues related to the advancement of women. 5-1/2"x8-1/2", 88 pp. Bahá’í International Community

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 Bahá’ís and frequently quotes the Bahá’í writings, it 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 and tells how to implement them. 5-1/2"x8-1/2", 207 pp. Naturegraph Publishers

Symbol and Secret Qur’an Commentary in Bahá’u’lláh’s Kitáb-i-Íqán Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í 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 Kitáb-i-Íqán, a book designated by Shoghi Effendi as “foremost among the priceless treasures cast forth from the billowing ocean of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.” The author, a Bahá’í scholar of Islamic Studies, examines Bahá’u’lláh’s explanations of the symbolic verses in the Qur’án and the Gospels. Through the Kitáb-i-Íqán Bahá’u’lláh has created new meanings for these verses and laid the foundation of a new religion. The author offers his research into the revelation of the Kitáb-i-Íqán and the early history of its publication, answers attacks non-Bahá’í critics have directed against it, analyzes Bahá’u’lláh’s rhetorical techniques, and illumines how the Kitáb-i-Íqán forms a bridge to a new Revelation. A masterful piece of scholarship and a “must read” for serious students of Bahá’í scripture. 6"x9", 326 pp., table of contents, ‎blbliography bibliography‎ Kalimát Press

Multifaith Weekly Planner CA $9.95 (MWP) The aim of the Multifaith Weekly Planner is to 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 plan events and meetings and need to understand religious diversity. Religious observances for eleven world religions are noted, and an explanation of the religious significance of each holy day, festival, fasting period, or celebration is given. 4-3/4"x8" Unity Arts

So Great An Honor

Becoming a Bahá’í

prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

• COVENANTS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ
• BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
• BAHÁ’Í HISTORY

AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE FOR DEEPENING AND CONSOLIDATION PROGRAMS

SC $6.95 (SGH) Designed primarily as a welcoming guidebook for new believers, So Great an Honor familiarizes readers with essential truths of the Bahá’í Faith and with its Central Figures. It also gives a glimpse of Bahá’í history, discusses the Covenants of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and outlines the Bahá’í Administrative Order. This book is intended to help readers enrich their spiritual journey and find the true happiness that comes from responding to God’s call and arising to play their own part in advancing His cause. An excellent resource for deepening and consolidation programs. 6"x9", 81 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Recommended by the National Teaching Committee

A WELCOMING GUIDEBOOK FOR NEW BELIEVERS [Page 6]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 Bahá’ís 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

The Violence-Free Family Building 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 all-important task of rearing our children. It is an expression of an unshakable belief in the nobility of the human spirit, in 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.

Bahá’í Studies Publications

Developing Genius Getting the Most Out of Group Decision-Making by John Kolstoe SC $14.95 (DG)

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 Bahá’í writings and the author’s own experience.

4-3/4"x7", 260pp., index, line drawings George Ronald Publishers

Turning Point For All Nations Bahá’í International Community United Nations Office SC $2.25 (TPAN)

A statement issued by the Bahá’í 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 critical challenge of releasing the power of the individual in the emerging world order, and issues a call to world leaders.

8 1/4" x 11 1/4", 31 pp. Bahá’í International Community United Nations Office, New York

Arising to Serve by the Ruhi Institute SC $5.00 (AS)

The long-anticipated follow-up to the ‎ba- sic basic‎ Ruhi courses, ‎pub- lished published‎ for the first time in English! This book is an essential component of any large-scale-growth teaching campaign. The courses prepare teachers of the Faith for more effectively participating in expansion and consolidation activities and addresses the ingredient most often overlooked in teaching projects: how to follow up with new believers. Second in the Ruhi series, this volume includes the courses “The Joy of Teaching,” “Deepening Themes,” and “Introducing Bahá’í Beliefs.”

8-1/2"x11", 80 pp. Palabra Publications

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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 Bahá’u’lláh as the Manifestation of God for this day. Using Ethel Rosenberg’s own diaries and letters, minutes and notes from meetings of the first Bahá’í institutions in Britain, and other original documents, Robert Weinberg explores the life of this fascinating woman, whom Shoghi Effendi describes as England’s outstanding Bahá’í pioneer worker. Includes the Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Ethel Rosenberg.

5"x8-3/4", 336 pp., index George Ronald Publishers

HelloWorld! Red Grammer CS $10.00 (HWCS), CD $15.00 (HWCD)

An upbeat, inspired collection of twelve songs full of hope and delight that will charm and move the hearts of adults and children alike. For those awaiting a follow-up to Teaching Peace, this is it! Includes ten new songs as well as a heart-stopping rendition of “Over the 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

Happiness Jewels from the Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ‘Abdu’l-Bahá SC $5.95 (H)

This booklet, the third in the Jewels series, attractively presents extracts from writings and utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the theme of happiness. The wisdom and compassion embodied in the Master’s words reveal the spiritual reality of true happiness, which is attained through the life of the spirit, self sacrifice, and service to humanity.

6"x6", 46 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust - United Kingdom

Contentment Jewels from the Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ‘Abdu’l-Bahá SC $5.95 (C)

This, the fourth booklet in the Jewels series, attractively presents extracts from writings and utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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. Bahá’í Publishing Trust - United Kingdom [Page 7]

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For Love of His Beauty

by Bahá’í Media Services VT $19.95 (EFLHBN) ENGLISH VT $19.95 (PFLHBN) PERSIAN In the Spring of 1995 the Universal House of Justice sent its member Mr. ‘Alí Nakhjavání as its representative to the United States, Canada, Europe. Excerpts of the talks given by Mr. Nakhjavání during this historic series of visits include answers to some of the questions fielded after each talk. Available in both English and Persian.

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Journey to Mount Eternity

Cindy Savage SC $7.95 (JME) The ‎principle principal‎ character, Melissa Davenport, takes an arduous journey to the summit of the remote and majestic Mount Eternity. Her physical voyage, which parallels the spiritual journey Bahá’u’lláh describes in The Seven Valleys, forces her to dig deep into herself for the strength to continue and the will to survive. For young adult readers.

5"x 7-3/4", 174 pp. Oneworld Publications

The Universe Within

An Exploration of the Human Spirit Anjam Khursheed SC $11.95 (UW) Where in a world dominated by scientific facts is there a place for human values and purposes, for justice and compassion? Dr. Khursheed addresses vital questions, examining the psychology of the modern mind and explaining how the fragmentations of modern life are related to a loss of spiritual vision. The book makes a case for giving the spiritual dimension of human nature more centrality in our lives.

6"x9", 192 pp., index Oneworld Publications

Foundations for a Spiritual Education

Research of the Bahá’í Writings prepared by the National Education Task Force SC $9.95 (FSE) Foundations for a Spiritual Education sets forth a selection of extracts from the Bahá’í writings on the nature, purpose, content, and process of spiritual education. Its purpose is to help Bahá’í parents, teachers, scholars, and institutions—individually or collectively—study and implement the Bahá’í writings on spiritual education.

6"x9", 208 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Jesus Christ in Sacred Bahá’í Literature

A Compilation SC $7.95 (JCSBL) Brought together for the first time in one volume, these reverent passages from the pens of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá confirm the Sonship and divinity of Jesus Christ, the efficacy of His sacrifice, and the profundity and transforming power of His teachings. Excellent for deepenings and for seekers.

5-1/4"x7", 113 pp. Oneworld Publications

Songs for the Phoenix

by Michael Fitzgerald SC $19.95 (SFP) Michael Fitzgerald’s eighth book of poetry, focussing on the spirit in daily life and the spirit within. It is a celebration of collective life and the ideal mission of the Divine Messenger. Highly charged with spiritual intensity, yet highly readable, these poems by an award-winning poet bring clarity out of complexity, purpose out of chaos. Includes over one hundred and fifty new poems, as well as a selection of previously published poems.

5"x7-3/4", 224 pp. George Ronald Publishers

The Quest

by Gail Radley Illustrated by Margaret Bremner SC $9.95 (QS) Loosely based on the story of the seven valleys from the mystical writings of the Súfí poet ‘Attár, the story follows the spiritual journey of a girl named Lona. Lona, the rainbow follower, meets ruffians and good souls, finds suffering and peace, and ultimately attains her quest as she finds herself “on the threshold of her own heart.” (For ages 8-12.)

9-3/4"x7", 55 pp., illustrations Unity Arts/Nine Pines Publishing

City of Love

Minarets of the West CD $15.95 (CLCD), CS $10.95 (CLCS) A collection of original, ‎accoustic acoustic‎ folk music inspired by the Bahá’í writings. Blending exquisite harmonies with strings and flute, Minarets of the West offers a musically uplifting, reflective experience. With its exceptional production quality and spiritualizing tone, this album should enjoy a wide audience.

45 minutes Minarets of the West

Citadel of Faith

Messages to America, 1947-1957 Shoghi Effendi SC $5.95 (CFS) A collection of letters and cables from the Guardian addressing the concerns of the American and the world-wide Bahá’í communities between 1947 and 1957. Shoghi Effendi gives a unique perspective on events, illumining the goals and objectives of the Bahá’í community and the procedures and methods for attaining them. Although the Bahá’í community has grown by leaps and bounds since 1957, it still confronts, and will continue to confront, the awesome task of building the world order of Bahá’u’lláh. Citadel of Faith provides guidance and inspiration for all who are engaged in this great enterprise.

7 5/8" x 5", 178 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Huqúqu’lláh

The Right of God Ramin Khadem and Fred Badlyan VT $30.00 (EHN) An excellent video introduction to the subject of Huqúqu’lláh. Contains rare historical pictures and includes segments filmed in the Holy Land with the participation of Hands of the Cause of God Dr. ‘Alí-‎Muammad Muhammad‎ Vargá and Mr. ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan.

51 minutes Ramin Khadem and Fred Badlyan

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ACTIVITIES

What can you do to help? from the pages of Brilliant Star.

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Take action to achieve our ONE DESTINY!

Color all the action words in this puzzle:

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teach	care	obey	hope	create	help	respect

Plan Ahead

Brilliant Star is a great gift for Ayyám-i-Há. Order now!

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This is a great time to order back issues from BDS and build a reference library of activities for your child’s school years. Our issues on the Central Figures and other special themes may no longer be available when your child is older.

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Purchase Single Issues, Back Issues, Special Editions and Bulk Orders from Bahá’í Distribution Service: Five or more copies of any one issue cost $2.00 ea. One to four copies cost $3.00 ea. Back issues available in limited quantities. Call: 1-800-999-9019 You may add your single or bulk issue order to the BDS order form on another page in this newspaper. Issues Available: Patterns of Hope IA 95 The Door to the Future MJ 95 The First Prejudice-Free Generation MA 95 Press On to Meet the Dawn JF 95 In the Darkest Hour ND 94 Putting the Vision into Action! SO 94 Starship: Life of the Báb JA 94 Courage MA 94 Families JF 94 My Part of the Plan ND 9 Being Leaders SO 93 Life’s Journey: Purpose of Life MJ 93 From Racism to Unity MA 93 The Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ND 92 The 1992 World Congress SO 92 Bahá’u’lláh Special Edition 1991 The Covenant Special Edition 1992 The Kitáb-i-Aqdas Special Edition 1993 From Gnats to Eagles Special Edition 1994 One Destiny Special Edition 1995

Reprinted from Brilliant Star, Special Edition 1995 [Page 9]

Building wealth: a path to service from childhood

Building a solid financial foundation can be key to fulfilling one’s aspirations for Bahá’í service, to promoting individual independence and dignity, and to the long term well-being of the Bahá’í community.

It is never too soon (or too late!) to start—even children can do it! In fact, one could say that children especially can prepare themselves and support their Bahá’í community in this way.

Parents: you are the ones to help your children establish habits of thought and action that will protect them from materialism while promoting material self-reliance. You will be helping your daughter/son by assisting them to build their self-respect and to prepare for the adventures they will want to have in serving Bahá’u’lláh.

Some practical steps

Kids need to learn about saving, investing, budgeting and wise spending. One of the best ways for them to do this is for them to begin using money the way they want to from the very beginning. The parent’s judgment comes into play in shaping the child’s wishes and desires, and in providing the cash in the right amounts for learning to take place.

There are experiences and “investment” amounts appropriate to each age level; the parent can help the young person to progress through these stages systematically.

An allowance can start as early as age three or four. At that age the child learns that money can be converted into things she or he will want. Money is a tool for achieving important goals: that’s a key lesson to learn from the beginning.

When the family goes on a shopping expedition, give the children some cash to spend as they wish. Of course, they will want something more expensive than the money they have, at least some of the time, and they may scream about it a bit; but that’s the parent’s chance to talk about saving.

Then, when the object or activity the child has been saving for is obtained, there will be a sense of accomplishment everyone will enjoy! There’s also the difference between wanting something and needing it.

This can work for the whole family as well. If everyone adopts a goal of going to the next Green Lake conference, for example, the younger members will learn about budgeting.

By the time the child is in grade school, he/she can begin to acquire a whole range of financial skills. Income is first: go over expenses, whatever they are, and then make some decisions about allowance. Some suggest matching the allowance amount to age.

Make a budget together that will match income and expenses, and put it in writing for future reference. Include contributions to the Fund as an expense, and don’t forget to include an amount for savings too. Those savings will be crucial when your young person wants to embark on a Year of Service, to pioneer, to go to college.

The parent might work out a method with the child for storing money for each expense area in the budget: so much for clothing, so much for school expenses, for entertainment, etc. Make an expedition to open a savings account and talk about how saving money will make it grow through earning interest.

The local Spiritual Assembly might have a savings program for kids in the community (see box on Save for America), or you might want to match each dollar saved with 50 cents of your own to help the account balance grow faster.

How about increasing earning power? You might want to link the allowance to housework, though you might also feel that those tasks are part of being a member of the family and so they don’t get compensated.

But extra tasks could be raking leaves in the fall, or helping Mom with her filing for the office. The child may want to go outside the house: lawn work for the neighbors, garage cleaning or something similar. Help them make their marketing approach and figure out their price list.

After a few such activities have gone well, point out the costs in time and materials of their business. Perhaps establish a partnership: you pay for the signs if they draw them and cover some of the other costs.

At this stage, once more of the kids’ money comes from their own work, they will want to get more out of the money. Comparison shopping, consumer research—who has the best price in town on bicycle tires?—these are very important skills.

They can also get spiritual returns from their money: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá reminds us that voluntary sharing of wealth “leadeth to society’s comfort and peace. It lighteth up the world; it bestoweth honor upon humankind.” (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 115)

Pre-teens: taking responsibility

In junior high school, your child is probably ready for more responsibility. In addition to an allowance, how about placing your son in charge of buying his own fall clothing, or your daughter in charge of getting her uniform for soccer? This is money that in the past you have spent on them, and that now they will begin to spend on themselves.

If her earnings are enough, maybe she can begin covering some of her own “maintenance” costs out of her income. After-school and weekend work should begin to produce more income than allowance. A more sophisticated budget would be called for, and maybe a larger percentage of saving.

When she/he is ready, they might take over all control of their expenses: you contribute, but their own income could cover most or all of the needs, including the “fun” things like those rock concert tickets. A checking account will be needed, probably a joint one with the parent, at least at the start. Balancing a checkbook is one of the skills your son or daughter will need in order to feel and be self-reliant.

At this stage investments can become an important learning tool as well as a source of additional income. If your son really likes Nike sneakers, devote Grandma’s next birthday gift to buying a share or two of Nike stock.

Social responsibility is also a part of investing: talk about why a Bahá’í might not want to buy stock in a brewery even if it’s outperforming the Dow Industrials by 10 percent! Get the stock certificate; they look nice, and are a vivid reminder of the investment. Track the price in the daily paper; make it a game. And if the bottom falls out, that’s part of the learning process too. (But keep the amounts small at first!)

College: the door to the consumer society

If your child goes to college, and today even if they do not, they will receive credit card solicitations every time they get their mail. How will they use credit? Talk about using credit wisely, and about the need to keep a good credit rating.

If your son has been covering his expenses for some time, this will fit the foundation you have laid together. Which school expenses do you expect your daughter to cover? What school do you decide together he can afford to attend?

More sophisticated investment strategies become possible: you can solicit advice from a local bank or ‎one of the Bahá’í’s one of the Bahá’ís‎ about diversifying investments, enrolling in a mutual fund with college savings, etc. There are plans specially tailored for young people; a good professional will have that information.

If all these steps have gone well, your child will have made an important beginning in understanding how the material aspects of life work, how they can be used to promote growth, independence and dignity, and how money works to further the work of the Cause.

An innovative savings plan for kids

Children between the ages of 4 and 12 received $11 billion last year in allowances, gifts and odd jobs, and spent 80 percent of it—nearly $9 billion. In the last 22 years the national savings rate has declined by more than 50 percent: from 9.4 percent in 1973 to only 4.0 percent today. Forty percent of Americans who are 50 years of age will depend totally on Social Security for their retirement income, and Social Security is in serious trouble. If we take these two statistics together, we can conclude that (a) kids dispose of a lot of money, and (b) if they don’t save any better than their parents do, they and the Faith will be in serious trouble in the future. The question is: what can be done about it? Save for America has an interesting answer: make it easier for kids to save. This national philanthropy works with schools and local banks to provide an easy, fun way for elementary school-age children to begin forming savings habits. Funded by grants from the US Department of Education, Save for America has programs in almost every state in the nation. Basically, the local bank enters into a partnership where it buys a computer software program from Save and makes it available to the community group or school. Children make deposits (in our case, potentially with their local Assembly Treasurer), and their deposits are entered into the program. Once a week or so, the person in charge of the computer takes a diskette and the deposit money down to the bank, which transfers the information from the diskette into its system and actually books the deposits to the name of each young depositor. There are nice materials and snappy stickers that the children receive as a reward for reaching self-established savings goals, and they have the satisfaction of watching their account balance grow. The Office of the Treasurer has contacted Save, who responded favorably to the idea of working with local Spiritual Assemblies, or of putting local Assemblies in touch with area schools that already have their own programs set up. If your Assembly would like to find out more about the program, please contact the Office of the Treasurer at 708-733-3472 (fax 708-733-3471; e-mail

History links American Bahá’í community to the Arc

The progress of the Arc Projects has captured the attention and the imagination of the American Bahá’í community in ways both tangible and emotional. This is true for many reasons, but one of the least-remembered of these, perhaps, is the relationship, nearly a century old, between this “conspicuously blessed” community and the Mountain of God.

Let us cast our imaginations back to Naw-Rúz 1908, to the candle-lit central chamber of the Shrine of the Báb, when “the earthly remains of the Martyr-Prophet of Shiraz” were laid to rest beneath the floor of that room. The beloved Guardian describes the scene in an unforgettable passage in God Passes By:

“...‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who had cast aside His turban, removed His shoes and thrown off His cloak, bent low over the still open sarcophagus, His silver hair waving about His head and His face transfigured and luminous, rested His forehead on the border of the wooden casket, and, sobbing aloud, wept with such a weeping that all those who were present wept with Him. That night He could not sleep, so over-

See ARC page 23 [Page 10]

Youth in NYC take message on teaching Cause to heart

The Universal House of Justice, in its first letter to Bahá’í youth on June 10, 1966, offered three ways for youth to offer service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh: “the study of the teachings, spiritualization of their lives and the forming of their characters in accordance with the standards of Bahá’í youth; teaching the Faith; and preparing for their later years.” (Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance, pp. 94-95)

Youth from New York City, the City of the Covenant, have put those words into action this summer.

• Trokon P. Bryant of the Bronx traveled to the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, to teach at the youth academy and the advanced academy.

• Sandy Nosseir spent a weekend at the newly dedicated Solomon R.G. Hilton Bahá’í School in New Rochelle teaching children’s classes.

• Richard Chandler also spent two weeks at the Hilton Bahá’í School teaching children’s classes and sharing the spiritual nature of the martial arts.

• Keturah Bryant, Nicole Johnson, and Daniel Johnson attended youth classes at the Hilton School, where they took part in daily study of the texts and of their characters. They also taught the Faith to the non-Bahá’í students, one of whom declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh. Not only were teaching efforts evident at the school, but also during a fireside on the train ride home.

• Mukesh Khehmani took part in a youth teaching project during his summer trip to India.

• On July 31, a group of four young Bahá’ís hosted a “Sunday at 2” program in which they offered their perspective and observations on the equality of women and men, individual transformation, and evolving to our ultimate station: a servant of God to humanity.

Publishing Trust enters new phase with call for candidates for boards

With a call for candidates for three editorial boards, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust is entering a new phase in its restructuring that began in 1991.

Soon to be appointed will be editorial boards for the Authoritative Texts, teaching and education, and children and youth.

Qualifications for serving on the editorial boards include the following: (1) experience, special skills, or training in the portfolio subject area of the editorial board; (2) a strong interest in the portfolio subject of the editorial board; and (3) publishing, business or editing experience—these are helpful but not required.

It is hoped that the boards will represent diversity in educational levels, geographic location, race, sex and community size.

If you would like to be considered for membership on an editorial board or would like to recommend someone who would be suitable, please phone, fax or e-mail the Bahá’í Publishing Trust for an application form.

The telephone number is 708-251-1854; the fax number is 708-251-3652; and the e-mail address is

Applications will be received through December 15.

Bahá’ís prepare to march behind their banner in the annual Ypsilanti, Michigan, Heritage Festival held last August 18-19. Nearly 40 Bahá’ís from a number of communities including members of the Bahá’í Youth Workshop of Western Michigan took part in the event. The parade was seen by thousands, as was the Bahá’í information booth, while the Workshop performed on the Festival’s main stage.

Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference

December 22-25, 1995 Phoenix, Arizona Theme: Family and Children

Registration Fee $30 per person ($35 on Site) includes 1 concert ticket. $60 family rate* ($65 on Site) includes 2 concert tickets.

• A family is the mother and /or father and children under 12.

