The American Bahá’í/Volume 8/Issue 1/Text
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Persian believers in U.S. meet to discuss role in community[edit]
Some 500 Persian Bahá’ís currently residing in the United States were in Wilmette December 25–26 to hear from the National Spiritual Assembly about pressing homefront needs of the Five Year Plan and ways in which they could assist in winning the American community’s goals.
At least 100 of the participants were Persian Bahá’í youth, most of them in the United States to pursue degrees at American colleges and universities. Conference discussions encouraged them to become fully integrated into the American Bahá’í community.
A message to the conference received from the Universal House of Justice called the attention of the Persian believers to the critical needs of the Five Year Plan in international fields of service and requested four volunteers for each of six zones to spend between three to six months traveling teaching. The zones named were: Australasia; Central and South America; Central, East, Southern and Western Africa.
“Praying Holy Shrines spirit generated conference will fulfill expectations National Assembly and inspire adequate number dedicated Persian believers arise forthwith courageously enthusiastically meet this new challenge,” the House of Justice cabled.
More than 100 people took volunteer forms made available by the International Goals Committee. Before the end of the conference, approximately 40 people volunteered to teach both on the homefront and abroad. About half volunteered to travel on the homefront and half internationally. Two decided to resettle posts abroad.
Persian Bahá’ís attended a memorial service for Adelaide Sharp, an American pioneer to Iran and the first woman on the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran, on December 26.
Nearly 500 Persian Bahá’ís residing in the United States attended a conference called by the National Spiritual Assembly especially for them. More photographs on page four.
Fourth Bahá’í National Youth Conference[edit]
A logotype for the fourth Bahá’í National Youth Conference has been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly. The conference, to be held in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, June 29 to July 3, 1977, will for the first time be open to youth who are not Bahá’ís, upon invitation by a Bahá’í youth and approval of the Local Assembly or District Teaching Committee.
The conference will center around three themes: the distinctive characteristics of Bahá’í life; preparation for marriage and family life; and career planning.
Construction of Seat of House of Justice nearing[edit]
A contract for the construction of the main structure of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice was signed in Haifa January 5, the Universal House of Justice has cabled.
Shipments of Italian marble for the five-and-a-half-story building have begun to arrive in the Holy Land, and it is reported that construction on the foundation level will begin soon.
An additional amount of excavation on Mt. Carmel was recently completed to allow for placement of a power station for the building near the entrance to the Bahá’í properties, and for a garage under the mountain.
April 1979 has been given as a target for completion of the main structure by engineers on the project. Renewed turmoil in the Middle East could affect this schedule, however.
The construction of this edifice has been termed the greatest single undertaking of the Five Year Plan by the Universal House of Justice.
Hand of the Cause to speak at Youth Conference[edit]
‘Alí-Akbar Furútán
The Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan has accepted an invitation given by the National Spiritual Assembly to participate in the Fourth Bahá’í National Youth Conference in Champaign-Urbana June 29–July 3.
Mr. Furútan was in the United States last August and September to help with the deepening of Local Spiritual Assemblies.
At the end of his tour, he said he had been very impressed with the development of the American community since his visit in 1969. It had not only grown in size, he said, but was now more concerned with making improvements in community life. He said then he would be interested in returning.
Details of Mr. Furútan’s visit have not yet been worked out.
Strategy to save Assemblies being implemented[edit]
The work of saving jeopardized Local Spiritual Assemblies is once again consuming much attention of the National and District Teaching Committees.
Eighty-six Assemblies are known to be in jeopardy at press time, and would not reform at Riḍván unless their community membership could be brought back to at least nine members.
Members of the National Teaching Office staff felt it was not an unusual number of Local Assemblies to be in jeopardy at this time of the year but an enormous effort was required to maintain them, effort which would otherwise be going into the vital expansion work.
To meet the challenge posed by this recurring seasonal problem, the National Teaching Committee has adopted a two-pronged approach.
A new circuit teaching program has been developed for areas with jeopardized Assemblies that will complement, though not interfere with, existing teaching efforts. Details have been shared with District Teaching Committees, which will coordinate the program throughout the country.
For each community with a jeopardized Assembly, a Bahá’í will be appointed by the National Teaching Committee to assist with coordinating teaching efforts designed to restore that community’s membership to a safe level.
The coordinator will ensure that at least one activity is held each week in his assigned community. He or she will encourage Bahá’ís in surrounding communities to attend events there, to give firesides, and to assist in many other ways in efforts to rescue that Spiritual Assembly.
Their primary responsibility will be to get people to come to their communities. It is felt that, by just being there, they will add that excitement that visitors often contribute to the teaching work.
Through its ancillary agencies the National Teaching Committee is also trying to encourage Bahá’ís who are able to move to areas first where Local Assemblies are in jeopardy, and second to communities where Bahá’í groups can elect a Local Assembly with the additional membership.
