The American Bahá’í/Volume 3/Issue 8/Text
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Bahá’í Unity Conference Receives Loving Greetings from The Universal House of Justice[edit]
“You must give great importance to teaching the Indians, that is, the aborigines of America. For these souls are like the ancient inhabitants of Peninsular Arabia, who previous to the Manifestation of His Holiness Muhammad were treated as savages. But when the Muhammadic light shone forth in their midst, they became so illumined that they brightened the world. Likewise, should these Indians and aborigines be educated and obtain guidance, there is no doubt that through the divine teachings, they will become so enlightened as in turn to shed light to all regions.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, TABLETS OF THE DIVINE PLAN, p. 10.
Highlighting the last day of the Bahá’í Unity Conference held June 2-4 in Ganado, Arizona, was this precious and warm message from The Universal House of Justice:
“Beloved Friends,
“Praise be to the Almighty that you have gathered in that beautiful spot in a spirit of love and harmony for the purpose of strengthening the bonds of unity between yourselves and among men.
“The All-Wise Creator of earth and heaven has from the beginning which has no beginning sent to His peoples Divine Messengers to guide them to the Straight Path. These Wise Ones have come to establish the unity of the Kingdom in human hearts. This great evolutionary process of building the organic unity of the human race has entered a new stage with this mighty message of Bahá’u’lláh. His voice is the voice of the Great Spirit. His love for humankind is the force of the New Age.
“He who sends the rain, who causes the sun and the stars to shine, the rivers to flow, the winds to blow and the earth to give forth her bounties has in this Great Day sent to all mankind Bahá’u’lláh. It is this Great One who has opened the door of divine knowledge to every soul. It is His teachings that will establish world unity and bring about universal peace.
“The people of the world are the tools in His hand. They must strive to understand His message and to walk in the path of His divine guidance. Every human being is responsible in this day to seek the truth for himself and thereafter to live according to that wise counsel. The old ones have all longed for this sweet message. Praise God that you have found it.
“Now awakened to new wisdom, now guided to the straight path, now illumined with this mighty message, strive you day and night to guide and assist the thirsty ones in all lands to the ever-flowing fountain, the wandering ones to this fortress of certainty, the ignorant ones to this source of knowledge and the seekers to that One for whom their hearts long.
“May your consultation reach so high a level of endeavor and purpose that the Great One will open before your faces the doors of the paradise of wisdom and love and cause the light of the Abhá Beauty to shine in your midst.”
The spirit of the conference can best be captured in the following expressions:
“Many talks were given in Navajo and English, but the universal language was the love of God and mankind, and everyone understood that.”
“We dined on great Navajo stew, tacos and bread. Our hearts and souls were awakened to many new things, and we all felt the oneness of mankind. Thanks to our Navajo brothers and sisters, this conference made us very happy.”
Visitors from World Center Greeted at Special Reception[edit]
Addressing almost three hundred friends gathered at a special reception in Foundation Hall of the House of Worship, July 13, Mr. Charles Wolcott, a member of The Universal House of Justice, recalled many happy memories of his visits to and short stay in Wilmette during the period 1953-61 when he was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly. Remarking on the impressive growth of the Cause in the area surrounding the House of Worship, and the large-scale enrollments in other parts of the country, particularly the South, he pointed out that this was indicative of the growth of the Cause throughout the world.
Mr. Wolcott went on to speak of the significance of the tremendous growth of the Faith since its beginning in 1844, and gave the following statistical information which shows the vitality and potency of this remarkable Revelation from God with which we have been blessed. From 1844 to 1850, under the ministry of the Blessed Báb, only two countries—Persia (now called Írán) and ‘Iráq—were penetrated by the
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Light of the Faith of God. During the ministry of the Blessed Beauty, Bahá’u’lláh, from 1853 until His Ascension in 1892, eleven more were added, bringing the total to thirteen. During the ministry of the Beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from 1892 until His Ascension in 1921, the total reached 35 countries and significant territories. It was during this period that the indefatigable Martha Root, and others of her remarkable stature and heroism in the Cause, carried the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to most of these areas. From a total of 13 to 35 in the short period of 29 years! During the thirty-six year ministry of the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, from 1921 until he passed away in 1957, there was a tremendous upsurge in the growth of the Cause, and the Bahá’í world was thrilled, even though it deeply mourned his passing, to note that in that period the total soared to 200! Since 1957, the total has reached 333. In the short period of 128 years, this world-redeeming Cause has shed its splendour on 333 countries, significant territories and islands of the world—a tremendous achievement when one considers that the Revelation of His Holiness Christ did not make an impact until the fourth or fifth century.
Mr. Wolcott then referred to various recent messages from The Universal House of Justice, one of which lists the number of extremely important goals yet to be achieved during the last swiftly-closing months of the Nine Year Plan (see THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í, July 1972). He pointed out that, no matter how much the Bahá’í world surpasses the goal of 13,737 Local Spiritual Assemblies and 54,102 Bahá’í Localities, if we do not achieve the number required in Africa, Asia, Australasia and Europe, we cannot say we have achieved the goals of the Nine Year Plan. Mr. Wolcott said that this is a matter of great concern to The Universal House of Justice, particularly the situation in Africa, and urged the friends to consider pioneering to or travel-teaching in these countries. He directed them to write or call the International Goals Committee at the National Bahá’í Center in Wilmette for further information. The Universal House of Justice is calling upon the entire Bahá’í world to help fulfill these objectives, and is calling particularly upon those countries which have already attained their Nine Year Plan goals, or are in clear sight of them, to consider the world picture. The United States is one of those countries which is in clear sight of achieving its international goals.
Another important matter which Mr. Wolcott discussed was the nature of the Institution of the Continental Boards of Counsellors and its relationship to the Institution of the Hands of the Cause, clarification of which was made by The Universal House of Justice in a letter dated April 24, 1972, addressed to the Continental Boards of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies. (This letter was shared with the friends in the United States through the NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW, June 1972.) In that message, The Universal House of Justice stated that, in the KITÁB-I-‘AHDÍ (the Book of His Covenant), Bahá’u’lláh wrote “Blessed are the rulers and the learned in Al-Bahá,” and referred to an explanation of this very passage which the beloved Guardian wrote on November 4, 1931:
“In this holy cycle the ‘learned’ are, on the one hand, the Hands of the Cause of God, and, on the other, the teachers and diffusers of His teachings who do not rank as Hands, but who have attained an eminent position in the teaching work. As to the ‘rulers,’ they refer to the members of the Local, National and International Houses of Justice. The duties of each of these souls will be determined in the future.”
The Universal House of Justice stated further: “The Hands of the Cause of God, the Counsellors and the members of the Auxiliary Boards fall within the definition of the ‘learned’ given by the beloved Guardian. Thus they are all intimately interrelated and it is not incorrect to refer to the three ranks collectively as one institution. However, each is also a separate institution in itself....”
In making the distinction between the “learned” and the “rulers,” The Universal House of Justice explained: “...whereas the ‘rulers’ in the Cause function as corporate bodies, the ‘learned’ operate primarily as individuals.”
Elucidating further the nature of these institutions and their relationship to each other, Mr. Wolcott recalled that when Shoghi Effendi appointed the first contingent of the Hands of the Cause, the Bahá’ís at that time did not understand their rank and station. It wasn’t until years later, when the Bahá’í world was so sorely deprived of the beloved Guardian, that most of the friends began to realize and appreciate these Hands whom Shoghi Effendi called the “Chief Stewards of Bahá’u’lláh’s embryonic World Commonwealth.” From 1957 until 1963, when The Universal House of Justice was first elected, the Hands of the Cause kept the Faith on an even keel and held the friends together. Not once did they attempt to do what was going to be the domain of The Universal House of Justice at a later time.
