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[Page 1]THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í

APRIL 28, 2000 JAMÁL/BEAUTY ‘AZAMAT/GRANDEUR BAHÁ’Í ERA 157 VOLUME 31, NO. 3

Change in Council formation date

Message from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, dated March 12, 2000

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

In a letter addressed to you under the date of 30 May 1997, the Universal House of Justice announced its decision to establish Regional Bahá’í Councils as a new element of Bahá’í administration, between the local and national levels. These institutions are formed only with the permission of the House of Justice in certain countries where the growing complexity of the issues which are facing National Spiritual Assemblies requires this development. As specified by the House of Justice case by case for the countries directly concerned, a Regional Council is established either through election by the members of the Local Spiritual Assemblies in a region or through appointment by the National Spiritual Assembly, which receives recommendations of candidates from Local Spiritual Assemblies in the region. The date set for formation of Regional Councils has been 23 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb according to the Gregorian calendar.

To keep you informed of essential aspects of the evolution of Regional Councils, we have been asked to convey the following.

In view of the experience gained over a period of several years, the House of Justice has recognized that it would be more practical to set a new date for the formation of these institutions.

Henceforth, then, the election or appointment of Regional Councils will take effect every year on 26 November, the Day of the Covenant. The formation processes will, of course, have to be set in motion in sufficient time to be concluded on this date.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat

New member joins House of Justice

The following messages were sent to all National Spiritual Assemblies:

Dated March 20, 2000

We warmly welcome Kiser Barnes as the newly elected member of the Universal House of Justice.

The Universal House of Justice

Dated March 28, 2000

With joyful hearts we announce the appointment of Zenaida Ramirez as a Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre.

The Universal House of Justice

Call renewed for help on human rights action

The National Spiritual Assembly addressed the following letter, dated March 22, 2000, to all Local Spiritual Assemblies in its jurisdiction.

Dear Friends,

The National Spiritual Assembly would like your assistance in alerting both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives about a pending resolution in Congress that condemns the Iranian government's continuing persecution of the Bahá’í community in Iran. Please urge all of the Bahá’ís in your community to call or write your two U.S. Senators and the U.S. Congressional Representative for your district and request that they support the passage of the Senate Resolution (S. Con. Res. 57) and the House Resolution (H. Con. Res. 257), respectively.

Fun lesson on a spiritual theme

Dana Folk (right), town councilman, "walks with the same feet" as (from left) Becky Bradshaw, Abe Landowne and Shari Rognstad at a Bahá’í-sponsored Unity Festival in Boone, North Carolina. Sampling of Bahá’í race unity activities. Photo by Peggy Cerchione

IN SIDE

KELLUM AWARDS VINEYARD OF THE LORD SUMMER SCHOOLS YOUTH KID'S CORNER FOUR YEAR PLAN IN MEMORIAM CLASSIFIED PERSIAN PAGES

THE NATIONAL FUND

Between May 1, 1999, and March 31, 2000

$24,750,000 Goal/All Funds

$17,387,931 Received/All Funds

EXCERPTS

"The education and training of children is among the most meritorious acts of humankind and draweth down the grace and favor of the All-Merciful...."

—‘Abdu’l-Bahá [Page 2]

Anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb

A Bahá’í Holy Day

• Observed sunset May 22 through sunset May 23; devotional gatherings should be two hours after sunset May 22 • Work is to be suspended

"With this historic Declaration the dawn of an Age that signalizes the consummation of all ages had broken. The first impulse of a momentous Revelation had been communicated to the one 'but for whom,' according to the testimony of the Kitáb-i-Íqán, 'God would not have been established upon the seat of His mercy, nor ascended the throne of eternal glory.'" -Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 7

Anniversary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh

A Bahá’í Holy Day

• Observed sunset May 28 through sunset May 29; devotional gatherings should be at 4 a.m. daylight time May 29 (3 a.m. where standard time is in effect) • Work is to be suspended

"Six days before [Bahá’u’lláh] passed away He summoned to His presence, as He lay in bed leaning against one of His sons, the entire company of believers, including several pilgrims, who had assembled in the Mansion, for what proved to be their last audience with Him. 'I am well pleased with you all,' He gently and affectionately addressed the weeping crowd that gathered about Him. 'Ye have rendered many services, and been very assiduous in your labors. Ye have come here every morning and every evening. May God assist you to remain united. May He aid you to exalt the Cause of the Lord of being.'" -Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 222

Some significant dates in Bahá’í history

May and early June

May 23, 1844: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh, was born in Tehran, Iran. In His later years, though designated as the Center of the Covenant, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá told the Bahá’ís not to celebrate His birthday, especially as it fell on the same day as the Declaration of the Báb.

May 9, 1863: Bahá’u’lláh and His family, with a few dozen companions and guards, began their 110-day journey from Baghdad, Iraq, to Constantinople (Istanbul), Turkey.

May 21, 1897: Lua Getsinger became a Bahá’í in Chicago, Illinois. Her travels and services for the Faith until her passing May 1, 1916, earned her acclaim as the Mother Teacher of the West.

April 26-May 1, 1919: The Tablets of the Divine Plan, revealed in earlier years by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, were unveiled in a ceremony at the "Convention of the Covenant" in New York City.

May 1-6, 1953: The Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, was privately consecrated by the Bahá’ís, then dedicated in a public ceremony. These celebrations were followed by an Intercontinental Teaching Conference in nearby Chicago, one of several large-scale conferences that called on teachers of the Faith to carry out the plans of the Ten Year Crusade worldwide.

May 28, 1992: The Roll of Honor of the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh—containing the names of those who opened countries or territories to the Bahá’í Faith—was placed in a chamber at the door of the inner sanctuary of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh.

Upcoming Holy Day

• Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb, July 9

Items in the "Some Significant Dates" section have been compiled from A Basic Bahá’í Chronology.

DARRON GLAZIER, a 14-year-old Bahá’í from Pennsylvania with profound mental disability, cerebral palsy, seizures and cortical blindness, was featured with his sister Brynda in a new book, Just As I Am, which celebrates the lives and spirits of 40 people with disabilities across the United States. The text mentions that the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith give meaning to his life.

The American Bar Association has granted its 2000 D'Alemberte/Raven Award for Outstanding Contribution to Dispute Resolution to Judge DOROTHY W. NELSON, a member of our National Spiritual Assembly.

According to the National Assembly, the award "represents an acknowledgment of the universal Bahá’í commitment to justice and the effective settlement of disputes so as to foster unity and harmony in human affairs."

It recognizes members of the legal profession who have contributed significantly to the alternate dispute resolution (ADR) field by developing new or innovative programs, improvements in service and efficiency, research and writings in the area of dispute resolution and developing continuing education programs.

Nelson is a senior judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. She was presented with the award at an April 7 reception in San Francisco, California.

"We are very pleased to make the award this year to a noted jurist and educator whose early recognition of the need to focus on dispute resolution alternatives has had a profound impact on the growth of the ADR field," said James Alfini, chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution and professor of law at Northern Illinois College of Law.

In 1967, as dean of the University of Southern California Law Center, Nelson established a dispute resolution center there.

She was appointed to the White House Conference on Children by President Nixon; to the Board of Visitors of the U.S. Air Force Academy by President Ford; to the President's Commission on Pension Policy by President Carter; and to the Board of Trustees of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation by President Reagan.

Nelson has served as chair of the ABA Committee on Education in Judicial Administration, chairman of the Committee on Education in Judicial Administration of the Association of American Law Schools, chairman of the American Judicature Society, member of the Federal Judicial Center's Committee on Appellate Education, member of the Center for Public Resources Judicial Project Advisory Council, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Western Justice Center, member of the American Law Institute and American Bar Foundation, on the Advisory Board of the World Law Institute, and chair of the Ninth Circuit Standing Committee on Alternate Dispute Resolution.

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

MATTHEW LEVINE, a Bahá’í in Pearland, Texas, won the award for outstanding achievement in songwriting from among 600 entries in the Great American Song Contest, for his song "A Home That Forever Will Stand."

All five Bahá’í students at West Potomac High School in Fairfax County, Virginia, were placed on the first semester honor roll. They are seniors NEDA ATTAYAN, NEGAR ATTAYAN and SARAH COLLINS and freshmen NIMA ATTAYAN and JONATHAN MOTLAGH.

BARBARA RUDOLPH, a Bahá’í in Savannah, Georgia, was recently presented the Jimmy Crockett Humanitarian Award in Nursing for 2000 by Georgia Southern University. She was recognized for her work as a family nurse practitioner in an inner-city inpatient facility for the homeless, as well as for tuberculosis education work in Ecuador with the Bahá’í-inspired Beyond Boundaries Foundation.

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í

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

Bahá’í National Center 847-869-9039

Editorial Office of The American Bahá’í Mail: 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 Phone: 847-853-2352 Fax: 847-256-1372

Editor James Humphrey

Associate Editor Tom Mennillo

Facilities Manager, Bahá’í Media Services Artis Mebane

Contributors J. Russell Allison, Peggy Cerchione, Ralph Cerchione, Sara Jalalizadeh, Ken Krapf, Teresa Langness, Lisa N. Puzon, Susan Rishworth, Vladimir Shilov, Ruhi Vargha, Steve Wilder, Frances Worthington, Ray Zimmerman

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.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

Canada: Publications Agreement Number 1486683

ADDRESS CHANGES If you have an address change, or wish to stop or consolidate mailings, contact the Membership Office, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. There is no need to contact the Editors directly. A form is on the back page.

SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PHOTOS THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í welcomes news, letters or other items of interest from individuals and institutions of the Bahá’í Faith.

ARTICLES should be clear, concise and relevant to the goals of the worldwide and national teaching plans. We may edit stories for length. We cannot print advance articles to publicize locally sponsored events, but may be able to list them in the Calendar.

PHOTOGRAPHS may be color or black-and-white prints. 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 (you do not need to supply postage).

DEADLINES for upcoming issues: July 13: Deadline May 26 August 20: Deadline July 7

PLEASE ADDRESS ALL ITEMS for possible publication to The American Bahá’í, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611

2000 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. [Page 3]

Barnes elected to House of Justice

Kiser Barnes, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and formerly of universities in the Republic of Benin and Nigeria, was elected recently to the Universal House of Justice. The by-election fills the vacancy left by the passing of Adib Taherzadeh on Jan. 26.

Barnes has been resident at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel, since 1993 when he was appointed to serve as a Counselor member of the International Teaching Center.

After receiving his law degree from the University of Maryland, Barnes practiced law in that state, specializing in involving the civil rights of African-Americans and women.

In 1976 he moved to the Republic of Benin and taught law at the Universite du Benin. Later he obtained a Master of Philosophy in Law degree from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, where he eventually became head of the Department of Business Law.

Kiser Barnes served on several elected and appointed Bahá’í institutions in Africa.

The next Bahá’í International Convention is to be held in 2003, for election of the entire nine-member body of the Universal House of Justice. Members are elected for five-year terms through balloting of members of all National Spiritual Assemblies.

Joel Nizin (above left) of the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Northeastern States gives a presentation at a potent gathering of members of the Continental Board of Counselors, the National Spiritual Assembly and the four Councils in the U.S. in March. Held in Pensacola, Florida, the meeting reviewed the position of the U.S. Bahá’í community near the end of the Four Year Plan and consulted on potential goals for the upcoming Twelve Month Plan.

Bahá’í involvement reaches high level in March

Presidential meeting on race relations

Five Bahá’ís participated in "A Call to Action: The President's One America Meeting with Religious Leaders," a White House conference March 9. They were among 150 religious leaders from every major U.S. religious and faith tradition who gathered to discuss the commitment of faith communities to improving race relations.

The conference grew out of President Clinton's request to the National Conference on Community and Justice (NCCJ) to carry forward the ideals and goals of the President's Initiative on Race with U.S. religious and faith communities.

The National Spiritual Assembly, through its office in Washington, DC, has collaborated since 1998 with the NCCJ and other religious representatives in the U.S.

Several participants, including Robert Henderson, secretary-general...

International Women’s Day at the U.N.

More than a century ago, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote: "When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of education and the equality of men and women be realized, the foundations of war will be utterly destroyed. Equality between men and women is conducive to the abolition of warfare for the reason that women will never be willing to sanction it."

In a hall filled to capacity at the United Nations on March 8, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan echoed that sentiment during celebrations of International Women’s Day.

In a speech titled "Women Uniting For Peace," Annan said: "Through education and tradition, from generation to generation, women have passed on the culture of peace. Women, who know the price of war so well, were often better equipped to resolve or prevent it. When society collapsed, women played a critical role in ensuring that life went on. When ethnic tensions caused conflict, women tended to build bridges rather than walls. When considering the implications of war and peace, women thought first of their children and their children's future before themselves."

In the days surrounding International Women's Day, thousands of women, representing their governments and societies, participated in a three-week consultation and preparatory meeting, Feb. 28-March 17, at the 44th session of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York.

Planning for Beijing +5

One of the main tasks of this year's CSW was to function as the preparatory committee for Beijing +5, a special session of the General Assembly set for this June titled "Women 2000: Gender Equality, Development and Peace for the Twenty-First Century."

As a precursor to Beijing +5, the preparatory committee called on the governments of the world to reaffirm their commitments to the goals and objectives contained in the Beijing Platform for Action, the document of governments' commitments agreed to at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women: To advance the progress of women.

Enrollments

February 2000 (corrected) 130 March 2000 156 Since May 1, 1999 1,339

THE FUND

May 1, 1999-March 31, 2000 Contributions received by National Treasurer Received since May 1, 1999: $17,387,931 Goal for entire year: $27,000,000 64% of year's goal has been met 92% of fiscal year has passed

Total cash-basis revenues and expenditures for Bahá’í National Fund May 1, 1999-Feb. 29, 2000 (latest available figures)

Revenues (contributions, book sales, school fees etc.) $19,991,100 Expenditures (operations, capital and debt payments etc.) $22,108,166

Critical projects that could no longer be deferred have forced our Bahá’í national operations into a cash deficit.

Mail contributions to: National Bahá’í Fund 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091-2800

Notice

The National Spiritual Assembly has removed the administrative rights of Mr. of Las Vegas, Nevada, and cautions the friends about engaging in business dealings with him. [Page 4]ly. This action should be taken at your earliest possible opportunity.

Since 1982 the U.S. Congress has passed seven resolutions drawing attention to the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran. The resolution now being proposed would be the eighth. Representatives John Porter, Tom Lantos, Chris Smith and Steny Hoyer have introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives, and have provided the other Representatives with a draft resolution and asked them to support the bill as co-sponsors. Senators Joseph Lieberman and John McCain have done the same in the Senate. Enclosed for your reference is the text of the proposed resolution and a listing of current Senate and House co-sponsors.

We are requesting that Bahá’ís in the United States ask their Senators and Representative to sign on as co-sponsors to the resolution, if they have not done so already, and then to vote in favor of the resolution when it comes up for passage late this spring or early summer. If any of your three Congressional officials is already a sponsor or co-sponsor, the National Spiritual Assembly requests your community members to write that official and thank him or her for supporting the resolution.

Please remind the friends that letters to government officials should not contain Bahá’í quotations, nor should they be an attempt to teach the Faith to the officials.

Your Spiritual Assembly may be aware of recent events in Iran. In spite of some significant changes on the political scene, the situation remains fundamentally the same for the Bahá’ís there. They continue to face systematic discrimination, and are still denied access to higher education, government employment, pensions, and legal redress through the courts. Bahá’ís are still prohibited from electing Spiritual Assemblies, organizing as a community, operating religious schools, or conducting other community activities.

Periodic arrests and convictions of Bahá’ís continue. On February 3, 2000, two Bahá’ís, who have been imprisoned in Mashhad since 1997 for holding "Family Life" meetings, were informed that their previous death sentences had been reaffirmed. A third Bahá’í held in Mashhad since July 1999 was also given the death sentence. A total of five Bahá’ís are currently on death row, and a total of twelve

A broad summary of the Iranian government's treatment of Bahá’ís over the past few years is contained in the text of the U.S. House resolution H. Con. Res. 257 and the nearly identical U.S. Senate resolution S. Con. Res. 57.

The House document is reproduced below. Introduced Feb. 29, 2000, with Rep. John Porter as sponsor and 37 co-sponsors, it has been referred to the House Committee on International Relations. Both the House and Senate versions can be accessed on the Thomas Web site (http://thomas.loc.gov); use the keyword "Bahá’í" to find the resolutions.

Concurrent Resolution

Concerning the emancipation of the Iranian Bahá’í community

Whereas in 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, and 1996, Congress, by concurrent resolution, declared that it holds the Government of Iran responsible for upholding the rights of all its nationals, including members of the Bahá’í Faith, Iran's largest religious minority;

Whereas Congress has deplored the Government of Iran's religious persecution of the Bahá’í community in such resolutions and in numerous other appeals, and has condemned Iran's execution of more than 200 Bahá’ís and the imprisonment of thousands of others solely on account of their religious beliefs;

Whereas in July 1998 a Bahá’í, Mr. Ruhollah Rowhani, was executed by hanging in Mashhad after being held in solitary confinement for 9 months on the charge of converting a Muslim woman to the Bahá’í Faith, a charge the woman herself refuted;

Whereas 2 Bahá’ís remain on death row in Iran, 2 on charges on apostasy, and 10 others are serving prison terms on charges arising solely from their religious beliefs or activities;

Whereas the Government of Iran continues to deny individual Bahá’ís access to higher education and government employment and denies recognition and religious rights to the Bahá’í community, according to the policy set forth in a confidential Iranian Government document which was revealed by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in 1993;

Whereas Bahá’ís have been banned from teaching and studying at Iranian universities since the Islamic Revolution and therefore created the Bahá’í Institute of Higher Education, or Bahá’í Open University, to provide educational opportunities to Bahá’í youth using volunteer faculty and a network of classrooms, libraries, and laboratories in private homes and buildings throughout Iran;

Whereas in September and October 1998, Iranian authorities arrested 36 faculty members of the Open University, 4 of whom have been given prison sentences ranging between 3 to 10 years, even though the law makes no mention of religious instruction within one's own religious community as being an illegal activity;

Whereas Iranian intelligence officers looted classroom equipment, textbooks, computers, and other personal property from 532 Bahá’í homes in an attempt to close down the Open University;

Whereas all Bahá’í community properties in Iran have been confiscated by the government, and Iranian Bahá’ís are not permitted to elect their leaders, organize as a community, operate religious schools, or conduct other religious community activities guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

Whereas on February 22, 1993, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights published a formerly confidential Iranian government document that constitutes a blueprint for the destruction of the Bahá’í community and reveals that these repressive actions are the result of a deliberate policy designed and approved by the highest officials of the Government of Iran; and

Whereas in 1998 the United Nations Special Representative for Human Rights, Maurice Copithorne, was denied entry into Iran: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress-

(1) continues to hold the Government of Iran responsible for upholding the rights of all its nationals, including members of the Bahá’í community, in a manner consistent with Iran's obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements guaranteeing the civil and political rights of its citizens;

(2) condemns the repressive anti-Bahá’í policies and actions of the Government of Iran, including the denial of legal recognition to the Bahá’í community and the basic rights to organize, elect its leaders, educate its youth, and conduct the normal activities of a law-abiding religious community;

(3) expresses concern that individual Bahá’ís continue to suffer from severely repressive and discriminatory government actions, including executions and death sentences, solely on account of their religion;

(4) urges the Government of Iran to permit Bahá’í students to attend Iranian universities and Bahá’í faculty to teach at Iranian universities, to return the property confiscated from the Bahá’í Open University, to free the imprisoned faculty members of the Open University, and to permit the Open University to continue to function;

(5) urges the Government of Iran to implement fully the conclusions and recommendations on the emancipation of the Iranian Bahá’í community made by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance, Professor Abdelfattah Amor, in his report of March 1996 to the United Nations Commission of Human Rights;

(6) urges the Government of Iran to extend to the Bahá’í community the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international covenants of human rights, including the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and equal protection of the law; and

(7) calls upon the President to continue-

(A) to assert the United States Government's concern regarding Iran's violations of the rights of its citizens, including members of the Bahá’í community, along with expressions of its concern regarding the Iranian Government's support for international terrorism and its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction;

(B) to emphasize that the United States regards the human rights practices of the Government of Iran, particularly its treatment of the Bahá’í community and other religious minorities, as a significant factor in the development of the United States Government's relations with the Government of Iran;

(C) to emphasize the need for the United Nations Special Representative for Human Rights to be granted permission to enter Iran;

(D) to urge the Government of Iran to emancipate the Bahá’í community by granting those rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international covenants on human rights; and

(E) to encourage other governments to continue to appeal to the Government of Iran, and to cooperate with other governments and international organizations, including the United Nations and its agencies, in efforts to protect the religious rights of the Bahá’ís and other minorities through joint appeals to the Government of Iran and through other appropriate actions.

Co-sponsors of House resolution

The following co-sponsors (a complete list as of this printing) are listed with the House district each represents.

Sponsor: John Porter, IL 10th

Co-sponsors (37): Neil Abercrombie, HI 1st Gary Ackerman, NY 5th Herbert H. Bateman, VA 1st Shelley Berkley, NV 1st Michael E. Capuano, MA 8th Bob Clement, TN 5th William J. Coyne, PA 14th Peter A. DeFazio, OR 4th Peter Deutsch, FL 20th Eliot L. Engel, NY 17th Lane Evans, IL 17th Eni FH. Faleomavaega, American Samoa Delegate Michael P. Forbes, NY 1st Barney Frank, MA 4th Luis V. Gutierrez, II. 4th Maurice D. Hinchey, NY 26th Stephen Horn, CA 38th Steny H. Hoyer, MD 5th Tom Lantos, CA 12th Nita M. Lowey, NY 18th Jim McDermott, WA 7th James P. McGovern, MA 3rd George Miller, CA 7th Patsy T. Mink, HI 2nd Dennis Moore, KS 3rd Constance A. Morella, MD 8th Richard E. Neal, MA 2nd Nick J. Rahall II, WV 3rd James E. Rogan, CA 27th Janice D. Schakowsky, IL 9th Christopher H.Smith, NJ 4th James A. Traficant Jr., OH 17th Robert A. Underwood, Guam Delegate Peter J. Visclosky, IN 1st Henry A. Waxman, CA 29th Robert Wexler, FL 19th Frank R. Wolf, VA 10th

Co-sponsors of Senate resolution

The following co-sponsors (a complete list as of this printing) are listed with the state each represents.

Sponsor: Joseph Lieberman, CT

Co-sponsors (17): Max Baucus, MT Christopher S. Bond, MO Sam Brownback, KS Christopher J. Dodd, CT Richard J. Durbin, IL Russell D. Feingold, WI Orrin G. Hatch, UT John F. Kerry, MA Herb Kohl, WI Carl Levin, MI Richard G. Lugar, IN John McCain, AZ Don Nickles, OK Harry M. Reid, NV Paul S. Sarbanes, MD Charles E. Schumer, NY Jeff Sessions, AL [Page 5]

Marvel at strength of Amatu’l-Bahá

To the Editor:

Recently when the phone rang, and it was a friend telling me of the passing of our beloved Hand of the Cause of God, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, a part of me started to grieve because of the loss of this wonderful woman who, after the passing of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, worked so hard with the other Hands of the Cause to bring about the Universal House of Justice and to teach the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh wherever she went. But, as another friend said, we should be happy because she is now reunited with our beloved Guardian. This same friend said that it is normal that we would be sad for ourselves, but we should be happy for her.

I think about the life of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum and marvel at her strength and selfless nature. In her travels, she taught so many individuals about the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Even when she was grieving the passing of her beloved husband, Shoghi Effendi, she "pulled up her socks" and got on with teaching and spreading the Faith. She traveled to India, South America, Europe, North America, Asia, wherever she felt the need, and spread the word of Bahá’u’lláh. Yes, she was probably tired at times, ill at other times, but she didn't complain about what she had been handed, she just did what she had to do.

As I think about her life, I am amazed at her courage and her love of Bahá’u’lláh, the Master and, of course, the Guardian, her beloved husband, who passed to the Abhá Kingdom much too young.

I hope that, as a tribute to the memory of our beloved Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, each one of us arise as she did and teach the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh wherever we go, whether it is to the grocery store or on vacation. Let us remember her sacrifices, her willingness to give all to this wondrous Faith, and her love for the Bahá’ís of the world.

Helen A. Hayton Bloomfield, New Mexico

LETTERS FROM READERS

welcome letters from readers on topics relating to the furtherance of the goals of the current Plan, the principles of Wthe Wometers from readers on topics relating to the further The purpose of Letters from Readers is to encourage an exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another's views or attack anyone—openly or subtly. • Opinions expressed are those of the writers, not necessarily of the editors. • A 250-word maximum length is suggested. Letters will be edited for style and possibly for length. Please address letters to: Editor, The American Bahá’í, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 e-mail

Emotion has a role in devotional activities

To the Editor:

I read with interest Eloise Mitchell's letter (The American Bahá’í, Dec. 31, 1999) about the importance of decorum in our community devotion programs.

While decorum is important, we should be aware of the need for other elements in our devotions like emotion and respect for the manner in which others express reverence.

I was raised in a Presbyterian background in which religious services were virtually devoid of emotion. As a result I had no emotional commitment to such devotion.

Since becoming a Bahá’í, I have attended several African-American Christian services as a guest. Frankly, if I had not found Bahá’u’lláh first, I might have stopped my search for spiritual fulfillment at one of these services. I felt closer to God in each of these very different services than I ever did in any of the church services during my childhood. The emotional component was expressed in various ways at the different churches ranging from deeply felt singing with spontaneous "amen" responses from the congregation to sudden dancing and rejoicing by individual congregants. I am certain that each of these various emotional expressions was sincere. Once I became accustomed to these forms of response, I found the sincerity and depth of emotion profoundly moving. Can we be certain that these forms of sincere reverence and devotion can have no place in a Bahá’í devotion?

In one religious service, the members would frequently pray out loud—simultaneously—different prayers of their own making! It took me some time to get comfortable with this experience. But as this form of praying was repeated and as the service was nearing an end, I felt the power and emotion in the cacophony of prayers in which an occasional familiar phrase rises above the other various voices. Would this manner of prayer violate Bahá’í law or Bahá’í principles? I am not so sure, though it would probably raise concerns about whether this showed a lack of reverence because most of us are not familiar with this manner of praying.

We have probably all been at some Bahá’í devotions which unfortunately lacked devotional emotion but followed our preconception of the proper manner of conduct. As we prepare for entry by troops, we should be open to, or at least tolerant of, the different forms of devotion being brought by persons of various heritages and cultures. Hopefully, we will not reject devotional methods because they do not "fit" our view of reverence and devotion.

Ted Amsden Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan

IRAN SITUATION

are serving prison terms, all for their religious beliefs or activities. Since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, more than 200 Iranian Bahá’ís have been executed and thousands have been imprisoned.

More information about the situation of the Bahá’ís in Iran is available on the Internet (http://www.us.bahai.org/iran/). Your local community members may wish to review this information before contacting their Congressional members.

The National Spiritual Assembly would also like to take this opportunity to thank the American Bahá’í community for its past response to various requests to assist in external affairs activities. In recent years the Universal House of Justice has increasingly asked National Spiritual Assemblies to expand their external affairs work, focusing on two objectives:

1. To defend the Faith, as in the case of the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran.

2. To influence the processes towards world peace, concentrating on human rights, the status of women, global prosperity and moral development.

In pursuing these objectives, the National Spiritual Assembly has from time to time called on the Bahá’í communities in the U.S. to contact their Congressional representatives to encourage their support of legislation pertaining to the defense of the Bahá’ís in Iran, the promotion of the rights of women, and the support of the United Nations. The National Assembly is deeply appreciative of the immediate and helpful response of the friends to the numerous requests to express the views of the Bahá’ís to the political leaders of our country.

The National Spiritual Assembly will continue to make periodic requests of the Bahá’í community to act on carefully considered issues. Simultaneous action by Bahá’ís nationwide makes a strong statement about the unity and integrity of the U.S. Bahá’í community. The National Assembly urges Local Spiritual Assemblies to educate their Bahá’í communities about the importance of taking action on these appeals and engaging in timely responses to such requests. Assemblies may wish to consider authorizing their secretaries to notify their communities immediately when the National Spiritual Assembly issues such requests.

When contacting members of Congress at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly, community members may mention that they are Bahá’ís, but the contact should not be considered an opportunity to teach the Faith. The National Spiritual Assembly does not wish the Bahá’ís to include Bahá’í literature or to use quotations from the Bahá’í Writings. If the Bahá’ís are asking for support for a particular issue or legislation, their appeals will be most effective if such appeals are straightforward, dignified, and to the point.

Congressional offices generally respond to letters received in the mail as well as incoming telephone calls, and record the views their constituents have communicated. However, they do not always record or respond to electronic mail. Therefore, the National Assembly prefers that the Bahá’í community communicate through letters and telephone calls.

Please communicate these general guidelines to the friends in your community when asking them to contact your Congressional representatives, so that they will know how to proceed. Thank you for supporting this unified action. Please be assured of our prayers on your behalf.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

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

Firuz Kazemzadeh Secretary for External Affairs

HUQUQU’LLÁH

THE RIGHT OF GOD

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:

• Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 Phone 310-394-5449, fax 310-394-6167, e-mail • Stephen Birkland, Arden Hills, MN 55112 Phone 651-484-9518, fax 651-490-7521, e-mail • Sally Foo, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone 609-671-9125, fax 609-671-0740, e-mail • Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 Phone 440-333-1506, fax 440-333-6938, e-mail • Elizabeth Martin, P.O. Box 178, Winnsboro, SC 29180 Phone 803-635-9602, e-mail

Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 440-333-1506, fax 440-333-6938, e-mail). [Page 6]

Kellum Awards bring service into spotlight

The ideal of "servant leadership" shone Feb. 26 at a warmly emotional ceremony for the David Kellum Awards, at Foundation Hall in the Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois.

As about 230 people from many walks of life watched, recipients of all four awards—three individuals and a couple—invited dozens of people involved in their programs to be acknowledged on stage: the families and youths they help, who often are their co-volunteers in serving their neighborhoods.

Each year, the National Spiritual Assembly presents the David Kellum Award to individuals or organizations who "represent positive role models for youth of all races and who contribute outstanding service to the community."

The award honors David Kellum, longtime member of the Chicago Bahá’í community, who dedicated his life to improving race relations. He was the director of the Bud Billiken Activities (including the nationally broadcast Bud Billiken Parade) and worked as city editor of the Chicago Defender.

Robert Henderson, secretary-general of the National Assembly, presented the awards.

Mary Gonzales of Chicago, Illinois, has devoted 20 years to helping children in her neighborhood by supplying a "safe house," providing school materials and food, and counseling them on respect and nonviolence. She started with a handful of children in her back yard; now "Mary's Kids" helps more than 150 children. The project has been profiled in local media.

Quote: If there is to be change, it has to be neighborhood by neighborhood, block by block.... We need to let our young people know they are important, they have rights. We need to teach them how to know about their rights.

