U.S. Supplement/Issue 111/Text

[Page 1]

All Bahá’ís Requested to Respond to Appeal from Universal House of Justice[edit]

The National Spiritual Assembly calls attention to the communication from the Universal House of Justice of March 7, 1967 published in this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, page 1. A copy of the letter was sent to all local Spiritual Assemblies immediately following the March meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly, to be shared with the believers at a special meeting to be called by the local Assemblies for the sole purpose of consulting on the local budget and especially on the support that can be given by each community to the National Bahá’í Fund for the year 1967-1968. Inasmuch as the Universal House of Justice called for a report not later than April 21 as to how much the National Spiritual Assembly could allocate to the International Fund in its budget for the coming year, the local Assemblies were requested to telegraph to the National Spiritual Assembly the amount it could expect during the coming fiscal year. It is anticipated that all Assemblies will have sent this information to the National Spiritual Assembly before this letter from the Universal House of Justice reaches the individual believers.

In writing the National Spiritual Assembly some weeks earlier on the subject of the Fund, the Universal House of Justice stated: "The National Assembly should neither feel embarrassed nor ashamed in turning to the friends, continuously appealing to them to exemplify their faith and devotion to the Cause by sacrificing for it, and pointing out to them that they will grow spiritually through their acts of self-abnegation, that the fear of poverty should not deter them from sacrificing for the Fund, and that the assistance and bounty of the Source of all good and of all wealth are unfailing and assured."

The budget adopted by the National Convention will be announced promptly to the friends and will be published in some detail very soon thereafter.

Annual Reports Represent Vital Link Between NSA and Individual Bahá’ís[edit]

With this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS each Bahá’í will receive a copy of the annual reports to the American Bahá’ís from the National Spiritual Assembly and its committees. Since the National Spiritual Assembly is obligated to render to the delegates to the National Convention reports of its own activities and those carried on by its committees during the past year, and since these are too voluminous to be read at the Convention it has been the practice for many years to have them published for distribution to the delegates prior to the Convention and to all other Bahá’ís as soon as possible thereafter. Each report is an accounting to the American Bahá’í community of the manner in which the National Spiritual Assembly and its committees carry out their functions, and what has been accomplished during the year. They do not routinely include an accounting of special ad hoc or standing committees appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly to make special studies or perform special services for the National Spiritual Assembly as may be required from time to time.

Since these reports represent a vital communication to the American Bahá’í community and are costly and time consuming to produce, we trust that all believers will read them carefully and keep them at hand for reference throughout the year as to the functions and services performed by a large number of self-sacrificing believers for the expansion and development of the Faith in the United States.

Race Unity Day[edit]

June 11, 1967

A Special Event for Proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith to the Public

Theme: God Created One Mankind

Suggested Materials: News and Radio releases, RUD Poster; Man One Family; Ebony Reprint.

Order Literature from Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 110 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091. Order Posters from Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

Reports: Good photographs and reports of outstanding observances should be mailed to the PUBLIC INFORMATION DEPARTMENT, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091 prior to June 20.

Index to U.S. Supplement[edit]

Enclosed with this issue of the U.S. Supplement is an index of major items published in the Supplements for the year 1966. Secretaries of local Spiritual Assemblies as well as individuals will wish to file it for ready reference to recent communications from the National Spiritual Assembly. [Page 2]

Now is the Time[edit]

Now if ever is the time to tread the path which the dawn-breakers of a previous age have so magnificently trodden. Now is the time to carry out, in the spirit and in the letter, the fervent wish so pathetically voiced by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who longed, as attested in the Tablets of the Divine Plan to "travel though on foot and in the utmost poverty" and raise "in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans" "the call Yá-Bahá’u’l-Abhá!"

Shoghi Effendi, p. 131, Citadel of Faith

The National Spiritual Assembly, as announced at the National Convention, has now provided a new area of action to which the individual can gear his time and talents in service to the Faith on the homefront.