Mr. Wolcott went on to explain that although the Counsellors do not have the same rank or station as the Hands of the Cause—who are a precious legacy of Shoghi Effendi—they do have a special significance to us. Like the Hands, they have rank, station, special missions, and are institutions within themselves as individuals. The Auxiliary Boards, too, have rank, station, special tasks to carry out, and are institutions within themselves as individuals. Whereas before it was the responsibility of the Hands to direct the work of the Auxiliary Boards, this is now the responsibility of the Counsellors. All of these institutions of “exalted rank” (the Hands, the Counsellors and the Auxiliary Boards) have no more authority than any individual Bahá’í, but they are of the “learned” and have something to share with all of us.
Authority, Mr. Wolcott emphasized, is vested in the elected institutions of the Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh—the Local Spiritual Assemblies, the National Spiritual Assemblies, and that supreme, infallible body, The Universal House of Justice. Each of these institutions is responsible for the progress of the Cause. The Universal House of Justice is authoritatively in charge of all the Bahá’í affairs in the world; the National Spiritual Assembly is authoritatively in charge of all the Bahá’í affairs in the nation; and the Local Spiritual Assembly is authoritatively in charge of all the Bahá’í affairs in its community. No individual member thereof is an authority—not the chairman, not the secretary, not the treasurer. The authority is vested in the institution, the body of nine members who comprise it. Therein lies the strength of the Cause. If a believer is not satisfied with the way the affairs are being conducted, he has the opportunity to change things when he casts his ballot at the annual election the following Riḍván.
In an attempt to clear up a growing misconception concerning the relationship of the Auxiliary Board members to the Assemblies and vice versa, Mr. Wolcott explained that these institutions work together for the good of the Cause. Both have the good of the Cause at heart. Hopefully, the Local Spiritual Assembly will seek the advice of the Auxiliary Board member in its area when needed. The Auxiliary Board member—as well as the Hands of the Cause and the Counsellors—is in a position to serve as an impartial observer, so to speak, and can quite often see what the members of an Assembly cannot see. After advice has been given, however, it is up to the Assembly to consult as a body and make a decision.
Among other important matters discussed, Mr. Wolcott emphasized and re-emphasized the imperative need for
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Qualities to Live By
GLEANINGS FROM THE WRITINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, pp. 313–4 “Beware! Beware! Lest ye offend any heart! “Beware! Beware! Lest ye hurt any soul! “Beware! Beware! Lest ye deal unkindly toward any person! Beware! Beware! Lest ye be the cause of hopelessness to any creature! Should one become the cause of grief to any one heart, or of despondency to any one soul, it were better to hide oneself in the lowest depths of the earth than to walk upon the earth. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND THE NEW ERA, pp. 92–3 “He (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) teaches that as the flower is hidden in the bud, so a spirit from God dwells in the heart of every man, no matter how hard and unlovely his exterior. The true Bahá’í will treat every man, therefore, as the gardener tends a rare and beautiful plant. He knows that no impatient interference on his part can open the bud into a blossom; only God’s sunshine can do that, therefore his aim is to bring that life-giving sunshine into all darkened hearts and homes.” - J. E. Esslemont, BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND THE NEW ERA, p. 93 |
the believers to deepen in the life of the Cause and said there was no better way than to read and re-read what Bahá’u’lláh has written. Referring to the saying in THE KITÁB-I-ÍQÁN (p. 255) that there are one and seventy meanings to the Words of the Prophet, Mr. Wolcott said he used to wonder what it meant. Then, over the years, as he would read and re-read, study and re-study books such as GLEANINGS, KITÁB-I-ÍQÁN, EPISTLE TO THE SON OF THE WOLF, etc. he began to notice a change in himself and the words would take on an entirely different meaning. He pointed out how fortunate we are that so many books are available to us and that we don’t have to listen to anyone else interpret the words for us. We can read for ourselves what the Prophet of God has written, and what has already been interpreted for us by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi.
In closing, Mr. Wolcott talked about the preciousness of the Cause and said that we shouldn’t hesitate for a moment to share Bahá’u’lláh’s healing Message with everyone we meet. So many times new believers have asked, “Why hasn’t someone told me this before now? I’ve been waiting to hear about it.” We shouldn’t waste the opportunity to teach.
During a social period afterwards, the friends had the opportunity to meet with both Mr. Wolcott and his charming wife, Harriett, who accompanied him on this trip to the United States.
(Editor’s note: The following suggested readings will be most helpful to the friends in deepening in their understanding of some of the subjects covered in Mr. Wolcott’s talk.)
“Development of the Institution of the Hands of the Cause”, WELLSPRING OF GUIDANCE, pp. 40–3.
“Appointment of Continental Boards of Counselors”, WELLSPRING OF GUIDANCE, pp. 140–4.
“The Paramount Goal of Teaching”, WELLSPRING OF GUIDANCE, pp. 124–9.
“American Bahá’ís in the Time of World Peril”, CITADEL OF FAITH, pp. 122–32.
Something to Spare[edit]
Spiritual truth is ageless. That is why every Manifestation of God restates the same essential teaching each time He comes. Recently, we came across an item in an early STAR OF THE WEST that, in its timeless truth, undoubtedly has a lesson for the Bahá’í national community of today, sixty years later.
Mr. Albert Hall, Minnesota delegate to the National Bahá’í Convention of 1910, told the story of a poor widow in the Orient. Although she earned but a few pennies a day by baking coarse bread, she protested the apparent slight to her of not being given an opportunity to contribute to the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in the United States, for which land was then being bought. Having no money to give, she took an old earring from her ear, sold it, and proudly gave her offering to the Fund, remarking, “See! The good God in His bounty gives us all something we can spare.”
Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Faith, constantly stressed that in contributing to the Bahá’í Fund the sacrifice our gift entails is as important as the giving itself. It is sometimes difficult for us to think of what real sacrifice is, living in a country so wrapped up in materialism. While we are aware that it is sacrifice that enables a simple gift of money to cause spiritual change in the world, we are often at a loss to conceive of a sacrifice worthy of Bahá’u’lláh and what He has done for us.
Perhaps the key to our understanding lies in concentrating on the spirit that prompts the sacrifice rather than what is sacrificed. The widow in our story could give almost nothing in material terms. What she did give may look ridiculously small in the eyes of the world, but as a portion of her total wealth it was considerable.
If our contribution to the Faith is to be truly spiritual in nature, our attitude must reflect the same spirit of sacrifice shown by this widow in offering her gift to God. Her love for Bahá’u’lláh was so intense she simply gave what she could. She knew that God is bountiful to all of His creatures, so she knew He had given her something she could spare. Once she had found it, and gave it, she was able to feel that she too was a useful member of Bahá’u’lláh’s community, helping to build the New World.
So what is sacrifice? It is something each one of us must find for himself in his heart, through prayer, meditation, and love for Bahá’u’lláh and one’s fellow man.
- All Assemblies in Four States Contributing Regularly to the Lifeblood of the Cause
Bahá’í Child Education and Family Life[edit]
(Husband and Wife) + (Father and Mother) = Unity[edit]
The atmosphere in which to educate children must be one of unity. This means that the husband-wife relationship is a very important ingredient.
In PRESCRIPTION FOR LIVING (pp. 69–70), Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum says: “Do not expect too much of marriage, or too little. Your union cannot produce more than you two contribute to it. If you are full of imperfections, intolerant, impatient, exacting, dictatorial, suspicious, short-tempered, selfish, do not imagine that these characteristics are going to make your marriage happy or that by changing your partner a new union will be more successful!