Local Spiritual Assemblies in jeopardy[edit]
- Connecticut:
- Berlin (8)
- East Hartford (8)
- East Haven (8)
- Hamden
- Massachusetts:
- Belchertown
- Dartmouth (7)
- Westboro (8)
- Holyoke
- Indiana:
- West Lafayette (8)
- Richmond (8)
- California:
- Fair Oaks-Folsom J.D.
- San Carlos (7)
- Fairfield
- Pittsburgh (8)
- Claremont (8)
- Duarte
- Hawthorne (7)
- Lakewood
- Manhattan Beach
- Redondo Beach
- Temple City
- Buena Park
- Coronado
- Redlands
- Victorville
- Westminster
- Yucaipa
- Santa Maria
- Montana:
- Miles City
- Blackfoot Indian Res.
- Michigan:
- Midland
- Pittsfield (7)
- Saginaw Township
- Missouri:
- Gravois Twp. (8)
- Nebraska:
- Grand Island (8)
- Aurora
- North Dakota:
- Jamestown (8)
- Bismarck (8)
- South Dakota:
- Little Eagle
- Illinois:
- Edwardsville Twp. (7)
- Limestone Twp. (7)
- Arlington Heights (6)
- Schaumburg
- Downers Grove (8)
- Arizona, No:
- Peoria
- Wyoming:
- Riverton
- New Mexico, N:
- Farmington (6)
- Washington, W:
- Mason C.C.D. 1
- Mason C.C.D. 3
- Vancouver
- Pierce C.D. 2
- Arkansas:
- Sweethome
- North Carolina:
- Winston-Salem
- Oregon:
- McMinnville
- Hillsboro
- Colorado, E:
- Commerce City
- Arapahoe
- Colorado, W:
- Durango
- No. Idaho/E. Washington:
- Yakima C.C.D. 1
- Yakima C.C.D. 3
- Wapato
- Nevada, N:
- Elko (7)
- Utah:
- Ogden
- Florida, C:
- Orange Co. (8)
- Velutia Co. (8)
- Maryland/D.C:
- Annapolis
- Louisiana, S:
- St. Martinville
- West Virginia:
- Princeton
- Wisconsin/Michigan:
- Wausau
- Marquette
- Pennsylvania, E:
- West Chester
- New York, W:
- Jamestown
- Potsdam
- Hamburg
- Binghamton
Local Spiritual Assemblies which are in jeopardy are listed above. The numbers at the right indicate the number of Bahá’ís presently residing in the community.
Movement by homefront pioneers increasing[edit]
In less than a year, the Spiritual Assembly of Longview, Washington, has deputized nine homefront pioneers to rescue two neighboring Assemblies and establish one new one.
Last February, the Longview Assembly decided that several jeopardized Assemblies throughout its region could be saved if Bahá’ís from Longview would agree to resettle.
The Local Assembly ascertained what individuals in the community were likely to be mobile and met with them. In the session that followed, individual Bahá’ís determined what their needs would be if they were to move. Most importantly, the friends committed themselves to homefront pioneering with the purpose of forming Local Assemblies.
The first obstacle was finding housing in the goal areas in time for Riḍván. The pioneers were assisted in this on a one-to-one basis by members of the Longview community. If finances prevented someone from homefront pioneering, he was deputized by the Local Assembly to cover moving costs and the cost of getting utilities connected. The intent was not to continue to support the pioneers, only to get them settled. Aid ranged from $55 to $200.
As a result of this community’s efforts, Cowlitz County No. 1 and Cowlitz County No. 3 have been restored to Assembly status. A new Local Assembly was formed in Kelso, across the river from Longview, when four homefront pioneers moved there. Ten Bahá’ís live in Kelso now.
Homefront pioneers were also instrumental in helping Bahá’ís in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, form a Spiritual Assembly August 1.
The Group of seven in Okmulgee was anxious to form their Assembly in time to place a photograph of the institution in a fifty-year time vault to be buried at the Council House of the Creek Indian Nation, a local historical site.
The date given for sealing the vault was June 26. On that date, however, there were still only seven Bahá’ís in Okmulgee.
Over a three-year period, seven local residents had declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh, but had subsequently moved from the community, the friends in Okmulgee reported.
Fortunately, the June 26 deadline was postponed because of the unexpected absence of Okmulgee’s Mayor. The new deadline for closing the vault was August 2.
On August 1, two Bahá’ís moved to Okmulgee, bringing the total to nine believers—enough for the formation of a Spiritual Assembly. A photograph of the new Assembly and a list of its members were ready to be placed in the capsule the following day.
On Labor Day, two additional homefront pioneers, Jean and Steven Smith, moved to Okmulgee to help reinforce that community, at the same time that two existing members moved out.
The Smiths had visited Okmulgee in July while on a tour of the United States with a copy of Design for Victory, looking for a place to settle permanently. They finished their trip in Texas, where they decided Okmulgee would become their new home. The Smiths mailed a postcard to the community saying that they would arrive by Labor Day.
