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[Page 1]THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í

Visit our upcoming Web site • http://tab.usbnc.org

DECEMBER 31, 1997 SHARAF/HONOR BAHÁ’Í ERA 154 VOLUME 28, NO. 10

A new level of dedication

Regional Bahá’í Councils launched with love, enthusiasm

“The joy of a new kind of service.” —James Nelson, National Spiritual Assembly chairman

“The birth of an institution which is the fruit of [the Divine] Plan.” —Robert C. Henderson, National Spiritual Assembly secretary-general

“... that we may become the destroyers of differences and the apostles of unity, like ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.” —Counselor Wilma Ellis

BY JAMES HUMPHREY

FOUR REGIONS, four Councils, four roads leading to one glorious spiritual destiny.

Four assemblages of souls gathered Dec. 12–14 at the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, ushering in a new chapter of the continuing unfoldment of the Divine Plan.

The four Regional Bahá’í Councils—proclaimed in May by the Universal House of Justice and elected by believers nationwide on the anniversary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh—took their first steps forward at a weekend orientation session, under the wing of the National Spiritual Assembly and in the presence of the Continental Board of Counselors.

The Councils’ job was described as no less than helping galvanize the Bahá’ís across America to reach new levels of love, unity and action, increasing the teaching momentum, and fostering development of strong, united Local Spiritual Assemblies.

The reading of a special e-mail mes-

SEE NEW LEVEL OF DEDICATION, PAGE 23

Above: Joel Nizin (right) of the Northeastern States Regional Bahá’í Council accepts a rose from National Spiritual Assembly member Juana Conrad as he and other Council members arrive at the House of Worship Dec. 12. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

Left: The 36 Regional Council members gather with the National Assembly, seven Counselors, the National Teaching Committee and Bahá’í National Center staff on the steps of the House of Worship Dec. 13. Photo by Ken Duszynski

A call for leadership on race unity

A statement by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States to the American Bahá’í Community

December 17, 1997 Beloved Friends,

The followers of Bahá’u’lláh have a central role in the nation’s struggle for racial justice and unity. Here the destiny of America and of the Bahá’í Faith are tightly intertwined. The nation needs a model of interracial love and unity, based on the principle of the oneness of humanity, to restore confidence that race unity is possible and to give rise to new approaches to the organization of community life.

Some Bahá’í communities are now in the forefront of America’s struggle for race unity. They are doing heroic work in public schools and colleges, police departments and community organizations, governments and neighborhoods. Nevertheless, much remains to be done to achieve ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s standard of interracial unity and love within the Bahá’í community itself, and to become a guiding force for our nation.

The Bahá’í Writings assign our community the mission to “demonstrate to our countrymen the ennobling reality of a power that shall weld a disrupted world.” The growth and influence of the Bahá’í Faith are tied directly to the manner in which Bahá’ís carry out, among ourselves and in the larger society, “those high standards of interracial amity so widely proclaimed and so fearlessly exemplified to the American people by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.” Freedom from race prejudice is the “hallmark of a true Bahá’í character” and the “supreme injunction of Bahá’u’lláh.” Sustained action to eliminate prejudice and build race unity will surely attract the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh, invoke a spiritual atmosphere, and stimulate the release of heavenly forces that will stir the growth of the Bahá’í community, and “change the direction of human

SEE RACE UNITY, PAGE 31

·I·N·S·I·D·E·

NATIONAL TEACHING CAMPAIGN SPECIAL PULLOUT • PAGES 17-20 The upcoming broadcasts, the media/public relations materials, the part you can play

TROUBLE TO TRIUMPH PAGE 3

CONFIDENCE-BUILDING PAGE 13

A SPIRITUAL ELECTION PAGE 22

ASSOCIATION FOR BAHÁ’Í STUDIES PAGE 26

·E·X·C·E·R·P·T·S·

“Know, verily, that the soul is a sign of God, a heavenly gem whose reality the most learned of men hath failed to grasp, and whose mystery no mind, however acute, can ever hope to unravel.”

—Bahá’u’lláh [Page 2]

LETTER TO READERS

FROM THE EDITORS OF THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í

Dear friends,

The changes you see in the appearance of The American Bahá’í, starting this issue, are in an effort to increase the effectiveness of this newspaper—to make it inviting to more readers and to reach the heart as well as the mind.

As our new editorial team establishes itself, we have added color and upgraded the photos and the general graphic presentation of the paper.

Ever mindful of economy, we have found ways of doing this while maintaining or even reducing costs.

These efforts at this crucial time in the development of the Faith in America are part of an overarching vision first enumerated by the beloved Guardian, for the national news organ of the Bahá’í community to “combine the essential qualities of accuracy, reliability, thoroughness, dignity and wisdom ... promoting understanding, providing information on Bahá’í activity, ... stimulating interest, ... upholding and safeguarding the institutions of the Cause.” (Bahá’í Administration, Page 82)

In keeping with these goals, we hope:

• Not only to inform the Bahá’ís of happenings at the National Center, around the country and around the globe, but also:
• to inspire,
• to help unify the community, and
• to point the way toward a continuing Bahá’í education.

To make these services even more immediate to many readers, we are proud to announce the planned end-of-December launch of The American Bahá’í Online on the World Wide Web (http://tab.usbnc.org). With this instrument we often can share stories, photos, statements and notices of upcoming events without waiting for printing deadlines.

With the worldwide Bahá’í community approaching the midpoint of the Four Year Plan and the end of the 20th century nearly upon us, the sense of urgency and destiny grows day by day for the Bahá’ís of the United States.

Moreover, we have just seen the beginnings of momentous change in the administration of the Faith in this country with the election of four Regional Bahá’í Councils.

The need has never been greater for loving communication that increases intimacy among the Bahá’ís.

Please help us continue to become a more effective vessel for this communication. It becomes a two-way current when you:

• Send us stories and photos showing your efforts and successes in service to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. We in turn can share those examples for the inspiration of the friends across the country.
• Tell us about exciting events you have planned in future. We might be able to discuss in advance how you can make the most of The American Bahá’í before and after your project.

We look forward to being ever-closer partners with our co-workers in service to our Lord.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

THE EDITORS OF THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

JERRY BLUE, a Bahá’í from Minneapolis, Minnesota, was recently honored as a recipient of the Minneapolis Award given to people who have contributed outstanding volunteer service. For many years, Mr. Blue has served as a storyteller for children’s and adults’ programs, promoting respect for cultural differences and strong family ties.

LYNN EDWARDS, a Bahá’í from West Cobb County, Georgia, was recently selected by the county to participate in its Outstanding Leadership Program. She is assistant city manager for Powder Springs, Georgia, responsible for economic development initiatives.

VICTOR C. ELARDE, a 17-year-old Bahá’í from Skokie, Illinois, is one of only five students at Niles North High School this year to be designated a semifinalist for a National Merit Scholarship.

Two Bahá’í students, SHAHNAZ KINTZ, 11, and NURIN WILLIS, 10, tied for the Outstanding Service Award at South Conway Elementary School in Conway, South Carolina. Both served on the Student Council Executive Committee, were peer tutors for the special needs program, served as Special Olympics coaches, and taught a lesson on appreciation of diversity to the school’s first- and second-grade classes. Both have been recognized for their high grades, and Nurin—daughter of Bill and Margene Willis—was the school’s champion speller, while Shahnaz—daughter of Greg and Ginny Kintz—was the top reader in the accelerated reading program.

SHAHNAZ KINTZ NURIN WILLIS

JUSTIN MANNERS, son of James and Sue Manners, longtime U.S. pioneers in Taiwan, was admitted to Boys’ Senior High School in Taitung City, after being the first foreign student ever to take the national high school entrance examination. He and his brother ZACHARY were the first foreign students ever to graduate from their primary schools in Taitung City.

DEANNA LEA MORGAN, a Bahá’í from Orange, California, was crowned Miss Orange 1998 at an August pageant, winning a $2,000 scholarship. Her platform for the pageant, “A Productive Mind is the Foundation to a Successful Future,” was grounded in the writings of the Faith. Ms. Morgan won the pageant’s talent award with her singing, and her talent is an integral part of presentations she is giving as Miss Orange on the importance of education and hard work. The Chapman University music student is the first African-American awarded the title. She will compete for Miss California in July.

DEANNA MORGAN (CENTER)

AFSHIN JUSTIN SABET-PEYMAN, a 14-year-old Bahá’í from San Jose, California, received several awards on his graduation from Bret Harte Middle School, including the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and a medal for straight A’s throughout middle school. He also placed first in his school in the California Math League Contest.

AFSHIN JUSTIN SABET-PEYMAN

A doctoral dissertation on “Loss in the Lives of Southeast Asian Elders” by CAROLYN L. MAZLOOMI, a Bahá’í from Cincinnati, Ohio, has won the 1997 Governors Award for excellence in the visual arts, and the NAACP Image Makers Award. Work by Dr. Mazloomi, an artist and art historian, can be found in significant museum, corporate and private collections.

Correction

Due to an editing error, a photo caption on Page 1 of the Nov. 23, 1997, edition of The American Bahá’í misstated the length of time the House of Worship in Wilmette had lacked a regular choir. The choir was active weekly as recently as 1994, under visiting director Tom Price.

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í
1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 Tel/ 847.853.2352 Fax/ 847.256.1372 E-mail/ http://tab.usbnc.org
PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES
Managing Editor / Editorial Content James Humphrey
Managing Editor / Art Director Amethel Parel-Sewell
Associate Editor Tom Mennillo
Facilities Manager Artis Mebane
Production Support Ramzia Duszynski
Allegra Kazemzadeh
Ken Parel-Sewell Boyd Staszewski
Contributors Ken Duszynski Vladimir Shilov Oxford Eagle Newspaper Unit.E
PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY 38 DAYS (plus one special issue) for a total of 10 issues per year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices.
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES to Management Information Services, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.
ISSN Number: 1062-1113
SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PHOTOS The American Bahá’í welcomes news, letters or other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Bahá’í Faith. Articles should be clear and concise. Stories may be edited for length. PHOTOGRAPHS may be color or black-and-white prints or slides. Please submit photos that are well composed and in focus and identify people in photos when possible. If you wish photos returned, include a self-addressed envelope. DEADLINES for upcoming issues: January 2 for the issue dated February 7 January 28 for the issue dated March 2
PLEASE ADDRESS ALL ITEMS for possible publication to Managing Editors, The American Bahá’í, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail)
©1997 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

[Page 3]

Web lets Bahá’ís build new worldwide window on Faith

BY TOM MENNILLO

An often-repeated advertising slogan for computer software asks, “Where do you want to go today?”

That applies just as well to Bahá’ís who wish to navigate the Internet’s World Wide Web. There are almost as many directions to go in as there are users, thanks to the proliferation of Bahá’í-oriented “home pages” placed on the Web by institutions, individuals, and even businesses.

Do you seek news of Bahá’í activities? How about teaching resources? Authoritative texts? Photographs of the Arc Projects on Mount Carmel? Sunrise/sunset times for the Fast? Self-help support? Or just a place you can direct seekers for more information?

All this and more is available. And the best place to start is one of several index sites. Just remember: No site is comprehensive and some links they provide might be out of date.

One exhaustive index is located at www.bcca.org/~glittle/p01.html and is the labor of love of Surrey, British Columbia, Bahá’í Glen Little. It lists resources and links to other Web sites on several topics:

• General introductions to the Bahá’í Faith in English and 15 other languages.
• Bahá’í writings and documents.
• The Bahá’í International Community, National Spiritual Assemblies, Local Spiritual Assemblies and other institutions.
• Bahá’í groups, organizations and schools.
• Dozens upon dozens of individuals.
• Businesses owned by Bahá’ís.
• Music and arts, including lots of downloadable graphics.
• Miscellaneous and software, such as programs designed to help you search the Writings and sites where you can calculate sunrise/sunset times.
• Bahá’í information at other sites.

The American Bahá’í is coming to the Internet! In fact, as you read this, our World Wide Web site may already be up—check http://tab.usbnc.org (you will need to log in with your Bahá’í ID number to access the site).

Another is the brainchild of Casper Voogt of Atlanta, Georgia. His site, www.BCCA.Org/~cvoogt, contains resources in 22 other languages and links to sites in 21 topic areas.

Also available at this site are a “chat” area, a discussion forum, the text of The Dawn-Breakers, a game called Bahá’í Word Unity, and a search engine for locating sites by topic.

A third index is called Bahá’í Resources on the Internet. This summary of resources, at www.bcca.org/services/srb/resources.html is organized into:

• Introductory material.
• Sacred Scriptures and other texts.
• Bahá’í-related images.
• Regular Net events.
• Newsgroups/mailing lists.
• Bahá’í organizations.

Once you’ve surfed these three index sites, be sure to bookmark them so you can come back again and again. Now you’re ready to try out as many or as few of the Web’s Bahá’í-related sites as you have time for.

You can click on any of the links contained in the index sites, and you’ll be transported directly to the page desired. The number and variety of sites are staggering. Not to mention the serendipity factor—you never know what you’ll encounter, for example, at an individual’s home page.

Or you can go for a cruise courtesy of the Bahá’í Ring. As is

West Virginia community progresses through difficulty

The Bahá’í Faith is alive in Huntington, West Virginia, despite the Covenant-breaking that led to dissolution of the Local Spiritual Assembly earlier this year.

In fact, the Bahá’ís of Huntington and Charleston have turned up the heat of their activity for the Cause—in quite a public way—and at least two declarations have resulted in Huntington.

The most visible presence was at the UNITE (Uniting Neighbors in Truth and Equality) Rally on Sept. 27 in Huntington.

The rally was planned as a response to a Ku Klux Klan gathering the same day. Four Bahá’ís from Charleston drove to Huntington every week for a month to help plan the event.

Turning to nearby resources, the Bahá’ís obtained Auxiliary Board member Michael Penn as a speaker and got the Washington (D.C.) Bahá’í Youth Workshop to perform.

But also at the center of attention was the Peace Queen—a character played by Loraine Menking, who drew youngsters of all ages into her “court” to talk about their aspirations for peace and promise to be “junior peace ambassadors” to the world.

The Peace Queen had her own pavilion, with performances throughout the day. She also organized the Charleston Bahá’í Youth Workshop and they put on a dramatic two-act play in which an appearance by the Peace Queen gets the locals of “Niceville” to become loving, caring individuals.

Bahá’ís in Huntington, West Virginia, greet visitors to their display at September’s Uniting Neighbors in Truth and Equality rally, one of several events that gained new contacts for the community. Local photo

The Workshop’s stage debut was a hit, covered extensively by local media. The rally narrator, in closing the performance, invited attendees to visit the pavilion, “right next to the Bahá’í booth,” and commented that “the Bahá’ís seem to be trying the hardest to have unity among themselves and with other people, regardless of the color of their skin, differences of background, and differences of religion.”

About 50 Bahá’ís came to help out at the event and were busy teaching until dark. Two attendees declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh, and many serious contacts were recorded.

The Peace Queen also was an attraction at two other recent gatherings in Charleston and Huntington.

At one of them, Charleston’s seventh annual Multifest in August on the State Capitol grounds, the Huntington friends played a significant part.

The Bahá’í booth was busy all weekend and the Washington Bahá’í Youth Workshop was featured as well.

Another event was Bahá’í participation in the Huntington YWCA’s “Eliminating Racism & Hate Crimes” program Oct. 24, where Brandy Watson, a Bahá’í from Ohio, was keynote speaker.

Enrollments

October ’97	199
November ’97	92
Total since May 1 ’97	1043

THE FUND

May 1 - November 30, 1997
Contributions received by National Treasurer
Received since May 1: $11,260,329	Goal for entire year: $27,000,000
42% of goal has been met
58% of fiscal year has passed
November 30, 1997	April 30, 1998

Allocations to other funds

Arc Projects Fund $1,766,621

16% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 19%)

International Bahá’í Fund $1,949,344

17% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 7%)

Continental Bahá’í Fund $1,765,555

2% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 2%)

Total Revenues and Expenses at Bahá’í National Center May 1 – October 30, 1997 (latest available)

$8,153,727

Revenues ♦

$10,008,630

Expenses ▼

Resulting Deficit: $1,854,903

♦ Includes contributions plus revenues from Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Bahá’í Home, permanent schools, etc.

▼ Operating and capital expenses, not including depreciation.

Mail contributions to: National Bahá’í Fund 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091-2800 Please write Bahá’í ID # on check

[Page 4]

Assembly Development program more widespread

A group of 29 dedicated believers around the country recently completed an orientation to serve as Assembly Development representatives, joining the 29 representatives in place since April.

All 58 are available to offer Assembly Development modules and other training courses. Assemblies with training and development needs may call on the representatives for help, as well as the Auxiliary Board members and assistants in their area.

Representatives are drawn from 28 states in all four regions of the country. Selection was based on past suggestions made by Local Spiritual Assemblies and Auxiliary Board members, as well as on recommendations from existing representatives.

“Like the first group, these representatives exhibit an outstanding array of experiences, common sense and facilitation skills which promise to benefit Assemblies in their development process,” states Theresa Z. Mullen of the Office of Assembly Development. “We are pleased that we will now be able to offer this personalized assistance to a wider number of Assemblies.”

The office hopes to have additional representatives appointed in future to ensure every Assembly has at least one representative available to assist them.

Spiritual Assemblies desiring this assistance should contact the Office of Assembly Development.

A representative, if available, then will contact the Assembly to find out its needs and determine what resources might be most useful. For example, they might agree to schedule a workshop or other training effort for the Assembly.

The Office of Assembly Development also offers more general guidance, referring Assemblies to development programs and materials offered through a number of offices, agencies and institutions.

Local Spiritual Assemblies may suggest people to be considered in the future as representatives.

The map above shows where current representatives live. There is a particular need for individuals willing to be representatives in the states not yet served.

ASSEMBLY DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVES

If your Local Spiritual Assembly would like the assistance of the Office of Assembly Development, or if it wishes to recommend a believer to be trained as a development representative, contact the office at the Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3490, e-mail

THE TREASURER’S CORNER

The Treasurer’s Corner is devoted to helping local treasurers, and others who have special interest in development of the Funds, with suggestions and ideas. If you would like to offer stories or ideas that have increased your community’s understanding of and participation in the Fund, you are invited to share them with other communities through this column. Contact the Office of the Treasurer and Development (phone 847-733-3472, e-mail

Informing new believers; Dallas’ approach The Universal House of Justice tells us: “Contributing to the Bahá’í fund constitutes an act of spiritual discipline which is an intrinsic element of the devotional life of the individual. No believer should be unaware of the privilege of contributing to the advancement of the Cause of God, irrespective of his material circumstances.”

The Local Spiritual Assembly of Dallas, Texas, meets with all new believers to welcome them to their Bahá’í family and to present each with a gift. Recently the Assembly decided to include information about the Funds in this welcome. They share with each new believer that giving to the Funds is a privilege and honor, and provide information on how to give to the local and national funds.

Deepening attracts contributors The Local Spiritual Assembly of Nashville, Tennessee, has introduced a short deepening on the Fund at each Feast. As a result, the treasurer reports, participation in the local fund has increased to 60 percent from 30–35 percent, and the dollar amount of contributions has increased by a third. At the 10-minute deepenings, the treasurer shares the information gained and spirit derived from his attendance at one of the Stewardship and Development seminars last summer.

For information on sponsoring a local Stewardship and Development Seminar, please contact the Office of the Treasurer and Development (phone and e-mail above).

New Fund manual Stewardship and Development: A Desktop Reference for Spiritual Assemblies and Treasurers, a new manual compiled by the Office of the Treasurer and Development, is available through the Bahá’í Distribution Service, 800-999-9019. The manual is an excellent source of information and references for deepening on the Funds, and includes invaluable information for the Spiritual Assembly’s management of the local treasury.

Yearly summaries discontinued As the end of the calendar year approaches, please be reminded that the summary statements of each donor’s contributions for the year, previously provided by the Treasurer’s Office, have been discontinued. The estimated savings to the National Fund is about $3000 in mailing costs alone. Receipts mailed during the year for each contribution are proof, for tax purposes, of each contribution made. Summary statements for contributions made through the Automatic Contribution System will continue to be provided annually.

“He who is the Eternal Truth—exalted be His glory—hath made the fulfillment of every undertaking on earth dependent on material means.”

—Bahá’u’lláh

Joy radiates from letter on friend’s provision in will

Often with payments of Huqúqu’lláh come messages that are moving examples of spiritual growth. From time to time it is good to share some of these to inspire us with the joy and radiance that comes with obeying the law of Huqúqu’lláh. Here is a recent one slightly paraphrased:

“In compliance with the great law of Huqúqu’lláh I have computed my obligation as my final transaction on this earthly plane. I will be winging my flight to the Abhá Kingdom very soon as cancer is bringing my time with you to a close. I have been joyfully experiencing this transition and am overjoyed to remember this privilege and wanted the spiritual satisfaction of paying it. As Bahá’u’lláh states, it is ‘a bounty which shall remain with every soul in every world of the worlds of God, the All-Possessing, the All-Bountiful.’”

A frequently asked question: How do we make provisions in our will for the payment of Huqúqu’lláh?

In guidance from the Universal House of Justice we are reminded that Huqúqu’lláh is law to live with, not to die for. In other words, if we begin to observe this law as early in our Bahá’í lives as we can, we shall have the spiritual bounty and relief of knowing at the end of our life that we have already “purified” our possessions.

But, of course, for some of us in higher age brackets and special circumstances it may be necessary to provide for the unpaid Huqúqu’lláh in our wills. In such cases the executor should be directed to pay the specified Huqúqu’lláh to the Trustees in care of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States.

Answering questions on Huqúqu’lláh Payments to Huqúqu’lláh should be made to “The Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust” (please write your Bahá’í identification number on your check) and sent to one of the Trustees: Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449) Mr. Stephen Birkland, Arden Hills, MN 55112 (phone 612-484-9518) Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 216-333-1506) Mrs. Thelma Khelghati, 383 Page St., Lunenburg, MA 01462 (phone 508-582-9216) Due to a recurrent illness, Trustee Dr. Elsie Austin is unable to receive payments for Huqúqu’lláh at this time. Inquiries about 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.

Helpful Hint: Please include your full name and address as legibly as possible on the envelopes. Receipts with only initials do not carry the same legal weight as with full names. [Page 5]

GIVING AND VOLUNTEERING IN THE U.S.: HOW DO WE MEASURE UP?

BY THE TREASURER’S OFFICE

Bahá’í’s like to say we are different from the general population. In some respects there is no doubt that we are; in others, the differences may not be as clear as we might like them to be.

Let’s take a look at giving and volunteering in the United States at large. The reader is free to make her or his own comparisons to answer the question: “How do we measure up?”

The statistics cover 1996 and come from “Giving and Volunteering in the United States,” a study done every two years by Independent Sector, one of the best-known agencies that tracks the not-for-profit sector in the United States. The accompanying chart shows some of the major findings.

One significant finding indicates that those who volunteered their time gave nearly twice as generously as those who did little or no volunteer work. This suggests that as Local Spiritual Assemblies become more adept at enlisting the support of the members of their communities, they should see increased giving.

Feast attendance also may be an important factor in giving and volunteering, as Bahá’ís long have suspected. In the survey, 38 percent of respondents said they attended religious services at least weekly. Of those, 83 percent contributed and 64 percent volunteered.

Those regular attendees gave 66 percent of all contributions and gave 3.4 percent of their household’s income. On the other hand, those who attended services just a few times a year gave 1.4 percent.

Unfortunately, a strengthening economy doesn’t improve giving and volunteering the way we might hope. In the Independent Sector results, giving did not increase despite a growing sense that people in general had as much or more money left over after paying their bills.

In fact, the same number of survey respondents as the previous year (74 percent) said they worried about having enough money in the future; this group contributed 2 percent of their household income. The 24 percent who said they were not worried about money gave 2.8 percent.

In terms of volunteering, 70 percent of those who didn’t worry about money contributed and 53 percent volunteered. Among those who worried about having enough money, however, just 52 percent gave and 36 ‎precent percent‎ volunteered.

Are you a member of a Local Spiritual Assembly who wonders what factors affect the friends’ willingness to give their time and money? Here are a few ideas:

• Most people learn about volunteer activities by being asked, not by reading about a need in a newsletter. More than half of the people who volunteered were enlisted by a friend, while about 30 percent were asked by someone from a church and 18 percent by a family member. Of those who are asked to volunteer, nearly 85 percent actually did so.
• Contributions follow the same principle. Seventy-two percent of those who were asked to give by someone they knew well did so; 61 percent gave because they were volunteering for the organization, 59 percent gave because a clergyperson asked them to, and 43 percent gave because they read a news story.

In the Faith, we don’t generally ask individuals to give, so these statistics are not meant to suggest we all start soliciting our friends! Still, the Local Spiritual Assembly is free to communicate the Fund’s needs with general appeals at the Feast and through the newsletter.

• How are the youth in your commu-

SEE GIVING, PAGE 31

Young folks use hands, hearts, brains to help National Fund

When it comes to responding to the needs of the Cause, sometimes the children are the leaders.

Here are two shining examples of young people using their minds, hands and resources to meet the material needs of the Faith at a time when the National Fund is burdened by a deficit:

• A stack of checks totaling $508.30 arrived in the National Treasurer’s office recently from East Brunswick, N.J. The accompanying letter said the funds were raised from sale of crafts at their Unit Convention.

A group of children, ages 6 to 11, had worked since April to make the items that were sold. They had set the goal of raising what seemed like an impossibly big amount—$500—for the National Bahá’í Fund, according to a report from the local Assembly.

“So [a] core group of five children came together and made decorative frames with Bahá’í prayers inside, decorative and covered boxes for family or community fund boxes, colored rocks that could be used as paper weights, napkin rings, and a few wreaths,” the report states. “They decided to also make some baked goods the day before ‎covention convention‎ to have a bake sale with it.”

Working on gifts that later would be sold at a successful fund-raiser are East Brunswick, N.J., youngsters (left to right) Roya Yazhari, Yasmin Poustchi, David Saunders, Briana Saunders and Shirin Poustchi. (Local photo)

Thus began monthly get-togethers where children worked on their products in between snack breaks. “They were very energetic and spirited. They consulted about everything!” the report states.

One decision from that consultation showed trust in the influence of the spirit—as well as great intelligence. Rather than setting fixed prices for the baked goods, “they agreed that the best strategy was to let each buyer decide what price was best for him or her. ... [I]f people knew it was a fund raiser they would give accordingly.”

Eager and enthusiastic at the Convention, the children made a presentation to the adults on their enterprise. Their fund-raising goal was surpassed.

• Two brothers in Herndon, Virginia, Dana and Ian Olson, saw last issue’s article in The American Bahá’í about the deficit in the National Fund during their local Bahá’í school class.

Once their father explained a deficit to them—“when someone needs a certain amount of money and does not have it,” their letter to the National Treasurer said—they started wondering what would happen if every Bahá’í kid did just a little to help out.

“Please tell all the Bahá’í kids in the United States about this idea,” their letter said. “If 15,000 kids gave a dollar every Bahá’í month, that would be $15,000 a month. We looked at the Bahá’í calendar and there are nine Bahá’í months left in the Bahá’í year. We used the calculator and multiplied 15,000 times 9 and got $135,000 for the rest of the Bahá’í year.”

The brothers pledged to do their part, starting with contributions that accompanied their letter and hoping to give more from their future allowances and odd jobs.

So how quickly could the Fund’s balance be restored with regular participation by those who can give more than a dollar? Maybe you can do the math.