“Marriage, like all our other relationships in life, is a process which, among other things, serves to grind the sharp edges off us. The grinding often hurts, the adjustment to another person’s character is difficult at first, that is why love is needed here more than in any other relationship. Love, being essentially a divine force, binds; it leaps like a spark the gaps between people’s thoughts and conflicting desires, between perhaps widely different temperaments.”
Responsibility[edit]
Even in a household of unity the question often arises as to which parent has the primary responsibility for the training of the children. The Writings tell us that both father and mother have great responsibility toward the child, but the kind of responsibility differs. Mothers are the first teachers of the children.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá says in a Tablet addressed to a believer:
“... O maid-servants of the Merciful! It is incumbent upon you to train the children from their earliest babyhood! It is incumbent upon you to beautify their morals! It is incumbent upon you to attend to them under all aspects and circumstances, inasmuch as God—glorified and exalted is He!—hath ordained mothers to be the primary trainers of children and infants. This is a great and important affair and a high and exalted position, and it is not allowable to slacken therein at all!...” (TABLETS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ, Vol. III, p. 606, quoted in BAHÁ’Í REFERENCES ON EDUCATION, Vol. I, p. 7)
“If a mother is well educated, her children will also be well taught. If the mother is wise, the children will be wise; if the mother is religious, the children will also be religious. If the mother is a good woman, then the children will also be good. The future generation depends then on the mothers of today. Is not this a vital responsibility for women?” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, STAR OF THE WEST, VOL. III, No. 15, p. 138)
Questions for Discussion[edit]
Does this mean that the father has no responsibility in the education of the child? The Holy Writings say that he does have a responsibility: “It is decreed that every father must educate his sons and daughters....” (BAHÁ’Í WORLD FAITH, p. 200). “...it is enjoined upon the father and the mother, as a duty, to strive with all effort to train the daughter and the son,...” (BAHÁ’Í WORLD FAITH, p. 398)
If the mother is more directly concerned with the training of the children, how can the father contribute his share of the responsibility?
How does the relationship between husband and wife influence the atmosphere of the home?
If the Bahá’í principle of love is to be taught to the children, should husband and wife quarrel or bicker with one another in front of the children?
See the answer to these questions on page 9, or you can read it in BAHÁ’Í WORLD FAITH, pp. 229–30, the paragraph beginning at the bottom of page 229.
Children’s Corner[edit]
Here is page 3 of your book on qualities:
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OBEDIENCE TO PARENTS My example of obedience *Obedience means doing what you are asked to do. |
Add this page to your book on Bahá’í principles. Don’t forget to color a leaf on your tree when you finish the activity!
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EQUALITY OF MEN AND WOMEN “The world of humanity has two wings—one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly.” ACTIVITY: Draw or construct a colorful bird. Write “men” on one wing, “women” on the other. Try to make it fly with only one wing and see what happens! Note to parents: Using cardboard or construction paper, make a bird per the following directions.
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Pioneer Training Institutes Continue in Wilmette[edit]
Pioneers (above) being prepared for their posts at the most recent Pioneer Training Institute sponsored by the International Goals Committee and held in Wilmette. A growing number of pioneers avail themselves of the opportunity to attend these special institutes to deepen and learn about the joys and tests of pioneering. Classes are held on such varied subjects as The Covenant of God, A Pioneer and the Administrative Order, Culture Shock, Medical Self-Help, Development of Mass Teaching Materials, and A History of Pioneering.
The believers are invited to attend these institutes just before they leave for their posts. From all reports, those who attend these training sessions arrive at their destination much better prepared to face the necessary adjustments which must be made when first settling in a new country. It has been found that those Bahá’ís who have been prepared through these classes are not as likely to return from their posts. In all, these Pioneer Training Institutes have proven to be a valuable aid to the prospective pioneer.
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“I would particularly direct my appeal to those American believers...who may find it possible, whatever be their calling or employment, whether as business men, school teachers, lawyers, doctors, writers, office workers, and the like, to establish permanently their residence in such countries as may offer them a reasonable prospect of earning the means of livelihood. They will by their action be relieving the continually increasing pressure on their Teaching Fund.... Should they find it impossible to take advantage of so rare and sacred a privilege, let them, mindful of the words of Bahá’u’lláh, determine, each according to the means at his or her disposal, to appoint a deputy who, on that believer’s behalf, will arise and carry out so noble an enterprise.” |
Often at the Training Sessions, pioneers who are visiting in the United States participate by teaching classes. In the photo on the left, pioneers Richard and Sima Mellman from Kenya talk about their experiences teaching in Africa. On the right, Edmund and Muriel Meissler, long-time pioneers to Brazil, discuss the status of the Faith in Latin America.
Employment Opportunities in Goal Countries[edit]
INDONESIA: Tuna fishing instructor. Master fisherman needed to help train students and local fishermen in techniques of live-bait fishing. Languages: English, Dutch or Indonesian.
LAOS: Community development expert is needed to assist the general commissioner of rural affairs in establishing new rural communities. Requirements: University degree in social science and familiarization with community approach of rural development. Languages: French, English.
Employment is also available in Laos for those who can teach English or have some technical training.
For more information, please contact:
- International Goals Committee
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, Illinois 60091
STUDENTS—Complete Your Education Abroad![edit]
“All over the world there is a clamour for youth to teach the Faith because of their energizing force and because they will be the future upholders of the Faith.”
The above is an excerpt from a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Jamaica in which we have been asked to encourage our college students to consider completing their education in Jamaica.
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SUMMER PROJECTS UNDER WAY Training Sessions held at Green Acre and in Mexico (See page 10) |
The Assembly has also forwarded us some information for making an application to the University College of the West Indies. To obtain this information, please write to: International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091
REMEMBER! There are other areas in the world which could also use your “energizing force” and you are encouraged to investigate enrollment at universities outside the United States. Most colleges and universities accept students entering their Junior year. Please let the International Goals Committee know if you wish to investigate this method of pioneering—serving the Faith while completing your education.
Race Unity Day Activities Across the Nation—[edit]
The 15th annual observance of Race Unity Day, a proclamation event which was inaugurated by the National Spiritual Assembly in 1957, was held June 11 in many Bahá’í communities across the country. This year’s theme was “Oneness—Pathway to Peace.”
The purpose of Race Unity Day is to focus attention on the most challenging issue facing America—racial prejudice and discrimination—and to stress the essential oneness of mankind under God, as well as to spread the concept of the spiritual unity of man, irrespective of race, religion or color.
There has become an increasing public awareness of this day. It has been listed in several calendars used by various peoples, organizations, businesses and religions.
The national Bahá’í Public Information Committee plans the theme each year, sends out suggested news releases, radio spot announcements and proclamation ideas. The increased use of these Bahá’í-sponsored proclamation days helps to spread the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
Excellent publicity was given to this special day and many interesting proclamation events were held throughout the nation.
The Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the State of Maine, Mr. John Stevens (a new Bahá’í), spoke at the University of Maine campus in PORTLAND. Thirty-six people attended.
A picnic followed by a discussion period was held in BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, and was attended by many people who wandered into the area. The public library as well as many store fronts displayed posters inviting people to attend.
The CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, Bahá’ís had a 30-minute television program with six Bahá’ís of different ages, races, and national backgrounds participating. As a result of this, they will be able to have another program in August.
The Race Unity Day picnic in NORTH DADE COUNTY (MIAMI) FLORIDA, attracted over 100 people, at least half of whom were non-Bahá’ís.
Bahá’ís from four localities in KENTUCKY, as well as visitors from Winnipeg and Manitoba, CANADA, attended a picnic in LEXINGTON.