Please Print Name _________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________ City ____________________________ ST ________ Zip ________ Names and Ages of Children ______________________________ _____________________________________________________

• Copy and attach additional forms if necessary.
• Be sure to include payment with your registration form.
• Make checks payable to: Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference.

Mail To: Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Phoenix, Arizona Post Office Box 9961 Phoenix, Arizona 85068-9961 For Information Call: (602) 375-8082

Hotel Reservations: Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza (800) 359-7253

Bahá’ís in Detroit, Grosse Pointe continue series of public talks on racial understanding, harmony

The Bahá’ís of Detroit and Grosse Pointe, Michigan, continue to provide interracial understanding through public meetings featuring talks by people of prominence.

On June 17, they hosted Professor Elizabeth Chapleski of the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University, speaking on “Great Lakes American Indians: Modern Problems, Ancient Answers.”

As part of the evening, Andrea Smith of Southfield arranged for Native American entertainment by the Blue Lake Singers and explained the spiritual significance of certain practices to prepare for the singing.

On September 23, the Bahá’ís hosted Jane Shallal, president of the Chaldean Federation of America, who presented a video tape and made a presentation titled “Getting to Know the Chaldean Community.”

The program provided an opportunity for two African-American leaders, the president of the Ravendale Community and a representative of Wayne State University’s Center for Peace Studies, to make contact with Chaldean leaders and discuss programs to promote greater understanding between these two groups that have often been in conflict in the Detroit area.

On October 14, John Roy Castillo, director of Detroit’s Department of Human Rights and past director of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, spoke on “The Human Rights Department and Affirmative Action Today.”

Participants in the discussion included the president of La Sed, an area Hispanic-American support organization.

Young Bahá’ís gather with other groups at Interfaith Alliance Indianapolis event

The Interfaith Youth Alliance sponsored by Interfaith Alliance Indianapolis held its first event August 27.

More than 35 young people from six congregations—Bahá’í, Hindu, Jewish, Church of the Brethren, Lutheran, and Unitarian Universalist—took part.

Each group shared a food associated either with its religion or culture and used this as an introduction to the faith’s beliefs. Each presentation was followed by questions and answers.

HUQÚQU’LLÁH

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

• Dr. Elsie Austin, 9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, Unit 612, Silver Spring, MD 20901 (phone 301-589-8481).
• Dr. Amin Banani, 1211 20th St., Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449).
• Dr. Daryush Haghighi, 21215 Detroit Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 216-333-1506).

Inquiries regarding Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116. [Page 11]

The Bahá’í teachings on homosexuality

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Dear Bahá’í friends,

The Universal House of Justice has considered your letters of August 27, 1993, and September 19, 1994, in which you describe the impact of the changing sexual mores and the public debate on homosexuality on some of the members of the American Bahá’í community who are homosexuals.

We are instructed to provide the following guidance in response to the National Spiritual Assembly's requests for a clarification of the Bahá’í law on homosexual practices and for assistance in guiding the believers.

It is important to understand that there is a difference between the Bahá’í attitude toward, on the one hand, the condition of homosexuality and those who are affected by it and, on the other, the practice of homosexual relations by members of the Bahá’í community.

As you know, the Bahá’í Faith strongly condemns all blatant acts of immorality, and it includes among them the expression of sexual love between individuals of the same sex. With regard to homosexual practices, Bahá’u’lláh, in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, paragraph 107, and Questions and Answers, number 49, forbids paederasty and sodomy. The following extract from one of His Tablets reveals the strength of His condemnation:

"Ye are forbidden to commit adultery, sodomy and lechery. Avoid them, O concourse of the faithful. By the righteousness of God! Ye have been called into being to purge the world from the defilement of evil passions. This is what the Lord of all mankind hath enjoined upon you, could ye but perceive it. He who relateth himself to the All-Merciful and committeth satanic deeds, verily he is not of Me. Unto this beareth witness every atom, pebble, tree and fruit, and beyond them this ever-proclaiming, truthful and trustworthy Tongue."

In a letter dated March 26, 1950, written on his behalf, Shoghi Effendi, the authorized interpreter of the Bahá’í Teachings, further explicates the Bahá’í attitude toward homosexuality. It should be noted that the Guardian's interpretation of this subject is based on his infallible understanding of the Texts. It represents both a statement of moral principle and unerring guidance to Bahá’ís who are homosexuals. The letter states:

"No matter how devoted and fine the love may be between people of the same sex, to let it find expression in sexual acts is wrong. To say that it is ideal is no excuse. Immorality of every sort is really forbidden by Bahá’u’lláh, and homosexual relationships He looks upon as such, besides being against nature.

"To be afflicted this way is a great burden to a conscientious soul. But through the advice and help of doctors, through a strong and determined effort, and through prayer, a soul can overcome this handicap."

It is evident, therefore, that the prohibition against Bahá’ís engaging in homosexual behavior is an explicit teaching of the Cause. The Universal House of Justice is authorized to change or repeal its own legislation as conditions change, thus providing Bahá’í law with an essential element of flexibility, but it cannot abrogate or change any of the laws which are explicitly laid down in the sacred Texts. It follows, then, that the House of Justice has no authority to change this clear teaching on homosexual practice.

You mention that concern has been expressed by some of the friends that the unique identity of homosexual Bahá’ís is not sufficiently appreciated by the Bahá’í community. It is important to reflect on the fact that the Writings of the Faith not only acknowledge that each individual has a God-given identity, but they also set out the means by which this identity can achieve its highest development and fulfillment.

Bahá’u’lláh attests that through the Teachings of the Manifestations of God "every man will advance and develop until he attaineth the station at which he can manifest all the potential forces with which his inmost true self hath been endowed." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá observes that should man's "natural qualities... be used and displayed in an unlawful way, they become blameworthy."

Shoghi Effendi, in a letter dated May 25, 1936, written on his behalf, identifies man's "true self" with "his soul." In describing the nature of "man's inner spiritual self or reality," he notes that the "two tendencies for good or evil are but manifestations of a single reality or self," and that the self "is capable of development in either way." Underlining the importance of education to the actualization of man's potential, the Guardian concludes:

"All depends fundamentally on the training or education which man receives. Human nature is made up of possibilities both for good and evil. True religion can enable it to soar in the highest realm of the spirit, while its absence can, as we already witness around us, cause it to fall to the lowest depths of degradation and misery."

As a framework within which to consider the subject of homosexuality, it is important to acknowledge, with all due humility, that basic to the Bahá’í Teachings is the concept that it is only God Who knows the purpose of human life, and Who can convey this to us through His Manifestations.

A distinguishing feature of human existence is that we have been given the capacity to know and love God and to consciously obey Him. Thus we also have the converse: the ability to turn away from God, to fail to love Him and to disobey Him. Indeed, left to himself, man is naturally inclined toward evil. Human beings need not only assistance in defining acceptable behavior of one person toward another, but also guidance which will help them to refrain from doing that which is spiritually damaging to themselves.

By responding to the Message of the Manifestation of God we learn how we should live and draw on the spiritual strength which comes with it. Through studying the Word of God and training ourselves to follow His commandments, we rise to the full stature that He has designed for us.

The material world, in relation to the spiritual world, is a world of imperfections. It is full of dangers and difficulties which have been greatly aggravated by man's neglect and misuse of his responsibilities. Human society itself, which exists in the material world, is in disastrous disarray.

Our appetites and inclinations are strongly influenced by the condition of our physical makeup, and our bodies are in varying degrees of health, depending upon factors such as heredity, environment, nourishment and our own treatment of them. Genetic variations occur, producing conditions which can create problems for the individual. Some conditions are of an emotional or psychological nature, producing such imbalances as quickness to anger, recklessness, timorousness, and so forth; others involve purely physical characteristics, resulting not only in unusual capacities but also in handicaps or diseases of various kinds.

Whether deficiencies are inborn or are acquired, our purpose in this life is to overcome them and to train ourselves in accordance with the pattern that is revealed to us in the divine Teachings.

The view that homosexuality is a condition that is not amenable to change is to be questioned by Bahá’ís. There are, of course, many kinds and degrees of homosexuality, and overcoming extreme conditions is sure to be more difficult than overcoming others. Nevertheless, as noted earlier, the Guardian has stated that "through the advice and help of doctors, through a strong and determined effort, and through prayer, a soul can overcome this handicap."

The statistics which indicate that homosexuality is incurable are undoubtedly distorted by the fact that many of those who overcome the problem never speak about it in public, and others solve their problems without even consulting professional counselors.

Nevertheless there are undoubtedly cases in which the individual finds himself (or herself) unable to eliminate a physical attraction to members of the same sex, even though he succeeds in controlling his behavior. This is but one of the many trials and temptations to which human beings are subject in this life. For Bahá’ís, it cannot alter the basic concept taught by Bahá’u’lláh, that the kind of sexuality purposed by God is the love between a man and a woman, and that its primary (but not its only) purpose is the bringing of children into this world and providing them with a loving and protective environment in which they can be reared to know and love God.

If, therefore, a homosexual cannot overcome his or her condition to the extent of being able to have a heterosexual marriage, he or she must remain single, and abstain from sexual relations. These are the same requirements as for a heterosexual person who does not marry. While Bahá’u’lláh encourages the believers to marry, it is important to note that marriage is by no means an obligation. It is for the individual to decide whether he or she wishes to lead a family life or to live in a state of celibacy.

The condition of being sexually attracted to some object other than a mature member of the opposite sex, a condition of which homosexuality is but one manifestation, is regarded by the Faith as a distortion of true human nature, as a problem to be overcome, no matter what specific physical or psychological condition may be the immediate cause. Any Bahá’í who suffers from such a disability should be treated with understanding, and should be helped to control and overcome it. All of us suffer from imperfections which we must struggle to overcome, and we all need one another's understanding and patience.

To regard homosexuals with prejudice and disdain would be entirely against the spirit of Bahá’í Teachings. The doors are open for all of humanity to enter the Cause of God, irrespective of their present circumstances; this invitation applies to homosexuals as well as to any others who are engaged in practices contrary to the Bahá’í Teachings.

Associated with this invitation is the expectation that all believers will make a sincere and persistent effort to eradicate those aspects of their conduct which are not in conformity with Divine Law. It is through such adherence to the Bahá’í Teachings that a true and enduring unity of the diverse elements of the Bahá’í community is achieved and safeguarded.

When a person wishes to join the Faith and it is generally known that he or she has a problem such as drinking, homosexuality, taking drugs, adultery, etc., the individual should be told in a patient and loving way of the Bahá’í Teachings on these matters. If it is later discovered that a believer is violating Bahá’í standards, it is the duty of the Spiritual Assembly to determine whether the immoral conduct is flagrant and can bring the name of the Faith into disrepute, in which case the Assembly must take action to counsel the believer and require him or her to make every effort to mend his ways.

If the individual fails to rectify his conduct in spite of repeated warnings, sanctions should be imposed. Assemblies, of course, must exercise care not to pry into the private lives of the believers to ensure that they are behaving properly, but should not hesitate to take action in cases of blatant misbehavior.

The Spiritual Assemblies should, to a certain extent, be forbearing in the matter of people's moral conduct, such as homosexuality, in view of the terrible deterioration of society in general. The Assemblies must also bear in mind that while awareness of contemporary social and moral values may well enhance their understanding of the situation of the homosexual, the standard which they are called upon to uphold is the Bahá’í standard. A flagrant violation of this standard disgraces the Bahá’í community in its own eyes even if the surrounding society finds the transgression tolerable.

With regard to the organized network of homosexual Bahá’ís mentioned in your letter, the Universal House of Justice has instructed us to say that, while there is an appropriate role in the Bahá’í community for groups of individuals to come together to help each other to understand or to deal with certain problem situations, according to the Bahá’í Teachings there can be no place in our community for groups which actively promote a style of life that is contrary to the teachings of the Cause.

It should be understood that the homosexual tendencies of some individuals do not entitle them to an identity setting them apart from others. Such individuals share with every other Bahá’í the responsibility to adhere to the laws and principles of the Faith as well as the freedom to exercise their administrative rights.

The Universal House of Justice will pray that, armed with the guidance contained in this letter, the National Spiritual Assembly will act with love, sensitivity and firmness to assist the believers both to gain a deeper understanding of their true and ennobling purpose in life and to make a strong and determined effort to overcome every handicap to their spiritual development.

The Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat September 11, 1995 [Page 12]

NATIONAL CONVENTION

87th Bahá’í National Convention Convention Seating Registration

April 25-28, 1995 Rosemont, Illinois

Last Name ____________________ First Name ____________________ Middle Initial __________ Bahá’í I.D. # ____________________

Mailing Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Street ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City ____________________ State __________ Zip __________

Will you be staying at the Holiday Inn O’Hare? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Hotel Reservations must be made directly with the Holiday Inn O’Hare, 708/671-6350, 5440 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL. Make sure you ask for the Bahá’í 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 children’s classes or child care. The sessions are long—three full 13-hour days and two half-days—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 Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

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 Universal House of Justice, the National Spiritual Assembly has provided for a larger number of Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í community and see the consultation developing from the release of the next global Plan from the Universal House of Justice. Several agencies of the Bahá’í National Center will be on hand to greet everyone and to answer questions. The nearby Bahá’í 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 at a point midway through the Convention to give the incoming National Assembly an opportunity to consult with delegates and to present to them the broad outlines of its plans for the coming year. The National Spiritual Assembly is elected by plurality vote; the nine people who receive the highest number 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.

Bahá’í Studies document to correct definitions, spellings in dictionaries

The Institute for Bahá’í Studies will soon complete a brief document that provides the correct spellings and definitions of Bahá’í words for use by dictionaries.

The purpose of the document is to standardize the spellings of Bahá’í words in dictionaries and to comment on incorrect definitions.

If words such as “Bahaism” are dropped from dictionaries and spellings such as “Baha Ullah” are replaced by the standard Bahá’í spelling, it will then be much easier to correct the use and spelling of these terms in non-Bahá’í books that mention the Faith.

The help of the friends is sought in locating as many dictionaries currently in print as possible, to which the Institute can send the document with a cover letter. We understand that as many as 50 dictionaries are published in the United States.

If anyone has the time to comb large public libraries for various dictionaries, we would appreciate the effort. All dictionaries should be checked, if possible, to determine whether they are the most recent edition, as it would be embarrassing if the Institute were to write to correct errors that have already been corrected.

All Bahá’í-related words should be photocopied, as well as the work’s complete title page and copyright information.

If a dictionary has no Bahá’í entries but has similar entries for other religions those similar entries should be copied so that we may contact the publishers and ask them to include Bahá’í terms.

Please note that the copyright on the word “Webster’s” expired long ago, as a result of which many unrelated dictionaries are published with the word “Webster’s” in the title. Hence, whenever possible, addresses of the publishers should be obtained.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Robert Stockman at the Bahá’í National Center (phone 708-733-3425; fax 708-733-3563; e-mail

Refugee Office has Vietnamese literature

The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office is pleased to announce the availability of additional Bahá’í literature in Vietnamese including the Synopsis and Codification of the Laws and Ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, a new compilation of prayers, a compilation on A Chaste and Holy Life, and many other titles on such topics as teaching, the Bahá’í community and administration, family life, women, and prohibitions on backbiting and intoxicating drinks.

These materials have been out of print, but we have received copies of booklets, pamphlets and papers that we will photocopy in our office for distribution.

For a complete price list of these materials, please phone the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office at the Bahá’í National Center, 708-733-3523. [Page 13]

Bahá’ís focus Beijing participation on service

After nearly two years of preparation, more than 17,000 people took part in the Fourth World Conference on Women (September 4-15) in Beijing, China, and more than 30,000 participants including 600 Bahá’ís from more than 60 countries gathered at the parallel NGO Forum (August 30-September 8) in Huairou, about 30 miles north of Beijing.

Bahá’í participation in the Conference and the Forum was coordinated by the Bahá’í International Community Office for the Advancement of Women.

Besides the Bahá’í International Community, a number of Bahá’í institutions and organizations were accredited to send delegations. These included the National Spiritual Assemblies of Canada, the Netherlands, Nigeria and the United States, Health for Humanity, the Bahá’í Medical Association of France, and the Bahá’í Women’s Association of France for Peace, Development and Unity.

In addition, several Bahá’ís attended the Conference in their professional capacities or on behalf of organizations they have founded. Among them were Women for International Peace and Arbitration (WIPA) and the Pacific Rim Institute for Development and Education (PRIDE).

Other Bahá’ís attended as volunteers representing such groups as Pathways to Peace and the La Leche League.

The Bahá’í delegation to the World Conference on Women was led by Mary Power, director of the Bahá’í International Community Office for the Advancement of Women, and included Tiati a Zock from Cameroon, Guitty Milani from Brazil, Rosalie Tran from Hong Kong, and Judge Dorothy Nelson from the United States.

In its statement to the Conference, the Bahá’í International Community called on governments to recognize the principle of the oneness of humanity as an essential element in efforts to promote the advancement of women.

The U.S. National Spiritual Assembly was represented at the Conference by one of its members, Patricia Locke, and by Kit Cosby, the National Assembly’s deputy director for external affairs. They worked with organizations from around the world and with U.S. government officials on sections of the Platform for Action, the UN document of the Fourth World Conference on Women.

Ms. Locke was elected chairman of the Indigenous Women’s Caucus which met each day to discuss aspects of the Platform for Action reflecting points that were made in the “Beijing Declaration on Indigenous Women.”

In September 1994, Ms. Cosby was a founding co-chair of the Washington-based Working Group on the Human Rights of Women that worked on human rights issues related to the Beijing conference.

While in Beijing, under the auspices of the Human Rights Caucus, she collaborated with other organizations and met daily with U.S. government officials on several human rights concerns in the Platform for Action such as the “universality of human rights.”

One of the most successful Bahá’í-sponsored events was a reception hosted by the Bahá’í International Community on September 11 at the Great Wall Sheraton Hotel. More than 300 guests from over 30 countries attended the event including the Princess of Bhutan, a Judge on the Supreme Court of China, the Ambassador of Zambia, other Chinese dignitaries, members of government delegations, non-governmental representatives, and officers of the All China Women’s Federation, the host of the NGO Forum.

Afterward, departing guests took copies (in English and Chinese) of “The Prosperity of Humankind,” “The Promise of World Peace” and “The Greatness Which Might Be Theirs.”

Activities at the NGO Forum in Huairou were centered around 13 major themes in more than 5,000 workshops: economy, governance and politics, human rights, peace and human security, education, health, the environment, spirituality and religion, science and technology, the media, arts and culture, race and ethnicity, and youth.

The need to empower women and bring them into the inner circles of decision-making at all levels was a key point made in many of the Forum’s discussions.

The Bahá’í International Community co-sponsored a number of events at the NGO Forum including:

• A workshop, co-sponsored with UNICEF, the YMCA and Save the Children, to examine and address perspectives on gender roles in the family as they affect the attitudes and behavior of boys and girls.
• A “quiet place” set up in collaboration with other NGOs at the request of the NGO Forum Office for unstructured quiet reflection as a respite from the busy pace of the Forum.
• “Threads of Unity,” a tapestry created by artist Vicki Hu Poirier from handwork contributed by more than 60 Bahá’í women from around the world and displayed in the “quiet place.”

The hallmark of Bahá’í participation in the Fourth World Conference on Women and the NGO Forum was service.

Sometime during the preparatory process, in the midst of much confusion about the participation of NGOs, the Bahá’í International Community decided that if Bahá’í participation in these events was to be successful, it was vital that a strategy be developed and shared with all Bahá’ís who planned to take part in the events.

At that point, the Bahá’í International Community determined that Bahá’í participation should be centered on service and that all Bahá’í undertakings should be dedicated to the memory of the Greatest Holy Leaf and her life of service.

In doing so, Bahá’ís would avoid becoming embroiled in the countless controversies that were sure to plague the Conference and the Forum.

Once in Huairou, besides helping with the Bahá’í booth and other Bahá’í-related activities, the Bahá’ís played an important role in supporting the organizers of the Forum.

One Bahá’í was the manager of the International Marketplace and another was coordinator of volunteers during the Forum. Bahá’ís helped with registration and distribution of passes, the dissemination of Forum materials, translations, and the production and distribution of the daily NGO newspaper.

Young Bahá’ís from North America, Russia and Southeast Asia played a key role in youth activities at the Forum, coordinating workshops and taking part in a number of other activities.

These youth groups put on several theatrical works about the relationship between women and men including a performance at the NGO Forum’s closing ceremony.

Some members of the official Bahá’í International Community delegation welcome guests invited to a reception hosted by the BIC. Right to left are Mary Power, head of the BIC delegation and director of the BIC Office for the Advancement of Women; Rosalie Tran of Hong Kong; Tiati a Zock, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Cameroon and coordinator of the UNIFEM/BIC project in Cameroon; and Guitty Milani, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil.

Bahá’ís Tiati a Zock (left) and Ashley Avaregon make friends with Chinese children.

‘Threads of Unity,’ a tapestry made by Vickie Hugh Poirier, ‎was was one‎ of the most attractive elements of the Quiet Space hosted by the BIC. [Page 14]

Publishing unit to involve Bahá’ís across U.S.

By TOM MENNILLO

With decentralization on almost everyone’s lips these days, the long-awaited reorganization of Bahá’í publications is starting to take shape.

A publishing process that will involve a much greater number of Bahá’ís from all over the U.S. in conceiving and executing projects was unveiled October 28 in a Bahá’í Publications Kickoff Conference at the Bahá’í National Center.

The conference, attended by nearly 50 Bahá’ís including those with publishing experience and National Center staff members, had three goals:

• To unveil a new, decentralized organization known as Bahá’í Publications comprised of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Bahá’í Media Services, Bahá’í Periodicals and Subscription Services, and Bahá’í Distribution Service.

A companion organization known as Bahá’í Communications is being formalized. It will ensure consistency in communication with the friends through such means as the Bahá’í Newsreel, The American Bahá’í, Feast messages and special communications of the National Spiritual Assembly.

• To gather nominations for three editorial boards and for a support network of Bahá’ís with expertise in various aspects of publishing.