ENLIST IN THE BAHÁ’Í VICTORY CORPS! This is the challenge.

Volunteers are now needed for goals in nine states: Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming. Dedicated families, mature students who can handle their school work and assist in Bahá’í Community life and teaching, returning servicemen seeking an area of Bahá’í service, successful fireside teachers, those seeking to disperse from functioning communities, spiritually mature Bahá’ís possessing either independent income or the skills or profession which will make them self-supporting in a new locality — these are urged to prayerfully consider enlisting in the Bahá’í Victory Corps for a minimum of two years of service on the homefront. Applicants will be assigned to corps of from two to five persons, and orientation for their new place of service will be arranged through the State Goals Committees. Each corps will go to a goal area on the homefront, where they will take up residence, secure employment, establish rapport with the resident Bahá’ís and the State Goals Committee, and help create the spiritual fire of attraction that will ignite the homefront.

Not all who apply can be used in the Victory Corps because their skills may not match employment opportunities in goal areas. However, those not qualifying for the Victory Corps will be considered for assignments in other areas where help is needed.

The entire Bahá’í World looks to the American Bahá’í Community. Shoghi Effendi has told us this over and over again:

This challenge, so severe and insistent, and yet so glorious, faces no doubt primarily the individual believer on whom, in the last resort, depends the fate of the entire community. . .

"Without his support, at once whole-hearted, continuous and generous, every measure adopted, and every plan formulated . . . is foredoomed to failure. The World Center of the Faith itself is paralyzed if such a support on the part of the rank and file of the community is denied it . . . The unseen legions, standing rank upon rank, and eager to pour forth from the Kingdom on high the full measure of their celestial strength. . . are powerless unless and until each potential crusader decides for himself, and perseveres in his determination, to rush into the arena of service ready to sarifice his all for the Cause he is called upon to champion.

pp. 130-131, Citadel of Faith

Beloved friends, if after prayerful deliberation you are inspired to action, write or submit a Home Front Settler Application. These applications are available from the DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL TEACHING, 112 LINDEN AVE., WILMETTE, ILLINOIS. 60091

National Spiritual Assembly Inaugurates Data Processing System[edit]

Imagine the day when the prediction that people would come into the Faith in troops is fulfilled in the United States! What would happen to the primary means of communication between the National Spiritual Assembly and the believers, the BAHÁ’Í NEWS? Presently the mailing list is maintained manually. Unfortunately, manual procedures are not adequate even with the current size of our mailing list, with its many changes due in part to the mobility of Bahá’ís.

To cope with the mounting volume of mail, the Post Office now requires all mass mailings to be delivered and bundled in zip code order. An extension has been obtained from the January 1 deadline to July 1. At the time that the extension was granted, the National Spiritual Assembly called for a study to determine the best way to maintain the mailing list and still be acceptable to the Post Office under the new zip code requirements. A system was wanted that could keep pace with the rapid expansion of the needs of the Faith. The one method considered feasible for meeting all of these needs was the application of electronic data processing. It was learned that it was not necessary to purchase or even lease a computer because of the availability of outside computer services in the metropolitan Chicago area at a relatively nominal cost.

Bahá’ís with skills in data processing have already volunteered their time and experience so that some of the necessary planning and programming has been accomplished at a considerable reduction in cost.

In addition to solving the problem of zip coding and future flexibility, a computer system will also be able to prepare the state convention voting lists, up-to-date Bahá’í directories for the national offices, membership rolls for state goals committees, and statistics that will enable the National Spiritual Assembly periodically to evaluate progress toward national goals. Special mailings to certain groups of Bahá’ís can easily be accomplished (such as all Bahá’ís in college).