Another good intercommunity celebration was held in NORTH DAKOTA with the Bahá’í groups of MINOT, NEWTON, and WILLISTON participating in meetings in all three towns. They received publicity in all three local papers. This joint activity is a good example of how a few can become many.
DeWITT (IOWA) Bahá’í group received good publicity and also contacted 37 local organizations offering them speakers. The group presented the Mayor with THE PROCLAMATION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH and held a potluck picnic which was attended by 45 people, seven of whom were seekers. The Iowa UN Forum published an article on Race Unity Day and drew attention to the DES MOINES Bahá’í community.
The Governor of MISSOURI signed a Race Unity Day Proclamation which was carried as a news item on two radio stations in JEFFERSON CITY. The president of Lincoln University also signed a Proclamation for Race Unity Week on campus and met with members of the Bahá’í Club. There was one declaration of belief in Bahá’u’lláh.
The MELROSE TOWNSHIP group near Quincy, ILLINOIS, had announcements read over two radio and two television stations.
The Bahá’í group of FOSTORIA, OHIO, sent announcements to four radio stations. One station requested the whole newspaper release which was then read over the air.
The ANOKA (MINNESOTA) Bahá’í community sponsored a Bahá’í Week which included one day of teaching in a park and meeting people in the street to invite them to attend a Race Unity Day Festival. A series of lectures and discussions were held every day of the week.
A two-day mass teaching effort in ZION, ILLINOIS, was most successful in attracting a number of souls to view the films “Give Me That New Time Religion” and “Have You Heard the News, My Friend?” More people heard of the Faith the next day at a picnic in the park.
The Tri-Cities Intergroup (OAK GROVE and HOPKINSVILLE, KENTUCKY, and CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE) held a picnic and a softball game at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The group invited other picnickers to join them in the fun and fellowship.
Mariachis delighted picnickers with their music at the 3rd annual Race Unity Festival sponsored by the EL CAJON (CALIFORNIA) Bahá’í community.
“The Many Feathered Indian Dance Group” from the American Indian Career Center in San Diego also delighted the spectators with their colorful performance.
The festival attracted hundreds of visitors—many more than in previous years—and was well publicized in three newspapers, the largest of which ran an article prior to the event and a photograph and caption afterward.
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A “Friendship Festival” was held in HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA. The local paper printed a very large picture announcing the occasion. The caption read: “From racial unity to world peace.” The Bahá’ís were given spot announcements on both the local radio and television stations. The public library displayed the Mayor’s Proclamation of Race Unity Day.
The Bahá’í Youth Task Force of the SACRAMENTO (CALIFORNIA) Bahá’í community planned and coordinated an all-day teaching effort using the “Suggested Guidelines for Teaching the Masses” available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. They climaxed the activities with an evening of entertainment, a talk, and a showing of the film “It’s Just the Beginning” in a public park.
A Human Rights Award was presented by the Bahá’ís of SPOKANE, WASHINGTON, to the school superintendent for his “personal commitment to, and efforts on behalf of, equality of opportunity for all, regardless of race, in the diversified field of education.” He was selected for this award as a result of the Assembly’s taking a poll of church and civic groups. This action received publicity in two papers.
A large article appeared on the Church page of the LARAMIE, WYOMING, paper announcing the joint Race Unity Day picnic for Laramie and CHEYENNE. This is very unique because the two communities are more than 50 miles apart, which shows that distance is no barrier to intercommunity activities.
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“I hope you will continue in unity and fellowship. How beautiful to see colored and white together! I hope, God willing, the day may come when I shall see the red man, the Indians with you, also Japanese and others. Then there will be white roses, yellow roses, and a very wonderful rose-garden will appear in the world.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá, POMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE, 422-3 |
The MISSOULA, MONTANA, Bahá’í community received almost 100 minutes of air time in 30-second spot announcements on the local radio station. Social activities were also held.
Many more Bahá’í communities across the United States joined in celebrating this special proclamation day. Race Unity Day, as well as World Peace Day (September 17) and World Religion Day (January 21) give the Bahá’í communities an opportunity to proclaim the Faith through areas of worldwide interest.
All Roads Lead to the Gateway Conference
September 8, 9 and 10, 1972[edit]
- War Memorial Building
- Willow and West Lafayette Streets
- Trenton, New Jersey
DO PLAN TO COME as this will be the only Regional Conference to be held this year.
GOALS: Explore ways of teaching the masses in the northeast, with special emphasis on sharing and exploring ideas for teaching in state capitals, well-to-do suburbs, mill towns, university communities, etc.
CHILDREN: There will be facilities at the conference for tots, and special classes and workshops for various age groups. We want to make this a meaningful conference for everyone.
There will be special sessions with a Hand of the Cause of God, an Auxiliary Board member, and representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly, the National Teaching Committee and the Northeastern Regional Teaching Committee. There will also be entertainment, slides, films, etc.
The conference will begin with registration at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 8 and will continue until Sunday, September 10, at 5 p.m.
HOTEL INFORMATION:
- Holiday Inn, 240 W. State Street (Tel. No. 609/989-7100), $14 single; $18 double
- Hotel Hildebricht, 27 W. State Street (Tel. No. 609/392-2111), $10.50 and up, single; $13.75 and up, double
- American House Hotel, 35 North Warren (Tel. No. 609/695-2045), $5.25 single; $10.50 double
- Hotel Fitchway, 200 South Broad Street (Tel. No. 609/396-8140), $7.50 single; $10 double
Sleeping bag space can be reserved by writing or calling:
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Willingboro,
c/o Lois Hurdlow, 99 Manor Lane, Willingboro, New Jersey 08046
(Tel. No. 609/877-6682)
“Teaching the masses is the greatest challenge now facing the followers of Bahá’u’lláh. No work is more important than that of carrying His Message with utmost speed to the bewildered and thirsting peoples of a spiritually parched world.” (The Universal House of Justice, WELLSPRING OF GUIDANCE, p. 42)
Continental Board of Counsellors for North America announces special Deepening Conference to be held October 20 and 21, 1972, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The following day, October 22, the Louis G. Gregory Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, will be dedicated.
Bahá’ís of Bermuda Invite You:[edit]
To a special Deepening/Teaching Conference which is being planned for the Thanksgiving weekend in Bermuda.
Bermuda has recently completed its Nine Year Plan goals and invites all believers to join in a celebration of this victory and an opportunity to study and deepen on this lovely island on:
A special travel package has been arranged, including round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations (three nights), ground transfers from airport to and from hotel and all departure taxes.
Prices are as follows:
| Philadelphia $190 | Baltimore $190 |
| New York $175 | Boston $175 |
| Chicago $245 | Detroit $230 |
| Cleveland $235 |
(Reduction for children 12 years)
Those who plan to attend should send in the following information: Name, address (including zip code), number of adults and children in the party, point of departure. Write immediately, enclosing a deposit of $50 (the full payment will be due by October 30, 1972) and mail to:
- Maple Leaf Enterprises
- York Street, St. George, Bermuda.
[Page 8-9]
NORTHEASTERN REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE: Mrs. Penny Walker, Mr. Anthony Lewis, and Mrs. Kathleen Javid (Administrator), 43 Lockwood Road, Scarsdale, New York 10583.
SOUTHERN REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE (all Southern States except South Carolina): Mr. James Taylor (Administrator), 411 Bayer Street, Bogalusa, Louisiana 70427, Dr. Mary Fish, and Dr. William Love.
SOUTH CAROLINA REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE: Mrs. Alberta Lansdowne (Administrator), 140 Clarine Drive, Hanahan, South Carolina 29405, Mr. Elting Smalls, and Mrs. Sandy Roff.
Regional Teaching Committees Meet at National Center[edit]
On the weekend of July 7-9, members of Regional Teaching Committees met in Wilmette, Illinois, for their first conference since their establishment last year.
