The Five Year Plan 2001-2006 (Summary)/Achievements at the Bahá’í World Centre

[Page 107]

IV ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE

BAHA‘I’ WORLD CENTRE

Preparation of New Volumes of Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh

During the Five Year Plan the world was blessed with the publication of English translations of three significant compilations ofWritings of Bahá’u’lláh, thereby fulfilling one of the goals of the Plan.

T/ae Summam Oft/7c’ Lard ofHoxts, published in 2002, is a compilation of major Tablets Of Bahá’u’lláh that includes the Sériy—i—Haykal (St’lrih of the Temple), in which Bahá’u’lláh addresses Pope Pius IX, Napoleon III, Czar Alexander H, Queen Victoria, and Nésiri’d-Di’n flab (Lawh-iSultan). It also includes for the first time in their entirety, other weighty Tablets: Stiriy—i—Ra’fs, Lawh—i—Ra’i’s, Lawh—i—Fu’éd, and Stiriy—i—Multik (Sfirih Of the Kings).

Gems OfDivine Alysteries, also published in 2002, is the translation of Javéhiru’l—Asrér, an Arabic Epistle written by Bahá’u’lla’h during his years in Baghdad. This Tablet elucidates a number of important themes, in particular, the coming ofdiffetent Messengers of God to the world.

T/Je Ebermzcle ofUm'zjy, published in 2006, contains Bahá’u’lláh’s responses to questions posed by Manikgi’ Sa’hib as well as other Writings. The first Tablet is addressed to a Zoroastrian and thus holds special significance for those with that heritage. The Tablet also epitomizes the universality of Bahá’u’llaCh’s prophetic Claim. Though portions of the Tablets in this compilation had been previously translated, this publication marks the first time that they are available in Full.

Also during this Plan, volumes 5 and 6 of Selectionsfi‘om t/ae Writing; of 716qu Ba/Ja' were published in Persian.

Ninth Election of the

Universal House of Justice

Despite numerous months ofpreparation, the Ninth International Convention, scheduled to be held in 2003, could not take place owing to world events at that time. Commenting upon this disappointment in its message at Riḍván 2003, the Universal House OFJustice wrote, “When the Major Plan of God interferes with His Minor Plan, there should be no doubt that in due course a way will providentially be opened to an opportunity of stellar possibilities for advancing the interests of His glorious Cause.”

Although the delegates for the election of the House of Justice could not gather in Haifa for the Convention, the ninth election of the Supreme Body was carried out successfully through absentee balloting, with 19 tellers coming from different parts of the globe to the Bahá’í World Centre to tally the votes. More than 96 per cent of the 1,602 eligible delegates took part in the election.

Further Development of the Institution of Huqt’lqu’llz’th

Huqt’iqu’lláh, 01' the Right of God, first ordained by the Báb and then modified and elaborated by Bahá’u’lláh in the Kitáb—i—Aqdas “to ensure that the General Treasury is strengthened in the future”,] has been applied gradually to

107

[Page 108]The Five Year Plan 2001—2006: Summary OfAc/az'evemmr5 and Learning

the believers until it became universally applicable at Riḍván 1992.

While the institution oijquuqu’Héh, which administers this law, has always expanded commensurate with the number of believers subject to its provisions, its universal application brought about an unprecedented rapid expansion in the number of Deputies and Representatives as well as Regional and National Boards of Trustees, and in systematic efforts to educate the believers about the law’s significance. Thanks to the able and devoted oversight provided by the Chief Trustee 0F

Huququ’liéh, Dr. ‘Alf—Muhammad Varqé, this institution has become an important element of the spiritual lives of the believers throughout the world and augmented the muCh—needed material resources of the Faith.

Building upon the outstanding accomplishments of the Trustees of Huqt’lqu’llzih extending back to the lifetime of Bahá’u’llzih, the House of Justice announced the formation of the International Board of Trustees of Ḥuqúqu’lláh in its Riḍván 2005 message.