MESSAGE ON DEFICIT DRAWS HEARTWARMING RESPONSES

Within days of the Feast of Qudrat (Power) and the national Treasurer’s announcement of a $1.8 million deficit in the National Bahá’í Fund through October, responses began arriving at the Bahá’í National Center from all over the country:

• “This is a love offering to Bahá’u’lláh for blessings I enjoy: 1st—fairly good health 91 years old; for this wonderful Faith—I found it 40 yrs ago; for a home which is open to the friends; wonderful loyal friends; enough money to live on; peace and contentment in this stressful world.”
• “The enclosed check is our LSA’s response to the recent letter indicating the National Fund was in dire need of contributions. We are also increasing our usual monthly contribution by 25%...”
• “...our group decided to contribute nearly the entire amount in our newly established local Fund in support of the National Fund. We hope that many other communities have responded similarly and we pray that the current serious deficit will soon be eliminated.”
• “I am enclosing cash for this contribution. My hours at work have been cut, and I am recovering from an injury, so I am unable to search for another job. I cannot afford a money order at this time and I pray to Bahá’u’lláh that this money will be ‘protected’ on its journey to you.”
• “We are a retired couple on a fixed income. We have been saving some money towards our first annual payment for the installation of a sewer system in our section of the city ... The Blessed Beauty came to save the whole world and this is all-important. We are enclosing a contribution now to help in reducing the current deficit of the National Bahá’í Fund, confident that He will provide what we need at a later time.”

The deficit is still there, but the gap has begun to narrow through the dedication of the Bahá’ís. The National Spiritual Assembly’s offices and agencies are working to make a minimum 20% cut in their costs for the rest of the year—a difficult proposition given the vital nature of the tasks required right now.

The National Spiritual Assembly deeply appreciates the spirit of devotion reflected in recent weeks by so many of the friends in giving to support all the Funds of the Faith. [Page 6]

SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

Cai McNaughton, age 5, holds Bahá’í children’s books as her brother Duncan, 8, reads a quote by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, during a Nov. 12 ceremony for donation of the books to the public library in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo courtesy of The Oxford Eagle; reprinted by permission)

Churches in three counties receive news of Revelation

Communities in three eastern Pennsylvania counties have sent letters proclaiming the mission of Bahá’u’lláh to more than 1,000 churches in their area.

“We really think this is a historic step in the development of the Faith in this part of the country,” said Shidan Lotfi, one of the organizers of the project called the Christian-Bahá’í Initiative.

Letters were sent also to nearly 150 college faculty members in departments of religious studies, philosophy and theology, as well as local newspapers.

As expected, few churches have responded directly, and about half the responses have been in opposition, Mr. Lotfi said.

But the letter has sparked some willingness to communicate, and two churches have even arranged meetings with Local Spiritual Assemblies in their localities.

One Lancaster County church group, in fact, accepted an invitation to a Unity Feast and fireside.

While the response seems small, Mr. Lotfi said, “we felt something like this was so fundamental to the development of the Faith ... [the effort] was worth it by itself.”

Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá took steps to inform the leaders of religion about the new Revelation, Mr. Lotfi said. But the life and efforts of George Townsend to communicate with Christians of his time were a particular inspiration for this project.

Sent over the course of four months by the Bahá’í communities in Berks, Lebanon and Lancaster counties, west and northwest of Philadelphia, the letter offers to share the message of the promised Return of Christ “in a spirit of love, humility and respect.”

It goes on to touch briefly on a few significant biblical prophecies regarding the Return and how they are congruent with the life and Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

“[O]ut of a deep sense of spiritual responsibility, we have written you to express our sincere hope that you will give this matter a just consideration,” the letter says. “... After a just investigation, the appraisal of the validity of this claim is solely yours to make. Our responsibility is to offer you the necessary means to examine this matter.”

The letter offers books and literature about the faith on request, or follow-up meetings with Bahá’ís.

Anyone wishing more information about the initiative may contact Shidan Lotfi, West Lawn, PA 19609 (e-mail ).

Library gifts gain press notice for small Mississippi communities

The tiny Bahá’í communities of Oxford and Lafayette County, Mississippi, gained significant local newspaper notice as they arranged ceremonies for donation of 19 books to the public and university libraries on the Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.

Oxford has one Bahá’í resident. One Bahá’í family lives in Lafayette County, and they may move when a family member graduates from the university.

“We’re only going to be here a short time, so we’ve got to make a lot of noise!” wrote Lafayette County Bahá’í Peggy McNaughton in a report on the events. The newspaper coverage already has generated response.

A Nov. 12 ceremony at the University of Mississippi, attended by the dean of the library, the dean of students and a senior professor from the Philosophy and Religion Department, was covered with a 500-word article on the front page of the student newspaper two days later.

The article noted the donation of seven books—including three books of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Some Answered Questions and others—was the university library’s first acquisition of Bahá’í books since the 1940s. It included summaries of some Bahá’í teachings and paraphrased quotations from the writings.

The head librarian at Oxford’s public library received 12 Bahá’í-inspired children’s books at another ceremony the same day. A 5-by-7-inch photo on the “second front page” of the Oxford Eagle newspaper on Nov. 13 showed 5-year-old Cai McNaughton holding the books as her 8-year-old brother Duncan read a quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The local friends raised part of the money for the books by selling buttons at a regional Bahá’í gathering. They prepared for the ceremonies by making appointments with the appropriate people and distributing a press release to local media.

Stanford freshmen hear Bahá’í views at orientation

Shervin Parvini went out in style as coordinator of the Bay Area Bahá’í Youth Workshop in greater San Francisco, California.

The troupe’s last performance under his 2-year tutelage brought to its feet a crowd of nearly 2,000 freshmen at Stanford University. One of the first-year students was “first daughter” Chelsea Clinton, accompanied by two U.S. Secret Service agents.

Tears were seen in many eyes after the Workshop’s dance portraying how racism is passed down from parents to children. Dancers for the number were Emonne Abadini, Marcos Lewis, Katie Mox, Joanna Portillo, Justin Portillo, and Shamim Samadi.

The Bahá’í performance was the only one at the Faces of the Community orientation program by an outside group. It followed and perfectly illustrated a moving talk by senior Shahla Maghzi, a Bahá’í from San Francisco who is herself a product of East and West.

Ms. Maghzi was instrumental in getting the Workshop invited to Stanford. Before leaving for a summer in China, she gave a videotape of the group to a dean at the college. Now the dean hopes to have the Workshop return to perform in a less-formal setting.

In her speech, Ms. Maghzi challenged students to expand their vision of community to the global level and described how the Stanford Bahá’í Association contributes to diversity on campus.

“The school asked that I speak about growing up in a biracial family, and being a Bahá’í,” Ms. Maghzi explained later.

“The speech touched on what it meant to grow up in a Persian-European/American household, and how the Bahá’í teachings, by emphasizing allegiance to a larger world community, brought unity to these two identities,” she said. “The theme of the talk was ‘Where does our community begin and end?’”

After the program, students returned to their dormitories and classrooms to consult on their orientation experience. According to participants, many mentioned the Bahá’ís and what they are trying to promote.

The following Friday, the school asked that Ms. Maghzi’s speech and three others be presented for the alumni reunion. After the speeches were over, the audience engaged in a dialogue with the presenters. During this discussion, one woman got up and said, “Since I graduated until now, so much has changed!”

“Understanding our differences and finding unity is becoming of greater importance,” Ms. Maghzi observed. “It seems the Bahá’ís are really focusing on this.” [Page 7]

Office of Pioneering reorganizes to handle info requests efficiently

BY THE OFFICE OF PIONEERING

With goals of 4,500 traveling teachers and 1,200 pioneers for the Four Year Plan, the Office of Pioneering embarked on a critical evaluation of how it would be able to serve thousands, rather than hundreds, of prospective pioneers and traveling teachers. Clearly, we had to consider what we were doing, what we hoped to do and the means by which we could accomplish our goal. Many hours of consultation resulted in a new plan.

The logical step, in anticipation of the election of the Regional Bahá’í Councils, was to divide the service areas of the staff by the regions of the country designated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan.

With only three international consultants and four regions, we analyzed the number of inquiries we received from the various regions and decided that one consultant could serve the Northeast and Central States, one the Southern, and one the Western States. In addition, we have a consultant who is responsible for the Sensitive International Teaching Areas (SITA).

OFFICE OF PIONEERING STAFF AND THE REGION(S) OF EACH CONSULTANT’S RESPONSIBILITY:
Northeast and Central: Alex Blakeson (phone 847-733-3511, e-mail
Southern: Amanda Respess (phone 847-733-3507, e-mail
Western: Aurore Ragston (phone 847-733-3512, e-mail

All these consultants will be working with the friends on every type of international service: traveling teaching, pioneering, and Bahá’í Youth Service Corps.

Additionally, to fulfill the mandate outlined in the Ridván 153 letter to the believers in North America—specifically, calling African-Americans to Africa, Hispanic friends to Latin America and Native Americans to the circumpolar areas—each international consultant will assume responsibility for developing reference materials for one of the three areas of concentration.

Now we are asking you, our beloved community, to assist us in our task. When you contact the Office of Pioneering, whether by phone, fax, e-mail or letter, please tell us where you live so we may expedite our response to you.

The consultants are listed at left; any inquiry also can be sent to: Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail

It is our sincere hope that these changes will steer us toward ever greater success in helping the friends fulfill their desire to serve internationally.

Newspaper features Faith all through section

The cover story and several other articles in the WellBeing section of the Bradenton (Florida) Herald on Oct. 18 detailed the beliefs and activities of the Bahá’ís in Manatee County.

Readers were drawn into the tabloid-size weekly section by a full-cover illustration titled “In search of unity” and subtitled “Local Bahá’ís worship in a world where reason and wisdom rule.”

Inside, a short introductory article by section editor Kim Atamian greeted them. It outlined Bahá’í principles and concluded, “Local Bahá’ís don’t trumpet their religion across the community. ... But their mission deserves to be shouted out loud, so that people of all faiths can join in.”

On Page 4 was a “local voices” column by Bradenton Bahá’í Allan Wunsch that was an abridged version of the National Spiritual Assembly’s The Vision of Race Unity statement.

That was followed on Pages 8-10 by the cover story, “Bahá’ís striving for world peace.” Several area Bahá’ís were quoted in the article, as were Pamela Zivari, director of the Bahá’í Office of Public Information in New York, and religion professor Danny L. Jorgensen of the University of South Florida.

A pronunciation guide of important Bahá’í terms was included, as was a “Facts about their faith” sidebar. The lead full-color photograph showed longtime Bahá’ís Ray and Edna Fechtner with a beautiful mosaic tile representation of a nine-pointed star.

Also in the section were a smaller article on Bahá’ís’ race unity efforts and a calendar listing for a Bahá’í-sponsored commemoration of United Nations Day.

The Church & Worship Directory graphic on the back page even included a nine-pointed star and listed a weekly fireside in the area.

Collaboration puts big Bahá’í presence in small town

An out-of-the-ordinary project to bring the Faith to the forefront of people’s attention in western Washington has passed a year of operation with the enthusiastic support of local Bahá’ís.

The Bahá’í Faith Information Center on Front Street in downtown Issaquah was opened in September 1996 as a project an inter-assembly committee for teaching, one of five formed in the Seattle area during 1995.

Among major projects of the committee has been the opening of four information centers. Unlike Bahá’í community centers, these are dedicated to a public presence for the Faith, focusing on teaching and proclamation activities.

“It helps us create unity among the surrounding communities. The Assemblies are very much together on this,” said Saba Mahanian, Issaquah Spiritual Assembly secretary. Five Assemblies are represented on the committee overseeing the Issaquah center.

That center is distinguished in its location, an older 1,500-square-foot brick building in the center of a small town east of Seattle. A core of about 24 believers have pitched in to keep it open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Since its opening, organizers report, the center has been closed only a few days due to holidays or snow.

Volunteers at all the information centers make it a point to enhance all the Seattle-area teaching activities by referring visitors to the Bahá’í communities in or near their own localities.

Public activities held in the Issaquah center include firesides and other public talks, musical events, prayer meetings, singles activities, youth and children’s gatherings and charity fund-raisers.

A recent two-day “World Music Concert Series” featured performances by established music acts including Tapestry, Connie and Steven King, Phil Lucas, B-Stir and Cloud 9, plus traditional music and dance by members of the Snoqualmie Tribe.

It coincided with the town’s annual Salmon Days celebration, which draws as many as 1 million people to Front Street, Mr. Mahanian said.

On approaching the building, the first thing a passer-by sees through the picture windows is a series of hinged panels that present teachings and principles of the Faith, with brief prayers and passages from the Writings.

The panels were set up in 1996 to shield the public from having to view the mess of renovation inside the building. But after sprucing-up was complete, the panels were left in the windows because workers noticed they had attracted attention from people on the busy sidewalk—so they hired professionals to upgrade the display, a local report states.

Inside the visitor is greeted by comfortable seating, with stands nearby displaying free brochures and magazines. Further back are a children’s playroom, a lending library, a reference library, office space, and a banquet and activity area.

“Many people involved commented that the work to create the center helped them to mature in the administrative process, in working together and in raising money,” the local report says.

A view from Front Street in Issaquah, Washington, of the local Bahá’í Faith Information Center. The center has been open for more than a year as a Seattle-area intercommunity project. Local photo [Page 8]

New choir has firm foundation for creating musical acts of worship

“A wondrous melody is wings for the spirit and maketh the soul to tremble for joy.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The first steps toward building the Bahá’í House of Worship Music Department have been taken successfully, according to Kathy Tahiri, music director, who has made the above quotation her professional motto and the basis for developing the department.

The newly re-formed House of Worship Choir made its debut performance at evening devotional services on the Day of the Covenant. Although small in number, the choir filled the auditorium with “a shimmering, well-blended sound,” Ms. Tahiri said.

With a goal of being as inclusive as possible in choir membership, the House of Worship Music Committee consulted about how to do this while maintaining a high standard of excellence. Their solution is to permit participation by anyone willing to abide by the policies established to ensure excellence.

For the friends who live too far from Wilmette, Illinois, to participate every week, the committee developed a way of allowing them to sing occasionally in Sunday devotions and other events.

“Visiting members” of the choir must audition, must let the music director know when they will be attending, and then be responsible for learning the music on their own. They are expected to attend scheduled rehearsals while in the Wilmette area in order to present a polished act of worship.

Ms. Tahiri pointed out that Bahá’u’lláh considered music so important in this Dispensation, He devoted a paragraph to it in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas to ensure that ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ approach it with the proper attitude. Further, He elevated performance of music to the station of an act of worship and exhorted us to acquire knowledge and excellence in all arts and sciences.

“Learning a piece is much more than just learning what words go with what notes. We do extensive work on blending and balancing the sound and on artistic interpretation—the tangibles and intangibles that bring a piece to life and make it a ‘wondrous melody’ that will cause souls to ‘tremble for joy.’” —Kathy Tahiri, House of Worship music director

Regular choir members, after auditioning for proper placement, are expected to attend all of each rehearsal, whether they are ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ or not.

Those rehearsals begin by preparing the choristers’ hearts with prayer and deepening. Next, there are lessons in note-reading, basic theory and vocal production. “Learning a piece is much more than just learning what words go with what notes,” Ms. Tahiri said. “We do extensive work on blending and balancing the sound and on artistic interpretation—the tangibles and intangibles that bring a piece to life and make it a ‘wondrous melody’ that will cause souls to ‘tremble for joy.’”

“All this makes for long rehearsals and slow progress,” she noted, “but the end result is well worth the effort.”

For a copy of choir policies in detail, contact Ms. Tahiri (phone 847-853-2328, e-mail and stay “tuned” for news as the Music Department evolves.

THE CORINNE TRUE JUSTICE CENTER BASIC MEDIATION TRAINING COURSE

February 12–16, 1998

Basic training and certification in:

• Fundamentals of mediation
• Bargaining and negotiation skills
• Legal and court-annexed procedures
• Conflict resolution theory and practice

Nationally known faculty includes:

• Attorneys
• Professional mediators from Colorado, Arizona, California and Nevada
• Former Colorado judge
• Business and professional executives

Cost: $300 • After January 14: $350

CORINNE TRUE JUSTICE CENTER REGISTRATION

Basic Mediation February 12–16, 1998

Name __________________________________________________________________

Organization ___________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________________

City _____________________________________ State ________ Zip __________

Phone ___________________ Fax ___________________ E-mail _______________

Registration fees: $300 (on or before Jan. 14) $__________ $350 (after Jan. 14) $__________

Make check or money order in U.S. currency, payable to True Justice Center, and return it with this form. Fee covers tuition and materials only. Classes start at noon on February 12.

Please return this registration form to: Registrar Phoenix, AZ 85044 Classes held at Metro Denver Bahá’í Center 225 E. Bayaud, Denver, Colorado For information call 602-940-7594, fax 602-412-7043

MEDIA BRIEFS

YOUTHS RAISE SPARKS

The activities and diversity of the Eternal Flame Bahá’í Youth Workshop attracted the attention of The Tribune newspaper in Mesa, Arizona, which featured the group in its Oct. 25 religion section.

In a lengthy article titled “Bahá’í youth strike spark for racial harmony,” writer Lois McFarland interviewed several Workshop members and advisers about service to others as “way of life.”

They talked to her about their many and varied performances, their weekly practices, and how they carry their beliefs into everyday life.

Full-color photographs showed the group consulting and practicing.

A brief description of the Bahá’í Faith and its teachings rounded out the article.

ON THE MOVE IN FLORIDA

The “Victory 2000” media campaign in South Florida is following up on its $50,000 fund-raising meeting with efforts to place radio ads on the Faith. Preparations include research on the advertising rates of various radio stations and market tests on a number of recorded spots.

With a Jan. 1 target date for airing the announcements, the intercommunity campaign is forming task forces for follow-up, to plan not only continued media and public relations efforts but also teaching, public worship events, training/deepening and social and economic development.

The campaign is being conducted as a cooperative effort among several Local Spiritual Assemblies in and near Broward County. [Page 9]

Two Wings of a Bird

The Equality of Women and Men National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States $7.95 SC (SWMPE)

The National Spiritual Assembly’s statement on gender equality and the advancement of women is now available in an edition suitable for presentation to public officials and other leaders of thought. The cover features handsome binding with silver metallic embossed title.

7" x 9", 15 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, U.S.

‘... now available in an edition suitable for presentation.’

‘This book addresses some of the barriers that keep us from achieving a deeper understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings and presents a process that includes preparing, reading, reflecting, and acting on the Creative Word.’

Reading Bahá’u’lláh’s Word

A Guide to Reading and Understanding the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh Melanie Sarachman Smith and William Diehl $10.00 SC (RBW)

Sometimes when people first read the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, they find the words beautiful and powerful, but difficult to understand. This book addresses some of the barriers that keep us from achieving a deeper understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings and presents a process that includes preparing, reading, reflecting, and acting on the Creative Word.

8½" x 11", 150pp. Palabra Press

To Be a Mother

compiled by Wendy Momen $11.95 SC (TBM)

“It is in the spirit of both revering motherhood and valuing the contribution women can make to the wider community that this little book of verses from the [Bahá’í and] other holy scriptures, poets and thinkers is offered.” The contents include: On the Birth of a Child; The First Mentors; Mothering; Mothers and Their Families; Mothers, Bringers of Peace.

4¾" x 6¾", 178 pp. George Ronald, Publisher

‘... revering motherhood and valuing the contribution of women.’

‘... of value to serious students of the Bahá’í Faith and to those teaching courses on it.’

Scripture & Revelation

Bahá’í Studies Volume III edited by Moojan Momen $26.95 SC (SR)

This third volume in the Bahá’í Studies series focuses on the theme of scripture and revelation. Papers presented at the first and second Irfan Colloquia in 1993 and 1994 discuss subjects of value to serious students of the Bahá’í Faith and to those teaching courses on it.

5¾" x 8¼", 369 pp. George Ronald, Publisher

‘... for anyone searching for a source of inspiration.’

The Wisdom of the Master

The Spiritual Teachings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá edited by Steven Scholl $17.00 HC (WM)

Discover The Wisdom of the Master, a new collection of the sayings and writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, including eyewitness accounts of incidents in His life. Enjoy a number of new and corrected translations provided by the Bahá’í World Center for this volume. This compilation is intended for anyone searching for a source of inspiration and personal healing.

6" x 8", 111 pp., photographs, introduction, endnotes, bibliography. Kalimat Press

‘... carefully prepared curriculum guides, lecture outlines, annotated bibliographies, Internet resources, etc.’

A Resource Guide for the Scholarly Study of the Bahá’í Faith

Robert Stockman and Jonah Winters $9.95 SC (RG)

This comprehensive research and educational tool for the student or teacher of the Bahá’í Faith provides guidance on including the Bahá’í Faith in college and university courses. It contains carefully prepared curriculum guides, lecture outlines, annotated bibliographies, lists of educational materials and Internet resources.

8½" x 11", 227 pp. Research Office of the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, Illinois

‘... delightful prescriptions for living the Bahá’í life with a freshness and spirit that is both profound and childlike.’

How to Live Sideways

A Guide for Bahá’í Kids Michael Fitzgerald illustrated by John Burns $14.95 HC (HTLS)

This whimsical compilation of the Bahá’í Sacred Writings is certain to amuse and fascinate any child. The author offers his delightful prescriptions for living the Bahá’í life with a freshness and spirit that is both profound and childlike. Build Bahá’í identity and introduce your children to the Bahá’í teachings on prayer, unity, faithfulness, service, and contentment.

6½" x 6¾", 40 pp. Kalimat Press [Page 10]

Messages to the Antipodes

Communications from Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá’í Communities of Australasia Shoghi Effendi $29.95 HC (MAH)

This volume brings together, for the first time, the communications addressed to the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the Australasian area by Shoghi Effendi during the period of his ministry, from 1921 to 1957, as Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith. More than a historical record, the book conveys a painfully realistic portrait of the development of the Australasian Bahá’í community.

526 pp., introduction, preface, glossary, footnotes, index. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Australia

Racism - Unraveling the Fear

by Nathan Rutstein $16.95 SC (RUF)

Racism-Unraveling the Fear not only exposes racism's roots, its nature and how it impacts on us all, it also offers a workable solution to a problem many people feel is insoluble. This is Mr. Rutstein's most challenging book, one that deals directly with the most challenging issue facing our society. Any reader will benefit from the years of experience and the rational voice reflected in this work.

9" x 6", 238 pp., notes, bibliography

Lilly and Peggy

by Ronald Tomanio $8.95 SC (LP)

A beautiful and touching story of a young girl, her dog and the answer to her prayers. Find out what happens when one Naw-Rúz, Lilly, aided by her dog, Peggy, throws a bottle with a message into the river. A charming true story for young children.

6%" x 10", 32 pp., illustrations George Ronald, Publisher

The Roads Home

by Rowell Hoff $16.95 SC (RHS)

An exceptional collection of poetry written over a span of 50 years by poet and Bahá’í Rowell Hoff. Touching on many subjects, both familiar and personal, these glimpses of a poet's soul are indeed moving and eloquent.

5%" x 8", 226 pp. George Ronald, Publisher

Forgiveness

Jewels from the Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The sixth in the Jewels series presents extracts from the writings and utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on forgiveness, to help orient and instruct us.

$5.95 SC (HS) 6" x 6", 40 p., bibliography, references Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United Kingdom

Stories of the Greatest Holy Leaf

compiled by Jacqueline Mehrabi $15.95 HC (SGHL)

These delightful stories, each one conveying a moving, amusing or inspiring incident from the life of the Greatest Holy Leaf, offer children of all ages a glimpse of the love, dignity and insight which characterized "the outstanding heroine of the Bahá’í Dispensation."

6½" x 8", 44pp., illustrations Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United Kingdom

Lights of Fortitude

by Barron Harper $29.95 SC (LF)

Hare are unique pen portraits of the 50 Hands of the Cause of God, the "Chief Stewards of Bahá’u’lláh's embryonic World Commonwealth." Drawn from many sources, including accounts by Hands themselves, these essays provide fascinating insight into the lives of this small band of individuals whose rank is unparalleled in religious history and who, in the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, "have diffused widely the Divine Fragrances, declared His Proofs, proclaimed His Faith, published abroad His Law, detached themselves from all things but Him, stood for righteousness in the world, and kindled the Fire of the Love of God in the very hearts and souls of His servants."

6" x 9", 551 pp., introduction, photographs, bibliography, references and notes, index George Ronald, Publisher

The Island of the Same Name

by Joseph Shepperd $23.95 SC (ISN)

This debut novel by Bahá’í author Joseph Shepperd follows the adventures and discoveries of two generations of researchers: an archaeologist named Hemet Recuero Holden and his daughter, Maya Lillian Holden, an anthropologist. Each visits the same African island, but each discovers vastly different things. Hemet uncovers the remnants of a an intriguing culture and meets the sole survivor of a strange religion on the verge of extinction. Years later Maya chances upon the birth of a tribal movement which has gathered to "choose a future" and decide the direction that the world will follow; a people who await the coming of a civilization, yet unborn; people who regard themselves as the parents of the "new race of humans."

6" x 9", 576 pp., illustrations Manifest Books

Regional Bahá’í Councils

letters from the Universal House of Justice $1.00 SC (RBC)

Recently mailed to attendees of the Unit Conventions, this booklet is also available for purchase in limited quantities. Regional Bahá’í Councils contains the two most significant documents from the Universal House of Justice on the formation of these councils, which are designed to "carry forward, with increased vigor, the propagation of the Cause of God."

5½" x 8", 20 pp. National Spiritual Assembly

Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

‘Abdu’l-Bahá PS $3.95 (SWAP)

A compilation of passages from Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the East and West. Published to "increase the fervor" of Bahá’ís and to "add to their perception of that wondrous harmony of the human and divine" that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá exemplified.

4" x 7", 359 pp., index, paragraph numbering Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United States

Enlightened Views

compiled by Alan Bryson $9.95 SC (EV)

Alan Bryson has compiled a systematic presentation of the Bahá’í Faith from the words of its Central Figures. Enlightened Views is one of the most comprehensive compilations to be published in years. An excellent reference work for Bahá’ís or non-Bahá’ís.

5½" x 8", 364 pp., bibliography, index Sterling Publishers

Crossing Frontiers

Portrait of a World Citizen $19.95 VT (ECFN)

This video, on the life of Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, explores the frontiers she has crossed in her travels to over 185 countries. In her travels she has given countless lectures, met many leading dignitaries, and been interviewed on radio, television and by the press throughout the world, continually promoting the essential teachings of the Bahá’í Faith.

22 minutes Badiyan Productions

The Land of Mystery

by Bill Fagan $15.95 CD (LOMCD)

The Land of Mystery is an instrumental album inspired by the power, the majesty and the gentle beauty of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. It is ideal for personal upliftment and meditation, and for setting the mood at Feast, Holy Day and other spiritual gatherings. Composed and orchestrated by Bill Fagan, it intertwines his style with Persian, African and Western influences. Live flute and percussion were contributed by Ken LaRoche, formerly of Do'ah.

39 minutes KMF Productions

Badí: The Pride of Martyrs

by Ivan Lloyd $9.95 SC (BPM)

This edition in English and Persian tells the story of one of the most courageous early believers. It includes full-color reproductions of original artwork by Ivan Lloyd, the author and an accomplished artist.

8½" x 11", 16 pp., color illustrations Day Spring Studios [Page 11]

Hisn-i Hasín-i ‎Sharí’t-u’lláh Sharí’at-u’lláh‎

Citadel of Faith Shoghi Effendi $26.00 HC (PCFH), $20.00 SC (PCFS)

A Persian translation of letters written by or on behalf of the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith expounding upon the mission of the Bahá’ís of the United States and reminding them of their spiritual primacy as trustees and executors of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan. 6½” x 8¾”, 267 pp. Bahá’í Verlag

Spiritual Revolution 3

produced by Marcia Day $60.00 FOR 3 TAPE SET OF 12 SHOWS, VT (ESR3N)

Spiritual Revolution 3 is a dynamic television series designed to reach every waiting soul and particularly helps Christians understand the relationship between Christ and Bahá’u’lláh. An invaluable teaching tool now made affordable for everyone — only $5.00 per show! — these tapes can be used for firesides, Sunday brunches, college campuses, library gifts, deepening classes and Bahá’í schools. Guests include Dr. Jack McCants, Eric Dozier, Michael Sours, and Sylvester Scott among others. Hosted by Billie Crofts and Tommy Kavelin. 12 shows, 30 minutes per show PAVONE International

Bahá’í Weekly Planner

A Bahá’í Weekly Planner suitable for use as a day planner. Contains a 12-Gregorian-month calendar with Bahá’í months and days noted. All Bahá’í holy days and festivals are noted as well as federal holidays. Other features include a schedule of sunrises and sunsets in various latitudes for observing the Fast, frequently used e-mail addresses, statistical information on the Faith and selected communities, and a fund contribution record.