Dick and Ann Rundall, Bahá’ís in Rockford, Illinois, established the Institute for the Oneness of Humanity, which is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Rockford and has earned significant local recognition. In one of the city's most economically distressed neighborhoods, this institute has joined partners with residents to tackle beautification, tutoring, child advocacy, recreational and funding projects.

Quote from Ann Rundall: This award is not just about us. It's about all of the work that's been done, all the friends we've made, all the things we've learned.... You don't do something like this without the support of all the people who love you.

Mary Gonzales speaks at the Kellum ceremony with her husband and some of "Mary's Kids" accompanying her on stage.

The ceremony was a time for the honorees not only to shine, but also to network and establish connections.

Ann and Dick Rundall flank Robert Henderson after receiving their award.

Robert Henderson, speaking on the spiritual qualities exemplified by winners of the Kellum Award:

"[These people have] assumed what we believe to be the highest station that can be achieved in life—and that is service.... Those who lead us must be more concerned with serving the needs of the people of the community than with advancing the credo of 'me, mine and more.'"

Lucia Norris makes her acceptance speech with Parents Association members on stage.

Phillip Jackson of Chicago, Illinois, began a project in 1992 that has since been adopted by the Chicago Bahá’í community as the Gap Project. The project provides a structured opportunity for young residents to serve their South Side neighborhood through cleanups, snow shoveling and mentoring of children—as well as taking field trips to fun, historic and cultural sites.

Quote: Greatness comes from service to humanity [and] teaching others, through dynamic examples, how to be great and how to give service.

Lucia Norris of Evanston, Illinois, started the Southeast Evanston Parents Association five years ago to help residents improve their social and economic welfare by getting connected with information and resources. Hundreds of families now participate in efforts to enhance the atmosphere and prevent violence in parks, in schools and on the streets.

Quote: [Our priorities are] to see that our children don't give in to a life of drugs and violence, but that they have a safer neighborhood, better education and better homes. [Page 7]

SPREADING the TEACHINGS

World Religion Day: Reaching out Scottsdale, Arizona

The idea of fostering harmony across religious and cultural lines was so appealing in this Phoenix suburb that the Bahá’í organizers drew in Mayor Sam Campana and a popular radio announcer to contribute to the World Religion Day program at Horizon High School here, according to the local Bahá’í newsletter, Talking Drum.

Beginning with a traditional Lakota invocation and ending with rousing gospel music, the event gave the audience of more than 200 exposure to teachings and traditions of nine religions, including the Bahá’í Faith, Christianity and lesser-known traditions such as Sikhism and Ifa Yoruba, a West African native religion.

The mayor presented Lal Fernando of the local Bahá’í community with a plaque commemorating World Religion Day. She invited event organizers to meet in her office. The Arizona secretary of state, through a personal representative, extended a similar invitation.

Mayor Sam Campana (right) presents a plaque bearing the City of Scottsdale's World Religion Day proclamation to Lal Fernando of the Phoenix, Arizona, Bahá’í community.

1-800-22-UNITE: MAKING IT WORK IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Useful Hints

• PLEASE delete your seeker calls after you have confidently transcribed the information.
• If you need to save a message, listen to the call, then hang up and the call will be placed in your "Saved Messages" for 15 days. After 15 days the call will automatically be deleted.
• When you access your voice-mail box again you will have the choice of listening to "New Messages" or "Saved Messages." At that time please transcribe your "Saved Messages" and delete them from the system.
• Please do not save your messages as "New," or the call will "bounce back" to your Bahá’í National Center five days after being placed in your voice-mail box, and will be logged as UNRETRIEVED. It will be re-forwarded to your voicemail box one additional time.
• If the call continues to "bounce back" it will be forwarded to your Regional Bahá’í Council for follow-up.

800UNITE Office Phone 847-733-3497

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Music was the universal language as the Spiritual Assembly here collaborated with the Interreligious Forum of the Greater Harrisburg Area for the second year to organize the annual World Religion Day program.

Each of nine participating faith communities shared a song or two from their traditions.

The audience of more than 80 people was delighted with all the offerings, including songs by Joy, a group of eight Bahá’ís.

Many participants felt the event was so successful, they urged that the format be repeated next year.

In addition to the Bahá’ís, the event was supported by Hindu, Christian (United Church of Christ, Unity, Latter-Day Saints, Christian Scientist), Islamic and American Indian communities.

Fourth-grader presents Faith to 150 people at her school

Inspired by the Christmas season, Mirel Oese-Siegel of Geneva, New York, presented a 25-minute program on the Bahá’í Faith to 150 people at the Border City Multi-Age School, where she is a fourth-grader.

Nearly the entire school—students, faculty, and staff—learned of Bahá’u’lláh and the major tenets of His Faith during the school's regular "Morning Meeting."

Mirel thought it easiest and best to answer her friends' and teachers' many questions at one time, gathering them together for this event. A question-and-answer period concluded Mirel's talk. The principal, Wendy Doyle, enthusiastically responded: "Not only are these my personal beliefs, but this is what Border City School stands for. This is wonderful."

Border City Multi-Age School is a rural public school serving diverse children. Grade levels are paired in a co-teaching situation unique to the Waterloo School District.

The school practices a "virtue of the week" program, introducing children to attributes and ideas that create a peaceful democratic society. Adults had given presentations on topics of personal interest during Morning Meeting, but Mirel became the first student to use this time in such a way.

ARISING TO TRAVEL FOR THE FAITH

The decentralization process means a new view of coordinating the work of those who wish to pioneer or travel to teach the Faith—at home or abroad. Here is a list of people you should contact ahead of time.

HOMEFRONT PIONEERING

Central States: Lynn Wieties (phone 573-364-9618)

Northeastern States: Joel Nizin (phone 201-652-6385) Diana Kaufman (phone 908-709-1228)

Southern States: Anne Jalali (phone 912-825-3542)

Western States: Flor Toloui (phone 925-672-6686)

INTERNATIONAL PIONEERING AND TRAVELING TEACHING Office of Pioneering (phone 847-733-3508)

TEACHING WITHIN THE U.S.

Central States: Marilyn Ray (phone 785-628-1919)

Western States: Jan Saeed (phone 801-582-3135)

Look at what's on the Web!

Teaching tools free for the downloading www.usbnc.org Log in with your ID number, then click on "Media Campaign" at left

• SEEKER NEWSLETTER. The second issue of The Light of Unity, a downloadable newsletter for seekers, is available in a format that allows you to insert local contact information, print out and distribute to your seekers. Articles this issue include "The Station of Motherhood," "A Spiritual Springtime," "Making a Difference for Women's Rights" and selections from Bahá’í scriptures.
• PRINT ADVERTISING MATERIALS. An ad layout produced to support promotion of the video The Power of Race Unity is available in HTML and Adobe Acrobat formats. Ads for other and upcoming videos will soon be available.
• FIRESIDE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS. Materials can be downloaded to help your firesides make the most of three videos: The Power of Race Unity, The Power of Prayer and Family: The Seeds of World Peace.

Vital information and how-to tips for the media initiative

• UPDATED BROADCAST SCHEDULE. Cable TV air dates for the three 30-minute programs and the short commercials are posted through June.
• USING 1-800-22-UNITE. Includes step-by-step instructions and advice, from accessing the voice-mail system to composing your response to seekers.

Let us know about your success in spreading the teachings!

• TEACHING SUCCESS REPORT FORM. After accessing the Web site, click on "NSA Departments" at left, click on the "National Teaching Committee" link, then on the "Teaching Success Survey Form" link.

[Page 8]

Sharing thoughts on human rights

A plaque of Bahá’í thoughts on human rights is presented to Iven Lee (left), executive director of the West Virginia Human Rights Commission, at a special luncheon in Charleston with a delegation of West Virginia Bahá’ís. Arranged by Bahiyyih Fareydoon-Nezhad, a Bahá’í from Charleston who serves on the commission, the meeting dealt with services the Bahá’í community could offer in the cause of human rights. Pictured with Lee are Minu Sabet (center), a Bahá’í from Cross Lanes, and Norman Lindell, deputy director of the Human Rights Commission. In December Lee was a speaker at a Bahá’í-co-sponsored forum for U.N. Human Rights Day.

DISTANCE LEARNING

UPCOMING COURSES:

• ISLAM FOR DEEPENING AND DIALOGUE • June 1–Aug. 31; $150*

The Guardian advised the Bahá’ís to become familiar with Islam. Study the Qur’án, Islam’s teachings and early history, the distinctive nature of Shi’i Islam and its relationship with the Bahá’í Faith.

• INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH • July 1–SEPT. 30; $150*

Our National Spiritual Assembly has called on us to study this important book in the last six months of 2000. It includes Shoghi Effendi’s explanations of the stations of the Central Figures, as well as the nature of the Bahá’í Administrative Order and its relationship with the future Golden Age.

Late registration accepted in early May for:

• THE ADVENT OF DIVINE JUSTICE • April 1–May 31; $100*
• THE REVELATION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, 1868–77 • April 1–Sept. 1; $225*

• 20% discounts apply to local study groups of three or more.

All distance-learning courses include e-mail listservers for students and faculty, regular conference calls, systematic lesson plans and a wide variety of learning projects to apply in your community. All courses are available at an introductory, intermediate (college-level) or advanced (graduate) level.

Wilmette Institute

EST. 1995

NEW TOLL-FREE NUMBER: 877-WILMETTE (877-945-6388)

This new service replaces our old telephone, fax and automated voice numbers. Call 877-WILMETTE to:

• Connect with Spiritual Foundations registrar Pam Mondschein or distance learning registrar Jonah Winters.
• Leave a message for Robert Stockman, Institute administrator.
• Get recorded answers to frequently asked questions.
• Send the Institute a fax.

SPIRITUAL FOUNDATIONS FOR A GLOBAL CIVILIZATION

A four-year program raising up diverse, knowledgeable, articulate teachers and administrators of the Faith

BEGINNING A NEW FOUR-YEAR CYCLE THEME: “WHAT IS RELIGION?” HOME STUDY STARTS MAY 1 SUMMER SESSION JULY 29–AUG. 12

I gained deep spiritual insights from the many devoted, knowledgeable and diverse lecturers on many subjects from all over the world. ... I’m understanding more what Bahá’u’lláh said about “fewness of words and abundance of deeds.” —Nancy Turner, Sacramento, CA Spiritual Foundations graduate

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO ENROLL? A high school diploma and a desire to learn and serve.

THE WILMETTE INSTITUTE 536 Sheridan Road Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone and fax: 877-WILMETTE E-mail: Web: www.wilmetteinstitute.org

Time is running out to apply for the 2000 Spiritual Foundations program; late applicants accepted only as space permits.

TWO WEEKS OF INTENSIVE CLASSES IN THE WILMETTE-EVANSTON AREA

Students can gain a fundamental understanding of the Faith and of other major religions. Some basic teachings of the Bahá’í Faith will be explored: concepts of God, religion, revelation, Manifestation, physical creation, humanity, afterlife and Covenant. Those teachings will be related to the teachings of other major religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam—as well as to the great philosophical questions. Classes on Bahá’í history will examine the Faith’s beginnings during the ministries of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. Texts studied will include the Kitáb-i-Íqán and Some Answered Questions.

AN EFFECTIVE AND TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Over the past four years, the Institute has found that closeness helps make the Spiritual Foundations program effective: Learning is heightened when students and teachers can share ideas and feelings intensely, face to face, for several weeks. Spiritual Foundations students—new and veteran believers, ranging in age from 17 to 75—usually share a dormitory and cafeteria; they pray together at the House of Worship every morning; they build a Bahá’í community together. They establish strong friendships, which later result in traveling teaching trips to each other’s communities, studying together, and other collaboration.

RESULTS: GREATER CONFIDENCE IN SERVICE TO THE CAUSE

Results of the Institute’s annual survey of its students are impressive. Students have brought many people into the Faith and gained heightened confidence as teachers. A student who had never given firesides reported she had started regular firesides, with more than one enrollment resulting. Two students stated that the Spiritual Foundations program gave them confidence to speak about the Faith in public; one even did a presentation on radio. Most students have given deepenings and institute classes in their local communities. A few arrived in Wilmette describing themselves as semi-active Bahá’ís, then went home with renewed dedication to the Cause.

WOMEN’S DAY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

• To review and appraise progress in the Platform’s implementation.
• To identify new challenges and trends affecting the full implementation of the Platform for Action.
• To agree upon further actions and initiatives to ensure that commitments for gender equality, development and peace are fully realized.

Beijing +5 will allow women’s communities throughout the world to see how far their governments have come in implementing the Beijing Platform for Action.

The relevant actors of civil society, especially NGOs, have been encouraged to hold discussions and dialogues with their governments in the exchange of views for the review and appraisal process on the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action. The General Assembly urges member states to include civil society and NGOs, including representatives of women’s organizations, in their national preparatory processes as well as in their delegations to the Commission on the Status of Women and the Special Session of the General Assembly.

International undertakings such as these indicate gradual progress in the ongoing quest to advance the status of women throughout the world.

Bahá’í involvement

What makes this more exciting is that Bahá’ís are not mere observers—they are involved as consultants, within NGOs, and as part of government delegations.

This year the U.S. State Department invited Kit Cosby, director of the National Spiritual Assembly’s Washington office, to serve on the U.S. delegation as one of four “public sector advisors.” During the two-week Preparatory Committee session the governments at the U.N. negotiated documents that reviewed women’s progress over the past five years and that made new government and U.N. commitments for the further advancement of women throughout the world. These U.N. documents will form the foundation for measuring the advancement of women in several critical areas over the next five years.

Representatives of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Australia, Canada, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with two representatives from the Bahá’í International Community’s New York and Geneva Offices for the Advancement of Women, were part of the Bahá’í International Community’s delegation to the CSW.

Also, Bahá’ís with professional health-care expertise were invited to facilitate discussions in the issue caucuses where NGOs discussed language that was then given to the government delegations for their consideration in the new U.N. documents being negotiated during the March session. ♦ [Page 9]The Singapore Bahá’í Studies Review, Volume 4, Number 1 Challenges for the New Millennium $12.95 SC (SBSR41)

The Singapore Bahá’í Studies Review promotes religious harmony by providing a forum to discuss how application of the principles of the Bahá’í Faith can assist in solving contemporary problems as they relate to the cultural traditions of Asia and to those of the world. This volume includes papers on the role of religion in the rise of the women’s movement in Singapore, the status of moral values in modern society, moral education in schools, parallels between Bahá’í and Confucian approaches to human nature, and the study of the modern interfaith movement and its prospects for the future. 9" x 6", 276 pp.

A Concise Encyclopedia of the Bahá’í Faith Peter Smith $20.95 SC (CEBF)

Presenting from a clear and knowledgeable perspective, Dr. Smith traces the origins and development of the Bahá’í Faith from its beginning in 19th-century Persia to its modern position as the second-most widespread religion in the world. While employing a readable and concise style, he provides a balanced overview of the Bahá’í sacred scriptures, doctrines and practices, social teachings and organization. Its extensive cross-referencing, a chronology and a thematic index and bibliography enhance this single-volume encyclopedia. Fully illustrated with maps and photographs. 5½" x 8½", 396 pp.

What’s In It For Me? An Introduction to the Bahá’í Faith Phyllis G.L. Chew $8.00 SC (WFM)

Directed to people investigating the Bahá’í Faith or to those searching for answers to the complex social problems of today, this book briefly reviews the Bahá’í blueprint as it relates to the divine remedies revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. While acknowledging the human tendency to favor one’s self-interest, an aspect which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated “... is kneaded into the very clay of man,” Chew addresses the topics of “The Search for Wealth,” “Happiness” and “Security.” 5½" x 8¼", 174 pp.

Angus From the Heart Patricia Verge $22.95 SC (ANGUS)

This biography shares the life story of a man who transcended childhood loss, poverty and alcoholism to become beloved by people throughout the Americas. An outstanding member of the Canadian Bahá’í community, Angus Cowan had special ties to America’s original peoples. His story provides heartfelt reflection, insight and inspiration into one’s own service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. One excerpt from a recent literary review states: “(The book) brought me to tears many times. It inspired me. It has caused me to reflect on my own life and relationship to the great Cause of God.” 6" x 9", 352 pp.

MUSIC

The Messengers Produced by Jack Lenz and Ron Allen Composed by Ron Allen; assisted by Jack Lenz $18.00 CD (MCD)

The Messengers is an inspiring and artistically impressive tribute to the Prophets of God Who, from time immemorial, have shed the light of divine guidance upon the world of humanity. It combines diverse instrumentals with subtle vocals, while utilizing the human voice as more of a wind instrument than a lyrical tool. Each selection is devoted to a different Messenger of God, and musically reflects the unique cultural flavor of the time in which He appeared. The CD includes brief comments on what inspired the musical style of each piece, as well as a short history of each Prophet.

Evenin’ Tide Salt River Trio $15.00 CD (ETCD)

Mike and Bev Rogers and Lee Hosack have long entertained Bahá’í communities throughout the United States. This CD reflects the folk roots of this acoustic trio based along the North Atlantic seacoast. It features clear and distinctive vocal harmonies woven with acoustic guitar and the unique harmonica style of Mike Rogers. Three selections—“O Son of Spirit,” “The Remover of Difficulties” and “Healing Prayer”—are appropriate for use at Nineteen Day Feasts. Many others are suitable for other Bahá’í events.

Who Is Writing The Future Produced by Jack Lenz and Kevan McKenzie $18.00 CD (WWFCD)

This newest release from the heart and mind of Jack Lenz represents, as he states, “... all that I don’t know about God and the soul.” Principally inspired by the life of Bahá’u’lláh and the birth and subsequent illness of Lenz’s daughter, this latest musical expression defies simple classification. Reflecting aspects of world music, gospel, pop, ancient Eastern melodies and traditional African rhythms, Who is Writing The Future achieves its author’s aim to “inspire other souls on their journey to the presence of the Beloved.” This CD is packaged with a copy of the Bahá’í International Community’s statement Who is Writing The Future? [Page 10]Hidden Words Gold Foil Cover from India Bahá’u’lláh $2.50 SC (HWGI)

This edition of Bahá’u’lláh’s ethical guidance for humanity is produced with a gold foil cover while the title and a calligraphic bird of paradise appear in colored ink. Inside, the text is printed in dark blue upon a muted floral background.

4¼" x 6½", 66 pp.

Refresh and Gladden My Spirit 10/pack Selected Prayers Pamphlet (RGMS)

Bulk priced as follows:

1-9	$2.50 per pkg.
10-99	$2.00 per pkg.
100+	$1.75 per pkg.

This small accordion-fold pamphlet features selections of Bahá’í prayers from the three Central Figures of the Faith. Such familiar and loved prayers include those for the remover of difficulties, healing, children, unity, morning and spiritual qualities.

3"x4"

Years of Silence Bahá’ís in the USSR 1938-1946 Asadu’lláh ‘Alizád $19.95 SC (YS)

Years of Silence presents the dramatic and harrowing story of the imprisonment, torture and exile to Siberia during the Second World War of Russian Bahá’ís who refused to leave their pioneering posts regardless of the consequences. This is the latest release in The Bahá’í Heritage series, which features works that document aspects of the rich tapestry of the history of the Bábí and Bahá’í Faiths.

7¼" x 5", 195 pp.

Creating A New Mind Reflections on the Individual, the Institutions & the Community Paul Lample $5.95 SC (CNM)

The foundation of this thought-provoking, inspiring work begins with an examination of Bahá’u’lláh’s revelation as the revolutionizing force behind the unprecedented metamorphosis of humanity’s collective life. Drawing on quotes from the Central Figures, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice, Creating A New Mind explores some of the salient features of the individual, the institutions and the community. Each chapter presents a distinct topic such as organic growth, systematization and learning, while offering inspiring glimpses of the complex whole that is the Bahá’í community.

5½" x 8¼", 152 pp.

The Seeker Interaction Model A Skill-Based Process for Sharing the Divine Message Morris Taylor $4.95 SC (SIM)

“... Offers an excellent process for the systematic development and practice of the effective communication skills so essential to teaching the Faith. ... The Seeker Interaction Model provides excellent material to support the systematic development of the human resources of the Faith.” —National Teaching Committee of the United States

5½" x 8¾", 58 pp.

FOR CHILDREN

Animal Tales Jennifer Lemmon music composed by Colin Webber $21.95 CS (ATCS)

This double cassette serves as a companion to the Animal Tales books or can be used alone. It consists of 12 entertaining and captivating stories that reveal to children what virtues sound like, look like and feel like. Professionally produced and attractively packaged in a book-style case, Animal Tales will make a treasured addition to your children’s audio library or an ideal and most appreciated gift.

Dino-Bone, Dino-Bone, Have You Heard? Songs For Young Children Kim Ivy Milai $14.00 CD (DINOCD)

This new music CD for children contains active songs for dancing and jumping, quiet songs for sleeping and rest time, and multicultural songs for exposure to various cultures. Milai brings to this project a master’s degree in music as well as 10 years’ experience teaching music in public schools. Dino-Bone is sure to become a new favorite for children as well as the young in spirit.

Children’s Stories from the Dawn-Breakers story by Zoe Meyer illustrated by Winifred Barnum-Newman $19.95 SC (CSFDB)

This new, richly illustrated edition of 30 exciting, ageless stories tells of the amazing events surrounding the birth of the Bahá’í Faith from 1844–1850. Children of all ages will enjoy these tales of the heroes and heroines who gave their lives for what they believed in. Adapted from Nabíl’s The Dawn-Breakers, the stories are perfect for reading aloud and convey a sense of the rich and dramatic spiritual heritage of all who call themselves Bahá’ís today. Includes a glossary of symbols found in the illustrations.

9" x 7", 156 pp. [Page 11]Under the Divine Lote Tree Essays and Reflections J.A. McLean $19.95 SC (UDLT)

In a variety of moods and voices, Under the Divine Lote Tree builds bridges between the scholar and the poet, offering the reader a synthesis between academic and creative thinking. Among the age-old themes explored are divine and human love, joy and sorrow, detachment, trust, death and the after-life. Within these 85 short essays McLean considers such diverse themes as science and logic, theology, the self and spiritual transformation. Under the Divine Lote Tree is sure to stimulate reflection and provide companionship on any spiritual journey.

8½" x 5½", 200 pp.

Heart To Heart suggestions for incorporating the performing arts into Bahá’í functions

Created in conjunction with the HEARTS project in Northwestern Washington

$2.50 SC (HTH)

This booklet provides a step-by-step guide for the integration of artistic expression into Bahá’í functions in an appropriate and effective way. Bahá’í artists provide a series of tips for creating effective collaborations with Bahá’í communities and their artists.

5½" x 8½", 12 pp.

The Importance of the Arts in Promoting the Faith A Compilation $4.95 SC (ARTS)

This compilation is intended to enlarge on guidance regarding the use of the arts as found in the 1996 Ridván message. In that message the Universal House of Justice drew attention to use of the arts in proclamation, expansion and consolidation of the Bahá’í Faith. This compilation provides insight for incorporating the arts into a wider range of Bahá’í activities and community life.

5½" x 8½", 38 pp.

PLANNING

Multifaith Weekly Planner $9.95 CA (MWP)

Give the gift that promotes unity through understanding. Complete and accurate dates, times and descriptions for more than 140 religious and cultural occasions are concisely described in this attractive planner.

It is useful as a reminder of important religious dates that are unique to one’s own religion while increasing awareness of religious and cultural events that are sacred to others.

8½" x 5½", 144 pp.

Bahá’í Wall Calendar 2000—156/157 BE $10.45 CA (BPCAL)

This latest wall calendar shows each month separately and features breathtaking full-color pictures of the Shrine of the Báb and the nearly completed Terraces. Bahá’í Feasts and Holy Days are indicated. Each month also includes powerful and inspiring excerpts from Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet of Carmel and Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, selected quotes from Shoghi Effendi and prophetic quotes from Isaiah. Each and all praise the spot on which “... the tabernacle of Glory hath been raised.”

11" x 8½"

SHIP TO __________________________________________

__________________________________________________

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DAYTIME TELEPHONE # ( ) __________________________

BILL TO __________________________________________

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CREDIT CARD # ____________________________________

EXP. DATE _________ SIGNATURE _____________________

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VINEYARD of the LORD

“Lift up your hearts above the present and look with eyes of faith into the future! Today the seed is sown, the grain falls upon the earth, but behold, the day will come when it shall rise a glorious tree and the branches thereof shall be laden with fruit. Rejoice and be glad that this day has dawned, try to realize its power, for it is indeed wonderful!” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 68

CARMEL TELECAST REACHES AROUND GLOBE

Construction of the momentous building projects on the Mountain of God is an example of the vision of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from the above quote, being translated into reality. That vision was brought home in a dramatic way at the dawn of the year 2000, when the spiritual focus of these projects, the Shrine of the Báb, and its terraced gardens became the cynosure of the eyes of close to a billion television viewers across the globe.

The Shrine of the Báb and the Terraces were filmed as part of world-wide television coverage of millennium celebrations, shown on many TV channels all over the world.

In Israel, the Israel Broadcasting Association aired the segment on Haifa with six singers from the Carmel ‎a capella a cappella‎ choir performing “Halleluya” in Hebrew standing on the steps of one of the terraces below the Shrine of the Báb with the Shrine towering above them. This was followed by Arabic and Jewish dance performances by young students on Ben Gurion Avenue and the song “Small World,” with the Shrine and the Terraces forming the backdrop.

In the United States, a PBS broadcast from Haifa not only showed the Shrine but, in the words of one viewer, “educated the viewing public as to what the Bahá’í Faith is. He introduced the Báb, and the suffering that the early followers faced, and finally the execution of the Báb Himself. And then he proclaimed the Name of Bahá’u’lláh throughout our country. ... He introduced us to the high principles taught by the Faith and its ultimate goal of uniting all the peoples of this earth.”

The viewer continued, “My heartbeat increased and tears welled up in my eyes as I heard the name of our Lord and knew it was being shared throughout the United States, nay, the entire globe, at this same moment. On this day of significance the media, which perhaps was created for this moment, proclaimed the name of Glory to the suffering Earth.”

Above: Curved concrete work defines the shape of the Entrance Plaza at the base of the Terraces, while plumbing work is under way for the star-shaped fountain and other water features.

Right: A completely refurbished gate stands at the entrance to the Shrine of the Báb.

PHOTOS BY RUHI VARGHA

Right: Masons install balustrades on the railing of the bridge that links Terrace 11 with the Shrine grounds.

WINTER REDIRECTS THE GARDENING WORK

During winter, the focus of work on the Terraces shifted from planting new vegetation to maintaining and strengthening the established gardens. Winter also provided the opportunity to fine-tune the designs already put in place, and to prepare for springtime.

Torrential rains of unusual ferocity helped test the drainage system, as well as the stability of the planted slopes of the Terraces. The system stood the test well, and there has been little or no erosion in the planted areas.

The building projects at the Bahá’í World Center on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, are a little over a year from their planned completion. Undertaken in 1990, thanks to the generous contributions of Bahá’ís worldwide the projects aim to complete by the turn of the century 19 monumental terraces from the crest to the foot of the mountain, embracing the Shrine of the Báb, plus several new administrative buildings along the Arc near the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

These projects follow a plan outlined by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, who said their development “will synchronize with ... the establishment of the Lesser Peace and the evolution of Bahá’í national and local institutions—the one outside and the other within the Bahá’í world.”

This report is part of a series that has followed the projects’ progress since 1994. [Page 13]

MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS

“The time is indeed propitious for the establishment of the International Teaching Centre, a development which, at one and the same time, brings to fruition the work of the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land and provides for its extension into the future, links the institution of the Boards of Counsellors even more intimately with that of the Hands of the Cause of God, and powerfully reinforces the discharge of the rapidly growing responsibilities of the Universal House of Justice.” —Universal House of Justice, letter to the Bahá’ís of the world, June 8, 1973

As viewed from across the Arc, the International Teaching Center Building stands with its exterior virtually complete.

A DECISIVE PERIOD IN BUILDING OF THE PROJECTS

The Projects on the Mountain of God are now in the most decisive phase of their progress. As conveyed by the ‎Universal House Justice Universal House of Justice‎ in its Ridvan 1999 letter, “dedicatory events [are] scheduled to take place on 22 and 23 May 2001.”

Before this formal inauguration, in January a Counsellors’ Conference in the Holy Land “will mark the occupation by the International Teaching Centre of its permanent seat, an occasion for which Auxiliary Board members throughout the world will be invited to join the Counsellors in the Holy Land.” With just a few months to go, the Mount Carmel Projects team is racing against time to complete the remaining Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb and the International Teaching Center Building.

Interior finishing progresses at the entrance foyer of the International Teaching Center Building’s auditorium.

FINISHING WORK PROGRESSES ON INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTER BUILDING

Work inside the Auditorium, which shares levels 4 and 5, is coming on very well. Stone work inside and outside has been completed and nearly all the maple wood panels covering the interior walls are in place. These preparations made the Auditorium ready for installation of seating, from a supplier in England, and audiovisual equipment and stage lighting, by a Canadian firm.

Other highlights:

• Most external stone work on the Teaching Center building and Common Area is completed.
• Inside, carpet tiles are in place on levels 1 to 4, including the large dining room for staff. This work is now being carried out at level 7.
• Office furniture for the entire complex was ordered for delivery in March.
• The kitchen at level 4 is fully equipped. Work is under way to install facilities for serving and dining areas.

Interior work spaces at the Center for the Study of the Texts have become occupied and are fully functional, including offices (above left) and reception areas (above right).

A LIGHT INTO THE HEART OF THE MOUNTAIN

Most of the structure of the International Teaching Center and the Common Area has been built into the mountain, much as with the Center for the Study of the Texts and the Archives Extension.

Several patios and skylights have been designed in all these buildings to serve as natural light wells. A star-shaped, semicircular skylight surrounded by a garden adorns the Teaching Center. The aluminum frames of this skylight now hold a laminated and tempered tinted glass.

Just below it is the domed ceiling of the entrance hall of the Teaching Center with a nine-sided perforated pattern. The skylight and this domed ceiling allow for an interesting display of sunlight during the day, as it refracts through the perforated pattern. ◆ [Page 14]

Training institute organizers gain ideas, inspiration

Training institutes need a spirit of open-mindedness and experimentation as they develop their programs and make efforts to confirm individuals in their faith, Paul Lample told more than 100 Bahá’ís at the third annual Regional Training Institute Conference in Durham, North Carolina, sponsored by the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Southern States.

“A training institute is a laboratory for learning how to help sustain that process [of entry by troops].”

—Paul Lample

“There are no experts in sustaining the process of entry by troops,” said Lample, from the Office of Social and Economic Development at the Bahá’í World Center. “A training institute is a laboratory for learning how to help sustain that process. ... It is a flexible model that can be adapted to each country or region.”

More than 90 percent of all board members for the 11 regional institutes in the South were on hand for the Feb. 4–6 meeting, as were members of Bahá’í Councils from the other three regions.