The three initial editorial boards will operate in the areas of authoritative texts, teaching and education, and children and youth. Other boards, in such areas as trade and scholarly publications, could be added later.

• To begin preparing for the first Publications and Communications Conference.

That conference next June will bring Bahá’í Publications, Bahá’í Communications, and the editorial boards together with the National Spiritual Assembly and its agencies to review publishing plans and propose actions for the near and long terms.

Robert C. Henderson, secretary general of the National Spiritual Assembly, set the tone of the conference with comments on the significance of decentralization and the importance of spreading the Word of God through published works.

Decentralization, he said, will allow the National Spiritual Assembly to delegate tactical functions so it can focus on policy and strategy.

The reorganization of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust goes back to recommendations made during a conference in 1991 at Louhelen Bahá’í School, he said.

These recommendations have been systematically incorporated over time. They include greater freedom of action for the Bahá’í Distribution Service and changes in the number and duties of Bahá’í Publishing Trust personnel.

Dr. Henderson said the task now is to pull together individual Bahá’ís with competence in specific content areas and expertise in various aspects of publishing to advance the Faith’s publishing agenda.

That agenda, he said, is all about spreading the joy we feel in this day of fulfillment of prophecy.

He alluded to a “brilliant commentary” on the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in which retired Universal House of Justice member David Hofman called the Word of God the medium through which souls are transformed and institutions established that ultimately will result in a divine civilization.

Dale Spenner, coordinator of Bahá’í Publications, told attendees the new publishing structure is designed to help meet the needs of Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike for diverse, affordable materials on the Faith.

The new structure was detailed by Betty J. Fisher, senior editor at the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

Its over-arching purpose, she noted, is to provide greater community access and input in the publishing process.

Dr. Fisher noted that each editorial board will have five to seven members, appointed for three-year terms. Each board will survey needs in its subject area, assess ideas for projects, develop proposals (at least four per year), work with production services on appropriate media and formats, refine the proposals, and submit them.

The publishing committee, said Dr. Fisher, will review project proposals, set priorities and resource allocation, set operational procedures, develop the publishing agenda, and host the annual publishing conference.

Artis Mebane, manager of Bahá’í Media Services, examined the emerging role of such media as video, audio, CD-ROM, and the Internet in publication and communication.

Then, after lunch and an opportunity for attendees to visit the Bahá’í House of Worship, several hours were spent in discussion.

Trish Swanson, director of the Office of Public Information, led a panel discussion on “Bahá’í Communications and Bahá’í Publications: How Do They Fit Together?”

It was followed by open consultation on the topic “How can National Spiritual Assembly agencies and outside resources best collaborate with and benefit from the new Bahá’í Publications Organization?”

Exhibit replica can be bought

Replicas of the National Spiritual Assembly’s exhibit, “Defending Religious Liberty,” are available for purchase from Reddy & Associates.

The exhibit was displayed last May in the rotunda of the Cannon House Office Building in Washington and featured in the May 17 issue of The American Bahá’í. Replicas can be used as the centerpiece for a variety of local proclamation activities.

A half-size, full-standing replica of the exhibit (eight 4-foot by 6-foot panels) costs $2,620 which includes packing and shipping. The table-top version (eight 36-inch by 44-inch panels) is available for $1,000.

Another option would be to purchase the three “general purpose” panels, in either size, at a reduced price.

For more information, please contact Bob Reddy at Reddy & Associates, 414-377-8448 (fax 414-377-9273).

Professor Suheil Bushrui, resident in the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, views one of the eight ‘Defending Religious Liberty’ panels during their exhibit in the Cannon House Office Building Rotunda. (Photo copyright © 1995 David Hathcox)

Temple guides urgently needed

Although the Bahá’í House of Worship is now on winter hours (10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily), guides are urgently needed to ensure that the visitors’ center remains open throughout the day.

Bahá’ís in the area around the Temple are encouraged to consider volunteer service at the holiest House of Worship. Anyone who has time to spare—students, homemakers, retired persons, those who have alternating work shifts—is invited to volunteer for this important service.

If guide posts are unfilled, visitors to the House of Worship (more than 108,000 this summer) may have no one to whom to address questions or simply discuss aspects of the Faith.

If you are interested in helping, please contact the guides coordinator, Mary Lou McLaughlin, 708-853-2300.

Dizzy

Continued from page 1

nearly two years ago.

The star itself, positioned next to that of another jazz legend, pianist ‎Thelonius Thelonious‎ Monk, was accepted on behalf of the Gillespie family by Mr. Gillespie’s cousin, Boo Frazier.

It was in 1940 that Mr. Gillespie befriended saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker with whom he would help to rewrite the language of jazz.

Together with a handful of other innovators, he and Mr. Parker (who died in 1955) developed a revolutionary new approach to the music which Mr. Gillespie, in trying to explain its unique rhythmic and harmonic qualities to others, labeled “be-bop.”

Beyond his position as one of the greatest trumpet players jazz has ever known, Mr. Gillespie was the composer of such enduring jazz standards as “A Night in Tunisia,” “Groovin’ High,” “Manteca,” “Con Alma,” “Woody’n You,” “Salt Peanuts” and “Birks’ Works.”

He is also credited with having been among the first jazz musicians in the world to incorporate into his music the rhythms of Latin America and the Caribbean, creating a new and exciting style of expression known as Afro-Cuban jazz.

Mr. Gillespie, who became a Bahá’í in 1968, was one of the first band leaders in this country to integrate his performing groups, hiring musicians on the basis of talent alone and ignoring the issue of race.

In the mid-1950s Mr. Gillespie toured the Middle East, Asia and South America on behalf of the U.S. State Department as a “good-will ambassador.”

He continued to play that role in concerts all over the world until illness forced him in 1992 to discontinue traveling.

Mr. Gillespie died January 6, 1993, in Englewood, New Jersey, a little more than two months after his 75th birthday. [Page 15]

Anisa

Continued from page 1

planet. People talk about these things all the time. But I feel that the most important issue underlying all of these problems is ignored, and that is the acceptance of the oneness of humanity.

“When you dig way down at the reasons beneath all the world’s great problems, it seems that you always find the same thing: prejudice. Sometimes it’s ethnic, sometimes it’s religious, but it is still prejudice.

“While working with other children and youth in my community, I have seen how prejudices divide and hurt people. I have seen how people are denied privileges because of racism, or religious discrimination. When I look at the world, I see that the stereotypes and prejudices that develop when people are children can become deadly as adults.

“People are being killed every day because of problems that have prejudice at their roots. The fact that 1995 is the Year of Tolerance shows just how important this issue is. Prejudices can only be overcome through education. As the Declaration for the Year of Tolerance states, ‘Educational programs and systems must be developed in order to prepare future generations for life in our changing multicultural societies.’

“Youth can play a significant role in developing these programs. The children and youth of the world have energy, enthusiasm, and vision. We are one of your most important resources.

“As we go into the 21st century, it is crucial for us to realize how connected we really are.

“For:

“If I saw you as my brother, I would not allow you to go hungry. And I know that in times of disaster, you would be there to help me.

“If I knew that people who live in rain forests are my sisters, then I would do everything I could to protect their environment, because they’ll be working at the same time to protect mine.

“If I know that you are my brother, then I will listen to you, even if I think differently from you, and I would hope you would do the same for me.

“If you accept me as your child, you would not allow me to be raised in ignorance. And I, in turn, will share my new discoveries.

“If we really cared for each other, we would not allow people to be killed because of hate.

“I believe we will take a giant step toward finding solutions to our global problems when we learn to view the earth as one country and mankind its citizens.

“During my childhood I have had close friends from Tanzania, Korea, Liberia, India, Iran and Russia. As an adult, will I be part of a world that values these friendships, or one that forces me to choose sides? The choice is up to you.”

Bahá’í radio pioneer to serve as interim Maxwell principal

Kurt Hein, who served as the first general manager of WLGI Radio Bahá’í in South Carolina from 1985-88, has been named interim principal of the Maxwell International Bahá’í School in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Dr. Hein, who has served for the past five years in the residential program at the Maxwell School, also helped establish the Bahá’í radio stations in Bolivia, Chile, Liberia and Peru.

His other international experience includes a period as general secretary of the Bahá’í Audio-Visual Center in Toronto, and a special assignment from the World Center’s Office of Social and Economic Development to visit Bahá’í schools in South America and Asia to help develop administrative guidelines.

From 1977-80 Dr. Hein was Fund development officer at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois.

The Maxwell School was opened in the fall of 1988 with Dr. Ray Johnson as its principal. He and his wife, LaNelma, guided the school through its first seven years of operation. This fall Dr. Johnson accepted a professorship at Ft. Hays State University in Kansas.

Dr. Hein will serve as the school’s interim principal this year while a search committee locates a new permanent principal.

New Huqúq video is available

A two-part video cassette, “Huqúqu’lláh...source of prosperity and blessing,” prepared under the auspices of the Huqúqu’lláh Trust, is available from Badiyan Distribution.

The video, whose running time is almost three hours, includes historical pictures and segments filmed in the Holy Land with the participation of the Hand of the Cause of God and Trustee of Huqúqu’lláh Ali Muhammad Varqá and the Hand of the Cause of God Ali-Akbar Furútan.

Part 1 sets the background for Law of Huqúqu’lláh, first proclaimed in the Book of Aqdas, and traces its development since the time of Bahá’u’lláh.

Part 2 comments on similar laws in other religious dispensations and focuses on the principles, calculations and spiritual dimensions of Huqúqu’lláh as gleaned from the Bahá’í writings, ending with observations on the impact of this mighty Law of Bahá’u’lláh.

The price in the U.S. is $27 plus $3 for shipping. Orders should be made to Badiyan Distribution, 720 W. 94th St., Minneapolis, MN 55420, with a check made payable to Badiyan Distribution.

1995 ABS conference draws many non-Bahá’ís

By ALLEGRA KAZEMZADEH

This year the Association for Bahá’í Studies changed its focus somewhat. For the first time all sessions of the four-day conference, held October 12-15 at the Hyatt Hotel in the San Francisco suburb of Burlingame, California, were open to a general audience. An extensive and unique publicity campaign was conducted to attract as many non-Bahá’ís as possible.

The Office of Public Information prepared a press release that was distributed to the major media in the San Francisco area including the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Jose Mercury News, The New Republic, the California Bar Journal, The American Educator, and Ms. Magazine.

Letters were sent to all the local Spiritual Assemblies informing them of the conference and asking them to consider inviting to attend the conference community leaders with whom they have been in contact. A number of Assemblies even sponsored their contacts to make it easier for them to attend. In addition, ABS waived the registration fees for non-Bahá’ís. An estimated 1,000 people attended the event.

One of the most interesting additions to this year’s conference was a half-day seminar titled “Local Community Challenges.”

The focus was on two major themes: racial polarization and urban problems. The program was divided into three parts: the first section featured reports by various outside agencies on the community projects in which they are involved; the second section consisted of reports from Bahá’ís about their community projects; the third section was a presentation on the Bahá’í International Community’s statement, “The Prosperity of Humankind.” Of the 100 people in attendance 10 percent were not Bahá’ís.

The annual Hasan Balyuzi lecture was presented by Amin Banani, a Bahá’í who is a professor emeritus of history at UCLA. His topic was “Táhirih: A Portrait in Poetry.”

Immediately following Dr. Banani’s address, poetry by Táhirih was performed in English by Muhtadia Rice of Los Angeles.

Presenters for the outside agencies included the executive director of World ThanksGiving Square (an agency that sponsors inter-faith and intercultural projects); the executive director from the San Diego area of the Human Relations and Fair Housing Association; a former ‎superintendant superintendent‎ of schools for Northern California; the director of Action Coalition for Global Change (a group recognized by the UN), and a police chief from Northern California.

Bahá’í presenters described the efforts of the Institutes for the Healing of Racism; the Bahá’í Models of Unity projects from Chicago, Atlanta, and Detroit; the Vision of a New Los Angeles (this association was developed by Mayor Bradley and the Human Relations Commission of Los Angeles along with the Bahá’ís); Peer Mediation and Violence Reduction, and the role of the arts in the community.

Most inspiring about the presentations was their focus on what is being done to help communities, rather than focusing on what hasn’t been done. The session stressed the notion that until we recognize the oneness of humanity we will not be able to solve either our local or global problems.

Friday evening’s keynote address on the conference theme, “Anarchy into Order: Uniting the Nations,” was presented by Techeste Ahderom, principal representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations.

Saturday afternoon’s plenary session included an address titled “‎Vigilance in Violations in Violations Vigilance in Violations‎ of Human Rights: Help or Hindrance in Efforts to Unite Nations?” by Dr. Frank C. Newman, justice (retired) of the California Supreme Court and former dean of the University of California-Berkeley Law School.

At Sunday’s plenary session on the advancement of women, Dr. Betty Reardon, director of the peace education program at Teachers College, Columbia University, spoke on “The Rising of the Women...”

The conference held some pleasant surprises. Men were well represented in discussions about women and gender issues. In one seminar several men asked specifically how they could be of help in achieving gender equality. A paper on “The Role of Male American Bahá’í Youth in the Advancement of Women” was given by a woman, while both a paper and a plenary session about women were presented by men.

The first day of the conference featured day-long seminars on such topics as race unity, education, computers and communication, and the study of religion. The Arts Institute, an arm of the ABS, addressed issues such as teaching and the arts.

An afternoon session was devoted to college students and to teaching on campuses. The ABS is working to develop its ties with college clubs. It plans to study what makes college clubs viable so that other clubs may be informed about successful teaching techniques. The ABS is also interested in developing a mentor program for youth in a variety of fields.

For information on the ABS and how it can help you in your teaching efforts please call Allegra Kazemzadeh at 708-733-3504. [Page 16]

THE VISION OF RACE UNITY

Vades America's most challenging issue

A Statement by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Racism is the most challenging issue confronting America. A nation whose ancestry includes every people on earth, whose motto is E pluribus unum, whose ideals of freedom under law have inspired millions throughout the world, cannot continue to harbor prejudice against any racial or ethnic group without betraying itself. Racism is an affront to human dignity, a cause of hatred and division, a disease that devastates society.

Notwithstanding the efforts already expended for its elimination, racism continues to work its evil upon this nation. Progress toward tolerance, mutual respect and unity has been painfully slow and marked with repeated setbacks. The recent resurgence of divisive racial attitudes, the increased number of racial incidents, and the deepening despair of minorities and the poor make the need for solutions ever more pressing and urgent. To ignore the problem is to expose the country to physical, moral and spiritual danger.

Aware of the magnitude and the urgency of the issue, we, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, speaking for the entire U.S. Bahá’í community, appeal to all people of goodwill to arise without further delay to resolve the fundamental social problem of this country. We do so because of our feeling of shared responsibility, because of the global experience of the Bahá’í community in effecting racial harmony within itself, and because of the vision that the sacred scriptures of our Faith convey of the destiny of America.

I

The oneness of humanity is the pivot round which revolve all the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith. It is at once a statement of principle and an assertion of the ultimate goal of human experience on the planet. More than a century ago, Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, wrote: "The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established." It is a principle that issues naturally from the genesis and purpose of human existence. The Word of God as presented in the Bahá’í writings offers compelling insights as in the following examples:

Veiled in My immemorial being and in the ancient eternity of My essence, I knew My love for thee; therefore I created thee, have engraved on thee Mine image and revealed to thee My beauty.

Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created. Since We have created you all from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being, by your deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of detachment may be made manifest. Such is My counsel to you, O concourse of light! Heed ye this counsel that ye may obtain the fruit of holiness from the tree of wondrous glory.

All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. The Almighty beareth Me witness: To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. Those virtues that befit his dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth.

Having gone through the stages of infancy and turbulent adolescence, humanity is now approaching maturity, a stage that will witness "the reconstruction and demilitarization of the whole civilized world—a world organically unified in all the essential aspects of its life." In no other country is the promise of organic unity more immediately demonstrable than in the United States because this country is a microcosm of the diverse populations of the earth. Yet this promise remains largely unrealized even here because of the endemic racism that, like a cancer, is corroding the vitals of the nation.

For too much of its history and in so many places the human race has squandered its energy and resources in futile efforts to prove the unprovable: that one portion of itself, because of separation by geography, a difference in skin color, or the diversity of cultural expression, is intrinsically distinct from another portion. The ignorance and prejudice on which such efforts are founded have led to endless conflicts in the name of the sanctity of tribe, race, class, nation and religion. Paradoxical as it may seem, in the consistency of these negative efforts across the spectrum of the race, humanity has proved the exact opposite: it has affirmed its oneness. The proof is in the fact that, given the same circumstances, all people, regardless of ethnic or cultural variety, behave essentially the same way.

In the futility of its efforts to classify and separate its diverse elements, humanity has become disoriented and confused. Unaided by the divine influence of religion, people are incapable of achieving a proper orientation to their innermost reality and purpose and are thus unable to achieve a coherent vision of their destiny. It is in this respect that the Bahá’ís find relevancy, direction and fulfillment in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of their Faith.

The oneness of humanity is a spiritual truth abundantly confirmed by science. Recognition of this truth compels the abandonment of all prejudices of race, color, creed, nation and class of "everything which enables people to consider themselves superior to others." The principle of the oneness of humankind "is no mere outburst of ignorant emotionalism or an expression of vague and pious hope....It does not constitute merely the enunciation of an ideal. ...It implies an organic change in the structure of present-day society, a change such as the world has not yet experienced."

II

The application of the spiritual principle of the oneness of humanity to the life of the nation would necessitate and make possible vast changes in the economic status of the non-white segments of the population. Although poverty afflicts members of all races its victims tend to be largely people of color. Prejudice and discrimination have created a disparity in the standards of living, providing some with excessive economic advantage while denying others the bare necessities for leading healthy and dignified lives. Poor housing, deficient diet, inadequate health care, insufficient education are consequences of poverty that afflict African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans more than they afflict the rest of the population. The cost to society at large is heavy.

Evidence of the negative effect of racial and ethnic conflict on the economy has prompted a number of businesses and corporations to institute educational programs that teach conflict resolution and are designed to eliminate racial and ethnic tensions from the workplace. These are important steps and should be encouraged. If, however, they are intended primarily to save the economy, no enduring solution will be found to the disastrous consequences of racism. For it cannot suffice to offer academic education and jobs to people while at the same time shutting them out because of racial prejudice from normal social intercourse based on brotherly love and mutual respect. The fundamental solution—the one that will reduce violence, regenerate and focus the intellectual and moral energy of minorities and make them partners in the construction of a progressive society—rests ultimately on the common recognition of the oneness of humankind.

It is entirely human to fail if that which is the most important to people's self-perception is denied them—namely, the dignity they derive from a genuine regard by others for their stature as human beings. No educational, economic or political plan can take the place of this essential human need; it is not a need that businesses and schools, or even governments, can provide in isolation from the supportive attitude of society as a whole. Such an attitude needs to be grounded in a spiritual and moral truth that all acknowledge and accept as their own and that, like the oxygen that serves all equally, breathes life into their common effort to live in unity and peace. Absence of the genuine regard for others fostered by such truth causes hopelessness in those discriminated against; and in a state of hopelessness, people lose the coherent moral powers to realize their potential. This vitalizing truth, we are convinced, is summarized in the phrase: the oneness of humankind.

So essential is the principle of the oneness of humanity to the efficacy of educational programs that it cannot be overemphasized. Without its broad influence such programs will not contribute significantly to the development of society. The very fact that businesses are themselves implementing educational programs is indicative of the glaring deficiency of the entire educational system. As we have already said, beyond the mechanisms of education lies the essential prerequisite of a proper attitude on the part of those dispensing curricula and, even more important, on the part of society as a whole. On this basis, education is not only the shortest route out of poverty; it is the shortest route out of prejudice as well. A national program of education, emphasizing the values of tolerance, brotherhood, appreciation for cultures other than one's own, and respect for differences would be a most important step toward the elimination of racism and, as a consequence, the bolstering of the economy. [Page 17]

RACE UNITY III

The persistent neglect by the governing bodies and the masses of the American people of the ravages of racism jeopardizes both the internal order and the national security of the country. From the day it was born the United States embraced a set of contradictory values. The founding fathers proclaimed their devotion to the highest principles of equality and justice yet enshrined slavery in the Constitution. Slavery poisoned the mind and heart of the nation and would not be abolished without a bloody civil war that nearly destroyed the young republic. The evil consequences of slavery are still visible in this land. They continue to affect the behavior of both black and white Americans and prevent the healing of old wounds.

Healing the wounds and building a society in which people of diverse backgrounds live as members of one family are the most pressing issues confronting America today. Her peace, her prosperity, and even her standing in the international community depend to a great extent on the resolution of this issue.

That the virulence of the race issue in America attracts the attention of the entire world should spur this country to an unprecedented effort to eliminate every vestige of prejudice and discrimination from her midst. America's example could not fail to have a profound influence on world society nor could it fail to assist the establishment of universal peace. "For the accomplishment of unity between the colored and white," the Bahá’í writings proclaim, "will be a cause of the world's peace."

The responsibility for the achievement of racial peace and unity in the United States rests upon both Black and White Americans. To build a society in which the rights of all its members are respected and guaranteed, both races must be animated with the spirit of optimism and faith in the eventual realization of their highest aspirations. Neither Black nor White Americans should assume that the responsibility for the elimination of prejudice and of its effects belongs exclusively to the other. Both must recognize that unity is essential for their common survival. Both must recognize that there is only one human species. Both must recognize that a harmoniously functioning society that permits the full expression of the potential of all persons can resolve the social and economic problems now confounding a society wracked with disunity.

It is evident that both Black and White Americans in large numbers are feeling deeply disappointed and frustrated by what each group perceives to be a failure of the efforts in recent decades at effecting progress in the relations between the races. To rationalize this failure, both have been reacting by retreating to the more familiar ground of racial separation. As the problems with crime and drug addiction mount, the tendency is to use the seeming intractability of these problems as a measure of the failure of years of struggle on the part of both to overcome the barriers of centuries. Formidable as is the challenge yet to be met, can it fairly be said that no significant progress has taken place since the days of the sit-ins at lunch counters across the South?