The Regional Teaching Committees have the primary responsibility of working with and assisting Local Spiritual Assemblies in their respective regions to become more smoothly functioning institutions of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. Assemblies of one year or more are the concern of the Regional Teaching Committees.
With the National Spiritual Assembly calling for “bold initiatives” on the part of Local Spiritual Assemblies (letter dated June 21, 1972 to the American Bahá’í community), the role of the Regional Teaching Committee as catalyst and helper was discussed. In this light, the imperative need to improve the quality of Bahá’í life, the necessity for a better appreciation of the spiritual significance of the Bahá’í Fund, the attention that child education requires, and the significance of participating in Bahá’í elections, Feasts, and Holy Days become major concerns of the Regional Teaching Committees. Discussions centered around the question of how the Committees could help established and developing Local Spiritual Assemblies become better equipped to handle these vital matters.
In order to better acquaint the American Bahá’í community with the functions of Regional Teaching Committees, the following statement of their purpose, duties, and responsibilities is published.
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PURPOSE OF REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEES
RESPONSIBILITIES
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CENTRAL REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE: Mrs. Diane Wartchow, Mr. John Berry, and Mrs. Jeanette Brayton (Administrator), 415 Rice Street, Anoka, Minnesota 55303.
WESTERN REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE (all Western States except California), Mr. John Conkling, Mrs. Eleanore Conkling (Administrator), 1088 Nixon Avenue, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401, and Mrs. Marlene Wood.
CALIFORNIA REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE: Mr. James Nelson, Mrs. Joan Bulkin (Administrator), 551 S. Parish Place, Burbank, California 91506, and Mr. Stanley Shelton.
District Teaching Committees Briefed[edit]
The National Teaching Committee, in cooperation with 21 Local Spiritual Assemblies throughout the country, has just completed briefing 91 District Teaching Committees on their purpose, duties and responsibilities. Briefings were held in Springfield, Massachusetts; West Chester, Pennsylvania; Raleigh, North Carolina; Macon, Georgia; Hillsborough County, Florida; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Lexington, Kentucky; Cleveland, Ohio; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Jamestown, North Dakota; Kansas City, Kansas; Shreveport, Louisiana; Houston, Texas; Amarillo, Texas; El Paso, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Butte, Montana; Sacramento, California; Pendleton, Oregon; and Phoenix, Arizona.
A slide/tape program which had been developed by the National Teaching Committee was shown to illustrate, through mock Committee action, the importance of the District Teaching Committee’s delegating some of its responsibilities to other Bahá’ís in the district who are interested in assisting. In this regard, each Committee was advised to train volunteers and delegate specific tasks to them. The slide program points out that such tasks as assisting newly-established Local Spiritual Assemblies could be delegated to volunteers trained in the contents of the booklet, The Local Spiritual Assembly. Those Bahá’í groups and isolated believers who would like to have regular traveling teachers visit them could be helped by the Committee’s setting up a circuit of volunteer Bahá’í teachers. The paperwork of the Committee could be shared with those Bahá’ís who have secretarial skills and would like to assist the proclamation, expansion, and consolidation work in this way. The message presented in the slide program is clear, while the manner in which it is given is both humorously and lovingly revealing of some of our past deficiencies.
The host Assembly for each briefing presented a commentary on two recent messages from The Universal House of Justice—one dated February 14, 1972 and the other Riḍván 1972. The Assemblies invariably noted that The Universal House of Justice assures us that we can successfully reach every stratum of American society and every walk of life with the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh if we but catch the spirit of the teaching zeal that has characterized so much of the recent teaching efforts in the Southern states. It is this intense desire to teach the Word of God that calls the assistance of the Concourse on high and enables “waiting souls” to respond to their destiny. The Assemblies reminded us that The Universal House of Justice has called upon the veteran believers to arise and help deepen the new believers and thus allow for the continuous expansion and consolidation of the Cause. One process cannot go for too long without the other. The Assemblies’ representatives also reminded us that the Riḍván 1972 message set the priorities for this last year of the Nine Year Plan—the international goals! No matter how well we do on the homefront, if we do not win those objectives around the world, we (the Bahá’í world community) cannot claim victory this coming Riḍván.
Workshops were held on the Bahá’í Fund, improving the quality of Bahá’í life, the Local Spiritual Assembly, travel-teaching, and the function of the District Teaching Committee officers. The new proclamation film, “Give Me That New Time Religion”, was shown to Bahá’ís and their friends who had been invited to join the District Teaching Committee members on the Saturday evening of the briefings.
Special Bahá’í planning calendars were given to each Committee as an incentive to become even more systematic in the way they approach their role in helping to establish the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
The host Assemblies brought not only organization to the briefings but, more important, the spirit and authority vested in these institutions by God. All Teaching Committee personnel were impressed by, grateful for, and more appreciative of the growing role Local Spiritual Assemblies play in the teaching work around the country. In this atmosphere, these spirited meetings closed in thankful prayer.
Summer Projects Under Way[edit]
Training Sessions Held Green Acre and Mexico[edit]
More than 80 young people came together at Green Acre Bahá’í School in Maine, and over 70 youth gathered in Mexico, to train for their participation in Summer Projects in 8 European and 10 Latin American countries.
Excitement and anticipation pervaded the atmosphere at both sessions as friends from all over the United States greeted each other with cries of, “What are you doing here?”, “What country are you assigned to?”, “Do you think my French is good enough for teaching in Belgium?”, “Do you know exactly what they mean by ‘modest dress length’?”, “But I just had a haircut! Do you mean it’s still too long?”
Subsequent issues of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í will carry reports of the progress of these enthusiastic youth as they spend their summer learning about other cultures while teaching the Cause of God.
At Green Acre, a special wave of urgency was felt as the projecteers learned about the goals yet to be won in Europe and the job that lay ahead for them. Their specific assignment is to work, in conjunction with their European counterparts, to bring the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the waiting masses in the British Isles, France, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Finland, and Norway.
Over plates of frijoles and tacos, the projecteers for Latin America discussed their experiences in teaching in the nearby Mexican villages, an event which was part of the Training Session held at the Amelia Collins Institute in Puebla, Mexico. Surrounded by pastoral scenes of Mexican village life, the participants were prepared for the physical and emotional rigors of teaching in the campo.
[Page 11]
Pictured above are some of the participants who attended the first statewide Arkansas Bahá’í Youth Conference which was held June 23-25 at the Little Rock Bahá’í Center. Joining the Bahá’ís from many Arkansas localities were youth from Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The conference was sponsored by the Arkansas District Teaching Committee and focused on improving the quality of Bahá’í individual and community life. Using materials prepared by the National Teaching Committee for deepening, the nature of deepening was explored, and twelve major Bahá’í books were reviewed and discussed. The program also included a slide program on the life of the Perfect Exemplar, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
The conference was also highlighted by a declaration of Faith by one of the guests, a televised report on the conference, and a visit to the grave of Howard Colby Ives, author of PORTALS TO FREEDOM. Mr. Ives was also one of the first Bahá’í teachers in Arkansas during the first Seven Year Plan, 1937-44.
Widespread newspaper publicity was received in many parts of Arkansas. Advance publicity stated: “The conference will emphasize the way in which the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith help youth to meet the challenges of daily life in the modern world, and the contributions the Bahá’í youth can make in their homes and cities throughout the state.”
An intensive deepening program on the subject of living the life of the Cause is scheduled to begin immediately and will be held in smaller groups throughout Arkansas.