Even outside the plentiful formal sessions, participants spent virtually every waking minute—even mealtimes—comparing courses, looking for tips on tutor development and discussing the most effective methods of forming study circles.

Allison Vaccaro (from left), member of the board of the Oklahoma Regional Training Institute, sits with Elizabeth Martin, Jamie Abercrombie and Jonathan Hanna of the South Carolina RTI. Photo by Frances Worthington

Southern Council member Mahyar Mofidi said the meeting was organized so that institute boards could “share their experiences, exchange ideas, reflect on their progress and examine the challenges facing them.”

The high turnout, the Council noted afterward, provides “evidence that the training institutes are equipped and empowered to transform lives.”

Lample, in his keynote speech, focused on the continuous cycles of learning that training institutes must engage in as they seek to systematize their programs. A cycle starts with consultation, moves to action, then requires reflection in the light of the guidance from the Universal House of Justice. Then the next cycle begins.

Nelson Brignoni from the Houston Training Institute observed, “Paul Lample’s presentation brought together what we really have before us. Until now, not all pieces were connected in my mind.”

Each participant’s packet contained a warmly encouraging letter from the Universal House of Justice dated Jan. 3, saying that it was “greatly pleased to learn” about the Regional Council’s “vigorous efforts ... to mobilize the spirit and resources of the friends to meet the splendid opportunities for the development of the Faith through that spiritually susceptible region.”

At the start of the conference, National Spiritual Assembly members Patricia Locke and Jack McCants, just returning from the funeral of the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, shared precious memories of her life.

Counselor Tod Ewing, as a conference facilitator, conducted a session in which various RTIs could offer solutions to specific problems.

Other presentations by the Southern Region Chinese Affairs coordinator and representatives of the National Teaching Committee and the National Teacher Training Center rounded out the conference.

“I’ve been excited about the development of these conferences from one to the next,” said Richard Bauman of the Magdalene Carney Bahá’í Institute in Florida. “This is a wonderful collaborative process that the Council of the Southern States has developed.” ♦

Couples hold retreat for equality

Eight couples from central Indiana came away from a weekend retreat with a deeper understanding of the issues women face and the role men must play in fostering equality.

The Jan. 8–9 event in Nashville, Indiana, was sponsored by the Bloomington Spiritual Assembly’s Committee for the Equality of Women and Men.

The retreat was a first for the committee after years of separate men’s and women’s weekends, but the enthusiastic reaction of attendees ensures it won’t be the last.

Participants in the Jan. 8–9 couples retreat in Nashville, Indiana, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Bloomington.

Discussions and workshops centered on:

• How couples work at fostering equality in their families.
• What Bahá’ís are doing about equality.
• How women and their feminine qualities are destined to bring harmony to the world, and the impact on society of these feminine qualities.
• How we can ensure that feminine qualities are preserved and fostered in the home, workplace and in society.
• How the equality of women and men will affect our nation’s “most challenging issue,” equality of the races.

The National Spiritual Assembly’s Two Wings of a Bird: Equality of Women and Men statement was read and discussed, as was an article by Counselor Tod Ewing on the advancement of women and race unity.

Any communities interested in contacting the Bloomington Spiritual Assembly about this experience can write to P.O. Box 1004, Bloomington, IN 47402. ♦

USBRO seeks refugees’ stories

The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office invites Bahá’ís and Local Spiritual Assemblies to let it know about Bahá’í refugees who are making positive contributions in their new homeland, to help the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) celebrate the 50th anniversary of its establishment.

The UNHCR has asked the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office (USBRO) to help celebrate “the perseverance and courage of refugees, as well as ... their contributions and future potential.”

The UNHCR is creating a gallery of refugees and former refugees to be featured on its Web site. The UNHCR is particularly interested in stories that “counter the misperception of refugees as a problem or a burden,” and highlight “the contributions that refugees make to their new societies, home countries, or the world at large.”

If you know Bahá’í refugees who fit those criteria, please contact the USBRO immediately for an application form (phone 847-869-9039, fax 847-733-3545, e-mail ).

This form should be completed and sent back to USBRO, which will forward all applications to the UNHCR. ♦ [Page 15]

Regional schools carrying out mission to cultivate distinction

“Cultivating Distinction”—the nationwide study program for 2000 prescribed by our National Spiritual Assembly—is the general theme of this year’s regional summer schools across the country. A curriculum guide on this theme, from the National Education and Schools Office, is available on the Web (log into www.usbnc.org with your Bahá’í ID number, click on the “NSA Departments” icon at left, then follow the link to the Education and Schools Office).

Here is a list of spring and summer schools, from May through Labor Day weekend, that have reported their plans to the Education and Schools Office in time for publication. More details in the next issue of The American Bahá’í.

Northeastern States

New York “Solomon R. G. Hilton,” Aug. 11–20 Location: Poughkeepsie, NY. Registrar: Paul Omeed Arbab (e-mail ).

Central States

Illinois “Heartland,” July 15–19 Program: Cultivating Distinction: Building the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. With Regional Council member Curtis Russell. Location: Knox College, Galesburg, IL. Facilities: Campus with dining hall; dorms w/o air conditioning (optional hotel nearby). Fees: Adult or Youth (12+) $165, Child (2–11) $105, Infant (0–1) $17. Day rates available. Registrar: Carl Clingenpeel, Aurora, IL 60504 (phone 630-898-0520, e-mail ).

Indiana “Nur’u’llah,” June 2–4 Program: With Habib Riazati. Location: LaLumiere School near LaPorte, IN. Facilities: Campus with lodging on site, wooded surroundings. Registrar: Susan Chinworth-Martig, Portland, IN 47371 (phone 219-726-2362, e-mail ).

Iowa, June 21–25 Program: Cultivating Distinction. Location: Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA. Facilities: Campus with dining hall and dorms (camping optional nearby). Fees: Adult $180; discounts for Youth, Child or Family (ask registrar). Registrar: Gary Scott, Mt. Vernon, IA 52314 (phone 319-895-0519, e-mail ). Pre-register by June 10.

Kansas, May 5–7 Program: Cultivating Distinction. With Auxiliary Board member David Freeman and Regional Council member Lynn Wieties. Location: Rock Springs 4-H Camp near Junction City, KS. Facilities: Classrooms, dining hall; family-style lodging. Horseback/outdoor recreation, crafts. Fees: Adult (18+) $100, Youth or Pre-youth (6–17) $80, Child (2–5) $10, Infant (0–1) free. Registrar: Gray Bishop, Derby, KS (phone 316-788-5378, e-mail ). Pre-register by April 15.

Minnesota “William Sears Great North Woods,” Aug. 16–20 Location: Camp Onomia near Onamia, MN. Registrar: Ali Mahabadi, Plymouth, MN 55441 (phone 612-537-6039).

Nebraska “Great Plains,” July 20–23 Program: Cultivating Distinction. With Aaron Kreader, Ruth Hansen, Tracy Freeman, Billie Kay Bodie, Harron Von Lyle. Location: Peru State College, Peru, NE. Facilities: Campus with dining hall; dorms (bring bedding). Pool, court sports, crafts. Fees: Adult or Youth (11+) $95, Child $74 or $50 in sleeping bag on floor, Infant (w/o bed) $15. Day rates available. Registrar: Cecil Peterson, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0468 (phone 712-322-6399, e-mail ). Pre-register by June 15; late fees apply otherwise.

Wisconsin “Marian Steffes,” July 17–21 Location: Byron Center, Brownsville, WI. Facilities: Central meeting, dining; double rooms. Pool, outdoor/team sports, crafts. Registrar: Lisa Riemer, West Bend, WI 53095 (phone 414-338-3023, e-mail ). Pre-register by July 10.

Western States

Southern California, June 23–26 Program: Cultivating Distinction. Location: Pilgrim Pines Conference Center, Yucaipa, CA. Facilities: Central meeting, dining (vegetarian meals optional); cabins or limited separate rooms. Fees: Adult in low $100s, Child half price; discount for full cabins. Registrar: Amy or Frank Vahid (phone 909-278-2787, e-mail ) or Edye York (phone 909-983-1022, e-mail ).

Colorado East, June 21–25 Location: Woodland Park, CO. Facilities: School classrooms and dining hall, primitive camping (hotels/motels nearby). Fees: Adult $55, Youth or Child (11–20) $45, Child (3–10) $35. Registrar: Don Brayton (phone 719-687-3351, e-mail ).

Montana “John H. Wilcott,” July 30–Aug. 4 Program: Cultivating Distinction: Champion Builders and Apostles. With Shannon Javid. Location: Luccock Park Camp, Livingston, MT. Facilities: Main lodge, dining room; cabin housing (bring bedding). Swimming, horse-back riding, hiking. Fees: Adult $160, Youth (12–18) $130, Child (4–11) $85, (0–4) $10. Registrar: Sandi Marisdotter, Helena, MT 59601 (phone 406-442-7526, e-mail ). Pre-register by July 10.

New Mexico “Four Corners,” July 19–23 Program: Cultivating Distinction. Location: Camp Kiwanis near Gallup, NM. Facilities: Open-air meeting spaces, chapel, dining hall; dorm lodging (private rooms for special needs only). Outdoor, team recreation. Fees: Adult (19+) $75, Youth (15–18) $60. Pre-youth (11–14) $45, Child (7–10) $25, (3–6) $20, Infant (0–2) free. Day rates available. Registrar: Bill Bright, Gallup, NM 87301 (phone 505-722-0039). Pre-register by July 4.

Eastern Oregon, Aug. 12–15 Location: Suttle Lake United Methodist Camp, in Cascade Mountains. Registrar: Dan Lincoln, Lyons, OR 97358 (phone 503-859-2390, e-mail ). Pre-register by July 20.

Oregon West “Carmel,” June 25–30 Location: 20 minutes east of Portland, OR. Facilities: Retreat center; meals on site. Fees: All ages $95. Registrar: Sue Koos (phone 503-829-8423).

Oregon West (South) “Badasht,” Aug. 9–13 Registrar: Lynne Nesbit (phone 503-282-0182, e-mail ).

Utah, May 26–29 Program: Developing Distinction. With Jack McCants, Barbara Lochmar, Mardell Harris, Jan Saeed. Location: Clearcreek Family Ranch near Zion National Park, UT. Facilities: Private or dorm-style lodging or camping; bring bedding. Fees: Ask registrar about various fee packages, from $119 per person to $549 per family, depending on lodging. 25% advance deposit. Registrar: Shokouh Imani, Layton, UT 84040 (phone 801-771-0586) or e-mail or fax 801-451-7993. Pre-register by May 15.

Washington “Tiny Seed,” Aug. 11–16 Location: Brighton Creek Conference Center, McKenna, WA. Registrar: Louard Crumbaugh III, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273-2829 (phone 360-419-0408, e-mail ). Pre-register by July 21.

Eastern Washington/North Idaho “Sheltering Branch,” July 1–7 Location: Camp Wooten ELC, southwest of Pomeroy, WA. Facilities: Classroom buildings and cabins or tent/RV spaces; somewhat rustic. Pool, court games, outdoor recreation. Fees: Family $550, Adult (19–59) $175, (60+) $115, Youth (15–18) $115, (11–14) $105, Child (6–10) $85, (2–5) $55, (0–1) $32, Sponsored Child $132. No day students or drop-ins. Registrar: Shannon McConnell, Richland, WA 99352 (phone 509-943-1236, e-mail ). Pre-register by June 10.

Southern States

Alabama “Royal Falcon,” May 26–28 Program: Cultivating Distinction: Our Destiny Linked to Transformation. With Kathy Lee. Location: USA Brookley Center, Mobile, AL. Facilities: Conference center, dining hall; family-size rooms. Golf, outdoor recreation. Fees: Adult $80, Youth (13–21) $65, Child (3–12) $50, Infant (0–2) free. Registrar: Carol Payne, P.O. Box 289, Skipperville, AL 36374 (phone 334-774-0020, e-mail , Web site http://bahai.home.mindspring.com). Must pre-register by May 12.

Florida, June 30–July 4 Program: With Auxiliary Board members Farah Rosenberg and Cap Cornwell, Regional Council member Karen Pritchard, Dwight Allen, Dorothy Gilstrap. Choral camp with Tom Price and Barbara Baumgartner. Location: Florida Tech Univ., Melbourne, FL. Facilities: Campus with dining hall; dorms (optional; hotels nearby). Pool, tennis, soccer. Fees: Adult $180, Youth $170, Pre-youth $150, Child (4–10) $140, (0–3) free. Family discounts and day rates available. Information: Donna Evertz (phone 954-242-2562, e-mail ). Pre-register by June 15 and discounts may apply.

Georgia, May 26–29 Program: Developing Distinction and Citizenship in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. Location: Calvin Conference Center, Hampton, GA. Registrar: C. Lavonte Steele, Marietta, GA 30068 (phone 770-509-9686, e-mail ).

Kentucky, Sept. 1–4 Location: Kentucky Leadership Center, Faubush, KY. Registrar: Nancy Ordaz, La Grange, KY 40031 (phone 502-241-8790, e-mail ). Pre-register by Aug. 25.

Maryland “Dayspring,” July 27–30 Program: Cultivating Distinction: The Unique Nature of the Bahá’í Dispensation. With David and Margaret Ruhe. Location: Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD. Registrar: Rob Chalmers, Laurel, MD 20707-0464 (phone 301-725-5604, fax 301-725-0464, e-mail ).

Mississippi, June 2–4 Program: Cultivating Distinction. Location: Duncan Gray Episcopal Center, Canton, MS. Facilities: Central meeting/dining; double rooms. Lake, outdoor and team sports. Fees: Adult $112.50; Youth, Pre-Youth or Child $62.50. Day rates available. Registrar: Lorraine Hubbard, Raymond, MS 39154 (phone 601-857-5693). Pre-register by May 13.

North Carolina, June 30–July 3 Program: Cultivating Distinction: Our Past, Our Future. With early pioneers to the South; Eric Dozier and One Human Family Workshop Choir. Location: Catawba College, Salisbury, NC. Facilities: Campus with cafeteria; dorms. Pool, gym, outdoor activities. Fees: Registration: Adult $20, Child $5. Meals /housing per day: Adult, Youth, Pre-Youth or Child $37; Infant (0–3) free. Day rates available. Registrar: Sandra Miles, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 (phone 336-767-6888, e-mail ). Pre-register by June 16; late fee applies otherwise.

South Carolina, July 14–20 Program: Cultivating Distinction—Part II. Location: Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC. Facilities: Campus with dining hall; dorms or private rooms. Tennis, basketball, swimming. Registrar: V. Douglas Phillips, Rock Hill, SC 29732 (phone 803-328-6353, e-mail ). Pre-register by June 30.

Tennessee Bahá’í Institute, Sept. 1–4 Location: DuBose Convention Center, Monteagle, TN. Registrar: Kaihan Strain, Hixson, TN 37343 (info only phone 423-842-2750; please leave your e-mail address). Pre-register by mail only by August 15.

Texas, Aug. 4–6 Location: Bruceville, TX. Registrar: Muhammad Mazidi (e-mail ).

Virginia “Massanetta Springs,” Sept. 1–4 Location: Massanetta Springs Conference Center, Harrisonburg, VA. Registrar: Ruth Clements (e-mail ).

Virginia (West) “Hemlock Haven,” June 16–17 Program: Cultivating Distinction: Building Community for Entry by Troops. Location: Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, VA Fees: Ask registrar. Registrar: Sarah Jane Lee, P.O. Box 2156, Lebanon, VA 24266 (phone 540-889-0445, e-mail ). Pre-register by June 12. [Page 16]

Green Acre Bahá’í School

188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 · www.greenacre.org

In The Promulgation of Universal Peace, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá describes his desire that the lovers of Bahá’u’lláh “become distinguished in all the virtues of the human world”—for service, for love toward every human being, for unity and accord with all people, for heavenly illumination and acquiring the bestowals of God.

Green Acre’s Summer 2000 program emphasizes a theme of “Cultivating Distinction and Reflecting the Light of Bahá’u’lláh” in our hearts, our lives and all our activities. Special features this summer include:

• A celebration of the 75th anniversary of the election of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada.
• A Ruhi Service Institute for Junior Youth.
• Family Virtues Week.
• Badasht Academy and Teaching Institute programs for youth.
• A five-day Conference on Children’s Literature and Art.

June 23–28: Junior Youth Academy: Arising to Serve. With Farah Rosenberg; for ages 11–14; limited enrollment. This Ruhi Institute training session, with study and active service, immerses junior youths in such questions as: What is a spiritual being and what is the purpose of life? What is prayer and why pray? How do we introduce the Faith to others in ways that help them? What is service and the meaning of serving others?

June 30–July 5: Family Virtues Week. With Kathy Grammer. Address a fundamental purpose of life, acquiring virtues, and focus on how to identify and practice virtues in everyday life—through spiritual study, meditation, journal writing, creative dramatics, music and games. Also: The Bahá’í Administrative Order in North America—Its First 75 Years. With Jack McCants. Learn about the Bahá’í National Convention at Green Acre in July 1925, where the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada was elected. Reflect on the dynamic leadership of the National Spiritual Assembly and its effect on the Bahá’í community and on American society. Also: July 2 Concert/Picnic with Red Grammer and special 75th Anniversary celebration.

July 7–12: Badasht Academy for Youth—Spiritual Descendants of the Dawn-Breakers: Our Glorious Heritage. Presented by the Regional Bahá’í Council and the Regional Youth Committee; for grades 9–12 (June high school graduates also welcome); limited enrollment. Intensive study of The Dawn-Breakers and the life of Bahá’u’lláh is central to this lively, interactive session filled with music and theater. Follow-up: The Regional Council and Youth Committee will organize teams of interested youths for a 19-day teaching campaign, July 13–July 31.

July 22–26: The Complement and Helpmeet of Each Other: Gender Equality. With Gwendolyn Etter-Lewis. Using Janet and Peter Khan’s Advancement of Women: A Bahá’í Perspective as a text, this course for women and men examines the meaning of gender equality, the relationship between equality and global peace, education of girls and advancement of women, the profound effects of equality on family relationships and all our interactions, and translating the principle of gender equality into action.

July 22–26: Camp Green Acre. Coordinated by Jill Berg; for ages 8–12; limited enrollment. This camp program offers fun-filled days of study, outings, arts, crafts and service in the spirit of Bahá’í community life, with a high ratio of counselor-teachers to campers.

July 28–Aug. 2: The Dynamics of Authentic Relationships. With William Hatcher, Mary K. Radpour, Lonya Osokin, Sheri Dressler, Leslie Asplund and Carmel Hatcher. Discover the “virtuous cycle,” a psychological and spiritual process of transformation that can increase our awareness of where we are in our development, where we want to go, and how to move forward. The necessary knowledge is derived both from the Bahá’í writings and from the science of psychology.

The Dawnbreakers Youth Institute attracted more than 80 young Bahá’ís to Green Acre last summer.

Aug. 4–9: Packing for the Five Year Plan: Are We Ready? With Barbara Harris, Bob Harris, Janet Richards and Rodney Richards. As the Bahá’í Faith speeds through the shortest Plan in its history, we must get packed and ready for the exciting journey of the Five Year Plan. Prepare ahead: before the session, please read “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh”; the Oct. 20, 1983, letter from the Universal House of Justice on social and economic development; and the Dec. 28, 1999, letter on devotional practices established in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

Aug. 11–16: Mystic Medicine: Religion Shaping Science. With Babak Etemad. The influence of the Bahá’í Revelation (and religion in general) on the progress of medical science will be addressed through a survey of Bahá’í sacred texts and a broad review of history. Sessions will address such issues as faith healing, end-of-life, assisted fertilization and resource allocation.

Aug. 11–16: Core Curriculum Teacher Training for the Spiritual Education of Children. This session explores the spiritual reality of the child, the station of the teacher, the “child-development-centered community” and the first sections of the curriculum for ages 6–12. Embark on a special journey into your own transformation.

Aug. 18–23: Hospitable to Humanity: Bahá’í-Centered Management. With Dorothy Marcic, Larry Miller and Zabih Sabet. Bahá’í principles can transform management practices through the idea that virtue development is as important in organizational life as it is in personal life. Learn how to create a high-performance organization by incorporating Bahá’í consultation and virtues into a team-based management structure.

Aug. 18–23: Institute for Youth: In the Footsteps of the Master. With Dwight Allen; for youths ages 15 and up (including Bahá’ís and their friends); limited enrollment. During the anniversary of the week when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited Green Acre in 1912, youths will experience the joy imparted by study of the Sacred Text, service and sharing the message of faith. They will study the relationship between the Bahá’í Faith and Christianity.

Aug. 25–30: The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. With Habib Riazati. Gain a deeper understanding of this volume of seven letters from Shoghi Effendi to the American Bahá’í community in which he addressed the paramount purpose of the Bahá’í Faith: To demonstrate for a harassed and sore-tried humanity a pattern of divinely revealed order that is to usher in an era of peace and unity.

Aug. 25–30: The Spirit of Children: Third Annual Conference on Children’s Literature and Art. For children’s writers, artists, storytellers, musicians, actors, designers, filmmakers, game designers, puppeteers, publishers and more. Includes sessions with representatives of Brilliant Star magazine and the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, as well as presentations by a wide variety of people involved with producing and distributing artistic and literary materials for the spiritual education of children.

Sept. 1–4: I Dedicate Myself to Thee: The Power of Devotional Life. With Linda Meccouri and John Woodall. How do the laws that relate to the Obligatory Prayers, fasting and the recitation of the Greatest Name act as a vehicle for the transformative power of love and spirit? Discover how pursuit of the devotional life in spiritual practice releases the power that transforms individuals, families and communities. And experience how love, “the most wonderful, the greatest of living powers,” enhances all our endeavors. ♦

Louhelen Bahá’í School

3208 S. State Road · Davison, MI 48423 · www.louhelen.org

“Strategies to advance the process of entry by troops cannot ignore children and junior youth, if the victories won in one generation are not to be lost with the passage of time. It is imperative, then, that at this point in the process of systematization of the teaching work, definite steps be taken to ensure that the vision of the community fully embraces its younger members. The education of children, an obligation enjoined on both parents and institutions, requires special emphasis so as to become thoroughly integrated into the process of community development.” —Universal House of Justice, letter dated Nov. 26, 1999

All summer, Louhelen Bahá’í School offers spiritual education programs for children, junior youths and youths. The programs feature focused study of the Writings, fun and fellowship. This summer, bring your friends when you come to Louhelen!

Scholar-in-residence Fred Schechter

Louhelen Bahá’í School is pleased to announce that Fred Schechter will serve as scholar-in-residence at Louhelen for seven weeks this summer. A former Counselor member of the International Teaching Center and a former member of the Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas, he has been a pioneer in Africa and Latin America and has traveled extensively assisting local and national Bahá’í communities. He is a retired professional librarian.

Mr. Schechter will offer courses, participate in class discussion and assist in the further development of Louhelen’s library and research collections.

June 2–4: Maiden of Heaven Young Women’s Institute. With Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi and Ruhiyyih Yuille; for young women ages 13–19. The hope of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was that notwithstanding “exigencies of modesty,” young women will arise “to raise the banner of service and to become a maidservant at Thy Holy Threshold. ...” This joyful, uplifting institute includes study of Bahá’í writings, spiritual reflection, consultation, artistic expression and fellowship.

June 18–23: Camp Louhelen Children’s Institute I: Principles and Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

June 25–28: Camp Louhelen Children’s Institute II: Bahá’u’lláh’s Principle of Oneness and Promoting Race Unity.

For children ages 8–12, these institutes provide active and exciting opportunities to build daily habits of spiritual living. Each includes classroom learning, science and art activities, music, games and sports. Faculty include Fred Schechter, Joanne Yuille, Angela Blackshere, Gloria Holmes, Cam Herth, Liz Herth, Eileen Lozen-Kowalski, Rona Schechter, Ruhiyyih Yuille, Perry Taborn and/or others.

June 30–July 5: Persian-American Bahá’í Studies. With Dr. Tahereh Ahdieh, Habib Riazati, Fred Schechter; musicians Narges Nouhnejad and Shahram Shahriari. Offered in Persian and English, this study of “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh” and The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh draws on the unity of friends from East and West, and fosters a vibrant community life that embraces Persian and American contributions. Features a spiritual education program for children and junior youths.

July 7–12: Youth Eagle Institute. With Habib Riazati, Fred Schechter and Ruhiyyih Yuille; for Bahá’í youths and their friends ages 15 and up. Students will closely study The Advent of Divine Justice, that peerless work energizing the double crusade to transform the self and society. Includes dynamic, interactive learning, warm fellowship, guided research, extensive service, recreation and fun for all.

July 14–19: Friends and Families I. With Dr. John Hatcher, Dr. William Hatcher, Fred Schechter; musician Ruhiyyih Yuille. This dis- [Page 17]

Bosch Bahá’í School

500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 · www.bosch.org

This summer will be unlike any other season in the history of Bosch Bahá’í School. As a school devoted to the changing needs of each family, we recognize the necessity to escape the harsh pace of our lives and surround ourselves with family and loved ones.

For this reason, Bosch has developed a new daily summer schedule that reflects the need for each family to bond together in the serenity of our 67-acre campus. We have decreased time spent in class and increased family-oriented activities such as recreation, gardening and nature walks. Also, our afternoon and evening programs will be fresh and stirring and truly indicative of the vacation you are on when you visit our school.

Bosch will always strive to embody the Guardian’s vision that Bahá’í schools should enable the believers “to become efficient and able promoters of the Cause.” We are confident your summer with us will offer you and your family new and exciting opportunities for unity that could not be achieved anywhere else. We’re eagerly waiting to serve you. Alláh-u-Abhá!

Young people have great opportunities to gain enrichment working in the organic garden at Bosch Bahá’í School.

Louhelen has a long tradition of summer sessions that keep the focus on young people.

June 2-4: Local Spiritual Assembly Team Development. This course has helped foster the maturation of more than 100 Spiritual Assemblies. Various study methods, workshops and experiential techniques are used. Each Assembly will hold two meetings during the weekend. Sessions fill quickly and are limited to seven Assemblies. Auxiliary Board member Marsha Gilpatrick will facilitate. Please contact Bahia Farahi for registration or questions.

June 9-11: Ruhi—Children’s Classes, Book 3. The Nov. 26, 1999, letter from the Universal House of Justice guides us to intensify the education of children. This course will train participants to organize and teach simple children’s classes, including spiritual prerequisites and some skills and knowledge. The book includes 15 lessons for children, which the participants can replicate and use immediately.

June 9-11: Texas Family Reunion/Study of “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh.” Howdy y’all! Whether you are from Texas or anywhere in the world, we sincerely invite you to join us for a fun and exciting weekend! It will be a time to see old friends and engage in an in-depth study.

June 16-18: Southeast Asian Roundtable Conference. This has become one of the most exciting and fun sessions at Bosch! Sponsored by the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office in collaboration with Assemblies and individuals, the program brings Bahá’ís and their friends together. It provides an opportunity to develop leadership, plan teaching and consolidation activities, and create understanding and unity between cultures. The food is great, too! Programs for children and youths will be interactive and intergenerational. Bring the family!

June 24-29: Youth Eagle Institute. This session is designed for youths age 15 and older. It focuses on the critical role of Bahá’í youths in every aspect of the Faith, on mobilizing their power, and on inspiring them to take on the challenge of transforming themselves and the world.

June 30-July 4: Ocean of Light Teaching Conference. This fifth annual teaching conference for Pacific Islanders and friends is an opportunity to share in the culture, music and dance of Pacific Islanders, but more importantly, to share their wonderful gift of love and spirituality. You don’t need to go to Hawaii—come to Bosch!

July 7-12: Children’s Academy. The recent letter from the Universal House of Justice reminds us that children are the next generation of teachers in the Faith. We welcome children in grades 4-6 to come and deepen on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the exemplar of the Faith. This is an opportunity for children to make lifelong friendships and learn more about the Master, the embodiment of every Bahá’í ideal.

July 15-20: Persian session: The Advent of Divine Justice. With Habib Riazati, Dr. Amin Banani and Sheila Banani. Dr. Banani is professor emeritus at UCLA in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures; Habib Riazati is a member of the Regional Council for the Western States. Share a wonderful spirit of Bahá’í love and fellowship, delicious Persian food and music.

July 22-27: Persian-American session. Renew old friendships and make new ones, while deepening in the knowledge of our beloved Faith! Western Regional Council members Habib Riazati and Charlene Maghzi and ‎tinguished distinguished‎ faculty team draws on years of service in the Americas, Russia and the Holy Land to address unique features of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh and strategies for growth, through study of The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, The Advent of Divine Justice, The Arc of Ascent and The Vision of Shoghi Effendi. Features a spiritual education program for children and youths.

July 14-19: Spiritual Parenting. With Joannie Yuille, James Yuille; musician Ruhiyyih Yuille; limited enrollment. This lively Core Curriculum Parenting Program engages participants in the joys and challenges of parenting through prayerful reflection on the writings of our Faith; varied, interactive learning experiences; and opportunities to apply Bahá’í teachings to family life.

July 21-26: Spiritual Empowerment Institute for Junior Youth. With Gray Bishop, David Freeman, Fred Schechter, Rona Schechter, Dennis Smith, Joannie Yuille, Ruhiyyih Yuille and Nima Anvar; for ages 12-15. Youths will build Bahá’í community life on campus, supporting each other through prayer, study, consultation, recreation, fellowship and fun. Bring seekers and friends!

July 28-Aug. 2: Friends and Families II—Bahá’u’lláh: Creator of World Order. With Dr. Robert Henderson, Louise Profeit-LeBlanc, Dr. Rick Johnson; musician Susan Engle. The session centers on guided study of the majestic Personage of the Ancient Beauty, Bahá’u’lláh. A companion course draws on the traditional art of storytelling to build the unity of thought necessary for spiritual growth and community development. Completing the session is interactive study of The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. Features a spiritual education program for children and youths.

Aug. 4-9: Friends and Families III. With Kevin Locke, Danielle Locke, Steven Gonzales, Stephanie Fielding; musician Bob Simms. An interactive study focuses on the One Year Plan, in which parents, institutions and communities are to assure that the vision of the community includes its younger members. In a companion course, a twofold approach to the spiritual development of individuals and groups is offered through building the skills of consultation and conflict resolution. Features a spiritual education program for children and youths.

Aug. 11-16: Friends and Families IV—Building Humanity’s Future. With Habib Riazati; musicians Brenda Snyder and Rick Snyder. Study of the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, The Secret of Divine Civilization and The Advent of Divine Justice clarifies the objectives, requirements and challenges of creating a new world civilization This fast-paced course features lively, interactive lectures, spirited discussion and opportunities for self-transformation. Features a spiritual education program for ‎chil-dren children‎ and junior youths.

Aug. 18-24: Choral Music and Community Growth. With Tom Price, Evander Gilmer and Barbara Baumgartner. This exciting session for singers and music-lovers harmonizes choral music with active exploration of the relationship between music and community growth. It’s an opportunity to sing with old and new friends and to learn Bahá’í music in popular, classical and gospel styles. Includes voice training, solo performance, a community concert, a children’s choir and spiritual education for children and junior youths.