Similarly, the victims of a protracted and entrenched racial discrimination seek relief in the notion that Black Americans, White Americans, American Indians, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans are so distinctly different from one another that all of them must stake out their own cultural and social territories and stay within them. Would this be sensible? Would it not be a retreat from the reality of our common humanity? Would it not be a formula for the total breakdown of civilization? Those who raise the call for separation preach a grim doctrine indeed. If the nation is seriously to submit to such a view, where exactly will either the Black or the White Americans divide their cultural heritage, one from the other?

Racism runs deep. It infects the hearts of both White and Black Americans. Since without conscious, deliberate and sustained effort, no one can remain unaffected by its corrosive influence, both groups must realize that such a problem can neither easily nor immediately be resolved. "Let neither think that anything short of genuine love, extreme patience, true humility, consummate tact, sound initiative, mature wisdom, and deliberate, persistent and prayerful effort can succeed in blotting out the stain which this patent evil has left on the fair name of their common country."

Both groups must understand that no real change will come about without close association, fellowship and friendship among diverse people. Diversity of color, nationality and culture enhances the human experience and should never be made a barrier to harmonious relationships, to friendship, or to marriage. "O well-beloved ones!" Bahá’u’lláh wrote, "The tabernacle of unity has been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch."

IV

Our appeal is addressed primarily to the individual American, because the transformation of a whole nation ultimately depends on the initiative and change of character of the individuals who compose it. No great idea or plan of action by the government or other interested organizations can hope to succeed if the individual neglects to respond in his or her own way as personal circumstances and opportunities permit. And so we respectfully and urgently call upon our fellow Americans of whatever background to look at the racial situation with new eyes and with a new determination to lend effective support to the resolution of a problem that hinders the advance of this great republic toward the full realization of its glorious destiny.

We mention the experience of the Bahá’í community not from any feeling of pride and ultimate victory, because that which we have accomplished still falls short of that to which we aspire; nonetheless, the results to date are most encouraging, and it is as a means of encouragement that we call attention to them.

From its inception in 1863 the Bahá’í community was dedicated to the principle of the unity of humankind. Bahá’ís rely upon faith in God, daily prayer, meditation and study of sacred texts to effect the transformation of character necessary for personal growth and maturity; however, their aim is to create a world civilization that will in turn react upon the character of the individual. Thus the concept of personal salvation is linked to the salvation, security and happiness of all the inhabitants of the earth and stems from the Bahá’í belief that "the world of humanity is a composite body" and that "when one part of the organism suffers all the rest of the body will feel its consequence."

Guided and inspired by such principles, the Bahá’í community has accumulated more than a century of experience in creating models of unity that transcend race, culture, nationality, class, and the differences of sex and religion, providing empirical evidence that humanity in all its diversity can live as a unified global society. Bahá’ís see unity as the law of life; consequently, all prejudices are perceived as diseases that threaten life. Rather than considering that the unity of humankind can be established only after other problems afflicting it have been solved, Bahá’ís believe that both spiritual and material development are dependent upon love and unity.

Therefore, the Bahá’ís offer the teachings of their Faith and the example of their community for examination, convinced that these can make a contribution toward the eradication of racism endemic in American society. We do so with firm faith in the assistance of our Creator, Who, out of His infinite love, brought forth all humanity from the same stock and intended that all belong to the same household. We believe, moreover, that the day of the unification of the entire human race has come and that "the potentialities inherent in the station of man, the innate excellence of his reality, must all be manifested in this promised Day of God."

ADDENDUM

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States is the national administrative body for the Bahá’ís of the United States. The Assembly has nine members and is elected annually by delegates from the forty-eight contiguous states. It directs, coordinates and stimulates the activities of local Bahá’í administrative bodies and of the 110,000 Bahá’ís in the United States.

The Bahá’í Faith is an independent world religion with adherents in virtually every country. The worldwide Bahá’í community, numbering more than five million, includes almost all nationalities and classes. More than 2,100 ethnic groups and tribes are represented. There are 155 National Spiritual Assemblies.

Bahá’u’lláh was the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. The central principles of His religion are the oneness of God, the oneness of religion, and the oneness of humanity. His religion "proclaims the necessity and the inevitability of the unification of mankind....It, moreover, enjoins upon its followers the primary duty of an unfettered search after truth, condemns all manner of prejudice and superstition, declares the purpose of religion to be the promotion of amity and concord, proclaims its essential harmony with science, and recognizes it as the foremost agency for the pacification and the orderly progress of human society. It unequivocally maintains the principle of equal rights, opportunities and privileges for men and women, insists on compulsory education, eliminates extremes of poverty and wealth, abolishes the institution of priesthood, prohibits slavery, asceticism, mendicancy and monasticism, prescribes monogamy, discourages divorce, emphasizes the necessity of strict obedience to one's government, exalts any work performed in the spirit of service to the level of worship, urges either the creation or the adoption of an auxiliary international language, and delineates the outlines of those institutions that must establish and perpetuate the general peace of mankind."

Copyright ©1991 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States [Page 18]

'Army of Light' spreads Word in Torrington, Connecticut

A focus on youth teaching youth in Torrington, Connecticut, this summer brought two souls into the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and drew many other young people to His message.

Army of Light Bahá’í youth from Connecticut, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maine and Pennsylvania came to the birthplace of the late Hand of the Cause Horace A. Holley for the third-year project.

Directed by longtime pioneer Ludi Johnson, the youth taught on the street and at the local soup kitchen, parks, swimming pools, beach and library.

Several Torrington residents they met came later to the downtown storefront Bahá’í center, where the Army of Light teachers spoke about the Faith, presented sing-alongs with guitar accompaniment and showed Bahá’í videos.

The young Bahá’ís also forged bonds with the Bahá’ís of the area, taking part in Feasts, firesides and children's classes.

And they learned much about Mr. Holley from author/editor Claire Vreeland who told them of the tests he overcame during a childhood and youth spent in the small industrial town and later as an active Bahá’í serving as secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada. The life stories of earlier Bahá’ís, she told them, demonstrate the spiritual transformation that takes place within those who arise and serve.

Bahá’í’s teaching trip gives new meaning to word 'engagement'

Matthew Levine's recent 15,000-mile traveling teaching trip across the United States gave new meaning to the word "engagement."

The Bahá’í performer had many engagements of the musical variety along the way. He sang in venues ranging from living rooms to college auditoriums—even someone's garage when rain chased an outdoors concert indoors.

Serendipitously, Mr. Levine also entered into an engagement of the marital variety during the trip. He met Jia-Yi Cheng, a Bahá’í from Taiwan who is studying for her doctorate in American literature, at the home of Mary Ann and Richard Rood in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Three weeks later, he popped the question and she said "yes."

The five-month tour of 28 states started from Los Angeles, with the first stop May 6 in Mesa, Arizona. On September 27, it wound up in Redmond, Washington. A performance at the Green Lake Bahá’í Conference in Wisconsin punctuated the journey.

Mr. Levine's experiences, as any traveling teacher can attest, were many and varied. The following excerpt from his journal entry for September 11 gives some of the flavor:

"Lynn Howell-Sinnard and I went to the Pedestrian Mall in Iowa City, Iowa, to meet someone who would give us the keys to the International Student Lounge, where I would perform that evening.

"While we were waiting, Lynn introduced me to a kindred soul named Rick Weber, a singer/guitarist who grew up in Harlem and had driven a cab at one time for Lynn's parents' taxi service. I found out that his favorite songwriter is Joni Mitchell, who is mine also. We hit it off pretty well.

"... About a dozen people appeared for my presentation, half of them seekers. I talked and sang, they asked questions, I answered, we took a break and then Rick Weber, who brought his guitar, and I jammed for about 15 minutes when a cheerful Bahá’í asked me if I had a declaration card. I didn't but Billy Howell-Sinnard came to the rescue.

"Nile Smith, a 51-year-old, gray-bearded, cowboy-hatted, sneaker-fitted professional writer who is published by The New Yorker, Atlantic Monthly and other assorted periodicals, declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh!

"I then congratulated Nile Smith and asked him for the details. He said he was walking down the street yesterday when he heard some music and followed the strain. He found me singing a song or two, after which I pointed to the Bahá’í table and told anyone who wanted information to go there, so he did. He talked with Lynn and told her that he agreed with everything he heard.

"He was invited to my performance the next night and he came with a friend. ... Afterward, he declared with such enthusiasm he felt he could bring thousands of people in Iowa City into the Faith single-handedly...."

Matthew Levine (second from left in top row) poses with new-found friends. He met them when he performed for children taking part in a summer program at a church in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio.

Matthew Levine (and flute)

Mr. Levine's first thought upon returning home was to thank "everyone that I met, especially the friends who provided hospitality, for your kindness and enthusiasm. I wish I'd had more time to spend in each community, but there were too many places to visit."

His assessment of the journey? "It was a wonderful trip in many ways, and I hope to do it again some day."

Telephone number for the Bahá’í National Center Bulletin Board Service (BNCBBS): 708-869-0389.

National Spiritual Assembly continues to seek financial support for The American Bahá’í

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

As a 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í will continue to be mailed free of charge, as has always been the case, to all Bahá’í 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.

Some words of thanks to Torrington Assembly for Horace Holley Project

To the Spiritual Assembly of Torrington, Connecticut Horace Holley Bahá’í Teaching Project 274 Main St. Torrington, CT 06098

Dear Friends,

I want to thank Ludi [Johnson] for offering me an opportunity to be present at the Horace Holley Center on the evening of August 8, when there were so many outstanding Bahá’í youth from the Army of Light as well as five young people who are seekers.

Never could I have dreamed there would be such a group of responsive, talented, caring youth as the Army of Light teaching team present that evening.

And then there was Isaac, so eloquent and sincere, knowledgeable, and concerned about what is happening in the world today, expressing his concern that the high-technology global communications systems such as the Internet, fax machines, etc., may create great harm if used by the wrong powers, [and] motivated with the desire to learn how to create films that focus on spirituality.

His sincerity, eagerness to learn, willingness to be of help moved me, as did the wonderful performance of the Bahá’í youth singers.

The youths' deep admiration for Ludi, the strength and solidarity given by the presence of other adult Bahá’í teachers, the unity and harmony within the group was a tangible and sustaining force. I could see this reflected in my husband's expression as he sat enjoying the performance of the young people as they sang selections from Godspell, Bahá’í songs, and new songs written by one of the youth.

The bright response of this wonderful group rekindled my desire to teach, and its revitalizing effect sustains me even today.

Thank you again, Torrington Bahá’ís, for continuing the Horace Holley Teaching Project, one that is blessed with the service of Ludi Johnson, an extraordinary teacher and role model.

Cordially, Claire Vreeland August 15, 1995

"A corollary to the sacred obligation of the friends to contribute to the Funds of the Faith is the direct and unavoidable responsibility of each local and National Assembly to educate them in the spiritual principles related to Bahá’í contributions. Failure to educate the friends in this aspect of the Faith is tantamount to consciously depriving them of the spiritual benefits accruing from giving in the path of God."—The Universal House of Justice, April 13, 1975 [Page 19]

Youthful voices, ideas enhance discussion of Fund development

Last year at a meeting with William E. Davis, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, a group of youth consulted on the need for a greater connection between youth and the Fund. So many wonderful ideas were offered: providing related materials, creating special communication for youth through e-mail, video and news letters, encouraging youth leadership in the local community.... to name just a few!

Here's the good news! Since then at least 3/4 of these suggestions have been or are in the process of being implemented, some of which are:

(a) providing deepening materials for youth regarding their role with the Fund

(b) helping to build a closer relationship between the youth the institutions of the Faith

(c) producing videos for the youth and about the youth and their activities

(d) creating communication vehicles-such as this youth page in The American Bahá’í which is designed to communicate with and to address the interests of the youth.

Just so you know:

How about some more good news? The voice of the youth and their participation in this process has been invaluable! Therefore to continue the process, we have created an avenue for you to stay connected regarding the Fund. We would love to here more of your suggestions, questions, ideas, and success stories!

So keep an eye out for the Treasurer's Office booth at the National Youth Conference in Dallas Dec. 29-31. Keep the other eye out for the showing of a video including a special word from Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum and reflections of the accomplishments and victories of the American Bahá’í youth throughout the Three Year Plan!

You can also send your letters to Mona Movagh or Allegra Kazemzadeh at 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 or e-mail the Treasurer's Office: (phone 708-733-3475) or the Teaching Office: usbnc.org (phone 708-733-3504).

As the sign here indicates, the Twin Cities Bahá’í Youth Workshop's 1995 summer teaching tour (July 29-August 12) took the group to Canada as well as to the Standing Rock and Pine Ridge Resevations in the Dakotas and Bismarck, Minot and Fargo, North Dakota. In Canada, the young Bahá’ís from Minnesota visited and taught in Regina, Saskatchewan, and Brandon, Selkirk and Winnipeg, Manitoba. At the Standing Rock Reservation, the Workshop was given a handmade star quilt as a token of friendship and appreciation for its efforts to promote peace, love and unity.

The Major Bahá’í Funds & What They Do

The Local Bahá’í Fund: Supports the expansion, consolidation and administration of the local Bahá’í community.

The National Bahá’í Fund: Supports the efforts of the National Spiritual Assembly to coordinate Bahá’í activities throughout the country; maintains the Bahá’í House of Worship, other Bahá’í properties and the Bahá’í schools; supports the Bahá’í International Fund, the work of other national communities and provides deputization for pioneers when necessary.

The Bahá’í International Fund: Enables the Universal House of Justice to provide for the staff at the Bahá’í World Center, their families and the facilities in which they serve; to assist National Spiritual Assemblies to accomplish their tasks and programs; to provide for the Holy places; and to care for pilgrims and visitors to the Bahá’í World Center.

The Continental Bahá’í Fund: Enables the Continental Board of Counselors and its Auxiliary Boards to perform their missions of protection and propagation of the Faith.

Teaching plans-they're not just for grown-ups anymore

Teaching plans-they're not just for grown-ups anymore as this sampling of plans set forth by some of the younger members of our community demonstrates:

When my friends talk about religion I will tell them about being Bahá’í. Then I will pray that they understood what I told them. I will help my brother understand the Bahá’í Faith. I will pray that he will grow up to learn as much as I am learning.—Rachel, age 7

I will learn a new prayer. I will wear my (Mankind Is One) button to story time. I will share and be kind to my friends.—Kirstie, age 3

I will show what it means to be Bahá’í by sharing, obeying my parents, being honest and not hurting anyone. I will pray for God's help.—Jesse, age 4

I will memorize a teaching prayer and say it every day. I sang "Look at Me, Follow Me, Be As I Am" to my preschool class. I will invite a friend to Bahá’í children's class. I will give my teacher an Ayyam-i-Há present with a Bahá’í book or pamphlet. I will show kindness to others.—Byron, age 5

TO THE BAT PHONE, ROBIN!

Actually, to the Bahá’í phone. Introducing 1-800-DWN-BRKR. This 800 number will give you information on many topics:

(a)—A short "fireside" on the Faith for non-Bahá’ís

(b)—Information about youth activities

c)—Information about programs at the permanent schools and institutes

d)—Information from the Teaching Office

Look forward to hearing from you!!

JOIN US AT THE DALLAS BAHÁ’Í YOUTH CONFERENCE

Theme: Excellence in All Things

Hooray for the holidays!

This year you're in for a treat if you join us at the Youth Conference in Dallas. All of the speakers, presenters and entertainers will be youth. The old folks are taking a definite back seat this year so you all can shine. Believe it or not, we get a huge charge from your energy and enthusiasm.

The National Teaching Committe is doing a few other new things this year. We will be having youth run seminars for college-age students, and we are leaving more time for you to socialize and get to know each other. Building strong ties with your fellow youth will go a long way toward building strong teaching projects and strong communities.

Our entertainment programs are focusing on unity in diversity. We hope to have lots of interesting performers for you to enjoy. There will also be a booth especially for those who are interested in or already attending college.

We've had a large number of registrations, so if you're planning to be in Dallas send in your registration in as soon as you can!

If you have any questions please call our new Bahá’í hotline: 1-800-DWNBRKR (1-800-396-2757).

THE ARMY OF LIGHT was DERE

News of your teaching initiatives is important to us. Please clip and send this information to: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 OR email to that utilized the Army of Light:

Type of teaching activity: Dates: Location: Notes on results: Name and address of person sending this report: For more information, contact: [Page 20]

Center for Study of the Texts

Through the maze of wooden formwork and steel protrusions, the design of the building of the Center for the Study of the Texts is clearly taking shape.

By successfully maintaining the optimum rate of 1,000 cubic meters of concrete pour a month, between 6,000 and 7,000 cubic meters now remain to be poured from the estimated 19,000 cubic meters.

The building has already reached level 7, with only two more levels to be cast. The installation of mechanical services, in particular the air-conditioning, have begun on the lower floors.

The mechanical requirements of the buildings around the Arc have been designed to provide maximum control of the environment. Each building is equipped with several Air Handling Units that will generate cooling and heating air to serve the needs of various areas.

The nature of the buildings is such that cooling or heating with controlled temperature is required at the same time the year round. For example, all conservation areas in the Archives extension need 24-hour chilled water service which is channeled through Air Handling Units equipped with special air treatment chemical media filters to control polluted gases and particulates.

This is essential to provide completely sterile conditions in which to preserve the Holy Writings.

The buildings are connected to the main plant room in the parking bay close to the Seat of the Universal House of Justice through service pipes in the Arc service tunnel.

Its capacity is being extended and the plant room equipped with domestic booster assembly, various pumps for heating, cooling and fire extinguishing purposes, to be channeled through booster pump room juxtaposed between the Seat and the Teaching Center.

The base walls of the tunnel that will provide access to the parking building from Crusader Road are complete, and work will soon begin on casting its roof. This tunnel is 60 meters (198 feet) long, 10 meters (33 feet) wide and five meters (161/2 feet) high, and connects with the parking building at level 6.

Because of its dimensions, its roof will be cast in 15 sections, each four meters (more than 13 feet) long. A steel form has been constructed in the shape of its roof and has arrived on site to help in the concreting operation.

Due to the close relationship of this site to Terraces 11-14 above the Shrine of the Báb, the completion of this tunnel is essential for the commencement of construction of these Terraces.

International Teaching Center

The walls and columns of the Teaching Center from foundation to level 2 have been completed.

A vital activity recently begun on this site is the removal of the ramp which had earlier been constructed to access the site. Its removal is essential to extend the foundations of the Teaching Center, as it occupies almost 25 percent of the building areas.

The removal entails excavation and relocation of about 10,000 cubic meters of earth. The ramp, which is 18 meters (nearly 60 feet) at its highest level, is being removed in several stages to enable the remaining rock anchors to be installed in the micropile retaining wall.

As some of the completed walls are adjacent to the ramp, steel plates are temporarily fixed on top of the walls to protect them from the falling rock debris during excavation.

As construction of the Teaching Center proceeds floor by floor, backfilling and waterproofing within and outside the building are being carried out simultaneously. After these operations are completed, work on the trenches for the mechanical and drainage pipes will be undertaken and the ground floor slab constructed.

Lower Terraces

The ceremonial approach to the Shrine of the Báb leads through the nine lower Terraces from the foot of Mount Carmel, and descends from the ridge of the mountain to the Shrine through the nine upper Terraces.

As part of the adornment of this ceremonial approach there will be, along with the ornamental statuary, diverse and colorful plants within brick edgings, and paths prepared with crushed ocher-colored roof tiles.

In the inner areas of Terrace 9, which is larger than the other lower Terraces, there are two large planter beds that will have emerald-green gass of the Zoysia variety known in Israel as "super El Toro."

These preparations are being showcased on Terrace 9 immediately below the Shrine of the Báb and soon will be taken up on Terrace 8.

The sides of the Duranta repens hedges planted on both sides of the central stairway some months ago are being trimmed, and their tops will be scalloped by next summer.

The informal areas to the east of Terraces 9 to 5 are also developing with lovely rockery plantings, cactus, succulents and other drought-tolerant plants. Similar work is being done to the west of these Terraces.

Upper Terraces

Terraces 12, 14, 16 and 18 are similar in configuration to the lower Terraces and will be planted with sod in the same way as those Terraces.

Due to their steepness and the difficulty of mowing, Terraces 12, 13 and 17 will be planted with a ground cover that does not require regular mowing.

Extensive research was carried out to find a ground cover that would meet the landscaping requirements of the upper Terraces.

They included the following: must cover the ground quickly to minimize erosion during the rains; must be deep-rooted to hold the soil; must stay low-growing with minimal maintenance to preserve the slope geometry; should be drought-tolerant; should be close in color to the grass.

The final selection of ground covers will be made from ivy, juniper and Phylla nodiflora, also known as "Lippia," which has very fine-textured leaves and tiny pink button flowers.

Additionally, an erosion control system has been chosen to help hold the topsoil in place on the very steep slopes which range from 35 degrees to 60 degrees.

The system includes stair-stepped boulders below the topsoil to provide base stability, and the use of plastic honeycombed cellular confinement material at the top of the topsoil level to provide structure and prevent surface runoff.

The cellular confinement panels are anchored to the boulders to prevent movement.

Pressed by both project scheduling and the approach of the rainy season, installation of lawn grass and ground covers on the slopes of the four upper Terraces, 15-18, will be expedited and carried out simultaneously. [Page 21]

Models of Terraces and Shrine displayed in 'Haifa 2000' exhibit

Models of the Shrine of the Báb and the Terraces on Mount Carmel were displayed as a part of "Haifa 2000," an exhibition held June 19-27 in the Israeli port city.

Initiated by Haifa's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the City Bureau for Promoting and Initiating Projects, and various private groups, the exhibition was designed to showcase unique projects that depict the city's development and changing business climate.