Florida communities cooperate in use of media[edit]
Twelve Bahá’í communities in the Tampa Bay area of Florida recently decided to combine their efforts and develop a media program to spread the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the nearly three-quarters of a million people in the region.
The Spiritual Assembly of Hillsborough County, sponsor of the cooperative venture, was encouraged to propose the project to the other communities after completing the Local Spiritual Assembly Training Program given by the National Assembly.
In that program, the Assembly learned how to use inter-community committees, and then decided to apply their knowledge to a productive teaching effort, it was explained.
The coordination of efforts began with a decision to purchase “The New World,” a series of 13 half-hour color television shows on the Bahá’í Faith, produced by the National Assembly of Hawaii.
Gil Muro, a Bahá’í television cameraman and technician, helped the inter-community committee place the series. When it was announced that Channel 13 in Tampa would air “The New World” beginning January 2, offers of support arrived from Local Assemblies and individuals in all parts of the state.
At the end of the first show, a picnic was announced, and nine non-Bahá’ís attended. One couple was preparing for church when they saw the 8 a.m. show. They stopped at the picnic on the way home. Of the approximately one dozen responses received, most were from areas not yet opened to the Faith.
The Bahá’ís have publicized the series in several ways: Ads were placed in two newspapers which have a combined circulation of over 418,000, and in smaller local newspapers; the Hillsborough County and Pinellas County communities have displayed posters on buses; more than 5,000 postcards have been printed for Bahá’ís to send to 19 of their friends who live in viewing distance of the television station; over 10,000 flyers have been distributed; space has been rented on a football scoreboard to advertise the series; an airplane has been rented to fly over a football game with a streamer announcing the series.
The inter-community committee has more plans for use of the media: Mr. Muro will visit other television stations to promote “The New World”; booths are scheduled for three community fairs; film festivals are planned for shopping malls; and public meetings and firesides are scheduled to be held daily. The committee contracted in January to have a display at the Tampa International Airport for one month.
Oldest Bahá’í receives birthday greeting from President[edit]
David Brockington, Sr., perhaps the oldest Bahá’í in the United States, celebrated his 101st birthday at the Louis Gregory Institute Christmas Eve.
Among his birthday greetings was a telegram from Gerald R. Ford. Sent from Vail, Colorado, where the President was vacationing, the message said:
“Mrs. Ford and I were delighted to learn that you will be celebrating the grand occasion of your one hundred and first birthday, and we want to be sure to be included among those expressing congratulations to you at this happy time.”
Some sixty Bahá’ís, friends, and family members joined Mr. Brockington at the Institute for his birthday celebration. Among his presents were a cassette tape recorder and deepening tapes on prophecies fulfilled. Mr. Brockington uses a tape recorder to teach the Faith. He estimates that at least six members of his family are interested in its teachings.
Mr. Brockington became a Bahá’í in 1970 while visiting a tobacco warehouse in Kingstree, South Carolina. He encountered a group of Bahá’ís there and when he talked with them, “they brought out points that showed me it was right,” he said.
“He made the way so plain,” Mr. Brockington recalled. “Bahá’u’lláh is a God-sent Man; sent to bring peace to the world.”
He said he has been impressed by the fairness of the Bahá’ís. “They don’t go out with their heads in the air,” he said. “When we meet, there is no big me and little you. God made all men and he said all are his children.”
He said God can give the Bahá’í Faith victory and He will if we have faith in Him.
“It will be like the time God told Gideon to go and win the battle,” Mr. Brockington said. With just 400 men he beat a great army. “God gave him the victory, and that’s the way it will be again.”
The best way to teach the Faith, he said: “giving the message from one to the other.”
Mr. Brockington and his wife Minnie, who is also a Bahá’í, live in a house just three miles from the log cabin in Camel’s Swamp where Mr. Brockington was born. The Brockingtons have been married more than 70 years. They have one son, David, Jr., nine grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.
David Brockington celebrated his 101st birthday at the Louis Gregory Institute.
Conditions set for attendance of non-Bahá’í youth at conference[edit]
Non-Bahá’í youth between the ages of 15 and 21 will be allowed to attend the Bahá’í National Youth Conference next summer for the first time.
However, certain conditions for their participation in the program being planned for Champaign-Urbana June 29-July 3 have been set by the National Spiritual Assembly.
The conditions are:
- The non-Bahá’í youth must be invited by a Bahá’í youth who will be attending the conference.
- The non-Bahá’í youth must be a close friend or relative of the Bahá’í issuing the invitation.
- The non-Bahá’í must be close to the Bahá’í Faith and thereby have a good understanding of its teachings.
- The non-Bahá’í must attend all sessions with his Bahá’í sponsor and must have a clear understanding of the necessity for strict adherence to Bahá’í standards of behavior during the conference.
The National Assembly outlined these conditions in a letter dated December 30, 1976, and sent to Local Assemblies and District Teaching Committees.