All Assemblies in Four States Contributing Regularly to the Lifeblood of the Cause[edit]
The Office of the Treasurer joyfully announces that all of the Assemblies in four states have achieved the goal of contributing regularly to the National Bahá’í Fund. In Colorado and Oregon, each having about fourteen Assemblies, every Assembly has contributed with perfect or near-perfect regularity for a period of at least six months.
The Assemblies in the two smaller states of Maine and Iowa, which have three and five Assemblies, respectively, have also been faithful suppliers of the lifeblood of the Cause.
To measure the regularity of contributions, the Office of the Treasurer used the National Spiritual Assembly guideline of once every nineteen days.
After each Feast, if an Assembly sent one contribution—regardless of the amount—it was accounted as regular.
Our congratulations and loving appreciation go to all of the Assemblies in each of these states for this exemplary act of steadfast loyalty to and love for the Cause of God.
The “We” Institute—A Successful Consolidation Tool[edit]
The National Teaching Committee has received many requests from Local Spiritual Assemblies and District Teaching Committees for “WE” Institute materials.
For the information of new Assemblies and new believers who may not know what a “WE” Institute is, it is an intensive two- to three-day study of the Writings based on the following guidance from The Universal House of Justice:
“Dearly-loved friends, this is the theme we must pursue in our efforts to deepen in the Cause. What is Bahá’u’lláh’s purpose for the human race? For what ends did He submit to the appalling cruelties and indignities heaped upon Him? What does He mean by ‘a new race of men’? What are the profound changes which He will bring about? The answers are to be found in the Sacred Writings of our Faith and in their interpretation by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and our beloved Guardian. Let the friends immerse themselves in this ocean, let them organize regular study classes for its constant consideration....”
The National Spiritual Assembly has requested that these institutes be sponsored by either a Local Spiritual Assembly or a District Teaching Committee. It is recommended that attendance be kept to no more than ten Bahá’ís, and that the institute take place in a setting as far removed as possible from the hustle and bustle of everyday life (a home in a quiet neighborhood, or a cabin in the country, for example). The sessions are not lecture-type, but rather constitute a sharing of thoughts, views and feelings on the subject matter. Everyone has something to give; everyone has something to receive.
The following is an account of such an institute:
The Northern Wisconsin District Teaching Committee held its first “WE” Institute on the weekend of July 1 and 2. It was held in an empty farmhouse in a remote area about fourteen miles east of Luck, Wisconsin. There was no running water, no radio, no phone, and no television; however, the surrounding woods and fields, which were inhabited by various kinds of wildlife, were a joy to behold.
Friday evening was spent watching the filmstrip programs, “The Bahá’ís and the Holy Land” and “Unity in Diversity”. The evening program also provided the opportunity for the friends to become better acquainted.
On Saturday morning, there was an aura of general respect with some quiet reservations. During the deepening session, however, the discussions rapidly became spirited and some strong direction from the coordinator was needed. A prayer and meditation period followed a friendly lunch, then there were some quiet one-to-one discussions. The afternoon session was definitive, most constructive, and was permeated with a budding spiritual awareness. Dinner was a little early, which left a completely unstructured interval before the evening session. During this period, some of the friends rested, some explored the farm, and others went off alone to pray and meditate. One of the friends expressed the feeling of the group when he told of how he had stood in a small clearing in the woods preparing to recite the Long Obligatory Prayer. Gazing to the right and to the left, seeing God’s creation, feeling the stillness, breathing clean air, and conscious of the scurrying sounds of little animals, he began to recite. During the prayer, he began to feel the presence of a spiritual power, and also began to realize how small man is and how much every soul needs God’s guidance.
The evening session was spent probing deeply into the meaning of “a new race of men”. There was also a very enlightening discussion following a statement by one of the believers that the compilation “The Pattern of Bahá’í Life” was based on the words “pure, kindly and radiant” from THE HIDDEN WORDS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, Arabic No. 1. The evening ended with a showing of the three-part filmstrip program, “Land of Resplendent Glory”.
Sunday morning was so tremendous, it almost defies description. Everyone so felt the need to serve, that breakfast was finished and everything was cleaned up by 7:30. The discussion which followed focused on the profound changes which Bahá’u’lláh will bring about, and the role of the individual believer in contributing his share to the promotion and establishment of our beloved Cause. There are no words that can describe adequately the feeling of unity and peace that permeated the noon meal.
The Committee then set a goal of making the “WE” Institute available to every Bahá’í in northern Wisconsin and trying to achieve perfect attendance. Institutes have been scheduled for the weekends of July 22-23, 29-30, August 5-6 and, tentatively, August 12-13. These will be held in both Luck and Luxembourg, Wisconsin. The Luxembourg institute will be held under the auspices of the Green Bay Spiritual Assembly. It is hoped that the Appleton Assembly will be able to sponsor one shortly after the North Central States Summer School, which takes place August 20-26.
Another goal is to assist the friends in the Bahá’í group of Rhinelander in getting a college club formed.
First Legal Bahá’í Wedding in West Virginia[edit]
Coonskin Park was the setting Sunday morning, June 11, for the first Bahá’í wedding to be legally recognized by the state of West Virginia. Recognition of the Bahá’í wedding ceremony was granted through revision of the West Virginia Code by the 1970 legislature.
The ceremony, which was kept very simple, consisted of the reading of several prayers revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá after which the Bahá’í marriage pledge was uttered by the bride and groom, Miss Marilynn Keppler and Mr. Tom Jerger, both of Dunbar, West Virginia.
Inspiring Weekend in Virginia at Bahá’í Family and Community Life Institute[edit]
Even a whole weekend of rain did not put a damper on the spirits of the 190 souls who ventured out to Camp Goodwill in Virginia, May 19-21, to participate in the District Teaching Committee-sponsored deepening institute on Bahá’í family and community life, which included a class on preparation for marriage.
The insight and warmth provided by the special guests of the institute, Auxiliary Board member Mr. Albert James, and Mrs. Betsy Haynes and Mr. Dan Allison from the National Bahá’í Center, illumined the atmosphere with wisdom and laughter. Youth and adults, married and unmarried, were all stimulated by the interesting program.
Some of the recreational highlights included folk dancing, a singing program by the children, and the viewing of the two new Bahá’í films “Have You Heard the News, My Friend?” and “Give Me That New Time Religion.”
Good food, good times together, and inspiring talks and discussions all combined to bring about an unforgettable deepening, and even a declaration of Faith.
Bahá’í Child Education and Family Life—Answer to questions on page 4[edit]
“If love and agreement are manifest in a single family, that family will advance, become illumined and spiritual; but if enmity and hatred exist within it, destruction and dispersion are inevitable. This is likewise true of a city. If those who dwell within it manifest a spirit of accord and fellowship, it will progress steadily, and human conditions become brighter, whereas through enmity and strife, it will be degraded, and its inhabitants scattered. In the same way, the people of a nation develop and advance toward civilization and enlightenment through love and accord, and are sure to be disintegrated by war and strife. Finally, this is true of humanity itself in the aggregate. When love is realized and the ideal spiritual bonds unite the hearts of men, the whole human race will be uplifted, the world will continually grow more spiritual and radiant, and the happiness and tranquillity of mankind will be immeasurably increased. Warfare and strife will be uprooted, disagreement and dissension will pass away, and Universal Peace will unite the nations and peoples of the world. All mankind will dwell together as one family, blend as the waves of one sea, shine as stars of one firmament, and appear as fruits of the same tree. This is the happiness and felicity of humankind. This is the illumination of man, the glory eternal and life everlasting; this is the divine bestowal. I desire this station for you and I pray God that the people of America may achieve this great end in order that the virtue of this democracy may be insured and their names be glorified eternally. May the confirmations of God uphold them in all things and their memories become revered throughout the East and the West. May they become the servants of the Most High God, near and dear to Him in the oneness of the heavenly Kingdom.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá, BAHÁ’Í WORLD FAITH, pp. 229-30
Front row: William Maslauski, Ken Jeffers, Robert Dutton; center: Bernard Kelm, Tony Pelle (former Public Information Officer), Greg Vaughn, Mrs. Eileen Norman (secretary, Public Information Committee); back: Richard Forster, George Galinkin, Joy Victory, Mrs. Kay Harris, George Savitt, Frank Sawyer, Mrs. Yvonne Justice, Julie West, and David Amos. (Not in picture: Mrs. Estelle Rouse and Casey Walton.)