SIZES AND COLORS

SMALL (3½” X 6½”) BLACK	(BWPSB)	$6.50
SMALL (3½” X 6½”) FOREST GREEN	(BWPSG)	$6.50
SMALL (3½” X 6½”) BURGUNDY	(BWPSBU)	$6.50
LARGE (5¼” X 8¼”) BLACK	(BWPLB)	$10.50
LARGE (5¼” X 8¼”) FOREST GREEN	(BWPLG)	$10.50
LARGE (5¼” X 8¼”) BURGUNDY	(BWPLBU)	$10.50

Multiple Author REFER System for Windows

$99.00 CD ROM (MCDR) FOR USERS OF THE DOS VERSION OF MARS $49.00 CD ROM UPGRADE (MCDRU) TO UPGRADE PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF MARS

The first Windows 95 and Windows 3.1 version of MARS is available! MARS gives you very easy access to 50 books of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi. The program’s look and feel has to be tried to be appreciated. Now you can perform any kind of search, bookmark your favorite passages, write notes, go directly to a page in a book, and use your mouse, too! The Windows environment makes selecting books and authors for searching a snap, and it’s easier than ever to paste to the clipboard. You won’t believe how easy it is to use the Multiple Author REFER System! Crimson Publications

The Call of Carmel

by Taraneh Ra’fati and Shidan Toloui-Wallace $10.95 CS (COCC)

A selection of Bahá’í prayers and poems chanted and sung in Persian, recorded in the Holy Land and dedicated to the friends who serve there.

Lawh-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Tablet)

by Bahá’u’lláh $1.25 SC (LA)

This edition of the “Tablet to the Christians” is affordably priced to facilitate its use in teaching and as a resource for study. 5½” x 8½”, 18 pp. Erich Reich Enterprises

Los Bahá’ís

The Bahá’ís Office of Public Information $2.00 SC (SBM)

A Spanish edition of one of the most popular teaching and proclamation pieces ever published. A magazine format and colorful presentation give the reader a concise and informative overview of the Bahá’í Faith. This edition was developed specifically for the Latino audience. 8½” x 11”, 82 pp. Editorial Bahá’í de España

Buddha ‎Maitrya Maitreya‎-Amitabha Has Appeared

Jamshed Fozdar $34.95 HC (BMA)

This book is not just another thesis on Buddhism. It is an invitation to people everywhere, particularly our Buddhist brethren, to accompany the author in quest of that greatest of all phenomena—the advent of the Buddha Avatar—the divine manifestation, whose rare periodic appearance has been the only source of spiritual upliftment throughout humanity’s long and checkered history and for whose recurrence we stand once more in such dire need in this travailing age. Mr. Fozdar conclusively proves from the great wealth of Buddhist prophecies that this momentous event which will usher in a golden age has occurred and is identical to the Return awaited by Hindus, Jews, Zoroastrians, Christians and Muslims. 6” x 8½”, 490 pp., contents, glossary, index Jamshed Fozdar

Chartreuse Blues

by Chris Ruhe $15.95 CD (CBCD), $10.95 CS (CBCAS)

Chris Ruhe brings together elements of bluegrass, folk and pop to create a brand of blues that is “made up of many hues.” A lively, entertaining and reflective look into one musician’s ability to translate life into music. 47 minutes Pescado Productions

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MESSAGE FROM YOUR NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE

THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE IS EAGER TO HEAR FROM YOU! We invite any news, hopes, suggestions, questions and concerns. Please also send any artistic work and pictures of highlights taking place in your community. Information about service projects and opportunities is also welcomed. Please contact the National Youth Committee Office.

TOP 10 TEACHING LIST

IN THE RIDVÁN 153 MESSAGE, the Universal House of Justice quotes Shoghi Effendi in explaining that the individual’s duty is to “consider every avenue of approach which he might utilize in his personal attempts to capture the attention, maintain the interest, and deepen the faith, of those whom he seeks to bring into the fold of his Faith” (The Advent of Divine Justice, Page 51). In light of this, we challenge you to send us your favorite teaching ideas. In the upcoming issue of The American Bahá’í, we will create a Top 10 list of ideas!

YOUTH HIGHLIGHTS

WYOMING YOUTH TASK FORCE FORMED! On August 13, youth from towns all around Wyoming—Gillette, Rawlins, Green River, Riverton and Lander—gathered in what is believed to be the state’s largest assemblage of Bahá’í youth. Their purposes were to socialize and to plan events for the year. The result was a Youth Task Force, which showed eagerness, ambition, and enthusiasm in setting goals and creating a vision for teaching and service in Wyoming. Great job, Wyoming youth!

COLLEGE CLUB WEEKENDS! On Sept. 26-28 and Oct. 10-12, Bahá’í college club representatives from all over the United States came together at Louhelen, Green Acre and Bosch Bahá’í schools for a weekend of deepening, planning and fun. The Bosch Bahá’í School college club weekend was from Oct. 10-12. Fifty-five Bahá’í youth from five states, and about 22 college clubs came together to consult, network and have fun together. The weekend was honored by the presence of the Member of the Auxiliary Board for protection Mr. Farhad Sabetan, who shared a wealth of information. Participants networked with other college club students, made personal teaching plans, pulled weeds in the garden at Bosch as a service project and came up with unanimous actions that all the weekend participants would do. All the participating Bahá’í clubs agreed to give out lollipops, cupcakes or bookmarks on campus for U.N. Day, Oct. 24. Also, all the campuses agreed to pray for one hour for the formation of the new Regional Councils at midnight on the commemoration of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.

CHICAGO BYW PROCLAIMS THE FAITH TO THOUSANDS IN THE BUD BILLIKEN PARADE! In conjunction with the local Bahá’í community, the Chicago Bahá’í Youth Workshop participated in the Bud Billiken parade on Aug. 8. This marked the second year in a row that the workshop proclaimed the Faith to the thousands of spectators along the parade route. The Bud Billiken parade is the largest African-American parade in the country. In addition, the television broadcast is viewed by more than 1 million people. Founded 68 years ago by prominent African-American journalist and Chicago Bahá’í David Kellum, the parade came from Kellum’s popular Bud Billiken Club, where children were taught to recognize and nurture the virtues of honesty, trustworthiness, obedience and respect. “Billiken” is the name of a mythical Chinese deity who represents “Things as they should be,” and “Bud” is short for buddy. Kellum’s intention was to bridge the gap between the races by helping children to come together around a common, universal identity. In addition to devoting time to designing and building the Chicago community float, and serving on the community task force for the parade, workshop members practiced for hours outside of their normal Sunday meeting time to prepare the step and dance routines performed in the parade. Members also created a new T-shirt. The front featured the principles of the Faith, and on the back was the phrase “Raising the First Prejudice-Free Generation.” Every time the float stopped along the parade route, workshop members Elarryo Bolden and Akwanza Mangum would engage the crowd using the African-American tradition of call and response, urging spectators to shout “peace on the streets.” As the workshop danced, one side of the street was urged to call out “peace” and the other “unity.” As is the custom, the Bahá’ís joined numerous families and organizations in Chicago’s Washington Park after the parade for a community picnic celebration. Workshop members were able to share the Faith, and made several new friends and contacts in the park. The most memorable aspect of the event, according to Bolden, was the “spirit which galvanized the diverse members of the community” to prepare for, participate in, and organize follow up activities after the event. The workshop plans to participate with the Chicago community again next year, living up to Kellum’s legacy of service to the African-American community. All are invited to participate in next year’s parade which is traditionally held on the first Saturday of August.

ACTIVITIES & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

COLLEGE CLUB WEEKEND at Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. From Jan. 30-Feb. 1, the National Youth Committee will host a college club weekend. Please register by contacting the Louis Gregory Institute (phone 803-558-5093, e-mail Registration deadline is Jan. 16. This will be a weekend of serious planning, community building and devotion to spiritual transformation. College club weekends are an excellent way to bond with other college-age youth and to share, learn, and strategize ways in which to take advantage of these fertile fields.

THE WILMETTE INSTITUTE is searching for a youth year of service or other volunteer who can serve as Office Manager beginning in January 1997. The position involves writing letters, responding to e-mails, managing financial information in Quickbooks, maintaining files, and explaining the Wilmette Institute’s programs. Excellent organizational and telephone skills are required. The person should be able to work in both an independent and team environment. Depending on the person’s skills, he/she may also be asked to grade homework assignments or write and edit curricular and publicity materials. Contact Robert Stockman at 847-733-3425 or Lisa Roy at 847-733-3415.

FIRST LATIN AMERICAN Bahá’í Youth Congress, Chile, January 1998. This congress will mark an important stage in the history of Latin American youth. Please contact the Office of Pioneering at 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail The Web site for the event is http://www.nur.edu/chile98

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

STATE ONE WAY in which Bahá’í administration is similar to a democracy and one way in which it is different. Do the same for autocratic (single leader, such as a monarch) and aristocratic (leadership from special classes) governments. (Answers to appear in the upcoming issue of The American Bahá’í.)

ANNOUNCING

NEW PUBLICATION FOR COLLEGE CLUBS If you are part of a high school, college or university, and have formed or want to form a Bahá’í club on campus, the “Fertile Field” newsletter is for you! “Fertile Field,” a monthly newsletter of the National Youth Committee, serves to foster communication between campus clubs around the country. To receive your personal copy, please contact the National Youth Committee.

CONTACT THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE

MAIL: 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201-1611 PHONE: 847-733-3499 E-MAIL:

[Page 13]

CONSOLIDATING the VICTORIES

Speakers club brings out leadership in Georgia believers

“... you mention the lack of courage and of initiative on the part of the believers ... which prevents them from addressing the public. It is precisely these weaknesses he wishes the friends to overcome.”

—Shoghi Effendi,

quoted in the Ridván 153 Message

to the Bahá’ís of the World

BY TOM MENNILLO

As Anita Strickland sees it, starting a Toastmasters Club is a no-brainer for Bahá’í communities. Individual believers develop skills and self-confidence. The Faith gains more eloquent teachers, speakers and public information representatives. And non-Bahá’í members of the club are exposed to consultation and other elements of Bahá’í life.

Strickland is living proof. Once extremely uncomfortable in front of an audience, she saw an opportunity to change that when the Bahá’í Unity Center opened in South DeKalb County, Georgia, with an emphasis on outreach.

“I started thinking about what skills were needed,” she said. “We rarely think about leadership as one.”

But Strickland was thinking about it, and when she found there was no Toastmasters Club in South DeKalb she and about 10 other Bahá’ís formed one themselves, called Dawn-Breakers.

The chartering process was easy, she discovered. The organization sends someone to help and it supplies all the manuals participants need.

Through public service announcements—one has run for 18 months, thanks to a media friend of the Faith—and other contacts, the word got out to Atlantans. Today, there are about 69 people in the club, a gain of 45 in one year.

Only six members are Bahá’ís. In fact, all the officers this year are non-Bahá’ís. But having the Bahá’ís start the club made a difference, Strickland said.

She said club members voted right away to make the atmosphere non-competitive, and non-Bahá’í members talk glowingly of the spirit, joy, and diversity in Dawn-Breakers.

No wonder this Toastmasters chapter is ranked 74th in the world in growth and the attainments of its members.

But that hasn’t been the only accomplishment.

Last year, Strickland ran six eight-week Youth Leadership Institutes for ages 10–18. They drew well from the surrounding community and received great support from area businesses.

Eight of the participants were African-American young men from a restaurant management program offered by Our Family Table, an Atlanta catering business. These youth, in an Atlanta Journal Constitution feature story, credited Toastmasters with giving them the speaking and interviewing skills they’ll need to get a leg up in the job market.

Out of the leadership program have come four Toastmasters-affiliated youth speaking groups, called Gavel Clubs. The Ewing/Deas Gavel Club meets at the Unity Center. Three others were formed at middle and high schools.

Now a second set of Bahá’í-sponsored Toastmasters and Gavel clubs is forming in the area, sponsored by the East Cobb County Spiritual Assembly. Strickland recommends that Toastmasters and Gavel clubs meet at the same time to get the whole family involved.

More Bahá’í participation overall is on Strickland’s wish list. “The time is now to develop our skills and capacities,” she said, and Toastmasters “is a cheap way to get it.”

She said youth, especially, need ways to bring out their knowledge of the Faith. String together the answers to questions, and you’ve got a speech!

WHAT THE TOASTMASTERS DO

A typical Toastmasters Club is made up of 20 to 30 people meeting once a week. A meeting lasts about one and a half hours. At a meeting, members participate in: A Table Topics session, during which members give impromptu speeches. Prepared speeches, based on projects from the Toastmaster Communication and Leadership manuals. An evaluation session, providing speakers with valuable feedback. A critique of the evaluations and of the meeting as a whole by a general evaluator. A short business session.

Angie Ubosi (top photo, center), a Nigerian native, talks on the theme “Know Thyself,” while Abdul Bashir (second photo) delivers a speech titled “The Impossible Dream” at the Dec. 6 meeting of the Dawn-Breakers Toastmasters Club at the Bahá’í Unity Center in DeKalb County, Georgia. Beside the speaker’s dais is a banner showing off the ribbons the Dawn-Breakers Club has won in its short history. Photo by Tom Mennillo

DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES ON PEACE

The United Nations International Peace Day celebration Sept. 21 in Lawrence, Kansas, featured speakers Charles Bebb, Graciela Angel-Marion, Robert Bassett and Louis Anderson, speaking about peace on the personal, social, consultative and political levels. The Kansas Bahá’í Youth Workshop and ‎a traditional Native American dancers traditional Native American dancers‎ performed, and Bahá’í, Christian and Buddhist writings were recited. Local photo [Page 14]

LOUHELEN FOCUSES ON DEVELOPMENT

Louhelen Bahá’í School continues to focus on achieving a significant advance in the process of entry by troops during the precious years of the Four Year Plan.

The goal is to assist the friends everywhere to arise to the call of the Universal House of Justice to “commit yourselves to the work of the Cause afresh, liberated from any doubts, uncertainties or hesitations which may have impeded you in the past.”

Programs at Louhelen, near Davison, Michigan, emphasize the development of the individual believer, of the institutions, and of the local community.

Those in the upcoming months include:

• Core Curriculum training sessions, two weekends each, on teacher training (Jan. 16–19, May 29–31), facilitating the Parenting Program (Jan. 16–19, May 29–31), Race Unity training (Feb. 20–23, May 15–17) and Marriage and Family Life training (Feb. 20–23, May 15–17).

Coordinated by the National Teacher Training Center at Louhelen, these courses are part of a growing movement to help Bahá’ís help each other toward making the Teachings a reality in our lives.

• “Music and Teaching” with Tom Price and Barbara Baumgartner, Jan. 23–25. A unique and festive music-filled session, this is designed for choir members and others who wish to experience choral singing.
• “Spiritual Solutions to Social Problems” with Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi, Auxiliary Board member, Jan. 23–25. Designed for mature youth and adults, this session addresses the equality of women and men, race unity, the role of science and religion, the environment, economic and business issues.
• “Teaching Christians” with Dr. Hugh Motlagh, Feb. 6–8. Participants will be better-prepared, through discussion and demonstration, to convincingly address the most common and critical questions Christians ask.
• “Entry By Troops—Acquiring Necessary Skills” with Dr. Dwight Allen, Feb. 6–8. This session can help develop skills in opening and sustaining conversations on the subject of the Faith, and inviting seekers to be Bahá’ís.
• Married couple retreat with Kathy Penn and Dr. Michael Penn, Feb. 13–15. This celebrates the institution of marriage while exploring the Writings on strengthening marital and family relationships.
• “Chinese History and Culture” with Charles Pau, Feb. 13–15. This course is designed to assist Bahá’ís who are interested in sharing the message of Bahá’u’lláh with the Chinese people. Chinese friends who would like to explore how the Bahá’í teachings relate to their own background are especially invited to participate.

A special evening with Kevin Locke, celebrating the oneness of humanity, is also planned at Louhelen Jan. 19, starting with dinner at 6 p.m.

Last November the friends had a chance to spend a weekend immersed in Bahá’u’lláh’s Sacred Writings and love at the Pen of Glory Conference. Facilitated by David and Margaret Ruhe, the session brought to life the character and events of Bahá’u’lláh and His life’s work. A full children’s program guided youngsters toward “falling in love with Bahá’u’lláh.” An evening arts program included the heavenly harp music of Caroline Mackay from British Columbia.

In another fall program, “The Covenant and Community Transformation,” the primacy of the Covenant was used to explore practical skills, illumined by community development projects on two First Nations reservations in Canada. The presenters, Danielle Woodward of Saskatchewan and Mr. Dale Peterson of British Columbia, presented stories of struggle, success, and transformation throughout Canada and the United States. Louhelen plans to hold a follow-up session next fall.

The role and service of youth also were in the spotlight, with the National Youth Committee hosting a College Club session in September to help create a network of Bahá’í students dedicated to mobilizing fresh approaches to serving on campus.

A special Institute for young women ages 12–17, facilitated by Dr. Mahmoudi, focused on the role of maidservants in promoting the equality of women and men, while the Youth Eagle Institute in November helped unify youth in the Central States teaching work.

Learning the Central Figures of the Bahá’í Faith

Larry Crason (center right), one of the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office’s helpers who works with Hmong people in Sacramento, California, poses with children who attend the local Bahá’í School classes he teaches.

Local photo courtesy U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office

Wilmette Institute programs still have room for more students

Focus on the Bahá’í Community and Its Governance

The Wilmette Institute’s three programs still have room for more students.

The correspondence course on the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, 1853–68, is filling fast. It begins Jan. 1 and continues until early May. Students will receive weekly reading assignments and a variety of study exercises. They also can participate in an e-mail list-server or conference calls. Tuition is $200 ($160 per person when part of a local study group of three or more).

Registration for the 1998–99 “Spiritual Foundations” program has just begun. The year will focus on the Bahá’í community and its governance, in the context of human communities in general. It will also include classes on Shoghi Effendi; study of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh; seminars on consultation and other Assembly-related skills; and workshops on teaching the Faith.

Students will attend three weeks of intensive classes in Wilmette, Illinois, July 18–Aug. 9, and complete two periods of home study (May 1–July 15, 1998, and Sept. 1, 1998, to April 30, 1999). Tuition is $825.

A series of minicourses on world religion and philosophy begins at Bosch Bahá’í School Jan. 9–11 with a weekend on Hinduism and Buddhism. Students must register two weeks in advance with Bosch (phone 408-423-3387, e-mail and pay $75 tuition (or $100 if you register at the door). Each minicourse includes some prestudy and poststudy work.

For registration information about the correspondence course or the Spiritual Foundations program, contact the Wilmette Institute (phone 847-733-3415; e-mail ).

The Institute also has a 24-hour automated information line: 847-733-3595.

The U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY Administrative Web Site

HTTP://WWW.USBNC.ORG

• News headlines and announcements. Your window to what’s happening in the U.S. Bahá’í community.
• Descriptions of the departments and agencies that serve the National Assembly along with answers to questions they are most frequently asked by the friends.
• The most current letters from the National Assembly as well as the Universal House of Justice.
• Using the Real Audio Player you can now hear audio Feast messages and other programs on your computer!

[Page 15]

Green Acre looks at spiritual search, social challenges

Winter and spring programs at Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine, continue with a variety of weekend sessions:

Jan. 23–25: “Propelled by Mysterious Spiritual Forces.” Millions have acknowledged their search for the spiritual meaning Bahá’u’lláh has brought. A national television-media campaign is about to invite them to investigate “The Power of Race Unity” and other aspects of Bahá’í teachings. Seeking souls will be asking, “Where are the Bahá’ís, and what are they doing to establish unity in America?” Presenters William Smith and Phyllis Ring will discuss our readiness to welcome them, and to be agents for the mysterious spiritual forces at work in this promised Day of God.

Feb. 13–16: Institute for AIDS, Sexuality and Addiction (IASA) Conference. This program is designed to help individuals, Bahá’í institutions and health professionals apply Bahá’í principles to the needs generated by these issues.

Feb. 20–22: “Gleaming in the Fire: The Role of Joy and Pain” explores the reality of tests in a process of crisis and victory that unfailingly advances both our own growth and that of the Faith of God. Presenter Brian Kurzius compiled Fire & Gold: Benefiting from Life’s Tests, a sourcebook for discovering the value of tests and meeting them effectively.

March 6–8: Annual Spiritual Retreat for the Fast, for those age 15 and older, will offer ample time for prayer, reflection and retreat, as well as sessions focused on The Hidden Words.

There will be a choice of two programs March 27–29:

• “Laying the Foundation of the Fortress,” an intensive limited-enrollment course on preparation for marriage for adults and youth 15 and older, led by trained facilitators Claudine and ‎Aerlc Aeric‎ Meredith-Goujon. The course begins Friday morning; attendance at all sessions is required.
• Persian-American Weekend. Dr. Talat Bassari discusses ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America and Canada. Concurrent Persian- and English-language sessions are offered.

April 10–12: Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. Habib Riazati leads study of this work; participants are asked to bring a copy of the book, have read the text and come equipped with any questions they may have.

There are two programs April 24–26:

• “The Fortress and the Family.” Facilitators Mary Lou and Michael McLaughlin lead the session on fostering loving marriages and strengthening family life. Enrollment is limited.
• “The Spirit of Children”: a conference on children’s literature and art. This interactive workshop explores materials that stimulate children’s spiritual development. Representatives from Brilliant Star and ONE magazines and the Bahá’í Publishing Trust will be invited.

Preregistration is required for all programs. Housing in Green Acre’s Ole Bull Cottage (formerly the Library) is available year-round, with accommodations (for those 12 and older) that feature private baths. Ask about rates.

To register, or for further information about programs and fees, contact Green Acre (phone 207-439-7200, fax 207-438-9940, e-mail

Bosch to feature training sessions, study of religions

A successful series of fall programs at Bosch Bahá’í School was highlighted by a well-attended Latino Conference, “Developing the Human Resources of the Hispanic Community,” planned and hosted by the national Latin-American Task Force, and a spectacular celebration of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh and fund-raising weekend with music and a fund-raising auction.

Meanwhile, winter sessions maintain the ‎momemtum momentum‎, with the Wilmette Institute presenting a class on Hinduism and Buddhism taught by Dann May. Also that weekend will be a course on Transformational Mediation with Phyllis Bernard May, Margaret Leeds and Trip Barthel.

In other upcoming programs:

• The Office of Pioneering is hosting a Pioneer/SITA/BYSC training session Jan. 16–19 for prospective participants in international service.
• Space is still available for Assemblies to join in the Assembly Team Development weekend, Jan. 16–18. The activities help Assembly members develop a greater understanding and spirit of cooperation.
• “Turning on the Light,” Jan. 30–Feb. 1 and Feb. 20–22, is a two-part workshop on creating and sustaining a conscious marriage with Diane and Bill Rockloff and Nasrin and Mehran Bashiri.
• Also Jan. 30–Feb.1, a study retreat will discuss the Kitáb-i-Íqán; facilitated by Derek Cockshut.
• The Association for Bahá’í Studies is holding its annual regional conference, “Profound Faith and Freedom of Thought: Developing Bahá’í Scholarship,” Feb. 6–8. Subjects will include arts, business ethics, moral education, science and religion, etc.
• A Seekers Weekend Feb. 6–8—“Behold the Blessed Beauty,” with National Spiritual Assembly member Bill Davis and Jan and Lorrie Faulkner—will provide an opportunity to share love and fellowship, music and inspiration, knowledge and understanding of the Faith.
• Black Heritage Weekend, Feb. 13–16, will explore “The Role of African Americans in the History of the Faith.” It is hoped friends from all ethnic backgrounds will come together in love and unity.
• Feb. 20–22 the Wilmette Institute will present another class by Dann May, on Taoism and Confucianism.
• March 6–12 Bosch will host an Elderhostel Senior seminar program focusing on the arts, with Kenji Konishi leading a class titled “Freeing the Artistic Spirit through Oil Painting.” Also in the program is “The Bahá’í Faith: Making a Difference Around the Globe.” If you are 55 or older, join us for a program that is both intellectually stimulating and hands-on.

The fund-raising weekend Nov. 15–16 featured a Saturday evening concert, following a Chez Bosch candle-light dinner. The outstanding talent included Narges, Adrienne Ewing-Roush, Mary Eiland, Phyllis Ruocco and Jamie Findlay. Bahá’ís and their guests enjoyed the Persian, gospel, operatic/musical show and jazz selections.

The auction featured Terry Kneisler as auctioneer, and generous donations by the friends for the Bosch Bookshop/Cafe Expansion Fund.

Winter sessions began with a Children’s Academy Dec. 20–23 for fourth- through sixth-graders. This rigorous course of study, exercise, service, prayer and moral training based on the Sacred Writings used Core Curriculum-trained teachers and methods.

“...Children had fun while learning to see themselves as catalysts for change in their family, school and community.”

Winter School General Session, Dec. 26–Jan. 1, brought a ‎divexsity diversity‎ of interesting topics. Jeffery Huffines, U.S. Bahá’í representative to the United Nations, discussed how Bahá’ís can support U.N. activities. Christine Rayner, businesswoman and educator, returned to Bosch to share her years of experience in “Bahá’í Family Life.” J. Richard Hoff, retired salesman, and his wife Pauline, both active teachers of the Cause, shared stories, techniques and tips for success in teaching, enrollment and consolidation of new believers. Participants had many opportunities to role-play direct teaching.

NABI REACHES OUT ON HOLY DAY

The Native American Bahá’í Institute continued to reach out to the nearby community with its celebration of the anniversary of the Birth of the Báb.

Held Oct. 20 at the institute in Houck, Arizona, the commemoration attracted 25 visitors. Most were not Bahá’ís, but friends of the Faith who have taken part in many activities at the institute, and encouraged their children to take part in the numerous NABI programs and children’s classes.

Building on the numerous friendships and events established by NABI over the past few years, this encouraging response is helping the institute assess important community factors as it creates a training program for the friends on the Navajo-Hopi reservations, so the friendship and interest of Native American seekers can be sustained.

At the Holy Day event, an introduction on the life and station of the Báb was presented in English and in the Navajo (Dine’) language. Invited to offer prayers near the end of the program, many participants prayed in gratitude for the kindness, assistance and work of the NABI staff.

At the same time, a children’s class reintroduced the students—all from non-Bahá’í families—to the reading and memorization of Bahá’í children’s prayers and educated them on the importance of prayer and the significance of the Holy Day. All the children’s class participants were given prints of Bahá’í prayers to share with their families.

For some who attended, the Holy Day celebration was the first exposure to the teachings of the Faith and the work of the institute, and they asked many questions. Much information about the Faith, consequently, was shared during the social portion with the first-time visitors, and many asked to be put on the NABI mailing list to be informed of activities and programs.

Bosch Bahá’í School, 408-423-3387 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Green Acre Bahá’í School, 207-439-7200 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903

Louhelen Bahá’í School, 810-653-5033 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423

Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, 803-558-9131 Route 2, Box 71, Hemingway, SC 29554

NABI, 520-587-7594 Box 3167, Houck, AZ 86506

[Page 16]

Latinos in Action in South Florida: An International Evening

BY THE LATINO TEACHING COMMITTEE OF SOUTH FLORIDA

ENGLISH

South Florida offers tropical weather, crystal-clear Caribbean waters, a diverse sample of humanity, a large Latin-American population, and above all an energetic Bahá’í community.

The beginning

Last August the Latin American Task Force appointed the Latino Teaching Committee of South Florida. This working group includes Bahá’ís from many countries: Indonesia, the United States, Cuba, Colombia, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

The committee, as diverse as the area it serves, went to work immediately. It decided to support the existing teaching activities among the Latinos in the area that had been initiated by individuals. The first steps were to support the biweekly firesides and continue a proclamation picnic in a Hialeah Park.

The committee needed funds, especially to fulfill our vision of a large-scale teaching campaign. Aware of the needs of our National Fund, our unanimous comment was: “We are not going to ask for funds from the National Teaching Committee.” A self-supporting teaching effort was always our watchword.