The Bahá’í World Center was invited to display its projects and given a choice location in which to do so.

The exhibition dates coincided with two international conferences in the city. As a result, it was visited by dignitaries from Israel and overseas including the Israeli Foreign Minister and the Minister for Housing of the United Kingdom.

Among others who came to "Haifa 2000" were delegations of businessmen, economists, entrepreneurs and residents of Haifa. One of the local newspapers wrote: "The exhibits, which were partly built models of the projects, such as the Bahá’í gardens, the marina model...etc. and partly computerized simulations, enabled the visitor to get an impression of how Haifa will look in a few years."

The mayor of Haifa visited several times, bringing with him prominent persons, and explained the Terraces project to them. On one occasion he greeted a Bahá’í volunteer, saying how important it is for the people of Haifa to see the models and support the Bahá’í project, especially before work on the bridge over Hatzionut Avenue begins.

It may be recalled that this bridge is to link the Terrace of the Shrine of the Báb with the Terrace immediately above it and will entail the relocation of several municipal utilities on the street.

Many visitors expressed pleasure on seeing the models of the Terraces. A common refrain was that the project is "wonderful," and Bahá’í volunteers were often asked when the project would be completed and open to the public.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry wrote to the office of the Project Manager: "We wish to express appreciation and thanks for your participation in the exhibition....

"The exhibition tent design, its surrounding, and the exhibitors' pavilions joined together to achieve the great success of the exhibition for businessmen and the wider public. This success would not have been possible without your participation and the presentation of your impressive projects...."

Knowledge, volition, action are keys to constructing Arc

To the Bahá’ís of the world, the essential verity of Mount Carmel as the spiritual and administrative Centers of their Faith, as revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in the Tablet of Carmel, is confirmed knowledge.

The transformation of this knowledge into a physical reality began with the construction of the Shrine of the Báb through the exemplary volition and action of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. It gathered momentum under Shoghi Effendi who enhanced the Shrine and built the International Bahá’í Archives, heralding "the establishment of the exalted World Administrative Center of the Faith on this Holy Mountain." (From a letter dated Naw-Rúz 111 B.E. to the Bahá’ís of the East; translated from the Persian)

It is now reaching its climax under the direction of the Universal House of Justice as the projects of the Arc and the Terraces. As signified by this august body, these projects are advancing with "a momentum that can abide no delay." (The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 152 B.E.) It now requires the volition and action of Bahá’ís of this generation, young and old, male and female, rich and poor, to maintain this momentum.

Although Bahá’ís from around the world have rallied to help raise the buildings of the Arc and build the Terraces, it became necessary for the House of Justice to send the following cable on March 17, 1995, to the National Spiritual Assemblies of Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States:

"Deeply concerned review Arc Projects fund indicates rate flow contributions lamentably low. If outpouring funds not sharply accelerated Three Year Plan goal will not be attained, with damaging consequences progress vital project. Forty million dollars needed course this final year of Plan. Essential take further steps through series well-planned well-attended meetings friends in North America and Europe addressed by member Universal House of Justice. Have asked ‘Alí Nakhjavání undertake this mission."

The itinerary included London, New York City, Washington D.C., Dallas, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto, Chicago, Brussels and Frankfurt am Main, and lasted for 35 days. During these visits Mr. Nakhjavání addressed large Bahá’í audiences, firing their imagination with the vision for this Holy Mountain, inspiring them with stories of Bahá’ís in the time of the Master and the Guardian who sacrificed their material possessions in the path of the Cause, reminding Bahá’ís of their obligation and privilege to contribute to the Funds, presenting practical and logistical reasons for completing the projects at the present time, and above all, reminding them of the prophecies regarding the completion of these projects.

On June 20, the Universal House of Justice transmitted electronically to all National Spiritual Assemblies the glad tidings that the entire sum of U.S. $40 million had been ensured "through immediate contributions, from pledges, and donations in kind, enabling this vital enterprise, which is progressing at full force, to proceed without any need to interrupt the construction work."

It is extremely important, however, to note the following significant statement by the Universal House of Justice in the concluding paragraphs of that same message:

"From the conclusion of the Three Year Plan, approximately U.S. $10 million annually will still be required until the end of the century, when the projects under way on Mount Carmel are expected to be completed.

"If all 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."

Undoubtedly, the friends will make every effort to ensure the realization of the remaining pledges in the last months of the Three Year Plan. The glorious and inestimable bounty of giving our mite in the establishment of the "exalted World Administrative Center of the Faith" in His Vineyard is ours in this day, if we muster our will and arise to act upon it, to bring to fruition the promise of the Kingdom of God on earth. [Page 22]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE NATIONAL Treasurer’s Office has openings for an accountant and accounts receivable cashier. Both are full-time 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, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3429).

THE OFFICE of the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands needs an experienced administrative assistant to the national secretary. Position to be filled sometime in the first half of 1996. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509; e-mail

EXCITING overseas opportunities. Teaching positions available in Changchun, Jilin; Huainin, Anhui, Shanxi; Shenyang, Liaoning; Huizhou, Guangdong, China. Medical educator needed by Project Hope. For more information, please contact Ms. Gwili Posey, 708-733-3512 (fax 708-733-3509; or email

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School invites applications from mature youth and adults for its year-of-service program. While all skills and interests are invited for consideration, there is an immediate and continuing need for volunteer help in the following areas: office support and front desk, food service, housekeeping, bookstore and library. There is also an anticipated need for a group recreation leader for June-August 1996. Inquiries may be sent c/o Mrs. Penny Schmicker, volunteer services, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail

STUDY COURSES

THE WILMETTE Institute has begun enrolling the second group of students for the study program “Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization,” aimed at systematic learning and teaching of the Bahá’í Faith. The registered students will be provided regularly with self-study materials and homework assignments. They will have the opportunity to use GLOBAL, a special electronic network, and to take part in specially arranged telephone conferences for interaction with faculty and fellow students. The correspondence component of the program began in October, with the residential component to be offered in July 1996. For more information about this unique learning experience, contact the registrar, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 708-733-3492 or 1-800-DWN-BRKR; fax 708-733-3502; e-mail wilmette

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas. AFRICA: Angola—EPI trainer to teach EPI courses, MCH trainer to train local counterparts in pre-natal and post-natal care, etc., nurse practitioner to provide refresher training and rapid skills upgrade for nurses in local hospital setting. Gabon—technical adviser to provide technical advice and support to the national director of the Gambia project to maintain the biodiversity of the area. Tanzania—urgent need for English teachers. AMERICAS: Bolivia—agriculture & natural resources sector manager needed by CARE to oversee a large portfolio of projects. Puerto Rico—caretaker for the Amoz Gibson/Gordon Laite Bahá’í Institute. ASIA: Hong Kong—project director needed by nonprofit international child welfare and adoption agency. Japan—teachers needed for the Japan exchange and teaching program. Korea—English teachers. Macau—teachers. Vietnam—Montessori school needs trained pre-school, elementary school teachers. Sakhalin—teachers. Tajikistan—data collection & analysis coordinator needed by Save the Children. AUSTRALASIA: Australia—generalists and specialists needed for 2-24-month assignments. Hawaii—administrative assistant to the National Spiritual Assembly secretary. Tonga—school principal for primary school. EUROPE: Hungary—project accountant needed by relief and development agency to plan and administer accounting and financial services for program in Albania. Russia—University of Maryland college teaching opportunities. MULTI-REGIONAL: university faculty needed for teaching positions on U.S. military bases overseas. Panama has urgent need for two Spanish-speaking couples to serve in the Kuna region of the San Blas Islands. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509; e-mail

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

THE NEWLY-FORMED Spiritual Assembly of Clifton, New Jersey, is seeking homefront pioneers to help broaden community membership. If you are interested, please write to the Bahá’ís of Clifton, P.O. Box 335, Clifton, NJ 07011, or phone the Assembly secretary, Fran Goods, at 201-253-1446.

LOVELY MONTEREY, California, needs homefront pioneers to help its endangered Assembly. Monterey is a pleasant city about 100 miles south of San Francisco, in an area that has much to offer: an ideal California coastal climate, world-famous attractions, and the brand new California State University-Monterey Bay now open. For more information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Monterey, P.O. Box 1131, Monterey, CA 93940.

COME be a part of the heartland! Bethany, Oklahoma (a suburb of Oklahoma City), needs three new members to help save its jeopardized Assembly. Bethany has excellent schools, is close to several medical facilities, only minutes away from the Bahá’í Center in Oklahoma City with easy freeway access to jobs in nearby communities. If you are interested, we will help you relocate, find a job and suitable housing, or anything else we can do. Please help! Write to Rose Dana, 4600 N.W. 31st St., Bethany, OK 73008, or phone 405-491-0840.

HELP ESTABLISH an Assembly in Canby, a small (pop. 10,000), growing rural city in Oregon, only 30 minutes from Portland. Canby, close to Mt. Hood and the Pacific Ocean, has excellent schools and recreational facilities, a senior center, metropolitan bus system and moderate climate. New housing and rentals are available; small industries are hiring; and there are colleges and universities in the area. A strong Bahá’í community is ready to lend its support to newcomers. Write to the Spiritual Assembly of Clackamas County South, P.O. Box 573, Canby, OR 97013-0573, or phone 503-266-9630 or 503-266-9898.

COME to snow-free South Gate, a Three Year Plan goal city of 50,000 in Southern California. Ideal location, half-hour drive to the Pacific Ocean, many employment opportunities, good schools, large Latino community plus well-diversified neighborhoods. We need six Bahá’ís for this homefront pioneering post; will help in relocation. Contact Patti McDowell, 4920 Firestone Blvd., Apt. 10, South Gate, CA 90280 (phone 213-569-6740) or Jim Wells, 10222 San Vincente Ave., South Gate, CA 90280 (phone 213-564-8570).

RETIRED believers who are self-sufficient can help with teaching on Indian Reservations by relocating to homefront pioneer. For more information, please contact Ada James at the National Teaching Committee Office, 708-869-9039, ext. 361.

TEACHING

WASHINGTON state’s King County Inter-Assembly Council for Teaching No. 4 (I-ACT No. 4) invites you to join the Amatu’l-Bahá Teaching Crusade. Full-and part-time teachers are needed; housing and a stipend will be provided for full-time teachers. Youth are encouraged to take part, and the time may be added to one’s year of service. You’ll be teaching for the first six months at Redmond’s new Bahá’í Center. Details for the next six months are being worked out. The local Assemblies/Groups of I-ACT No. 4 are dedicated to helping you with logistics, transportation, materials, coordination, guiding new believers, etc. For information, contact Regan Doyle, P.O. Box 1507, Duvall, WA 98019-1507 (phone 206-788-2897; e-mail or Rick Schaut, Redmond, WA 98052-1190 (phone 206-881-8595; e-mail

WANTED

WANTED: copies of the prayer “Blessed Is the Spot” in as many languages as are available in print. I will embroider them. Please send to Helen Smith, 14751 S.W. 16th St., Ocala, FL 34482 (phone 904-622-4569).

I AM COMPILING stories for a book about how God works mysteriously in our lives through 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, 107 Azalea Dr., Red Bank, TN 37415; e-mail

“SONGS from Our Children’s Hearts,” a project designed to spark and encourage creativity in our children, is looking for original songs based on Bahá’í themes and written by children (ages 14 and under). The project, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Beacon, New York, depends upon enough quality material being received. It could lead to a recording of selected songs to be sung by Red Grammer, Laurie Early and others, with all proceeds going toward scholarship funds to enable more children to attend Bahá’í schools. Please send your name, age, address and telephone number with a cassette recording of your song(s)—non-returnable—and lyric sheet to Laurie Early, c/o BIC, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017 (no phone calls, please).

WANTED: traveling teachers who may be in or near the Des Moines, Iowa, area. The Des Moines Area Teaching Committee is establishing a program of public firesides called “Crossroads.” Meetings are to be held the second Thursday evening each month; special programs can be arranged for anyone wishing to use this format. For details, please write to Napolun Birdsong or Pamela Knox, 1415 E. 25th St., Des Moines, IA 50317, or phone 515-263-2778 (daytime answering machine) or 515-961-0605 (evening answering machine).

FOR HISTORICAL reasons I am trying to document the locations of the following book: The Dawn-Breakers, special limited edition of 150 copies, specially bound and signed and numbered by the Guardian. If you have one of these volumes, or know someone who does, please contact me. All I need is the number and location of the particular book. Payam Afsharian, 14120 Hubbard St., Los Angeles, CA 90024 (phone 310-441-0413; fax 213-383-9417; e-mail

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Adib Abbas (died St. Paul, MN, 1948), Hasan Abbas Abu, Albert Ackerman (died Corona, CA, 1951), Edytha Ackerman, Henry Ackerman (died Newark, NJ), Lura M. Ackerman (died Montclair, NJ), Revela Ackerman (died Riverside, CA) and Charles Adams (died Portland, OR). Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611, or phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives has available several free information sheets on local archives and records. Any local Bahá’í community that wishes to obtain a set is asked to send a request with mailing address to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 708-869-9039).

SCHOOLS, CONFERENCES

SILENT AUCTION at the Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference. In previous years the Spiritual Assembly of Scottsdale, with the help of participants, has been privileged to raise about $1.5 million for the Arc Projects. Those who wish to donate items for the silent auction (i.e., antiques, jewelry, rugs, etc.) are asked to contact Sal Hedayati, 8502 E. Chapman Ave., No. 118, Scottsdale, AZ 85256 (phone 602-991-9326; office, 602-955-0390; fax, 602-224-6312).

MISCELLANEOUS

WHOEVER would like to donate some of the Writings in Spanish, in Braille, to a Spanish seeker who is sightless, please contact Barry True, Calle de Arturo Soria 218, 5A, 28033 Madrid 28080, Spain. [Page 23]

Arc

Continued from page 9

whelmed was He with emotion.

“The most joyful tidings is this,’ He wrote later in a Tablet announcing to His followers the news of this glorious victory, ‘that the holy, the luminous body of the Báb...after having for sixty years been transferred from place to place, by reason of the ascendancy of the enemy, and from fear of the malevolent, and having known neither rest nor tranquillity has, through the mercy of the Abhá Beauty, been ceremoniously deposited, on the day of Naw-Rúz, within the sacred casket, in the exalted Shrine on Mt. Carmel. ...’”

The Guardian then quotes these words of the Master, from that same Tablet:

“By a strange coincidence, on that same day of Naw-Rúz, a cablegram was received from Chicago, announcing that the believers in each of the American centers had elected a delegate and sent to that city...and definitely decided on the site and construction of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár.” (God Passes By, p. 276)

In 1948, we find the beloved Shoghi Effendi writing to the American Bahá’ís, congratulating us on our progress with the Temple work, and again linking that achievement with the Shrine of the Báb:

“That the launching of one of these fundamental activities to be conducted by your Assembly during the present year—the commencement of the interior ornamentation of the Mother Temple of the West—should have so closely synchronized with the placing of the first two contracts for the completion of the Sepulcher of the Báb, as contemplated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, is indeed a phenomenon of singular significance.”

The Guardian then makes the connection between the events in 1908, one in Haifa and the other in Chicago:

“This conjunction of two events of historic importance, linking, in a peculiar degree, the most sacred House of Worship in the American continent with the most hallowed Shrine on the slopes of Mount Carmel, brings vividly to mind the no less remarkable coincidence marking the simultaneous holding, on Naw-Rúz day, of the first convention of the American Bahá’í community and the entombment by the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant of the remains of the Báb. ...” (Citadel of Faith, p. 53)

The beloved Guardian goes on to enumerate the series of “coincidences” associating our community and the Mountain of the Lord:

“The simultaneous arrival of those remains in the fortress city of ‘Akká and of the first pilgrims from the continent of America; the subsequent association of the founder of the American Bahá’í community with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the laying of the cornerstone of the Báb’s Mausoleum on Mount Carmel; the holding of the Centenary of His Declaration beneath the dome of the recently constructed Mashriqu’l-Adhkár at Wilmette, on which solemn occasion His blessed portrait was unveiled...to the eyes of His followers; and the unique distinction now conferred on a member of the North American Bahá’í community of designing the dome, envisaged by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as the final and essential embellishment of the Báb’s Sepulcher—all these have served to associate the Herald of our Faith and His resting-place with the fortunes of a community which has so nobly responded to His summons addressed to the ‘peoples of the West’ in His Qayyúmu’l-Asmá’.”

Does it come as any surprise, in light of all these associations, that we should be so eager to sacrifice to offer up the “lion’s share” for the construction of the buildings on the Arc?

National Bahá’í Fund Goal $12.5 Million for B.E. 152

Goal	Actual
$6,396,000	$5,788,455
At October 31, 1995

Los Angeles Bahá’ís share Faith through ‘Shades of L.A.’ exhibit

Bahá’ís in Los Angeles have it “made in the shade” now that the city’s public library has given them the opportunity to share with the public photographs of the Bahá’í Center and Bahá’í activities through a special project called “Shades of L.A.”

Initiated by “photo friends,” a library support group, the exhibit’s goal is to broaden the ethnic representation of the library’s photo archives by copying photographs that reflect the diverse communities of Southern California from the 1800s to the present.

In seeking greater representation from Iranian residents, the library sent a blanket mailing to groups in the city’s Iranian community. An alert Bahá’í forwarded the information to the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center, which contacted library officials and informed them that Bahá’ís would not be able to take part because they hadn’t enough time to prepare an exhibit.

Sojin Kim, a coordinator in the library’s history and genealogy department, then offered to set aside the department’s planned make-up day, November 18, as “the day for the Bahá’ís.”

The Bahá’í exhibit was to include pictures of the Center, various Bahá’í activities, and “family album”-style photos of birthdays, picnics, social gatherings and so on.

Construction of Arc on Mount Carmel topic of article in ‘Jerusalem Report’

An article about construction of the Arc on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, appears in the September 7, 1995, issue of the magazine “Jerusalem Report,” which covers Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

In the article, Haifa’s mayor, Amram Mitzna, is quoted as saying that the Bahá’í project, once completed, “will be one of the artificial wonders of the modern world.”

The article presents a brief overview of the Faith’s history and tenets, adding that “its five million adherents, found in almost every country, venerate Haifa as the burial place of their religion’s forerunner, the Báb, whose tomb lies beneath the famous copper-domed temple that is the city’s most popular tourist attraction.”

Bahá’ís in Largo, Pinellas plant tree for Day of Peace

To commemorate the International Day of Peace, Bahá’ís from Largo and Pinellas County, Florida, planted a 13-foot oak tree in a public park.

Among the more than 30 people taking part in the ceremony were Largo Mayor Thom Feasler, an ex-mayor and a city commissioner.

The tree was decorated by the Bahá’í children with various “fruits” made from colored paper.

Bay Area Workshop spends summer teaching in two states

The Bay Area Bahá’í Youth Workshop, a group of 20 young Bahá’ís from northern California, spent the summer traveling and teaching with six adult coordinators throughout Utah and Montana.

The group began its itinerary with seven other groups from across the country June 27 at the week-long Color Me Human Conference in Salt Lake City, performing at malls and parks and hosting evening firesides.

After leaving Utah for Montana, the Bay Area Workshop performed in Butte, Missoula, St. Ignatius, Billings, Bozeman and on the Flathead and Cheyenne Indian Reservations.

In Butte, the young Bahá’ís walked and performed in the annual Fourth of July parade, winning second place for best float and act.

In Billings, the Workshop gave three performances in a single day including one for a television station, which taped the show for broadcast throughout the state, and another for an audience of 200 at an art fair.

The trip led to two declarations of belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

SHORT TAKES

First hint of ‘entry by troops’ seen in new Indiana believers

Like a spring thaw, the first droplets of a flood of new believers are starting to appear in Indiana.

The state recently has welcomed six declarants in South Bend, two in Ft. Wayne, and two in the Gary area.

Mana Stockman of South Bend sees two processes at work.

The first is a growing awareness and interest. More and more people have heard about the Faith, and the seeds are starting to bear fruit.

The other is that a lot of little efforts are adding up to create a potent synergy. These include personal prayers, readings, living the life, and personal teaching combined with regular firesides.

As a result, several people who have been investigating the Faith for some time have decided that now is the time to take the plunge.

One such person is an African-American youth who went with some friends from South Bend to the Green Lake (Wisconsin) Conference and, through the confirming spirit of the event, returned home a Bahá’í.

The young man’s mother has known about the Faith for some time as a result of extensive race unity work done in the area, and a number of his friends also are now investigating.

In Ft. Wayne, two adults who have been taking their children to Bahá’í classes recently declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh. They wanted their children to grow up with a Bahá’í perspective, and it rubbed off on them, too.

Two events draw large crowds at Nine Oaks Bahá’í School

Two recent events brought large and appreciative audiences to the Nine Oaks Bahá’í School in Arroyo Grande, California.

On May 14, Florence Mayberry, a former Counselor member of the International Teaching Center at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel, spoke to Bahá’ís and their guests about her autobiography, The Great Adventure, and signed copies of the book.

On June 10, the Institute observed Race Unity Day with a workshop conducted by Dr. Gloria Haithman-Ali that was designed to help participants become aware of their own experiences with racism and to move toward the Bahá’í standards of unity and justice.

The observance continued the following day for an audience of about 100 at the Shore Cliff Lodge in Pismo Beach with a program of folk dances by the Filipino dance group Maharlika and a panel discussion on “Defusing Cultural Tensions” moderated by Dr. Haithman and including as panelists two members of the Spiritual Assembly of San Luis Obispo County/South, Timothy Franklin and Pedro Ferrel; and Jose Fermin of the department of physical therapy, Central Rehabilitation Clinic of San Luis Obispo. [Page 24]

Exhibit recalls those who gave their lives

Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike have been touched by Sacred Crossings.

The exhibit by Bahá’í Fahimeh Vahdat memorializes victims of religious persecution in Iran and brings public awareness to their plight.

It was shown August 5-September 23 at the 5501 Columbia Art Center in Dallas, Texas.