During the period of transition, the cooperation and forbearance of each Bahá’í and institution is necessary. In the near future, a simplified questionnaire will be sent to every Bahá’í in the national community to obtain information on talents and interests. As soon as these questionnaires are properly completed and returned to the national offices, the necessary data can be compiled which will make it possible to more fully utilize our human resources in achieving the goals set for the present phase of The Divine Plan. [Page 3]

U.S. SUPPLEMENT[edit]

THE HOUSE OF WORSHIP[edit]

A Shelter for Many Activities.

Serving at the Temple-Guiding

"Pardon me, Miss, but what is Bahá’í?" "Oh, it's so beautiful! Is this a religion?" "Can anyone come in here? Even me?" asked a tired looking bus driver of a large tour bus. "Tell me about your Faith! I've been driving by your Temple for ten years and this is the first time I stopped in!"

These are some of the remarks that people visiting the Mother Temple of the West make as they enter the beautiful Auditorium, receiving from the guide at the door their explanatory pamphlet.

Every year the volunteer guides at our most Holy House of Worship talk with thousands of people from all over the world. Every year the number of visitors increases; in 1966 the number increased by almost 10,000 from the previous year and the scheduled tours more than doubled. The more than 450 tour groups last year came from churches, synagogues, schools, community service groups, garden clubs, architectural organizations, and youth organizations. Many of these individuals knew nothing of the Faith before they came, but left with a hightened interest, stimulated by many factors, not the least being the volunteer guides who greet them and answer their inquiries.

As the number of visitors increase each month more guides are needed in order to help make our Mother Temple the great silent Teacher ‘Abdu’l-Bahá called it. This is especially true in the summer months when the gardens are blooming, the fountains splashing and the skies are very blue.

Guiding is a good way to learn how to teach the Faith. It is a fascinating experience and a beautiful one. "It is next best to being at the Shrines in the Holy Land all of the time, to be a regular guide at the most holy House of Worship!" one guide remarked. "It is so wonderful," said one faithful guide, "not to have to go out and find seekers, as pioneers do. When we guide at the Temple the seekers come to us. Each one is like a gift from Bahá’u’lláh!"

The qualifications for guiding are the same as the qualifications for being a Bahá’í teacher anywhere. The Temple Guides Committee assists all volunteers by supplying each with a manual which contains much of the pertinent information he might need to know, and the committee sponsors periodic workshops for deepening. Most visitors at the House of Worship ask no difficult questions. It is important also for guides to manifest the quality of friendliness above all other qualities the friendliness we would express toward any guest in our own home.

The beloved Guardian has told us that it is important for guides to "attract the hearts of the people through their spirit as well as their words."

In a tablet to Hand of the Cause, Corinne True, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said: "Whosoever arises for the service of this building shall be assisted with a great power from His Supreme Kingdom and upon him spiritual and heavenly blessings shall descend, which shall fill his heart with wonderful consolation and enlighten his eyes by beholding the Glorious and Eternal God."

Volunteering as a guide throughout the year, or perhaps during your summer vacation, is clearly service to this institution - this most precious Mother Temple of the West.

American Bahá’ís Requested to Furnish Address if Stationed in Germany[edit]

American Bahá’ís who are already stationed in Germany or who expect to be stationed there in the future, are requested to contact the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany promptly so that it will know of their presence in the country and will be able to put them in touch with the nearest Bahá’í community. This is an appeal to those who have not already taken this step.

The American Bahá’ís, whether in the Armed Forces themselves or as dependents or as others who will remain in Germany for some length of time, should inform the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States of their whereabouts and should request the name and address of the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany. The opportunity to know the Bahá’ís in Germany and to take part in their efforts to proclaim and teach the Faith is a very rewarding experience which no one should overlook. [Page 4]

This Faith is for All Mankind[edit]

That the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh brings a message of great moment and meaning to each soul in the world of creation, Bahá’ís realize and proclaim joyfully. When the impact of the Creative Word is shown as an influence on those whose lives take a very different pattern from most of us, we are shown more clearly than ever that this Message is, in truth, the healing medicine meant for all mankind. The following excerpts from a letter to a Bahá’í written by an inmate of a prison illustrate this truth.