But where and how to get the funds?

International, not just Latin

The words of Counselor Arturo Serrano were still fresh in our ears from his talk to Spanish speaking believers on a warm August evening in the Broward Bahá’í Center, urging “that we (Latinos) become bridges among all races; may this be our glorious contribution to the Cause.”

The first idea for the fund-raising event was to have “Una Noche Latina,” a Latin Evening with Latin food and entertainment. We all agreed.

Weeks later we realized it was better to expand the scope of this event. Our Indonesian committee member wanted to do a folk dance from that country, which made us think. We looked around our communities and saw Anglos, Persians, Asians and African-Americans. The sound of “...that we become bridges among all races...” was still in the air.

Thus the Latin Evening concept evolved into “An International Evening.”

An evening of joy and diversity

Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís were asked to participate in the program. Soon the International Evening began to take shape much as does the sculpture under the sculptor’s chisel.

The food, an essential part of the evening, had to be truly international. Dishes from Cuba and the Dominican Republic, a variety of arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), and an array of Persian rice dishes were brought by excellent cooks from nearby Bahá’í communities.

The entertainment and performances were true to the International Evening theme and exceeded our expectations. The program included a folk dance from Venezuela performed by Bahá’í youth, French opera music, an Indonesian Candle Dance, La Comparsita, an Argentinean tango, a Persian dance in which a good portion of the audience joined the performer, a Nicaraguan folk dance performed by a 14-year-old non-Bahá’í girl, and a folk dance presented by two Costa Ricans. Also the audience was delighted by two country songs, Bahá’í songs and popular South American songs presented by several singers and guitarists.

The program ran smoothly and the performers surprised the audience with their talent and diversity. By the time the program ended with a dance, the room was full of joyful spirit and unity. The International Evening was a success.

It had been organized as a fund-raising and teaching event, with the believers encouraged to bring their non-Bahá’í friends. We are pleased to announce that around 160 came that evening and around 20 were non-Bahá’ís.

The main victory that evening was the spiritual and joyful atmosphere during the whole event. Contributions totaled $1541, thanks to the generosity and unity of the believers. The Committee decided to send $500 to the National Fund as our contribution to help alleviate the fund crisis. All remaining funds will be used in the promotion of the Cause in South Florida.

We feel impelled to state our role within the Bahá’í community. We, the Latino Bahá’ís, are first and foremost Bahá’ís focused on building bridges among people of all races and nationalities. Our activities are open to everybody. Do not let language or cultural barriers prevent you from joining our activities. We love to share our festive spirits, celebrate diversity and above all share our love of Bahá’u’lláh with all of you. And we are eager to work closely with all Local Spiritual Assemblies in our area.

Latinos en acción en el sur de la Florida: Una Noche Internacional

POR EL COMITÉ DE ENSEÑANZA DEL SUR DE LA FLORIDA

ESPAÑOL

El sur de la Florida ofrece clima tropical, aguas caribes cristalinas, una diversa muestra de la humanidad, una extensa población latina y sobre todo una dinámica comunidad Bahá’í.

El inicio

El pasado agosto la Comisión Latinoamericana nombró al Comité de Enseñanza del Sur de la Florida. Este grupo de trabajo incluye Bahá’ís de muchos países: Indonesia, los Estados Unidos, Cuba, Colombia, Nicaragua y Costa Rica. El comité, tan diverso como el área a la cual sirve, empezó a trabajar de inmediato. Decidió apoyar las ya existentes actividades de enseñanza entre los latinos del área, iniciadas por esfuerzo individual. Apoyar la reunión hogareña quincenal y continuar con un picnic-proclamación en un parque de Hialeah, fueron los primeros pasos dados.

El Comité necesitaba fondos, especialmente para realizar la visión de una campaña de enseñanza en gran escala. Conscientes de la necesidad del Fondo Nacional nuestro comentario unánime fue: “no pediremos fondos al Comité Nacional de Enseñanza.” Ser autosuficientes con nuestros fondos fue siempre nuestra consigna pero, ¿de ‎donde dónde‎ y ‎como cómo‎ conseguirlos?

Una noche no solamente ‎latino latina‎

Estaban todavía frescas en nuestros oídos las palabras del Consejero Arturo Serrano, pronunciadas en su charla en español, en una calurosa noche de agosto, en el Centro Bahá’í de Broward, instando “que nosotros (los latinos) seamos puentes entre todas las razas, que sea esta nuestra gloriosa contribución a la Causa.”

La primera idea para reunir fondos fue el de hacer Una Noche Latina con comida y presentaciones típicas. Semanas más tarde nos dimos cuenta que era mejor ampliar el concepto de este evento. Nuestro miembro del comité de ‎indonesia Indonesia‎ quería presentar una danza de su país y esto nos hizo reflexionar. Miramos a nuestras comunidades y vimos amigos anglos, persas, asiáticos y negros. El sonido de “...que seamos puentes entre todas las razas” quedaba todavía en el aire. Así la Noche Latina se convirtió en una Noche Internacional.

Una noche de alegría y diversidad

A Bahá’ís y a no-Bahá’ís se les solicitó participar en el programa. De repente la Noche Internacional empezó a tomar forma igual que una escultura bajo el cincel del escultor. La comida, una parte esencial del evento, tenía que ser realmente internacional. Platos de Cuba, la República Dominicana, así como una variedad de arroz con pollo y varios arroces persas fueron traídos por excelentes cocineros de las comunidades Bahá’ís del área.

Las presentaciones y los presentadores fueron fieles al tema de la Noche Internacional y sobrepasaron nuestras expectativas. El programa incluía una danza folclórica venezolana ejecutada por jóvenes Bahá’ís, música de ‎opera ópera‎ francesa, una danza de velas de Indonesia, La Comparsita, un tango argentino, un baile persa en el cual buena parte de los participantes terminaron la pieza bailando, una danza folclórica de Nicaragua bailada por una joven no-Bahá’í de 14 años, y una danza folclórica presentada por dos costarricenses. La audiencia se deleitó con dos canciones country-Western en inglés. También canciones Bahá’ís así como conocidas canciones suramericanas fueron presentadas por varios cantantes y guitarristas.

El programa corría fluidamente, los presentadores sorprendieron a la audiencia con su talento y su diversidad. Al culminar el programa con un baile, el local estaba lleno de alegría y unidad. La Noche Internacional fue un éxito.

Había sido organizada como actividad para reunir fondos y a la vez evento de enseñanza. A los creyentes se les estimuló para traer a sus amigos no-Bahá’ís. Estamos muy contentos de anunciar que más de 160 participantes asistieron y alrededor de 20 fueron invitados no-Bahá’ís.

La victoria principal de esa noche fue la atmósfera espiritual y alegre presente durante todo el evento. Las contribuciones llegaron a $1541, gracias a la generosidad de los creyentes. El Comité decidió enviar $500 al Fondo Nacional como nuestra contribución para ayudar a aliviar la crisis actual en ese Fondo. Todos los fondos restantes serán usados en la promoción de la Causa en el Sur de la Florida.

Nos sentimos animados a expresar nuestro papel en la comunidad Bahá’í. Nosotros, los Bahá’ís latinos, primero que todo, somos Bahá’ís concentrados en construir puentes entre gente de todas las razas y nacionalidades. Nuestras actividades son abiertas. No dejen que barreras de idioma o culturales les impidan participar en nuestras actividades. Nos encanta compartir con todos ustedes nuestro espíritu festivo, celebrar la diversidad y ante todo compartir nuestro amor hacia Bahá’u’lláh. Y estamos deseosos de trabajar estrechamente con todas las asambleas locales de nuestra área. [Page 17]

SUMMON THE PEOPLE TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD

BY THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE

The Power of Race Unity, a half-hour television show piloted in Atlanta last June, will air nationally at the end of March and in early April on the Odyssey channel and at least one other national cable network. The video is the first in a series being produced by SIDCorp of New York. This will be the first national broadcast of a Bahá’í production.

To prepare for the broadcast we will carry out a systematic national public relations campaign to increase both awareness of the Faith and of the broadcast itself. (See Page 20 in this pull-out section.) In addition, WLGI radio is preparing material for the same purpose. (See Page 18.)

Why are we doing this? For several reasons:

Opportunities: To find the opportunities the House of Justice refers to in its Ridvan 153 message to this continent: “In North America, there are opportunities for the advancement of entry by troops, the like of which presently exist in no other place on the earth.”

How could we get the most out of this country’s growing interest in spirituality and religion?

First, we conducted a survey of the Bahá’í community to determine our own demographics. We followed with research on the U.S. population at large to see who and where the seekers were.

We discovered that there are millions of people, demographic mirror-images of ourselves, who consider themselves “active seekers.” Not only are they out there, they live in the communities where our Bahá’í presence is strongest.

We realized we should develop a communications strategy and begin producing materials to reach these people since they are highly likely to be receptive to the Faith.

Providing for response: To develop materials that would reach those who are seeking AND TO GIVE THE SEEKERS A WAY TO RESPOND TO US SO WE KNOW WHERE THEY ARE.

We have done countless proclamations, but this is the first time, on a national level, that we are providing a means for people to let us know who and where they are so we can reach them.

For the first time, through surveys we conducted and from the independent research we studied, we determined our non-Bahá’í audience. Then, also for the first time, we tested our product, The Power of Race Unity, with non-Bahá’í audiences, for content and presentation. The focus groups we selected were chosen from our determined audience, at random, by phone.

Through testing we realized that many of the ways we present ourselves can be confusing, or even threatening, to those who do not understand the Faith. Based on audience recommendations we modified the video so it would relay our message positively.

Once we have reached the seekers, however, we must be sure to have materials, activities, firesides and deepenings available for them. We must be sure to follow up with every person who inquires and to foster the contact.

Teaching catalyst: We wanted to provide a vehicle that communities could use to complement and inspire their own in-depth teaching activities.

A national broadcast is a critical element in our overall teaching structure. However, it is not the only one. (See Page 19.) The broadcast gives us access to people interested in the Faith, but once we have their attention we need to cultivate

Clips from The Power of Race Unity video

SEE SUMMON THE PEOPLE, PAGE 20 [Page 18]

HEADWAY FOR THE FAITH IN THE ATLANTA AREA

BY TOM MENNILLO

The first Local Spiritual Assembly of Forsyth County, Georgia, is expected to be established this Ridván thanks to the teaching plan launched last spring in metropolitan Atlanta.

The multifaceted Atlanta media campaign began with cable television broadcasts of The Power of Race Unity, related newspaper articles and radio spots. The support for these events is ongoing: a network of devotional meetings, firesides, training institutes, and other means of nurturing the spiritual search of interested residents.

Among those who inquired about the Bahá’í Faith early in the campaign were Deborah and James T. Jordan of Forsyth County, Georgia.

Debbie had investigated the Faith some years earlier in the Houston area. In a writers group, she met an author who was a Bahá’í. This author would “drop” wonderful quotations from the Bahá’í Writings during conversation, and Debbie’s interest was piqued.

Debbie read Gloria Faizi’s introduction to the Bahá’í Faith and found herself agreeing with everything in it. Still, she and Jim were leery.

Fast forward to the early 1990s. Jim’s work as an architectural draftsman took him to the Atlanta area. He looked at a home in Forsyth County, but the county’s reputation concerned Debbie.

She recalled national coverage of a massive civil rights march there in 1987, when only one African-American lived in the county. Would the Jordans, who are white, be targeted for abuse because of their belief in equality? She finally agreed to the move, on the condition that someday they sell the house to a family of color.

As the Jordans got to know their neighbors, they realized that change was in the wind. The rapidly growing county was being transformed from rural to bedroom suburban.

Few residents, it turned out, agreed with those who want to keep it a buffer against black movement into the rural counties to the north. Even the local government was taking steps to foster racial amity. Black Forsyth County residents now number about 50.

The couple also realized something about themselves. They were starved spiritually. Debbie’s physical debilitation from lupus was draining their energy. Debbie even set aside the book she was writing until they could move to a warmer, drier clime.

James T. and Deborah Jordan pose in front of the new county administration building in Forsyth County, Georgia, with a sculpture honoring the poultry industry. Photo by Tom Mennillo

Then the Faith re-entered their lives. Debbie read in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution a guest column by Fulton County Bahá’í Dick Hauck about the upcoming Race Unity Day celebration in Atlanta’s Grant Park.

One paragraph of the story encapsulated the Bahá’í Faith and its beliefs for Debbie. She read the passage several times before excitedly pointing it out to Jim. She knew finally the Faith was just what they were looking for.

Jim and Debbie immediately set about calling every Bahá’í community they could find in the phone book. They were sent literature, told of Bahá’í sites on the Internet and invited to firesides.

At such a gathering in the Fulton County North home of Larry and Carole Miller, they viewed The Power of Race Unity. They also met Steve Parker of Forsyth County. He informed them there were four Bahá’ís in the county and that a Bahá’í group had just been registered there.

On Aug. 9, the Jordans declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh. In their living room, surrounded by Forsyth’s Bahá’ís, they asked pointed questions about the Faith and about how the Bahá’ís live it. Were the Bahá’ís “good fruit,” as Matthew wrote about in the seventh chapter of his Gospel? Satisfied with the answers, and the Bahá’ís, they signed their cards.

Everything since has been like a whirlwind. Their declaration, combined with a marriage in the community and the move of another Bahá’í couple into the area, has given Forsyth County nine adult Bahá’ís. At Ridván, the first Local Spiritual Assembly will be elected.

Personally, the Jordans have been energized. Along with a change in diet, the Faith has blessed Debbie with the purpose to help the Bahá’í Group organize and to begin writing a series of essays on Bahá’í conversations with Christians. Jim has been moved to find ways to use his avocation of wildlife painting for the advancement of the Faith.

Arizona, that warmer, drier clime they’ve been seeking, is still in the Jordans’ future. Only their move won’t happen so soon. There’s work to be done in Forsyth County.

“In our previous experience, we always felt we were doing something because we felt we had to,” Debbie said. “Now we’re doing it because we want to. We’re having so much fun. The Faith is feeding all aspects of our minds and souls.”

Radio spots produced to help local community efforts

WLGI Radio Bahá’í is enlisting an important ally for teaching work nationwide: the power of radio.

The station at Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, is working on two major radio projects, aimed mainly at African-American listeners, for communities to use locally.

Two “spot” ads are in the works, to be provided to any local community that wishes them.

The first, focusing on the oneness of humanity and race unity, is designed to increase awareness of the Bahá’í Faith and its approach to unity. It will be available through the Bahá’í Distribution Service in time for communities to air them in February.

The second will be a promotional spot for the television broadcast and should run a few weeks before the program’s debut.

WLGI also hopes, funds permitting, to provide the first in a series of radio programs that will discuss issues that concern the African-American community, from the perspective of the Bahá’í Faith. Expected to be available for a small cost, it will include interviews, music, commentary and quotations from the Writings.

Since the program will be produced in modular format, local information can be inserted—such as interviews with local residents or news about Bahá’í service projects and activities. This will permit each Bahá’í community to deliver a show that is truly relevant to the listeners in its area.

The voice of Ernest Hilton, WLGI program director, is on the radio spots. Photo by Greg Kintz

1-800-22-UNITE

FOR INFORMATION ON THE FAITH

Don’t happen to have a pamphlet on you when you tell someone about the Faith? Know someone who may be too shy to ask about the Faith but who would like information?

Give your friend our new toll-free phone number.

This number, which will be advertised during the broadcast and on our Web site, will be linked to local communities across the country. Each call will be forwarded automatically to the community nearest the caller.

To link your ‎communnity community‎ with this phone line (the cost is $20 to start up, $10 a month, plus the cost of incoming calls), please contact the National Teaching Office at 847-733-3493. [Page 19]

TV, PERSONAL ACTION GO HAND-IN-HAND

Thirty Local Spiritual Assemblies in the Atlanta metropolitan area have been involved in teaching efforts surrounding the television broadcast of The Power of Race Unity starting in spring 1997. Here are observations of two members of the teaching campaign task force on what has worked best.

BY PAT STEELE

We focused on developing a spiritual atmosphere. Individuals and communities got together to pray both before and during the broadcast. We rallied around the video. We developed as many activities as we could around the program, using it not as an end in itself but as a launching pad for strong teaching efforts.

One major activity was to develop our own audiences. We invited friends, relatives and neighbors to our homes to watch the broadcast. Instead of showing them slides or a video we were able to turn on the TV and show them a real program. It was very exciting.

After the broadcast we had discussions about it, and about the Faith. We printed a list of follow-up firesides all around the Atlanta area so that seekers could come back and learn more. This list was also available for anyone who called our toll-free number.

There were many activities surrounding the broadcast. We held a Race Unity Festival in Grant Park. The event was advertised in the newspaper. It drew about 600 people plus others who were in the park already and stopped by to see what was going on. [The Festival was featured in the September Bahá’í Newsreel.] We hosted devotional meetings, held youth activities.

Media is the first step, but without seekers being able to reach out and touch a Bahá’í you don’t have teaching, you just have proclamation.

What we learned

Supporting the video with many regular firesides, public events for inviting seekers, and with individuals who will take seekers under their wing for follow-ups are crucial.

We need to do things on an even bigger scale, to make even more people aware of the broadcast and bring even more people to the activities surrounding the broadcast. When people call in for information, send them literature, but also invite them to activities such as a concert.

Publicize more: Send out nice fliers to friends, to your children’s schools, to local churches, to whatever organizations you belong. Use radio. Advertise on public-access cable. Get the word out however you can.

Then make sure you have a strong follow-up structure in place. Get feedback about the broadcast and about our activities. Ask people what they would like to see or how they would like to be contacted.

USING THE ENERGY TO BUILD UNITY

BY WALTER CANADY

The TV broadcast was a great rallying point for us. It helped bring the community together and got us excited about, and interested in, being involved in teaching.

While our Assembly didn’t start out with a year-long plan, we came to realize the importance of planning ahead. Once you get people’s interest you have to have activities and events in which to include them.

We’ve found that some people enjoyed the program but weren’t ready to explore the Faith. However, they did want to be part of the unity-building activities profiled in the program (such as Calling All Colors, the Cemetery restoration project, Bahá’í Youth Workshop etc). Some even wanted to spearhead initiatives and have the Bahá’ís help.

The spirit of service

This made us realize the importance of the service projects in which we are involved. They show the community that we really believe in what we say. Our ‎particiation participation‎ helps those people who are not active seekers learn about the Faith.

We initiated a number of activities that continue the momentum gained from the broadcast. At the Unity Center in southern DeKalb County there is Basketball Night. The young men from the area come to hang out, play ball, have refreshments, and talk about issues that are important to them. While we don’t push the Faith, we do add our perspective and try to integrate Bahá’í concepts into the discussions.

The Unity Center is one of the few places where young people are really listened to, and where their opinions are validated. What’s interesting is that parents, who at first weren’t happy about their kids hanging out at the center, now want to know what this is all about. They see the positive effects on their children and want to know more.

The downtown Atlanta center hosts, on alternate Saturdays, the Half-Light Café. It’s a coffeehouse-style atmosphere for college-age youth. It’s a safe environment where Bahá’í youth can bring their friends. Seekers are now bringing their friends along.

The coffeehouse features an open microphone so anyone in the audience can get up and sing, play music, talk, whatever. The only restriction is that the subject must be positive and uplifting. We ask people to check their negativity at the door. Bahá’í volunteers serve coffee, tea and dessert.

From victory to victory

The Café has been so successful that on the Saturdays when the coffeehouse doesn’t operate, the center holds Halflight Insights, which is more in the vein of a fireside. Youth from the coffeehouse who are interested in the Faith participate.

We decided to host a tribute to women. We wanted to collaborate with various other groups so we asked a number of corporations as well as the mayor’s office to become involved.

We invited Muhtadia Rice from Los Angeles to present her one-woman show on Táhirih. Invitations were sent out on mayor’s office stationery, and certificates of achievement in the field of gender equality, also on the mayor’s stationery, were given out.

We now have two mayoral proclamations, one for race unity and one for women. It’s really exciting.

Community strength

It’s really important to work on community-building while you’re working on teaching. When seekers come into the Faith they want to have a ‎commuity community‎ that’s different from what they’re used to seeing. They want to be part of real family where people know and love each other.

We’ve done some really creative things with Feast, such as brunches when Feast falls on a Sunday, or programs that include music and dance. Other times we’ll have community dinners. All of these are ways to make Feast more exciting and to make worshiping together rejuvenating.

We also realized that in addition to large gatherings we needed to have small events where there really was a lot of one-on-one attention given to seekers. College clubs in our area sponsored a variety of “dialogues” where people could get together and talk. We ‎we’re were‎ working on other activities that will help nurture individuals.

Clips from The Power of Race Unity video [Page 20]

Public Relations: you can do it, we can help

Public relations is the way individuals or organizations handle their reputations. As such, we all use "public relations" whether we think about it or not. Our Faith's reputation is based on the way we live out and act on what we believe.

Broadcasting The Power of Race Unity is one way to show what Bahá’ís believe about eliminating prejudice. It is a public relations effort as well as a teaching effort.

Alone, the broadcasts will attract only the audience that happens to be watching television at show time. But if the broadcasts are complemented by local public relations efforts, their effectiveness can be increased many times over.

A strong public relations campaign can make the difference between a few people watching the show and multitudes being exposed to the Faith and its principle of racial unity.

For that reason, the National Spiritual Assembly has prepared a resource package to help your community plan local advertising and activities that focus attention on your community and the video.

Included on this page are some suggestions contained in the package. But don't feel limited to these. They are simply springboards for your imagination. If you have other ideas, let us know!

The form provided below invites you to share your ideas with your Bahá’í family. Fill it out and send it to: MEDIA CAMPAIGN, c/o National Teaching Committe, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 so that we can share your thoughts with other Bahá’ís throughout the country.

Later this month, your Assembly or group will recieve a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly asking your community to appoint a public relations coordinator for the campaign. We heartily encourage you to bring this up at the next Feast or to contact an Assembly member and offer your suggestions for a public relations coordinator.

The coordinator could be your public information representative, someone in your community with professional public relations experience, or simply someone with good managerial skills.

The public relations coordinators will have assistance if they wish it! The resource package comes with a list of public relations advisers throughout the country who will be available to assist communities which plan special events.

So who needs public relations? We all do!

Summon the People

To do this communities need to have the following in place:

• Firesides—as many as possible, as often as possible, as consistently as possible. Firesides are one of the best ways to teach because you can tailor the program to the individual seeker's needs.

• Devotional gatherings—so seekers can feel the spirit of the Faith.

• Long-range teaching activities—to keep the momentum going and ensure that seekers can be invited to events on a continuing basis.

• Public relations plans—Local news coverage is a powerful way to increase our visibility. It also can be a springboard to more activities.

• Deepening activities—New believers need the opportunity to become confirmed in their faith.

• Training institutes—to develop the resources needed to sustain these programs.

Since viewer response to The Power of Race Unity and community follow-up of seekers are of paramount importance, we are providing several means for easy communication between seekers and communities.

• A toll-free phone line that will connect callers to the Bahá’í community nearest them.

• A Web site that will include general information about the Faith, links to Bahá’í literature and to other Bahá’í Web sites, a list of Bahá’í phone numbers in various areas, a "coupon" for requesting literature and for ordering the video, and possibly actual audio and video clips.

• Special ads and a special radio program produced by WLGI.

• A media/press kit prepared by the Office of Public Information.

All of the above contain information allowing viewers and listeners to contact us.

National Bahá’í Web Site for Public

Yet another way to create awareness of the Faith and to eleicit responses from seekers is the public World Wide Web site that will be on line in February.

The site will include:

• An introduction to the Faith. • A section for news items and events. • A page devoted to The Power of Race Unity video program with a link to the Race Unity statement. • An area for requesting more information. • An order blank for the video. • A link to Bahá’í literature including the Two Wings of a Bird statement. • Links to local sites. • A link to a database with information on Bahá’í communities across the country.

The site will be advertised during the broadcast. In addition, local communities can advertise the site however they wish: in press releases, as part of the press packet on the broadcast, to all one's friends, neighbors and relations, at school or work, wherever one can.

The more people see the site the more are likely to contact us.

Summon the People to the Kingdom of God

"These souls are the armies of God and the conquerors of the East and the West. Should one of them turn his face toward some direction and summon the people to the Kingdom of God, all the ideal forces and lordly confirmations will rush to his support and reinforcement. He will behold all the doors open and all the strong fortifications and impregnable castles razed to the ground. Singly and alone he will attack the armies of the world, defeat the right and left wings of the hosts of all the countries, break through the lines of the legions of all the nations and carry his attack to the very center of the powers of the earth."

—‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Tablets of the Divine Plan, Pages 49-50

Tell Us Your Plans: Working for Race Unity

To be a part of the national campaign, We/I commit that We/I will: (choose one, or many, or make up your own)

• memorize a passage from the Bahá’í Writings devoted to the importance of eliminating prejudiced • write what race unity means to me in my own words and memorize it • schedule time in my day to support a race unity event • invite people to my house to watch The Power of Race Unity • invite seekers to a community center to watch the video and eat potluck dinner—price of admission: one idea for creating racial harmony • host an awards banquet or panel discussion about race unity—we'll give the speakers complimentary copies of the video and the race unity statement • sponsor a race unity art contest • sponsor a 5K race unity run, a "human race" • invite prominent people and media to a special showing of the video, featuring a performance by a local Bahá’í youth workshop

Special Suggestions for Youth

• invite local community youth groups to send representatives to a "youth rap on race unity"—we'll show the video and give the speakers complimentary copies • sponsor an essay contest in local schools entitled "youth rap on race unity"—we'll submit winning essays to local papers and offer the winning writers $50 savings bonds prizes and copies of the video • sponsor a race unity dance

Write your own ideas in the space provided below.

Your or your community's name:

Clip and mail to: MEDIA CAMPAIGN c/o National Teaching Committe Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 [Page 21]

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

• Albania: With the Bahá’í community asked by a television network to give a message of condolence on the passing of Mother Teresa, the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly arranged for an interview with the head of an eye surgery hospital, Dr. Suleyman Zhugli. The television reporter was amazed that such a prominent person was a Bahá’í, a report said, and the program prompted many viewers to call and express their appreciation for the Bahá’í message.

TEACHING

• Nepal: A long-term teaching project in this Himalayan nation’s far western region bore bountiful fruit recently, as the campaign of firesides, deepenings and Bahá’í schools had helped raise 55 communities—26 of which had formed Assemblies by the end of Ridván.

Women’s classes at some of the new communities have resulted in creation of a women’s literacy program in four villages. Ten of the new Assemblies already are contributing regularly to the National Fund, and several are organizing children’s classes.

“Since so many of these people have already been to (the Bahá’í House of Worship in India) ... and know of the Bahá’í teachings, it becomes much easier for them to accept when they return,” a report from the National Spiritual Assembly of Nepal states.

• India: About 50 volunteers swept Tripura state, eastern India, in a nine-day teaching project that resulted in 2,479 residents accepting the Faith, including doctors, teachers, professors and others of capacity.

The teachers, with the prayers and assent of nine Local Spiritual Assemblies, divided into 11 groups who contacted 5,000 people “without worrying about food and shelter or the terrorist activities, but armed with the knowledge that the Universal House of Justice had prayed for the state,” according to a report provided by the Continental Board of Counselors.

• Seychelles: The silver anniversary celebration of the National Spiritual Assembly in this Indian Ocean island nation was the occasion for a 10-day teaching campaign that drew 100 hearts to Bahá’u’lláh.

Exhibitions on the local history of the Faith and a public conference on “Progressive Revelation and the Bahá’í Faith” were a rallying point for activities such as street teaching, firesides and follow-up visits in a number of localities. Several newspapers covered the public events in Victoria, the capital.

• Portugal: A summer school dedicated to the beloved Guardian drew more than 200 participants at Monchique in the Algarve region. Professor Suheil Bushrui, holder of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, was principal speaker, and the program included music, dance, theater and poetry from many cultures. One of the main events was the launching of summer teaching projects, organized by the National Teaching and Youth committees. The national television station shot footage at the school for use in a half-hour program for broadcast in November, as well as a series of shorter programs.