Bahá’í youth must receive permission from the Local Assembly or District Teaching Committee before issuing any invitation, the National Assembly said in this letter.
They must “provide either of these agencies with full information that will satisfy it concerning the character and relationship of the non-Bahá’í to the Bahá’í youth and to the Faith,” the National Assembly said.
A recommendation from one of the Bahá’í institutions must accompany the registration form for the non-Bahá’í sent to the Bahá’í National Youth Conference Committee.
Restoration of Wilhelm property underway[edit]
Upon instruction of the National Spiritual Assembly, restoration of the Wilhelm House in Teaneck, New Jersey, began in May 1975. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spent the evening and night of June 29, 1912, in the house after giving a Unity Feast in the grove nearby. The house was bequeathed to the National Assembly by the Hand of the Cause Roy Wilhelm.
The restoration of the downstairs and preparation of the upstairs as a custodian’s apartment was begun by Mark Remignanti. He installed a new kitchen ceiling downstairs, sanded and varnished the floor in the Meditation Room, and built a linen closet in the upstairs bathroom.
In September 1975, Robert and Rita Behrens were hired as custodians of the property. They renovated the upstairs.
Two friends from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, volunteered in October 1975 to spend their weekends restoring the downstairs area. Edward and Sharon Marino spent several hundred hours and many weekends from November 1975 until July 1976 restoring floors, walls, plumbing, and ceilings.
Vincent DeMarco and Douglas Bowerman installed storm windows and made other outside repairs.
The Monadi family and other friends have donated temporary furnishings.
The Wilhelm House in Teaneck, New Jersey.
Los Angeles mayor declares Bahá’í Week, joins in celebration[edit]
Above: Frederick Brisson, husband of the late Rosalind Russell, accepted the Bahá’í Human Rights Award on her behalf.
Right: Mayor Tom Bradley of Los Angeles, holding a sandpainting by David Villaseñor presented by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles. In the photograph, from left to right, are Mona Grieser, Manila Lee, Lisa Janti, Mayor Bradley, Richard Lewellen and Gloria Ferguson.
A dinner for Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley and the presentation of the eighth annual Bahá’í Human Rights Awards were highlights of Bahá’í Week in Los Angeles, December 5-11.
In his proclamation of Bahá’í Week, Mayor Bradley urged city residents to use the time to “promote in themselves and in the community those qualities and attributes which will generate the recognition that mankind is one, to fight prejudice whatever its forms and wherever found, and to work for the unity of our local community, our national community, and the world community.”
The dinner for the Mayor was held December 7 at the home of Leonard and Marion Keith of Pacific Palisades, one of the districts of Los Angeles. A number of community leaders joined with Bahá’ís, including City Councilman Marvin Braude. Dorothy Nelson, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, welcomed the Mayor, noting that Bahá’ís in Los Angeles had respect for his inspiring career in public service. Mr. Bradley, in his remarks, said Bahá’í teachings had beauty and power and should be investigated and embraced by people throughout the world. He had himself gained inspiration from these teachings, he said.
The climax of Bahá’í Week came December 10, when the Bahá’í Human Rights Awards were presented in a ceremony at the Wilshire E. Bell Theatre sponsored by the 40 Bahá’í communities of Los Angeles County. The awards are given each year to individuals who, to promote human rights, have given selfless service to their fellow men.
Human Rights Awards recipients included the Indian Free Clinic of Los Angeles, William Schwentner, a pioneer in the design of programs in private industry to assist the chronically unemployed, and Johnny Carpenter, director of the Heaven-On-Earth Ranch for handicapped children.
The most moving portion of the evening, however, was the presentation of a posthumous award to actress Rosalind Russell, who died several days before the scheduled awards ceremony. The award was accepted for her by her husband, producer Frederick Brisson, who spoke lovingly of his wife’s commitment to human rights during her lifetime. He said that when Mrs. Russell learned she was to receive the Bahá’í award, she called it one of the most meaningful honors of her life.
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Persian Conference productive and festive reunion[edit]
Counterclockwise: The Hand of the Cause Mr. Khadem greets those who volunteered for travelling teaching; the International Goals Committee helps volunteers with information forms; forty-two Bahá’í children attended children’s classes at the conference; Bahá’í youth discussed ideas; Mr. Khadem visited with other believers; the response to a santir concert was Iranian dancing.
[Page 5]
House of Justice, continued from page 1
The building will contain the council chamber of the Supreme Institution, a library, a concourse for reception of pilgrims and dignitaries, storage vaults with air purification for the preservation of original Tablets and other precious documents, and accommodation for the secretariat and ancillary services.
Like the Archives building which was completed in 1957, the Seat of the House of Justice is conceived in the classical Greek style, and is to be surrounded by 60 stately Corinthian columns.
The interior arrangement, the House of Justice has said, will be very simple and capable of adaptation to technological advances made by the rapid growth of human knowledge in the centuries ahead.