"During the period of fasting it is incumbent upon each Bahá’í to search his consciousness, his heart, and his benevolent feelings to promulgate the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. Knowing and not teaching is as much a sin as violating (is) a cardinal sin. Speaking as an outsider, I feel that I must call to the attention of those who have made their declaration, the dangers of apathy, self-complacency, or egotistical wishes. To frame these dangers in another context: 'To belong, has its merits of nobility, but to labor has its divine rewards.'

"Bahá’u’lláh speaks of changes in our human nature when we yield to the influences of the truth. We are filled with love, faith, and enthusiasm; we can overcome the thoughts of bitterness or vindictiveness against our oppressors. Speaking from the bitter fruits of my personal experience, I know how the thorns of bitterness and vindictiveness can encompass our whole make-up if we allow it to take control of us.

Good Reading[edit]

Recommended by Bahá’í Committee for the United Nations

Conflicts, violence and wars are the usual markings of man's records of his past which is called history. Dr. James Avery Joyce, penetrating beyond the usual superficial account of man and his works, discovers the real sequence in the affairs of man in The Story of International Cooperation. The foreword is by United Nations Secretary-General U Thant.

In three well ordered chapters the author covers the rise of nations, the making of one world, and world citizens in action. From the unity produced by religion in the Middle Ages, he goes to the "dreamers" — scientists, philosophers and prophets who planted the idea that all mankind was meant to live at peace in one world. He then discusses the parliament of man, exposing the spiritual roots of the United Nations and showing the continuous stream of events towards a universal whole.

This exciting story, well illustrated in thoughts and pictures, is highly recommended for adults and youth. Its clear portrayal of the pattern of development of the idea of one world arouses new hope for the realization of man's dream of peace through brotherhood.

The Story of International Cooperation, by James Avery Joyce, 257 pages, $2.45; published 1964 by Franklin Watts, Inc., 574 Lexington Ave., New York 22, N.Y.

"Within my own frame of existence I have grown into a sense of unity for His Cause. I have made adjustments that will bring me closer to my declarations and eventual union into the community of Bahá’í. This is no small task on my part. . . My pursuit of the Phony, the negative, and the neon society has to be purged forever from my moral makeup. I have come to the fork in the road of life, where I must decide which path I must travel to maintain an equal balance of social and economic security.

"As Paul said, 'When I was a child, I thought as a child, but now that I am a man, I must put away childish things.' I must gain the fruits of an honest endeavor, the wages of earnest labor, and the peace of mind in the service of Bahá’u’lláh. What shall it profit a man if he should gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Any gain must be a gain for the Faith, an example for those who must follow me. I am begging to see the value of the words, 'The tree of truth cannot be felled by an material axe.'

"Let me say before I close that I again enjoyed your visit, and I hope that you and your wife will continue to bring the message to those who are deprived of the opportunity to search for themselves.

"‘O thou who are waiting, tarry no longer, for He is come. Behold His Tabernacle and His Glory dwelling therein. It is the Ancient Glory with a new Manifestation.’"

Garden Show Paves Way for Proclamation in Youngstown[edit]

By human standards the proposal that Youngstown, Ohio Bahá’ís proclaim the Faith with a booth at the Mahoning Valley Home and Garden Show seemed an impractical idea. With prayer, hard work, careful planning and the cooperation of believers in Youngstown and other areas the undertaking was a success, showing once again that Bahá’ís are never alone, for with the assistance of Bahá’u’lláh all things are possible.

The exhibit represented one segment of the Temple gardens at Wilmette, planted with flowers and flanked by evergreen shrubbery, the focal point being a real fountain with a large illuminated mural of the House of Worship at the rear. The beauty of this display was enjoyed by the 34 thousand visitors to the show during the week of March 14 to 20, and many stopped at the Bahá’í booth to ask questions and take literature. Among the tangible results were: generous newspaper coverage, including pictures; announcements and two interviews with Bahá’ís on television; over sixty signatures at the booth; good attendance at the public meeting held on Naw-Rúz, the day after the closing of the show.