• Chile: A new school curriculum on the Bahá’í Faith, approved by the Ministry of Education, was the focus of the sixth Meeting of Bahá’í Teachers in mid-September at Talca. The curriculum was seen as a way of reaching not only students, but ‎al;so also‎ educational authorities, teachers and parents with the Message.

EDUCATION

• Papua New Guinea: Two Bahá’í chiefs, “old men who remember the customary ways of the past,” turned a gift-giving tradition into a way of offering the Bahá’í community model to neighboring villages.

This effort was inspired by a nine-day course the chiefs attended at the newly opened Kunaia Permanent Institute.

It has been customary for a chief to visit another to initiate a ceremonial exchange of gifts, and acceptance indicates willingness to consider a more important matter. Knowing their real gift to be the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, the Bahá’í chiefs refused material gifts and talked to their counterparts about the how the Faith had made changes in their villages, increasing unity, commitment and dedication within the communities.

“Four times they have had such wonderful teaching success, and chiefs from eight non-Bahá’í villages ... agreed to attend the ‎the the the‎ official opening of the Kunaia Permanent Institute,” a Continental Board of Counselors’ report says. Plans are to continue their travel and visits throughout their entire area.

Bahá’ís from Paynesville, Liberia, gather outside the community’s new Bahá’í Center, which they were building with local materials. (Bahá’í International News Service)

DEVELOPMENT

• Malaysia: A joint meeting between the National Spiritual Assembly and the state Bahá’í Councils of Sabah and Sarawak was held in August to prepare for the election of two National Assemblies in the regions where the two Councils are located.

“This decentralization of the administration is a step forward to accelerate the teaching activities in the three regions,” a report from the Sept. 8 Feast newsletter said.

Issues discussed included legal standing, communications and acquiring properties for the infant Assemblies.

• Papua New Guinea: An aid post for basic medical assistance was opened in Malagae on Bali Island as a result of two years’ planning by the Local Spiritual Assembly of Kimbe. The government opened the project after the Bahá’ís agreed to purchase a prefabricated building. An opening ceremony last spring for the post was attended by nearly 2,000 spectators.

• South America: Two major gatherings of National Spiritual Assemblies advanced the spirit of unity and collaboration across borders over the summer.

The second annual meeting of National Assemblies in southern Latin America in Buenos Aires, Argentina, drew representatives from Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and the host country, as well as Counselor Isabel de Sánchez. Consultations covered training institutes, Youth Year of Service programs, sharing of publications and educational materials, and the general maturation of the institutions.

In Georgetown, Guyana, the host National Spiritual Assembly gathered with members from French Guiana and Suriname, and recommendations included a youth exchange, development of institutes, new translation efforts and holding of ‎a a a‎ major conference in 1998.

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Luxembourg: Some 230 friends from Belgium, France, Germany and the host country gathered Aug. 18 to honor the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum.

In her address to the gathering, the Hand “reminded the friends of the vital importance of sharing the Message of Bahá’u’lláh with every person we meet and urged them to make increased efforts to teach the principles of the Faith,” a report from the National Spiritual Assembly of Luxembourg stated.

Also at the gathering were Counselor Louis Hénuzet and members of the National Assembly and the Auxiliary Boards. Devotions were conducted in Luxembourgish, English and Persian.

• Italy: Hundreds of the friends had the opportunity to hear addresses on the Sacred Law of Huqúqu’lláh by the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Ali-Muhammad Varqá in Verona, Florence and Acuto. “All the meetings were joyful and the presence of Dr. Varqá greatly inspired the friends to improve their efforts in reaching all the goals of the Four Year Plan,” a report stated.

• Jamaica: The National Spiritual Assembly hosted Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke in an evening characterized as “a wonderful success” in October. Counselor Tod Ewing presented a message on the need to help youth become involved, and the governor-general—describing himself as a seeker of truth—challenged the Bahá’ís not only to pray and be righteous, but also to sharpen their focus on service.

ARTS

• Baltic States: Photo and art exhibitions, as well as a play performed by youth, “Double-Edged Sword of Truth,” were all part of the Bahá’í Arts Festival in Klaipeda, Lithuania, Aug. 28–31. The first such festival organized by Bahá’ís in the Baltics, it was well-publicized in advance. About 15 journalists attended the news conference on the opening day, and organizers said a local television station planned to put together a program about the festival.

• Asia: Four Bahá’í musicians now living in Europe—Jinus and Kianoush Kouchekzadeh, Masud Mazgani and Kamal Mazlumi—traveled in a group to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to proclaim the Faith with Persian music over the summer. They were the subject of a radio interview in Kyrgyzstan and seven television and six radio interviews in Tajikistan.

• Asia: An eight-nation tour of the Voices of Bahá choir was hailed as the most successful ever for the choir, which was assembled from 16 countries and territories.

“We survived a typhoon in Hong Kong, lived through an earthquake in Tokyo [Japan], and learned to sing in Chinese, Malay and Korean,” a report on the July–August tour states.

“Several communities reported that the concert was the largest teaching event in the history of the Faith in their country.” They sang for crowds of up to 1,000 in Malaysia and Singapore, and of up to 800 in the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea and Macau.

• Virgin Islands: Ann Marie Danet, the first native Virgin Islands Bahá’í of French descent, received a 1997 Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. The longtime Bahá’í is noted for her short stories, poetry, ballads and editorial pieces on the culture and history of the Virgin Islands minority who trace their roots to the French Antilles.

YOUTH

• Australia: Youths and children in the small southeastern community of Cardinia made a special effort to work with “like-minded organizations” in service projects such as a fund-raiser for the Red Cross, a nature area cleanup, volunteering at a Salvation Army store, and other projects that “have opened doors for teaching and friendship.”

• Malawi: Youths in Mulanje have begun selling carved wooden boxes to raise funds for, among other things, food for 400 people at a Local Spiritual Assembly-sponsored rally. The youths also have visited the sick, built shelters for elderly people, and taught the Faith through drama and dance.

[Page 22]

Elections: a sweep of spirit in action

AS THE SUN SET Tuesday, Nov. 11, 1997, believers around the country began to gather to commemorate the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. After the celebrations, members of 1,006 Local Spiritual Assemblies gathered in private rooms to cast votes for the Regional Bahá’í Councils.

Above and right: Tellers from the Northeastern States count and tabulate some of the 2,477 ballots submitted by Local Spiritual Assembly members in the Regional Bahá’í Council election. Far right: After completing the ballot counting, tellers for the Western States express their joy. Local photos

Friends throughout the country met for dinners, prayers, devotions and fellowship. Love, excitement, unity, peace, joy, reverence, and anticipation permeated the atmosphere at these events, according to reports from around the country:

• “Our elections were held tonight and spirits and enthusiasm were high. We are all anticipating the blessings that this new institution will bring in coordinating our resources and energizing our efforts,” said a report from Prunedale, California.
• In Dallas a crew of volunteers came to the Bahá’í Center to make it beautiful for the evening election meeting. After the commemoration of the Holy Day and the election meeting, a number of believers returned to plant flowers.
• A gathering in New Rochelle, New York, included six Local Assemblies and attracted 70 people from suburban New York and Connecticut for a special presentation and dinner. After a special talk on the life of Bahá’u’lláh, the devotional spirit of the voting was bolstered by a photographic image of the gardens at Bahjí projected on the wall.
• In Chicago the friends decided they wanted to make it a very special occasion. They contributed generously to allow the Assembly to host a catered dinner at the Bahá’í Center for all to enjoy.
• At 1:30 p.m. Nov. 12, 70 people gathered at Green Acre’s Fellowship House in Eliot, Maine, in a spirit of joy and reverence to celebrate with prayers and music the anniversary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh and witness the birth of the Regional Bahá’í Councils.
• In the early morning hours of Nov. 12, Heather and River Brandon of Kittery, Maine, were blessed with their first child. She was named Council Redpath Brandon in commemoration of the birth of the Regional Councils. Noting that the Latin root of the word “council” means “to call together,” her parents hope this young child will grow up to be a unifier and teacher of the Faith, and that she will be firm in the Covenant.

These reports are only examples of the excitement and happiness that attended these historic events around our nation. The National Spiritual Assembly praises the American Bahá’í community for their enthusiastic participation in the establishment of the institution of the Regional Bahá’í Councils.

By midnight on Nov. 13, thousands of ballots were on their way to the tellers. In Springfield, Massachusetts; Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina; St. Louis, Missouri; and Santa Clara, California, tellers conducted their work in the same spirit of love and unity that permeated the election meetings.

One of the nine tellers for the Northeastern States, in fact, was designated to read the Tablet of the Holy Mariner while the others counted the ballots.

By Sunday, Nov. 23, the tellers had completed reports for each region.

The National Spiritual Assembly commends the heroic efforts of the tellers and the personal sacrifice of time given freely by each of them and their families.

The environment that attended the counting of the ballots is reflected in the following report from the Central Region:

“At the level of the sacred, we bowed our heads in humility and gratitude, in awe and supplication. The times we prayed together, especially at the opening of our work and at the closing after we knew who had been chosen, transported us to a realm of light and glory. We wept openly, keenly feeling the presence of the Concourse on High. We knew the power of Bahá’u’lláh and prostrated ourselves at the threshold of His Might.”

The tellers who provided this selfless service are:

Northeastern Region: Juan Caban Jr., Massachusetts; Dennis Cline, Maine; Carolyn Cruikshank, Vermont; Rhea Howard-Harmsen, Pennsylvania; Mara Khavari, New Hampshire; Camm Maguire, Jr., New Jersey; Virginia McDevitt, Rhode Island; Deborah Rosenfeld, New York; and Raymond Thomas, Connecticut.

Central Region: Vicki Abel, Iowa; Garland Borden II, Indiana; Eunice Braun, Illinois; William Gitchell, Kansas; Ruth Hansen, Nebraska; Patricia Kubala, Wisconsin; Vernon Longie Sr., North Dakota; Billie Mayo, Missouri; Payam Samadani‎; ,‎ Minnesota; Melanie Smith, Michigan; Shaheen Tedjarati, Ohio; and Shiva Kadem Ziai, South Dakota.

Southern Region: Florence Avis, Maryland; Richard Allen Beane Jr., North Carolina; Judith Bedard, Delaware; Pamela Boltz, Virginia; ‎Vicentee Vicente‎ Ferguson, Florida; Ajit Giani, Texas; L. Anthony Greene, Georgia; Fereydoun Jalali, Georgia; Sarah O’Neill Lee, Kentucky; Cyn Massey, South Carolina; Parviz Mojgani, Louisiana; Jacqueline Osborne, Alabama; Francisca Rhine, Oklahoma; Behrooz Sabet, South Carolina; Jean Scales, North Carolina; Andrea Seals, Tennessee; Dara Gay Shaw, West Virginia; John William Smith, Mississippi; Kamran Talebi, Arkansas; and Elinor Walker, Florida.

Western Region: Carol Brooks, Colorado; Janetta Camm, Wyoming; Leon Davis, California; Martin Dibble, Idaho; Sohrab Gandomi, Arizona; Carolyn Hensley, Nevada; John Hutton, Wyoming; Shannon Javid, Washington; Nelson LeDuc, Utah; Kay Maloney, Montana; Martin McCloskey, Colorado; Joan McBride, Montana; Roger Nesbit, Oregon; Christian Norleen, Washington; Victoria Poirier, New Mexico; Peggy Schlesinger, Arizona; Shaida Talebreza, Utah; Shidan Taslimi, California; Peter Vaughn, Idaho; Charles White, Nevada; Linda Wilson, New Mexico; and David Young, Oregon. [Page 23]

A NEW LEVEL OF DEDICATION, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

sage from the Universal House of Justice the first morning riveted the gathering, as they heard the words “heartfelt, best wishes ...” “acute urgency of advancing the process of entry by troops ...” “... high expectations aroused in the American believers. ...”

Judge Nelson, chairman of the gathering, joked at the outset about the Council members being “traumatized” by being thrust into such a crucial role. Many a true word is spoken in jest.

“Walking into this meeting, that was how I felt. I was not sure how to even think about this,” said Carol Brooks, a member of the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Western States, echoing the doubts, perhaps, of anyone contemplating his or her worthiness to serve when elected to a Bahá’í institution.

But catching a glimpse of the reality of “living your life for the love of Bahá’u’lláh ... gives you the strength to lift yourself up another notch.” Over the weekend, she said, she basked in love and support—from the National Assembly, from visiting Counselors, from members of all the Councils—buoying her heart and her resolve.

WELCOMED BY COUNSELOR ELLIS, each Council heard a reminder of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s words from the Tablets of the Divine Plan on the qualities of each region:

• The Northeastern States: “The divine Gardener passed by that holy ground and scattered pure seeds from the lordly teachings in that field,” the Master wrote. The Counselor added, “Now it is up to the Northeastern Bahá’ís to cultivate and irrigate that ground.”
• The Central States: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said they are “... like unto the heart of America, and the heart is connected with all the organs and parts of man.” Ms. Ellis added, “It is here that so many spiritual deeds were instigated. ... Learn your history. Learn it well.”
• The Southern States: The Master stated that “unquestionably the divine teachings must reveal themselves with a brighter effulgence” in this region, and urged the Bahá’ís to spread the Teachings “with a firm resolution, a pure heart, a rejoiced spirit, and an eloquent tongue. ...”
• The Western States: A Tablet expresses the hope that “the friends of God ... may become the secret cause of the illumination of the hearts of humanity. ...” The Counselor noted the Western friends have a history of traveling to remote regions in service to the Cause.

“Carry the laws and healing process of this Faith to all men,” she urged the four Councils.

WITH GIFTS OF ROSES, the National Spiritual Assembly welcomed the members of each Council on arrival at the Temple door Friday morning. The program, as it did each day, began with prayers, readings and choral music in the House of Worship auditorium.

Gift-giving was evident throughout the weekend. Friday, each member received a signed prayer book from the Assembly commemorating the occasion. The Counselors presented signed copies of Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963–1986: The Third Epoch of the Formative Age. A flower arrangement from the Local Spiritual Assembly of Dallas, Texas, adorned a piano. The Western Council worked late one night, crafting dozens of scented fabric roses to give away hours later.

Then came the most precious material symbol of the occasion: framed replicas of four original Tablets of the Divine Plan, displayed each day on the stage at Foundation Hall.

Tears flowed and embraces were exchanged freely, then, as each Council was given the replica of its region’s Tablet to keep Sunday morning. The gathering burst into song several times, and emotions swelled when the Northeastern Council led singing of:

“Soon will all that dwell on earth Be enlisted under these banners. Ya Bahá-u’l-Abhá ...”

LARGELY, THE COUNCILS worked for a definition: What is a Regional Bahá’í Council?

Frequent question-and-answer sessions brought out clear concerns—Where is the best balance between teaching and administrating? Is it proper for Council members to continue their often high-profile service in other Bahá’í agencies? Will the Councils soon assume responsibility for all the projects begun by their predecessor, the Regional Committees?

Often the answers amounted to this: Each Council will be dynamic, sensitive to the conditions of its region in promoting teaching work. The answers ultimately were theirs to decide.

Judge Nelson likened the prospect before them to “a gigantic table of opportunities”: they had a choice of many roles, but in the words of mothers everywhere, “don’t let your eyes get bigger than your stomach.”

So five times each Council met in private, sometimes with National Assembly members, sometimes with Counselors. During their first consultation alone, an illuminated Tablet of the Divine Plan for their region, signed by the Master, was displayed in the room.

They became acquainted, elected officers, consulted on their mandates from the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly, laid plans for the immediate future, and called on the unseen Hosts for assistance.

One response was unanimous. “With urgency and fearlessness,” a joint message from the Councils to the House of Justice read, “we will, arm in arm with the Bahá’ís of America, advance the process of entry by troops.”

THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY not only provided places for its guests to eat, laugh and dream together, it set the information foundation for construction of the Councils. All nine Assembly members were on hand that weekend, as were the National Teaching Committee and observers from Bahá’í National Center staff.

Assuring the friends that “our love will build the Kingdom even if our ideas fall short”—an idea grounded in the Tablets of the Divine Plan—Dr. Henderson nevertheless showed the Assembly and its agencies are prepared when it comes to ideas.

Saturday, he shared U.S. survey results showing that Bahá’ís are increasingly prayerful and active, and that millions of Americans identify themselves as religious seekers.

The next wave of work for the Faith will focus on race unity and gender equality, he said.

The national teaching plan now getting under way provides a framework for the Councils’ plans and projects, he said, and help is available from the 16 regional training institutes, the National Teaching Committee and the agencies of the Bahá’í National Center.

“Bear in mind the Bahá’í Administration is not an end in itself but ... an instrument for the spirit of the Faith to flow to every heart, to save every soul,” he said.

Firuz Kazemzadeh, in a historical review, concluded the Regional Councils are unquestionably divine institutions founded on the bedrock of God’s purpose—even if not specifically devised by the Master or the Guardian and different in function from Spiritual Assemblies.

“They are an expression of the will of the [Universal] House of Justice, which is guaranteed to be the will of the Divine,” he said.

In his role as National Spiritual Assembly

SEE NEXT PAGE

MEMBERS OF THE FIRST REGIONAL BAHÁ’Í COUNCILS

Central States: (L-R, front row) Morris Taylor Jr.; June Thomas; Jena Khodadad; Lisa Smits; (back row) L. Caswell Ellis, chairman; Lynn Wieties, corresponding secretary; J. Curtis Russell; Richard Thomas; Paul Jacobi, recording secretary. Photo by Theresa Z. Mullen

Northeastern States: (L-R, front row) Nina Dini; Rebequa Murphy, vice chairman; Neal McBride, acting treasurer; John Joyce; (back row) William Roberts, chairman; Joel Nizin, acting secretary; Nathan Rutstein; William Smith; Robert P. Harris. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

Southern States: (L-R, front row) Carole Miller; Lupita Ahangarzadeh; Karen Pritchard, secretary; (back row) James Sturdivant; Mahyar Mofidi, assistant secretary; Robert James Jr., chairman; Ahmad Mahboubi; Covey Cantville Jr., treasurer; A. Jack Guillebeaux. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

Western States: (L-R, front row) Carol Brooks; Fereshteh Bethel; A. Habib Riazati; Shad Afsahi, treasurer; (back row) Derek Cockshut; Charleen Maghzi, secretary; Erica Toussaint; Elahe Young, vice chairman; Shannon Javid, chairman. Photo by Vladimir Shilov [Page 24]Top left: the gathering in Foundation Hall at the House of Worship. Top right: Counselor Tod Ewing at the dais. Center right: Jena Khodadad, Central States Council member. Above: Caswell Ellis and Lisa Smits of the Central States Council and External Affairs coordinator Kit Cosby. Right: Robert Henderson, National Assembly secretary-general, in a presentation on national teaching plans. Photos by Ken Duszynski and Vladimir Shilov

Above: National Spiritual Assembly members Patricia Locke and Dorothy Nelson (bottom center) share joy and the Illinois chill with Regional Council members as they prepare for a formal group picture. Photo by Ken Duszynski

GATHERING AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

secretary for external affairs, Dr. Kazemzadeh offered help for the Councils in the state-level external affairs work. “I’m sure these contacts will grow as the weight of the Bahá’í community within each state grows,” he said.

Juana Conrad, assistant secretary of the Assembly, urged the Councils Sunday to get to know the Local Spiritual Assemblies, “who are burdened, who are getting messages from every sector of Bahá’í society. ... Communication is the key.”

The National Assembly has “been working to create trust, intimacy and love with the friends,” she said. “Help us. Help us achieve this intimacy and trust.”

She urged them to help Assemblies develop the potential of women within the Faith, even to the point of asking men during consultation “to listen to women the same way they would to men.”

William Davis, national treasurer, shared lessons learned from national fund development. One significant lesson: Development of Feasts brings the best long-term results for the life-blood of the Cause.

SEVEN CONTINENTAL Counselors encouraged the Councils and offered assistance and wisdom.

Tod Ewing exhorted the Councils Saturday to be “frank and loving” in their contact with local communities. “There’s got to be a spirit people feel to connect them to the work,” he said, adding that with a vitalized sense of mission and purpose, “I think we can energize the friends around the possibilities.”

‘Abdu’l-Missagh Ghadirian urged fortification of Bahá’í loyalty with renewed study of the Covenant, especially the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “We should make sure that every Bahá’í house has a copy of this and that they study it well,” he said.

Other counselors circulated among the members—Stephen Birkland, Jacqueline Left Hand Bull, Arturo Serrano and David Smith, along with Ms. Ellis. Mr. Smith told the gathering Sunday of his “joy to see this community of the United States of America shoulder its responsibilities. ... I have been in the presence of the trusted ones of the Merciful all this weekend.”

IN AN ATMOSPHERE that deflated self-importance, the surest way to get a laugh was with the well-timed phrase “On this historic and momentous occasion ...” Many a jest is spoken in true words. Yet the very real sense of history in the making infused determination into the gathering as it prepared to disperse:

• Northeastern States: Via Chairman William Roberts, the Council pledged action to mobilize communities and believers for race unity dialogues—“every Bahá’í household, every community.”
• Southern States: The Council has adopted race unity development materials created by the Southern States Regional Committee, and is ready to share them with all the regions, Chairman Robert James said.
• Western States: The Council intends to put forward plans for expansion and consolidation that rely on “intensified individual effort, intensified teaching,” said Chairman Shannon Javid.
• Central States: Clear communication and collaboration, love and unity will be the priorities as this region develops its plans, said Chairman Caswell Ellis.

The focus on the work ahead harked back to a remark by Judge Nelson: “Yours will be the joy of a new kind of service, not without being encompassed by some kinds of difficulties—but it is a glorious thing to be in service to Bahá’u’lláh.” [Page 25]

REGIONAL BAHÁ’Í COUNCILS

MESSAGES OF FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY TO THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE NOVEMBER 23, 1997

Esteemed and dearly loved Friends,

With profound gratitude to the Blessed Beauty and immense hope and excitement we received the news in your May 30, 1997 letter announcing "a new element of Bahá’í administration, between the local and national levels, comprising institutions of a special kind, to be designated as 'Regional Bahá’í Councils'".

This year's commemorations of the anniversary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh on November 12, 1997 were unique in history as they witnessed the transformation of our current system of Regional Committees into Regional Bahá’í Councils.

With joyous hearts the National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to announce the results of the first elections held for the membership of the Regional Bahá’í Councils. The reports from across the country conveyed the spiritual character of each of these historic events for which we offer prayers of praise and thanksgiving.

Deep happiness attends the National Spiritual Assembly's presenting of the following reports of the Tellers from each of the regions:

Northeastern Region: There are 115 Local Spiritual Assemblies in the region and 107 hosted election meetings. A total of 995 believers were eligible to vote as members of a Local Spiritual Assembly. Of these, 716 cast their ballots at one of the meetings and 81 sent absentee ballots. A total of 797 believers voted. The following individuals comprise the first Regional Bahá’í Council for the Northeastern States: John Joyce-113 votes, William H. Smith-86 votes, Nina Dini-83 votes, William L. Roberts-83 votes, Nathan Rutstein-80 votes, Neal McBride-75 votes, Robert P. Harris-72 votes, Joel Nizin-69 votes, and Rebequa Murphy-66 votes.

Southern Region: There are 387 Local Spiritual Assemblies in the region and 312 hosted election meetings. A total of 3,379 believers were eligible to vote as members of a Local Spiritual Assembly. Of these 2,199 cast their ballots at one of the meetings and 277 sent absentee ballots. A total of 2,477 believers voted. The following individuals comprise the first Regional Bahá’í Council for the Southern States: Robert James, Jr.-293, Lupita Ahangarzadeh- 269, Carole Miller-230, Mahyar Mofidi-204, Covey Cantville, Jr.-185, Ahmad Mahboubi-178, Karen Pritchard-144, A. Jack Guillebeaux-141, and James Sturdivant-127.

Central Region: There are 200 Local Spiritual Assemblies in the region and 182 hosted election meetings. A total of 1,762 believers were eligible to vote as members of a Local Spiritual Assembly. Of these, 1,241 cast their ballots at one of the meetings and 128 sent absentee ballots. A total of 1,369 believers voted. The following individuals comprise the first Regional Bahá’í Council for the Central States: Lynn Wieties-213, Paul Jacobi-179, L. Caswell Ellis-168, J. Curtis Russell-133, Morris Taylor, Jr.-127, June Thomas-105, Richard Thomas-97, Jena Khodadad-95, and Lisa Smits-91.

Western Region: There are 470 Local Spiritual Assemblies in the region and 405 hosted election meetings. A total of 4101 believers were eligible to vote as members of a Local Spiritual Assembly. Of these 2825 cast their ballots at one of the meetings and 283 sent absentee ballots. A total of 3108 believers voted. The following individuals comprise the first Regional Bahá’í Council for the Western States: Erica Toussaint-297, Derek Cockshut-244, Charleen Maghzi-228, Elahe Young-152, Shad Afsahi-151, A. Habib Riazati-146, Carol Brooks-145, Shannon Javid-137, and Fereshteh Bethel-127.

The National Spiritual Assembly in informing these dear friends of the spiritual significance of the service before them, has invited them to an orientation at the Bahá’í National Center the weekend of December 12-14, 1997.

We beseech your prayers on behalf of our National Assembly and the members of the Councils in your prayers that the All-powerful Spirit steadily pour His divine blessings upon this community as the American Bahá’ís endeavor to "carry forward, with increased vigor, the propagation of the Cause of God."

The Council members were encouraged, as are we all, to proceed confidently into this new stage of history with these words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in our hearts: "By God, verily the Lord of Hosts is your support, the angels of heaven your assistance, the Holy Spirit your companion and the Center of the Covenant your helper. Be not idle, but active and fear not."

THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

JOY

FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE TO THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY NOVEMBER 26, 1997

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Universal House of Justice was delighted with the success of your establishment of Regional Bahá’í Councils in the United States, as reported in your email of 23 November 1997. We have been asked to convey its loving appreciation and to assure you of its ardent prayers at the Holy Threshold that your community may experience an unprecedented thrust in its progress as a result of this notable development.

WITH LOVING BAHÁ’Í GREETINGS,

DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARIAT

FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE TO THE REGIONAL BAHÁ’Í COUNCILS DECEMBER 12, 1997

We are very happy to know that the members of the four Regional Bahá’í Councils, together with the Continental Counsellors and the National Spiritual Assembly, are gathering at the heart of the community this weekend for a launching of the important functions of these newly formed Councils. In view of the acute urgency of advancing the process of entry by troops and the shortness of the time remaining to the Four Year Plan, we take this opportunity to express our heartfelt, best wishes and particularly to urge the members of the Regional Councils to press forward quickly in effecting sound action that will boost the thrust in the expansion and consolidation of the community, so that there will be no slackening of the momentum already achieved, but rather a greater upsurge in activity than has as yet been evident. We appeal to them at this crucial moment not to expend too much time on formulating new procedures or refining the mechanics of their operations. Their accumulated knowledge of Bahá’í administration and the assistance in advice and in practical terms that they will receive from the Counsellors and the National Assembly will enable them to get on with their vital tasks without any delay. Rest assured of our fervent prayers in the Holy Shrines that the high expectations aroused in the American believers through the formation of these Councils may be magnificently realized through the unceasing confirmations of the Blessed Beauty.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

FROM THE REGIONAL BAHÁ’Í COUNCILS TO THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE DECEMBER 14, 1997

We extend our most heartfelt greetings to the Universal House of Justice!

The family of Bahá’í institutions lovingly embraced and welcomed the newly-formed Regional Bahá’í Councils of the United States, through luminous consultation and exhortation, and through exquisite hospitality.

In the holiest House of Worship, we received a true Bahá’í embrace from seven Continental Counselors, our beloved National Spiritual Assembly, our stalwart National Teaching Committee, and the dear souls serving at our National Center.

Your urgent and compelling message guided our consultation every step of the way. Surrounded by the original Tablets of the Divine Plan, we pledge not to be distracted from our goal: to present to the Universal House of Justice a complete and total victory in the Four Year Plan.