Fifty Years of Distinguished Service

R. ‘ALf-MUHAMMAD VARQA’S SERVICE to D the institution of Huququ’lláh is rooted

in his illustrious Bahá’í’ lineage and began when he was still young. His eminent father, the Hand of the Cause of God Vali'yu’lleih Varqé, was named Trustee of Huqt’xqu’lláh in 1938 by Shoghi Effendi. As a young man, Dr. Varqa’t assisted his father in this service. Upon the passing of Mr. Valiyu’lla’th Varqa’ in 1955, the beloved Guardian appointed Dr. Varqé as Trustee of Huqt’lqu’lláh and a Hand of the Cause of God.

On 14 November 2005, the Universal House ofjustice hosted a formal dinner in the House of the Master to honour Dr. Varqé for his 50 years of service to the institution of Huququ’lláh. In a message written for that occasion, the House of Justice remarked:

Under your admirable stewardship the institution ofHqu’lqu’lláh has developed from a phase when only Eastern believers were required to observe the mighty law on which it is founded to the current stage of worldwide observance. . . .

Our gratitude to you is beyond expression in words. Through your consecration to the performance of the duties assigned to you by Shoghi

‘ i U; 4: l

‘V

Dr. Varqzz’ enjoy: tlae tranquility oftbe Ridm’n Garden.

Effendi, you have made a contribution to the development of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh which will be remembered throughout the Dispensation, as the law of Huququ’lláh exerts its beneficent influence on the growth and flourishing of a world civilization.

108

[Page 109]IV: ACHIE\’L‘I\~II£NTS AT THIi BAHA’I‘ WORLD CENTRE

We have decided that the time is countries and over 600 guests gathered as

propitious to bring into being an night fell at the foot OfMount Carmel to International Board of Trustees of mark the inauguration of the Terraces of Ḥuqúqu’lláh to guide and supervise the Shrine of the Báb—an achievement more than a century in the making. Baha’u’lla’h Himself designated the spot where the sacred remains of the Báb should be laid to rest on Mount Carmel and Charged His son, ‘Abdu’l—Bahzi, with

the task of raising a befitting mauso the work of Regional and National Boards of Trustees Of Ḥuqúqu’lláh throughout the world.

Inauguration of the

Terraces Adorning the Shrine of the Báb

On the evening of 22 May 2001, more

Ieum and transferring the remains to that hallowed spot. Overcoming innumerable obstacles and hardships, the

than 2,500 Bahá’ís representing 182 Master placed the sacred remains in their

Public Celebration of Naw-Rflz in the Holy Land

OLDING PUBLIC RECEPTIONS in Jerusalem H and ‘Akkei on the occasion of Naw-Rúz, a practice inaugurated in March 2001, became an essential element of the public relations work of the Bahá’í World Centre during the Five Year Plan. The reception in Jerusalem builds upon the pattern of the “national day” receptions held annually by embassies and draws politicians, government officials, diplomats, academics, and professionals from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The lobby of the hotel where the event is held is decorated with plants and other garden elements in designs that evoke the atmosphere of the Bahá’í World Centre. The programme includes musical performances by members of the World

Bahá’í’ oficials converse with Israeli Vice Premier Shimon Peres at tlae Naw-Rziz celebration in jermalem.

Centre staff, as well as brief remarks by the SecretaryGeneral of the Bahá’í International Community and a distinguished guest speaker. Displays inside

the ballroom provide information about the activities and plans of the World Centre and the Bahá’í International Community. The initial attendance of 200 had more than doubled to 430 by March 2006, as guests continued to respond to the warm and positive atmosphere that distinguished this event from others on the diplomatic calendar.

In contrast, the reception in the Old City of‘Akká is of a more traditional character, recalling the days when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá hosted the notables of that city. Held in the downstairs hall of the House of ‘Abdu’lláh

Péfia, the gathering is attended by the mayor of ‘Akká, clergy from the Al—Jazzér Mosque and several Christian churches, and a variety of other local notables from the Jewish, Arab, and Druze communities, who sit in rows of Chairs around the walls and share in simple refreshments. They take turns offering greetings and commenting on the symbolism of NawRl'lz and its link with the vivifying season of spring and the renewal of hope. The participants now look forward to this annual event at which attendance has grown from 40 to more than 80 guests.