Summer positions open at Louis Gregory Institute[edit]
Two volunteer summer positions are open at the Louis G. Gregory Institute for the June 10-July 24 session and the July 22-August 28 session. (1) recreational director to lead beach trips, coach basketball and football, coordinate work assignments, and lead recreational projects for all ages. A married couple would be ideal. Room and board are provided. (2) Media specialist for one month to build slide programs, plan tape presentations, do photography, make filmstrips and prepare teaching materials. Room and board are provided.
Other needs: slides of mankind, teaching, working on jobs, nature slides, illustrations of Bahá’í teachings. Color and B-W. Please label, date, and send only as donations. Donations of tapes of inspirational background music or singing to be used in making special programs for Nineteen Day Feasts and other special occasions.
Please write to the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Route 2, Box 123, Hemingway, South Carolina, 29554.
Persian Conference, continued from page 1
road. Additional volunteers are expected to arise.
Hand of the Cause Zikrullah Khadem, who spoke several times at the conference, personally greeted each individual volunteer as he or she came to the front of the room. The audience was moved by this pageant and as it unfolded, they sang a moving Persian Bahá’í song, “Take My Hand ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.”
The warmth and goodwill that characterized the gathering was likened by one of the Persian friends to “the spirit in the old country.” The gathering was very precious because of that spirit, he said, and more so, because Persian Bahá’ís knew they could teach without hindrance when they left the conference.
The friends met Saturday morning at the House of Worship in a memorial service for Adelaide Sharp. An American pioneer, Miss Sharp spent nearly 50 years in Iran educating the children, enriching the spiritual life of the youth, translating the Writings, and consolidating the administrative institutions. She was the first woman elected to the National Assembly of Iran. She died in September, 1976.
Speakers for the conference, which was conducted entirely in Persian, were Kazem Kazemzadeh, Trustee for the Ḥuqúqu’lláh in North America; Firuz Kazemzadeh, chairman of the National Assembly; Continental Counsellor Edna True; Auxiliary Board members Javidukht Khadem and Jalil Mahmoudi; Hormoz Bastani, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board, and Vahid Rafati, a university student. A special taped message from the Hand of the Cause ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan was played, and a letter read from the National Assembly of Iran.
Mr. Khadem told the friends that now that they are in the United States, they must think about the duty to teach. He told them they will be blessed and assisted by God if they arise to teach.
Dr. Jalil Mahmoudi spoke on the absolute requirement for non-involvement in politics. He said Bahá’ís have their own world plan and are interested in solving problems on a universal scale rather than piecemeal or nationally. For Bahá’ís to participate in politics in one country might work against Bahá’ís in another country, he said. Our love for Bahá’u’lláh should keep us out of politics. He said sometimes we do not understand His wisdom, but we obey His teachings out of love for Him and because of His station as the Manifestation of God.
Spanish event held at House of Worship[edit]
A Latin-American Day program for Spanish speaking people was held at the Bahá’í House of Worship January 15.
It was the first in a series of programs this year titled “Family of Man: Celebration of Diversity” which is designed to attract minority people from the greater Chicago area.
The series is based on the principle of unity in diversity as explained by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “Diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord.”
Latin American Day featured a talk by Mexican-American artist David Villaseñor, a renowned sandpainter, sculptor, lecturer and longtime Bahá’í.
There was also a display of some of his works, a guided tour, a showing of the Bahá’í film “Paso a Paso,” Spanish music and a special Spanish exhibit with photographs of Spanish-speaking Bahá’ís in Latin America and the U.S. and Bahá’í literature in Spanish.
The “Family of Man” series will continue with announced events directed to Afro-Americans, Feb. 26; Asian-Americans, April 2 and Native Americans May 22.
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Bahá’í books and materials[edit]
New Materials for Deepening—Bahá’í Community Life and The Problem of Covenant-Breaking[edit]
New Bahá’í Literature[edit]
The Power of the Covenant
Part Two: The Problem of Covenant-Breaking
New this month, The Problem of Covenant-Breaking is the second of four booklets on the Covenant to be published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada. It discusses, in question-and-answer format, many frequently asked-about subjects concerning Covenant-breaking.
Some of the topics discussed in the booklet are: What is Covenant-breaking? Do Covenant-breakers know what they are doing? Have Covenant-breakers attacked the Faith since the passing of the Guardian? How can I recognize a Covenant-breaker? Who declares an individual to be a Covenant-breaker?
The Problem of Covenant-Breaking is recommended reading for all Bahá’ís and may be studied individually or in group deepenings. Local Spiritual Assemblies in particular can help to strengthen their communities by planning sessions for the friends to read and study this booklet as well as the others in the series as they become available. 5½ x 8½ inches. 48 pp., references.