We are firm in our resolve. With urgency and fearlessness we will, arm in arm with the Bahá’ís of America, advance the process of entry by troops.

We are supported and emboldened by your love and prayers to take up this work with serenity and confidence. We are unified, joyous, and focused in our resolve to lay our hearts at the feet of Bahá’u’lláh.

THE REGIONAL BAHÁ’Í COUNCILS OF THE UNITED STATES [Page 26]

ABS conference views rights as key to peace

BY TOM MENNILLO

The lofty standard of human rights and responsibilities is grounded in all the world’s religions, but only recently has it been raised in the international arena.

Before that backdrop of history, an impressive parade of experts, scholars and artists took the stage at the 21st annual conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, Nov. 14–16 in Washington, D.C.

Just as in any procession, they appealed to onlookers’ hearts and minds alike—in this case, on the theme of “Fostering Human Rights: Developing Pathways to Peace.”

Then, through sterling workshops and performances, participants were given tools to help shape the transformation of individuals and society. And they were challenged to courageously use those newfound capacities.

AUGUSTO LOPEZ-CLAROS: PARALYSIS AND OPPORTUNITY

A senior economist with the International Monetary Fund, Dr. Lopez-Claros opened the conference with a sketch of the global situation.

Since World War II, he said, leaders have sought to avert similar conflicts in an increasingly interdependent world.

In this quest, they have faced a paradox.

On one hand, national institutions are less able than ever to deal with problems, challenges, and opportunities. That has led to paralysis in government coinciding with people’s growing expectations.

On the other, people and cultures are coming closer. That has fostered a notion of global citizenship.

But a more integrated world can be brought about, Dr. Lopez-Claros concluded, only with universal acceptance of human rights.

JOHN W. McDONALD: HUMAN RIGHTS AND POLITICS

The former ambassador traced the growth of human rights policy in the United States and the United Nations.

The chairman of the Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy in Washington has seen a dramatic shift since 1976 in our government’s stance toward human rights. Legislation enacted that year required the State Department to file an annual human rights report on each nation and to create a bureau of humanitarian affairs. Both mechanisms are now highly respected and influential.

But America’s record on ratifying human rights treaties is less distinguished, Mr. McDonald observed. U.N. progress has been likewise uneven. He called the world body’s human rights apparatus highly politicized.

There are bright spots, though, he said. Effective human rights work is being done at the U.N. subcommission level. The Security Council has grown in stature by serving notice that national sovereignty no longer will be a bar to human rights action. And NGOs are increasingly flexing their muscles.

Mr. McDonald concluded with a plea to exert pressure on governments to respect and use the legal instruments that have been put in place, so the 21st century will become known as the human rights century.

LESTER R. BROWN: AN ENVIRONMENT UNDER STRESS

The topic shifted to the environment when Mr. Brown, president of the Worldwatch Institute, hopped to the lectern in his bow tie and sneakers.

The popular author and activist painted a grim picture of a world that tries to accommodate 80 million more people a year and soaring economic expansion within an ecosystem that hasn’t grown.

He ticked off a list of woes such as overgrazing, overfishing, excess timbering, soil erosion, water scarcity, an enormous CO₂ buildup, global warming, and loss of species.

It’s a simple case of capacity vs. demand, Mr. Brown said, that can’t continue. Just putting a “car in every garage” in China would require more oil and other resources than the Earth has available, he said.

Mr. Brown called on leaders to think about restructuring economies and stabilizing population. That means investing more in education, especially that of girls in developing areas; moving from a throwaway to a reusable economy; expansion of public transport; and shifting taxation away from constructive activities, such as personal saving, and toward activities that are destructive to the ecosystem.

We must restore balance between us and the Earth, he concluded, but time is running out.

KIT COSBY: BUILDING A NEW CULTURE

The coordinator of the Office of External Affairs of the National Spiritual Assembly connected the labors of human rights educators with a Bahá’í community striving to apply the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

The textbook for the “school” of human rights education, she said, comprises the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the U.N. in 1948, and the more than 200 treaties and covenants elaborating on its articles.

But knowledge alone will not change people’s behavior or thinking, Mrs. Cosby said. We all have a role to play in building a culture that breeds freedom, full development of personality, equality, friendship among nations and peoples, and universal participation.

We can do this, she said, both as individuals and through non-governmental organizations. She said NGOs have emerged from recent global summits as jointly responsible with governments for implementing plans of action.

She gave as an example efforts in San Francisco to mark the 50th year of the Universal Declaration, starting Dec. 10. Organizers have linked each of the declaration’s provisions to a holiday. Other ideas can be gleaned from the Web site www.udhr50.org or by contacting the National Assembly’s U.N. office.

Bahá’ís are perfectly positioned to work for unity and justice, Mrs. Cosby said. Our principles give us a unique vision. But the principles must be taught and, eventually, enacted and enforced, she said. People must be so spiritually transformed that a concern for all is demonstrated in their daily actions.

U.S. REP. JOHN EDWARD PORTER: MAKING RIGHTS REAL

An optimistic note was sounded by Rep. Porter (R-Illinois), a longtime congressional champion of the beleaguered Iranian Bahá’í community.

The founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus acknowledged that the end of the Cold War reignited hidden hatreds. But he said it also allowed bottled-up energies to be focused on human rights.

Rep. Porter said we as a global community are caring more and making progress. Democracy and the rule of law have emerged dominant, and he said where people are gaining economic freedom, such as in China, political freedom is sure to follow.

What can the world’s parliaments do to foster human rights? He said the human rights caucus is now Congress’ second-largest. Now is the time, he said, to establish similar bodies around the world and organize them into an effective international body.

Next, he said, information shedding light on abuses must be made accessible, perhaps through the Internet.

Also, legislators must interface better with human rights organizations; make economic measures the linchpin of pressure on governments; exert greater influence on our own government, so human rights is agenda item No. 1; and ensure that such multinational bodies as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund make human rights an essential part of their aid equation.

He termed unfortunate Americans’ wish to retreat into a domestic focus now that the Cold War is over. Taking up the challenge to shape the world’s future would reap dividends at home, too, he said. And we must support the United Nations, which more than ever foster our values.

FIRUZ KAZEMZADEH: EVOLVING A NEW VIEW OF CONFLICT

The process of disintegration and integration central to the Bahá’í writings was examined as Dr. Kazemzadeh, secretary for external affairs of the National Spiritual Assembly, lent a historian’s perspective to the discussion of human rights education.

Dr. Kazemzadeh looked first at our perception of conflict. He noted that the United States was built on an assumption that conflicting forces had to be balanced. Marxism-Leninism was predicated on violent class struggle. Social Darwinism says all evolution has come about through conflict.

These philosophies have found a paradoxical counterpart in emerging globalism, he said. An early example was the International Postal Union, which ensured that a stamped letter from one country would be delivered anywhere else in the world. Another was the oil concession Britain forged with Iran, which ensured mutual dependence.

Now, said Dr. Kazemzadeh, trading and political blocs—indeed, the U.N. itself—all rebuff the supposition that people can’t get together. English has become the de facto language of commerce, entertainment, aviation, etc.

Fear remains a powerful force, of course. People fear their loss of identity in such areas as ethnicity, religion, and nationality, and they react viscerally. Hitler is dead but his principles live on, visibly or subtly, said Dr. Kazemzadeh.

Such divisions should not be accepted as a normal way to treat people, he said, or they will spread to an infinite level. But we should expect society to bend, even break, before its rebirth is forged through the realization that peace is possible only through unification. [Page 27]

DOROTHY W. NELSON: NATIONAL LAW, GLOBAL VISION

The vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly and senior judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, emphasized action in delivering the Hasan Balyúzi Memorial Lecture.

Judge Nelson issued a bold call to place national law within its international setting, arguing that a broad potential exists for U.S. judges to augment constitutional law with international human rights norms in deciding cases.

She acknowledged that legislatures must remain primary lawmakers, but she argued that judges can function as political conscience of the community by correcting gaps in law and policy.

Little judicial or legislative support exists, she said, for direct application of human rights standards to U.S. law. This country has not even ratified many U.N. treaties, and those that have been ratified cannot bind courts unless they are “self-executing” or are accompanied by enabling legislation.

That leaves indirect application of customary international law, Judge Nelson said. Judges are free to correct legal ambiguity using human rights norms as guidelines, such as in immigration cases. American legal education needs to do a much better job of preparing lawyers and judges to use international law, she said. The public also needs a primer on human rights norms, at all levels of school and through emerging justice organizations.

Echoing earlier speakers, Mrs. Nelson said human rights education is essential to genuine global change. Remember, she said, Bahá’u’lláh taught that all individuals are part of one corporeal form, and injury to one causes injury to all.

Suheil Bushrui: A Worldwide Moral Order

The somber overtones of the first day led perfectly to the Saturday’s focus on the society that will emerge. On hand to define the basis for our commonality was Dr. Bushrui, holder of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland.

Dr. Bushrui said a foundation of global moral order is in place, having evolved over the centuries. Its spiritual basis has been recognized increasingly in secular thought, he said. Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence called rights sacred. Goethe, Schiller and others wrote of a humanity seeking understanding. Now human rights standards have been codified, in the form of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

But these rights were not granted by governments, he said. They are central to all the world’s religions. Witness the Golden Rule, in all its forms. Witness Bahá’u’lláh’s teaching that religion is the means for order; without it, hope is extinguished.

Dr. Bushrui said the study of comparative religion is increasing, but it must take the next step of examining how, as Bahá’u’lláh taught, each Revelation is the fulfillment of the one before and herald of the next, how each is a greater exposition of truth but the message conveyed is one.

If that is done, he said, it will promote the conditions through which each religion can work in harmony, through which we can benefit in our spiritual journey from a shared vision. And it will come, he said, at a time humanity is shrugging off this century’s loss of faith and again is reaching for the infinite.

Panel Discussion: The Future of Human Rights

Sunday morning’s panel on human rights past, present, and future was the final word of the conference.

Sitting on the panel were Techeste Ahderom, principal representative to the United Nations of the Bahá’í International Community; Shulamith Koenig, executive director of the Organizing Committee for the People’s Decade of Human Rights Education; and Susie Clay, foreign service education officer at the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Mr. Ahderom traced the successes and failures in 50 years of Universal Declaration of Human Rights implementation.

He lamented the lost opportunities of the 1950s through ’70s, when the Cold War paralyzed the U.N. system and no leader or government was brought to task. The ’80s brought some life to the declaration.

By the early ’90s, no one could hide behind the facade of national sovereignty, even though the U.N. in truth is a private club of sovereign states, Mr. Ahderom said. Great human rights violations still occur, to be sure, and the U.N. many times acts too slowly. But a fresh wind has coursed over the discussion of human rights in all its aspects.

As Dr. Bushrui did the previous day, Mr. Ahderom warned that a group of nations is trying to put the brakes on this momentum in the name of cultural diversity. There are lots of cultural practices we should emulate, he said, but those that deprive people of their rights—particularly women and children—are unacceptable.

Mr. Ahderom said these dissenters all signed the Universal Declaration, yet they now claim the document contains a Judeo-Christian bias and is selectively enforced. On the first point, he said, the common stance of all faiths is well documented. On the second, the solution to perceived selectivity is not to end human rights monitoring but to widen the process so all countries are monitored.

John Woodall (left) and John McDonald chat with workshop attendees after an ABS conference session. Photo by Tom Mennillo

Ms. Koenig, paraphrasing Jewish Scripture, declared human rights amount to the right to be human—all else is interpretation.

The next big conflict, she said, will be between the haves and the have-nots. If people lack basics such as health, jobs, food, education and shelter, democracy cannot succeed. Capitalism, she said, has used democracy not for delivery of human rights but for opening markets.

She lauded the Bahá’í Faith as the only world religion not to forget half—the female half—of the population. But she challenged Baháís to become “political,” not in the sense of engaging in partisan activity but in taking our principles to all arenas of public discourse and action.

We were given a true gift in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, considering that its signatories are all perpetrators of rights violations, she said. Now we must hold all the

SEE PANEL DISCUSSION, PAGE 31

WORKSHOPS, HANDS-ON SESSIONS AND PERFORMANCES

Simultaneous sessions interspersed throughout the conference provided forums to explore issues in depth. Also wedged between plenary sessions were scintillating and thought-provoking performances by Bahá’í artists.

In the 90-minute simultaneous sessions, attendees could interact in small groups with experts from within and outside the Faith.

Some workshops might be seen as esoteric, such as “Faith and Architecture.”

Others were highly personal, such as “Woman-Centered Childbirth.”

Academics sought out such sessions as “Seeking the Fruit of the Tree of Knowledge: Can Bahá’í Scholarship Exist in a Secular Academic Setting?”

Special interest groups affiliated with ABS held workshops: The Bahá’í Institute for the Arts, the Agriculture group, the Religious Studies section, and Love, Equality, and the Institution of Marriage. Also, the Bahá’í Computer and Communications Association and the National Committee for the Advancement of Women acquainted conference-goers with their work.

A hands-on session, “Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” had participants peruse newspaper headlines about possible human rights violations and consult on which articles of the document might come into play.

“Alternative Dispute Resolution and Global Peacemaking” introduced the steps taken in mediating a dispute, and even had a mock mediation.

Performers included:

• Mark Ochu, an internationally renowned concert pianist and founding member of an international forum on the role of music in a changing world.
• Mary K. Makoski and Vickie Nizin, presenting excerpts from a readers’ theater piece called Amazing Grace written by Mrs. Makoski and Thelma Khelghati. Over two nights these stories of personal transformation from the times of slavery to the present evoked a highly emotional response.
• For Mercy, a D.C.-area alternative-progressive band, with its haunting, up-to-date themes.
• Ekaterina Kramer, an internationally award-winning teen-age guitarist who studies in Cologne, Germany.
• A medley of poetry juxtaposed with visual images. Anne Gordon Perry read works of the late Roger White and the absent Michael Fitzgerald. Bahá’ís Janet Bixby, Donna Denizé and Mahmehr Golestaneh presented their own poems.
• The Washington (D.C.) Bahá’í Youth Workshop, performing “Choices,” the poignant story of a youth’s victory over drugs and alcohol.
• The Aurora Jazz Ensemble, with Chris Keller at the keyboard and Whitt Williams on saxophone.
• Ává, a Persian-American Bahá’í recording artist.

The Association for Bahá’í Studies was founded in 1975 as a cooperative effort of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Canada, Alaska, and the United States to stimulate, coordinate, and present original research on the Bahá’í Faith. Membership is open to all. For more information, contact the Association for Bahá’í Studies at 34 Copernicus St., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada ‎KIN K1N‎ 7K4 (phone 613-233-1903, e-mail The next North American conference will be held in Montréal, Québec, Sept. 24–27, 1998.

[Page 28]

Projects for advancement of women are ushered forward

OneVoice Campaign works through colleges

Attention all Bahá’í College Clubs: Have you received a letter about the OneVoice Campaign for Gender Equality? This project, initiated by the National Committee for the Advancement of Women, consists of a major, unified mobilization on college campuses throughout the United States during the first week of the Fast, March 2–6, 1998.

The effort aims for all campus groups to recite and distribute the prayer on Page 100 of the U.S.-published Bahá’í Prayers; to present the statement Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men to the head of their institution and to as wide an audience as possible; and to publish all or parts of the statement in their campus newspapers.

College clubs also are urged to initiate actions appropriate for their unique campus circumstances, such as holding a fireside or symposium, setting up a display on the issue of equality, and/or collaborating with other organizations.

The possibilities from such a unified action by college youth across the country are truly exciting, and could provide a striking opportunity to spread Bahá’u’lláh’s healing message to a society in need.

For more information on the OneVoice Project, please contact

The NCAW looks forward to hearing from you!

Program trains speakers, workshop leaders

The National Committee for the Advancement of Women has launched a series of workshops geared to train individuals to speak, facilitate and teach gender equality programs to Bahá’ís and the community at large.

At the first such workshop Dec. 5–7, close to 50 participants were given practical lessons on speaking in public, leading workshops and guiding discussions toward ideas to help bring society closer to the Bahá’í ideal.

The women and men, gathered from a variety of places across the country, shared stories of local successes and pointed each other toward leadership development opportunities.

Meanwhile, the committee is continuing to gain ideas and acquaint Bahá’ís in many localities with its goals through consultative meetings with groups of Local Spiritual Assemblies.

The second such meeting, in the Atlanta area in October, dealt with the issue of helping the U.S. Bahá’í community fulfill its destiny to become an example of the full equality of the sexes.

The gathering prompted Assembly members to come up with a number of creative and practical grass-roots steps that the Assemblies now are taking under consideration.

For information on committee activities, contact the National Committee for the Advancement of Women, c/o Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail )

Bahá’í views on equality draw attention, admiration

BY VALERIE RUTSTEIN AND JANICE SMITH

On Oct. 29, 1997, two Bahá’ís were happily surrounded by 40 lively, curious people from all over the world seeking to understand the Bahá’í perspective on equality.

The audience, guests of the International Hospitality Committee of the National Council of Women, the majority of whom were affiliated with United Nations diplomatic community, listened attentively to the presentation by Rachel Huffines.

Mrs. Huffines’ presentation drew heavily from Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men, the statement by the National Spiritual Assembly, and included a review of worldwide activities initiated by Bahá’ís to promote equality.

The name of Bahá’u’lláh was mentioned only twice during the talk, yet the first question from the audience was a request for more information about Him and His Teachings. All attendees received copies of the statement.

Mildred Mottahedeh, who for 19 years was U.S. Bahá’í representative to the U.N., further enhanced the atmosphere with her famous humor and wealth of experience.

Committee chair June Weldon later thanked the Bahá’ís and noted that the meeting gave everyone a view of the largeness of spirit exemplified in the Bahá’í tradition.

This opportunity to reach people of capacity and influence was no accident.

Earlier that month, the New York City Local Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs had mailed 75 copies of Two Wings to selected organizations with an offer to send a speaker to discuss the statement and Bahá’í teachings on equality.

The President of the National Council of Women, Vera Rivers, responded immediately. She was familiar with the Faith through the active participation over the years of several Bahá’ís in the organization, including a representative of the National Spiritual Assembly. Mrs. Huffines is one of three Bahá’ís on the executive committee of the National Council of Women.

The House of Justice in its 153 B.E. Ridván message to the Bahá’ís in North America cites such contacts among the three unique characteristics of the U.S. Bahá’í community which create “opportunities for the advancement of the process of entry by troops, the like of which presently exist in no other place on earth.” Among them is “the positive impression of the Faith which has been conveyed, not only to the generality of the population, but also to leaders of thought and people of influence. ...”

Perhaps the Universal House of Justice is referring to the years of service you have contributed to your PTA, your Rotary Club, your Service League, your local NAACP chapter, your professional association. Perhaps your service has created a positive impression of the Faith—and an opportunity to share the Teachings.

—submitted by the Local Spiritual Assembly of New York City

Lodi reaches out, gains recognition for U.N. support

The Bahá’í group of Lodi, California, still hoping to achieve Assembly strength by Ridván, has gained local recognition through its outreach to the community.

To promote the U.N. International Day of Peace in September, the Lodi group presented a proclamation that was signed by Mayor Phillip A. Pennino, who was given a packet of materials including The Promise of World Peace, The Power of Race Unity, Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men and The Bahá’í magazine.

A lengthy newspaper article highlighting the Bahá’í interest in promoting the occasion drew the attention of a local churchwoman who had previous contact with a Bahá’í, and the group was invited to participate in the Church Women United Annual Meeting on Nov. 17, to read a prayer at the conclusion and to host a table set with finger foods and a wide variety of literature. The opportunity was taken to distribute copies of the Two Wings statement.

Other local activities involving the Lodi Bahá’ís include the local ministerial association and an interfaith task force for planning Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities.

Lodi also drew local newspaper coverage with an August event promoting race unity that included performances by the Monterey Bay Bahá’í Youth Workshop and talks by accomplished Bahá’ís from nearby communities.

What Are You Doing to Encourage the Equality of Women and Men?

The National Committee for the Advancement of Women would like to hear stories from YOU about activities that you or your community are engaged in that promote the equality of women and men. Please contact us with your exciting news!

Do You Have a Talent or Skill That Can Be Used to Promote the Equality of Women and Men?

We are anxious to hear from individuals who are willing to lend their skills to the advancement of the principle of equality. Don’t be shy! We want to hear from every woman, man, youth and child with a talent to offer. We are interested in developing a database of individuals who can serve as resources to individuals and communities. A wide range of skills is needed. Artistic, literary, public speaking and professional skills are all valued.

Contact the National Committee for the Advancement of Women, c/o Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail ) [Page 29]

Alliance promotes U.N. sustainable development effort

Bahá’í support for the United Nations and the practice of sustainable development was evident as the Alliance for U.N. Sustainable Development Programs hosted Bill Richardson, U.S. permanent representative to the U.N., at a National Press Club luncheon Oct. 24.

The National Spiritual Assembly became a charter member of the alliance last spring. It was formed by a diverse group of organizations sharing a belief in the importance of U.N. programs that promote environmentally sound economic and social development.

At the luncheon, held in observance of United Nations Day, Mr. Richardson addressed 240 representatives of non-governmental organizations, U.N. agencies and the press on the importance of sustainable development and the key role of U.N. agencies in advancing it.

He praised the 1992 Earth Summit for advancing the concept of sustainable development to include economic development, social development and environmental protection.

“If we hope to live in a stable world marked by democracy and the free flow of goods and services, then sustainable development programs that provide a brighter future and a cleaner environment for millions around the globe, must be at the center of America’s foreign policy agenda,” Mr. Richardson said.

Peter Adriance, the National Spiritual Assembly’s liaison with non-governmental organizations, helped found the alliance and is a member of its national steering committee.

“The alliance has identified its role as threefold,” Mr. Adriance said. “It monitors and evaluates the work of U.N. agencies in advancing sustainable development, it undertakes activities to widen public understanding of sustainable development, and it serves as a vehicle through which members can express their concerns and views on U.N. sustainable development initiatives to policymakers in Washington, both in the administration and Congress.”

The alliance will focus analysis and support on more than a dozen agencies including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the U.N. Development Fund for Women and the U.N. Development Program.

Those programs, alliance members believe, provide a framework for many activities that enhance U.S. national security and well-being, including:

• Poverty reduction and food security.
• Jobs and sustainable livelihoods.
• Environmental protection and sustainable energy.
• Advancement of women.
• Equality of opportunity.
• Empowerment of peoples.

Ambassador Bill Richardson, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, is greeted at a luncheon by Peter Adriance, NGO liaison for the National Spiritual Assembly and steering committee member of the newly formed Alliance for U.N. Sustainable Development Programs. Photo courtesy of Bahá’í Office of External Affairs

BRIEFS

REFUGEE OFFICE MEETS PUBLIC

Staff members of the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office participated in Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar’s Refugee Week with a public display Oct. 19–25 at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago.

The display, attended by Refugee Office staff, outlined the office’s roles and responsibilities and proclaimed principles of the Bahá’í Faith that animate its activities, which include fostering the integration of Bahá’í refugees of Iranian and Southeast Asian origin into local communities.

The display was aimed at educating the public about the refugee community as well as highlighting the Bahá’í model for such integration.

Staff at the Bahá’í Refugee Office also attended a reception for recognition of outstanding Chicago-area refugee agencies and volunteers, hosted by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.

For more information about the work of the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee office, please call 847-733-3547.

U.N. DAY IN ILLINOIS

The Bahá’ís of the Champaign/Urbana area in Illinois teamed with the local League of Women Voters chapter and the local United Nations Association to arrange an internationally flavored gathering Oct. 23 in observance of United Nations Day.

Drawing about 90 people, the event in Urbana featured a keynote speech on “Building a Sustainable Future” by Prof. Don Crummey, and a well-received talk on “Eliminating Land Mines” by Munirih Quinlan, a 12-year-old Bahá’í.

Entertainment included dancers from Zimbabwe, Mexico and Honduras. Displays included characteristic dress and information from many countries in Asia and Europe, as well as a variety of U.N.-related materials.

The local United Nations Association was reactivated in 1995 through the effort of area Bahá’ís.

Institute for Bahá’í Studies adds Faith’s voice to American Academy of Religion conference

The Institute for Bahá’í Studies helped make the Bahá’í viewpoint heard at the recent annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion and Society for Biblical Literature, coordinating scholarly presentations and distributing publications by the hundreds.

The conference, held in San Francisco Nov. 22–25, brought in nearly 8000 professors of biblical and religious studies to hear about 1000 professional talks, tour hundreds of publishers’ exhibits and attend scores of receptions.

Sunday evening, the Bahá’í Studies Colloquy offered the only Bahá’í talks at the conference. Dr. Susan Maneck spoke on “Entry By Troops: A Survey of Mass Teaching Efforts within the Bahá’í Faith and a Comparison with Conversion Movements within Other Religions,” a talk that related Bahá’í teaching endeavors to similar efforts by Christians, Muslims and Hindus.

She was followed by Paul Dodenhoff, a student at Drew University, who spoke on “Buddy, Can You Spare a Paradigm? The Bahá’í Faith and the New Age Movement.” He noted the similarities and differences between the Bahá’í Faith and various new age movements.

The evening closed with an unscheduled, informal, and lively presentation by two Stanford University students on the dilemmas of preserving one’s faith while living in an intellectual university environment dominated by rationality.

The Institute for Bahá’í Studies also staffed an exhibit of Bahá’í literature in the American Academy of Religion’s book display area. Most of the conference attendees came through the display area to view its 100–200 exhibits, some very large and expensive.

Personnel at the exhibit gave away almost 200 copies of The Bahá’ís magazine and 30 copies of the Research Office’s new Resource Guide. They also answered many questions from professors who include the Bahá’í Faith in their world religion courses.

Next year’s AAR/SBL annual meeting will be in Orlando. Those interested in speaking or attending programs at the Bahá’í Studies Colloquy should contact the Institute for Bahá’í Studies at the Bahá’í National Center (phone 847-733-3425, e-mail

Summer school makes the most of its invitation to neighbors

The theme of the small summer school in the southwestern Virginia mountains was “Entry by Troops: Inviting the World to God’s Table.”

At the Hemlock Haven Bahá’í School, they practiced what they preached. Before the session ended, 10 newly invited guests had embraced the Faith.

Late one afternoon, with most of the regular school sessions finished for the day, several attendees along with members of visiting music group El Viento Canta went to a Hispanic community near the site of the school, Hungry Mother State Park, to invite residents to an evening program. Nine responded.

“We all felt that there was a different spirit in the room” once the program began with a Rumanian dance and Peruvian music by El Viento Canta, a report from the school said. A keynote address in Spanish by Mehrdad Badiian, with interpretation in English by Jay Bender, spoke of the unifying power of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Age He had ushered in.

Before the evening was over, all nine of those who had been invited that afternoon, along with one other guest, declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh. “Comments by our new brothers were ‘This Faith is a great light’ and ‘This makes sense, I have been searching for something like this,’” the report said.

Some of the new believers returned for the rest of the summer school session, and work and study with them has continued. [Page 30]Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads are accepted. Some of the opportunities have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the ‎freinds friends‎ should exercise judgment and care in responding.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

AT THE BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER

Program Coordinator II, Office of the Treasurer and Development. Will help formulate and execute strategies for increasing participation, regularity and levels of donations to the Funds, particularly the National Bahá’í Fund. Mainly responsible for education of children and youth in the spiritual nature and practical aspects of giving to the Funds; conducts presentations/training sessions at conferences and summer schools; designs Fund-related educational programs/materials for children and youth; produces articles for The American Bahá’í, Brilliant Star and other publications. Will help educate the community, especially local treasurers and Assembly members, on the principles underlying contributions and help them apply these principles. Must be well-grounded in the fundamental verities of the Faith, exceptionally skilled in written and oral communication, and able to coordinate many tasks. Prefer at least a bachelor’s degree in a human services field with experience in program design and management.