109

[Page 110]The Five Year Plan 2001—2006: Summary OfAckievemmtx and Learning

Ba/m' ’z’sfiom 182 countries ascend the Terrace: leading to

t/ae Shrine of the 3525.

final resting place on Naw—Rtiz 1909. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá acknowledged that the Shrine was still incomplete, lacking an ornamental domed superstructure and surrounding formal gardens. He also envisioned I8 terraces leading to the Shrine, 9 above and 9 below. He foretold that in the future these terraces would serve as the pathway of the kings—the way by which future kings and rulers would ascend to pay homage and worship at the Shrine of the Báb. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himselfmade a modest beginning to create the lower ter races, later developed further by Shoghi

Effendi, who oversaw the construction of a simple, landscaped stairway rising up from Ben Gurion Avenue.

The sublime superstructure envisaged by the Master came into being through the Herculean efforts of the beloved Guardian and was completed in 1953, but he was unable to fulfil his Grandfather’s desire to create magnificent terraces before his passing in 1957. So this monumental undertaking fell to the House of Justice. The final work spanned a decade and, as with the prior labours, also required sacrifice and devotion and the overcoming of countless obstacles. No wonder then that the Bahá’í world felt that it had much to celebrate when the Shrine of the Báb and its environs finally stood complete—the Queen of Carmel seated on God’s Holy Mountain. In marking the occasion of the inauguration of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab, the House of Justice wrote:

The Shrine of the Báb . . . is . . . a monument to the triumph of love over hate. The gardens which surround that structure, in their rich variety of colours and plants, are a reminder that the human race can live harmoniously in all its diversity. The light that shines from the central edifice is as a beacon of hope to the countless multitudes Who yearn for a life that satisfies the soul as well as the body.2

Bahá’í’s came from all over the world to express their gratitude to God for enabling them to be part ofa great undertaking, not just the completion of the terraced gardens in honour of the Bath, but the greater enterprise of which the gardens are but a symbol—the unification of mankind. The Terraces stand as an emblem of the enduring commitment of the Bahá’ís to build a peaceful world. In its message on the evening of the opening of the Terraces, the House of Justice also addressed the people of Haifa and expressed this hope: “May

IIO

[Page 111]IV: ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE BAHA’I’ WORLD CENTRE

Bahá’í’ Pilgrims Come in Growing Numbers

0 OCCASION FOR BAHA’I’S is equal to the

unique experience of pilgrimage. T0 pray at

the Sacred Threshold and imbibe the divine fragrances emanating from the Holy Places associated with the Central Figures of the Faith is a cherished desire of every believer. For many decades the number of pilgrims visiting the Holy Land from all points of the globe had grown slowly, but this changed in 1999, the final year of the Four Year Plan, when the number of pilgrims in each group was raised from 100 to 150, and then again in 2003 from 150 to 200. These increases represented a dramatic upsurge in the space of only a few years. While at the outset of the Five Year Plan in 2001, generally about 2,000 pilgrims would come during a pilgrimage season, by the Close of the Plan in 2006 that figure had risen to almost 5,000.

Committed to maintaining the quality and intimacy Of the pilgrimage experience, the Bahá’í World Centre has learned how to manage the growing numbers through more systematic approaches to meeting the needs of pilgrims. For example, a Web site was established for prospective pilgrims to provide online applications and easily accessible information. With the pilgrims doubling in number, the new Pilgrim Reception Centre in Haifa and the Visitors’ Centre at Bahjí’ were welcome additions with facilities that could comfortably serve the increased number of these special visitors.

Pilgrimage was further enhanced through the addition to the programme of a visit to the first Western Pilgrim House at 4 Haparsim Street, Haifa.

The completion of the restoration of the upper floor of the northwest tower of the citadel in ‘Akká where Bahá’u’lláh was kept prisoner, the restoration of the lower section of the House of ‘Udi’ Khammar, and the replication of the garden that existed during the Master’s time in the inner courtyard of the House of ‘Abdu’lláh Páshá made it possible for these historic and Holy Sites to be included in the pilgrimage programme.

During this same period, for the first time, non-Bahá’í’ family members or companions were permitted to participate in all aspects of the pilgrimage programme, a development which reflected the more inclusive approach that was becoming characteristic of Bahá’í communities worldwide.

In 2006, a DVD entitled “Pilgrimage: A Sacred Experience” was released, which will motivate still more followers of Bahá’u’lláh to fulfil their desire to Visit the Holy Places of their Faith. The deeply spiritual experience of pilgrimage is one that is ultimately felt in the home communities of the pilgrims, as they share with their fellow Bahá’í’s a measure of the inspiration they have received and act on the new Vision for service they have gained.