Regional Public Information Representatives Appointed[edit]
The National Bahá’í Public Information Committee has set up a nationwide network of regional representatives whose function will be to train, support, and assist local Public Information Representatives. The Northeastern Region has three regional representatives, while there are four each in the Western, Central, and Southern Regions, plus one in South Carolina. These sixteen Bahá’ís will be organizing seminars for local Public Information Representatives in their respective areas, and will be in contact with Local Spiritual Assemblies, Regional Teaching Committees, and District Teaching Committees. At these seminars, newly appointed local Public Information Representatives will be given an outline of their duties, as well as helpful insights into how the job of getting recognition of and publicity for the Faith is carried out most effectively. Experienced Public Information Representatives will be called upon to discuss their successes and problems.
New materials will be exhibited. In the past, the local Public Information Representatives have shown themselves to be tireless and diligent workers. Through their efforts, the Faith has become recognized widely throughout the nation.
The National Spiritual Assembly has stressed the desire that the growth and expansion of all phases of our beloved Cause continue at an ever-accelerating pace. The Public Information Committee has therefore developed this program, which will increase the scope and effectiveness of the entire Public Information Representative operation.
All Local Spiritual Assemblies should by now have appointed a dedicated and active Public Information Representative. Bahá’í groups should also appoint one, and isolated believers can serve as their own. If your community or group does not have a Public Information Representative, one should be appointed as soon as possible. The Bahá’í Public Information office at 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091, should be notified immediately of the appointment. The representative will then begin to receive proclamation materials for all Bahá’í Proclamation days as well as the Public Information Newsletter.
CHILD’S WAY[edit]
For gift-giving (especially to children and grandchildren), have you thought of a subscription to CHILD’S WAY? The recipient will be notified of your gift, and the giver will also receive an acknowledgment.
Beginning November 1, 1972, subscriptions to CHILD’S WAY will be handled through the Bahá’í Publishing Trust in Wilmette.
Bahá’í News[edit]
It is renewal time for those who subscribed to BAHÁ’Í NEWS in October 1971 when the publication first went on a subscription basis. This Bahá’í journal, which was started in December 1924, brings news of Bahá’í activities throughout the world, including the United States, and many of the exciting details of the victories which the Faith is winning as it grows at an increasingly rapid rate.
Almost every mail brings statements from pioneers telling us what an inspiration BAHÁ’Í NEWS is to them as they teach the Faith in their new homelands. These letters are shared from time to time with readers of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í.
In addition to news of the worldwide progress of the Faith, BAHÁ’Í NEWS includes articles on the history of the Faith and stories of believers who in past years have contributed to its growth. It also includes reviews of Bahá’í books.
Subscribe now to BAHÁ’Í NEWS and have at your fingertips a record of the story of the worldwide growth of our beloved Faith! It is suggested that you keep your back copies of this journal in a notebook or other place for ready reference. There are now four indices covering the years through 1968. An index of subsequent issues is in preparation.
In addition to sending a copy to each subscriber, two copies will be sent to all Local Spiritual Assemblies in this country. One copy should be kept on file and the other circulated to the community.
National Bahá’í Review[edit]
The NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW is the official gazette of the National Spiritual Assembly and should also be kept for ready reference. At the present time, it is published as an insert in THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í. It gives official statements concerning Bahá’í life and activities and can serve as a helpful guideline for American Bahá’ís in their daily life and community activities. An index of this publication from its beginning through 1971 will soon be available.
The friends sometimes ask why some material is duplicated in these publications. To give an example, all messages from The Universal House of Justice directed to the Bahá’í community must reach every believer throughout the world as well as in the United States. They appear, therefore, in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, which reaches the world community, and in those publications which are sent to every Bahá’í in the United States.
NOTE: BAHÁ’Í NEWS and the NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW are for Bahá’ís only.
The American Bahá’í[edit]
This monthly newspaper, meant primarily to inspire the believers in their teaching efforts, to give news of homefront victories as well as ideas for future events, and to help the friends deepen in the life of the Cause, is not planned as a permanent record, nor is it indexed. The contents of this newspaper, with the exception of the NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW, may be shared with persons interested in the Faith. It is sent to every registered believer in the United States.
(continued on page 16)
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World Order
The Spring 1972 issue, for example, features an article by Gary L. Morrison on “‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Early American Bahá’ís,” an account of the Master’s establishing the Faith in the West. Drs. Daniel C. Jordan and Donald T. Streets describe in “The ANISA Model” one attempt to apply Bahá’í principles in the field of education. A timely article on “Educating Women for Their Rights” and a moving remembrance by one of Anne Frank’s teachers are among the other articles your community will want to add to its library. The Fall 1971 issue, commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, is still available and provides an excellent text for studying the life and writings of the Master.
Fall 1971 issue may be ordered through the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. All other orders should be addressed to:
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BAHÁ’Í BOOKS AND MATERIALS[edit]
BAHÁ’Í LITERATURE[edit]
JJ-6 BAHÁ’Í LESSON PLANS
Now available at a reduced price, Bahá’í Lesson Plans are essential for everyone responsible for teaching children’s classes. These plans provide the teacher with a set of easily used materials, including lesson goals, references, methods, stories, scripts, games, and helpful aids and reminders. Each lesson plan includes sections on history, teachings for the individual, and social teachings. Lesson plans range from 89 to 137 pp.
Grade K: The section on “Progressive Revelation” introduces the concept of the Manifestation of God as a mirror of God, and gives the names of all Manifestations and the symbols of all religions. The section on “Spiritual Qualities” lists qualities to be attained and discusses ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Exemplar of these qualities. The section on “Bahá’ís Around the World” develops a feeling for the worldwide character of the Faith by providing imaginary visits to the Bahá’ís in Írán, Mexico, China, and Africa, as well as an imaginary trip to the Bahá’í Shrines in Israel.
Grade 1: “Bahá’í Heroes” contains stories about Mullá Ḥusayn, Ṭáhirih, Quddús, the Greatest Holy Leaf, and Louis Gregory. The section on the “Knowledge of God through His Prophets” provides short lessons on all the Manifestations. “Elimination of Prejudice” is taught through short stories praising diversity and showing the causes of prejudice to be fear and ignorance.
Grade 2: The section entitled “The Báb” details the mission and martyrdom of the Báb and the persecution of the Bábís. In “The Nature of Creation,” the student is led to investigate the four kingdoms of God (mineral, vegetable, animal, and human) and growth and change. “Oneness of Mankind” stresses unity through diversity among races, religions, and cultures, and the importance of working together.
Grade 3: The section on “Bahá’u’lláh” follows the life of the Manifestation from the Conference at Badasht to ‘Akká. “Man’s Relation to God” focuses on the nature of the soul and its training. The section “Harmony of Science and Religion” stresses the investigation of truth and includes various experiments and optical illusions.
Grade 4: “‘Abdu’l-Bahá” describes the life and station of the Master through stories and dramatic readings. “The Rewards of Obedience to God” covers liberty and free will, types of rewards and punishments, and Bahá’í laws. In “Principles of Consultation,” the children are taught how to consult and are given sample problems on which to consult. This section also discusses the Administrative Order as the framework for consultation.