Recruiting Specialist, Department of Human Resources. Identifies the Human Resources staffing needs of the National Bahá’í administrative offices and agencies; ensures that those needs are quickly and efficiently filled with personnel who meet the technical/professional requirements of the positions and the organizational standards for spirit and manner in which the work is accomplished. Needs exceptional interpersonal skills including courtesy, warmth, hospitality, tact, diplomacy in relaying sensitive information. Must be multi-tasked, extremely flexible, and able to respond to constant change with a kind and loving attitude. Background in recruiting desirable. Able to use WordPerfect and Word for Windows. For information or applications for either position, please contact Human Resources, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT THE LOUIS GREGORY BAHÁ’Í INSTITUTE

Coordinator needed at Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina. Responsible for planning, implementation and evaluation of all teaching and education programs at the Institute. Four years’ administrative/management experience and a graduate degree in education, management or a comparable field desired. Maintenance worker also needed. Should have some knowledge of building construction and repair. For information or applications, please contact Human Resources, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT THE BOSCH BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

Facilities Manager sought for Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Responsible for maintenance of buildings, grounds, equipment and vehicles for Bosch; directs the work of all maintenance employees and volunteers. Supervises all renovation, repair, restoration and new construction projects. Must have knowledge and skills in building and equipment maintenance, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, roofing, painting, masonry, etc. Strongly prefer applicant with five years’ experience in facility management (hotel, motel, school, condominium, light industrial plant, etc.), with at least three years supervising three or more workers. Basic computer literacy (database, spreadsheet, word processing) is necessary, with CAD experience desirable. Organization and consultation skills, flexibility and enthusiasm are essential. Vehicle maintenance skills desirable. Building contractor experience very desirable. For further information, contact Mark J. Bedford, Co-Administrator, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, e-mail ).

A Customer Service Representative is needed at the Bahá’í Distribution Service in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The representative will facilitate the distribution of Bahá’í literature and other products by timely data entry of telephone, fax and mail orders; respond to requests for information about accounts, publications and other materials; investigate and resolve customer complaints in a timely manner; and prepare timely correspondence. Ability to accurately pack up to several hundred orders per day is essential. For information or an application, contact Human Resources, 847-733-3427.

AT THE NATIVE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

Maintenance Worker needed at the Native American Bahá’í Institute. Should have some knowledge of building construction and repair. Please send résumé to Joel Orona at NABI, Box 3167, Houck, AZ 86506 (phone 520-587-7599, fax 520-521-1063) and a résumé to Human Resources, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (fax 847-733-3430).

China: help build bridges of friendship and service in a land of rapid development. For information on job and service opportunities, contact Susan Senchuk (phone 847-733-3506, e-mail ).

Critical Needs at the Bahá’í World Center

THE MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS, constructing the buildings and terraces of the Arc in Haifa, Israel, continue to have a critical need for these personnel:

• Industrial/commercial electrician. Needs experience in outdoor power and lighting distribution systems, general lighting control and maintenance. Experience in high-tension and large cable installation is highly desirable.
• Mechanical/electrical technician. Needs experience in refrigeration and HVAC maintenance.
• Professional plumber. Needs experience in all aspects of the trade, including drainage, fittings, etc.
• Horticulturist for expanding formal gardens. Experience in gardens and general horticulture preferred.
• Professional gardener. Needs experience in general aspects of formal or informal gardens.

To apply, please mail or fax your résumé to Mount Carmel Projects, Project Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, Israel (phone 972 (4) 835-8358, fax 972 (4) 835-8437, e-mail ).

PIONEERING OVERSEAS

Although the Office of Pioneering tries to help by providing information on employment opportunities that come to its attention, it does not have the resources for actual job placement.

AFRICA: Ethiopia—Self-supporting volunteer to help the National Assembly secretary and to train a replacement. Zambia—Teachers. AMERICAS: Honduras—Teachers. Turks & Caicos—Government doctor. Venezuela—Computer outlet store for sale. ASIA: India—Vice-principal for the New Era High School. Macau—Teachers. Sakhalin—Teachers. AUSTRALASIA: Mariana Islands—Physician at a health center on Rota. Solomon Islands—Custodians at the Bahá’í Center. Western Caroline Islands—Self-supporting assistant to the National Assembly Secretary. EUROPE: Czech Republic—Primary and secondary teachers in mathematics, science, humanities, Spanish, English as a second language. MULTI-REGIONAL: Educational Services Institute (ESI) is recruiting instructors to teach project management methodology, product development, global project management, information technology, scheduling, risk management, contracting or project initiation and recovery. Global Classroom Inc. offers free placement assistance to English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL) professionals seeking overseas employment. All positions require a minimum of an ESL/EFL certificate or one year ESL/EFL teaching experience. They have openings for instructors in Korea and Taiwan.

URGENT NEEDS: HONDURAS—Need for elementary and secondary school teachers. INDIA—Urgent need for an experienced, qualified vice-principal for the New Era High School. MACAU—The School of Nations needs qualified kindergarten, primary and secondary teachers. SOLOMON ISLANDS—Self-supporting couple to serve as custodians of the Bahá’í Center in Honiara. Volunteer to train National Center office staff. For additional information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail ).

PIONEERING HOMEFRONT

The first-ever Local Spiritual Assembly in Elkhart County, Indiana, was formed at Ridván. Since then, two adults have transferred out, leaving us with only seven members. We’re few, but mighty! Booming diverse economy, extremely affordable housing and an excellent school system. Within 45 minutes of South Bend (it’s not just football, it’s Notre Dame football) and 3 hours from Chicago. Contact the Spiritual Assembly of Concord Township, c/o Ann Kronemyer, secretary, Elkhart, IN 46516-5810 (phone 291-522-0044).

Prospective Graduate students: Combine study and service to the Faith—consider the possibilities for free tuition at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. The Bahá’í community and the WVU Bahá’í club are small and need the support of homefront pioneers. The cost of living is relatively low in Morgantown, population 60,000. With an enrollment of 23,000, WVU hires 1500 graduate students as graduate assistants each year in 75 degree programs. Three local Bahá’ís work for the university’s Department of Foreign Languages. For information about Morgantown, contact the Spiritual Assembly of Morgantown c/o Nancy Joy Allchin, Morgantown, WV 26505 (e-mail ). For information about graduate study at WVU, call 800-344-WVU1 or consult the Web site (www.wvu.edu).

Citrus County, Florida, an excellent location for a retired couple located in the rolling hills of Central Florida between the Withlacoochee River and the Gulf of Mexico, is in jeopardy of losing its 12-year-old Local Spiritual Assembly. The Assembly has strong community involvement in the Interfaith Council and the Institute for Healing Racism, and celebrates an annual “Color Me Human” festival and race unity activities. Within a two-hour drive of the Tampa and Orlando airports, the area has temperate winters, superior health care facilities, numerous opportunities for community service, and great wildlife, fishing and other outdoor activities available. For information, contact Ruth Thorpe, Assembly secretary, Homosassa, Florida 34448 (phone 352-795-4482).

WANTED

Bahá’í Parents! Please spare five minutes of your time to fill out a survey for my senior honors thesis. I am examining cultural differences in parenting styles within the American Bahá’í community. Please send me your name and address and I will mail you a survey. Contact Teresa Phelps at NY 14534 (e-mail ). This project has the approval and blessing of the Spiritual Assembly of Pittsford, New York. Tell all your Bahá’í friends, too! Thank you!

GWEn ART Council (Gwen Wakeling Endowment for the Arts) is accepting grant applications for project proposals. If you are interested in applying, contact Marsha Gilpatrick, Endowment Director, at Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, e-mail ) for an application form.

ARCHIVES

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: R. Broda, Stanlay G. Brogon, Ruth B. Bronson, Bessie Brooke, May and Russell Brooker, Flora Brooks and Louise Brooks. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these Guardian’s letters is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

A series of biographical sketches of prominent African-American, Native American, Hispanic and Asian Bahá’ís has been prepared by the National Bahá’í Archives for the use of local communities in Black History month, Race Unity Day and other special events. Any local community wishing a set of these sketches is asked to send a request with a mailing address to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039). [Page 31]

RACE UNITY

affairs throughout the planet."

Shoghi Effendi warned that should we neglect this duty, we will "not merely be failing in what is our most vital and conspicuous obligation, but thereby retarding the flow of those quickening energies which alone can insure the vigorous and speedy development of God's struggling Faith."

The President of the United States has appointed a Commission on Race. His aim is to start a national campaign of discussion of the means to establish racial justice and unity. The campaign has gotten off to a slow start, raising doubts that meaningful action will result. Public skepticism is fueled by America's long history of advance and retreat on racial matters. Over time failed initiatives have caused a steady erosion of public confidence that America will sustain her commitment to eliminate the ingrained racism that cripples the freedom of all its people and jeopardizes the internal order and national security of the nation as a whole.

Equally troubling is the prospect that the Commission may reach oft repeated conclusions, diagnosing the problem of racism as a deficit of rights and privileges. While the legal and material requirements to eradicate racism are well known, its spiritual requirements have been persistently neglected. The Bahá’í Teachings state that America should be the first nation to proclaim the oneness of the human family, but the principle of oneness is not yet the force driving the struggle of uniting the races. America has not done enough to demonstrate her commitment to the equality and unity of the races, to the dignity of all human beings whatever their color, and to the moral imperative of extending love and respect to the entire human family.

Soon, as you have read in The American Bahá’í, the National Spiritual Assembly will launch a nationwide television proclamation of the Bahá’í Teachings on race unity. The program will air repeatedly on over 1000 stations and will be the center point of a national campaign of teaching. Its aim is to invite people of every race and background to investigate the Bahá’í Faith in their local communities. We must prepare ourselves to be living witnesses to the truths ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tirelessly championed.

The National Spiritual Assembly calls upon every Bahá’í to rededicate himself or herself to the glorious task of eliminating the last traces of prejudice and alienation among the races within the Bahá’í community and to spare no effort to bring the healing message of reconciliation and love to our fellow Americans of all races and religions. Our community, which is already interracial and diversified, should examine itself to see how far we have come and what we must now do. American Bahá’ís, "now but a tiny nucleus of the Bahá’í Commonwealth of the future" must "so exemplify that spirit of universal love and fellowship as to evoke in the minds of their associates the vision of that future City of God which the almighty arm of Bahá’u’lláh can alone establish.

We appeal to every Local Spiritual Assembly, individual Bahá’í, and community to assert leadership in the President's campaign for a national dialogue on race. We ask that every Spiritual Assembly that has a Bahá’í center hold public gatherings for open discussion of the requirements of race unity. Bahá’í communities without centers should make arrangements to use facilities where public meetings may be held. Moreover, isolated believers and groups should invite their neighbors to their homes to participate in this important discussion. Our hope is to initiate thousands of meetings, hosted by Bahá’ís, between now and Race Unity Day, June 14, 1998, and help America advance toward her God-ordained destiny to be the first nation to proclaim the oneness of the human family.

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

GIVING

nity doing? Do they have the chance to give and volunteer independently of their parents? This might be a good thing: the survey indicates there is a direct relationship between giving and volunteering as a youth, and generosity as adults.

Former members of youth groups, young volunteers, those who saw people they admired helping others, those who had wanted to make changes in society—substantial majorities of all generally carried their patterns of giving and volunteering well into adulthood.

Because we believe that giving to the Fund blesses and protects us, as parents and Assembly members we would want to be sure that the youth in our area have the best opportunity possible.

And our worries about money? Here is what the Guardian said: "We must be like the fountain or spring that is continually emptying itself of all that it has and is continually being refilled from an invisible source. To be continually giving out for the good of our fellows undeterred by fear of poverty and reliant on the unfailing bounty of the Source of all wealth and all good—this is the secret of right living."

WORLDWIDE WINDOW

explained at its home page, www.geocities.com/Rain Forest/1049/ring.html, "The ring can be navigated sequentially by ones or twos, a list of the next five sites can be displayed, or you can just pop someplace at random."

To start your ride, just go to the ring's home page and click on the Bahá’í Ring symbol. Or, look for the symbol at the site you're currently visiting and click on it.

What are some of the Web's most useful Bahá’í-related sites? Tastes vary, of course, but some sites are sure bets for any American Bahá’í.

First is www.bahai.org, the Bahá’í World Center's site. This extremely informative and lushly graphical set of pages comes in English, French, and Spanish versions and deals with every aspect of Bahá’í belief and life.

Next is the National Spiritual Assembly's administrative Web site, www.usbnc.org. Have your name and U.S. Bahá’í identification number handy to enter this area.

Once in, you can choose from such content areas as National Assembly departments and agencies; news of upcoming events and from around the world; correspondence such as current letters from the Universal House of Justice, the National Assembly, and agencies; and an online resource for Bahá’í administrative bodies that is under construction.

As this was written, the "what's new" section included the current Feast message (with links to audio versions if your computer has proper software), information on Regional Bahá’í Councils, recent administrative actions, the latest from the Bahá’í International News Service, Bahá’í Distribution Service information, a repository of Office of Public Information documents, an Auxiliary Board member finder and a list of current opportunities for service to the National Assembly.

The site also gives its visitors a chance to communicate by e-mail to the National Assembly and its departments and to the site's webmaster.

To keep up with Bahá’í development work around the world, try www.onecountry.org, online home of One Country, the newsletter of the Bahá’í International Community. The institution's statement archive is at another site, www.bic-un.bahai.org.

Looking for an online way to search the Bahá’í Writings? Try the True Seeker Home Page, sunsite.unc.edu/Bahai/TrueSeeker. The site contains two search forms, simple (to specify a search word and perhaps also the author) and detailed (to specify the book or books to search, or to refine your search by specifying another word in proximity).

Bahá’ís interested in participating in Internet Relay Chat (IRC) activities such as deepening can find out how from the site www.dimensional.com/-meflin.irc.html.

Finally, no Net trek is complete without stopping by the Bahá’í Newsroom. Found at www.pagecreator.com/-newsroom, this site serves two audiences: "surfing Bahá’ís in search of 'new news' and those Bahá’ís who report the news (i.e., public information representatives, newsletter editors, and the special project publicist)."

Angelo Cerchione, the proprietor/editor, has been plying the public relations trade for 35 years. His site functions as a combined news magazine and how-to guide. Want to read a feature story? Curious about what's coming up in the Bahá’í world? Need to book an artist for your next Bahá’í event? Searching for sample press releases? You've come to the right place, and the information is timely up to the nanosecond.

Coming soon: Bahá’ís communicating and teaching on line; using Web pages to spread the Teachings.

PANEL DISCUSSION

forces of society to account for their actions.

Dr. Clay had the bounty of summing up what she had heard during a weekend of rich experiences.

Several common themes ran through the speeches and workshops, she said.

First was the power of the individual to bring about change. A challenge was sounded, she said, to summon the courage of act to apply the Bahá’í teachings to self, community and society.

Second was the inexorable move toward globalization and world unity.

Third was the willingness of Bahá’ís to address problems that remain within our own community. We're coming to grips with our shortcomings and even seeing them as the opportunities they are.

Fourth was the realization that we have the tools in hand to effect the changes contained in the other three themes. In our pursuit of applying the Bahá’í teachings, we hold the seeds of social and economic development projects at all levels, she said. [Page 32]مسائل مختلف در طی زمان برگزاری کنفرانس دائر بود.

ناگفته نماند که در طی کنفرانس برنامه‌های گوناگون هنری اعم از موسیقی و نمایش و شعرخوانی و جز آن نیز بر قرار بود.

کسانی که مایل باشند به عضویت انجمن مطالعات بهائی درآیند یا بخواهند اطلاعات بیشتری درباره فعالیت‌ها و نشریات آن به دست آورند می‌توانند با انجمن مستقیماً تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۱۹۰۳-۲۳۳ (۶۱۳)

تقاضا از خوانندگان

چون کتابی در دست تألیف و نگارش دارم و مشغول پژوهش و گرد آوردن مطالبی دربارهٔ افسانهٔ دل آوری‌ها و از خویشتن گذری‌های فاتحان روحانی ممالک مختلف طی نقشه ده ساله جهاد کبیر اکبر، فارسان میدان خدمت، ناشران گرانقدر، مهاجران و خادمان برازنده امر الهی هستم، که سزاست جاودانه در گذرگاه تاریخ ثبت شود، بدین جهت دست یاری به سوی جامعهٔ بهائی دراز می‌کنم تا در صورت امکان خود آن عزیزان و یا دوستان و آشنایان آن بزرگواران و یا کسانی که خاطرات و آگاهی از شرح خدمات و زندگی و به یادمانده‌های آن نازنینان را دارند، آن را به نشانی زیر ارسال فرموده مرا رهین منت خویش سازند.

شماره تلفن: ۶۹۵۱-۳۳۴ (۹۷۳)

Dr. S Sheybani Lincoln Park, NJ. 07035

دو کتاب از مؤسسه معارف بهائی

NEW PUBLICATIONS

باغبانان بهشت خدا

دو خبر نگار فرانسوی، کولت گرویون و فیلیپ ژوویون مصمم شدند درباره امر بهائی به تحقیق بپردازند. درخواست آنان این بود که دربارهٔ موضوع‌های گوناگون جستجو کنند و با هر کس و در هر کجا که بخواهند مصاحبه کنند و بدون هیچ قید و شرطی به بایگانی اسناد بین‌المللی بهائی رجوع نمایند و نظرات خود را منصفانه و در کمال آزادی اظهار کنند.

برای وصول به این مقصود از مرکز جهانی بهائی دیدن کردند و در آنجا با افراد بهائی از ملیت‌ها و نژادهای مختلف مصاحبه نمودند و در سایر نقاط دنیا با نفوس سرشناس و رؤسای ادیان مختلف به مذاکره نشستند و نتیجه کوشش‌های خود را در کتاب "باغبانان بهشت خدا" به خوانندگان عرضه کردند.

این کتاب نخست به زبان فرانسه نوشته و سپس به انگلیسی ترجمه و نشر شد و اکنون برگردان آن به زبان فارسی توسط خانم باهره سعادت انجام یافته و در دسترس خوانندگان فارسی زبان قرار گرفته است.

این کتاب در ۲۴۰ صفحه با جلد شمیزی به قیمت ۱۲ دلار به فروش می‌رسد.

قصّه عشق میرزا محمد علی زنوزی

قصّه شور و عشق دلدادگان ربّ اعلی و جمال ابهی داستانی است که هنوز قلمی برای وصف و شرح آن خلق نشده است.

دانسته نیست که حضرت محبوب به زبان نگاه یا لسان بیان و یا اثر قلم به آنها چه گفته‌اند که به چنان شور و نشوری دچار شده و بر سر دار قصّه عشق می‌سرایند و در دهان توپ لب به نغمه و نوا می‌گشایند و با بدن شمع آجین شده به رقص و آواز می‌پردازند.

در این میان میرزا محمد علی چه دیده و چه شنیده بود که خانه و خانمان و کوثر و بهشت و هست و نیست خود را فدای جانان کرد.

جناب روح‌الله مهربانخانی در این جزوهٔ مختصر خوانندگان را به دنبال خود به میدان سربازخانه تبریز می‌کشاند و صدای میرزا محمد علی را که در حین جان باختن فریاد میزد "آ رضیت عنّی یا مولائی؟" به گوش آنان می‌رساند و سپس به اراضی مقدسه در پای کوه کرمل به نظارهٔ مقام اعلی می‌برد تا در زیر آن گنبد طلائی از دو هیکل درهم آمیخته نشانی بیابد ولی:

گفت اکنون چون منی، ای من، در آی نیست گنجایش دو من در یک سرای

این جزوه در ۵۰ صفحه با جلد شمیزی به بهای ۴ دلار به فروش می‌رسد.

علاقه مندان می‌توانند برای خرید دو جزوه بالا با مؤسسه معارف امری مستقیماً تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ۳۰۴۰-۶۲۸ (۴۱۶)

از دفتر مهاجرت

FROM THE OFFICE OF PIONEERING

به تازگی برای تسهیل امور و پاسخ‌گوئی به ارباب رجوع تغییراتی از لحاظ سازمان در دفتر مهاجرت صورت گرفته است. از جمله ایالات متحده به ۳ منطقه تقسیم شده و برای هر یک مسؤولی تعیین شده است. منطقه شمال شرقی و مرکزی Alex Blakeson (۸۴۷) ۷۳۳-۳۵۱۱؛ منطقه جنوبی Amanda Respess (۸۴۷) ۷۳۳-۳۵۰۷؛ منطقه غربی Aurora Ragston (۸۴۷) ۷۳۳-۳۵۱۲.

از انتشارات ایمجز اینترنشنال

PUBLICATIONS BY IMAGES INTERNATIONAL

به تازگی مؤسسه ایمجز اینترنشنال به نشر یک سلسله جزوات به زبان فارسی با عناوین "طاهره" و "ملا حسین" و "قدوس" توفیق یافته است. اصل این جزوات به زبان انگلیسی نوشته و نخست در آفریقای جنوبی چاپ شده است. دکتر مینو ثابت (درخشان) جزوات مذکور را ترجمه و تدوین نموده و مؤسسه مذکور نیز آن را به چاپ رسانده است. در مقدمه این جزوات آمده است:

"گر چه قهرمانان بابی همه ایرانی بودند ولی اکنون بهائیان جهان از هر قوم و ملتی که باشند به آنها افتخار می‌کنند. آنها این قهرمانان را برای خود نمونه کامل شجاعت و استقامت می‌دانند.

"‎احیای احبای‎ ایرانی در خلال تاریخ دیانت بابی با این نفوس مقدسه آشنائی دارند ولی شرح حیات آنها هیچ‌وقت به طور جداگانه ثبت و ضبط نشده است. این امری است که یکی از بهائیان افریقای جنوبی به عهده گرفته و شرح زندگی چند تن از آن نفوس مقدس را به صورت جزواتی مختصر ولی کامل و صحیح به زبان انگلیسی نوشته است.

"با ترجمه و تدوین این جزوات به فارسی، فرصتی به احبای فارسی زبان داده می‌شود تا با تصویری که بهائیان جهان از این مؤمنین اولیه دیانت بابی دارند آشنا بشوند و نیز وسیله‌ای فراهم شود که آن جواهر ایمان و فداکاری را کامل‌تر و بهتر از نزدیک بشناسند."

طاهره

شهادت طاهره در آگست سال ۱۸۵۲ رخ داد. در هنگام شهادت ۳۶ ساله بود. از هنگامی که مژده ظهور حضرت باب را شنید تا هنگامی که جانش را در این راه فدا نمود کمتر از ۹ سال گذشته بود. زندگی او گر چه کوتاه ولی سراسر پرافتخار و گر چه غمگین ولی پرماجرا بود. داستان زندگانی طاهره در مدت کوتاهی در سرتاسر ایران و حتی در جهان شهرت یافت. در کشورهای مختلف اروپا بسیاری از زنان و مردان شجاعت و از خودگذشتگی او را تحسین کردند. ندای او در اجتماع بدشت نشانه به پایان رسیدن دوره قدیم و آغاز عصر جدید بود.

قدوس

قدوس مشهورترین شهید قلعه شیخ طبرسی است. حضرت اعلی او را به لقب "اسم الله الآخر" ملقب فرمودند و او را برای همراهی با خود در سفر حج برگزیدند. در سرزمین ایران او اولین نفس مقدسی است که به خاطر امر مبارک شکنجه شد و آزار فراوان دید. الواح فراوانی از جانب حضرت اعلی و حضرت بهاءالله به افتخار او نازل شده است. جمال مبارک به او "نقطهٔ اُخری" لقب دادند که مقام او را پس از مقام حضرت نقطه اولی قرار می‌دهد.

ملاحسین

در هنگام شهادت ۳۶ سال از عمرش می‌گذشت. نخستین بار در ۱۸ سالگی به محضر سید کاظم راه یافت و ۹ سال از محضر او کسب علم کرد. ۹ سال بعد زندگی او به تبلیغ و حفظ امر الهی گذشت. آیات و الواحی که حضرت باب در رثای او نازل فرمود سه برابر قرآن است. ملا حسین عالی‌ترین مرتبه در علم و اخلاص و ایمان و شجاعت و استقامت در دین الهی را کسب کرده بود و به جهت همین خصائص در بین کسانی که جان خود را در راه امر مبارک نثار کرده‌اند ممتاز و مشخص است. او از شخصیت‌های مهم تاریخی امر مبارک است و خاطرهٔ شجاعت و جانبازی او صدها سال زینت صفحات تاریخ و سرمشق ثبات و استقامت خواهد بود.

قیمت هر یک از این جزوه‌ها ۴ دلار است و علاقه مندان می‌توانند آن را مستقیماً از مؤسسه ایمجز اینترنشنال خریداری کنند.

شماره تلفن: ۴۵۲۵-۴۷۰ (۸۰۰) [Page 33]خوش آمد می‌گوید و به هر یک هدیه‌ای تقدیم می‌کند. به تازگی محفل مذکور تصمیم گرفته است که اطلاعاتی نیز درباره صندوق‌های بهائی به تازه‌تصدیقان بدهد و آنان را از این موهبت آگاه سازد.

ابتکار محفل نشویل

محفل نشویل Nashville در ایالت تنسی در هر یک از ضیافات نوزده روز بخشی را به بررسی و مذاکره درباره تبرع به صندوق‌های امری اختصاص داده است. در نتیجه، به گزارش امین صندوق آن محفل شرکت در تقدیم تبرعات از ۳۰ درصد به ۶۰ درصد افزایش یافته است.

امین صندوق محفل در ضیافات نوزده روزه در بخش مخصوص تبرعات حدود ۱۰ دقیقه مطالبی به آگاهی یاران می‌رساند. این مطالب مبنی بر اطلاعاتی است که در تابستان سال گذشته در سمینارهای مخصوصی برای استفاده امنای صندوق ارائه شده بود.

جزوۀ راهنما

دفتر امین صندوق به تازگی جزوه‌ای با عنوان Stewardship and Development برای استفاده محافل روحانی و امنای صندوق تهیه کرده است. این مجموعه حاوی اطلاعاتی دربارۀ تزیید معلومات راجع به تبرعات و چگونگی ادارۀ امور مالی محافل محلی است. این مجموعه را می‌توان از طریق مؤسسه توزیع آثار امری خریداری کرد. تلفن: ۹۰۱۹-۹۹۹ (۸۰۰)

تبرعات شرکت‌ها و تجارتخانه‌هائی که صاحبانشان بهائی هستند

بهائیان صاحب کار و تجارتخانه و بنگاه و شرکت و جز آن می‌توانند به صندوق‌های امری تبرع کنند، منتهی باید در نظر داشت که اینان باید واجد شرایط باشند. نخستین باری که این افراد به صندوق امری تبرع کنند، باید همراه آن تبرعی اظهاریه‌ای مبنی بر اینکه صاحب یا صاحبان کار همگی بهائی هستند، ارسال شود. (چنانکه یاران آگاهی دارند افراد غیربهائی نمی‌توانند به صندوق‌های بهائی تبرع کنند.)

قطع ارسال صورت حساب تبرعات

به آگاهی یاران می‌رساند صورتی که دفتر امین صندوق در آخر سال به یاران ارسال می‌داشت، از این به بعد ارسال نخواهد شد. قطع ارسال این صورت موجب ۳۰۰۰ دلار صرفه جوئی در مخارج می‌شود. رسیدی که احباء در قبال تبرعات خود دریافت می‌دارند مدرک تقدیم تبرعات آنان است.

لازم به یادآوری است که افرادی که از طریق Automatic Contribution System (برداشت مستقیم از حساب بانکی) تبرع می‌کنند، صورت حساب خود را کمافی‌السابق دریافت خواهند داشت.

دوستان می‌توانند برای دادن پیشنهاد یا دریافت اطلاعات با دفتر امین صندوق تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۳۴۷۲-۷۳۳ (۸۷۴) e-mail:

برنامه‌های مدرسۀ بهائی لوهلن

LOUHELEN BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

مدرسه بهائی لوهلن واقع در شهر دیویسن Davison در ایالت میشیگان برنامه‌های خود را بر محور اهداف نقشۀ چهارساله طرح ریخته است. تمرکز این برنامه‌ها در آینده نزدیک بر موضوع‌هایی چون رشد روحانی افراد و تحول تشکیلات امری و جوامع محلی خواهد بود.

