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Universal House of Justice
Remembers Bahá’í Youth
The message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’í Youth of the World, printed in this (August) issue of Bahá’í News is their first letter directed specifically to Bahá’í Youth. All will wish to study this inspiring statement carefully and to be guided by it. The covering letter which accompanied this message included the following:
“We are especially anxious that it be available for discussion at summer schools, institutes and conferences.
“Please assure the friends that all young people enrolled under the advancing banner of Bahá’u’lláh will be especially remembered in our prayers throughout the Bahá’í year.”
"Let Them Rise Above Partisanship"
In light of the present widespread unrest in the world both within and between countries, the Bahá’ís are reminded that under no circumstances must they take any position that may be interpreted as interference or taking any sides in political issues. Whether at home, whether traveling abroad, or whether serving in the Armed Forces or any branch of Government, Bahá’ís must exercise extreme self-control and caution against making any statements or taking any action that contravenes the Bahá’í teachings concerning loyalty to government and non-interference in political issues.
The following pertinent passage from the beloved Guardian’s letter of March 21, 1932 (World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 64) clearly explains the obligation incumbent upon every Bahá’í in this respect:
“Let them refrain from associating themselves, whether by word or by deed, with the political pursuits of their respective nations, with the policies of their governments and the schemes and programs of parties and factions. In such controversies they should assign no blame, take no side, further no design, and identify themselves with no system prejudicial to the best interests of that world-wide Fellowship which it is their aim to guard and foster. Let them beware lest they allow themselves to become the tools of unscrupulous politicians, or to be entrapped by the treacherous devices of the plotters and the perfidious among their countrymen. Let them so shape their lives and regulate their conduct that no charge of secrecy, of fraud, of bribery or of intimidation may, however ill-founded, be brought against them. Let them rise above all particularism and partisanship, above the vain disputes, the petty calculations, the transient passions that agitate the face, and engage the attention, of a changing world.”
Bahá’ís Teach the Faith
Without Compensation
It is customary for universities and other organizations to give honoraria. . to speakers who present scholarly talks before college classes and college sponsored events such as Religious Emphasis Week. It it clear that no Bahá’í should receive compensation for giving a talk on the Faith.
Another issue arises when Bahá’ís have their traveling expenses paid by non-Bahá’í organizations for speaking on the Faith. In this case, the Bahá’í contributes his time and talent and of course personally receives no compensation whatsoever.
The question as to whether Bahá’ís may accept honoraria or expenses for talking on the Faith at non-Bahá’í events was therefore referred to The Universal House of Justice. The reply received in a letter dated April 25, 1966 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States states that “As to honoraria, obviously it is preferable for individuals to present the Faith without receiving any fee. However, there is no objection to a Bahá’í receiving his travel and other expenses in connection with the talk.”
Thus a distinction is made between honoraria which can be defined as “honorary payments or rewards” and travel and other expenses. Bahá’í speakers should therefore decline any payments more than sufficient for their travel and other expenses.
Pioneer Couples
Needed for Panama
Great and long-term goals are to be won in Panama. Great responsibilities also are in store for the Bahá’í Community of Panama, including the building of the next national House of Worship at this crossroads of the two continents. In 1967 a great Intercontinental Conference will be held there. Panama’s teaching and consolidation goals are immense, as the National Spiritual Assembly expands its teaching of the Indians in the mountains and on the islands of the country.
The Universal House of Justice calls for qualified pioneer families to settle there and strengthen the Panamanian Bahá’í Community. At least one capable veteran Bahá’í couple is needed to settle in Panama during the current year. Ideally this couple should be self supporting, so that a maximum of time can be devoted to the all-important goal of teaching the Faith. Great labors are in store; great opportunities are to be anticipated.
Time is of the essence. Volunteer now, if you are qualified, applying immediately to the FOREIGN GOALS COMMITTEE, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.
[Page 2]
World Peace Day
September 18. 1966
A Special Event for Proclaiming the Bahá’í Faifh fo ‘Hie Public
Theme: World Peace—The Imperative Challenge
Suggested Materials: Press, radio and TV release, from Public Information Department. WPD poster, TV slide of poster from Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department.
One God, One Truth, One People; Pattern for Future Society, The Destiny of America from Bahá’í Publishing Trust.
Reports: Good photographs and reports of outstanding meetings should be mailed immediately to the Public Information Department.
Notice
In recent months the National Spiritual Assembly has been saddened to learn, often indirectly, of the passing of well-known Bahá’ís several weeks after their death. Will all local assemblies, groups and Bahá’í relatives and friends please notify us promptly of the passing of fellow believers so that appropriate action may be taken such as sending messages of sympathy to the families, and joining the friends in prayers during the funeral services.
-—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
NATIONAL BAHA'I FUND
Th Cl 9o°““‘“ Monthly Income: 1966-1967 80 70Monthly Budget 6 5 4 30 2010-,, V . H. . . E '-7 3 § 5 5 5 5 3 53 5 _, :2 < ,,, O z D -: In 2 <
Regular contributions Special contributions & Miscellaneous
Estates
AUGUST 1966
Bahá’í Marriages
In accordance with Shoghi E fi’encli’s instructions, the U.S. SUPPLEMENT reports only those marriages which are carried out by local assemblies authorized by civil law to perform such ceremonies.
Marriages which embody Bahá’í ceremonies but which are not legally recognized under state law are not published.
San Francisco, Calif.: Miss Jeanne Hazel Worley to Eugene H. Hill on February 19, 1966
San Francisco, Calif.: Miss Lucila Elena Pasos to Manouchehr Yavrom on April 23, 1966
Chicago, Illinois: Miss Donna McCarten to Behedad S. Javid on October 26, 1965
Chicago, Illinois: Miss Linda Peterson to Dale Reporto on January 1, 1966 (non-Bahá’ís)
Chicago, Illinois: Miss Leslie W. Martin to C. Thomas Sites on February 12, 1966
Montgomery C0,, Maryland: Miss Katherine LaQueur to Sanfred Larson on April 30, 1966
St. Paul, Minnesota: Mrs. Marian K. Gravet to James S. Borland, Jr. on April 26, 1966
Great Falls, Montana: Mrs. Jeanne M. Kellen to Danny E. Engle on April 9, 1966
Philadelphia, Penna.: Miss Elizabeth De Santis to Dr. Jalál Mobini on May 8, 1966
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Miss Patricia DeWald to Michael Lee Herrington on May 7, 1966
Local Assemblies Contributing
EachMon1'h fl 300 fl B“. E E E