July 29–Aug. 3: Youth Institute (for students entering grades 10–12 in the fall).

Aug. 5–10: Junior Youth Institute (for students entering grades 7–9 in the fall).

These popular institutes are disciplined educational programs that focus on intellectual, physical and spiritual transformation. Training methods include lecture, study and discussion as well as exercise, prayer and service projects. Students must attend the entire session. Parents are encouraged to attend Thursday morning sessions and stay for lunch.

July 29–Aug. 10: Youth Academy. This session provides the opportunity for youths to deepen on the Bahá’í writings, prepare to join a teaching project or maybe even gain ideas to start one of their own, provide service, and build lasting friendships with other youths from all over the country.

Aug. 12–17: Family Session. Join us for a spiritual deepening on The Advent of Divine Justice. Bring your whole family to enjoy the quiet serenity of the redwood forest. Enjoy good food and make new friends!

Aug. 19–23: Family Session—Skills for Teaching. Presenters will take you through The Advent of Divine Justice, the Tablets of the Divine Plan and the Education compilation. The informative and inspiring atmosphere will help you intensify your teaching efforts.

Aug. 26–30: Family Session—Bahá’í Administration. Based on The Advent of Divine Justice, this session will delve into Bahá’í administration, focusing on the importance of different institutions and the role of the individual believer.

Sept. 1–4: Bahá’í Social Group—Parenting. This session will be available in both Persian and English. Muin and Soheila Afnani will use the Bahá’í writings to provide new insights on parenting and family life. ♦

Aug. 18–23: Pioneer Training Program. With the National Office of Pioneering. This program features study of the Writings regarding the Covenant, pioneering, teaching and service. Also included is a cross-cultural simulation activity, interacting with veteran pioneers and assistance with the practical aspects of effective pioneering. Please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center for application materials.

Sept. 1–4: Homecoming 2000—Bahá’u’lláh, the Individual and Teaching. With Dr. David Ruhe, Margaret Ruhe, Ethel Crawford; musicians Doc Holladay and David Young. Through music, classroom learning, recreation and activities for all ages, the Louhelen Homecoming fosters unity, fellowship and joy. Classroom study deals with the life of Bahá’u’lláh, engagement in the National Teaching Plan and stories from decades of service in the Holy Land. ♦ [Page 18]

Carrying the teachings to our society

Students learn ways of ‘Spiritual Revolution’

College students from across the South gathered in Durham, North Carolina, in February to energize themselves as true spiritual revolutionaries in the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

Concentrating on the theme of social activism, participants studied such topics as “Spiritual Revolution and Social Activism,” “The Importance of Deepening and Studying the Writings,” “Examining the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh and the Process of Entry by Troops,” “Relating the Faith to Contemporary Social and Humanitarian Issues” and “Addressing the Race Issue.”

The weekend was animated with a distinct atmosphere of spirituality. As an example, the devotions were absolutely amazing! These were not a couple of people reading from a book to start the session.

Rather, as one youth wrote, “It was the assembled troops of Bahá’u’lláh’s army calling on the hosts of the concourse on high to aid and strengthen us, it was the champion-builders of the Administrative Order crying out for guidance and could, no doubt, be heard shaking the very gates of heaven.” It is this spirit that we need to win victory for the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh!

The gathering was sponsored by the Southern Regional Youth Coordinating Team, the North Carolina State Teaching Committee and the National Youth Committee. ♦

Campus Bahá’í association members from the Southern States gather for a group picture at a February retreat on applying the teachings to present-day life.

TRUE WEALTH

“It must be remembered, however, that the maintenance of such a high standard of moral conduct is not to be associated or confused with any form of asceticism, or of excessive and bigoted puritanism. The standard inculcated by Bahá’u’lláh seeks, under no circumstances, to deny anyone the legitimate right and privilege to derive the fullest advantage and benefit from the manifold joys, beauties, and pleasures with which the world has been so plentifully enriched by an All-Loving Creator. “Should a man,” Bahá’u’lláh Himself reassures us, “wish to adorn himself with the ornaments of the earth, to wear its apparels, or partake of the benefits it can bestow, no harm can befall him, if he alloweth nothing whatever to intervene between him and God, for God hath ordained every good thing, whether created in the heavens or in the earth, for such of His servants as truly believe in Him. Eat ye, O people, of the good things which God hath allowed you, and deprive not yourselves from His wondrous bounties. Render thanks and praise unto Him, and be of them that are truly thankful.”

—Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 33

A letter from the Youth Committee of Ecuador

To all the Bahá’í youth of the United States of America Dear friends,

Alláh-u-Abhá! Please receive warm greetings from the National Bahá’í Youth Committee of Ecuador. We would like to share with all of you the different activities that the Bahá’í youth movement of Ecuador is unfolding in this last portion of the Four Year Plan.

There are different areas in which the Bahá’í youth movement (BYM) of Ecuador is concentrating its efforts, in response to the guidelines sent by the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’í youth of the Americas during the 1998 BYM Congress in Chile. The questions asked by the House of Justice were: How will you accelerate the transformation of Latin American society to achieve its high destiny? How will you contribute to the establishment of a distinctive Bahá’í life? And how will you teach the Cause and promote the process of entry by troops?

We consider that the ways we can fulfill our tremendous responsibility in this historic period are through:

• Getting actively involved in the process of training institutes, “study circles,” which will help us achieve our individual transformation as well as the community’s.
• Generating and participating in dynamic teaching and service projects that can help bring life to our local communities and advance the process of entry by troops.
• Living a distinctive Bahá’í life with a high level of excellence in all the aspects of our lives.

The Bahá’í youth movement around the country holds many study circles with Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, children’s classes, deepening classes and moral leadership courses. There are also several Bahá’í youth workshops and permanent teaching and consolidation campaigns, as well as training institutes organized by the Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum National Training Institute. These institutes, lasting a month, cover the books of the Ruhi Institute and are held twice a year for the youths of the coast, Sierra and Amazon region.

The Badasht teaching and consolidation permanent project for the youth of year of service has opened the doors to the growth of the Faith in a remarkable way in all the country. The selfless and devoted service of youths from Ecuador and other countries has been a key factor in the increasing number of new believers who have joined the Faith, and the opening of new communities, since the project began four years ago.

It is our hope that we are able to transmit our love to all our friends from the United States; we know you are also participating in the activities that will lead this generation of youth to take part in the construction of the new world order.

May the Blessed Beauty continue guiding your daily efforts in the path of service to our beloved Cause.

With warm and loving greetings, Paola Dumet National Youth Committee of the Bahá’ís of Ecuador

SUMMER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

• Bosch Bahá’í School (California)
• Green Acre Bahá’í School (Maine)
• Louhelen Bahá’í School (Michigan)
• Little Pond Retreat (Pennsylvania): A meeting place for the visual, literary and performing arts on a small farm just outside Nazareth, Pennsylvania, is looking for three individuals interested in serving as summer interns.

INTERESTED?

National Youth Committee Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 phone 847-733-3499 e-mail

Upcoming events in Central and South America

• El Salvador: International Youth Congress, July 12–16; see Web site (http://elsal2000.homepage.com/)
• Ecuador: Bahá’í Youth Movement Congress: “Service and Transformation ... the Challenge of This Generation”; Aug. 7–12

MORE INTERNATIONAL EVENTS LISTED ON PAGE 39!

For more information ‎onthese on these‎ events, contact the Office of Pioneering (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail). ♦ [Page 19]

Liang the Lion and his new friends

LIANG THE LION got mail from two young Bahá’í friends sharing their wonderful work to support the National Bahá’í Fund. Bayan and Rohan Jalalizadeh (at right) sent a letter, a picture and an activity book. Here, Liang shares one of the activities from their book, which they made to raise money for the Faith. Read their letter to the National Treasurer:

Bayan and Rohan Jalalizadeh, both 10, from Carrollton, Texas, created an activity book to raise money for the National Bahá’í Fund.

Dear Dr. William Roberts,

Please accept our donation to the National Bahá’í Fund. We earned this money by making and selling activity books called Bayan and Rohan’s Activity Book. Last summer, we were thinking of something to do during our summer vacation, and we wanted to help raise money for the Fund. A Bahá’í family who owns a printing shop printed them for us. In these books there is a maze, a crossword puzzle, a fill in the blanks puzzle, a picture to color, a word search, a word scramble, a matching puzzle, instructions to make thread eggs, a magic trick, and riddles! We have sold over two hundred books so far.

Sincerely, Rohan and Bayan Jalalizadeh

For a subscription to Brilliant Star, see page 32

MATCHING FUN

Match the Arabic Bahá’í months on the left with their English names on the right.

1. Bahá	_____________________	Knowledge
2. Jalál	_____________________	Will
3. Jamál	_____________________	Might
4. ‘Azamat	_____________________	Names
5. Núr	_____________________	Perfection
6. Rahmat	_____________________	Loftiness
7. Kalimát	_____________________	Dominion
8. Kamál	_____________________	Sovereignty
9. Asmá’	_____________________	Grandeur
10. ‘Izzat	_____________________	Light
11. Mashíyyat	_____________________	Beauty
12. ‘Ilm	_____________________	Glory
13. Qudrat	_____________________	Splendor
14. Qawl	_____________________	Words
15. Masá’il	_____________________	Speech
16. Sharaf	_____________________	Questions
17. Sultán	_____________________	Honor
18. Mulk	_____________________	Mercy
19. ‘Alá’	_____________________	Power

[Page 20]

A nationwide wave of action to promote unity of the races

While the work of promoting race unity is year-round and perpetual for Bahá’ís, much of the work centers on or near January and February—when Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month are observed. Here are some events and efforts in late 1999 and early 2000 as reported to The American Bahá’í by communities across the country.

BAHÁ’Í-SPONSORED ACTIVITY

Across the South

Communities in three Southern states brought in a California Bahá’í for a number of February sessions on interracial understanding. Now several schools are asking for more.

The Spiritual Assemblies of Birmingham, Alabama; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, provided the organizational push to bring LeNise Jackson-Gaertner across the country for a series of workshops and talks in high schools, universities and museums as well as a Bahá’í center.

Jackson-Gaertner is president and founder of Mothers for Race Unity and Equality, a nonprofit Los Angeles-based organization that aims to dismantle prejudicial attitudes through its work at schools as well as in the larger society.

Among presentations during her trip:

• A presentation titled “Shattering Racial Myths through Science and Migration” was given to about 200 students at Chapel Hill and East Chapel Hill high schools.
• Jackson-Gaertner spoke at the African Cultural Center at North Carolina Central University in Durham for the Bahá’í Association.
• A talk at a predominantly African-American high school in Birmingham preceded ‎an a‎ program on “Closing the Racial Divide” for a highly diverse group at the Bahá’í Center.
• In Chattanooga, Jackson-Gaertner addressed a group of teachers and students at the African American Museum on the need for school systems, teachers, parents and students to work closely on modeling racial unity and on creating environments that reward ethnic appreciation and contributions.
• After a presentation at the University of Tennessee campus, she was presented with a plaque by the head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, the Geography Association and the Office of Minority Affairs. Principals, educators, parents and students commented favorably on the content and the interactive nature of the workshops. Several educational institutions have requested future workshops by Jackson-Gaertner on ending racism, as well as materials and presentations on the contributions of people of color.

The stage was set for this series of events in fall 1999, when the Spiritual Assembly of Chapel Hill sponsored Jackson-Gaertner to do a workshop at the Bahá’í Center. Two area high schools at that time invited her, at the Spiritual Assembly’s suggestion, to speak on ethnic diversity. The combined 100 students were so intrigued they asked their schools to continue this dialogue and to form a multicultural group.

“These Spiritual Assemblies’ commitment to this project has helped to bring about greater racial harmony and understanding of the importance of social integration and equality among Bahá’ís and the greater community,” a report said.

Right: LeNise Jackson-Gaertner (center) is flanked by Geraldine Young, Chapel Hill High School assistant principal, and Josephine Harris, school district special programs director, at a race unity event sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Chapel Hill.

Orange County, California

Willie Mae Hunt, president of the NAACP’s Orange County branch, has conferred her Special President’s Award this year on the Orange County Race Unity Task Force.

“I’m giving the Bahá’í Race Unity Task Force my Special Award because I think so highly of what they do,” she enthused.

Sponsored at different times by the Spiritual Assemblies of Santa Ana and Irvine, the task force works year-round to serve and gain fellowship with Orange County’s African-American community. Help also comes from San Diego, San Bernardino and Los Angeles County Bahá’ís. As a result, more than 50 African-American guests have attended a variety of Bahá’í programs.

Becky Bourgeois of Orange and Mary Ann Perdue of Irvine, co-chairs for the task force, start the year by serving on the NAACP’s Martin Luther King Celebration Committee.

Other events in which Bahá’í’s serve include the Unity Saturday Academy, an academic enrichment program; the Black History Parade and Cultural Faire; Juneteenth, a festival commemorating the emancipation of slaves in the South; and the annual banquet in honor of the NAACP, hosted last July by the Bahá’ís of Irvine.

NAACP President Hunt said she is determined to nurture the coalition and friendship between the two organizations for a long time to come. “Being in the presence of the Bahá’ís and their spiritual feelings brings out my spirituality,” she remarked.

Above: Becky Bourgeois of the Bahá’í community of Orange, CA, attends an educational display titled “Black History Hall of Fame” and gives away “Children of the Universe” posters and T-shirts at the Orange County Black History Cultural Faire. Photo by Ray Zimmerman

Next-door neighbors Bryce Wilson (left) and Bryce Foster display and exemplify Bahá’í teachings just before the Orange County Black History Month Parade. The parade theme was “Diversity is Our Destiny.” Photo by Ray Zimmerman

Carrollton, Texas

After sponsoring an annual Martin Luther King Conference for 12 years, Bahá’í’s here are passing the torch and moving on to pioneer other efforts.

No other Martin Luther King events existed in the city or vicinity when the first conference was organized. Now, with the city of Carrollton and another local organization holding large events, Carrollton Bahá’í’s have achieved their goal of raising awareness.

The final Bahá’í-sponsored conference, “The New Millennium and the Dream: Solutions for Racial Harmony,” on Jan. 15 drew more than 300 people, only about 100 of them Bahá’í’s.

Speakers for the event were Richard Thomas, Bahá’í race relations author and activist, and Bob Ray Sanders, local television commentator and newspaper columnist.

The city of Carrollton and the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce each honored the Bahá’í’s of Carrollton with a proclamation thanking them for sponsoring the conference for 12 years.

The mayor later said that the Bahá’í’s opened his eyes and the eyes of the city to greater acceptance of all people.

So many groups and organizations agreed in recent years to help the Bahá’ís carry the conference out, it had evolved into a practical exercise in harmony. This year those groups included the Carrollton-Farmers Branch public schools, the local newspaper, two churches and several other Bahá’í communities.

During the past year, two longtime conference participants asked some Carrollton Bahá’ís to help start a small informal group to socialize and build stronger personal relationships across racial lines. The group has been holding monthly “trust dinners” in the homes of its members.

Framingham, Massachusetts

A Boston race unity dialogue sponsored last year by the Northeast Regional Bahá’í Council and the Urban League provided the model for a similar public meeting held Nov. 5 in suburban Framingham.

The Spiritual Assembly of Framingham and the Framingham Human Relations Commission organized the meeting, titled “Our Human Mosaic: A Dialogue on Race Unity.”

Nine panelists representing the NAACP, American Jewish Committee, Framingham African American Heritage Committee, Framingham State College, Framingham Human Relations Commission, Unity First News and other local groups addressed an audience of more than 100.

Philip Cantor, dialogue facilitator and chairman of the Framingham Spiritual Assembly, expressed his hope that this dialogue and personal discussion would inspire the audience to continue the discussion themselves in their own homes and neighborhoods.

Further programs are to address “Two Wings of the Bird: the Equality of Women and Men” and “Validity of All Cultures: Multi Ethnic Diversity.”

The Spiritual Assembly also plans to host neighborhood race unity dialogues as well as training sessions for people to facilitate such meetings. Other plans are to distribute a videotape of the Nov. 5 dialogue and a public performance promoting race unity, and to help other Bahá’í communities carry out similar programs.

Springfield, Oregon

Disappointment turned to focused action for this city’s Bahá’í’s.

The Race Unity Celebration in June 1999, organized under the Local Spiritual Assembly’s direction, was modestly successful. Community groups supported the event, and the entertainment was wonderful.

But Brenda Sawyer, secretary of the organizing group, acknowledged that they hadn’t quite reached their real aim—which was to bring together the diverse people of Lane County to foster friendships. Few participants, in fact, had spent time getting to know people of different types.

“We all agreed that we really want to have a reason to celebrate [in 2000],” Sawyer said.

So the group agreed to start a Race Unity Circle of Learning, with an initial main goal of training facilitators to host neighborhood race unity dialogues.

This decision was reached after contact with Vida Ellins, member of the Auxiliary Board for protection, and Oregon Regional Training Institute facilitator Beverlee Patton.

Organizers hope in time to invite non-Bahá’ís who had participated in the annual Race Unity Celebration and to lay a foundation for future race unity events.

Harlingen, Texas

The Jan. 16 “Celebrating the Dream” commemoration of Martin Luther King’s birthday marked a giant step forward for this border city’s Bahá’í community.

For the first time in memory, the Bahá’í’s reached out to co-sponsors for a public event. A Baptist church and a local immigrant rights organization cooperated with the Bahá’í community to organize the public meeting, which was hosted by the church.

A choir from a predominantly African-American Baptist church performed, a prominent Hispanic activist spoke on “the Dream” and a local Bahá’í shared a presentation on “the power of unity.”

The event received extensive local coverage through the newspaper and television.

The community plans to maintain the ties with the co-sponsors by working together on other community-service projects.

SEE RACE UNITY, PAGE 30

HONORS AND AWARDS

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Sheeda Khavari, a Bahá’í who is a high school senior, was honored with the Alphonso McCoy Award at the Feb. 25 annual recognition banquet of the local Human Relations Commission. The commission has adopted the theme of “unity,” and the banquet’s keynote speaker, Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell, spoke on the need for racial unity if American society is to advance.

Khavari’s volunteer service as a tutor for third-grade students, as well as her involvement with a Bahá’í youth workshop in promoting racial unity, were mentioned at the ceremony.

Two weeks after the banquet, Khavari was profiled in a long article on the cover of “Flipside,” the youth section of the Fayetteville Observer newspaper. Headlined “Girl, Uninterrupted,” the article noted that the idea for her to help younger children sprang from family consultation based on her Bahá’í beliefs.

Atlanta, Georgia, Mayor Bill Campbell poses with Sheeda Khavari after she was presented with the Alphonso McCoy Award sponsored by the Human Relations Commission of Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Rutland, Vermont

Lance Meade and Alis Headlam of Rutland were given Remembrance Awards at the Interfaith Martin Luther King Day Service on Jan. 16 for their contributions to greater understanding of racial harmony. They presented a 20-minute keynote address honoring King’s work and offering Bahá’í quotations for reflection.

Meade and Headlam are isolated believers who live 20 minutes apart in rural Vermont. Since September 1999 they have offered a series of neighborhood race unity dialogues on the theme “The Power of Race Unity,” co-sponsored by the Unitarian Universalists.

The discussions move smoothly from awareness to action as the group explores “The Nature of Racism” and examines community policies.

Their work began largely as a response to the fear and hostility toward people of color that resulted from reports of gang activity.

Lance Meade (left) and Alis Headlam are given Martin Luther King Remembrance Awards by Herb Ogden at a Jan. 16 ceremony in Rutland, Vermont.

Gainesville, Florida

The Martin Luther King Commission of Alachua County honored Joseph Judge, a Bahá’í since 1992, at its annual awards banquet Jan. 16.

A mechanic in his native Trinidad, he had helped the development of unions in the island country.

In 1978 he moved to Gainesville and in 1984 became president of the NAACP of Alachua County, serving in that post until 1991. The NAACP was successful in procuring donations, winning grants and offering scholarships. The organization also persuaded the county commission to fund Black History Month.

The awards banquet was attended by more than 200 people. The following day Judge’s photo was on the front page of the local paper.

Joseph Judge

Phoenix, Arizona

Calvin Terrel, a Bahá’í in Avondale, Arizona, was one of seven recipients of the 2000 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream Award in the Phoenix area.

Terrel established Social Centric, which trains youths and adults in race relations, gender equity, violence prevention and positive communication.

Award recipients were selected for exemplifying the ideals of King through their commitment to human relations, equality and justice. ♦

Information contributors include:

• J. Russell Allison, Framingham, MA
• Ralph Cerchione, Deep Gap, NC
• Sara Jalalizadeh, Carrollton, TX
• Lisa N. Puzon, Birmingham, AL
• Susan Rishworth, College Park, MD
• Steve Wilder, Harlingen, TX
• Ray Zimmerman, Orange, CA

[Page 21]

STATE OF SOCIETY AND COMMUNITY; URGENCY OF TASK AHEAD

In announcing the Four Year Plan in a letter to the Bahá’ís of the world on Dec. 31, 1995, the Universal House of Justice put this phase of the Faith's growth in historical perspective.

"The Four Year Plan's aim at accelerating the process of entry by troops identifies a necessity at this stage in the progress of the Cause and in the state of human society. With this perspective, the three inseparable participants in the evolution of the new World Order—the individual, the institutions, and the community—must now demonstrate more tangibly than ever before their capacity and willingness to embrace masses of new adherents, to effect the spiritual and administrative transformation of thousands upon thousands, and, above all, to multiply the army of knowledgeable, consecrated teachers of a Faith whose emergence from obscurity must be registered on the consciousness of countless multitudes throughout the earth."

"First ... accepting the possibility"

But first the friends must believe they possess the capacity to move the world, and the House of Justice addressed this in the Ridván 1996 message to the Bahá’ís of the world.

"[T]he three constituent participants in the upbuilding of the Order of Bahá’u’lláh... can foster such growth first by spiritually and mentally accepting the possibility of it, and then by working towards embracing masses of new believers, setting in motion the means for effecting their spiritual and administrative training and development ...

"To optimize the use of these capacities, the individual draws upon his love for Bahá’u’lláh, the power of the Covenant, the dynamics of prayer, the inspiration and education derived from regular reading and study of the Holy Texts, and the transformative forces that operate upon his soul as he strives to behave in accordance with the divine laws and principles. In addition to these, the individual, having been given the duty to teach the Cause, is endowed with the capacity to attract particular blessings promised by Bahá’u’lláh."

That message noted that we as Bahá’ís "enter this Plan amid the turbulence of a period of accelerating transition. The twin processes prompted by the impact of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation are fast at work.... One is an integrating process; the other is disruptive. Out of the 'universal fermentation' created by these processes, peace will emerge in stages, through which the unifying effects of a growing consciousness of world citizenship will become manifest."

The Supreme Body traced recent world developments that "have, paradoxically, been both shocking and reassuring. On one hand, the disarray of human affairs produces a daily diet of horrors that benumb the senses; on the other, world leaders are often taking collective actions that, to a Bahá’í observer, signify a tendency towards a common approach by nations to solving world problems."

Messages of the Universal House of Justice during the Four Year Plan served at least three broad purposes in communicating to the Bahá’ís:

• They clearly and lovingly assessed the circumstances of the day and the urgency of the needs of the Cause and of humanity.
• They set forth required courses of action.
• They joyously informed the Bahá’í world about activities within and outside the community of the Greatest Name that furthered the Plan's aim of advancing the process of entry by troops.

Further, the House of Justice wrote, "Even though the establishment of the Lesser Peace is not dependent on any Bahá’í plan or action, and although it will not represent the ultimate goal humanity is destined to reach in the Golden Age, our community has a responsibility to lend spiritual impetus to the processes towards that peace. ...

"Two main challenges face us: one is to mount a campaign of teaching in which the broad membership of our community is enthusiastically, systematically and personally engaged, and in which the activation of an extensive training programme will ensure the development of a mass of human resources; the other is to complete the construction projects on Mount Carmel towards which every sacrifice must be made to provide a liberal outpouring of material means. These twin foci, if resolutely pursued, will foster conditions towards the release of pent-up forces that will forge a change in the direction of human affairs throughout the planet."

Drawing on history

In this tortuous path to peace, the message continued, "We who have been enlightened by the new Revelation have the sacred Word to assure us, a Divine Plan to guide us, a history of valour to encourage us. Let us therefore take heart not only from the Word we treasure, but also from the deeds of heroism and sacrifice which even today shine resplendent in the land in which our Cause was born."

A final exhortation was given: "May you all arise to seize the tasks of this crucial moment. May each inscribe his or her own mark on a brief span of time so charged with potentialities and hope for all humanity."

A year later, the House of Justice surveyed the world scene at Ridván 1997 and commented: "The opportunity offered by the brief span of time before the century ends is precious beyond all..." [Page 22]telling. Only a united and sustained effort by the friends everywhere to advance the process of entry by troops can befit such a historic moment. Responsibilities urgent and inescapable press upon every institution, every member of a community striving towards its God-promised destiny.

"As there is only a short period in which to achieve a great deal, no time must be spared, no opportunity lost. Rest assured, dear friends, that the hosts of the Abhá Kingdom stand ready to rush to the support of anyone who will arise to offer his or her acts of service to the unfolding, spiritual drama of these momentous days."

A stark contrast

At Ridván 1998, the Plan's midpoint, the House of Justice set the "salutary picture" of the Bahá’í community's prospects against "the confused background of a planet at odds with itself."

"And yet, amid the widespread desolation of the human spirit, it is apparent that at some level of consciousness there is among the peoples of the world a growing sense of an irresistible movement towards global unity and peace. This sense is being aroused as the physical barriers between peoples are being virtually eliminated by breathtaking advances in science and technology.

"Nevertheless, a mixed catalogue of world-shaking tribulations and world-shaping developments keeps humanity concurrently dazed and dazzled. The storms and stresses battering the social fabric are incomprehensible to all except the relatively few of the planet's inhabitants who recognize God's purpose for this Day."

The latter group was described thus:

"There is no other aggregation of human beings who can claim to have raised up a system with the demonstrated capacity to unite all of God's children in one world-embracing Order. This achievement places us not only in a position of incomparable strength, but more particularly in one of inescapable responsibility....

"Seized with such a vision, the mind of the alert follower of the Blessed Beauty must undoubtedly be astir with anxious questions as to what part he or she will play in these few fleeting years, and as to whether he or she will, at the end of this seminal period, have made a mark among those enduring traces which the mind of the Master perceived. To ensure a soul-satisfying answer, one thing above all else is necessary: to act, to act now, and to continue to act."

Turn-of-millennium visions

Expressions of Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for this time in humanity's development took form in two statements released in early 1999 by the Office of Public Information of the Bahá’í International Community.

Peace Among the Nations declared, "World peace, a hallmark of the emerging global civilization, will be realized as a tangible expression of the principle of the oneness of humankind. This assurance is given in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh."

The brief document defined the concepts of "Most Great Peace" and "Lesser Peace" and outlined the process at work toward achievement of a political unity of nations.

Who is Writing the Future? recalled the tremendous global changes during the 20th century in the realms of politics, human rights, economics, education, religion and science and how they changed the way people view each other. And it confidently declared that "the period into which humanity is moving will open to every individual, every institution and every community on earth unprecedented opportunities to participate in the writing of the planet's future."

The House of Justice’s last Ridván message of the Plan, in 1999, reflected on that gathering strength.

"This projection of portentous happenings ... underscores the contrast between the confident vision that propels the constructive endeavours of an illumined community and the tangled fears seizing the millions upon millions who are as yet unaware of the Day in which they are living. Bereft of authentic guidance, they dwell on the horrors of the century, despairing over what these could imply for the future, hardly appreciating that this very century contains a light that will be shed on centuries to come. Ill-equipped to interpret the social commotion at play throughout the planet, they listen to the pundits of error and sink deeper into a slough of despond....

"The pitiful conditions implied by such a state of heart and mind cannot but prompt us all to action, unabating action, to fulfil the intentions of a Plan whose major aim is to accelerate that process which will make it possible for growing numbers of the world's people to find the Object of their quest and thus to build a united, peaceful and prosperous life."

Far too urgent ... to permit fruitless contention

The House of Justice emphasized the vital importance of the Covenant—"the ultimate guarantee that the Faith will remain united"—in a letter released to the Bahá’ís of the U.S.

The letter referred to a case in which discussion among some Bahá’ís had become divisive, even provoking "contention about some of the most fundamental beliefs of the Faith...." The tasks ahead are too urgent for such disputation, the House asserted:

"The worldwide undertakings on which the Cause of God is embarked are far too significant, the need of the peoples of the world for the Message of Bahá’u’lláh far too urgent, the perils facing mankind far too grave, the progress of events far too swift, to permit His followers to squander their time and efforts in fruitless contention."

Another potentially divisive situation was dealt with in a letter dated Sept. 26, 1996, in which the House of Justice stated our National Assembly had satisfactorily carried out its financial reporting responsibilities regarding the second Bahá’í World Congress in 1992. Comments within the Bahá’í community had pointed out problems with Congress logistics, and even challenged the Assembly's reporting.

"The diligence with which your Assembly handled this immensely complex undertaking, and has persisted in establishing a detailed accounting of all the confused financial transactions involved, has earned the great appreciation of the House of Justice," the National Assembly was told.

The Covenant once again was addressed in a message dated April 7, 1999, to all National Assemblies from the Department of the Secretariat. That letter accompanied a compilation of letters "the House of Justice had written to various individuals on the subject of the academic study of the Bahá’í Faith."

It alerted the friends to a "campaign of internal opposition to the Teachings... currently being carried on through the use of the Internet," an attack that avoids direct attacks on the Central Figures but attempts to "sow seeds of doubt among believers about the Faith's teachings and institutions by appealing to unexamined prejudices that Bahá’ís may have unconsciously absorbed from non-Bahá’í society."

The letter concluded, "That resistance to Bahá’u’lláh should now be emerging in yet a new guise is itself a tribute to the gathering strength of the Cause, offering the friends everywhere new opportunities for the deepening of their faith and the energizing of their work."

Thirst for moral clarity

The world's "growing thirst for spiritual life and moral clarity" moved the House of Justice to help equip the friends to "satisfy this longing" by implementing, in a letter dated Dec. 28, 1999, to the Bahá’ís of the world, "laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas which are not yet universally applied."

"We have determined... that it is imperative for all the believers to deepen their awareness of the blessings conferred by the laws which directly foster the devotional life of the individual and, thus, of the community. The essentials of these laws are known to all Bahá’ís, but acquiring greater insight into their significance must include carrying out all the divinely revealed aspects of their observance. These are the laws which pertain to obligatory prayer, fasting and recitation of the Greatest Name ninety-five times a day." [Page 23]

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE: ASPIRATIONS AND GOALS

The Universal House of Justice spread out a blueprint for the Four Year Plan in a letter dated Dec. 26, 1995, to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counselors.