موضوع برنامه‌های مدرسه و تاریخ آن در زیر درج می‌شود:

• کارآموزی برای تهیۀ مواد درسی و تربیت مبلغ در دو آخر هفته ۱۶ تا ۱۹ جنوری و ۲۹ تا ۳۱ می؛ برنامۀ والدین ۱۶ تا ۱۹ جنوری و ۲۹ تا ۳۱ می؛ وحدت نژادی ۲۰ تا ۲۳ فبروری و ۱۵ تا ۱۷ می؛ ازدواج و حیات خانواده ۲۰ تا ۲۳ فبروری و ۱۵ تا ۱۷ می.
• "موسیقی و تبلیغ" به سرپرستی تام پرایس ۲۳ تا ۲۵ جنوری.
• "راه حل روحانی مشکلات اجتماعی" ۲۳ تا ۲۵ جنوری.
• "تبلیغ مسیحیان" از ۶ تا ۸ فبروری.
• "اقبال دسته جمعی: فراگیری مهارت‌های لازم" ۶ تا ۸ فبروری.
• "ازدواج" ۱۳ تا ۱۵ فبروری.
• "تاریخ و فرهنگ چین" ۱۳ تا ۱۵ فبروری.

دوستان می‌توانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر دربارۀ برنامه‌های مدرسۀ بهائی لوهلن و شرایط نام‌نویسی با مؤسسۀ مذکور تماس حاصل نمایند. شمارۀ تلفن: ۵۰۳۳ ۶۵۳ (۸۱۰)

اطلاعات در شبکۀ کامپیوتری

BAHÁ’Í INFORMATION ON WORLD WIDE WEB

دوستان آگاهی دارند که در دهۀ حاضر استفاده از شبکه‌های کامپیوتری بسیار متداول شده است. این شبکه‌ها کامپیوترهای شخصی افراد را از طریق خط تلفن به هم متصل می‌کند.

احباء نیز در این گیر و دار از قافله دور نمانده‌اند و اطلاعات گوناونی دربارۀ موضوع‌های مختلف در این شبکه گنجانده‌اند.

بعنوان مثال اگر کسی بخواهد منابع بهائی برای تبلیغ به دست آورد یا نصوص الهی را بخواند یا عکس‌هائی از ساختمان‌های کوه کرمل ببیند یا ساعت طلوع و غروب خورشید را برای ایام صیام بداند، می‌تواند از طریق شبکۀ کامپیوتری آن اطلاعات را به دست آورد.

در زیر تعدادی از راهنماها و فهرست‌های شبکۀ کامپیوتری درج می‌شود. برای فهرست جامع: www.bcca.org/~glittle/p01.html برای منابع آثار بهائی به ۲۲ زبان مختلف: www.BCCA.Org/~cvoogt برای منابع کلی: www.bcca.org/services/srbv/resources.html معتقدات و حیات بهائی: www.bahai.org محفل ملی ایالات متحده و جامعۀ بهائی آمریکا: www.usbnc.org

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر به صفحات انگلیسی رجوع فرمایند.

کنفرانس انجمن مطالعات بهائی

ASSOCIATION FOR BAHÁ’Í STUDIES

بیست و یکمین کنفرانس سالانه انجمن مطالعات بهائی با حضور چشمگیر دانشمندان و متخصصان و هنرمندان از ۱۴ تا ۱۶ نومبر سال ۱۹۹۷ در واشنگتن دی‌سی برگزار شد.

موضوع کنفرانس "اشاعۀ حقوق بشر: هموارسازی راه برای رسیدن به صلح" بود. دانشمندان و متخصصان بهائی و غیربهائی دربارۀ حقوق و مسؤولیت‌های بشر سخنرانی کردند. در کارگاه‌ها و ضمن اجرای برنامه‌های دیگر ابزار و روش‌های لازم برای تهذیب فرد و جامعه در اختیار شرکت‌کنندگان قرار گرفت و از آنان خواسته شد که ‎فایافته‌های یافته‌های‎ خود را در عمل پدیدار سازند.

در زیر خلاصه‌ای از آنچه در کنفرانس گذشت فهرست‌وار درج می‌شود:

• آقای آگوستو لوپز کارلوس اقتصاددان ارشد صندوق جهانی پول پس از بررسی مشکلات تشکیلات ملی کشورهای جهان اظهار داشت که قبول عام حقوق بشر می‌تواند موجب اختلاط بیشتر مردم جهان شود.
• آقای جان مک‌دانالد، سفیر سابق، پیشینۀ حقوق بشر را در ایالات متحده و سازمان ملل بررسی کرد و در پایان بیاناتش گفت که باید به حکومت‌های جهان فشار وارد آورد که حقوق بشر را رعایت نمایند.
• آقای لستر براون، رئیس یک سازمان محافظت از محیط زیست دربارۀ مشکلات محیط زیستی سخن راند و اظهار داشت که باید از لحاظ مصرف و آلودگی تعادلی در میان کرۀ زمین و نوع بشر حاصل شود.
• آقای جان پورتر، عضو مجلس نمایندگان ایالات متحده، در سخنان خود از اهمیت حمایت از سازمان ملل متحد یاد کرد.
• دکتر فیروز کاظم زاده از دیدگاه تاریخی مسألۀ حقوق بشر را مورد بررسی قرار داد و از اختلاط و افتراق سخن گفت و در خاتمۀ گفتارش برقراری صلح را تنها از طریق وحدت ممکن دانست.
• آقای ریچارد پیر کلود استاد ممتاز علوم سیاسی در دانشگاه مریلند، گفت که حقوق بشر موضوعی است که هر فرد و سازمانی باید آن را یادگیرد و یاد دهد.
• آقای پیام اخوان، مشاور حقوقی دادستان دادگاه بین‌المللی لاهه برای بررسی جنایات رواندا، دربارۀ حقوق بشر و نقض آن از جانب حکومت‌های جهان سخن گفت.
• خانم دورتی نلسن، نایب رئیس محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده، دربارۀ قاضیان و مسؤولیت آنان در حفظ حقوق بشر و مروج دیانت بهائی سخن گفت.
• جلسات همزمان و کارگاه‌های گوناگونی نیز دربارۀ...

[Page 34]ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان امریکا مورخ ۱۲ دسامبر ۱۹۹۷ MESSAGE OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE DATED DECEMBER 12, 1997

بسیار مسروریم که اعضای چهار شورای منطقه‌ای بهائی، باتفاق حضرات مشاورین قاره‌ای و محفل روحانی ملی در تعطیل آخر این هفته در قلب و مرکز جامعه مجتمع می‌شوند تا فعالیتها و اقدامات مهم این شوراهای تازه‌تأسیس را آغاز نمایند. نظر به فوریت حادّ پیشبرد جریان دخول افواج مقبلین و کوتاهی زمان باقی مانده از نقشه چهارساله، فرصت را مغتنم دانسته ضمن ابراز بهترین اشواق قلبی، مخصوصاً به اعضای شوراهای منطقه‌ای اکیداً توصیه می‌کنیم که با سرعت هرچه بیشتر اقدامات قاطعی برای تشدید سعی و مجاهدت در سبیل توسعه و تحکیم جامعه معمول دارند تا در سرعت و حرکتی که در تحقق اهداف نقشه بوجود آمده کاهشی روی ندهد، بلکه اقدامات یاران شدّتی بیش از آنچه تا کنون مشهود بوده حاصل نماید. در این لحظات خطیر از آن یاران عزیز تقاضا می‌شود اوقات زیادی را صرف تدوین نظامات و روشهای کار یا اصلاح نحوهٔ اجرای اقدامات خود ننمایند. اندوخته معلوماتی که از نظم بهائی دارند و کمک‌های عملی و توصیه‌هائی که از حضرات مشاورین و محفل روحانی ملّی دریافت می‌دارند آن خادمان امر حضرت رحمن را قادر خواهد ساخت تا بی درنگ به اجرای وظائف حیاتی خود پردازند. اطمینان داشته باشید که در اعتاب مقدّسه علیا دعا می‌کنیم تا انتظارات و توقّعات عالیه‌ای که از تشکیل شوراهای منطقه‌ای در احبای امریکا بوجود آمده با شمول تأییدات متتابعه جمال اقدس ابهیٰ به أحسن وجه تحقق یابد.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

شوراهای منطقه‌ای بهائی

REGIONAL BAHÁ’Í COUNCILS

در غروب روز ۱۱ نومبر سال ۱۹۹۷ بسیاری از احباء در سراسر ایالات متحده جهت بزرگداشت میلاد حضرت بهاءالله گرد هم آمدند. پس از پایان این جلسات اعضای ۱۰۰۶ محفل روحانی محلی آراء خود را برای انتخاب اعضای شوراهای منطقه‌ای بهائی ابداء کردند.

جلساتی که در سراسر کشور تشکیل شد هر کدام حال و هوای ویژهٔ خود را داشت و بنا به گزارش‌هائی که رسیده، سرشار از محبت و احترام و صفا و آشتی و هیجان بود.

• از پرون دیل Prunedale در کالیفرنیا نوشتند: "جلسه انتخابات ما امشب تشکیل شد و شوق و شور فراوانی در آن به چشم می‌خورد. همگی در انتظار برکات این مؤسسه جدید که قرار است منابع و نیروهای ما را هماهنگ کند، هستیم."

• در شهر دالاس در تکزاس تعدادی داوطلب به حظیرة القدس بهائی رفتند و آن را برای جلسه انتخابات آراستند. بعد از جلسه ولادت حضرت بهاءالله و انتخابات هم عده‌ای به آن محل بازگشتند و در آن گل کاشتند.

• جلسه‌ای که در نیو روشل New Rochelle در ایالت نیویورک تشکیل شد، حوزه ۶ محفل روحانی محلی را در بر می‌گرفت و ۷۰ نفر را از حومه شهر نیویورک و برخی از نواحی ایالت کنه‌تیکت Connecticut برای صرف شام به خود جلب کرد. حاضران به یک سخنرانی دربارهٔ حیات حضرت بهاءالله گوش دادند و سپس عکس‌هائی از قصر بهجی را زیارت کردند.

• یاران شیکاگو می‌خواستند جلسه‌ای متفاوت با دیگر جلسات تشکیل دهند و به همین جهت با تبرعاتی که به صندوق محفلشان کردند محفل مذکور توانست برای همه حاضران شام تهیه کند.

• در ساعت یک و نیم بعد از ظهر روز ۱۲ نومبر (زادروز حضرت بهاءالله و از ایام متبرکه) ۷۰ نفر در گرین ایکر گرد هم آمدند و با شادی و در عین حال احترام آن روز را بزرگ داشتند و شاهد ولادت شورای منطقه‌ای بهائی نیز بودند.

• در نخستین ساعات روز ۱۲ نومبر زن و شوهری از احبای کیتری Kittery واقع در ایالت مین Maine صاحب فرزندی شدند و نام کوچک او را کانسیل Council - که انگلیسی شورا است - گذاشتند. این زوج بهائی امیدوارند فرزندشان به تبلیغ امر مبارک مشغول شود و در پیمان الهی استوار باشد.

آنچه در بالا نقل شد مشتی از خروار بود و نمونهٔ بارزی از اینکه احبای امریکا با چه اشتیاقی در تأسیس شوراهای مذکور شرکت داشته‌اند.

از ساعت دوازده همان شب اوراق رأی برای شمارش جمع آوری شد و به مسؤولان در ۴ ایالت فرستاده شد. ایالات مذکور عبارتند از: ماساچوست Massachusetts، کرولاینای شمالی، میزوری و کالیفرنیا. شمارش آراء نیز با همان روحیهٔ شادی و وحدتی که در جلسات انتخابات به چشم می‌خورد صورت گرفت.

جریان شمارش آراء، در هر یک از چهار منطقه تا روز ۲۳ نومبر انجام گرفته بود.

محفل روحانی ملی از کوشش‌های فداکارانه دوستانی که با صرف وقت در شمارش آراء، داوطلب شده بودند سپاسگزاری می‌کند. برای آگاهی از نام این دوستان می‌توان به صفحات انگلیسی این نشریه رجوع کرد.

دریافت اجازه اقامت دائم در ایالات متحده

PERMANENT RESIDENCY IN THE U.S.

(اقتباس از روزنامه "ایران تایمز") در آخرین ساعات قبل از شروع تعطیل سالانه کنگره ایالات متحده، تغییراتی در قوانین مهاجرت امریکا داده شد که به موجب آن مهاجران غیرقانونی که در این کشور اقامت دارند از امکانات بیشتری برای دریافت اجازه اقامت دائم بهره‌مند شده‌اند.

کنگره امریکا با تصویب دو طرح قانونی برخی از محدودیت‌هائی را که ظرف یک سال اخیر برای مهاجران خارجی در این کشور به وجود آمده بود، برطرف کرد.

یکی از این دو طرح قانونی مربوط به مهاجران غیرقانونی می‌شود که در داخل امریکا به سر می‌برند. به این مهاجران اجازه داده شده، بدون اینکه مجبور به ترک خاک امریکا باشند، برای دریافت تابعیت این کشور اقدام کنند.

به موجب قانون جدید به مهاجران غیرقانونی که تا روز چهارشنبه ۱۴ ژانویه سال ۱۹۹۸ تقاضای خود را برای دریافت اجازه اقامت دائم به مراجع مربوطه تسلیم کرده باشند، اجازه داده می‌شود که با پرداخت یک هزار دلار، تا روشن شدن تصمیم مقامات ادارهٔ مهاجرت دربارهٔ آنها، در خاک امریکا باقی بمانند.

مهاجران غیرقانونی که نتوانند تقاضای خود را قبل از موعد مذکور به مراکز ذیصلاح تسلیم کنند مجبور به ترک خاک امریکا خواهند بود و در صورت تخلف تا مدت ۱۰ سال از ورود به این کشور محروم خواهند شد.

برخی از ایرانیانی که در خطر اخراج شدن از خاک امریکا باشند، می‌توانند با استفاده از این قانون به اقامت خود در این کشور ادامه دهند.

تغییر تاریخ هشتمین کنفرانس انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE CONFERENCE تاریخ برگزاری هشتمین کنفرانس سالانه انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی از ماه می سال ۱۹۹۸ به ۳ تا ۷ ماه سپتامبر آن سال تغییر کرد. علت این تغییر، تاخیر در تشکیل کانونشن ملی در رضوان سال ۱۹۹۸ است.

از دفتر امین صندوق

TREASURER’S CORNER

در یکی از دستخط‌های بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی بیانی به این مضمون آمده است که تبرع به صندوق بهائی نمایانگر پرورش روحانی فرد است که خود بخشی اساسی از روحانیت اوست. هیچیک از اهل ایمان، قطع نظر از اینکه امکانات مادی او چه باشد، نباید از این امتیاز و افتخار بی‌بهره ماند.

به همین جهت احباء باید تازه‌تصدیقان را با این اصل اساسی آشنا سازند و بدانان بفهمانند که تقدیم تبرعات به ظاهر امری مادی و مالی است و در باطن نشان از انقطاع و فداکاری و ایثار دارد که خصائصی روحانی است.

ابتکار محفل روحانی دالاس محفل روحانی دالاس با تازه‌تصدیقان ملاقات می‌کند و عضویتشان را در جامعه بهائی تبریک و... [Page 35]

Cora Oliver helped open Panama

Knight of Bahá’u’lláh Cora Oliver passed from this earthly plane on Oct. 24, 1997.

By the time Cora Oliver was named a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh in 1953, she had already served the Faith for 23 years. She became a Bahá’í in Binghamton, New York, on May 4, 1930.

Cora’s service on the homefront was marked by her steadfast devotion to the Institutions of the Faith and a deep desire for the progress of the Cause. From 1934 to 1938, shortly before she left for Panama, she was on the Local Spiritual Assembly of Washington, D.C.

Then, on Oct. 6, 1939, she embarked on a journey that would forever change and challenge her. She and Louis Caswell became the first resident pioneers in Panama.

She served there from 1939 to 1953, when in response to the call to open the world to the Faith, Cora moved to British Honduras (now Belize) on Sept. 15, 1953. Her activities included the establishment of many local Assemblies, and she served on the National Spiritual Assembly from the date of its inception in 1967 until 1973, when she returned to the United States after a short stay in Guatemala.

Cora’s travels during her time in Belize included almost every Central American country in addition to Cuba, Brazil, Colombia, and of course Panama.

Warren Rodgers an early stalwart of Faith in Alaska

Warren H. “Rod” Rodgers, a founding member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska and a teacher of the Faith in several areas of the world, passed away Oct. 26, 1997, in Gore, Oklahoma.

A U.S. government employee specializing in work with power plants, the Oklahoma-born Mr. Rodgers was living in Fairbanks, Alaska, when he declared his faith in Bahá’u’lláh in February 1954.

He was elected to the National Assembly twice, beginning when it was formed at Ridván 1957. During 1958 Mr. Rodgers pioneered with his wife, Kathy, and their daughter, Ginger, to Nome, Alaska.

Later his work allowed the family to pioneer internationally in Morocco for three years and Cuba for two years; finally, they settled for 10 years in Rota, Spain.

The teaching work continued throughout the family’s travels, with seven people declaring their faith during one memorable day in Spain.

Mr. Rodgers retired in 1976, and he and his wife toured the United States in motor homes for 18 years as itinerant Bahá’í teachers.

They owned property in Gore—the town of Mr. Rodgers’ birth—on which they built an informal “Bahá’í center,” which for years was used often as a guest house for Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í travelers. The couple settled there in 1994.

Frances Hunter served World, National centers

Frances Freeman Hunter, who served for more than a decade at the Bahá’í World Center, passed away Sept. 28, 1997, in Mocksville, North Carolina.

She served at the U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust from 1971–1974. Then she served as an administrative assistant at the Bahá’í World Center, at the Research Department from 1974–1976 and at the International Teaching Center from 1980–1985. Through the years she also served on several local Spiritual Assemblies in North Carolina and Florida.

Part of a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly to the family said:

“Her commitment to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh was reflected in her dedicated services at the United States Bahá’í Publishing Trust and at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel. Her most important legacy is the spiritual foundation she provided her children, all of whom have become devoted adherents of the Bahá’í Faith as have their children.”

Survivors include three children, William Hunter Jr. of Mocksville, North Carolina; Anne Hunter Respess and Frances Hunter Eury, both of Evanston, Illinois; nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Bahá’í services were held Oct. 1 in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she was buried beside her beloved husband, William Pharr Hunter Sr. There were nine pallbearers, all female. This break from tradition, and the requirements for Bahá’í burial, interested the funeral directors in asking about the Faith, and they requested a Bahá’í burial kit so they would be prepared in the future.

“All of this would have made my mother quite excited because she loved to teach and she was an advocate for the uplifting of the women’s status,” Mrs. Respess said. “She also loved ice cream, especially banana splits, so we had a family banana split party in her honor.”

Margaret Quance served Faith here, abroad

Margaret Quance ascended to the Abhá Kingdom on May 26, 1997, after a lifetime devoted to serving the Cause of God both here and abroad.

Shortly after her declaration in 1954, Margaret began her journey of service. She moved to Durham, North Carolina, to help homefront pioneers with the teaching work. In the following years, she served on the homefront, assisting in the establishment of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Raleigh, North Carolina. From there, she joined the efforts of the friends in South Carolina.

In 1970, at age 61, Margaret departed for her pioneer post in the Philippines. She spent 7 years serving that community with devotion and love.

On her return to the States, she settled where she could continue her homefront services, in Gulfport, Mississippi. She attended night school and at 71 years old she earned her degree in library science.

She will be remembered by many here and abroad for her efforts on behalf of the teaching work of our beloved Faith.

Janet McCutchan

Beloved maidservant Janet McCutchan passed away in January 1997 in California.

In 1968, she had joined pioneers Beverlee and Ed Miller in Grenada, West Indies, while her husband remained in California.

Her stay was abbreviated by her need to return to her home in California.

Meredith Dawes

Meredith “Bud” Dawes had retired from work to begin a new life in another country. In 1991, at the age of 65 and only slightly familiar with Spanish, Bud departed the United States to pioneer to Uruguay.

Forty-one years earlier, in 1950, Bud declared his faith in Bahá’u’lláh. Since then, his utmost joy was when he was with the friends. He visited the rural areas of his adopted home and was characterized by his loving attention to all.

In November 1997, Bud ascended from this earthly plane.

With saddened hearts, prayers for the progress of his soul have been offered here and in Uruguay.

IN MEMORIAM

Maude Barnes Nashville, TN August 14, 1997	Carolee Erickson Billings, MT October 8, 1997	John Harrison Bernalillo County, NM September 15, 1997	Douglas L. Olson Tempe, AZ February 1, 1997	Margaret K. Porte Lantana, FL October 22, 1997
Ismael Beauchamp Ensenada, Puerto Rico September 27, 1997	Tevita Fe’ao East Palo Alto, CA June 23, 1997	Carl R. Hughes Mitchell, IN October 8, 1997	Susan O’Neill Charlton, MA November 11, 1997	Richard Pratt Hemingway, SC October 21, 1997
Eric Bruns Chicago, IL October 24, 1997	Marlana Fowler Midland, TX Sept. 25, 1997	Benjamin Kahn Mariana Lake, NM October 12, 1997	Nisa Panapa Oxnard, CA October 13, 1997	Florestine Rhoden Sierra Vista, AZ October 20, 1997
Samuel S. Crayton Lowell, MA July 15, 1997	Geraldyne Gaffney Oakland, CA Oct. 25, 1997	Davoud Mahtafar San Diego, CA October 11, 1997	Azra Parsi Walnut Creek, CA October 7, 1997	Warren H. Rodgers Gore, OK October 26, 1997
Kathryn Deme New York, NY June 8, 1997		Monireh Mobine San Diego, CA October 19, 1997		Ingeborg E. Zivari Newtown, PA October 15, 1997

[Page 36]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Bahá’í National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. The numbers for the permanent Bahá’í schools and institutes are as follows: Bosch Bahá’í School, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564; e-mail Green Acre Bahá’í School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail Louhelen Bahá’í School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, phone 803-558-5093; fax 803-558-9114; e-mail Native American Bahá’í Institute, phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail

JANUARY

9-11: Two programs at Bosch Bahá’í School: “Transformational Mediation,” presented by Phyllis Bernard May, Margaret Leeds and Trip Barthel; also, a course on Hinduism and Buddhism presented by Dann May for the Wilmette Institute, course credit offered. Contact Robert Stockman for information on the series of courses on religions; phone 847-733-3425.

9-11: Colorado East Bahá’í Winter School, Barclay Lodge at the YMCA Estes Park Center, Estes Park, Colorado. Registrar: Don Brayton, Woodland Park, CO 80863 (phone 719-687-3351, e-mail )

16-18: Assembly Team Development Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. Please call Marsha Gilpatrick at Bosch to register your Assembly for the weekend; a quorum of the Assembly or more is required for attendance.

16-19: Two Core Curriculum sessions at Louhelen Bahá’í School: Teacher Trainer Workshop and Parent Facilitator workshop. Both courses continue May 29-31.

16-19: Pioneering/BYSC/SITA training, Bosch Bahá’í School.

19: An evening with Kevin Locke in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Louhelen Bahá’í School.

23-25: Two sessions at Louhelen Bahá’í School: “Music and Teaching,” with Tom Price and Barbara Baumgartner; “Spiritual Solutions to Social Problems,” with Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi.

23-25: “Propelled by Mysterious Spiritual Forces,” presented by William Smith and Phyllis Ring, Green Acre Bahá’í School.

30-Feb. 1: Kitáb-i-Íqán study group facilitated by Derek Cockshut, Bosch Bahá’í School.

30-Feb. 1, Feb. 20-22: Two programs at Bosch Bahá’í School: “Turning on the Light,” workshop on marriage, presented by Diane and Bill Rockloff and Nasrin and Mehran Bashiri. Participants must attend both sessions.

FEBRUARY

6-8: Association for Bahá’í Studies regional conference: “Profound Faith and Freedom of Thought: developing Bahá’í Scholarship,” at Bosch Bahá’í School.

6-8: “Behold the Blessed Beauty,” seekers weekend presented by William Davis, member of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Jan and Lorrie Faulkner at Bosch Bahá’í School.

6-8: Two sessions at Louhelen Bahá’í School: “Teaching Christians,” with Dr. Hugh Motlagh; “Entry by Troops—Acquiring Necessary Skills,” with Dr. Dwight Allen.

13-15: Two sessions at Louhelen Bahá’í School: Married couple retreat with Dr. Michael Penn and Kathy Penn; “Chinese History and Culture,” with Charles Pau.

13-16: “Black Heritage Within the Bahá’í Faith,” presented by Carol and Tom Butler and LeNise Jackson-Gaertner; also Black Men’s Gathering (western edition) and Sisters’ Gathering; Bosch Bahá’í School.

13-16: Institute for AIDS, Sexuality and Addiction (IASA) Conference, Green Acre Bahá’í School.

20-22: “Gleaming in the Fire: The Role of Joy and Pain,” presented by Brian Kurzius, Green Acre Bahá’í School.

20-22: Wilmette Institute course on Taoism and Confucianism at Bosch Bahá’í School presented by Dann May, course credit offered; discount for registration two weeks in advance. Contact Robert Stockman for information on the series (phone 847-733-3425).

20-23: Two Core Curriculum sessions at Louhelen Bahá’í School: Race Unity Training (continued May 15-17), and Marriage and Family Life Training (continued May 15-17).

27-March 1: “Islam and the Bahá’í Faith” with Dr. Nader Saiedi, Louhelen Bahá’í School.

MARCH

6-8: Annual Spiritual Retreat for the Fast, Green Acre Bahá’í School.

6-12: Elderhostel Senior seminar program at Bosch Bahá’í School, for those 55 and older: “Freeing the Artistic Spirit Through Oil Painting,” presented by Kenji Konishi, and “The Bahá’í Faith: Making a Difference Around the Globe.”

20-22: “Pilgrimage in the Days of the Guardian,” with Dr. Amin Banani and Sheila Banani, Louhelen Bahá’í School. Music by John Ebata, Ben Koen and Lorraine Williams.

27-29: “The Physician’s Challenge” with Dr. David Ruhe and Dr. Beth Bowen, Louhelen Bahá’í School.

27-29: North Dakota Bahá’í School at Mayville University, Mayville, North Dakota.

27-29: Two programs at Green Acre Bahá’í School: “Laying the Foundation of the Fortress,” on preparation for marriage, facilitated by Claudine and Aeric Meredith-Goujon; also, Persian-American Weekend, facilitated by Dr. Talat Bassari. Persian- and English-language sessions.

APRIL

3-5: Institute for Young Women, presented by Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi and Nasim Ahmadiyeh, Louhelen Bahá’í School.

10-12: Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, presented by Habib Riazati, Green Acre Bahá’í School.

10-12: Two programs at Louhelen Bahá’í School: Youth Eagle Institute presented by Sarah Johnson, Dr. Kirk Johnson and Dr. William Smits; and “Spiritual Transformation,” presented by Jennifer Wilson.

24-26: Two programs at Green Acre Bahá’í School: “The Fortress and the Family” facilitated by Mary Lou and Michael McLaughlin; “The Spirit of Children,” conference on children’s literature and art.

Curtis Russell (center) shares a light moment with fellow Regional Bahá’í Council members Morris Taylor (upper left), Lisa Smits (left) and Richard Thomas (right) between sessions at the Regional Bahá’í Councils orientation Dec. 13 at the House of Worship. Photo by Ken Duszynski

CHANGE OF 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 (B) must be filled in. Please allow three weeks for processing. (This also updates the National Center’s database.)

A. NAME(S)
1. _________________________________ ID# ___________
2. _________________________________ ID# ___________
3. _________________________________ ID# ___________
4. _________________________________ ID# ___________

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS	C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS
Street Address _______________________	Street Address _______________________
Apartment # (if applicable) ____________	Apartment # (if applicable) ____________
City _______________________________	City _______________________________
State ______________ Zip code ________	State ______________ Zip code ________

D. NEW COMMUNITY	E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER
Name of new Bahá’í Community _________ Moving Date _________	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:	H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY
[ ] we do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and ID number(s) listed above.	[ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.
[ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of family members as they should appear on the national records, their ID numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

DECEMBER 31, 1997 SHARAF/HONOR • B.E. 154