Mr. Wyatt Cooper, superintendent of building and grounds of the House of Worship in Wilmette, advised throughout the planning and came the day before to help set up the exhibit. A young man from Shaker Heights, Ohio came to help for three days. Howard Tangler of Berea, Ohio was present for an interview on television and Dr. William Hatcher of Toledo, Ohio [Page 5]...spoke at the public meeting and was interviewed on television. To these and to many others who assisted at every step of the largest proclamation effort thus far in Youngstown, the believers are grateful. As was remarked during the memorable week "Can anyone ever limit the Power of Bahá’u’lláh?"

Special Event Days 1967-1968[edit]

In this issue of the U.S. SUPPLEMENT a calendar of the Special Event Days for the 1967-1968 time period is provided. This calendar should be kept for reference and to aid in planning these events.

Experience with these events has shown that advance planning at the local level is a major factor in the success of these days. In particular, the material for these days, such as posters and literature, should be ordered months in advance of the particular special event.

Although intercommunity observances of the Special Event Days for small communities may be desirable and advisable, the National Spiritual Assembly urges each community, including groups and individuals, to utilize these days to proclaim the Faith and to widen the circle in their own towns or cities.

In the comments included with the calendar, it is pointed out that United Nations Day and Human Rights Day are official United Nations-sponsored observances. Co-sponsorship or cooperation with other local organizations is encouraged where appropriate.

Information on the local observances of the Centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Proclamation to the Kings will be provided at a later date. These observances will be after the Inter-Continental Conference in observance of the Centenary which will be held in Chicago, October 5-8, 1967.

The calendar this time lists Naw-Rúz as a special event day. Experience this past year has shown that it offers an excellent opportunity for local publicity and making new contacts.

The Public Information Department will provide Public Information Kits for each of the Special Event Days well in advance of the days to allow for adequate local planning. Included in each kit are instructions for types of observances, newspaper, radio and television news releases, proclamations and other appropriate material.

During the past year, the Special Event Days received an increased amount of publicity in the press and on radio. In particular, there have been more and more feature stories published in connection with these days. In order to compile accurate data on the special event days this year each community will be supplied a report form with each special event public information kit which is to be completed after each event.

Millersylvania Youth Conference Announced[edit]

"Beacons in the Darkness" is the theme for the Millersylvania Bahá’í Youth Conference at the Millersylvania Youth Camp in Millersylvania Park, Washington. It will be held from August 25-28. Classes will be planned for families but the greatest focus will be on youth. Since the camp is rustic there are no accommodations for children under three.

A registration fee of $1.00 per person (not refundable) will apply toward the total cost of $5.00 per person, with family rates of $20.00 for four or more. Reservations must be made no later than August 15. The camp can accommodate only 150 persons. The registrar is: MISS ALDA SPELL, 11606 PAWNEE DRIVE, S.W., TACOMA, WASHINGTON 98499.

NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í FUND[edit]

Monthly Income: 1966-1967

Local Assemblies Contributing Each Month

  • Regular contributions
  • Special contributions & Miscellaneous
  • Estates

[Page 6]

Bahá’í Directory Changes[edit]

Assembly Secretaries[edit]

State Goals Committees[edit]

May 1967[edit]

Arizona Glendale: Mr. Calvin Thur, Chr., 6549 W. Medlock Dr., 85301

Northern California Fair Oaks J.D.: Mrs. Margaret Sprattling, 9519 Golden Dr., Orangevale 95662

Menlo Park: Mr. Philip Kurokawa, Chr., 300 Santa Monica Ave.