Ms. Vahdat, who teaches at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, created the work with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Her sensitivity to the distressing condition of Iranian Bahá’ís has a personal dimension: four relatives, including one of the 10 women hanged in Shiraz because of their beliefs, have been among those executed.

Sacred Crossings is centered around an edifice called “Holy Shrine,” a multisensory environment reminiscent of holy places found in Iran.

“By exploring the parallel of Eastern and Western cultures, I try to create a different, yet similar cultural setting in the memory of the 215 Bahá’ís executed in the wake of the revolution of 1979 in Iran,” Ms. Vahdat explained.

The shrine, she further explained, offers a place to pay homage to those who have died for or remain members of the Bahá’í Faith in Iran today.

Its interior is a setting for contemplation and meditation. Shoes are removed before entering. Music, flowers, candles and scents are part of the ambiance.

Ms. Vahdat and nine assistants spent hundreds of hours creating and building the exhibit.

Payam Mavaddat and his wife stand next to the plaque of Payam’s father.

A short biography was written for each martyr, based on material in A Tribute to the Faithful: 1978-1992, The Bahá’í Martyrs of Iran by Mahmehr Golestaneh.

The text was then designed to fit on house-shaped plaques bearing each martyr’s photograph.

Brian Carlson, a non-Bahá’í who helped with production, said, “During all those hours and late-night sessions I just kept thinking that each plaque we worked on represented a life. That really kept me going.”

Fahimeh Vahdat

Anne Gordon Perry, a Bahá’í from Dallas who worked on the exhibit’s text, spoke to the public as part of Ms. Vahdat’s presentation at the gallery.

“Just as Schindler’s List commemorates the horrors of the Holocaust some decades later, making some of the real victims tangible to us, so will the reality of the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran become known to the world,” she told attendees.

“What Fahimeh has done has taken courage, determination and, in some ways, a stepping into the shoes of the martyrs. She is a pioneer in terms of using her art to bring people face to face with truth.”

Bahá’í unity revival stirs Lake City, S.C.

Tent revivals are as southern as grits. But put the words “Bahá’í” and “unity” with “revival” and you’ve got something as new as the Revelation itself—something, in fact, the people of one South Carolina town will not soon forget.

The three-day Bahá’í Unity Revival took place September 28-30 in Lake City, a small municipality between Florence and the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway.

The revival was planned and carried out by the Spiritual Assembly of Lake City with support from the Gregory Institute and the State Teaching Committee. It was part of the greater Louis G. Gregory/Magdalene Carney Teaching Initiative, which aims to win new believers, reestablish contact with mass-taught believers, and strengthen Bahá’í communities in the state.

Fliers, notices and announcements on WLGI Radio Bahá’í blanketed the Lake City area before the event. The ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ also visited the mayor and police chief to inform them of the revival and to emphasize the importance of a unified city. As a result, the mayor donated chairs for the event from the fire department and a police presence was arranged.

The first two nights featured speakers and songs by the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Gospel Choir. At Saturday afternoon’s session, devoted to youth, the choir shared center stage with the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Youth Workshop and a host of youth speakers described by Charles Bullock, the Gregory Institute’s executive director, as “glorious” and “right to the point.”

All of the sessions were well attended by Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike.

Eleven young people declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh at the Saturday session and have been taking part in weekly deepenings ever since. Nine of the 11 also participated in a recent deepening at the Institute on community development.

The Bahá’ís of Lake City plan to build on their new-found visibility. One way will be participation in an annual event honoring native son Ronald McNair, a Bahá’í who was one of the astronauts killed in 1986 in the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger.

Olya’s Story video wins trio of awards

The 70-minute television program and video Olya’s Story: The Interview has been honored with three prestigious awards.

The program, taped at a Reno, Nevada, television station, has won ‎the1995 the 1995‎ Telly Award for excellence in religious programming; the 1995 Cable Access Award for outstanding ethnic/religious programming; and the 1995 Wave Award of the National Alliance Cable Media Western States and Hawaiian Islands for best talk show programming.

The interview with Olya Roohizadegan of the United Kingdom was taped before an invited audience of representatives of 30 international, national, state and local organizations.

Segments of the program include the musical video Mona; President Clinton and Vice President Gore speaking about the violation of human rights against Bahá’ís; underground footage of the Persian Bahá’í persecutions including the destruction of the Sacred House of the Báb, and excerpts from the second Bahá’í World Congress.

The video is available from the Spiritual Assembly of Reno, P.O. Box 6447, Reno, NV 89513-6447, for $22.50 including postage.

Arts sanctuary planned for Ohio

Bahá’í artist Frederick C. Mohler has a vision for the advancement of the arts into the new millennium—and he’s acting on it by turning a bucolic 46 acres in the rolling hills of eastern Ohio into a retreat for artists, writers, composers and playwrights.

By sponsoring projects and touring exhibits, he also hopes to “educate the public on the moral responsibilities of the artist and uplift the literary and artistic fields toward a greater expression of mankind’s unified existence between the spiritual and material realities.”

For information, contact Mr. Mohler at Adamsville, OH 43802-9728; 1-800-796-6736.

Persian culture conference set

The sixth annual Conference of the Friends of Persian Culture Association will be held next May 23-26 at the North Shore Hilton Hotel in Skokie, Illinois, near the Bahá’í House of Worship.

Speakers and artists interested in making presentations at the conference are invited to contact the Association at any of the following numbers: 708-733-3526, 708-733-3528, or 708-733-3531.

The effort to promote familiarity with the culture of the birthplace of the Faith will be enhanced at this conference through a larger number of presentations in English. Many of the talks will be given in both Persian and English; some presentations will be done originally in English.

The overall theme is historiography and Bahá’í historical writing in Persian. Other presentations will relate to Iranian art, literature and music.

Minarets of West produces CD

Spreading the message of Bahá’u’lláh through music has led the Kansas City, Missouri, teaching institute known as Minarets of the West to perform within and outside the Bahá’í community for 10 years.

Now the group and the Spiritual Assembly of Kansas City have produced “City of Love,” a recording of original material written and performed by members Joanna Gipson, Cindy Winsky and Anne Biswell.

Minarets of the West was born when three women responded to an article in the Kansas City Bahá’í newsletter about forming a Bahá’í choir.

“City of Love” is available for $15 (CD) or $10 (cassette tape), plus shipping, from the Bahá’í of Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64127 (phone 913-897-7472).

‘Walking man’ still teaches

Even in death, Jalil Dana of Yukon, Oklahoma, is teaching the Faith.

In a front-page article on October 25, the Yukon Review described the tragic accident in which Mr. Dana, 77, was struck by a vehicle October 21 while walking near his home.

Mr. Dana died later that evening at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City from head, leg and internal injuries. The teenage driver was not cited.

The article, by Managing Editor Conrad Dudderar, also spoke at length about how Mr. Dana was well known within the community for his daily walks and for his friendliness to everyone.

And, in a sidebar, the newspaper printed Mr. Dana’s favorite Bahá’í prayer, the unity prayer that begins “O my God! O my God! Unite the hearts of Thy servants...”

Mr. Dana was recalled by the newspaper as “the elderly gentleman who would walk everywhere. He often carried an umbrella with him, and would walk from place to place in just about any type of weather, often ‘zig zagging’ the streets.”

Mr. Dana also regularly visited the Salvation Army Senior Center in Yukon.

“He was at the center every day,” Fran Nobles, center director, told the newspaper. “He loved to sit and visit. ... He always had a special smile for me every day. Before he left the center, he would always come up to wherever I was to tell me ‘bye’.”

The newspaper said that Mr. Dana was born in Shiraz, Iran, and came to the U.S. with his family in 1980. He moved to Yukon in 1991. He was a certified public accountant and a lifelong Bahá’í, as noted in the article.

Mr. Dana’s wife, Tayebeh, died December 18, 1986. [Page 25]

Volunteers make camp a success

One thousand, four hundred and seventeen.

That’s the number of volunteer hours poured into the first Youth Builders for a Global Civilization camp in Atlanta, Georgia.

And it’s a main reason the six-week tutorial program for 30 “at risk” nine- to 12-year-olds was a resounding success.

The camp was the first social and economic development project at the site of the Family Unity Institute in South DeKalb County, a joint venture of the Institute, the Spiritual Assembly of South DeKalb County, and Mottahedeh Development Services. It had three purposes:

• academic skill building
• racial harmony and cultural understanding
• character and world citizenship development.

The children, identified for the program by the principal of Rainbow Elementary School, came from Latino, Cambodian, Vietnamese, African-American and Caucasian backgrounds.

For three hours each day they acquired skills and knowledge in reading, writing, science, mathematics, art, music, drama, poetry, computers and recreation. They also shared their own stories about virtues acquisition, and they learned about conflict resolution.

Each child had an individual academic program. Adults and youth ages 14 to 20 were their mentors. In fact, the camp was staffed completely by volunteers—58 people from as far away as California and with teaching experience in such countries as Peru and Brazil—who served such functions as program coordination, instruction, tutoring, providing transportation, food preparation, and maintenance.

Bahá’í institutions in the area also were instrumental in the camp’s success. The West Cobb Assembly contributed toward snacks, the South DeKalb Assembly contributed for supplies and transportation, and the Metro Atlanta Bahá’í Women’s Committee provided more than 900 snacks.

Two 45-minute meetings with parents were scheduled, during the first and third weeks, to assess the children’s progress and the needs of the children and parents and to facilitate participation.

Parents also attended a closing program in which the children performed songs they had learned and several short skits demonstrating virtues in action. The final day of camp ended with a lunch donated for the children and volunteers, and a bag of goodies including a copy of Brilliant Star went home with each camper.

Evaluation of the project has judged it a big success. Suggestions for improvement include more consistency with tutors, more one-on-one time, increased parental involvement, updated and more frequent programs in reading and math on computers, and the development in advance of specific measurable objectives.

Army of Light youth tutor kids

Many children in Beacon, New York, were better prepared for school this fall thanks to the efforts of Army of Light youth from several northeastern states.

The young Bahá’ís tutored at the Martin Luther King Cultural Center during the day and held public meetings on the Faith at night.

They were hosted by families in the Beacon Bahá’í community, which operated the tutoring program.

“It’s part of the Bahá’í philosophy of serving people,” program coordinator Chris Ruhe told the Beacon Free Press. Mr. Ruhe is a teacher in the Beacon City School District.

The tutors were not paid for their service, but gladly gave up much of their free time to do it, Mr. Ruhe told the newspaper.

Classes offered on Reservation

Eleven young Bahá’ís and nine adults from Pierre and Custer, South Dakota; Minnesota, Washington state and Oregon gathered recently at the Lower Brule Indian Reservation in South Dakota to offer a week of daily Bahá’í children’s classes and other activities to young people on the Reservation.

At the end of the week, a unity Feast was held for children, their parents and the public during which requests were made by members of the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Reservation communities for more such programs.

The Spiritual Assembly of Pierre is continuing the project, planning quarterly activities on the Reservations, but devoted youth and adults are needed to help manage and carry out the program.

If you can help, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Pierre, P.O. Box 214, Pierre, SD 57501, or phone 605-224-1273.

Arizona Workshop featured

Arizona’s Eternal Flame Bahá’í Youth Workshop was the focus of a recent full-page article in the Tribune, a newspaper serving Mesa, Gilbert and Tempe, Scottsdale and other communities in the Phoenix Valley, beneath a banner headline that read “The way it could be.”

The article, which was accompanied by two color photographs of group members in action, included interviews with several of them and an overview of Bahá’í beliefs such as progressive revelation, the elimination of racism and harmful drugs, and the promotion of sexual equality, chastity and world peace.

Campers build bridge for unity

A foot bridge dedicated to the martyrs will be enjoyed by thousands of visitors to the Dubose Conference Center in Monteagle, Tennessee, as a legacy of the first Tennessee Bahá’í Summer Academy.

Children ages 7 to 13 spent six days in August at the camp, operated by Dottie and Joe Ford and sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Chattanooga.

The camp was dedicated “to the spiritual education of young children and to teach them to exhibit the values of the Bahá’í Faith.”

Goals were to help each child recognize his/her importance as an individual Bahá’í, understand the concept of the values of the Faith, grow spiritually, and understand the importance of friends and those around them. It also provided them with an opportunity to grow in service to the Faith.

Hence the 20-foot bridge. It symbolizes unity: one board alone is not strong, but many boards bound together are strong enough to carry a heavy load.

Campers show off the foot bridge they constructed at the first Tennessee Bahá’í Summer Academy.

And it has a firm foundation, as we do in the Faith, and strong supports, as we have in the writings of the Faith and prayer.

A dedication ceremony at the end of the week was attended by parents, friends, and several non-Bahá’ís.

On-line teacher has sent 130 copies of Thief to receptive souls

Denise Godsey just can’t get enough copies of Thief in the Night.

Not for herself. For the three or four people a day who ask her for the book.

Mrs. Godsey, a Bahá’í in Palm Bay, Florida, is in the habit of offering William Sears’ much-loved work to anyone she encounters in computer forums and discussion groups on the Internet.

“Sometimes I go into chat rooms on America Online and look for people who are talking about prophecy and religion, then I offer the book to them, too,” she related.

“I also faxed the same book offer to contacts I have in the Patriot Movement,” she said. “So far about 10 people have faxed back their addresses with a request for the book.”

The response to Mrs. Godsey’s initiative has been immediate and heavy.

“I have had great success using these methods,” said Mrs. Godsey. “So far I have sent out more than 130 books. It doesn’t matter if the book ends up in a garage sale or something; it’s in circulation and that’s what matters most.”

This can get expensive for Mrs. Godsey and her husband, Dennis. So she posted a message on the Bahá’í Teachers Forum asking for help. She got it.

“A Bahá’í couple from Idaho called the Bahá’í Distribution Service and had them send 10 books to me,” she said. “Then another couple from California had a full case (60 books) sent to me. And a man from England sent me 50 more.”

But Mrs. Godsey has again run out of copies.

“If there are some Bahá’ís out there who would like to help me teach, they could call BDS and have [them] send me more books.”

Follow-up on these seekers is essential, of course.

“The names and addresses of people who get the book are sent to Seekernet in New York,” Mrs. Godsey explained. “Seekernet puts them in touch with Bahá’ís in their local area and reports back to me on their progress.”

Bahá’ís on the Bahá’í Teachers Forum also are helping by allowing her to send them the names and addresses of seekers, and they pass along the information to the community nearest the seeker.

Teaching plan targets New Rochelle

Consultation among Bahá’ís from several New York City-area communities has resulted in a strategy for raising an Assembly in the Three Year Plan goal city of New Rochelle.

Participants formed two task forces: one to carry out the teaching plan and the other to find a suitable location and raise funds for a Bahá’í Center.

An outline of a teaching plan had been prepared in advance by Bahá’ís who have taught in New Rochelle in recent months.

The plan has four phases through Riḍván:

• A bulk mailing will go out to New Rochelle residents inviting them to call an 800 number with the names of people for whom they would like the Bahá’ís to pray. They also will be invited to send their name and address if they’d like information about the Faith.
• Prayer meetings will be organized to pray for the respondents and for the teaching work. The people who have asked for information will be entered into a data base and will receive an information packet and an invitation to a public meeting.
• These public meetings will proclaim the name of Bahá’u’lláh. Those present will be invited to become Bahá’ís or further investigate the Faith. Invitations to firesides in New Rochelle and neighboring communities will be distributed.
• Newly declared believers and serious seekers will be invited to regular study classes that will introduce them to the Central Figures of the Faith and the basic teachings. Classes will encourage and facilitate personal study of the Writings. These new believers also will be encouraged to take part in the teaching work.

[Page 26]

NABI Programs: Focus on SED

The Native American Bahá’í Institute continues to see its initiatives in social and economic development as an integrated process in the individual, family and community’s growth and maturation, including spiritual, moral, and intellectual maturation at all levels.

Ongoing programs this fall include the Children’s Pow-Wow Club, the Work/Study Program for youth and adults, and Circles of Wellness: Adult Growth and Development.

NABI will also be hosting several Local Spiritual Assembly development meetings, Feasts and Holy Days, Prayer and Deepening Gatherings, and Youth Counseling and Talking Circles during the coming months. If you will be in the area of the Institute this Fall, be sure to drop by. NABI is located in the cool juniper and pine country of Northern Arizona close ‎the to the‎ Navajo and Hopi Reservations, 5 miles off I-40, between Gallup (NM) and Holbrook (AZ).

NEW ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM AT GREEN ACRE BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

The National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeannine and James Sacco as co-administrators of the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine. The Saccos recently returned to the U.S. after serving as pioneers to Paraguay and Brazil for the past 18 years. Trained as educators at the University of Massachusetts, they were later able to join with other Bahá’í educators in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, to found the School of the Nations, an international Bahá’í-operated elementary and middle school, in 1980. They have served at that institution as teachers, trainers, and administrators for the past 15 years.

Their service at Green Acre began in mid-October with an overview of programs and facilities already in place given by Ray and Liz LaBelle who recently announced their decision to leave the school after nine years of service there. The Saccos look forward to welcoming the friends, both old and new, to the beautifully restored facilities at Green Acre.

They envision a large number of visitors and activities in the coming year, involving a wide variety of cultural and ethnic participation, and capitalizing on the rich artistic potential of the area for music and artistic festivals as well as institutes and conferences. The Saccos plan to visit a number of communities in the Northeast to get to know the friends, gather information about community development, and share visions and ideas for Green Acre’s future programs and plans.

Upcoming Events at Louhelen and the National Teacher Training Center

December 27 - January 1 will be the dates to mark to attend Louhelen Bahá’í School’s annual Winter School. The program will include delightful children’s sessions, heavenly music with Susan Engle, and warm fellowship and Louhelen’s famous, delicious, food. Mr. Habib Riazati will conduct a stimulating course on The Life and Writings of the Báb.

January 12 - 15, 1996! Start the new year by planning to attend the Core Curriculum Teacher Trainer Training scheduled for this weekend at the National Teacher Training Center. The Core Curriculum program serves to strengthen the teacher’s unique role in the spiritual education of children through the enhancement of their station, qualities, knowledge and skills. The role of the Teacher Trainer is to work collaboratively with the Local Spiritual Assemblies to provide local and regional Core Curriculum Teacher Trainings. Plan now to assist with creating “child-development centered communities.”

February 2 - 4 brings a workshop at Louhelen with Kate Linsey based on the concepts developed by the Universal House of Justice in the document, “The Prosperity of Humankind.” Spiritual Solutions to Sustainable Development is designed to generate ideas and review plans for sustainable development in rural and urban environments. Topics on the agenda include rural youth camps, working retreats, entry into small scale agriculture by non-agrarians, and marketing relationships and strategies for Bahá’í consumers and agricultural producers.

February 16 - 18 at the National Teacher Training Center will provide interested parties with the opportunity to participate in the Core Curriculum Race Unity Trainer Training. The role of the Race Unity Trainer in the community is to enhance sensitivity concerning issues of race unity for teachers, parents, teacher trainers, parent facilitators and others. No previous “Core Curriculum” experience required.

Green Acre Fall Program Highlights

Sarah Farmer Women’s Center, a grassroots Bahá’í women’s organization, will host the conference After Beijing: Look at the World Through Women’s Eyes Saturday and Sunday, December 2 and 3, at Green Acre Bahá’í School.

A variety of Bahá’í women who attended the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women and the NGO Forum held recently in Beijing will provide information and introduce the key documents produced there. This conference will also serve as a “mini forum” with workshops and plenary sessions on such issues as the advancement of women, education of girls, women’s health care and the needs of low-income women.

The Sarah Farmer Women’s Center conference is open to all and will feature a special celebration of women through the arts on Saturday evening. Conference fee is $10, meals extra. Conference package that includes lodging, meals and conference fee is $75. Advance registrations are required by November 29.

The Gift of Teaching will be the focus of a weekend program December 8-10 that will explore a variety of approaches to sharing the greatest gift of all, including special emphasis on the use of music and the Creative Word. Come for a lively (and musical) exchange of ideas designed to spark individual initiative for teaching in these final months of the Three Year Plan! A public meeting will be planned as part of the activities Saturday evening, December 9.

Get ready for family-centered fun and learning at Green Acre’s annual Winter School December 26-31. The theme, Vision to Action: Creating the Kingdom will include an array of workshops, classes, intergenerational activities and games.

Jim and Jeannine Sacco will offer a look at holistic education based on their years as co-founders of the School of the Nations in Brazil. Mara Khavari, who has just returned from three months in China, will speak, and Ron Tomanio and Diane Iverson will address the dynamic relationship between our obedience to the Covenant and the fulfillment of the Vision of Bahá’u’lláh. Art therapist Jeri Corbin will offer hands-on arts activities for all ages.

Watch for notice of an upcoming Each One Bring One teaching weekend in January, led by Auxiliary Board Member for Propagation Dr. Gene Andrews.

Call 1-800-DWN-BRKR for updates on Schools and Institutes activities!

[Page 27]

Summer! at Bosch Bahá’í School

Bahá’í Youth Service Corps at Bosch was in full force all summer, assisting with every aspect of running the school, from working in the bookshop/cafe to cleaning rooms and working in the kitchen. These young people continue to offer invaluable support to the school and the folks attending sessions.

A wonderful summer full of activities has come to an end, but only after many exciting events transpired.

Youth Institutes continued to draw young people from around the country. With special effort directed toward hard work and development of spiritual qualities, these groups were able to clear the surrounding forest of debris from the winter storms and plant two rows of baby oleanders along the entrance driveway.

Children continue to be one of the most important aspects of school life at Bosch. This summer children’s classes were offered ten out of ten weeks! Even during the Youth Institute weekends, children’s classes were held for the children of the teachers and directors of the programs. One of the outcomes of this intensive focus on children has been an increase in the number of non-Bahá’í friends attending programs.

New Programs Introduced this Summer at Bosch included “An Evening of the Sacred,” which takes the participants on a spiritual journey, beginning with entering Martha Root Hall lit with candles and a beautiful centerpiece in the middle of the room on a low table with lace, flowers, and more candles. Persian rugs scattered about and pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá add to the atmosphere as participants enter the room to the sound of soft music. After being seated in a circle around the centerpiece, a program of song, prayers, and chants begins. Six to eight youth quietly circulate around the room, softly calling out the Names of God. The dramatic tones circumambulating the room ‎was were‎ stirring and uplifting, moving many of those present to tears.

Family Choices Night and Art Night are two other new programs. In an attempt to allow families to take advantage of the many opportunities Bosch offers for relaxing together, the Family Choices Night provides families with choices such as sports, videos, games, walking, browsing in the bookshop or visiting in the cafe for the evening. At Art Night, the friends are greeted by table after table set up with exciting art projects as they enter the large classroom. Jewelry making, candle making, sandpainting, origami, and clay sculpting are just some of the choices to be made by those attending this fun event.

Youth?! Exploring Marriage and Family Life? at Louhelen Bahá’í School

The following is offered in an effort to assist youth (and their parents) in the process of educating humanity to the purpose and role of marriage.

“How can we be sure that marriage works, when we see so many marriages having difficulty?” Bahá’u’lláh assures us that marriage is a “fortress for well-being” and that families truly are intended to be whole, complete, and undivided. The Bahá’í Writings tell us that the bond of marriage is sacred and that the primary purpose of marriage is to raise a family. More than a joyful and rewarding experience, the Bahá’í Writings assure us that marriage is the very foundation of social order and that family life is the first level of unity that underpins the unity of the world. Not only is marriage intended to “work” for the two people married to each other, but the real work of marriage is the rearing of children who will love God and serve humanity. True marriage is a spiritual union that improves our ability to withstand tests and difficulties. Marriage is ‎process of a process of‎ learning to apply the laws of God to daily life and to teach others — our children — how to apply the laws of God in their lives, too! This is how marriage “works” and as we learn to apply the marriage law we also learn to have confidence in this wonderful divine institution.

“Whoa, you mean you can learn to be successful at marriage and family life?” In a way, yes. That is, we can learn and reflect on what the Bahá’í Writings tell us about successful married life. We can learn what the Bahá’í Writings tell us about the rights and responsibilities of various family members. We can learn to think about marriage and family life from a spiritual frame of mind. We can learn to take our decision to marry and raise children as a serious and wonderful spiritual responsibility. None of this learning will guarantee any individual a successful marriage and family life — many other factors are also important in determining how married life works out for us. It is only by learning to see marriage and family life from a deeply spiritual perspective that true and lasting success can be found. Marriage is a bond that endures, the Bahá’í Writings tell us, throughout all the worlds of God. Thus, it is a spiritual bond, and only a spiritual approach can truly help us. Thus, learning to look at marriage as a spiritual process is the most important thing we can do in working to make our marriage successful.

“O.K., I’m convinced. Where do I start to get a spiritual attitude toward marriage?” One excellent place to start is by participating in an exciting new course being offered to all youth at least 15 years old at Louhelen: Preparing Youth for Marriage and the Rearing of Children, January 5-7, 1996. This course was developed at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly specifically to assist youth in learning how to approach marriage from a deeply spiritual perspective. It will explore the spiritual process of choosing a mate, developing a strong and lasting relationship, and approaching the rearing ‎children of children‎ from a Bahá’í perspective. Come and join others seeking to make marriage work. It works. It can work for you. But only if you work on your spirit in the process.

And Now, The Bosch Fall/Winter Schedule!

November 24-26: Law and Justice or The Glorious Journey: These two programs run concurrently, allowing for a choice! Law and Justice will allow participants to take a new look at these concepts using Bahá’í principles and the Writings. The Glorious Journey is a hospice-type program providing a loving look at preparation for the next world.

December 8-10: Rendezvous of the Soul — Relationships: A special session on relationships is geared for singles.

December 22-26: Winter I — Health and Healing Symposium II: A program of workshops, hands-on presentations and panel discussions by various Bahá’í professionals in the medical field. Take a look at our health practices in light of the Bahá’í teachings! This program is designed for everyone, including children.

December 22-January 1: Advanced Academy: This special 10-day college level academy is for those serious students of the Bahá’í study. Classes will focus on Bahá’í economics, Islamic studies, and the Covenant.

December 28-January 1: Winter II — Kitáb-i-Aqdas: A session for families facilitated by retired member of the Universal House of Justice, Mr. David Hofman, United Kingdom National Spiritual Assembly member, Mr. Barney Leith, and his wife, Erica Leith, Editor of George Ronald Publishing. There will be a dedication ceremony for the David Hofman Library Collection during this session.

January 5-7: College Club Weekend: This is the annual college club extravaganza, sponsored by the University of Santa Cruz College Club. [Page 28]نمایشگاه مذکور سبب شده است که افراد غیربهائی با امر مبارک آشنا شوند. همچنین احباء نیز با دیدار از آن شور جدیدی برای تبلیغ امر الهی در خود یافته اند.

٦- یکی دیگر از راه‌های تحقق این هدف تبلیغ بومیان آمریکاست. نیاز مبرمی وجود دارد که احبائی که با فرهنگ سرخپوستان و مراسم قبیله‌های آنان آشنائی دارند به تبلیغ آنان پردازند.

٧- باید جوانان را تشویق کرد که به "سپاه خدمت جوانان" بپیوندند و در شهرهائی که تأسیس محفل روحانی در آن از اهداف نقشه سه‌ساله است، به خدمات تبلیغی مبادرت جویند. شور و هیجانی که در جوانان هست سبب می‌شود که جامعه بهائی خود به هیجان آید.

خوش تر آن باشد که سرّ دلبران...

NEWS OF ARC PROJECTS IN “JERUSALEM REPORT”

Jerusalem Report (اخبار اورشلیم) نشریه‌ای است حاوی اخبار و مطالبی راجع به اسرائیل و خاورمیانه و جهان یهود.

در شماره مخصوص ٧ سپتامبر سال جاری نشریه مذکور مقاله‌ای درباره بنای ساختمان‌های قوس درج شده است.

از قول شهردار حیفا چنین نقل شده که پروژه بهائیان پس از اتمام یکی از عجایب مصنوع جهان معاصر به شمار خواهد آمد.

در این مقاله کلیاتی درباره تاریخ امر مبارک و مبانی آن ذکر شده و آمده که ٥ میلیون پیروان این آئین که در سراسر دنیا پراکنده‌اند، حیفا را از آنجا که مرقد مبشر دیانتشان در آن است، محترم می‌دانند.

کنفرانس دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی

FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE CONFERENCE

ششمین کنفرانس دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی از ٢٣ تا ٢٦ ماه می سال ١٩٩٦ در هتل نورت شور هیلتون North Shore Hilton در شهر سکوکی Skokie — در نزدیکی مشرق الاذکار آمریکا — تشکیل خواهد شد.

از جمله موضوع‌هائی که برای سخنرانی در این کنفرانس پیشنهاد شده عبارت است از: فن تاریخ نگاری و سبک‌های گوناگون تاریخ نویسی به زبان فارسی در دوره‌های گوناگون؛ تاریخ نویسان دوره قاجار در ایران؛ تحقیقات تاریخی جناب فاضل مازندرانی؛ نگارش تاریخ وقایع بابی در ایران؛ ارزیابی تاریخی؛ آگاهی تاریخی و رفتار اجتماعی؛ مطالب مربوط به زبان و ادبیات فارسی.

از افرادی که مایل باشند درباره موضوع‌های مذکور یا مربوط به آن سخنرانی کنند یا در جلسات پنل شرکت نمایند درخواست می‌شود با دفتر انجمن تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ٧٣٣-٣٥٢٦ (٧٠٨)، ٧٣٣-٣٥٢٨ (٧٠٨) ٧٣٣-٣٥٣١ (٧٠٨)

از هنرمندان عزیز و کسانی که مایل به اجرای برنامه‌های هنری مانند موسیقی و شعرخوانی و نمایش باشند، تقاضا می‌شود با مهندس منوچهر وهمن در کانادا تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن ٦٨١-٩٥٣٩ (٩٠٥) فکس ٦٨١-٣٧٣٨ (٩٠٥)

فعالیت‌های جوانان

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی در نخستین پیام خود خطاب به جوانان بهائی مورخ ١٠ جون سال ١٩٦٦ جوانان بهائی را خاطرنشان ساختند که از ٣ راه می‌توانند به امر مبارک خدمت کنند:

١- مطالعه تعالیم مبارک و روحانیت بخشیدن به حیات خود و تهذیب اخلاق مطابق با موازین امر حضرت بهاءالله،

٢- تبلیغ امر مبارک،

٣- آمادگی برای سال‌های آینده زندگی.

جوانان بهائی شهر نیویورک راه های مذکور را در تابستان امسال در پیش گرفتند بدین قرار:

• یکی از جوانان بهائی ساکن برانکس Bronx به ایالت کرولاینای جنوبی سفر کرد و در مؤسسه بهائی لوئیس گرگوری در آکادمی جوانان به تدریس پرداخت.

• جوان دیگری آخر هفته را در مدرسه جدید بهائی در نیوروشل جهت تدریس کلاس‌های کودکان گذراند.

• یکی دیگر از جوانان بهائی دو هفته در همان مدرسه اداره کلاس‌های امری کودکان بهائی را بر عهده گرفت.

• دو تن از جوانانی که در مدرسه بهائی مذکور شرکت کرده بودند به تبلیغ شاگردان غیربهائی پرداختند و در نتیجه یکی از آنها تصدیق امر مبارک کرد.

• جوان بهائی دیگری در ضمن سفر به هندوستان در برنامه‌های تبلیغی آن کشور شرکت کرد.

• دو تن از جوانان بهائی روز ٣١ جولای برنامه‌ای اجرا کردند که بر مبنای تساوی حقوق زن و مرد بود. پس از برنامه مذکور جلسات تبلیغی گوناگونی تشکیل گردید.

نمایشگاه گذرگاه مقدس

SACRED CROSSINGS

خانم فهیمه وحدت که در مؤسسه هنر و طراحی ‎میلوانی میلواکی‎ تدریس می‌کند، از طریق هنر یاد شهیدان ایران را زنده می‌دارد و بازدیدکنندگان را از شرایط احبای ایران باخبر می‌سازد.

نمایشگاه خانم وحدت که هزینه آن را سازمان ملی اوقاف هنر (National Endowment for the Arts) تأمین کرده بود، از ٥ آگوست تا ٢٣ سپتامبر در یکی از مراکز هنری شهر دالاس برپاشد.

این نمایشگاه که "گذرگاه مقدس" نام دارد غرفه‌ای با عنوان Holy Shrine است که فضای درونی آن یادآور اماکن مقدسه ایران است.

غرض خانم وحدت از ایجاد این اثر هنری این بوده است که با غور در فرهنگ شرق و غرب فضائی ایجاد کند که یاد ٢١٥ تن شهید دوره اخیر در آن زنده ماند و در میان مردم آگاهی اجتماعی و فرهنگی نسبت به مقهوریت بزرگ‌ترین اقلیت دینی ایران ایجاد شود و افزایش یابد.

غرض دیگر این بوده است که بازدیدکنندگان مراتب احترام خود را نسبت به این فدائیان راه وحدت و صلح نشان دهند.

اطلاعیه

آقای حبیب ریاضی اطلاعیه زیر را برای درج در صفحات فارسی ارسال داشته‌اند. پروژه وارد کردن نصوص مبارکه و سایر آثار بهائی فارسی و عربی (چاپی) در کامپیوتر

مقدمه: این پروژه در حدود سه سال قبل به امر بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی و با معاضدت مرکز مطالعه الواح و نصوص شروع گردید و هم اکنون نیز ادامه دارد.

هدف: هدف اصلی این پروژه آن است که جمیع نصوص مبارکه چاپی مربوط به حضرت اعلی، جمال قدم، حضرت عبدالبهاء، و حضرت ولی مقدس امرالله بدون غلط وارد کامپیوتر شود. علاوه بر آیات مبارکه بسیاری از نوشته‌های امری دانشمندان بهائی نیز وارد کامپیوتر می‌گردد. این امر وسیله‌ای برای تحقیق و مطالعه وسیع‌تر دوستان عزیز بهائی و همچنین متحریان حقیقت امر رحمن فراهم خواهد نمود تا بتوانند به مآخذ مورد نظر در اسرع وقت دست یابند.

شرایط داوطلبان همکاری:

الف. برای تایپ کردن ١- داشتن کامپیوتری که قادر به ضبط مطابق سیستم DOS باشد، ٢- آشنائی با زبانهای عربی و فارسی (بالاخص عربی)، ٣- توانائی خواندن الواح خطی و خطوط شکسته، ٤- تعهد نمودن ٤ الی ٦ ساعت کار در هفته، ٥- تحویل سروقت وظائف محوله

ب. برای غلط‌گیری: ١- آشنائی با زبانهای فارسی و عربی، ٢- تعهد نمودن ٦ الی ٨ ساعت کار در هفته، ٣- تحویل سروقت وظائف محوله

از دوستان عزیز علاقه‌مند به همکاری خواهشمندیم با آقای حبیب ریاضی تماس حاصل فرمایند. تلفن ١٥٣٥-٧٤٠ (٧١٤)

E-Mail:

استدلالیه برای مسیحیان و کلیمیان

BAHA’I PROOF

چنانکه یاران عزیز آگاهی دارند چندین سال پیش کتاب "منتخبات عهدین" تألیف خادم امر مبارک متصاعد الی الله جناب حق‌نظر مشتاق در ایران به چاپ رسید. این کتاب استدلالیه‌ای برای مسیحیان و کلیمیان است.

اخیراً به همت جناب یدالله مشتاقی، فرزند مؤلف محترم، ترجمه انگلیسی کتاب مذکور تهیه و تنظیم شده و به چاپ رسیده است. قیمت کتاب ٩ دلار است و می‌توان آن را با تماس با مؤسسه بهائی Images ‎Internaional International‎ خرید. تلفن: ٤٥٢٥-٨٧٠ (٦١٥)، فکس: ٤٧٧٤-٨٧٠ (٦١٥) [Page 29]

در ارتباط با مرقومه دارالانشاء بیت العدل اعظم درباره همجنس گرائی

ON HOMOSEXUALITY

دارالانشاء، بیت العدل اعظم الهی به اشاره معهد اعلی مرقومه‌ای به تاریخ ۱۱ سپتامبر سال جاری خطاب به محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده صادر نموده است.

محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده در دو نوبت از بیت العدل اعظم دربارهٔ تأثیر دگرگونی هائی که در عادات و رسوم مربوط به روابط جنسی صورت گرفته و نیز در مورد بررسی کلی مسألهٔ همجنس‌گرائی (homosexuality) سؤالاتی مطرح نموده بود. مرقومهٔ دارالانشاء معهد اعلی در پاسخ آن پرسش‌ها صادر گردیده است.

متن اصلی مرقومهٔ مذکور در صفحات انگلیسی این شماره درج شده است و ترجمهٔ فارسی آن متن نیز در یکی از شماره‌های آینده این نشریه درج خواهد شد. آنچه در زیر می‌آید خلاصه‌ای از رؤوس مطالب مرقومهٔ مذکور است.

در آغاز نامهٔ مذکور اشاره شده است که از نظر امر بهائی باید از یک سو در میان همجنس‌گرائی و کسانی که متأثر از آنند و از سوی دیگر رفتار و روابط همجنس گرایانه در بین اعضای جامعهٔ بهائی قائل به تفاوت بود.

امر بهائی هر گونه رفتار غیراخلاقی از جمله برقراری روابط جنسی و ارضای میل جنسی در میان افراد همجنس را مردود می‌داند. این گونه رفتار در آثار حضرت بهاءالله از جمله در کتاب اقدس صریحاً تحریم شده است.

حضرت ولی امرالله در مقام مبین مصون از خطای آیات حضرت بهاءالله بیانی به این مضمون فرموده اند که هر چند هم عشق و محبت بین افراد همجنس خالصانه باشد، اظهار آن از طریق ایجاد رابطه جنسی خطاست. اما به کمک پزشک و با تلاش پیگیر و تمسک به دعا می‌توان بر این مشکل غالب شد.

بدین ترتیب واضح است که رفتار همجنس‌گرایانه در امر بهائی حرام است و بیت العدل اعظم در مقامی نیست که بتواند احکام حضرت بهاءالله را تغییر دهد.

شکی نیست که خدا هر یک از افراد بشر را جوهری بخشیده است. حضرت ولی امرالله تأکید فرموده‌اند که در بشر هم سائقه خیر و هم سائقه شر وجود دارد و این دو در واقع ناشی از حقیقتی واحد است که نام آن نفس انسانی است. ظهور خیر و شر در انسان بسته به این است که چگونه تربیت شود. وظیفهٔ دین حقیقی این است که روح انسانی را به پرواز در فضای روحانی کشاند.

از جمله ویژگی‌های روح انسان قابلیت شناخت خدا و محبت نسبت به او و اطاعت از احکام اوست. در عین حال انسان می‌تواند روی از خدا بگرداند و او را دوست ندارد و از احکامش سرپیچی کند. اگر آدمی به حال خود رها شود گرایش به شر خواهد داشت.

انسان با روی آوردن به مظهر امر می‌آموزد که چگونه باید زیست کند. با مطالعهٔ کلام الهی و پیروی از احکام آن می‌توان به مقامی که خدا برای انسان مقرر داشته است رسید.

جهان مادی در مقایسه با عالم روحانی جهان کاستی هاست، مملو از خطر و دشواری است. عالم بشری نیز به علت غفلت از مسؤولیت‌های خود راه پرخطری را می‌پیماید.

تمایلات انسان از شرایط و خصوصیات سرشت و طبیعت او تأثیر می‌پذیرد و بدن آدمی بسته به عواملی چون وراثت و محیط زیست و تغذیه و غیره در درجات گوناگون سلامت است. اشکالات ژنتیکی باعث ایجاد اشکالات بهداشتی می‌شود و در وضع بدنی و حالات روانشناختی افراد اثر می‌گذارد.

هدف انسان باید این باشد که برکاستی‌هایش فائق آید، خواه این نقائص مادرزادی باشد خواه از محیط و دیگر عوامل ناشی شده باشد.

همجنس گرائی در نظر بهائی وضعی نیست که نتوان آن را تغییر داد. البته همجنس‌گرائی انواع و درجات گوناگون دارد و موارد شدید و حاد آن را به آسانی نمی‌توان رفع کرد. با این حال بیان حضرت ولی امرالله را در مورد رجوع به پزشک و توسل به دعا نمی‌توان از یاد برد.

آمار مربوط به اینکه همجنس‌گرائی درمان پذیر نیست، این اشکال را دارد که بسیاری از کسانی که بر این مشکل غالب آمده‌اند از صحبت دربارهٔ آن ابا دارند و کسانی که بدون یاری اهل فن به حل آن توفیق یافته‌اند دربارهٔ وضع خود چیزی نمی‌گویند و بدین ترتیب در آن آمار به حساب نمی‌آیند.

با این حال مواردی وجود دارد که فرد همجنس‌گرا قادر نیست بر این مشکل فائق شود هر چند ممکن است که رفتار همجنس‌گرایانه نداشته باشد. در این موارد باید همجنس‌گرائی را یکی از امتحاناتی به شمار آورد که در زندگی انسان وجود دارد.

بنابراین اگر فرد همجنس‌گرا نتواند وضع خود را درمان کند و با جنس مخالف ازدواج کند، باید مجرد بماند و از روابط جنسی دوری کند. این ملاک در مورد همهٔ بهائیانی که ازدواج نکرده باشند صادق خواهد بود.

بدین ترتیب در امر بهائی همجنس‌گرائی بدون در نظر گرفتن عامل آن مشکلی است که باید بر آن غالب شد.

اما با کسانی که چنین دچار باشند باید در نهایت تفاهم و محبت رفتار کرد، چه که همهٔ افراد کاستی‌هایی دارند. تعصب و نفرت نسبت به همجنس‌گرایان آشکارا مخالف تعالیم بهائی است. امر الهی از آن همهٔ مردم جهان بدون ملاحظهٔ شرایط آنان است.

باید کسانی را که می‌خواهند به امر بهائی بپیوندند با احکام و موازین بهائی در مورد همجنس‌گرائی و زنا و مصرف مشروبات الکلی و استفاده از مواد مخدر آشنا کرد. در صورتی که افراد از احکام امری تخلف نمایند بر عهدهٔ محافل روحانی است که در صورتی که مخالفت افراد آشکار باشد، مطابق موازین امری با آنان رفتار نمایند.

محافل روحانی نباید در زندگی خصوصی احباء تجسس نمایند تا معین شود که آیا احباء از قوانین امری تبعیت می‌کنند یا نه. در واقع محافل باید تا حدی شکیبائی داشته باشند و اوضاع وخیم زمان و محیط را در نظر بگیرند.

تشکیل شبکه‌هایی که ویژهٔ بهائیان همجنس‌گرا باشد و در آن روش زندگی خاص آنان اشاعه شود، مخالف تعالیم بهائی است.

پیام لجنهٔ ملی نشر نفحات

NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE

لجنهٔ ملی نشر نفحات در ماه نوامبر سال جاری نامه‌ای خطاب به جامعهٔ بهائی ایالات متحده مرقوم نمود که خلاصه‌ای از مطالب آن در زیر درج می‌شود:

از احباء درخواست شده است که در ماه‌های آخر نقشهٔ سه ساله به پا خیزند و با همت خود یکی از اهداف نقشه را که تأسیس محفل روحانی در شهر هائی است که جمعیت آن بیش از ۵۰ هزار نفر است، محقق سازند.

پیشرفت امر مبارک بدون محافل روحانی محلی ناممکن می‌نماید و تحقق وعدهٔ 'یدخلون فی دین الله افواجاً' بدون آنها بعید به نظر می‌رسد.