Pilgrims entering the Collins gate at Babjz’.

III

[Page 112]The Five Year Plan 2001—2006: Summary afAc/az'evements and Learning

Haifa achieve wide renown not just as a place of natural beauty but more especially as the city of peace.”

The focal point of the celebration was the inaugural evening concert in the entrance plaza at the lower end of the Terraces. It featured the reading of the message of the Universal House of Justice and symphonic works, which were commissioned for the occasion, by Bahá’í composers. This event was preceded by a reception at which 620 distinguished

guests, including three government

ministers, thirty—four heads of diplomatic missions, four supreme court justices, nine mayors, and six religious leaders were welcomed by the House OfJUStiCC, which appeared as a body and whose members were introduced individually. The five—day programme included many other presentations, devotional observances, and artistic performances.

For the Bahá’í participants, perhaps the most moving moment of the festivities was the morning ascent of the lower Terraces by more than 2,500 country

Public Entrance and Visitors' Centre at Bahjl’

SPACIOUS, ELEGANT FACILITY for visitors to Bahjí’ was completed and opened to Bahá’í’s and special guests during the Five Year Plan. It was officially inaugurated on 27 November 2003 in a ceremony attended by the vice—prime minister of Israel and some 180 government officials and local dignitaries. _

The original Bahá’í Pilgrim House at Bahjí', acquired and used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, was no longer large enough for the growing number of pilgrims. The new Centre can accommodate hundreds of guests and includes a lounge, library, and tea room. It also contains an area with reception rooms and an exhibit dedicated to introducing the Faith to special Visitors to the Bahá’í World Centre. The design of this modern building echoes the architectural characteristics of the Mansion of Bahjr’ without competing for the visitor’s attention.

The new public entrance is located in the northeast corner of the site and features an arched gatehouse marking the start of a 4oo—meter pathway and Visual axis leading to the Collins Gate and the Qiblih of the Bahá’í world, the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. The design of the gatehouse is reflected in the arched hedges that frame the formal gardens, connecting the gatehouse to the Visitors’ Centre and welcoming visitors, Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í alike, to the Most Sacred Spot.

The new public entrance leading to the Collins gate.

IIZ

[Page 113]representatives, many of whom wore their traditional native dress. These events were shared with the peoples of the world through transmissions on a global satellite network and the World Wide Web, reaching millions Of‘viewers in more than 70 countriest

Relations with the Government of Israel

The web Ofcontractual relations with the governmental authorities of the Bnh‘i’l’ World Centre’s host country was reinforced by signature of 21 protocol renewing the fiscal provisions of the 1987 Status Agreement for a further hve—yeat period to April 2007; implementation 0h provision in the original agreement calling for appropriate treatment of Bahá’í’ dignitaries passing through Ben Gurion Airport; and signature of. agreements with the municipalities of Haifa and ‘Akká providing a partial exemption from municipal property taxes on office premises and staff accommodations, in addition to the full exemption applicable to Holy Places.

Protection, Conservation,

and Development of the Bahai’t’ Holy Places

In January 2005, the Universal House Of Justice approved the first stage oFa series of undertakings that will involve significant site improvements at Bahjf, the Mansion of Mazra‘ih, and the Garden 01: Riḍván, and eventually lend to the opening of the latter two sites to public visitation. A project office was established at the World Centre to manage these undertakings, collectively designated as the “Northern Development Projects”. Statutory town—planning schemes for Bahjl' and the Riḍván Garden were submitted in 2005, while a similar scheme for Mazra‘ih, submitted in 1996, was nearing final approval at the end of the period. Also in January 2005, the State of Israel formally submitted documentation

1v: Au IHCVIZMI‘ZN'I'S AT 1‘! II: BMM’I‘ \X/ORID CENTRE

to UNESCO nominating the Bahá’í Holy Places in Haifa and the Western Galilee For inscription on the World Heritage List, a form of recognition that will be of substantial assistance in the effort to protect and preserve these special sites well into the Future.

During the 2001—2006 period, a number of restoration projects reached completion and others were undertaken:

[futmm‘e t0 the recently restored

Prison Cell in t/ae ‘x’ik/ea’ Citadel.