Monterey-Carmel J.D.: Mrs. Joyce Dahl, P.O. Box 566, Pebble Beach 93953

Southern California Dist. #1 Burbank: Mrs. Joan Bulkin, 551 S. Parish Pl., 91506

Santa Monica: Mrs. Arleen Wiley, 2721 Washington Ave., 90403

West Hollywood: Mr. Albert Reed, P.O. Box 46093, zip code 90046

Oregon Eugene: Mrs. Jo An Pflueger, P.O. Box 5129, zip code 97403

South Dakota Sioux Falls: Mrs. Lauretta Ogdie, 1000 North Cliff, 57103

Eastern Washington Walla Walla: Mrs. Emmalu McCandless, pro-tem, P.O. Box 421, zip code 99362

Bahá’í Marriages[edit]

Compton, Calif.: Mrs. Cecile Neron to Ray H. Edwards on March 1, 1967

Kansas Delete name of: Mrs. Marjorie Preuss

Minnesota Delete name of: Mrs. Norma Cameron Add name of: Mrs. Rosalee Skrenes, Secretary, 2515 - 18th Ave., N.W., Rochester, Minn. 55901

Montana Delete name of: Mrs. Marion White Add new address for secretary: Mrs. Betty Bennett, Secty., 2127 Garrison, Butte 59701 Add names of: Mr. William Musler Mr. Jack K. Saunders

Nevada Add name of: Mrs. Jane Klump

Tennessee Add names of: Mr. Orian M. Henderson Mrs. Dorothy C. Henderson Mr. Thomas Irvin

Western Washington Add new address for secretary: Mrs. Joyce Eklund, Secty., 716 Sunset Way, Issaquah 98027

Calendar of Events[edit]

‘Azamat (Grandeur)

Feasts[edit]

Boise, Idaho: Miss Albra J. Watkins to John R. Hartpence on March 21, 1967

May 17

Boston, Mass.: Miss Willie Mae Ellis to Verne D. Phillips on March 2, 1967

June 5

Núr (Light)

Cambridge, Mass.: Miss Patricia Ann Gardner to Keivan Towfigh on January 22, 1967

June 24

Rahmat (Mercy)

Detroit, Mich.: Miss Carol Reynolds to Joseph McMullin on March 24, 1967

Rochester, Minn.: Miss Dorothy D. Hoffman to Amos Mitchell on March 15, 1967

Reno, Nevada: Mrs. Beverly O’Connor to Richard William Brown on February 8, 1967

New York, N.Y.: Miss Margaret Ann Phillips to Fanaollah Sobhani on February 19, 1967

New York, N.Y.: Miss Parivash Laghaifar to Nematullah Fakhry-Yazdi on March 18, 1967

Washington Co., Ore.: Mrs. Betty M. Dempster to Hugh E. Carter on March 5, 1967

Houston, Texas: Mrs. Cherry Fern King to Daniel Hughes on February 25, 1967

Seattle, Wash.: Miss Rae Marie Bohn to Alfred D. Applegreen on February 17, 1967

Walla Walla, Wash.: Mrs. Carol J. Mason to N. Wallace McDonald on March 11, 1967

Yakima, Wash.: Miss Mary Lynn Hinchey to Jerry W. Meckelson on January 14, 1967

Wauwatosa, Wisc.: Mrs. Romance Boye to Carl F. Christensen on March 25, 1967

In Memoriam[edit]

Mrs. Jeanette Ruhanguiz Bolles Washington, Connecticut March 17, 1967

Mrs. Nayan Cobb Chevy Chase, Maryland March 11, 1967

Mrs. Coretha F. Lovell Concord, North Carolina March 1, 1967

Miss Feny E. Paulson Sarasota, Florida March 13, 1967

Mrs. Amy G. Raubitschek Santa Clara, Calif. February 23, 1967

Milford E. Whitehead Pacifica, Calif. March 6, 1967

Holy Days[edit]

May 23 Declaration of the Báb (May 22, about two hours after sunset)

May 29 Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh (3:30 a.m.)