That conference, in the Holy Land, was designed so the gathered Learned could turn their attention "to issues related to implementation, drawing on the insights and knowledge gained from decades of experience around the world."

The aim of the Plan was stated plainly in the letter. "At Ridván 1996, the Bahá’ís of the world will embark on a global enterprise aimed at one major accomplishment: a significant advance in the process of entry by troops."

The path to be taken was just as clearly enunciated. "This is to be achieved through marked progress in the activity and development of the individual believer, of the institutions, and of the local community. That an advance in this process depends on the progress of all three of these intimately connected participants is abundantly clear."

Then the role of those three players was spelled out.

Individual: "The next four years must witness a dramatic upsurge in effective teaching activities undertaken at the initiative of the individual. Thousands upon thousands of believers will need to be aided to express the vitality of their faith through constancy in teaching the Cause and by supporting the plans of their institutions and the endeavours of their communities. They should be helped to realize that their efforts will be sustained by the degree to which their inner life and private character 'mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendour of those eternal principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh.'"

Institutions: "An acceleration in the tempo of individual teaching must necessarily be complemented by a multiplication in the number of regional and local teaching projects. To this end the institutions should be assisted in increasing their ability to consult according to Bahá’í principles, to unify the friends in a common vision, and to use their talents in service to the Cause."

Community: "Furthermore, those who enter the Faith must be integrated into vibrant local communities, characterized by tolerance and love and guided by a strong sense of purpose and collective will, environments in which the capacities of all components-men, women, youth and children-are developed and their powers multiplied in unified action."

The letter also introduced the concept of training institutes. These would function as agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly and intimately involve the Counselors and Auxiliary Board members.

THEMES OF MAJOR MESSAGES DURING THE PLAN

"(An advance in the process of entry by troops) is to be achieved through marked progress in the activity and development of the individual believer, of the institutions, and of the local community."

"Systematic attention has to be given by Bahá’í institutions to training a significant number of believers and assisting them in serving the Cause according to their God-given talents and capacities. This purpose can best be achieved through well-organized, formal programmes consisting of courses that follow appropriately designed curricula."

And, as part of the maturation process, the House of Justice reinstated formation of Local Assemblies only on the First Day of Ridván.

"... [T]he initiative and responsibility for electing a Local Spiritual Assembly belong primarily to the Bahá’ís in the locality, and assistance from outside is ultimately fruitful only if the friends become conscious of this sacred responsibility. As progress is made in the training of human resources and in the development of the entire range of Bahá’í community life, the capacity of the friends to elect their Local Spiritual Assemblies on their own will certainly grow.

"With these thoughts in mind, we have decided that, beginning at Ridván 1997, the practice of electing all Local Spiritual Assemblies on the First Day of Ridván will be reinstituted. We recognize that the immediate result may be a reduction in the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies at Ridván 1997, but we are confident that subsequent years will witness a steady increase."

These themes were expanded in the Ridván 1996 message to the world.

"That process is ... in progress"

"[T]o advance the process [of entry by troops] implies that that process is already in progress and that local and national communities are at different stages of it," the House of Justice noted. "All communities are now tasked to take steps and sustain efforts to achieve a level of expansion and consolidation commensurate with their possibilities. The individual and the institutions, while operating in distinctive spheres, are summoned to arise to meet the requirements of this crucial time in the life of our community and in the fortunes of all humankind."

To each of the three major players, the message delineated responsibilities that could not be performed by any other.

"The individual alone can exercise those capacities which include the ability to take initiative, to seize opportunities, to form friendships, to interact personally with others, to build relationships, to win the cooperation of others in common service to the Faith and society, and to convert into action the decisions made by consultative bodies....

"[T]he Spiritual Assemblies must rise to a new stage in the exercise of their responsibilities as channels of divine guidance, planners of the teaching work, developers of human resources, builders of communities, and loving shepherds of the multitudes....

"[T]he flourishing of the community ... calls for the integration of the component elements-adults, youth and children-in spiritual, social, educational and administrative activities; and their engagement in local plans of teaching and development. It implies a collective will and sense of purpose to perpetuate the Spiritual Assembly through annual elections. It involves the practice of collective worship of God."

The House of Justice asked the friends "to give greater attention to the use of the arts, not only for proclamation, but also for the work in expansion and consolidation."

More signs of advancement

Other activities signaling the advance of the Cause were noted.

"While the friends and institutions everywhere bend their energies to implementing the requirements of the Plan, work on the great projects on Mount Carmel will continue towards their anticipated completion at the end of the century....

"Attention will be given to such matters as the universal application of additional laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the preparation of a new volume in English of selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the further development of the functions of the International Teaching Centre, and the devising of measures for increasing the number of pilgrims and visitors to the World Centre....

"The Bahá’í world community will expand its endeavours in both social and economic development and external affairs, and thus continue to collaborate directly with the forces leading towards the establishment of order in the world."

Special message for North America

To the Bahá’ís of this continent, the House of Justice addressed a separate message urging the friends to take advantage of favorable circumstances.

"In North America, there are opportunities for the advancement of the process of entry by troops, the like of which presently exist in no other place on earth. Three unique characteristics combine to give rise to this condition: the unparalleled strength of your local communities, particularly evident in the activity of your Local Spiritual Assemblies and in the consecration of the Bahá’í youth; 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; and the composition of your nations, which have welcomed to their shores immigrants, students and refugees from all parts of the planet," [Page 24]drawn from all the major racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds of humanity." The message urged this community to "make an energetic response to the call" for training institutes; "manifest unwa- vering adherence to the provisions of the Covenant"; "demonstrate the efficacy of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh in minister- ing to their needs and in recreating the very foundation of individual and social life"; and "become renowned for its social cohesion, and for the spirit of trust and confidence which distinguishes the relationship between believers and their institutions."

A call for pioneers

The House of Justice turned its atten- tion to the pioneering arena in a letter dated Sept. 15, 1996, to the Bahá’ís of the world. After expressing "admiration and pride" for the 10,600 friends-especially youths who arose to serve the Faith outside their homelands during the pre- vious Plan, the House of Justice spoke to the "significant contributions" pioneers and traveling teachers can make to the current endeavor. "Imbued with the spirit of humility, love and detachment, they can reinforce the work of the friends in every land in their efforts to increase the strength and influence of the Bahá’í community by the end of this century." The letter went on to say that National Assemblies soon would be asked to adopt numerical goals, and called "upon the believers everywhere to ensure, through their enthusiastic response, that these goals are not only met but surpassed." A separate document prepared by the International Teaching Center con- tained information about pioneer needs in various regions of the world.

For the Iranian Bahá’ís

Aspirations for the people whose dis- persal to all parts of the world fueled the spread of the Faith, the Iranian Bahá’ís, were addressed in a special message dated Bahá’ 154 (1997). The House of Justice referred to believers from the Cradle of the Faith as those "who, when the dawn of guidance broke, were the first to turn to the Sun of Truth and, like birds at dawn, sang songs of welcome and allegiance to Him and took the joyful tidings of reunion to the peoples of every land in accordance with this celestial melody." And the Supreme Body lauded their constancy and obedience in the face of persecution. But because of the example they have set, wrote the House of Justice, "the beloved friends from Iran who are scat- tered throughout the free world must never forget the grave responsibilities they bear. For the expectant eye of everyone is turned toward them, waiting to behold in the mirror of their deeds the splendors of God's Teachings.... "We now join our eager voice to those of the yearning friends in Iran in appeal- ing to the friends from Bahá’u’lláh’s birthplace in every part of the globe to arise in accordance with the require- ments of faithfulness and make mighty and effective efforts to teach the Cause of God on behalf of their long-suffering brothers and sisters.... "Another matter of great import that the Iranian believers cannot afford to neglect is the instruction of children in spiritual attributes, human perfections, and heavenly character.... In this, too, they can learn from the example of the self-sacrificing friends of Iran. ... "Furthermore, the Bahá’í parents from an Iranian background should endeavor to teach their children the Persian language, for Persian is one of the two languages of revelation in this glorious Dispensation."

Regional Councils dawn

Later that spring, a momentous announcement from the House of Justice formalized a new divine institu- tion, the Regional Bahá’í Council. In a letter dated May 30, 1997, to all National Spiritual Assemblies, the House of Justice said this new element of Bahá’í administration would function "between the local and national levels." The Councils would "partake of some, but not all, characteristics of Spiritual Assemblies, and thus provide a means of carrying forward the teaching work and administering related affairs of a rapidly growing Bahá’í community in a number of situations." A separate letter to our National Assembly on the same date noted that the establishment of Regional Councils would further decentralization goals that the Supreme Institution favorably viewed, saying it was "eagerly looking forward to the beneficial effects of this development." The functions of Regional Councils were revised in a Jan. 21, 1999, letter to our National Assembly. It said the House of Justice had decid- ed that the Regional Councils should not have responsibility for the work of external affairs and that the National Assembly should direct the external affairs work of the Local Assemblies and, as appropriate, of the Councils.

International Fund's needs

Another pair of messages, dated May 25, 1999, addressed the pressing needs of the Bahá’í International Fund. To all National Assemblies, the House of Justice's Department of the Secretariat directed a plea for "increased support... with full confidence that the impressive record of sacrificial endeav- our by the believers will be sustained in their response to the situation described here." The letter outlined "a new challenge [that] has emerged as a result of the progress of the Faith both at the World Centre and throughout the planet." It said the "Edifices and Terraces on Mount Carmel must be maintained at a standard appropriate to their character and the dignity of the Faith" and "mea- sures must also be instituted to handle ... the greatly increased number of peo- ple expected to visit the Terraces and to provide protection from damage." Also pointed out was that "new oppor- tunities for extension of the influence of the Cause" will necessitate "the assign- ment of more resources to ensure" that the administrative work of the World Center "is carried out efficiently and with dispatch." To selected National Assemblies, the Department of the Secretariat noted their "special role beyond that of a widespread involvement by the rank and file of the believers in the support of the Fund." "Without being subjected to pressure or solicitation," the letter read, the friends of means in those countries "should be assisted to realize the degree of their responsibility to contribute sub- stantially to meeting the international needs of the Faith." The letter warned, however, that "two extremes are to be avoided: one, where attention is focused entirely on meeting international needs, and the develop- ment of the homefront is hamstrung; and at the other extreme, where the local and national needs are accorded unduly high priority, including the acquisition of expensive Bahá’í Centres, and inter- national responsibilities are neglected." Our National Assembly sought elabo- ration on the latter point, and the Supreme Institution responded: "While it was not intended to prevent the pur- chase of centers where there is clearly established need for them, the House of Justice wished to caution against unnec- essary and exorbitant expenditures."

Special missions for particular groups in North America

he Ridván 1996 letter to the Bahá’ís of North America made unique appeals to several cultural and racial groups The Ridvan 1996 letter to the advancing the goals of the Plan. Indigenous believers were called on to "refuse to be drawn into the divisiveness and militancy around them, and that they strive to make their own distinctive contribution to the pursuit of the goals of the Four Year Plan, both beyond the confines of North America and at home. They should be ever mindful of the vital contribution they can make to the work of the Faith throughout the American continent, in the circumpolar areas and in the Asian region of the Russian Federation." Another injunction was directed to "believers of African descent, so beloved by the Master." There is, wrote the House of Justice, a "pressing need for pioneers, who will contribute to the further development of the Cause in distant areas, including the continent of Africa for which they were assigned a special responsibility by the Guardian when the first systematic campaign was launched for its spiritual illumination." "[T]he friends of Persian background, who constitute a most valuable source of ability and experience," were asked to "dedicate themselves, to an extent surpassing their past services, to the accomplishment of the goals of the Four Year Plan, under the leadership and guidance of the institutions of the Faith in North America." In the teaching work, "the friends of Hispanic background have fertile fields before them throughout Latin America," the House pointed out in a general appeal that continued: "Let all believers consider the extent to which they can use familial and ethnic ties to other regions of the world for the fulfillment of the global mission conferred on the recipients of the Tablets of the Divine Plan."

"... give greater attention to the use of the arts, not only for proclamation, but also for the work in expansion and consolidation. [Page 25]

FOUR YEAR PLAN UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE: ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Early in the Plan, as the Bahá’í world awaited signs of progress, a timely letter was published from the Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat.

Dated Aug. 18, 1996, and addressed to a believer, it dealt with the propriety of recognizing the service of individuals.

"Bahá’ís travel and teach the Faith, they go pioneering, they represent the Faith in relation to non-Bahá’í agencies, they serve in positions of responsibility. There is no reason why such services should be carried on anonymously.

"Bahá’í voters have to acquire the maturity to estimate the character and true capacities of their fellow-believers, to be able to distinguish between a person who is self-sacrificingly serving the Cause with all due modesty, and one whose activities are carried out with the primary purpose of bringing himself or herself to the attention of the friends."

Just such self-sacrificing service was recognized by a non-Bahá’í body when a special session of the Brazilian Federal Chamber of Deputies marked the 75th anniversary of the introduction of the Bahá’í Faith into that country.

In a message dated Aug. 22, 1996, the House of Justice described how the session, attended by 90 Federal Deputies and widely covered by the media, also paid "glowing tribute... to the life and work of Amatu’l-Bahá [Rúhíyyih Khánum] herself, as a defender of the cause of world peace and unity, an advocate of the interests of indigenous peoples, and a promoter of the social development of the earth's inhabitants and the safeguarding of the environment."

Encouraging trends

At Ridván 1997, one year into the Plan, the Supreme Institution could point to several encouraging trends.

First was the extensive planning process involving Learned and Rulers at the national and regional level.

"[T]his world-encompassing exercise did more than yield distinctive schemes for the different countries; it also boosted the collaborative relationship of the two arms of the Administrative Order, a most welcome portent of the victories yet to come."

Another was "the speed with which steps were taken to establish nearly two hundred training institutes during the last twelve months. Many of these have gone far beyond the point of designing their organization; they are actually in operation and have offered their first courses."

"Moreover," wrote the House of Justice, "in the movement of homefront and international pioneers and travelling teachers; in the increased attention given by individuals to deputizing teachers; in the preparations made to ensure the formation of Local Spiritual Assemblies only on the first day of Ridván; in the increasing endeavours to hold regular devotional meetings; in the widening efforts to make use of the arts in the teaching work and community activities in all these respects could be discerned the friends' keen awareness of the importance of concentrating on the requirements of the major aim of the Plan, which is to effect a significant advance in the process of entry by troops."

And the House of Justice was able to announce that "circumstances have made it feasible for the re-establishment this Ridván of the National Spiritual Assembly of Rwanda. This victory over crisis will bring to 175 the number of National Spiritual Assemblies that will be eligible to participate in the Eighth International Bahá’í Convention...."

A year later, at Ridván 155, the Supreme Body noted three developments that "brighten our expectations."

Training institutes bring results

"One is in the solid results being produced wherever training institutes are in operation. Tens of thousands of individuals have over the last two years completed at least one institute course. The immediate effects upon them have been a greatly strengthened faith, a more conscious spiritual identity, and a deepened commitment to Bahá’í service.

"The second pertains to the notable improvement in the conditions affecting the establishment and renewal of Local Spiritual Assemblies." The decision to form these institutions only on the First Day of Ridván and "principally at the initiative of the communities to which they belong" caused an "immediate but not unexpected drop in the number of Local Assemblies worldwide," but the decrease was not very large, indicating that "the process of maturation of these divinely ordained institutions is on course."

"The third is that a new confidence in teaching is stirring the friends, yielding impressive results in various regions. The potential for a steady and ever-expanding influx of new believers has always been great, and we are able to say with assurance that the capacity to actualize it is methodically being developed more than ever before with the prosecution of the current Plan."

The House of Justice pointed further to "the marvellous speed with which the construction projects on Mount Carmel proceeded to fulfil the schedule which had been set for the year just ended" and the "establishment in May of three new National Spiritual Assemblies—Sabah, Sarawak, and Slovakia—and the re-establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly in Liberia, raising to 179 the pillars of the Universal House of Justice."

Deep gratitude also was expressed for "the constancy of the acts of service being performed by the individual Hands of the Cause of God, by the International Teaching Centre, and by the Counsellors and their auxiliaries on all continents."

An echo of the Supreme Institution's praise for the work of the International Teaching Center came in a message dated July 2, 1998, to all National Assemblies.

During the previous five years, the House of Justice wrote, the Center "exercised increased responsibility in relation to the protection of the Faith."

"It stimulated pioneering and travel-teaching, as well as the production and distribution of literature and audiovisual aids and, after the launching of the Four Year Plan, it imparted a fundamental impetus to the establishment and sound functioning of training institutes.

"Suffusing all these activities has been its continuous interaction with the Continental Boards of Counsellors, through whom its influence and encouragement have reached all levels and every area of the Bahá’í world community."

Praise for U.S. media efforts

Teaching soon was the topic of another message from the House of Justice, dated Nov. 15, 1998, and addressed to our National Assembly.

The Department of the Secretariat wrote it had been asked to "express the immense pleasure of the House of Justice at the high response to the media campaign; it is impressed with the analysis of the results to date and with the manner in which the campaign facilitates the teaching work throughout the country."

Further, "the deliberate effort being made to integrate the various aspects of teaching... is very much in keeping with the systematic action called for in the last Ridván message...."

The media initiative's initial thrust of race unity was lauded, as were the "services being rendered by the National Teaching Committee to Regional Bahá’í Councils, Local Spiritual Assemblies and individual believers in such a way as to reinforce their initiatives...."

"Rising pace of activity"

With one year remaining in the Plan, the House of Justice at Ridván 1999 surveyed the year's advances.

"From the year's momentous beginning with the Eighth International Bahá’í Convention, the Bahá’í world has sustained a rising pace of activity that has significantly advanced the process of entry by troops. Our community has grown appreciably, its human resources have been richly enhanced.

"From projects of expansion to endeavours at consolidation, from social and economic development to external affairs, from services of the youth to expressions in the arts, from the World Centre of the Faith to remote villages and towns in fact, from whatever angle the community is viewed—progress has been made. The prospects for the Plan are impelling....

"[T]he construction projects on Mount Carmel, beheld with such thrilling astonishment by the delegates to the International Convention, press onward towards their scheduled completion at the end of the century. With the opening since last Ridván of all remaining areas of construction, the speed of work has reached a new peak....

"We feel compelled to mention at least two other developments at the World Centre of a wholly different order: First, the decision to raise the number of pilgrims in each group to 150 from 100.... Second is the notable headway being made, despite the inevitable slowness of the process, in the plan to translate texts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh with a view to publishing a new English volume of His works....

"The further creation of national and regional training institutes, now numbering 344, has pressed this development [of human resources] forward, with the result that, apart from North America and Iran where numerous courses have been given, some 70,000 individuals have already completed at least one institute course. All of this is contributing to a growing body of confirmed, active supporters of the Cause." [Page 26]I

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY: Assessments and goals

In its Ridván 1996 Annual Report, the outgoing National Spiritual Assembly reviewed the "achievements and shortcomings" of the previous three years and shared its plans, hopes and cares at the cusp of a new Plan.

The new National Assembly would soon consult with eight members of the Continental Board of Counselors, launching a process that over time spawned our first-year tasks, pioneering goals, the twin foci on race unity and equality of women and men, and the National Teaching Plan.

But a few themes were identified in that Ridván report as constituting a foundation for all that was to come: decentralization; individual spiritual discipline; maturation of the institutions; fostering happiness and love; strengthening marriage and family life; firmness in the Covenant; the Funds; and equality and oneness.

And through that lens steadied by the tripod of proclamation, expansion and consolidation can be viewed major messages issued by the National Assembly during the Plan.

The first major communication, on June 6, 1996, unveiled a set of tasks designed to aid friends' understanding of the Four Year Plan and begin raising up the human resources needed to achieve its aims.

The message reminded American believers of the twin challenges they face: To mount a teaching campaign that engages and trains the broad membership and to complete the Arc on Mount Carmel.

It also quoted from the Universal House of Justice's assessment of our community's ability to mentally accept the possibility of entry by troops and undertake a sustained initiative.

With those in mind, "our assignment is clear, and brooks no delay," wrote the National Assembly.

"First—Spiritual Assemblies, in concert with Auxiliary Board members wherever possible, should begin careful study of the Ridván letters with the friends in their communities.

"Second—Assemblies and individual believers must make every possible effort to double the active core of the community within the first year of the Plan. A significant increase in the number of knowledgeable and loving teachers and administrators is indispensable to advancing the process of entry by troops.

"Third—Institutes should be established, wherever feasible, under the auspices of Local Spiritual Assemblies, with the intimate involvement of Auxiliary Board members, to ensure that an 'opportunity is provided for all Bahá’ís, new and veteran, to embark on a systematic study of the fundamental verities of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.'"

"(Regional Bahá’í) Councils are sure to increase greatly our capacity to carry out the teaching plan and to create strong Local Spiritual Assemblies."

THEMES OF MAJOR MESSAGES DURING THE PLAN

Response to church burnings

A spate of church burnings, especially in the South, that spring and summer spurred a pledge of loving support for "our brothers and sisters in black and multiracial houses of worship."

In a letter dated July 13, 1996, the National Assembly expressed its alarm and called on Bahá’ís to "demonstrate the standard of the oneness of humanity we embrace and... show that we will not stand idly by while members of our family are under attack."

The letter was accompanied by a statement designed for media dissemination and a Feast message that was to be published as an editorial in The American Bahá’í and World Order.

The statement condemned the acts of arson as "directed at all humanity, for humanity is one" and stated the National Assembly's belief that these attacks "are not about religion. They are ugly manifestations of ingrained racism...."

It traced a century of Bahá’í struggle to "eradicate racism and build an America where all are equal no matter what their race" and concluded by affirming "our unshakable conviction that prejudice, separatism and division shall not win" and that "humanity shall continue on its inevitable march toward unity and peace."

The editorial noted the historical role of black churches as centers of community life and, more recently, as hubs of the civil rights movement. It declared arson to be a "particularly heinous form of crime fully comparable to murder." And it repeated the vision that "the burning of black churches in the American South, like the executions of innocent Bahá’ís in Iran and other acts of terrorism, is the ugly agony of a dying order."

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

...porters of the Cause....

"The ever-expanding work in social and economic development is also benefiting from the operation of those training institutes that give attention to such subjects as literacy, primary health care and the advancement of women. Clearly, then, the institutional capacity to administer development programmes is gaining in strength. This is apparent in projects sponsored by Bahá’í institutions or initiated by individuals through the inspiration of the Faith....

"In the area of external affairs, the most energetic actions have been prompted by two tragic happenings in Iran," the sudden execution of Ruhu’llah Rawhani and the government intelligence agency's organized attack on the Bahá’í Institute of Higher Education, involving the arrest of 36 members of the faculty and raids on more than 500 homes across the country.

Other external affairs endeavors mentioned include "the four-month-long mission undertaken by an emissary of the House of Justice ... to islands of the Pacific Ocean"; "the efforts pursued by a number of National Assemblies ... to promote human rights education"; "the participation, by invitation, of representatives of South Africa's Bahá’í community in the proceedings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission"; and "the recent success of communities in Australia, Brazil, Finland and Portugal in obtaining the decision of educational authorities to include courses on the Bahá’í Faith in the curricula of primary and secondary schools."

"A corollary spate of activities involved the use of the arts," the House of Justice noted.

"We therefore enter this Ridván season, as a community in a dynamic state of transformation, enjoying a coherence of vision and activity consonant with the aim of advancing the process of entry by troops. And two countries in Europe—Latvia and Lithuania—convoke their first Conventions to form National Spiritual Assemblies and thus raise the number of pillars of the Universal House of Justice to 182...."

The House of Justice also announced that a Counselors' Conference in late 2000 "will mark the occupation by the International Teaching Centre of its permanent seat, an occasion for which Auxiliary Board members throughout the world will be invited to join the Counsellors in the Holy Land. The Mount Carmel projects will have been completed by this time and the preparations will have been well advanced for dedicatory events."

Plans for opening of Terraces

Details of events officially opening the Terraces were contained in a Sept. 16, 1999, message to all National Assemblies. Activities between May 21 and 25, 2001, were described, and National Assemblies were instructed on the size and makeup of delegations.

The accomplishments of the Plan also shaped the course of Plans to come. In a letter dated Nov. 26, 1999, the House of Justice announced that "the two stages in the unfoldment of the Divine Plan lying immediately ahead will last one year and five years respectively."

"At Ridván 2000 the Bahá’í world will be asked to embark on the first of these two stages, a twelve-month effort aimed at concentrating the forces, the capacities and the insights that have so strongly emerged. The Five Year Plan that follows will initiate a series of worldwide enterprises that will carry the Bahá’í community through the final twenty years in the first century of the Faith's Formative Age. These global Plans will continue to focus on advancing the process of entry by troops and on its systematic acceleration."

The Supreme Institution emphasized the need during the one-year effort for regional training institutes to "bring into full operation the programmes and systems that they have now devised."

It also singled out the establishment of area growth programs on each continent. "They will be carefully monitored during the Twelve Month Plan and their methods will be refined so that this approach can be incorporated into subsequent Plans."

And special mention was made that "strategies to advance the process of entry by troops cannot ignore children and junior youth, if the victories won in one generation are not to be lost with the passage of time." [Page 27]

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY: Steps toward decentralization

processes of decentralization and the equal participation of women in all aspects of life while simultaneously rein- were advanced with the establishment of hood." And it lays at men's feet "an four Bahá’í Regional Committees. inescapable duty to promote the equality of women."

THEMES OF MAJOR MESSAGES DURING THE PLAN

In a message July 31, 1996, to Local Spiritual Assemblies and registered Bahá’í Groups, the National Assembly announced the Regional Committees' formation along the geographical lines defined by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan.

The goal, it was explained, "is to harmonize the activities of the institutions to help ensure that the process of entry by troops makes dramatic advances during the next four years."

"The immediate responsibility of each Regional Committee is to support the coordination of the teaching work through expert study of teaching issues and opportunities in their respective regions; to provide information and strategic advice to the National Teaching Committee; and to formulate and implement regional teaching plans."

Fundamental principles

On Feb. 12, 1997, a letter to Spiritual Assemblies, groups and college clubs urged study of and personal reflection on the Covenant during the upcoming Fast.

"Our daily exertions to advance the process of entry by troops depend, first and foremost, on the degree of our firmness in the Covenant," wrote the National Assembly.

A momentous statement was unveiled in dramatic fashion at Ridván 1997 when the National Assembly released Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men via satellite broadcast during the 88th Bahá’í National Convention.

The long-awaited statement gave the friends a language they could use in dialogue with their fellow Americans on how to achieve full partnership of the sexes and, ultimately, a united world.

The statement notes that "the great challenge facing society is to make social and economic provisions for the full and

Broad progress

Progress in all phases of Bahá’í life was assessed at Ridván 1997 in a letter prefacing the Annual Report of the National Assembly and its agencies.

Recognizing the alternation of crisis and victory, the National Assembly wrote, "Our role is to foster conditions that accelerate the process by working to assure a steady stream of new Bahá’ís, building Bahá’í communities that people are eager to join and institutions they will love and trust, and striving to become individual models of the true spirit of Bahá’í love and steadfastness of the Covenant."

The letter addressed the yearnings of American Bahá’ís for their expanded efforts to result in large-scale growth. It noted that the United States was undergoing a period of "heightened spiritual

"(Each Bahá’í must) rededicate himself or herself to the glorious task of eliminating the last traces of prejudice and alienation among the races....

and social receptivity... rich with potential for a spiritual breakthrough on a national scale" and reiterated that "every Bahá’í can proceed with confidence that powerful spiritual forces will be released through our prayers and regular study of the Bahá’í writings, our daily exertions to conform our conduct to the standards of Bahá’í teachings, and our sustained action in teaching."

The process of entry by troops, it was noted, can be divided into three stages: start-up, concerted action and harvest. The start-up phase is "now largely completed at the national level and in many local communities as well," the National Assembly wrote.

A review of some important results focused on large-scale teaching programs; external affairs; the statement on women; youth; a media plan; pioneering; institutes and centers of learning; building infrastructure; Spiritual Assembly development; decentralization and Spiritual Assembly automation; lifeblood; and other matters, including attacks on the Covenant and institutions.

The National Assembly's conclusion: "The plans have been made, the administrative architecture erected, the community mobilized. The stage of concerted action is now at hand."

Role in the race dialogue

Bahá’ís "central role in the nation's struggle for racial justice and unity" was the topic of a letter dated Dec. 17, 1997, to the friends.

The message noted the "heroic work" of Bahá’í communities at the forefront, but said "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."

Concern was expressed for the slow start to the president's national campaign of discussion and the prospect that the commission "may reach oft repeated conclusions, diagnosing the problem of racism as a deficit of rights and privileges" while neglecting the spiritual dimension.

For that reason, the National Assembly called on each 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."

To every Local Assembly, individual and community was directed an additional appeal, to "assert leadership in the President's campaign for a national dialogue on race" by hosting "public gatherings for open discussion of the requirements of race unity."

Plight of believers in Iran

Turning to the plight of Iran's believers, the National Assembly addressed an open letter to President Mohammad Khatami of Iran on Jan. 13, 1998.

Khatami had averred in a nationally televised interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour that "religion and liberty are consistent and compatible." Now, the National Assembly was asking the per-

National Assembly voices its messages through many channels

National Spiritual Assembly communicated with one voice through many channels during the Four Year Plan.

In addition to major messages published in The American Bahá’í or sent directly to Local Assemblies, several forms of communication were used to disseminate information and guidance:

Feast messages from the Secretariat and Office of the Treasurer. •Bahá’í Newsreel. • Special videotapes such as A Miracle of Governance and First Class Publicity. Audiotapes sharing talks, reflections and challenges. A satellite broadcast during the 88th Bahá’í National Convention.

Part information and part inspiration, Feast messages allow the National Assembly to reach American believers with a timely, focused message.

Letters during the first year of the Plan kept the three tasks set for that year- studying the Ridván messages, doubling the active core of believers and creating training institutes-uppermost in the friends' minds.

They also helped lay the groundwork for systematic activity by focusing on fundamental verities such as fostering love and happiness; personal spiritual transformation; and unified and loving marriages and families.

A campaign celebrating the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh also was launched via Feast letter, and the National Assembly shared a statement on church burnings and news of two attacks on the Faith.

Three treats for the friends accompanied Feast letters. These were audiotapes of talks on the Four Year Plan by Universal House of Justice members Glenford Mitchell and Dr. Peter Khan; reflections on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá titled One Journey to the Center of the Covenant by longtime believer Sylvia Parmelee; and a presentation on the human and material needs of the Plan titled To the Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh.

Bahá’í Newsreel releases contained, among other segments, early indications of the quality of actions taken by individuals, communities and institutions.

That year also saw release of a videotape titled First Class Publicity, hosted by veteran Bahá’í journalists David Freeman and Carol Mansour, designed to help communities use local media effectively.

A fitting start to the Plan's second year was the unprecedented broadcast from the Bahá’í National Convention.

The evening of April 26, 1997, the National Assembly and delegates welcomed to the Convention about 12,000 believers connected by satellite television. At 6:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time, the red light went on and Convention chair Dorothy Nelson's greeting was transmitted to the friends in 49 locations.