Grade 5: The section on “Shoghi Effendi” discusses the station of the Guardian and explains various aspects of his work, including the various teaching plans and the translation of many books into English. The section on “The Example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá” stresses the qualities of service, mercy, justice, love, and knowledge. “Living in the Bahá’í Community” covers the Feast, the Local Spiritual Assembly, holy days, Bahá’í education, and individual responsibilities.
Grade 6: The section entitled “Hands of the Cause of God” includes the history, station, and function of the Hands of the Cause. “Immortality of the Soul” explores the nature of death and of the soul and life after death. The section on the “Nature of True Education” covers independent investigation, faith and reason in education, universal education, and the concept of work as worship.
Grade 7: “History of Religions” traces the various Dispensations from the earliest religions through Islám. “Covenants of God” covers the renewals of the Ancient Covenant, the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, and the effects of the Covenant on individuals and groups in the Bahá’í Community. “Justice” discusses reward and punishment and social, international, and economic justice.
Grade 8: “Heroic Age of the Faith” covers the Bábí Dispensation. “Bahá’í Obligation” includes requirements for the declaration of one’s faith in Bahá’u’lláh, the Bahá’í calendar, the Fund, the purpose and laws of marriage, and physical and spiritual cleanliness. “World Government” discusses previous attempts to form a world government, the Lesser Peace, and the Most Great Peace.
Grade 9: “Formative Age of the Faith” explores the foundations of the Administrative Order in the writings and reviews major events in the building of the World Order. “Teaching the Cause of God” includes reasons for teaching, preparation for teaching, teaching opportunities, and suggestions for a practice fireside. “Bahá’í Institutions” discusses the Covenant, the Guardianship, The Universal House of Justice, the Hands of the Cause and Auxiliary Boards, Local and National Spiritual Assemblies, the World Centre, various Bahá’í Funds, and the House of Worship and its dependencies.
| $1.40 per copy | |
| $12.00 for a set of ten | (formerly $2.00 each) |
JJ-7   BAHÁ’Í HOLY DAYS, Grades 1-9
Now available at a reduced price. A series of thirty lesson plans, ten each for three age groups (Primary, Intermediate, and Junior), for use in teaching children the significance of Bahá’í holy days and in planning observances appropriate for each age group. Outlines goals and methods of each lesson plan. Includes teaching aids, stories, scripts, and suggested questions for group discussion. 169 pp.
$2.00 (formerly $2.50 each)
6-67-02 Law Enforcement Officials Kit
A new information kit for law enforcement officials. Contains Fact Sheet; the pamphlet “What is a Bahá’í?” (reprinted from the Washington Daily News); “Living the Bahá’í Life” reprint; “Bahá’í Calendar” reprint; “Loyalty to Government” reprint (8 1/2 inches x 11 inches, one-color format); “Literature of the Bahá’í Faith”; and a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly explaining to Law Enforcement Officials the station of Bahá’u’lláh and the goal toward which Bahá’ís are working, and providing current statistics showing the worldwide character of the Faith and a brief summary of Bahá’í teachings. Attractively assembled in a gold folder with pockets, similar to the Press Kit folder. Below the familiar brown stamping “Bahá’í Faith: an independent world religion” is a label reading “Special Information Kit for Law Enforcement Officials.”
$1.50
El Advenimiento de la Justicia Divina
The Advent of Divine Justice, by Shoghi Effendi, is now available in a paperback Spanish edition.
Paper/$1.00 NET
SPECIAL MATERIALS[edit]
Sample poster made from postcard assortment 6-46-07
6-46-07 “Faces Around the World” Postcard Assortment
This new assortment of ten postcards contains colorful pictures from the 1967 Intercontinental Conferences in India, Panama, Australia, Uganda, and the United States; the 1963 Bahá’í World Congress in London; the 1961 dedication ceremonies of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Kampala, Uganda; the laying of the cornerstone of the first Temple for Latin America in Panama in 1968; an Indian Bahá’í community in Bolivia; and youth at two Bahá’í Institutes, one in Brazil and the other at Green Acre, Maine. This collection shows in vivid color the rich diversity of the worldwide Bahá’í community. The postcards come in three different sizes (9 x 6 inches; 5 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches; 5 3/4 x 4 1/4 inches). Useful for personal correspondence and for colorful posters and displays.
Per set/$1.00
HOW TO ORDER
Literature and Special Materials items must be handled separately. Using the order blank below, total each category in the space provided, and add the appropriate postage and handling charges before figuring the amount of your remittance. Personal orders must include full payment.
If possible, always order through a Bahá’í Community Librarian for postpaid handling on Literature orders of $5 or more and Special Materials orders of $10 or more.
[Page 16]
THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í
(continued from page 14)
Hardly a day goes by without someone’s writing to THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í office requesting a copy or copies of missing issues. We regret that we are unable to fill these requests since we keep only a limited number on hand. As a matter of fact, we would be overjoyed to receive additional copies of the following issues: January, February, March, November, and December 1970, and April, May, and June 1971. Families who receive more than one copy might wish to consider sending their extra copies to THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í.
That brings up another point. Many of the friends, commendably concerned about the state of the Fund, write in and ask why every member of a Bahá’í family living at the same address receives a copy each. Well, it’s the way our computer is currently programmed. A mailing label is produced for all Bahá’ís living in the United States, and these labels are automatically affixed to each copy of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í by another company. At this time, it would cost more in time and money to select out labels for families sharing the same address.
The fact that so many of the friends don’t always receive their copies remains a mystery. All we can advise is that 1) you check with your local post office, and 2) you make certain your address is correctly registered with the National Bahá’í Center.
Counsellors Announce Series of Deepening Institutes[edit]
The Continental Board of Counsellors for the Protection and Propagation of the Bahá’í Faith in North America, with the full support and collaboration of the National Spiritual Assembly, is announcing a series of highly important deepening institutes on the most fundamental Teachings of the Bahá’í Faith, to begin in mid-September and continue through October or until at least one has been held in every State of the national community. These institutes are being sponsored by the Board of Counsellors and carried out by its Auxiliary Board Members.
These events, open to Bahá’ís only, have been planned particularly to inform, inspire, and more deeply confirm the believers—those of long standing as well as the newly enrolled. Specific places and dates will be furnished to the Local Spiritual Assemblies and District Teaching Committees by the Auxiliary Board Member in each area.
The Counsellors extend a most loving and cordial invitation to all Bahá’ís, and ask for the support of everyone in this significant endeavor, that these gatherings may be blessed with the spirit inherent in the universal participation of all the friends.
A ONE-DAY INSTITUTE
ON
THE COVENANT
TO BE HELD IN
ALTURAS, CALIFORNIA OCTOBER 1, 1972
WATCH FOR DETAILS IN LOCAL DISTRICT TEACHING COMMITTEE BULLETINS
OR WRITE
SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF ALTURAS
BOX 402, ALTURAS, CALIF. 96101
SPONSORED BY
THE CONTINENTAL BOARD OF COUNSELLORS FOR NORTH AMERICA
The American Bahá’í
112 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091
AUGUST 1972
In This Issue
THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE SENDS GREETINGS TO INDIAN BELIEVERS GATHERED AT GANADO CONFERENCE
VISITORS FROM WORLD CENTER
SPECIAL DEEPENING INSTITUTES
REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEES AND DISTRICT TEACHING COMMITTEES BRIEFED
GATEWAY TEACHING CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 8, 9, and 10
LOUIS G. GREGORY INSTITUTE DEDICATION, OCTOBER 22
RACE UNITY DAY ACTIVITIES