معهد اعلی در دستخط‌های خود بدین نکته اشاره فرموده اند که تأسیس محفل روحانی محلی یکی از شرایط اصلی انتشار پیام حضرت بهاءالله و گسترش حیات بهائی جامعه به شمار می‌رود.

تأسیس محفل روحانی وظیفه‌ای است که بر عهدهٔ فرد فرد اهل بهاء نهاده شده است. لجنهٔ ملی نشر نفحات به منظور کمک به احباء جهت هموار ساختن راه برای تأسیس محافل روحانی اقدامات زیر را پیشنهاد می‌کند:

۱- باید فرداً و جمعاً دعا کرد. تأثیر دعا و مناجات هنوز بر همهٔ ما روشن نشده است.

۲- باید از کمک همهٔ افراد جامعه از جمله خردسالان و جوانان برخوردار بود. باید حس تعلق به جامعه را ایجاد کرد و آن را ترویج داد. باید برنامه‌های تبلیغی ساده‌ای طرح کرد که همهٔ اعضای جامعه در آن شرکت کنند. هر چه اتحاد در میان احباء بیشتر شود، توفیق آنان بیشتر خواهد شد.

۳- باید گروه‌هایی را که با احباء مشابهت نظری و فکری دارند شناسائی کرد و فعالیت‌های تبلیغی را بر آن گروه‌ها متمرکز ساخت و نقشه‌ها و برنامه‌هایی مناسب با علاقه و نیازهای آنان طرح نمود.

۴- می‌توان از جوامع امری مجاور و هیئت‌های ملی و لجنات ایالتی تبلیغی و اعضای هیئت معاونت کمک خواست. در اینگونه مساعی همهٔ احباء شریکند.

۵- مهاجرت داخله نیز یکی از راه های تحقق این هدف است. برخی از احباء ممکن است بدون اینکه لازم باشد شغل خود را ترک کنند، به جوامع مجاور خود مهاجرت نمایند. [Page 30]

مرقومه دارالانشاء بیت العدل اعظم

MESSAGE FROM THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER

۳ شهرالسماء ۱۵۲ ۸ نوامبر ۱۹۹۵

مکتوب مورخ ۱۷ آگست رسید. معهد اعلی از سانحه اتوبوس که منجر به درگذشت چهار جوان نورانی بهائی و جراحت دو جوان عزیز دیگر شد بسیار اظهار حزن و تأثر فرمودند.

مقرر داشتند مرقوم گردد که این جهان به فرمودهٔ حضرت عبدالبهاء، "جولانگاه حوادث" است و کسی در این عالم نیست مگر آنکه به بلائی و زحمتی و مشقتی و مصیبتی گرفتار آید. اما خوشا به اهل بهاء که در این قبیل مواقع ایمان را سپر بلا سازند و هر زخمی را به نوشداروی کلمات الهیه که طبیب جمیع علّت‌هاست، مرهم نهند. لهذا دوستان و خویشان آن چهار طیر آشیان بقا هر چند از مفارقت جگرگوشگان خویش محزونند باید امیدوار بل مطمئن به فضل جمال کردگار باشند که بندگان آستانش را در آغوش فضل و عنایت خویش درآورد و در جمیع عوالم الهی اجر جزیل بخشید.

اگر کسی به گنج ایمان که مقصد از خلقت ما در عالم امکان است نائل شود، به سعادت حقیقی واصل گشته است. آن جوانان مؤمن و خدوم در کشور مقدس ایران به استقامت فائز بودند و نفس استقامت که از مظاهر عشق و وفاست اعظم خدمت به آستان الهی در این ایام محسوب. همچنین در کسب فضائل و کمالات کوشا بودند و سفرشان در سبیل رضای جمال مبارک ابهی بود. اگر تقدیر چنین افتاد که آن نفوس نورانی در عنفوان جوانی از این آشیان فانی پرواز کنند و به خلوتگاه حضرت بی‌نیاز درآیند، بستگان و دوستان باید شاکر و صابر باشند و با مداومت در عبودیت جمال احدیت سبب ترویج روح معصوم آن عزیزان گردند. البته چنانکه همواره شأن هموطنان جمال ابهی بوده و هست، حوادث ناگوار در ادامهٔ اقدامات و مجهودات یاران علی‌الخصوص جوانان عزیز بهائی وقفه‌ای وارد نمی‌سازد، بلکه بر جهد و همتشان می‌افزاید.

به خانواده و دوستان ترانه شارقی، افشین خلج‌آبادی، ساسان عنایتی و فرید تیموریان اطمینان دهید که بیت‌العدل اعظم مخصوصاً در مقامات مقدسه علیا جهت ارتقاء روح پرفتوح جوانان عزیز و نورانی دعا نمایند و سکون و اطمینان قلب خاندانشان را از حضرت رحمن مسألت فرمایند. همچنین جهت ساناز رحمانی و پرهام پاینده شفای عاجل طلبند.

با تقدیم تحیات از طرف دارالانشاء بیت‌العدل اعظم

روز ۱۲ آگست (۲۳ مرداد) سال جاری هشت نفر جوان خرم‌کرج و حومهٔ طهران برای سفر تشویقی از کرج به گنبدکابوس می‌رفتند که در راه اتوبوس تصادف کرد و ۴ تن از آنان در ۱۷ سالگی به ملکوت ابهی صعود کردند و چند نفر دیگر نیز زخمی شدند.

نامۀ دارالانشاء معهد اعلی که در بالا درج شد، درباره صعود این جوانان نمونه صادر گردیده است.

یادی از جناب حبیب طاهرزاده

PASSING OF HABIB TAHERZADEH

(پیام معهد اعلی به مناسبت صعود جناب طاهرزاده در شمارهٔ پیش درج شد. شرح زیر توسط همسر جناب طاهرزاده سرکار فرخ‌لقا خانم تهیه شده است.)

حبیب طاهرزاده بعد از فوت سایر فرزندان جناب حاجی محمد طاهر مالمیری و سرکار لقا خانم که بعضی در ضوضای یزد و بعضی در اثر ابتلای به مرض از این عالم رفتند، در یزد در سال ۱۹۰۸ پا به عرصهٔ وجود گذاشت.

در سن کودکی با ابوین خود حضور حضرت عبدالبهاء مشرف شد. در یزد در مدرسهٔ زردشتی‌ها به تحصیل معارف پرداخت و همیشه در راه مدرسه مورد ایذاء و اذیت اشرار می‌شد.

در پانزده سالگی که تحصیلش در یزد تمام شد، ابوی ایشان نظرشان این بود که با پدر در کارگاه نساجی حریر کار کند، ولی حبیب میل داشت به طهران برود و به ادامهٔ تحصیل پردازد.

چون نظرها مختلف بود بهتر دانستند که حضور حضرت ولی امرالله معروض دارند و نظر مبارک را بخواهند. حضرت ولی امرالله مرقوم فرمودند بهتر آن است که به طهران برود و به ادامهٔ تحصیل پردازد.

در طهران به منزل یکی از احبای یزد وارد شد و در مدرسهٔ تربیت بنین به ادامهٔ تحصیل مشغول شد و همچنین به تدریس انگلیسی که در یزد قدری در مدرسه و بیشتر به سعی و کوشش خود فرا گرفته بود، پرداخت.

بعد از اتمام تحصیل در شرکت نفت استخدام شد و بعد از مدت کوتاهی با چند نفر دیگر از کارمندان اداره از طرف شرکت نفت به جهت تحصیل به انگلستان روانه شدند.

حبیب اکونومی تحصیل کرد و در مراجعت در شرکت نفت در قسمت حسابداری مشغول کار شد.

در سال ۱۹۴۲ در طهران با فرخ میثاقیه ازدواج نمودند و صاحب دو اولاد شدند، ریاض و نورا.

در خلال این سال‌ها همیشه به خدمات امری بخصوص در لجنه ترجمهٔ آثار مبارکه و کلاس‌های تدریس انگلیسی برای جوانان و غیره مشغول بودند.

در سال ۱۹۵۳ به قصد مهاجرت به ترکیه رفتند ولی موفق به کسب ویزای دائم نشدند. سپس به استکهلم به جهت شرکت در اولین کنفرانس بین‌المللی رفتند.

در سال ۱۹۵۵ به معیت فرخ و ریاض به برزیل مهاجرت نمودند و به مدت چهل سال فقط به خدمات امریه مشغول بودند مانند ترجمهٔ آثار مبارکه و مسافرت به تمام ممالک امریکای جنوبی و مرکزی و بعضی از ممالک اروپا و امریکا به دعوت محافل ملیه و لجنه جوانان به جهت شرکت در کنفرانس‌های تبلیغی و جوانان و مدارس تابستانه و زمستانه و غیره.

در سال ۱۹۷۰ به دعوت بیت العدل اعظم به مدت ۷ سال به جهت کمک به ترجمهٔ کتاب مستطاب اقدس و سایر الواح و آثار به حیفا مسافرت کردند.

در سال ۱۹۹۵ بعد از مسافرت طولانی به شیلی به جهت کنفرانس جوانان احساس ناراحتی‌هائی کردند که منجر به چند جراحی شد ولی نتیجه گرفته نشد تا اینکه روز ۱۸ آگست ساعت ۲ بعد از نیمه شب روح پرفتوح او به عالم ابدی عروج نمود.

تبلیغ امر مبارک در نیویورک

TEACHING THE FAITH IN NEW YORK

احبای نیویورک و جوامع بهائی حومهٔ آن طرحی ریخته‌اند که تا پایان نقشهٔ سه ساله یک محفل روحانی در نیوروشل New Rochelle (که یکی از اهداف نقشه است) تأسیس نمایند.

دو هیئت انتخاب شد. یکی برای طرح برنامۀ تبلیغی و دیگری برای جمع‌آوری وجوه لازم برای خرید حظیرةالقدس در شهر مذکور.

احبائی که قبلاً در نیوروشل تبلیغ کرده بودند، برنامه‌ای طرح ریخته‌اند که باید تا رضوان آینده اجرا شود و شامل ۴ مرحله خواهد بود:

• احباء از طریق پست اعلامیه‌هائی به ساکنان نیوروشل خواهند فرستاد و از آنان درخواست خواهند کرد که از طریق شماره تلفن مجانی نام کسانی را که می‌خواهند برایشان دعا شود، ارسال دارند. همچنین از ساکنان شهر دعوت خواهد شد در صورتی که مایل باشند دربارهٔ امر بهائی اطلاعاتی حاصل نمایند، نام و نشانی خود را به احباء ارسال دارند.

• جلساتی تشکیل خواهد شد و در آن برای فعالیت‌های تبلیغی و کسانی که به اعلامیه پاسخ داده‌اند، دعا و مناجات تلاوت خواهد شد. نام و نشانی افراد مذکور در کامپیوتر ضبط خواهد شد و برای هر یک از آنان پاکتی حاوی اطلاعات لازم و نیز دعوت‌نامه‌ای برای شرکت در جلسات عمومی فرستاده خواهد شد.

• در جلسات عمومی مذکور امر و نام مبارک حضرت بهاءالله اعلام خواهد شد. از حاضران دعوت خواهد شد که به جرگۀ اهل بهاء بپیوندند یا دربارهٔ امر بهائی تحری کنند. همچنین دعوت‌نامه‌هائی برای شرکت در جلسات تبلیغی توزیع خواهد شد.

• از تازه تصدیقان و مبتدیان دعوت خواهد شد که در جلسات تردید معلومات دربارهٔ طلعات قدسیه امر بهائی و تعالیم اصلی آن شرکت نمایند و شخصاً نیز آثار مبارکه را مطالعه نمایند و قیام به تبلیغ کنند.

[Page 31]

IN MEMORIAM

The Bahá’ís of Slidell, Louisiana, sponsored a month-long exhibit at the local public library in August to honor the memory of Geneva Marie Taylor, a member of the community who was killed in an auto accident February 28, two days before her 16th birthday. Hundreds of friends, relatives and dignitaries from the Slidell area attended her funeral. As a special tribute to Miss Taylor, a memorial garden was planted in the courtyard of Slidell High School with a permanent plaque whose inscription reads ‘Our Guardian Angel, Geneva Marie Taylor, March 2, 1979–February 28, 1995.’

California Bahá’ís establish ‘Arc Awareness Committee’

In response to the Universal House of Justice’s recent call for further contributions to help build the Arc on Mount Carmel, Bahá’ís in California’s San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys formed an ad hoc “Arc Awareness Committee” to plan a fund-raising meeting.

The meeting, held June 18 at the La Verne community center, elicited a tremendous response from the 150 adults, youth and children who attended with $132,000 in cash and pledges donated to the Arc Fund.

After inspiring talks by Juana Conrad, assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Dr. ‎Shariari Shahriari‎ from Pasadena, the friends enjoyed a special “Arc Builders” song written and performed by Jim Allen and Debbie Bender.

A Persian dinner followed, after which Arc builder reminders in the form of calendars, coin savers with a golden dome, and refrigerator magnets were sold to raise money and to remind the friends throughout the year of the obligation to redeem their pledges.

Bahá’ís from California’s San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys contributed $132,000 in cash and pledges to the Arc at a special fund-raiser held June 18 at the La Verne community center.

National Assembly’s representative to Howard U. Campus Ministries takes part in installation ceremony for university’s incoming chaplain

Fulton Caldwell, the National Spiritual Assembly’s representative to the Coordinated Campus Ministries at Howard University in Washington, D.C., was invited to take part October 22 in the installation ceremony for the university’s incoming Anglican chaplain.

At the chaplain’s request, Dr. Caldwell presented him with a copy of Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh during the well-attended ceremony in the university’s historic Rankin Chapel at which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had spoken on race unity in 1912.

Howard University is one of five centers of higher learning visited by the Master during His visit to the U.S. 83 years ago.

World Order ... An agent for enlightenment.

The Fall 1995 issue of World Order explores the equality of women and men, emphasizing the implications for individuals, families, communities, nations, and world peace. The editorial, The United Nations at Fifty, reviews the UN’s past achievements and future challenges. Women and Men: Toward Achieving Complementarity by Marilyn J. Ray, M.D., provides a summary of developmental psychology’s findings about the differences between women and men. In Of Webs and Ladders: Gender Equality in Bahá’í Law Martha Leach Schweitz explores ways in which the law helps or hinders equality of the sexes. And Jane J. Russell, in Spiritual Vertigo at the Edge of Gender Equality, looks at how the U.S. Bahá’í community is doing with applying the principle of the equality of men and women.

Single issues may be ordered from Bahá’í Distribution Service, 5397 Wilbanks Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37343, or call 1-800-999-9019.

To subscribe, fill out the form below, and mail to Bahá’í Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Type of subscription:

• $15 United States, one year (six issues)
• $28 United States, two years
• $15 All other countries, surface mail, one year
• $28 All other countries, surface mail, two years
• $26 All other countries, airmail, one year
• $50 All other countries, airmail, two years

Payment must be enclosed. For Canadian or international orders enclose international money order or bank cheque drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars payable to Bahá’í Subscriber Service.

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

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í Subscription rates (Outside the continental United States ONLY)

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

Please make check payable to: Bahá’í Subscriber Service, c/o Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

All orders must be pre-paid in U.S. currency. VISA/MasterCard accepted; please include full account number and expiration date.

IN MEMORIAM

Kenneth Anderson Annapolis, MD June 5, 1995	Iradj Modarai Springfield, VT August 22, 1995
Albert Cooks Yazoo City, MS September 20, 1995	Kathy Moran Grass Valley, CA September 9, 1995
C.L. Crouch Indianapolis, IN September 23, 1995	Menashi Pallal Tacoma, WA August 1, 1995
Seyyed Jalil Dana Yukon, OK October 21, 1995	Jessie H. Pate Las Vegas, NV February 18, 1995
Eva Daviduke Phoenix, AZ September 24, 1995	Rahmatullah Pourrahimi Los Angeles, CA May 27, 1995
Jalal Delpak Orlando, FL October 13, 1995	Deborah Sanai New York, NY September 20, 1995
Evelyn Erdman Brookfield, WI September 19, 1995	Virginia Seligsohn Springfield, OR September 18, 1995
Marjorie Heath San Antonio, TX September 21, 1995	Sattarzadeh Shakoury Garden Grove, CA July 30, 1995
Carl A. Hohman Altoona, WI September 11, 1995	Charlie Winston Dawson, GA August 1995
Lou Jean King Sacramento, CA August 1995	Janie L. Winston Dawson, GA August 29, 1995
Joseph Lawlor Pahrump, NV September 12, 1995

[Page 32]

CALENDAR

Children from the Rose Garden Bahá’í School in Nassau County, New York, gather with family members at Averell Park to mark the end of the school year. Weekly children’s classes based on the Core Curriculum are held at the Rockville ‎Center Centre‎ on Long Island.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.	To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving The American Bahá’í, send all family members’ names, new address and mailing label to: Management Information Services, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. If acquiring a Post Office box, your residence address (c) must be filled in. Please allow 3 weeks for processing. (This also updates National’s data base.)
A. NAME(S): 1. I.D. # Title 2. I.D. # Title 3. I.D. # Title 4. I.D. # Title
B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: Street address Apartment # (If applicable) City State Zip code	C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box or Other mailing address Apartment # (If applicable) City State Zip code
D. NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í Community Moving date	E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area code Phone number Name
F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): Area code Phone number Name Area code Phone number Name
G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: [ ] we do not have the same last name. [ ] We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and I.D. number(s) listed above. [ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.	H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY: [ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, I.D. number and address above.

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

QAWL B.E. 152 / NOVEMBER 23, 1995

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DECEMBER

1-3: Assembly Team Development Weekend (invitational), Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

2-3: Post-Beijing Women’s Conference and “mini-forum” on the advancement of women, hosted by the Sarah Farmer Women’s Center at the Green Acre Bahá’í School. For information, phone 207-439-7200 or fax 207-439-7202.

8-10: “Rendezvous of the Soul,” Special Session on Relationships (geared for singles), Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

8-10: Race Unity Trainer Workshop and Teacher Trainer Workshop (part 2), Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033, fax 810-653-7181, or e-mail

8-10: “The Gift of Teaching” weekend session, Green Acre Bahá’í School. For information, phone 207-439-7200 or fax 207-439-7202.

21-24: 1995 North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development, Clarion Plaza Hotel, Orlando, Florida. Theme: “Paths to Peace: Global Prosperity Through the Advancement of Women, Human Rights & Moral Development.” Honoring Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Chance and Mr. and Mrs. David Hofman. For hotel reservations, phone 800-627-8258 or 407-354-1703; airline discount reservations, phone 800-393-5050; general information, phone 407-740-5415.

22-25: 11th annual Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, Phoenix (AZ) Holiday Inn Crown Plaza. Children’s conference for ages 5-12; workshops for youth ages 13-21. For information, phone 602-375-8082 from 6-9 p.m. (Mountain time).

22-26: Winter I, Health and Healing Symposium, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

22-January 1: Advanced Academy session, geared for college students, Bosch Bahá’í School. Includes a rigorous program of study, lecture, service and physical work. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

23-29: International Youth Conference and Summer School, University of the Northwest, Mmabatho, South Africa. Theme: “Awakening the African Drums!” Special programs for children ages 5-7, 8-10 and 11-12. Multi-cultural festival Thursday, December 28. For information, write to the National Youth Committee of South Africa, P.O. Box 34603, Groote Schuur, 7937, South Africa. Phone (021) 448-5770; fax (021) 794-1651; e-mail

24: Annual meeting of the Bahá’í Justice Society, Clarion Plaza Hotel, Orlando, Florida. For information, contact Yvor Stoakley, 708-553-5854.

27-January 1: Winter School, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033, fax 810-653-7181, or e-mail

26-31: Winter School, “Vision to Action: Creating the Kingdom,” Green Acre Bahá’í School. For information, phone 207-439-7200 or fax 207-439-7202.

27-29: 50th anniversary celebration, New Era High School and Junior College, Panchgani, India. All former students, staff and friends are cordially invited to take part. For information, contact the coordinator, 50th Anniversary Celebration, New Era High School and Junior College, Panchgani 412 805, Dist. Satara, Maharashtra, India.

27-January 1: Annual Mid-Winter Regional Youth Conference, Cleveland, Ohio. Theme: “The Equality of Men and Women.” Cost: $125 with early registration. For information, contact the Youth Board of Greater Cleveland, c/o Jenkins, Cleveland, OH 44122 (phone 216-283-8526.

27-January 1: Helen S. Goodall Bahá’í School, “Cornerstones of Unity,” Red Bluff, California. For information, phone 916-529-5856 or fax 916-527-4238.

28-31: “Army of Light” National Youth Conference, Dallas, Texas. Theme: “Excellence in All Things.” Pre-registration deadline: December 10. Hotel: Hyatt Regency DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth). Rooms are $50 per night for up to four people (based on availability) but must be reserved by December 10. Send registration forms to: Dallas Youth Conference, c/o National Teaching Office, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. For information, phone the National Teaching Office at 708-733-3498.

28-31: South Carolina Bahá’í Winter School, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway. For information, phone Mahin Kozlow, 803-558-5093.

28-January 1: Winter II, Understanding the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-‎5764 7564‎, or

JANUARY

5-7: College Club Weekend, facilitated by UC-Santa Cruz College Forum, Bosch Bahá’í 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: Bahá’í International Conference, Aotea Conference Center, Auckland, New Zealand. Organized by the National Spiritual Assemblies of Australia and New Zealand at the request of the Universal House of Justice. Address inquiries to 1996 Bahá’í International Conference, P.O. Box 13027, Hamilton, New Zealand. Early registration forms are now available.

11-15: Pioneering, SITA Training and Youth Service Corps (YSC) Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School (by invitation from the Office of Pioneering). For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 708-733-3508.

19-21: Bahá’í Professionals Seminar, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

26-28: “The New World Order in Bahá’í Perspective,” weekend conference sponsored by the Institute for Bahá’í Studies, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, Illinois. For information, phone 708-733-3425, fax 708-733-3563, or e-mail