A crew from Bahá’í Media Services had taped the Convention thus far and feverishly assembled a "highlight" tape. Now that video was aired, explaining the role of the Convention and imparting its content and spirit.

Then came the meat of the broadcast, as the National Assembly engaged the friends in a family meeting about what must be done in the coming year.

Viewers also were treated to a presentation of the National Assembly's eagerly awaited statement Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men. [Page 28]ceived moderate to explicitly include his country’s Bahá’í minority in his aspirations. "Your explicitly stated determination to fulfill the provisions of the Iranian Constitution and to establish the rule of law gives us hope that the freedom of the Bahá’í community in Iran openly to practice its religion will be guaranteed. "May we not expect, in the light of your commitment to human dignity and freedom, that the United Nations General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/52/142), which calls for the emancipation of the Bahá’í community of Iran, will now be implemented?"

The open letter was published in the New York Times, Washington Post and Los Angeles Times. Bahá’í Assemblies were urged to publish it in their local media or gain coverage of the letter.

Launching the media initiative

The first national broadcasts of The Power of Race Unity were three days away when the National Assembly wrote on March 25, 1998, to the American Bahá’í community describing its plans and calling "on every member of the Bahá’í community to join us in prayer for the success of this initiative, which will continue through the remainder of the Four Year Plan and beyond."

The National Assembly noted it "received numerous plans and reports from communities across the nation, which show that the friends are determined to pursue all of the necessary activities that will advance the process of entry by troops in the United States."

And, it concluded, the "success of this plan rests on the willingness of each individual believer to teach His Cause with constancy and confidence. To the degree that we do this, we are assured of ultimate victory."

Midpoint of the Plan

Progress in that initiative was a major element of the National Assembly’s Annual Report at the Plan’s midpoint, Ridván 1998.

The report began with a characterization of the "historic decision" of the Universal House of Justice to establish Regional Bahá’í Councils as "an unprecedented leap in the development of the Bahá’í System. The Councils are sure to increase greatly our capacity to carry out the teaching plan and to create strong Local Spiritual Assemblies."

The National Assembly also lauded the "spiritual quality and broad participation in the electoral process" and said the election "galvanized the community."

The genesis and course of the National Teaching Plan and national media initiative were traced and the friends reminded that "to the extent that Bahá’í communities can demonstrate the qualities of indiscriminate love and unity lacking in society at large, we will succeed in hastening the moment of large-scale growth."

The twin foci of race unity and the equality of women and men were assessed in that light. Community life was spotlighted. The growth of training institutes and friends taking institute courses was noted, as were the raising up of pioneers and traveling teachers and the quality of youth activity.

A "steady increase of contributions to the Bahá’í Funds" was lauded. Nevertheless, a deficit of $2.2 million heightened the National Assembly’s concern that "a continued deficit would sharply limit... ability to sustain the marked increase in the teaching work, community development, and the repair of the House of Worship."

Back in the spotlight

The Iranian situation took center stage again in July 1998, when Ruhu’llah Rawhani was executed and three other Bahá’ís were sentenced to death. And that October, government forces attempted to shut down the Bahá’í Institute of Higher Education and two of those death sentences were confirmed.

On Oct. 15, the National Assembly urged American Bahá’ís in a letter to pray and to "intensify your efforts to proclaim the Cause of God."

As the situation evolved, the National Assembly wrote to Local Assemblies on Oct. 29 spelling out a series of steps they could take "to inform and mobilize public opinion in the higher education sector." The friends, however, were cautioned against "entering into the fray themselves."

Emphasis on gender equality

Seeking a fresh start in distribution of its Two Wings statement, the National Assembly asked the friends in a December 1998 letter to "seize the opportunities afforded at this time to make a difference in the life of our nation. ... In the arena of gender equality our role is to emphasize the need for a true partnership between women and men."

The National Assembly urged Bahá’í communities to "examine whether women occupy equally important positions as men; whether their voices are truly heard in consultation; whether their capacities are considered in each election; and whether women and men are sharing in the tasks necessary for community functioning...."

The letter noted that more than 100,000 copies of the statement had been distributed nationwide since its release. In conjunction with the national media initiative, each Local Assembly was urged to continue that effort by presenting the statement to its community’s mayor and City Council by April 1999.

Challenge of the new millenniium

Again, at Ridván 1999, the National Assembly laid out its hopes, plans and cares in a letter to the American believers. "At the outset of the Four Year Plan’s final year we pause to assess our progress and prepare ourselves to answer the challenge of the new millennium by responding to the call of the masses for righteousness, justice, and spiritual love with a fresh demonstration of Bahá’u’lláh’s spiritual vision," the National Assembly wrote.

Simultaneous processes were at work in advancing the National Teaching Plan, the Assembly explained.

One was the initiative to "foster interlocking and mutually reinforcing activities at the national, regional, and local levels to unite the friends in a single campaign of action" through targeted broadcasts and systematic follow-up with interested souls.

The other constituted ongoing efforts "to train and educate the friends through local and regional institutes and schools; to promote patterns of community life

Over the next year, the National Assembly communicated the elements of the National Teaching Plan and its unprecedented media initiative.

A Newsreel in September 1997 reviewed the success of the Atlanta pilot media project and whetted believers’ appetite for the national rollout, which later Newsreel releases chronicled.

The Oct. 16, 1997, issue of The American Bahá’í contained a gift of a booklet, Diffusing the Divine Fragrances, containing some of the spiritual basis for the Plan—excerpts and prayers from Tablets of the Divine Plan.

Underlying the campaign, organized study of the Covenant was urged in a Feast letter; encouragement of the youth in one; and mobilization of Bahá’ís of Persian origin in another.

Other powerful letters included thoughts on Bahá’u’lláh as humankind’s only hope for salvation and a vivid word picture of the loving embrace with which members of the first Regional Bahá’í Councils were welcomed by the National Assembly and the Continental Counselors.

"We are confident that this period of study will result in a deeper understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for a new World Order which we are charged to usher in as the ‘spiritual descendants of the dawn-breakers of an heroic age.’"

The critical role Local Assemblies must play in the progress of the Cause of God was the subject of a videotape titled A Miracle of Governance and featuring a talk given by Firuz Kazemzadeh, member of the National Assembly.

As the Four Year Plan passed its midpoint, Feast letters and Newsreel releases kept believers abreast of the national media initiative—with broadcast schedules, viewer response to The Power of Race Unity, and examples of the friends imaginatively and effectively nurturing the interest of seekers.

Bahá’ís unsure of their capacity to teach were reassured in Feast letters addressing the bounties brought on by spiritual preparation and love and unity.

Further encouragement came via letters sharing the vision of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the enthusiastic support of the Universal House of Justice and the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum for the teaching efforts.

On a sadder but equally determined note, Feast letters brought news of tragic events in Iran in late 1998: confirmations of death sentences for two Bahá’ís, and the attempt by government agents to shut down the Bahá’í "open university." The friends were asked to pray at commemorations of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh for the Persian friends, and a White House statement on the Iranian situation was shared.

The past year has seen a focus in Feast letters and Newsreels on systematization and refinement of teaching efforts using the media with lots of examples from across the nation, including how new believers attracted by the message have themselves arisen to spread it and how universal participation is transforming Bahá’í communities.

Our preparation for a new millennium and a new Plan also have been the subject of letters.

In them, the National Assembly has shared the Universal House of Justice’s Peace Among the Nations statement, spoken of building the Kingdom in our hearts and reminded us of the double crusade in which we are engaged.

A poignant letter in March 2000 brought, via audiotape, the actual voices of callers to the 1-800-22-UNITE line: thirsting for something to quench their parched spirituality.

Inspirational messages from the Treasurer’s Office also have delighted believers with news of Project Unity for children and junior youths and of a uniquely packaged gift of contributions from two Southern communities. [Page 29]readily agreed to be co-sponsors. The diversity of program participants, the ample audience and the amount of follow-up publicity also helped renew the community's sense of its possibilities. The Spiritual Assembly decided to hold the event in response to the National Spiritual Assembly's call to focus energies on race unity and the equality of women and men. A task force, appointed in November, included some community members whose ener- gies had not previously been tapped for such an effort.

Television news crews from the local ABC and CBS affiliates arrived early for the celebration. In addition, the story made the front page of the Valley Morning Star newspaper.

Although only the newspaper specifi- cally mentioned the Bahá’í community's involvement, all the publicity portrayed the celebration of Martin Luther King Day and the underlying theme of race unity in a positive light.

Nearly 60 people witnessed "Celebrating the Dream" in person— only about half of them Bahá’ís and thousands heard about it through the media. Significantly, among those pre- sent were three African-American min- isters and a woman widely recognized as the matriarch of the local African- American community.

The Bahá’í community's sense of con- firmation should come as no surprise, because as emcee Leslie Wilder said in her opening remarks: "Work for race unity, and you find yourself assisted by the Holy Spirit, because unity is the plan of God."

A race unity dialogue in Framingham, Massachusetts, late in 1999 was envisioned as the first of numerous public forums on various aspects of oneness.

College Park, Maryland

The ninth annual tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., co-sponsored by the Bahá’ís here, overflowed a 350-seat auditorium at the National Archives II.

College Park's mayor and City Council members were there to start the program, and the Washington Metropolitan Bahá’í Chorale gave it a powerful ending.

As the keynote speaker, Professor Ronald Walters from the University of Maryland, observed, the contribution of young people was the most amazing part: readings by essay contest winners, the DC Youth Workshop addressing the most challenging issue, the Korean youth performing cultural dances and the African Drumming and Dancing Troupe from a magnet school.

This event was begun in 1992 by the Lakeland Civic Association and the Bahá’ís of College Park and gained the support of the city in 1998.

Boone, North Carolina

The second annual Bahá’í-sponsored Unity Festival at Boone Mall on Jan. 22 overcame cold weather and chilled hearts to draw together people from dif- ferent religious, civic and volunteer groups to celebrate the racial and cultur- al diversity of Watauga County.

Additional churches and religious groups involved included the InterFaith Forum, the Quakers and the Unitarians. Christian Scientist and Zen Seidoan Temple members had also intended to participate but were kept away by snow.

The religious volunteers were bol- stered by art and art education students from Appalachian State University, the ASU Women's Center, the Volunteer Outreach Center, 4-H Club members, the Kiwanis Club, Edu-K and ASU's Capoeira Club.

Bahá’ís were also very much in evi- dence, from the newly formed Bahá’í Youth Workshop to a multitude of adult and child volunteers helping to set up, staff and break down many of the booths.

The Unity Festival attracted sizable crowds and offered many activities, including face painting, exploring dis- abilities as diversity, sampling of food from different nations and pledging hours of volunteer service.

Corvallis, Oregon

Since April 1999, the Corvallis Spiritual Assembly's Race Unity Committee has given local African- Americans a forum to share their her- itage and culture and interact with the community at large.

College professors, homemakers, NAACP representatives, professionals and students have spoken during the series of programs.

A roundtable in January just before Martin Luther King's birthday was extensively covered by local print media, with full acknowledgment given the Bahá’í community for initiating the event.

The mayor has attended many of these events and has become a good friend of the Bahá’í community. The university president and several members of City Council also have attended sessions.

Clemson, South Carolina

A sistership of two like-minded orga- nizations is bearing fruit in Clemson. About a year ago, members of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clemson (UUFC) created the Unlearning Racism Committee to bring about better race relations and tap into the Bahá’í model of race unity.

At the same time, the Spiritual Assembly of Clemson was looking for a partner for projects.

Sistership was a natural outgrowth. The Unlearning Racism Committee meets weekly to discuss the history and culture of African-Americans. A shelf of books about these topics was added to the UUFC Library. Several distinguished members of the black community were interviewed. The video The Color of Fear was the theme of a workshop for the Unitarian congregation conducted by a Bahá’í. Several articles were published in the UUFC newsletter about beliefs com- mon to Bahá’ís and Unitarians.

As participation widens, the Clemson Assembly has became a liaison between the committee and the Assemblies of Pickens, Oconee, Pendleton and Greenville.

ORACIONES BAHÁ’ÍS / BAHÁ’Í PRAYERS

A GIFT OF LOVE FROM THE NATIONAL LATIN AMERICAN TASK FORCE

Dear Friends: At last, a Spanish/English Bahá’í prayer book is available! This little work of love from the National Latin American Task Force (LATFORCE) has been in development for a year. Its purpose is to put into the hands of the Bahá’ís a gift of the Sacred Text that can be given to a friend, a relative or an acquaintance. LATFORCE has long felt the importance of having a prayer book that is inexpensive yet elegant in its pre- sentation.

This gift was made possible by additional contributions from two believers and the generous cooperation of Palabra Publica- tions, which will distribute this beautiful pocket-size prayer book: 25 prayer books for $10.

The main goal of the LATFORCE is to put this prayer book in the hands of thou- sands of individuals. The prayers were chosen with the seeker in mind so that through Bahá’u’lláh's Hidden Words and Prayers, his heart would be set aglow. As one member of the LATFORCE said, "Put the Sa- cred Text in the hands of a friend and then let Bahá’u’lláh take over." With this prayer book we hope to give every believer a tool to facili- tate teaching.

Let us know what you think of Oraciones Bahá’ís-Bahá’í Prayers. You can order direct from: Palabra Publications 3735 Shares Place, Riviera Beach, Florida 33404 Fax 561-845-0126

Queridos Amigos: Ade 1 fin, el libro de oraciones bilingües en inglés y español acaba Ade publicarse! Esta obrita de amor creada por el Comité Na- cional Latino Americano (LATFORCE) ha estado en gestación por un año. Su propósito es el de poner a disposición de los Bahá’ís un regalo del Texto Sagrado que pueda ob- sequiarse a un amigo, a un pariente o a un conocido. Hace tiempos que el LAT- FORCE ha querido crear un librito de oraciones con presentación elegante y precio reducido.

Este regalo ha sido posible gracias a las contribuciones adicionales de al- gunos creyentes y a la generosa colaboración de Palabra Publications quien se encargará de distribuirlo a razón de 25 libritos por $10.

La intención del LATFORCE es la de poner este librito de oraciones en las manos de miles de personas. Las ora- ciones se escogieron pensando en el buscador, de tal manera que las ora- ciones y Las Palabras Sagradas de Bahá’u’lláh le lleguen al corazón. Esta podría ser la manera de introducir gran número de personas en todo el país a las enseñanzas de Bahá’u’lláh y de asistirles en su in- vestigación de la Fe. Un miembro del comité comentó, "Pongan el Texto Sagrado en las manos de un amigo y dejen que Bahá’u’lláh tome control." Con este librito de oraciones deseamos darle a cada individuo una herramienta para facilitar su enseñanza de la Fe Bahá’í.

Queremos sus comentarios sobre Oraciones Bahá’ís-Bahá’í Prayers. Pueden ordenar sus libros directamente con: Palabra Publications 3735 Shares Place, Riviera Beach, Florida 33404 Fax 561-845-0126 [Page 30]

Jan Jackson

INFORMATION FROM TERESA LANGNESS

Jan Jackson carried on in a spirit of service even as she lay dying from complications associated with melanoma. When the Torrance, California, Bahá’í couldn't talk, she would pick up a clipboard and write out questions about how her many visitors and their families were doing-virtually until she passed away on December 2, 1999.

The same devotion had marked her efforts to promote race unity. After hearing about a local hate crime in the mid-1990s, she vowed to help raise local awareness.

She urged the Bahá’ís to sponsor Torrance's first Martin Luther King Day observance in 1995. Then she worked hard each year to ensure its continued success, completing much of the legwork for a citywide high school essay and arts contest and coordinating the program. She also played a key role in helping convene the Torrance Community Unity Task Force and, in 1998, the Torrance Human Relations Forum.

Jackson went beyond fostering unity within her community. She lovingly raised an integrated family at a time when society did not widely condone interracial marriage. Early in her adulthood, she faced that challenge alone.

Her son Jason Wright explained: "She overcame many seemingly impossible difficulties, including raising four children single-handedly, removing herself and her family from the depths of poverty and teaching us that we were not poor.

"She worked through and overcame personal problems that could have kept her from growing emotionally and spiritually. She was able to do all of these things because of the unconditional love she held for her children and an unwavering belief in God and in the Bahá’í Faith."

Jan Jackson was an accomplished pianist and singer, and taught piano to hundreds of students.

Jackson also enriched the lives of hundreds of private piano students over the course of a 26-year teaching career, and she filled the world with her own music as an accomplished pianist and vocalist. Born Aug. 12, 1943, Jackson lived out her life in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County, where she became a Bahá’í at age 18.

Survivors, besides children Lisa, Aaron, Jason and Leila, include her parents, three grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.

Margarete and Jose Acebo

Margarete Hespelt Acebo passed away December 11, 1999, and her husband, Jose B. Acebo, passed away December 16, 1999, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was 89 and he was 94. They were active Bahá’ís all their 68 years of marriage.

Margarete was born in Germany, and her mother and an aunt accepted the Bahá’í Faith when she was very young. She became acquainted with two stalwart Bahá’í teachers who later were named Hands of the Cause, Hermann Grossman and Martha Root.

She came to Columbus, Ohio, in 1928. While teaching classes in Esperanto, she met Jose, a native of the Philippines. He later accepted the Faith and they married. Both served on the Local Spiritual Assembly for many years.

The couple later moved to the Chicago, Illinois, suburbs in 1957. They served as Assembly members and guides at the House of Worship in Wilmette even for years after retirement in 1975.

Gladys Abas

Gladys Lorene Abas, a homefront pioneer, vigorous teacher and original member of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Rogers, Arkansas, passed away November 2, 1999, in Rogers. She was 94.

Born in 1905 in Hudson, Wisconsin, she taught school for many years. In 1955 she moved with her first husband, Donovan Livermore, and other family members to pioneer in northwest Arkansas.

The family first moved to Bentonville, but settled in Rogers for the duration. Not only was Gladys the secretary of the Assembly for many years after its formation in 1959, she engaged in wide-ranging teaching and proclamation in the area among people of varied races in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

She provided the voice for a long-running Bahá’í radio program that began in the late 1950s, drawing professional praise and much comment in a region that reached into four states.

After her first husband's passing, she married Gerald Abas in 1989. He preceded her in death in 1998.

List of Names

Yvonne Bender Reno, NV September 23, 1999

W. Scott Bivans Lower Macungie Twp., PA October 13, 1999

Donald A. Brown Buffalo, NY October 28, 1999

Josefina Camacho Dade County, FL September 1999.

Carol A. Cox Clarksville, TN February 24, 2000

James Crawford Watsonville, CA February 2000

Zara Dunne Spokane, WA December 25, 1999

Frieda Elam Council Bluffs, IA February 7, 2000

Gertrude Griesner Fresno, CA March 24, 2000

Ruth S. Hallstrom Snohomish County, WA January 2000

Betty Hill Snohomish County, WA February 17, 2000

Hazel Littman Camarillo, CA November 8, 1999

Harry D. MacBird Aliso Viejo, CA January 11, 2000

Francis M.S. Merle des Isles New York, NY February 23, 2000

Shahbahram R. Mohdeabadi Hanford, CA February 28, 2000

Morad Monjazeb Spring Valley, CA March 11, 2000

Mousa Mostaghim Ephrata, PA February 4, 2000

Mary Palmer Mission Viejo, CA February 17, 2000

Willie S. Pooler Lees Crossroads, SC February 3, 2000

Michael C. Railsback Auburn, CA December 6, 1999

Julianna M. Rawlins Sussex County, DE February 29, 2000

Zarin-Taj Roohani Sarvest Dade County, FL January 19, 2000

Zialdin Sattarzadeh Chicago, IL February 5, 2000

Henry W. Sawyer Middleton, MA October 17, 1999

Sharon J. Sevdy Everett, WA February 7, 2000

David L. Sherwood Burlington, VT February 10, 2000

Viola Siano Camarillo, CA January 3, 2000

Geraldine Smith Lydia, SC January 2000

Leonard Smith Amherst, MA January 14, 2000

Robert W. Staudigel Whittier, CA March 2000

June Sunday Durango, CO February 26, 2000

Robert D. Underwood San Jose, CA February 3, 2000

Maliheh Vahdat Palmdale, CA September 30, 1999

South Florida Bahá’í community leaps into action at a time of need

Imagine you're vacationing in a foreign city and your spouse suddenly passes away. For most people, that time of grief is also filled with confusion.

But Gary Kent-Smith, a Bahá’í from Bermuda, knew he could call on the Bahá’ís in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for comfort and assistance.

The Kent-Smiths were in Fort Lauderdale as the launch point for a cruise when Gary's wife, Madeline, died peacefully in her sleep Dec. 26.

Immediately, the Bahá’ís mobilized to prepare the body and make arrangements for a funeral service, held three days later.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Bermuda expressed great gratitude for the "immediate and loving response" of the believers.

"Although we know that the global Bahá’í community is supposed to function this way, it is wonderfully coming when it does," wrote Arlene Brock, National Assembly chair.

"When we asked Gary if the local community was able to help, he responded, 'Help? They did everything. You don't know if you could so the Bahá’y vision worked.'"

Brock said the situation became "an enormous teaching opportunity-not only for the non-Bahá’í Bermudians who went to the burial, but also for people here in Bermuda."

"Imagine how impressive it was to be able to say, 'One phone call and we could rest easy knowing that the local Bahá’í community would embrace Gary as if he had lived there for decades,'" Brock wrote. [Page 31]

SEEKING YOUR RESPONSE

BAHÁ’Í SUBSCRIBER SERVICE • 800-999-9019

World Order

Your window to teaching, deepening and external affairs

Now available: Summer 1999 issue Special Issue on Religious Freedom

World Order surveys America's response to the attempt to close the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education in Iran, and larger issues about religious freedom in a world community.

• Editorial: "Religious Freedom: A Sacred Right" • Robert Stockman: "The American Defense of Iran's Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education" • Ghangiz Geula, Marianne Geula, and John Woodall: "Health Care in a Persecuted Community: The Iranian Bahá’ís" • Wilma Ellis: "Religious Freedom Abroad"

Coming in future issues: Editorial: "Detachment in the Modern World" Robert Hariman on "Radical Sociality and Christian Detachment in Erasmus' Praise of Folly" Arash Abizadeh: "Engaged Detachment, Comic Detachment: Modernity and the Mystic's Last Laugh" Fatima Naqvi-Peters reviews Life Is Beautiful

Subscriptions: U.S. $19/year, $36 / 2 years Outside U.S. surface mail— $19/year, $36/2 years Outside U.S. air mail— $24/year, $46/2 years Single copy: $5 plus shipping/handling

The Writing of a Will

This eight-page brochure from the Office of the Treasurer contains some Bahá’í teachings and practical advice on:

• Importance and advantages of a will • Five steps to creating a successful will • Checklist for preparing a will • Burial instructions • Bequests to the Bahá’í Faith

Individual copies may be requested free. There is a nominal charge for ordering these brochures in quantity.

The National Spiritual Assembly's Planned Giving Program has been established to help believers make a variety of financial arrangements for themselves, their families and the Faith:

• Providing for the Bahá’í Faith in your will • Making a gift of securities • Making a gift of real estate • Making a gift through life insurance • Receiving income from your gift: • Charitable Gift Annuities • Charitable Remainder Trusts

To order The Writing of a Will or to find out more about planned giving: • Phone 847-733-3466 or e-mail Or, fill out the form with the attached envelope.

Brilliant Star

Bimonthly children's magazine by the U.S. National Assembly

Subscriptions: US-$18/year, $32/2 years Outside U.S. surface mail—$18/ year, $33 / 2 years Outside U.S. air mail—$28/ year, $52/2 years Single copy: $3.50 plus shipping/handling

The American Bahá’í

10 times a year; available by subscription to Bahá’ís outside the continental U.S.

Outside U.S. surface mail $24 / year, $45/2 years Outside U.S. air mail— $32/year, $60/2 years Single copy: $3 plus shipping/handling

One Country

Quarterly about development by the Bahá’í International Community

Subscriptions: US-$12/year, $22 / 2 years Outside US. surface mail—$16/year. $30/2 years Outside US. air mail—$20/year, $36/2 years Single copy: $3.50 plus shipping/handling

Herald of the South

Quarterly by National Assemblies of Australia and New Zealand

Subscriptions: US $28/year, $50/2 years Outside U.S.: Contact Herald of the South, 173 Mona Vale Rd., Ingleside NSW 2101, Australia; e-mail Single copy: $8 plus shipping/handling

INFORMATION ON YOUR INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIP

To record achievement of traveling teaching goals, the Office of Pioneering needs information on all international trips undertaken for the sake of promoting the interests of the Faith. This information is important whatever the level or amount of service and regardless of whether your trip was exclusively for service to the Faith or was combined with a trip for business, holiday, family, study or otherwise.

Just contact the Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail

Use the Multipurpose Form below to respond by mail.

Special information (use a separate sheet as needed): • Names and ID numbers of all Bahá’ís on each trip. • Names of each country visited, plus the one or two main localities, and date(s) of visit(s). • Main purpose of your travel. • Did you arise to meet the call of the Universal House of Justice for: Native Americans to teach in the circumpolar areas? Hispanic believers to teach in Latin America? African-Americans to teach in Africa?

MULTIPURPOSE FORM

CLIP OR COPY AS NEEDED

Use a separate copy of this form for each subscription

Which publication?

Send to: Name Address City State, ZIP Country

Is this a gift subscription? (Circle one) Y N

Sold to (if different from recipient): Address City State, ZIP Country Daytime phone or e-mail

For which event or activity? Phone Fax E-mail Home phone Work phone

Special information (please include dates if reporting international teaching trip):

Check/money order payment must be in U.S. dollars from U.S. bank, payable to Bahá’í Distribution Service. Do not combine subscription payments with payments for back issues or other single items. Georgia residents include applicable sales tax.

Credit card # (if applicable) Exp. date Cardholder signature

Phone orders: 800-999-9019 E-mail orders: Mail orders: Bahá’í Subscriber Service, 4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30336-2017 [Page 32]

ONE AMERICA, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

al of the National Spiritual Assembly, were invited to prepare short talks highlighting the activities of their religious communities.

Henderson told the gathering briefly about The Power of Race Unity and other Bahá’í video projects, and about national training programs focusing on race unity and children’s curriculum. He emphasized that for Bahá’ís, achieving race unity is not just a social imperative but the next stage in the evolution of humanity.

Kit Cosby, director of the National Assembly’s Washington office, not only was among the Bahá’í delegation but also served on the planning committee for the meeting.

Other Bahá’ís attending in response to the White House invitation were Jena Khadem Khodadad of Illinois, chairperson of the National Teaching Committee; Phaik Shu Costa of New Jersey; and Beatriz Reyna Curry of Texas.

The National Assembly’s Washington Office had submitted to the White House a paper describing current and past activities of the U.S. Bahá’í community in the area of race relations.

President Clinton spoke to the 150 religious leaders about the wonderful diversity of religion in the United States, the legacy of religious communities in helping to solve other important social crises the U.S. has faced, and the vital need for their leadership on the race issue. He predicted the faith communities would play the central role on this issue in the next century.

Participants included Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Jain and Native American representatives, as well as Christian leaders from numerous denominations.

A White House press release recognizing the outstanding efforts of participating faiths stated in part: “With over 110,000 members in the United States, the Bahá’ís have responded to the President’s call for One America by creating programs, videos and TV spots which are designed to reach households across the country with positive messages of spiritual solutions to social problems. The programs emphasize the importance of multicultural groups working together.”

This was not the first high-level Bahá’í participation in such a gathering. In October 1998 the NCCJ hosted a summit for 40 religious leaders at the White House Conference Center to discuss race relations and activities of various religious communities. Henderson and Cosby represented the Bahá’í community at that gathering.

The March meeting came about after President Clinton asked the NCCJ last year to help the White House organize it, as part of efforts to stimulate further interfaith activity concerning race unity. ♦

MESSAGES, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

and activity that will attract and sustain the interest of seekers; and to coordinate a diverse array of Spiritual Assembly development, teaching, and proclamation activities.”

The letter noted that “full-scale national implementation” of the media initiative would begin that month, with broadcasts of three videos and a series of 30- and 60-second commercials.

“We confidently expect that as the broadcasts continue, stimulating ever-increasing local teaching activities, thousands of people will call 1-800-22-UNITE each month, bringing the process of entry by troops to a new stage and placing unprecedented demands on the Bahá’í community, its members, and its institutions.”

Progress in training and development of individuals and institutions alike was assessed and “signs of growing maturity and spiritual discipline” detected.

But “serious challenges” remain, the letter said. We must “do more to reach out to and embrace our brothers and sisters of every color” and “redouble our efforts to effect gender equality,” the National Assembly wrote. Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í communities “must do more to support and guide our youth.”

Individual teaching trends must be “nurtured and sustained,” the letter continued, and the unity of the friends “continually strengthened.”

Two-year focused study

As the American Bahá’í community prepares to enter a new Plan and a new century, the National Assembly has directed the friends to cultivate distinction through a two-year program of focused study.

In a letter dated Dec. 27, 1999, the National Assembly urged this study to help “gain a clear vision of the entire process of spiritual and social evolution under the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh.”

The study would encompass The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, The Advent of Divine Justice, the remaining letters in The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf and The Secret of Divine Civilization. ♦

A SPIRITUAL OASIS

Bahá’í House of Worship SPECIAL VISIT REGISTRATION FORM

You are invited to participate in the 2000 Special Visit Program at the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Wilmette, Illinois. These visits are created to offer the friends who live farther from the Mother Temple a spiritual oasis in which to relish a memorable experience with this sacred place. Bahá’ís may bring friends and family who are not enrolled Bahá’ís, with the understanding that some activities may require supplementary explanation for these visitors.

Please select the weekend for your visit (either visit may be canceled if advance registration is too low): — July 6–9 (6 p.m. Thursday through 2 p.m. Sunday). Register by June 8. Please join us for the commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Báb, the afternoon of July 9. — Aug. 3–6 (6 p.m. Thursday through 3 p.m. Sunday). Register by July 6.

Highlights Tours of Bahá’í House of Worship, Bahá’í Home, Media Services, Publishing Trust, Archives, National Center Presentations on properties and restoration Audiovisual and film programs Bahá’í Bookstore shopping Enrichment sessions from the offices of Pioneering and National Teaching Committee, Wilmette Institute and House of Worship Garden teaching and guiding opportunities Option to read in daily devotional programs in the Auditorium Classes and activities for children (age 4 and up) and youths Group photo; lakeshore park with beach; free-time opportunities Complete program for children ages 4 and up (infant/toddler care not provided) Youth activities (if a sufficient number register)

Registration (please clip or copy this form) Family name of your travel group: _________________________________________ How many in your party? __________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________ City _______________________________ State __________ ZIP Code __________ If not from U.S., which country? _________________________________________ Telephone—Home ____________________________ Work _________________________ Fax ________________________________ E-mail ______________________________ List name(s) and Bahá’í ID number(s) of all registrants; attach additional sheet as needed. Indicate ages of children/youths (ages 4 and up may register). __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Registration fees: Adult $25, Youth (12–20) $20, Child (4–11) $10 Please send fees with this form; make checks payable to the Bahá’í Services Fund. International visitors, please send fees by cashier’s check in U.S. dollars.