113

[Page 114]The Five Year Plan 2001—2006: Summary ofAc/az'evemmrs and Learning

' In 2003, the Prison Cell of Bahá’u’lláh

in the ‘Akká citadel was reopened to pilgrims after being inaccessible to them for seven years. Not only the Cell itself but the upper floor of the northwest tower of the citadel was restored in cooperation with the Israeli government. This sacred area was the scene of the imprisonment of Bahá’u’lláh and His family for more than two years. One of the achievements of the project was the restoration of the skylight through which the 22—year—old son of Bahá’u’lláh, the Purest Branch, Mirzá Mihdi, fell in June 1870, resulting in his tragic death.

' The garden of the central courtyard

of the House of ‘Abdu’lláh Page, birthplace of Shoghi Effendi, was replanted and completed in 2003. The layout of the garden closely followed a photograph taken ofit at the time ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was resident in the

building.

The lower level of the House of ‘Udi’ K_hammar, adjoining the House of ‘Abbt’id, Bahá’u’lláh’s residence where He penned His Most Holy Book, the Kitáb—i—Aqdas, was opened for pilgrims for the first time in early 2006. This area includes the entrance foyer and

A Glimpse of ParadisePublic Visits to the Terraces

HORTLY AFTER THE FIVE YEAR PLAN began, S the 19 Terraces Of the Shrine of the Báb were

opened for public tours for the first time. To preserve the sanctified atmosphere of the gardens, to ensure that visitors understood their purpose, and to see to the physical safety of those traversing the terrace steps, the Universal House of Justice approved a plan whereby visitors would reserve in advance a place on a guided tour in their language. Visitors telephone the reservations centre to book their tours. Upon their arrival, trained guides escort them in groups of 40 to 45 down half the length of the Terraces, either the upper Terraces or the terraced gardens below the Shrine of the Báb.

The tours are conducted by some 20 guides, many of whom are students at nearby universities and Who are drawn from all segments of Israeli society: Jewish, Muslim, Christian Arab, and Druze. They briefly present the history of the Faith, how the Bahá’í World Centre came to be in Israel, some of the core beliefs and teachings of the Cause, and descriptions of the Bahá’í world community. The ethnic and religious backgrounds of the guides themselves set an uncom

Ismelz' youth serving at guides Oft/93 727mm tours.

mon example of unity in diversity for the general public. In their interaction with the other guides, they develop close friendships with people that they would generally not have associated with in their daily lives, which their Israeli supervisor has described as “really amazing”. This supervisor also stated that the guides do not do the job for the money; they do it because they love it and, as they say, “it uplifts us”. There are guides who have been part of the tours since they began.

Through a cooperative arrangement with a local non-governmental organization, the Beit Hagefen Arab Jewish Cultural Centre, the guides receive

114

[Page 115]the room off the mezzanine, which the Master used as a reception room.

The restoration ofjunayn Garden, a simple farmer’s dwelling belonging to

IV: ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE BAHA’I' WORLD CENTRE

I Preliminary work was undertaken on

two other significant projects during the closing days of the Plan—the structural reinforcement and restoration of the Shrine of the Báb and of

early believers that was frequented by

h I ' lA h' B 'ld' . Bahá’u’lláh, began in 2002 and was t C nternationa rc lVCS m mg

nearing completion as the Five Year

Plan drew to a close. This Holy Place Presentations Of the is located in Nahariyya, just north of Messa e to the World’s Mazra‘ih. . . g

Rellglous Leaders

A major restoration of the gardens

immediately in front of the Shrine Parallel with the efforts of Bahá’í instiof Bahá’u’lláh, that is, the Ḥaram—i— tutions around the world to disseminate Aqdas, began during the last year of the message addressed by the Universal the Plan. House of Justice to the world’s religious

Because of the drop in international tourism to Israel during the five years of the guided tours operation, the vast majority of the visitors have been residents of Israel with many being repeat visitors. Since the Terraces opened to the general public in June 2001, there have been more than 715,000 who participated in some 18,300 guided tours. In addition, there are those who enter the gardens on their own through one of three public entrances that are open all day to limited areas of the gardens. A sampling of comments from visitors:

. ' “The gardens were captivating and filled the A public tour Oftlae Errata: in progress.

soul.”