7-65-02............$.75; 10/$7.00
Bahá’í Community Life
(Star Study Program)
“One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Bahá’í,” begins this new Star Study Program booklet, “is living in a community with other Bahá’ís.” The new booklet’s nine brief but informative chapters cover the Nineteen Day Feast, individual devotion, universal participation, observance of Holy Days, deepening, spiritual education of children and youth, living the life, service to the community, and participation of women. Like the other Star Study Program booklets, Bahá’í Community Life is excellent for deepening new believers in areas of entry by troops. The booklet can also be used in local communities for the education of children age nine or older, for group deepenings, and for individual study. Illustrated by Lori Block. 17pp., notes.
7-64-54..............$.40
New booklet on Covenant-breaking
Bahá’í Community Life (Star Study Program)
Bahá’í Locket, (shown actual size)
New Special Materials[edit]
Bahá’í Locket (28 mm., with chain)
A beautiful new piece of Bahá’í jewelry—a 28 mm. locket with chain—is now available. Produced by the International Bahá’í Audio Visual Centre, the oval-shaped locket is handsomely engraved with the Symbol of the Greatest Name, which is framed by delicate filigree. An 18-inch gold-colored chain is included. A printed explanation of the Symbol of the Greatest Name accompanies each piece. Like all Bahá’í identity jewelry, the locket can attract the attention of non-Bahá’ís and lead to interest in the Bahá’í Faith. An excellent gift. 1/20 12K gold filled.
2-09-18..............$20.00
Back in Stock[edit]
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh
by Bahá’u’lláh
A second revised edition of this important work has just been published. This edition of Gleanings contains many editorial corrections provided by The Universal House of Justice. 346 pp., glossary, index.
7-03-03 cloth..............$4.75
Christ’s Promise Fulfilled:
Excerpts from Some Answered Questions
by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
This popular booklet, which contains ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s explanations of many subjects of interest to Christians, is now available at a new price. 74 pp., epilogue.
7-06-01 paper..............$.75
Bahá’í Writings: A Concordance
This valuable reference work, designed to assist one in locating words or ideas in the Bahá’í Writings, is now available at a new price. 180 pp.
7-68-31 paper..............$10.00 NET
Editorial[edit]
Gentlemen, the verdict please[edit]
An interesting story the new President tells is of attending a Baptist service to hear the preacher ask, “If you went on trial now for being a Christian, would they have enough evidence to convict you?”
To his dismay he realized that he would probably be set free because the evidence against him would be circumstantial. There might really be no proof in deeds that he was a practicing Christian.
On the strength of this realization the President apparently determined to mend his ways and to make his Christian witness more effective.
A version of the same question, it seems to us, can be turned on the Bahá’í Community with some benefit.
If any of us were to be brought to trial now for supporting the Five Year Plan, would they have enough evidence to convict, or would they have to let us go too because the case was insufficient?
What would a prosecuting attorney use against us? Of course he could produce an incriminating document, the Five Year Plan.
“This shows conclusively that the Bahá’ís are trying to establish a new world order,” he would tell the jury with a snort. “According to this they are going to set up 1400 Local Assemblies, raise the number of localities where their members reside to 7,000, expand the teaching work among the Armenian, Basque, Chinese, Greek, Japanese and Spanish-speaking minorities, and develop intensive teaching and consolidation plans in at least three States initiating a process leading to entry by troops into their Faith. On the strength of this evidence alone,” he would say, “the jury should bring in a verdict of guilty.” And he would rest, confident of victory.
Not that he would, mind you, but a good defense lawyer could ask those same ladies and gentlemen to consider the true facts before them and agree that the American Bahá’ís were not really leading an expansionist drive and becoming the envy of the world. “The American Bahá’ís are not believing everything they read in this embarrassing document and neither should the jury,” he would say good naturedly.
With almost three years of the Five Year Plan gone there are only 926 Local Assemblies in the United States, he would point out. At the close of the Nine Year Plan in 1973 there were already more than 800 of them established.
“Such a trifling increase over a span of almost four years does not show overwhelming commitment to a scheme to spiritualize the world,” our erstwhile attorney might pointedly say were he permitted.
Furthermore, he would add, at the close of the Nine Year Plan there were already Bahá’ís in 4,800 localities (to prove this he would wave a copy of the National Assembly’s Annual Report for 1973 and enter it as an exhibit for the defense). Today there are Bahá’ís in 5,700 localities—a rise of only 900 since the start of the Five Year Plan.
“You can’t prove guilt in the Five Year Plan with sickly figures like that,” he would scold the prosecutor, now shifting uncomfortably in his seat.
And he would go on to exclaim indignantly: “What’s more, show me large numbers of Basques in today’s Bahá’í community, or large numbers of Chinese or of Japanese. How can we judge these people guilty of taking part in a grand scheme when nothing has really happened to prove it?” (Naturally he would exaggerate to make his point effectively). “There is no smoking gun here, no corpus delicti,” he might say with a flourish.
“Ladies and gentlemen, you must really agree that there is still not enough evidence to determine conclusively whether the Bahá’ís are really serious about this Plan of theirs. Surely there is a reasonable doubt. Consequently, you must vote to free them.”
Thinking he had gone far enough our enthusiastic defender might decide to rest his case too, without making light of other items of the Plan, such as the need to expand the use of radio and television for Bahá’í broadcasts, organize regular activities and classes for adults and children, and provide a continuous flow of travelling teachers to all parts of the world.
The jury would leave the courtroom to ponder its verdict. They could go either way in this case. God forbid, they could even decide to set us free.
“Insufficient evidence, your honor,” the foreman might soberly say.
This is our comment. We would welcome yours. Please send your letters to The American Bahá’í, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091. We must have the right to edit all contributions before publication.
Food for thought[edit]
If starting today one Bahá’í decided to bring one new believer to the Faith each year, and each subsequent believer in the chain followed suit, in five years, from this activity alone, there would be 32 believers in the world. In ten years the number would grow to 1,024. In fifteen years it would be 32,768. In twenty years, 1,048,576. In twenty-five, 33,394,432. And in thirty years it would reach the fantastic sum of 1,068,621,784. Imagine if all the Bahá’ís decided to teach one new person each year.
Publishing Trust seeks recordings Hands Cause[edit]
The Bahá’í Publishing Committee is searching for recordings of talks given by the Hands of the Cause of God, in particular talks by Dorothy Baker, Amelia Collins, Clara Dunn, John Ferraby, Herman Grossman, Horace Holley, Leroy Ioas, Siegfried Schopflocher, George Townshend and Corinne True.
Please send a description of the tapes you may have to the Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Reel-to-reel tapes would be preferred.
Author seeks stories about Dorothy Baker[edit]
Have you a story about the Hand of the Cause Dorothy Beecher Baker which might help in the preparation of a biography of her life? Did you work with her in some capacity? Assist her in some way? Or did she help you?
If so, please send the information to her daughter, Louise B. Matthias, 503 South Fielder Road, Arlington, Texas, 76013. Please include dates, locations, names of individuals or organizations, if you can. The author is seeking warm and personal details, and available background material.
The mail[edit]
Feast letter spurs community to greater activity[edit]
Dear Friends:
This letter is in response to the Feast letter from the National Spiritual Assembly dated December 1, 1976, which read in part: “The Khurásán Bahá’ís have set a most challenging example of dedication and sacrifice. The thrilling words ‘Every Local Spiritual Assembly, even every group of that Province has formulated its local goals and every individual believer has adopted personal teaching goals. This makes the heart leap with joy’.”
Here is the story of one community’s response to the letter, and it may be the second Concord shot heard around the world.
The Bahá’ís of Concord, Massachusetts, have rededicated themselves to the Cause of God. We estimated that there are at least 100 people in this town of 16,000 who would become Bahá’í if they heard the Message. We decided to go on foot and find them, following ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s cry, “would that I could go on foot to every mountain, clime and valley crying Ya Bahá’u’lláh ‘Abha.”
So we got a map of Concord and decided to walk through every road and street in Concord every week looking for teaching opportunities. We will mark-off each street until every road has been trodden by a Bahá’í. At every opportunity we will give out the card with a picture of the House of Worship on it, inviting people to a fireside the same day if possible.
We decided to continue our regular Saturday firesides, but also to have what we call an open-house fireside; that is, we will have a fireside on any day or night of the week.
We decided to go to all of the churches in town to worship God and to “associate with the people of all religions.”
We decided to increase our donations to the Fund by 20 percent and send that to Haifa each month.
We decided to hold a prayer session each night.
We decided to say the Remover of Difficulties as often during the day and night as circumstances permitted.
There is no way the Bahá’ís of America can win the goal of reaching the masses and see the “entry by troops” unless a large number of Bahá’ís dedicate the remaining days of the Five Year Plan completely to the Bahá’í Faith in all of its aspects. We have already tried the part-time approach. The next few years will probably be the most crucial for the Faith and for our country. It is not too late to act decisively. No individual, group or Assembly can any longer wait for a weekend or summer proclamation, it must now be every day of the year.
Religion at its inception sets peoples’ hearts on fire with the love of God. The spiritual teachings of each religion transformed, inspired and enlightened ordinary people who became completely happy, courageous and self-sacrificing. Let’s make the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the Guardian happy. Let’s conquer America with the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Bahá’í Group of Concord, Massachusetts
More support for National Fund urged[edit]
Many believers who are concerned about the condition of the National Bahá’í Fund have asked for specific examples of projects which the National Spiritual Assembly is unable to undertake due to a lack of funds. The following letter brings to light just one of the many needs in the American Bahá’í Community which the National Spiritual Assembly would be in a position to meet if the contributions goal were met regularly.
Dear Friends,
This letter is being written from the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute where I am making a short visit.
What an experience it has been to hear the phone ring again and again and a voice pleading: “Are you going to pick us up for your meeting? Oh, please do!”