Accommodations

Howard Johnson’s Skokie can provide a group room rate (Per night: queen bed $89/1–2 people; double beds $90/1 person, $95/2 people). Hot buffet breakfast included. If you check option “A” below, we will register you with the hotel, but you must handle all financial arrangements with the hotel. If you wish to select your own accommodations, we will send you a list of area hotels.

Please plan to lodge with members of your own family or with friends of the same gender. This office cannot match roommates. A. ___ Would you like to stay at the Howard Johnson? Number of rooms needed _____ Number of people in each room _____ B. ___ Would you like us to send you a list of other hotels? C. ___ Will you stay with friends in the area? Phone # ___________________________

Return this form to: Spiritual Oasis, Activities Office Bahá’í House of Worship 100 Linden Ave. Wilmette, IL 60091

Transportation/meals

Bus transportation will be provided to and from the Howard Johnson. Two lunches and occasional snacks are included. Other meals and transportation will be on your own.

TAB 4/28/00

Please direct inquiries to the Activities Office (phone 847-853-2327, e-mail: _______________) [Page 33]

CLASSIFIED

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 friends should exercise judgment and care in responding.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

AT THE BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER EVANSTON, ILLINOIS

International Consultant, Office of Pioneering. Recruits, counsels, trains and dispatches international pioneers, youth volunteers and traveling teachers; assists current volunteers and those returning to the States. Needs excellent communication and organizational skills and computer/word processing skills; office experience preferable. Should understand cross-cultural interactions, international affairs etc.

Staff Producer, Media Services. Full range of video/audio production tasks, especially writing/development of Bahá’í Newsreel. Will keep day-to-day production process in order; research, gather news, write and edit finished Newsreel stories, at times without assistance; help develop network of correspondents; arrange for duplication/distribution. Needs knowledge/experience in all production aspects of broadcast journalism; flexibility, organizational skills, familiarity with Bahá’í administration.

Conservation Coordinator, Conservation Office. Does inspection, recordkeeping, testing, research for Conservation Program at Bahá’í House of Worship; maintains Conservation Team information systems; manages some projects; must work at heights. Needs three years’ experience in engineering technology or conservation/preservation work; degree in engineering technology, museum science or related field; skill in sketching, word processing.

Concrete Artisan, Conservation Office. Assists Concrete/Stone Conservator in the conservation of the Bahá’í House of Worship and its surroundings. Must have competence in mixing, placing, finishing and curing concrete flatwork or architectural precast components, experience in building forms or making molds; should be familiar with pressure or acid cleaning, sandblasting, or pneumatic demolition; leadership or supervisory experience beneficial. Also essential: valid driver’s license, ability to work comfortably at heights and to wear full or half-mask respirators, good communication skills and ability to interact pleasantly with public. Organized, thorough, patient, cooperative manner desired.

Maintenance Team Leader, Properties. Will manage facility/building maintenance and engineering staff to provide timely services at minimal costs; plan, estimate, schedule maintenance requests and projects; ensure that all equipment and buildings are efficiently and effectively maintained. Needs at least five years’ experience in all areas of building maintenance (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, cleaning etc.) with three to five years as a maintenance manager; valid driver’s license; supervisory command of English.

OFFICE OF INFORMATION SERVICES

Applications Developer. Provides high-level analysis, design, implementation of information systems. Familiar with variety of technologies: Visual tools, database and Web tools.

Network Administrator/Engineer. Responsible for configuration, maintenance and security of all computer networking infrastructure (LAN and WAN) including servers, cabling, routers, switches and NICs. Maintains documentation of network and servers setup and structure.

SQL Database Administrator. Coordinates database development. Responsible for Enterprise SQL server including security rights, table design, normalization. Responsible for design and implementation of user and departmental applications as front ends to SQL using MS Access, VB or other tools as determined.

AT BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE FULTON COUNTY, GA

Manager. Will oversee general direction, policies/strategies, interdepartmental collaboration, business operations; ensure high level of service to the community, performance of financial mandates and safeguarding of employee welfare; recruit, train and develop personnel; coordinate marketing/customer service, buying, information services and fulfillment. Needs high-level skills in communication, organization, consultation, presentation, negotiation, problem-solving; expertise in publishing and business management/marketing; ability to meet changing deadlines and establish priorities; knowledge of Bahá’í literature and principles; bachelor’s degree; five years’ experience in business management/development, specifically in personnel and financial management; knowledge/experience in distribution or publishing.

If interested in any of these Bahá’í National Offices posts, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

URGENT NEEDS

Bahá’í Distribution Service, Fulton County, Georgia: Customer Service Representative (2 positions). Will process phone, fax and electronic orders, respond to customer queries, maintain customer records, and handle correspondence. Should have strong communication skills, strong data entry skills, experience in telephone customer service or related work, pleasant voice and patient demeanor. Knowledge of Bahá’í literature is a plus.

Mail Services, Evanston: Clerk. Handles incoming/outgoing mail; carries out shipping, receiving, distribution, storage duties. Must be computer-literate, especially in Microsoft Office programs. Must speak, read and write English; needs valid driver’s license.

U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, Evanston: Administrative Assistant (part-time). Prepares correspondence to refugees and to Bahá’í, government and other agencies involved in refugee resettlement. Develops reports, maintains records, helps process Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees. Helps compile and write the Southeast Asian Helpers Bulletin, articles for The American Bahá’í and other publications. Needs proven ability to work with confidential information, strong skills writing and speaking English.

ALSO: Office of the Secretary, Evanston: Administrative Assistant. Office of the Treasurer, Evanston: Administrative Assistant. Office of the Treasurer, Evanston: Assistant Coordinator/Kingdom Project.

If interested, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430). ♦

AT LOUHELEN BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL DAVISON, MICHIGAN

Properties Associate. Full range skilled maintenance and manual labor, to care for facilities and grounds year-round. Needs experience and training in carpentry, construction, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and/or grounds. If interested, contact Rick or Barbara Johnson, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 810-653-5033, e-mail [deleted] or see the Web site (www.louhelen.org).

AT GREEN ACRE BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL ELIOT, MAINE

Assistant Facilities Coordinator. Helps with inspections, maintenance, exterior and interior repairs. Needs skills in housekeeping, maintenance of buildings, equipment, vehicles, grounds. If interested, please contact Jim Sacco, co-administrator, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-439-7200, e-mail [deleted]).

INTERNATIONAL

China: Numerous openings for English teachers and professionals willing to travel for service in this rapidly developing country. For more information contact Susan Senchuk (phone 847-733-3506, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail [deleted]).

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

The Office of Pioneering is eager to assist the friends preparing for international service. To that end, the Office will post service opportunities related to the needs of other national Bahá’í institutions. For international job and study opportunities, we will provide Web sites, e-mail addresses and other resources to benefit your search.

For more information regarding jobs and study abroad, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail [deleted]).

PIONEERING / HOMEFRONT

Where in the world is Monona, Wisconsin? It could be your next home. A city of 8,000 nestled on a lake on the south side of Madison, we have a variety of housing and wonderful schools, and are near plenty of employment and the University of Wisconsin. You can help re-establish our Assembly. Please contact the Monona Bahá’í group c/o Dennis Jenkyns, Monona, WI 53716 (phone 608-221-8416, e-mail [deleted]).

Please consider Roseburg, Oregon, as your next home! Our small, loving Bahá’í community in a city of 19,000 in beautiful western Oregon needs bolstering to maintain an Assembly. Work is not plentiful but the area has a community college and is developing in response to recreation and retirement desirability. Please contact the Spiritual Assembly, P.O. Box 2056, Roseburg, OR 97470 (e-mail [deleted]).

Help bring back a Local Spiritual Assembly! Apache Junction, Arizona, is looking for homefront pioneers. In the Phoenix metropolitan area just below the beautiful Superstition Mountains, this city of 20,000 has varied and affordable housing, takes pride in the schooling of children, and promotes traditional and contemporary family values. This friendly town is at the beginning of rapid growth. Please contact Patti McDowell, Apache Junction, AZ 85220 (phone 480-982-5593).

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, is a wonderful place to live, and we may need help to maintain a Local Spiritual Assembly. There are numerous industries and a low rate of unemployment, and also two colleges and a technical school. This small quiet town has an active Bahá’í community, and we are close enough to be in frequent contact with the communities in Milwaukee and Oshkosh. Please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.

The Bahá’ís of Benbrook, Texas, invite you to consider moving to our city of about 20,000 in the southwestern area of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. All types of housing are available with lower real estate taxes than in most surrounding communities. A large park sits on the shores of Benbrook Lake, and a 27-hole public golf course is nearby. Your move here will help fulfill the Spiritual Assembly’s goal of incorporating, so vital a step in the growth of our Faith. Please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Benbrook, P.O. Box 26734, Benbrook, TX 76126 (phone 817-249-2781, e-mail [deleted]).

Pulaski County, Arkansas, needs YOU! This wonderful area in central Arkansas, with rolling hills and quiet ponds, forested areas and fields, is close to all major employers, including the nationally famous University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Campus and two other university campuses, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Alltel, ‎Axiom Acxiom‎ and numerous other employers. Several active Bahá’ís live in Pulaski County, but we need other dedicated friends here. Housing is very reasonable. Please contact Lisa Armstrong, North Little Rock, AR 72118-1236 (phone 501-851-6608, e-mail [deleted]). [Page 34]

A change in homefront pioneering appeals

The four Regional Bahá’í Councils have taken on responsibility for coordinating U.S. homefront pioneering in the past year. Because of this, The American Bahá’í will be changing the way it presents appeals for homefront pioneers.

Beginning with this issue, we will regularly print top-priority localities in each region for homefront pioneers, as reported to us by each Council. (Reports from the Central and Northeastern Councils will begin next issue.) This will also be the last issue in which we print requests for pioneers sent by Local Assemblies, groups or individuals.

“Classified ads” seeking homefront pioneers have appeared in The American Bahá’í almost from its inception in 1970. However, at this time it is preferable for local communities to turn first to the Regional Councils for this purpose.

Western States

For more information, contact the appropriate Traveling Teaching-Homefront Pioneering Coordinator (state-by-state list available in the Regional Councils section of the ‎Adminiustrative Administrative‎ Web Site, www.usbnc.org). If your locality would like help in this area, it may contact the Council’s Assembly Development & Formation Desk c/o Sima Cockshut, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-9677 (phone 831-427-3053, fax 831-427-3166, e-mail ).

The Regional Bahá’í Council has put emphasis on saving current Assemblies, re-forming former Assemblies and raising large groups to Assembly status, especially in Idaho, Utah, Montana and Wyoming, as well as on Indian reservations:

• Idaho: Caldwell, Fort Hall Indian Reservation*, Meridian*, Twin Falls
• Utah: Bountiful*, Clearfield, Farmington, LaVerkin, Layton, Midvale, Provo*, Roy, South Ogden, Uintah-Ouray*, West Jordan, White Mesa*
• Montana: Blackfeet Indian Reservation*, Crow Agency*, Havre, Kalispell*, Lewis & Clark County*, Missoula*, Missoula County, St. Ignatius
• Wyoming: Casper*, Cheyenne, Laramie.
• Colorado: Broomfield*, Canon City*, Center*, Cortez, El Paso County West*, Englewood, Fort Morgan, Fremont County*, La Jara*, Manitou Springs, Otero County, Pagosa Springs*, Rifle, Southern Ute Reservation*, Teller County
• Nevada: Boulder City*, Churchill County, Kingman, Lyon County*, Nye County, Winchester
• New Mexico: Artesia*, Bernalillo County East*, Deming*, Doña Ana County Central*, Grants, Jicarilla Indian Reservation*, Lincoln County, Los Lunas, Lovington, Mescalero Apache Reservation*, Rio Arriba County*, Roswell*, Ruidoso*, Shiprock Chapter*, Socorro*, Sunland Park*
• California: 83 goal communities
• Oregon: 24 goal communities
• Washington: 50 goal communities
• * Former Assembly community

Southern States

For more information, please contact the Southern Regional Traveling Teaching and Homefront Pioneering Coordination Team c/o Anne Jalali, secretary (phone 912-825-3542, e-mail ).

The Regional Council has placed top priority for homefront pioneering on cities with populations of 50,000 or more and no Local Spiritual Assembly as of March 2000.

• Arkansas: Fort Smith, Pine Bluff
• Florida: Daytona Beach, Hialeah, Melbourne, Miami, Pensacola, Sarasota, West Palm Beach
• Georgia: Albany
• Kentucky: Owensboro
• Louisiana: Bossier City, Kenner, Lake Charles, Monroe
• North Carolina: Gastonia
• Oklahoma: Broken Arrow
• South Carolina: North Charleston
• Tennessee: Jackson
• Texas: Baytown, Beaumont, Galveston, Killeen, Laredo, Longview, Mesquite, Odessa, San Angelo
• Virginia: Danville, Lynchburg, Portsmouth, Suffolk
• West Virginia: Huntington

YOUTH

The South, the South, THE SOUTH!! That is where it’s at! If you are a youth planning to do a year of service, consider serving in the Southern States. The Southern Regional Youth Coordinating Team is working with the Southern Regional Council to establish youth service posts on college campuses and other places across the region. We are recruiting youths to spend a year on a campus and provide service for the Bahá’í Associations (not necessarily to be students there). We hope this will build the consistency and strength of the associations and provide an open door for the youths in universities to arise and become spiritual activists! If you are interested in doing your year of service in the South please contact the SRYCT (e-mail ).

ARCHIVES

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following: Cora Ditmars, Georgia E. Dixie, Charlotte Dixon, ‎Rason Nason‎ Dobbs, William C. Dodge, Rosemarie Dollinger, Armin F. Doneis and Alice Doolittle. 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 847-853-2359).

The National Bahá’í Archives has available several free information sheets on local archives and records. Any Bahá’í community wishing a set may send a request with a mailing address to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Mount Carmel Projects

The Project Manager of the Mount Carmel Bahá’í Projects is seeking qualified plumbers and electricians to help support the Facility Maintenance Team in their task of maintaining the new buildings on the Arc:

• The Center for the Study of the Texts, recently occupied.
• The International Teaching Center Building, the Building under Terrace 11 (with the Visitor’s Center) and the new Haifa Pilgrim House, all soon to be completed.

Candidates are required to work in a culturally diverse environment, possess sound knowledge of their profession and have the ability to perform hands-on maintenance tasks.

If you or anyone you know is interested in applying for these positions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center for an application (phone 847-733-3427, e-mail ). Or, directly contact the Mount Carmel Projects Office, P.O. Box 155, 31-001 Haifa, Israel (fax 972-4-831-3330, e-mail: ).

Insurance professionals

The Office of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center is interested in receiving the names of anyone who is or has been in the commercial insurance business. We are particularly interested in Bahá’ís knowledgeable in the field of insurance relating to general property, buildings, natural disasters, public third-party liability, motor-vehicle and general insurance. This information is requested in order to create a database of those who may be asked from time to time to provide advice to the Bahá’í World Center.

Please send this information to the Office of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central Street, Evanston IL 60201 (fax 847-733-3430, e-mail ).

THE U.S. BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY IS ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT THE U.S. FUND FOR UNICEF

Held every year in October, “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” educates American children about the needs of other children in developing countries and encourages community fund-raising efforts that support UNICEF programs.

Your donations will help UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, provide children with lifesaving medicine, better nutrition, clean water and sanitation, education, and emergency relief. The leading children’s organization in the world, UNICEF works in more than 160 countries and territories.

What can you do to help?

• Call 1-800-FOR-KIDS or visit us online to make a contribution or find out about volunteer opportunities in your area.
• Participate in “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.”
• Buy or sell UNICEF greeting cards for special occasions.
• Find out more about UNICEF educational materials on-line.

Sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S., United Nations Office, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, NY, NY 10017 [Page 35]سبب می‌شود که بهائیان این دیار همبستگی خود را چنان که در ایران تجربه می‌شد احساس نکنند. اما به حکم

چون که گل رفت و گلستان شد خراب بوی گل را از که جوئیم از گلاب

می‌توان با شرکت در مدارس بهائی این دیار هم یاد ایام گذشته را تجدید کنیم و هم روزگار وصل خود را بازجوئیم. از تجربیات اهل فن و مبلغان و معلمان بهائی بهره‌مند شویم و با برنامه‌ها و نقشه‌های گوناگون امری آشنا گردیم و در عین حال حس تعلق نونهالان و نوجوانان و جوانان خود را نسبت به جامعه بهائی تحکیم بخشیم و توشه روحانی آنان را برای رویاروئی با دشواری‌های زندگی خارج از محیط بهائی فراهم سازیم.

در ایالات متحده چندین مدرسه بهائی هست که هر کدام برنامه‌های گوناگون و متنوعی برای استفاده احباء ترتیب داده‌اند. مدارس اصلی بهائی عبارتند از مدرسه بوش در شمال کالیفرنیا و مدرسه بهائی لوهلن در میشیگان و مدرسه گرین ایکر در ایالت مِین، و مؤسسه لوئیس گرگوری در کارولینای جنوبی.

دوستان عزیز می‌توانند با مراجعه به صفحات انگلیسی این نشریه از تاریخ دوره‌ها و برنامه‌های مدارس بهائی آگاهی حاصل نمایند و در یک یا چند دوره از کلاس‌ها شرکت کنند و بهره روحانی از آن بازگیرند.

لازم به یادآوری است که در برخی از این دوره‌ها برنامه‌های مدارس برای استفاده احبای ایرانی به زبان فارسی اجرا خواهد شد.

اطلاعیه مدرسه بهائی لوهلن

SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE FRED SCHECHTER

مدرسه بهائی لوهلن به آگاهی دوستان می‌رساند که جناب فرد شکتر Fred Schechter تابستان امسال به مدت ۷ هفته استاد ساکن مدرسه لوهلن خواهد بود. جناب شکتر عضو سابق دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی و پیش از این عضو هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای برای قارات آمریکا و نیز مهاجر آفریقا و کشورهای آمریکای لاتین بوده است و به همین دلیل تجربیات ارزنده‌ای دارد که بی‌تردید مورد استفاده احباء قرار خواهد گرفت.

بزرگداشت روز جهانی دین

WORLD RELIGION DAY OBSERVANCES

سکاتس‌دیل در آریزونا احبای سکاتس‌دیل Scottsdale یکی از شهرک‌های حومه فینیکس جلسه‌ای به مناسبت روز جهانی دین تشکیل دادند. آقای سام کامپانا Sam Campana شهردار سکاتس‌دیل و یک شخصیت محبوب رادیونی در جلسه مذکور شرکت کردند.

بیش از ۲۰۰ نفر در این جلسه شرکت کردند. جلسه بزرگداشت روز جهانی دین با اوراد سنتی سرخپوستان آغاز شد. نمایندگان ۹ دین از جمله مسیحیت و امر بهائی و آئین سیک و چند دین بومی آمریکا و آفریقا در جلسه مذکور حضور داشتند.

هریسبرگ در پنسیلوانیا جامعه بهائی هریسبرگ Harrisburg با همکاری یک سازمان ائتلافی بین ادیان جلسه‌ای برای بزرگداشت روز جهانی دین تشکیل دادند. علاوه بر اهل بهاء، نمایندگان ادیان مسیحی و هندو و اسلام و آئین‌های سرخپوستان در جلسه بزرگداشت حضور یافتند.

بیش از ۸۰ نفر در این جلسه شرکت داشتند. هر یک از نمایندگان دینی ادیان گوناگون یک یا دو سرود دینی خواندند و حاضران را به شور آوردند.

فعالیت‌های مربوط به وحدت نژادی

RACE UNITY ROUNDUP

هر چند فعالیت‌های مربوط به وحدت نژادی سالانه صورت می‌گیرد اما در حوالی ماه‌های جنیوری و فبروری که مصادف با روز بزرگداشت مارتین لوتر کینگ و ماه تاریخ سیاهپوستان است، شور و نشور دیگری در جامعه امری پدید می‌آید. خلاصه‌ای از فعالیت‌ها و جلسات مربوط به وحدت نژادی در زیر درج می‌شود:

ایالات جنوبی محافل روحانی برمینگم Birmingham آلاباما و چاتانوگا در تنسی و چپل هیل Chapel Hill کرولینای شمالی از یکی از احبای کالیفرنیا خانم لنیز جکسون گارتنر LeNise Jackson-Gaertner دعوت کردند که کارگاه‌ها و سخنرانی‌هائی در دبیرستان‌ها و دانشگاه‌ها و موزه‌ها و همچنین مراکز بهائی ترتیب دهد.

خانم جکسون گارتنر ریاست یک سازمان غیرانتفاعی وحدت نژادی در لوس آنجلس را بر عهده دارد. هدف سازمان مذکور از میان بردن رفتارهای تعصب‌آلود است.

خانم جکسون گارتنر در چند دبیرستان و دانشگاه سخنانی درباره وحدت نژادی ایراد کرد. این سخنرانی‌ها و کارگاه‌ها با استقبال مدیران و آموزگاران و دانش‌آموزان و والدین آنان روبرو شد.

اورنج کانتی سازمان NAACP از مهم‌ترین سازمان‌های اجتماعی سیاهپوستان است. رئیس سازمان مذکور در اورنج کانتی در کالیفرنیا جایزه‌ای به هیئت وحدت نژادی محل اهداء کرد. ایشان در حین اهدای جایزه مذکور اظهار داشت که برای خدماتی که احباء اجرا می‌کنند، ارزش بسیاری قائل است. ایشان همچنین گفت که با حضور در میان بهائیان احساس روحانیت می‌کند.

کوروالیس از اپریل سال ۱۹۹۹ لجنة وحدت نژادی محفل ‎کووالیس کوروالیس‎ در ایالت اورگان از سیاهپوستان دعوت کرده است که میراث فرهنگی خود را با جامعه امری در میان نهند.

استادان دانشگاه و نمایندگان سازمان NAACP و اهل حرفه و فن و دانشجویان در برنامه‌هائی که ترتیب داده شده شرکت کرده و سخنرانی‌هائی ایراد کرده‌اند. در ژانویه سال جاری میزگردی به مناسبت بزرگداشت روز مارتین لوترکینگ برگزار شد که خبر آن در جراید منتشر گردید.

هذا يوم فيه يقول اللاهوت طوبى لك يا ناسوت بما جعلت موطئ قدم الله و مقرّ عرشه العظيم

"اشعار و غزلیات روح‌بخش و الواح منیعه بدیعه که چون سیل از قلم مبارک حضرت بهاءالله مَنْهَمر و به اشارات آن یوم عظیم مزین بود... و انبعاثات قلبیه و آثار اعتلائی که در لحظات سرور و حزن از صدر منیرش متجلی می‌گردید، ... کل دلالت بر آن مینمود که میقات جلوس سلطان نور بر سریر ظهور و هدایت و قیادت اهل بیان از طرف محبوب امکان در شَرَف طلوع و سطوع است."

کتاب قرن بدیع، چاپ کانادا، صص ۳۱۲-۳۱۱.

عید اعظم رضوان و سلطان اعیاد را به عموم احبای عزیز تبریک و تهنیت میگوئیم.

نشریات جدید

NEW PUBLICATIONS

سید حسن معلم و تاریخچه درس اخلاق

به تازگی مؤسسه ملی مطبوعات امری آلمان به انتشار کتابی با عنوان سید حسن معلم و تاریخچه درس اخلاق توفیق یافته است. در یادداشت پشت جلد چنین آمده است:

"کلاس‌های درس اخلاق را می‌توان از جمله اعظم ثمرات مجهودات خستگی‌ناپذیر تشکیلات نظم بدیع خصوصاً تشکیلات تربیت امری در مهد امرالله به شمار آورد. بی هیچ تردید تشکیل کلاس‌های درس اخلاق مدیون زحمات و فداکاری‌های شبانه‌روزی هزاران نفر خادمین باوفای کلاس‌های مذکور است که با پایه‌گذاری و اداره کلاس‌ها فضائل و کمالات انسانی را به اطفال و نوجوانان بهائی در کشور مقدس ایران القا نمودند و آنان را برای خدمات آتی‌شان در میادین خدمت بین‌المللی آماده ساختند. به همین لحاظ تاریخچه کلاس‌های درس اخلاق و حکایت چگونگی تأسیس و اداره آنها و خاطره یاران و یاورانی که با نهایت عشق و علاقه اوقات خود را صرف تشکیل و اداره کلاس‌ها نمودند بس شیرین و دل‌پذیر است.

کتاب سید حسن معلم و تاریخچه درس اخلاق که به همت آقای سیاوش راستانی به رشته تحریر درآمده است، کوششی است در جهت معرفی جناب سید حسن هاشمی‌زاده و دیگر دست‌اندرکاران تربیت اطفال و اقدامات و مجهودات تشکیلات تربیت امری در مهد امرالله. در این کتاب نام بسیاری از مسؤولین لجنات و کمیسیون‌های تربیت امری و معلمین و معلمات کلاس‌های درس اخلاق ذکر گردیده و عکس‌های متعددی که در متن کتاب گراور شده، خاطره بسیاری از اعضای تشکیلات تربیت امری، همچنین معلمین و شاگردان کلاس‌ها را زنده و جاوید می‌سازد."

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای خرید کتاب مذکور با مؤسسه ایمجز اینترنشنال تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ۴۲۳-۸۷۰-۴۵۲۵ [Page 36]احیاء در سراسر کشور نمایانگر وحدت و حیثیت جامعه بهائی امریکاست. محفل روحانی ملی از محافل روحانی محلی تقاضا می‌کند که جوامع بهائی را درباره اهمیت اقدامات عاجل در باب اجابت تقاضاهای محفل ملی آموزش دهند. محفل روحانی می‌توانند اختیارات لازم را به منشی محفل محلی، جهت تماس با افراد جامعه برای اجرای توصیه‌های محفل روحانی ملی، تفویض نمایند....

دفاتر نمایندگان کنگره معمولاً به نامه‌ها و تماس‌های تلفنی پاسخ می‌گویند و نظر کسانی را که با آنان تماس گرفته‌اند وارد دفتر می‌کنند اما تماس‌های از طریق پست الکترونیک (e-mail) را همیشه پاسخ نمی‌گویند. بدین جهت محفل روحانی ملی ترجیح می‌دهد جوامع بهائی از طریق نامه یا تلفن با نمایندگان خود در کنگره تماس حاصل نمایند.

از محافل روحانی دعوت می‌شود که رهنمودهای بالا را با دوستان بهائی در جامعه امری خود در میان نهند تا در صورت لزوم تماس با نمایندگان کنگره یاران از کم و کیف اقدامات آگاه باشند. یقین بدانید که در حق آن عزیزان دعا خواهیم کرد.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده منشی امور خارجی: فیروز کاظم‌زاده

قطعنامه مجلس نمایندگان آمریکا درباره آزادی جامعه بهائی ایران

THE HOUSE RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE EMANCIPATION OF IRANIAN BAHA’I COMMUNITY

در قطعنامه شماره ۲۵۷ مجلس نمایندگان ایالات متحده نخست صورتی از نام‌های تهیه‌کنندگان آن آمده است. سپس به قطعنامه‌های پیشین کنگره اشاره‌ای شده و حکومت ایران را مسؤول احترام به حقوق شهروندان خود از جمله اعضای جامعه بهائی که بزرگترین اقلیت دینی ایران است، شمرده است.

در قطعنامه مذکور انگیزه صدور آن ذکر شده است که رؤوس نکات آن در زیر درج می‌شود: - اعدام بیش از ۲۰۰ تن از بهائیان و زندانی هزاران تن از آنان تنها به جرم اعتقادات دینی آنها - اعدام جناب روح‌الله روحانی در مشهد در سال ۱۹۹۸ - زندانی بودن ۱۲ تن از احباء به جرم اعتقادات یا فعالیت‌های دینی - صورتی از محرومیت‌های گوناگون بهائیان از حقوق اولیه شهروندان - حمله به دانشگاه آزاد و تضییقات مربوط به آن - یادداشت محرمانه اولیای امور دولت ایران مبنی بر تخریب جامعه بهائی - جلوگیری دولت ایران از ورود نماینده سازمان ملل متحد ویژه حقوق بشر

سپس در این قطعنامه، بر مبنای مطالبی که در بالا ذکر شد، نکاتی به تصویب رسیده است که خلاصه آن چنین است که کنگره ایالات متحده: ۱- دولت ایران را مسؤول احقاق حقوق احبای ایران می‌داند ۲- سیاست ضدبهائی دولت ایران را نکوهش می‌کند ۳- از تضییقاتی که بهائیان بدان دچار شده‌اند اظهار نگرانی می‌نماید ۴- از دولت ایران می‌خواهد که اجازه دهد بهائیان در دانشگاه‌های ایران حق تعلیم و تحصیل داشته باشند و دانشگاه آزاد به احباء بازگردانده شود ۵- از دولت ایران می‌خواهد که توصیه‌های مندرج درگزارش نماینده سازمان ملل متحد ویژه عدم مدارای دینی را مجری دارد ۶- از دولت ایران می‌خواهد که جامعه بهائی ایران را از حقوق مندرج در منشور جهانی حقوق بشر برخوردار سازد ۷- از رئیس جمهور [آقای بیل کلینتون] می‌خواهد که نگرانی دولت امریکا را درباره حقوق شهروندان از جمله بهائیان ایران اظهار دارد و در صورت برقراری ارتباط سیاسی با دولت ایران اوضاع بهائیان را به عنوان عامل مهمی برای تجدید برقراری ارتباط منظور دارد و نیاز به تحصیل اجازه ورود برای نماینده سازمان ملل را تاکید نماید و از دولت ایران آزادی جامعه بهائی را بخواهد و از دیگر دولت‌های جهان درخواست کند که خواستار حفظ حقوق بهائیان ایران باشند.

دوستان عزیز می‌توانند متن کامل این قطعنامه را در صفحات انگلیسی مطالعه فرمایند.

شرکت بهائیان در کنفرانس کاخ سفید

BAHA’IS IN WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE

روز ۹ مارچ سال جاری کنفرانسی درباره اوضاع نژادی در ایالات متحده تشکیل شد. از ۱۵۰ تن از رهبران ادیان کلیمی و اسلام و بودائی و فرقه‌های گوناگون مسیحی و آئین‌های سرخپوستان دعوت شده بود که در کنفرانس مذکور جهت بررسی راه‌های حل مشکلات نژادی شرکت جویند. پنج تن از احباء نیز به نمایندگی از جانب جامعه بهائی در این کنفرانس شرکت کردند.

کنفرانس مذکور به دنبال کنفرانس ملی درباره جامعه و عدالت که به طور خلاصه NCCJ خوانده می‌شود تشکیل گردید. آقای بیل کلینتون، رئیس جمهوری ایالات متحده، از NCCJ درخواست کرده بود که جوامع دینی هدف‌ها و آرمان‌های مربوط به اقدامات او را در خصوص مسائل نژادی به مرحله اجرا درآورند.