' “The visit made a profound impression." training on the presentation of the purpose and scope of activities at the Bahá’í World Centre and the history of the Faith and its teachings. The training also includes such elements as hospitality, answering difficult questions, and dealing ' “Th6 Sit€5 WCYC outstanding in thCif beauty.” with problems during the tour. The guides speak

' “Thank you for the meaningful experience and for your sensitivity and contribution to the community.”

a variety of languages—Hebrew, Arabic, English, Russian, Spanish, and French, among others—thus making it possible for visitors to hear the presentations in their own languages. They always allow time for questions, dispelling misunderstandings and misconceptions that the visitors may have.

The number of visitors, including those on the guided tours, since June 2001, has altogether totalled almost three and a half million. Every week the current flow of visitors averages over 10,000, making the Bahá’í gardens in Haifa one of the most popular sites in Israel.

[Page 116]The Five Year Plan 2001—2006: Summary ofAc/Jiez/emmts and Learning

leaders, the Secretariat of the Bahá’í International Community made formal presentations to the heads of the principal religious institutions in the Holy Land, including the following:

' The apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, who also received and promised to transmit a second copy with a covering letter to His Holiness

Pope John Paul II;

' The Latin patriarch Of]erusalem, His

Beatitude Michel Sabbagh;

' The Greek Orthodox patriarch of jcrusalem, His Beatitude Irineos I;

' The Armenian Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Archbishop

Torkom Manoogian;

' The chief rabbis of Israel, Rabbi Israel Meir Lau and Rabbi Eliyahu Bakshi—Doron;

' The muf'ti of Jerusalem, Sheikh [krimah Sabri, as well as the chief judge of the Shariah Appeals Court, the Honourable Ahmed Natur;

' Sheikh Muafak Tarif, the head of the

Druze religious institution.

The message was also presented to the president and several ministers of the State of Israel, as well as a number of academic figures with an interest in the subject.

Academic Study of the Faith at Israeli Institutions of

Higher Education

The Chair for Bahá’í Studies, established in 1999 by Israel’s leading liberal arts university, the Hebrew University of jerusalem, flourished during the period under review. A fuli—length book of papers entitled Studies in Modern Religion: and Religious Movement; 1172:! [/76’ Bzibz’—Bzz/Jzi ’z'Fzzz't/as, published in July 2004 by E. J. Brill, an internationally respected academic press, was followed

a year later by a copiously annotated Hebrew translation of the Kitáb—i—Aqdas, the Tablet of Carmel, and the obligatory prayers, with a 160—page introductory presentation of the history and teachings of the Faith. The initial print run of this book sold out within a year and a second edition was being planned. Enrolment in courses offered by the Chair rose to over 100 undergraduates, while a graduatelevel seminar catered to the needs of 12 to 15 scholars engaged in the study of the Writings of the Central Figures in the original Persian and Arabic and the preparation of analyses and translations.

Academic study of the Bahá’í Faith at the University of Haifa is a collaborative undertaking with the Bahá’í World Centre that was initiated at the request of the University. An annual lecture series in the Bahá’í Studies offered by Israeli and Bahá’í academics is now in its sixth year. The lectures examine the correlation of the Bahá’í teachings with current thought and cover such subjects as history, social teachings, and World Order. As part of this venture, in 2004 Bahá’í’s participated in an international conference on “The Historiography of Religious Minorities in Nineteenth Century Middle East” sponsored by the Department of Middle Eastern History. Increasingly, Bahá’í content is included in the curriculum ofa number of courses within the Faculty of Humanities, and students and several faculty members have undertaken substantive research projects on subjects related to the Faith.

Receiving Guests at the

Bahá’í World Centre

Despite the unsettled security situation in Israel during the Five Year Plan, nearly 1,200 Visits by special guests were hosted by the Bahá’í World Centre. Of particular note were visits by the presidents of Israel and the Marshall Islands, the president Of the French Senate, a prominent United States senator, and a member of

116

[Page 117]1v: ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE BAHA’I‘ WORLD CENTRE

the British House ofLords. In addition, groups, artists, and representatives of there were Visits by numerous diplomats, non-governmental organizations. Many groups of parliamentarians, and other news agencies also sent reporters or film dignitaries from different countries, as crews to the World Centre. well as by educational and academic