And then the troubled answer: “I’m not sure we can, but we’ll try! Be ready an hour early, because we have to make three or four trips.”
After that, seeing the misery of frustration on the face of the man or woman who has thus been thrust up against the ever-present problem at the Louis Gregory Institute—transportation. What means they have are so pathetically inadequate—three or four vehicles which are, for the most part, not suitable.
“How many people, including children and youth, could you bring to these meetings if you had the transportation that you need?” I asked an Indian believer who, with her husband, has come to live here for a time to serve the Faith. “A hundred, easily!” she answered. “What we could do if we had just one well-functioning school bus or, better yet, two! Not only to bring friends to the Institute, but to take instruction and study material to them!”
I couldn’t sleep last night thinking of that possibility. I was haunted by the words, “What we could do if we had just one well-functioning school bus—or better yet, two!” Even more haunting is the knowledge that this is but one small example of our global needs. The Faith does not need funds for a school bus, the Faith needs believers who will consistently and sacrificially support the Fund. Yes, your problem is spiritual. Our hearts don’t grasp what black and white figures and a few facts about deficits are saying!
The miraculous achievements here with such a limited number of workers and dollars testify that Bahá’u’lláh is fulfilling His Covenant with us to the “nth” degree. But through the hungrily seeking hearts down here, I hear Him summoning us to fulfill our part of the bargain!
I wish I could tell people what is going on down here—and what could be done, here and elsewhere, if more believers would regularly support the National Bahá’í Fund!
Sincerely,
A friend
Family life conference changes one Bahá’í[edit]
Dear Friends:
I can’t begin to tell you how the Family Life Conference has changed my life so completely, especially the talk by Mr. Faizi. It has given me a new pair of eyes with which to look at my children. It seemed to awaken all my inner promptings and feelings of love that were locked inside. Somehow, it seemed to awaken my child too.
Before the conference I had been so concerned about discipline and control. Now I try to look for the hidden gems or qualities inside him. As a consequence we have a lot of fun talking together and exploring things in order to develop various talents.
I feel good inside now about raising my children.
Bobette Heern
Hillsboro, North Dakota
Fund
The Fund needs your support
[Page 7]
Twenty-two youth worked at the National Center
Youth volunteers work at National Center[edit]
Twenty-two Bahá’í youth from around the country worked at the Bahá’í National Center as part of the Winter Youth Study Project, December 27–January 7.
They delivered and sorted mail, worked in the studio, filed, typed, stuffed packets, and did carpentry work.
David Clayborne, Secretary of the Youth Committee, said the presence of the youth projecteers refreshed the regular staff because of their spirit of total service. He said the purpose of the Youth Study Project is to give youth who basically understand the administrative order an intensive exposure to it and a comprehension of the role they play in it.
Pat Nobile, a 21-year-old from Long Island, who participated in the program, said she was impressed by the quantity of work done at the Center and realized how important the Fund was for the continuation of this work. Hope Roberts, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, enjoyed the deepening class with the Hand of the Cause Zikrullah Khadem and the prayer session with the National Spiritual Assembly.
The eighth Youth Study Project will be held July 31–August 12. Write to the Bahá’í Youth Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091, for more information.
Openings available for Japanese study[edit]
A major Japanese university has announced a program to recruit Japanese majors in foreign countries for the 1977 academic year, which begins there April 1.
If you think you might be interested in this program, promptly contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091; or call (312) 256-4400.
The Fund
Regularity in giving is important.
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Teaching Briefs[edit]
The declaration of one person in Santa Cruz, California led to the declaration of her mother, roommate, a friend, and another friend over a period of six months. It was a case of one to one to one to one to one teaching!
Radio station KIEV from Glendale, California broadcast a weekly hour-long talk show; this Bahá’í broadcast ran 13 weeks and answered telephone calls on the air. As a result, there are 85 people receiving Bahá’í literature and attending firesides in Southern California.
A teaching institute held in Ignacio, Colorado on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation resulted in three declarations, all of them Indian. A homefront pioneer is in the process of settling in Ignacio.
Rome, Georgia a newly opened locality, has three seekers at its regular firesides as a result of a Bahá’í radio program.
Because of the large Czechoslovakian population in Fayette County, Texas the Bahá’ís have been invited by a local radio station to do a program in the Czech language. A recent enrollee in the Faith in that District is Czech and is able to provide this unique service.
An isolated believer in Bowling Green, Kentucky has generated so much interest in the Faith that the Western Kentucky University campus newspaper asked her for an interview on what Christmas means to a Bahá’í.
The Fund
The Fund is the lifeblood of the Cause. Give regularly.
| Construction Seat House of Justice to begin soon | Persian believers meet to discuss Five Year Plan | Efforts increasing to rescue jeopardized Assemblies |
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| The Hand of the Cause Zikrullah Khadem at meeting for Persian believers held at the National Center December 25-26. |