از سال ۱۹۹۸ محفل روحانی ملی از طریق دفتر امور خارجی واقع در واشنگتن دی‌سی با NCCJ همکاری داشته است.

در کنفرانس ۹ مارچ از چند تن از شرکت‌کنندگان درخواست شده بود درباره فعالیت‌های جامعه دینی خود در خصوص امور نژادی گزارش کوتاهی اقامه کنند.

دکتر رابرت هندرسن، منشی محفل روحانی ملی از جمله گزارش‌دهندگان بود و در بیانات خود راجع به نوار ویدیوئی نیروی وحدت نژادی و فعالیت‌های جامعه بهائی در زمینه رفع مشکلات نژادی سخن گفت و تاکید کرد که در نظر جامعه بهائی وحدت نژادی تنها یک هدف اجتماعی نیست بلکه مرحله بعدی تحول و بلوغ عالم انسانی است.

آقای کلینتون اظهار داشت که جوامع دینی همواره سهم مهمی در حل مشکلات اجتماعی ایفاء کرده‌اند و در آینده نیز در خصوص مسائل نژادی سهم عمده‌ای بر عده خواهند داشت.

پس از پایان کنفرانس، کاخ سفید گزارشی برای استفاده جراید صادر کرد که در آن از کوشش‌های شرکت‌کنندگان قدردانی شده و در بخشی از آن آمده بود که بیش از ۱۱۰ هزار بهائی ایالات متحد صلای آقای کلینتون را درباره مشکلات نژادی لبیک گفته‌اند و برنامه‌هایی ویدیوئی تهیه کرده‌اند که در سراسر کشور به نمایش می‌آید و در آن راه حل روحانی مشکلات اجتماعی ارائه می‌شود. این برنامه‌ها بر اهمیت گروه‌های چندفرهنگه و همکاری آنها با همدیگر تاکید می‌ورزد.

اعلام طرد اداری REMOVAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE RIGHTS بدین ترتیب طرد اداری آقای هومن اساسی ساکن لاس وگاس را به آگاهی یاران می‌رساند. محفل روحانی ملی احباء را از ورود در معاملات تجاری با آقای اساسی تحذیر فرموده است.

شرکت در مدارس تابستانه بهائی

SUMMER SESSIONS AT BAHA’I SCHOOLS

یکی از رویدادهای خاطره‌ساز برای احبای ایرانی شرکت در مدرسه‌های تابستانه بهائی در طهران (حدیقه)، و دیگر شهرهای ایران بود. بسیاری از یاران ایرانی خاطرات فراموش نشدنی و خوشی از شرکت در مدرسه‌های تابستانه دارند: خاطره جلسات مشرق‌الاذکار در سحرگاهان، صرف صبحانه و ناهار و شام، جلسات تفریحی شب‌ها با اجرای موسیقی و برنامه‌های نمایشی و مهم‌تر از همه شرکت در کلاس‌های امری و استفاده از سخنان دانشمندان بهائی و گاه استفاده از محضر حضرات ایادی امرالله و دیگر عزیزانی که متأسفانه اکنون در میان ما نیستند هنوز به ما اهتزازی شیرین می‌بخشد.

شرکت در مدرسه تابستانه تجربه‌ای ‎به‌یادمادنی به‌یادماندنی‎ و شیرین بود. در آنجا از یک سو نهال ایمان احباء آبیاری می‌شد و از سوی دیگر به معلوماتشان می‌افزود. تعلق و وابستگی جوانان بهائی به جامعه بهائی تقویت می‌شد و بسیاری از آنان سرآغاز حیات ایمانی خود را در آنجا سراغ می‌کردند.

البته تعداد احباء در ایالات متحده به کثرت تعداد احباء در ایران نیست و برخی اوقات این امر خود [Page 37]

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به جمیع محافل روحانی ملی مورخ ۲۰ مارچ ۲۰۰۰

HOUSE OF JUSTICE MESSAGE, 3/20/2000

این مشتاقان از انتخاب جناب کایزر بارنز Kiser Barnes به عضویت بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی با گرمی استقبال می‌نمایند.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به جمیع محافل روحانی ملی مورخ ۲۸ مارچ ۲۰۰۰

HOUSE OF JUSTICE MESSAGE, 3/28/2000

با قلوبی سرشار از سرور، انتصاب خانم زنایدا رامیرز Zenaida Ramirez را در سمت مشاور عضو دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی اعلام می‌داریم.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

انتخاب جناب کایزر بارنز به عضویت بیت‌العدل اعظم

KISER BARNES ELECTED TO THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

به تازگی جناب کایزر بارنز به عضویت بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی انتخاب گردید. ایشان اصلاً از شهر بالتیمور در ایالت مریلند است و سابقاً استاد رشته حقوق در دانشگاه‌های جمهوری بنین Republic of Benin و نیجریه بوده است. انتخاب جناب بارنز در پی صعود عضو محترم بیت‌العدل اعظم، متصاعد الی الله، جناب ادیب طاهرزاده صورت گرفت.

جناب کایزر بارنز از سال ۱۹۹۳ در مرکز جهانی بهائی به سر می‌برده و عضو مشاور دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی بوده است.

جناب بارنز پس از تحصیل در رشته حقوق در دانشگاه مریلند چندی در آن ایالت به وکالت گذراند. ایشان در دعاوی مربوط به قانون اساسی و حقوق بشر در مورد سیاه‌پوستان و امور زنان تخصص دارد.

جناب بارنز در سال ۱۹۷۶ به جمهوری بنین رفت و در دانشگاه بنین Universite du Benin به تدریس حقوق پرداخت. بعدها پس از اخذ مدرک دیگری در رشته حقوق از دانشگاه آبافمی آولو Obafemi Awolowo در نیجریه، در همان دانشگاه به تدریس اشتغال یافت و سرانجام ریاست بخش حقوق تجاری آن دانشگاه را بر عهده گرفت.

و ناگفته نماند که ایشان در تشکیلات گوناگون بهائی در آفریقا عضویت داشته است.

کانونشن بین‌المللی بعدی قرار است در سال ۲۰۰۳ تشکیل یابد. در آن کانونشن هر ۹ نفر اعضای بیت‌العدل اعظم از نو به مدت ۵ سال انتخاب خواهند شد.

ترجمه نامه محفل روحانی ملی خطاب به کلیه محافل روحانی محلی مورخ ۲۲ مارچ ۲۰۰۰

LETTER OF NSA, 3/22/2000

دوستان عزیز،

محفل روحانی ملی دست استمداد به سوی آن محافل روحانی یازیده است. این استمداد در راستای آگاه ساختن نمایندگان مجلس نمایندگان و سنا در خصوص قطعنامه فعلی کنگره ایالات متحده است که دولت ایران را به دلیل اعمال تضییقات بی وقفه خود علیه جامعه بهائی ایران مورد نکوهش و اعتراض قرار می‌دهد. تقاضا می‌شود که از همه بهائیان جامعه امری خود مصرانه درخواست نمائید که با دو سناتور ایالت خود و همچنین نماینده حوزه انتخابی خود در مجلس نمایندگان تماس بگیرند و از آنان بخواهند که قطعنامه شماره ۵۷ مجلس سنا و قطعنامه شماره ۲۵۷ مجلس نمایندگان را به تصویب رسانند. این تماس با نمایندگان انتخابی باید در اسرع وقت صورت گیرد.

از سال ۱۹۸۲ کنگره ایالات متحده ۷ قطعنامه صادر نموده و در آنها تضییقات بهائیان ایران را مورد توجه قرار داده است. قطعنامه فعلی هشتمین قطعنامه از این سلسله است. نمایندگان مجلس نمایندگان آقایان جان پورتر John Porter و تام لنتوس Tom Lantos و کریس شمیت Chris Smith و ستنی هویر Steny Hoyer قطعنامه‌ای برای مجلس نمایندگان تهیه نموده‌اند و رونوشتی از آن را به دیگر نمایندگان جهت حمایت از آن اقامه داشته‌اند. همچنین سناتور جوزف لیبرمن Joseph Lieberman و سناتور جان مک‌کین John McCain نیز قطعنامه مشابهی در مجلس سنا تهیه نموده‌اند. جهت آگاهی آن عزیزان متن قطعنامه پیشنهادی و صورتی از اسامی حامیان آن در مجلس نمایندگان و سنا در جوف این نامه ارسال می‌شود.

محفل روحانی ملی از بهائیان ایالات متحده تقاضا می‌کند از سناتورها و نماینده مجلس در محل خود درخواست کنند که از جمله امضاءکنندگان قطعنامه مذکور شوند. در صورتی که تاکنون چنین نکرده باشند، از آنها بخواهند که برای تصویب قطعنامه مذکور که در اواخر بهار یا اوایل تابستان امسال برای رأی گیری مطرح خواهد شد، رأی مثبت ‎ابدا ابراز‎ کنند. محفل روحانی ملی از یاران درخواست می‌کند در صورتی که نمایندگان کنگره در محل اقامت احباء، از جمله حامیان یا امضاءکنندگان قطعنامه باشند، احباء با آنها تماس حاصل نمایند و از حمایت آنان سپاسگزاری کنند.

تقاضا می‌شود به احباء گوشزد فرمائید که نامه‌های آنان به اولیای امور نباید حاوی نقل قول از آثار بهائی باشد. همچنین احباء نباید در نامه‌های خود در صدد تبلیغ آن افراد برآیند.

محافل روحانی به احتمالی از رویدادهای اخیر در ایران آگاهی دارند. به رغم تغییرات چشمگیری که در صحنه سیاسی در ایران رخ داده است، موقعیت احباء اساساً همان است که از قبل بود. بهائیان ایران همچنان مورد تبعیض مداوم قرار دارند و از تحصیلات عالی و استخدام دولتی و دریافت حقوق بازنشستگی و اقامه دعاوی خود در دادگاه‌ها محرومند. بهائیان ایران هنوز از انتخاب محافل روحانی و تأسیس تشکیلات و اداره مدارس امری و داشتن فعالیت‌های امری مربوط به جامعه ممنوعند.

دستگیری‌ها و محکومیت‌های احباء همچنان ادامه دارد. در سوم فبروری سال ۲۰۰۰ دو تن از احباء که از سال ۱۹۹۷ در مشهد به دلیل انعقاد جلسات حیات بهائی در زندان به سر می‌برند، خبردار شدند که حکم اعدامشان که از قبل صادر شده بود، دوباره تأیید شده است. حکم اعدام بهائی دیگری که او نیز از جولای سال ‎۲۰۰۰ ۱۹۹۹‎ در زندان مشهد به سر می‌برد، به مشارالیه اعلام شده است. در حال حاضر ۵ بهائی منتظر اجرای حکم اعدام خود هستند و ۱۲ تن دیگر به جرم اعتقادات یا فعالیت‌های دینی در زندان به سر می‌برند. از زمان انقلاب ایران در سال ۱۹۷۹ بیش از ۲۰۰ تن از احباء اعدام شده و هزاران نفر به زندان افتاده اند.

اطلاعات بیشتر درباره اوضاع بهائیان ایران را می‌توان از طریق اینترنت به دست آورد:

http://www.us.bahai.org/iran/index.html

دوستان بهائی پیش از تماس با نمایندگان خود در کنگره می‌توانند اطلاعات مندرج در اینترنت را از نظر بگذرانند.

در اینجا محفل روحانی ملی مایل است از فرصت استفاده نموده، از جامعه بهائی ایالات متحده برای اجابت تقاضاهای قبلی این جمع در خصوص امور خارجی امر مبارک سپاسگزاری کند. در سال‌های اخیر بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی بیش از پیش از محافل روحانی ملی خواسته است که فعالیت‌های خود را در زمینه امور خارجی گسترش دهند و همت خود را بذل تحقق دو هدف نمایند:

۱- دفاع از امر مبارک، مثلاً در این مورد تضییقات بهائیان ایران

۲- تأثیر نهادن بر جریان صلح جهانی با تأکید درباره حقوق بشر و موقعیت زنان و رفاه و سعادت جهانی و تربیت اخلاقی

محفل روحانی ملی جهت تعقیب این دو هدف هر از گاهی از جوامع بهائی در ایالات متحده درخواست نموده است که با نمایندگان خود در کنگره تماس حاصل نمایند و از آنان در خصوص دفاع از بهائیان ایران و ترفیع حقوق زنان و حمایت از سازمان ملل متحد درخواست کمک کنند. بدین ترتیب محفل روحانی ملی عمیقاً از احباء الهی جهت اجابت فوری تقاضاهای خود سپاسگزار است.

محفل روحانی ملی همچنان به تناوب از جامعه بهائی درخواست خواهد کرد که در مورد مسائل خاصی اقدامات لازم را معمول دارند. اقدامات همزمان [Page 38]

Bahá’í women spread ‘Peace Week’ message across Europe

In a tremendous display of energy and unity, Bahá’í women across the continent joined members of other organizations in promoting Peace Week in October. The Bahá’í effort, initiated by the European Task Force for Women, was carried out by hundreds of friends who had never before been in the forefront of activity.

Results of the cooperative effort included an enormous increase in capacity to plan projects, important personal contacts with people of capacity, plenteous media coverage, and a whole new consciousness of the power of unity in working for world peace.

Among highlights of reports from Bahá’í women in 19 countries, representing roughly 120 cities and towns:

Czech Republic: Bahá’í women from several cities collaborated to plan a peace rally in Prague.

England: Bahá’ís in Leicester joined 19 other groups in organizing an amazingly diverse and rich week of activities focusing on world peace. Events included a photo exhibition, family prayer services for world peace, an international music and dance festival, and banner-making for children—all culminating in a Readings for Peace program.

France: Peace Week activities were held in 30 cities. In one instance at Poitiers, there were an exposition of posters and calligraphy and performances by Brazilian dancers.

Germany: Women for World Peace events were offered in at least 14 towns. In some towns children’s war toys were burned, and concerts and prayer sessions were held.

Greece: An earthquake disrupted plans for some events, but large-scale activities were held in Thessaloniki and on the island of Chios.

Iceland: Bahá’ís promoted the week with a musical celebration that included quotations read by females ages 10 to 80.

Ireland: Bahá’í women initiated a public dedication to world peace held in the town council chamber in Bray, near Dublin.

Italy: The pilot project for this Europe-wide event was held in Italy four years ago with amazing results. This year, women joined together in numerous cities to offer prayers and read the “Words for Peace” program.

Portugal: Events in four cities included concerts with famous musicians, film festivals, photo exhibitions, school programs and public forums.

Romania: Peace Week activities were held in Bucharest, Cluj and Timisoara with press conferences, art exhibitions, jazz concerts and other events. “Deep bonds of friendship” resulted among women involved in planning, a report said.

Russia: The Local Spiritual Assembly of Yakutsk organized a seminar on women in the modern world. The head of the Department of Religious Affairs attended, as did professors from the Yakutian State University. “The seminar was similar to a fireside, for many people became interested in the Faith, asked many questions and received Bahá’í literature,” it was reported.

Sweden: The Peace Week project was carried out in eight localities, including a program of music and poetry in the north.

Switzerland: Activities in a number of towns and cities included seminars, workshops, theatrical productions and cake sales.

Conferences, Schools, Events

• Marshall Islands: Ocean of Light Conference June 28-July 2. International participation, including in artistic presentations, is warmly encouraged.
• Kyrgyzstan: “New Values for the New Century” is the theme of the International Summer School on Lake Issyk-Kul, July 5-10. Registration deadline May 1.
• Greece: Summer school will be July 10-16 at the San Stefano Hotel in Tsangarada. This region is well-known for the singular beauty of Mt. Pilion, for the excellent shore of Milopotamos and for the clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
• Hawaiian Islands: Bahá’í Summer School, “The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh: Catalyst for Change”; July 11-16, Koke’e, Kaua’i. Guest teachers Nabil and Azadeh Fares. Please contact the National Bahá’í Office, Honolulu, HI 96817 (phone 808-595-3314, e-mail ). Deadline is June 15.
• El Salvador: International Youth Congress for Central America, Mexico, Panama and Belize, July 12-16, near Coatepeque Lake in the western part of the country. Please see Web page (http://elsal2000.homepage.com).
• Canada: Youth Congresses in Vancouver, British Columbia, July 20-24, 2000; and in Sherbrooke, Quebec, June 29-July 2, 2001. Part of a series of Youth Congresses initiated by the Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas, these intense and action-oriented gatherings are in the spirit of congresses held previously in Chile and Paraguay. According to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, they will be working meetings for youths to share information on their efforts to spread the teachings of the Faith and to consider together how to make their own approaches more effective.
• Pakistan: Asia Youth Conference 2000, July 21-23 in Karachi.

Please contact the Office of Pioneering for further information about these opportunities and other urgent needs and opportunities for international traveling teachers. Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail ).

International exposure in Korea

The Bahá’í booth at the International Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Seoul, South Korea, last fall attracted hundreds of visitors. The display of Bahá’í literature included material sent by National Assemblies from around the world. Bahá’í International News Service

DEVELOPMENT

Honduras: Six of the nine Pech Indian villages in the Department of Olancho were represented at the Pech Bahá’í Congress, Dec. 20-21 in Vallecito. Four of the five chiefs present were Bahá’ís, joining more than 80 other local participants. Also attending were Rolf von Czekus, a Counselor member of the International Teaching Center, and Ruth Pringle, a member of the Continental Board of Counselors.

Participants discussed the growth of the Faith, preserving cultural identity, and improving bilingual education. The consultation was in the Pech language, with translation into Spanish.

Santos Monico Escobar, a local Bahá’í, demonstrated sacred Pech Indian music with drum, flute and rattle.

The Secretary of the Federation of Pech Indian Tribes of Honduras was present and expressed interest in working with the National Spiritual Assembly on cultural, spiritual and material projects.

EDUCATION

Kazakhstan: Twenty-eight friends from six countries attended a ZIPOPO course Dec. 15-21 in Almaty. The training was conducted by Shamil Fattahov, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Russia, who founded the ZIPOPO program of moral education and spiritual development.

ZIPOPO is an acronym suggested by the Russian name for the Academy of Positive Behavior, which Fattahov started in 1994. The main feature of the program is The Happy Hippo Show, a participatory drama that focuses on themes such as honesty, the equality of men and women, or abstinence from alcoholic beverages.

South Africa: The inaugural conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies in Southern Africa was held during December in Windhoek. Attended by about 100, the conference program included a dance performance and talks by nine Bahá’ís on a wide range of topics, often focusing on uplifting African culture through the Bahá’í teachings.

TEACHING

Malaysia: The Local Spiritual Assembly of USJ West, a residential center of Subang Jaya, was running out of time and no progress had been made in four months toward its target of enrolling 15 new believers in the area. The six Bahá’í families in the middle-class area had already told all their neighbors about the Faith and none had signed up.

With only 11 days left until its self-imposed deadline, the Assembly suggested that each family challenge itself to say the “Remover of difficulties” prayer 500 times. In response, the families decided to come together, apply the “CAR process” (Consultation, Action and Reflection), and say that prayer of the Báb 500 times—not only once, but every day for nine days.

Within hours during the first day, four people accepted the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. It was a miracle for the teachers—the “infertile” ground was really quite fertile. More enrollments came each of the next three days. The new believers, including lawyers, engineers and accountants, numbered 16 by the ninth day. “It proves that prayers really open up doors, quench all fears and solve all problems,” a report stated.

Congo Republic: Bahá’ís were among representatives of the country’s major religions invited to a meeting in the Parliament Building in Brazzaville Dec. 17-19 for “awareness-arousing days” focused on reconciliation and forgiveness. Each religion was given 30 minutes to make a presentation, and this was seen as a major proclamation opportunity for the Faith.

Canada: A nationwide trip by Douglas Martin, member of the Universal House of Justice, provided the friends with a unique perspective on the development of the Faith in Canada and around the world. He encouraged regular, systematic prayer habits as well as audacity and creativity in the teaching work, and praised the National Spiritual Assembly for developing training institutes to raise up believers to be “quickeners of mankind.” He also held special meetings with Native, Persian and French-speaking friends. [Page 39]

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. Numbers and e-mail addresses for the permanent Bahá’í schools and institutes are: Bosch Bahá’í School, phone 831-423-3387; fax 831-423-7564; 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 843-558-5093; fax 843-558-9136; e-mail; Native American Bahá’í Institute, phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail.

MAY

3–9: “Encouraging the Artist,” retreat for musicians, artists and dancers ages 18–26 at Bosch.

5–7: Spiritual Empowerment Institute for Junior Youth at Louhelen.

5–7: Kansas Bahá’í School, near Junction City, KS. Details, page 15.

12–14: “Creating Sacred Space: How the Arts Create Community” at Green Acre.

12–14: Parent-Child Weekend at Louhelen.

12–14: “Heroines of the Faith” for ages 16–18 at Bosch.

19–21: “Work as Worship” at Green Acre.

19–21: Two sessions at Bosch: Ruhi Course, “Twin Manifestations”; “Heroines of the Faith” for ages 12–15.

19–21: “Young at Heart: The Older Person and the Bahá’í Community” at Louhelen.

26–28: Conference of Núr, “Make Thou This Garden to Flower: Using the Arts to Advance Entry by Troops”; Elizabethtown, PA. With David and Margaret Ruhe, Vaughn Loudenbach, Victoria Jones. Registrar: Mark Dunmire, Harrisburg, PA 17104 (phone 717-234-0916, e-mail).

26–28: “Cultivating Distinction” at Green Acre.

26–28: “Consecration, Love of God and Teaching” at Louhelen.

26–28: Royal Falcon (Alabama) Bahá’í School, Mobile, AL. Details, page 15.

26–29: “Health for Humanity” at Bosch.

26–29: Georgia Bahá’í School, Hampton, GA. Details, page 15.

26–29: Utah Bahá’í School, near Zion National Park, UT. Details, page 15.

JUNE

2–4: Maiden of Heaven Young Women’s Institute at Louhelen.

2–4: Mississippi Bahá’í School, Canton, MS. Details, page 15.

2–4: Nur’u’lláh Bahá’í School, LaPorte, IN. Details, page 15.

2–4: LSA Team Development at Bosch.

9–11: “Planning Progress: Lessons from Shoghi Effendi” at Green Acre.

10–15: Texas Family Reunion at Bosch: Study of “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh.”

16–17: Hemlock Haven Bahá’í School, Marion, VA. Details, page 15.

16–18: Southeast Asian Roundtable Conference at Bosch: “Fostering the Spiritual and Social Development of Children.”

18–23: Camp Louhelen Children’s Institute I for ages 8–12 at ‎L:ouhelen Louhelen‎.

21–25: Colorado East Bahá’í School, Woodland Park, CO. Details, page 15.

21–25: Iowa Bahá’í School, Grinnell, IA. Details, page 15.

23–26: Southern California Bahá’í School, Yucaipa, CA. Details, page 15.

23–28: Junior Youth Academy: “Arising to Serve” for ages 11–14 at Green Acre.

24–29: Youth Eagle Institute at Bosch.

25–28: Camp Louhelen Children’s Institute II for ages 8–12 at Louhelen.

30–July 3: North Carolina Bahá’í School, Salisbury, NC. Details, page 15.

30–July 3: Ocean of Light Teaching Conference at Bosch.

30–July 4: Florida Bahá’í School, Melbourne, FL. Details, page 15.

30–July 5: “Family Virtues Week”/“The Bahá’í Administrative Order in North America—Its First 75 Years” at Green Acre.

30–July 5: Persian-American Bahá’í Studies: “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh and The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh at Louhelen.

JULY

2: Concert-Picnic with Red Grammer at Green Acre.

1–7: Sheltering Branch Bahá’í School, near Pomeroy, WA. Details, page 15.

7–12: Badasht Academy at Green Acre for youths ages 12–18; sponsored by Northeast Regional Youth Committee. To be followed by a 19-day teaching project. Register with Green Acre; for more information contact the committee (e-mail).

7–12: Children’s Academy at Bosch.

7–12: Youth Eagle Institute at Louhelen.

14–19: Two sessions at Louhelen: “Spiritual Parenting”; Friends and Families I.

14–20: South Carolina Bahá’í School, Rock Hill, SC. Details, page 15.

15–19: Heartland (Illinois) Bahá’í School, Galesburg, IL. Details, page 15.

15–20: Persian Session: The Advent of Divine Justice at Bosch.

17–21: Marian Steffes (Wisconsin) Bahá’í School, Brownsville, WI. Details, page 15.

17–23: “Art and the Mystic Path,” retreat on the creative process with Bill George and Sally Cordova at Little Pond retreat center, Nazareth, PA (phone 610-837-2741, e-mail, Web site www.littlepond.org). Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Bethlehem, PA.

SUMMER BAHÁ’Í SCHOOLS

Details on sessions, May through Labor Day, on pages 15–17.

Naw-Rúz brought a “multimedia” storytelling session for the kids at the House of Worship in Wilmette, with Susan Engle (right) reading, Kathy Tahiri (in red) at the keyboard and Aaron Kreader (not pictured) illustrating at an overhead projector. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

APRIL 28, 2000 JAMÁL, ‘AZAMAT • B.E. 157

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving The American Bahá’í, send all family members’ names, new address and mailing label to: Membership Office, 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. [ ] 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.	[ ] 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.

[Page 40]

nent Baha’f schools and institutes are: Bosch Baha'i 3387; fax 831-423-7564; e-mail

. Green Acre Baha’i School,

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly _ phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail or its agencies at the Baha’f National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. Numbers and e-mail addresses for the perma School, phone 831-423- fax 843-558-9136; e-mail

Baha’f School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail . Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute, phone 843-558-5093;

phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail

Louhelen

. Native American Baha’s Institute, Re

MAY

3-9: “Encouraging the Artist,” retreat for musicians, artists and dancers ages 18-26 at Bosch.

5-7: Spiritual Empowerment Institute for Junior Youth at Louhelen.

5-7: Kansas Baha’f School, near Junction City, KS. Details, page 15.

12-14: “Creating Sacred Space: How the Arts Create Community” at Green Acre.

12-14: Parent-Child Weekend at Louhelen.

12-14: “Heroines of the Faith” for ages 16-18 at Bosch.

19-21: “Work

12- .

Sommunity” at Lnthelea

conference of Nir, “Make ‘Thou This

Jsing the Arts to Advance Entry abethtown, PA. With David and Margaret Ruhe, Vaughn Loudenbach, Victoria Jones. Registrar: Mark Dunmire,

Harrisburg, PA 17104 (phone 717-234-0916, e-mail

26-28: “Cultivating Distinction” at Gre« cre. 26-28: “Consecration, Love of God and Teaching” at Louhelen.

26-28: Royal Falcon (Alabama) Buhs4’f School, Mobile, AL. Details, page 15.

26-29: “Health for Humanity” at Bosch.

26-29: Georgia ichool, Hampton, GA. Details, page 15.

26-29: Utah Baha’i School, near Zion National Park, UT. Dewails, page 15.

BAHA’{ NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

JUNE

2-4: Maiden of Heaven Young Women’s Institute at Louhelen. 2-4: Mississippi Baha’ School, Canton, MS. Details, page 15. 2-4: Nur’u'llah Baha'i School, LaPorte, IN. Details, page 15. 2-4: LSA Team Development at Bosch. 9-11: “Planning Progress: Lessons from Shoghi Effendi” at Green Acre. 10-15: Texas Family Reunion at Bosch: Study of “The Dispensation of Baha’u’llah.” 16-17: Hemlock Haven Baha’f School, Marion, VA. Details, page 15.

8: Southeast Asian Roundtable Conference at Bosch: the Spiritual and Social Development of

mp Louhelen Children’s Institute I for ages 8-12 at

21-25: Colorado East Baha’i School, Woodland Park, CO. Details, page 15.

21-25: lowa Baha’i School, Grinnell, IA. Details, page 15. 23-26: Southern California Baha’i School, Yucaipa, CA. Details, page 15.

23-28: Junior Youth Academy: “Arising to Serve” for ages 11-14 at Green Acre.

24-29: Youth Eagle Institute at Bosch.

25-28: Camp Louhelen Children’s Institute II for ages 8-12 at Louhelen.

30-July 3: North Carolina Baha’{ Details, page 15.

30-July 3: Ocean of Light Teaching Conference at Bosch. 30-July 4: Florida Baha’i School, Melbourne, FL. Details, page 15.

30-July 5: “Family Virtues Week”/”The Baha’{ Administrative Order in North America—Its First 75 Years” at Green Acre. 30-July 5: Persian-American Baha’i Studies: “The Dispensation of Baha’u’llah and The World Order of Baha'u'llah at Louhelen.

hool, Salisbury, NC.

Naw-Rdz brought a “multimedia” storytelling session for the kids at the

a updates the Nati House of Worship in

address (B) must be filled in. abase.)

JULY 2: Concert-Picnic with Red Grammer at Green Acre. 1-7: Sheltering Branch Baha’f School, near Pomeroy, WA. Details, page 15. 7-12: Badasht Academy at Green Acre for youths ages 12-18; sponsored by Northeast Regional Youth Committee. To be followed by a 19-day teaching project. Register with Acre; for more information contact the committee (e-mail S 7-12: Children’s Academy at Bosch. 7-12: Youth E;

14-19: Two Parenting”; ds and Families I. 14-20: South Carolina Baha’i School, Rock

Hill, SC. Details, page 15. 15-19: Heartland (Illinois) Baha’{ School, Galesburg, IL. Details, page 15. 15-20: Persian Session: The Advent of Divine Justice at Bosch. 17-21: Marian Steffes (Wisconsin) Baha’i School, Brownsville, WI. Details, page 15. 17-23: “Art and the Mystic Path,” retreat on the creative process with Bill George and Sally Cordova at Little Pond retreat center, eth, PA (phone 610-837-2741, e-mail

, Web site www.littlepond.org). Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Bethlehem, PA.

SUMMER BAHA’i SCHOOLS Details on sessions, May through Labor Day, on pages 15-17.

ames, new address and Evanston, IL 60201-1611. If lease allow three weeks for process

Wilmette, with Susan A. NAME(S) Engle (right) read- ;

ing, Kathy Tahiri (in IDF red) at the keyboard Me a and Aaron Kreader See ee (not pictured) illus- 7 IDs trating at an over- C IDF Se ee

head projector.

Photo by Vladimir Shilov B. NEW RESIDED

ADDRESS

Street Address

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS

Street Address

Apartment # (if applicable) Apartment # (if applicable) APRIL 28, 2000 Giy PROG Se I CIY hon JAMAL, ‘AZAMAT + B.E. 157 Sexe a Caren Boats Zip code

D. NEW COMMUNITY

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER

Name of new Bahi'i Community

Moving Date

Area Code Phone Number Name

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Area Code

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we the same last not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and ID number(s) listed above.

Oyms 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.

Our household receives only

one copy of The American Babd’i. 1 wish to receive my copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.

Tre AMERICAN BanA‘i