Proclamation Event[edit]

June 11 Race Unity Day

Bahá’í House of Worship[edit]

Daily Visiting Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (until May 15) 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (after May 15)

Sunday Devotions 3:30 to 4 p.m. (through May 14) 3 to 3:30 p.m. (after May 14)

Sunday Public Meetings 4:15 p.m. (through May 14) 3:45 p.m. (after May 14)

Correction[edit]

U.S. SUPPLEMENT for March 1967 is number 109 and for April is 110. Please correct your individual copies accordingly. [Page 7]

U.S. SUPPLEMENT[edit]

1967-1968 Special Events*[edit]

For Proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith to the Public

September 17, 1967 — World Peace Day

  • Theme: Many Nations—One World
  • Bahá’í Material Recommended: WPD Public Information Kit; WPD Poster Kit; Pattern for Future Society; Destiny of America; One God, One Truth, One People

October 24, 1967 — United Nations Day

  • Theme: A United World—Emerging Reality
  • Bahá’í Material Recommended: Material Suggested by U. N. Committee; Poster Kit; A Pattern for Future Society; One Universal Faith; Bahá’í Peace Program

November 12, 1967 — Birth of Bahá’u’lláh

  • Theme: Bahá’u’lláh His Call to the Nations
  • Bahá’í Material Recommended: Public Information Kit; Poster Kit; The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh; Bahá’í Teachings for a World Faith; Basic Facts of the Bahá’í Faith; Bahá’í Answers

December 10, 1967 — Human Rights Day

  • Theme: Human Rights—Bond of Humanity
  • Bahá’í Material Recommended: Material Suggested by U. N. Committee; Poster Kit; Tomorrow and Tomorrow; One World One Family; Bahá’í Declaration of Human Rights

January 21, 1968 — World Religion Day

  • Theme: Many Paths—One God
  • Bahá’í Material Recommended: WRD Public Information Kit; Poster Kit; The God Who Walks With Men; Bahá’í: World Faith for Modern Man; One Universal Faith; The Future of Mankind

March 21, 1968 — Naw-Rúz

  • Theme: Justice for All Peoples
  • Bahá’í Material Recommended: Public Information Kit; Faith for Freedom; Pattern for Future Society

June 9, 1968 — Race Unity Day

  • Theme: Many Colors—One Mankind
  • Bahá’í Material Recommended: Public Information Kit; RUD Poster Kit; Man One Family; Ebony Reprint

Order literature from Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 110 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill. 60091

Order posters from Bahá’í Distribution & Services Department, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill. 60091

  • Information on the local observance of the Centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Proclamation to the Kings will be supplied at a later date. These observances will be after the Inter-continental conference being held in Chicago, October 5-8, 1967.

[Page 8]

Proclaiming the Faith to the Public[edit]

The EVENTS listed on the other side represent the minimum which the National Spiritual Assembly desires every Bahá’í locality-assembly, group and individual to use in proclaiming the Faith to the public and in establishing relations with a larger circle of contacts. All such events should be directly sponsored, announced and conducted under Bahá’í auspices, and their Bahá’í identity is not to be submerged in an interorganizational arrangement; exceptions to this are United Nations Day and Human Rights Day which are officially sponsored by the United Nations and co-sponsorship or cooperation with other local organizations is encouraged where appropriate. As in the past, many localities will also use occasions other than those listed to proclaim the Faith in their communities.

Good photographs and reports of outstanding observances should be sent immediately to the Public Information Department, National Bahá’í Headquarters, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill. 60091. Preserve and refer to this sheet so that all events can be carefully planned and material ordered well in advance. In addition to the materials listed, the U. S. SUPPLEMENT to BAHÁ’Í NEWS and the PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWSLETTER will carry additional information from time to time.

May, 1967 —NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY