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ukBahá’í

Edinburgh Bahá’íCentre and itsaccomplishmentssince the officialopening on 23rdMay...

Statement issued byHRH Princess Helenof Romania as readout by her consort atthe centenary serviceat St. John’s, SmithSquare, on 17September...

Bahá’í InternationalCommunity Openletter to the Ministerof Science, Research,and Technology ofIran...

97 Cadogan GardensSarah Percival’s newplay ably shared withus Lady Blomfield’slove and admirationfor ‘Abdu’l-Bahá andher dedication toserving Him...

A New Cycle ofHuman PowerNo single event throughout thelong and chronicled history ofthe peoples of Britain can everhope to rival or compare inimport and potency than thecoming of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to itsshores...

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U K B A H Á ’ Í — F R O M T H E N A T I O N A L A S S E M B L Y

UK Bahá’í Contents

3 REVERENCE. When the BelovedMaster visited the Holy Shrines,reverence was expressed in Hisevery move and expression.

5 A NEW CYCLE OF HUMANPOWER.No single event throughout thelong and chronicled history of thepeoples of Britain can ever hope torival or compare in import andpotency than the coming of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to its shores.

9 PRECIOUS ARCHIVAL ITEMS ATCONVENTION.The National Spiritual Assemblyholds a number of very preciousartifacts associated with theCentral Figures of the Faith in thevault in the National Centre at 27Rutland Gate.

11 BEGINNINGS. Communitybuilding can have many different

patterns, as the guidance from theUniversal House of Justiceindicates.

13 BAHÁ’Í VISION OF APROGRAMME OF GROWTH.A Programme for the spiritualempowerment of Youth aged 11–14 years (often referred to asJunior Youth)

17 OPENING OF THE EDINBURGHBAHÁ’Í CENTRE. Utilitas syrtesfrugaliter iocari aegre pretosiussaburre, ut cathedras comiterconubium santet tremulusapparatus bellis, semper syrtesinsectat chirographi, et oratoricircumgrediet chirographi, quodsaburre suffragarit optimus bellussyrtes.

21 NATIONAL BAHÁ’ÍCONVENTION, 2011. Bring over800 people of different ages,backgrounds and ethnicitiestogether in a conference centre in

Nottingham over Easter weekendand what do you get?

22 BOOK REVIEWS.

Lighting the Western Sky: TheHearst Pilgrimage and theEstablishment of the Bahá’í Faithin the West.During the winter of 1898–1899fifteen Bahá’ís made a significantand sacred journey. They travelledas pilgrims by train and ship fromCalifornia, Chicago, New York,Kent, and Paris, to visit ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Memories of Nine Years in ‘Akká.Jináb-i-Khán, the title with which‘Abdu’l-Bahá honoured DrAfroukhteh, served ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asa trusted secretary, interpreter andenvoy from 1900–1909.

The Cultural Creatives: How 50Million People are Changing theWorld. Bahá’ís are not the only

16 SEPTEMBER 2011

THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE VISITED the WorldCentre will be aware of the manner in which visitsare made to the Holy Shrines of our Faith and the

atmosphere of love and reverence which is inculcated inthe hearts of pilgrims. Different cultures have differentways of expressing reverence, but essentially it is anexpression of awe, love, and the utmost respect andhumility towards that which is sacred. As in everything,we have the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. When the BelovedMaster visited the Holy Shrines, reverence was expressedin His every move and expression.

During this month of September, we have entered theperiod marking the Centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visits toEngland and Scotland. Among the most preciousarchival items which the Bahá’í world possesses are thefilm footage of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the recording of Hisvoice. Shoghi Effendi has given us clear guidance on theuse of these:

“Regarding the use of the Master’s film, the greatestcare must be exercised lest we cheapen its value bytoo frequent and indiscriminate exhibition eitheramongst the believers or the non- Bahá’í s. Only onspecial occasions, such as important anniversaries,should the film be shown and its solemn sacredcharacter should be duly emphasized.” (FROM A LETTER OF SHOGHI EFFENDI, FEBRUARY 28, 1928)

“... the friends to exercise restraint and caution in theuse and distribution of the record of the Master’svoice. In my view, it should be used only on specialoccasions and be listened to with utmost reverence.The dignity of the Cause, I am sure, would suffer fromtoo wide and indiscriminate use of one of the mostprecious relics of our departed Master.”(FROM A LETTER OF SHOGHI EFFENDI, NOVEMBER 26, 1923)

We note also that websites exist which offer for purchaseand download copies of the film of the Master, includingclips therefrom. In a letter dated 23 September 2008addressed to a National Spiritual Assembly, the

Universal House of Justice wrote:

It is recognized that there are from time to timeoccasions which warrant presentation of this rarearchival treasure, and at those times the friends,surrounded in an atmosphere of the utmostreverence and sanctity, will have the privilege ofviewing the Master. It is reserved for the House ofJustice to determine such occasions. Therefore, itwould be inappropriate to download the film clips andto circulate the Internet link.

Regarding the viewing of the film or listening to therecording during this Centenary period, the NationalSpiritual Assembly will advise the community in duecourse if a suitable occasion arises. In light of the aboveguidance, it is clear that the film and indeed the voiceshould not otherwise be played at any Bahá’í event.

The National Assembly wishes also to draw the attention ofthe friends to guidance with respect to viewing thephotograph of Baha’u’llah which is regretfully also availableon-line. The House of Justice advises in a letter dated 7December 2006 written on its behalf:

There are several points you may wish to considerbefore deciding to view a photograph of the BlessedBeauty on the Internet. There is no objection to thebelievers’ viewing portraits of Baha’u’llah but, as youare no doubt aware, reproduction and distribution ofthese images has been clearly forbidden in thewritings of Shoghi Effendi, who advised that theportraits should be viewed with the utmost reverence,proper dignity and decorum.

The portraits of Baha’u’llah are very precious, andthey should not only be viewed but also handled withdue reverence and respect, which is not the case withany Web site.”

We hope that a heightened understanding of thepreciousness of these archival treasures which the CentralFigures of our Faith have left to posterity will inspire agreater sense of reverence in any association that we mayhave with them.

Reverence.

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NO SINGLE EVENT throughout the long andchronicled history of the peoples of Britain can everhope to rival or compare in import and potency than

the coming of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to its shores and His twice-repeated sojourn in that land which passed virtuallyunnoticed but to a mere handful of its citizens in the dawningyears of the twentieth century. That London, the world’slargest capital, the most cosmopolitan city of its time and theheart of the world’s greatest Empire, should be chosen to bethe opening scene of so matchless an undertaking – thepromulgation and proclamation of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh inthe Western Hemisphere – is a unique and singular honourto be bestowed upon a kingdom whose Sovereign Monarch,a mere two score years earlier, Bahá’u’lláh, Himself, hadlauded in the most powerful and majestic tones and whosedeeds He had commended with His Own pen.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá reached London on Monday, 4 September1911, having crossed the English Channel following a shortstay at the Lake Geneva town of Thonon-les-Bain en routefrom Egypt. His devoted hostess, Lady Blomfield, who hadlovingly and graciously placed her Kensington home at 97Cadogan Gardens at His disposal, writes of His arrival bytrain at Victoria Station that historic day where a small bandof believers had gathered to welcome Him and to finallybehold the sight of His face:

He arrived, and who shall picture Him?

A silence as of love and awe overcame us, as we looked atHim; the gracious figure, clothed in a simple whitegarment, over which was a light-coloured Persian ‘abá; onHis head He wore a low-crowned táj, round which wasfolded a small, fine-linen turban of purest white; His hairand short beard were of that snowy whiteness which hadonce been black; His eyes were large, blue-grey with long,black lashes and well-marked eyebrows; His face was abeautiful oval with warm, ivory-coloured skin, a straight,finely-modelled nose, and firm, kind mouth. These aremerely outside details by which an attempt is made toconvey an idea of His arresting personality.

His figure was of such perfect symmetry, and so full of

dignity and grace, that the first impression was that ofconsiderable height. He seemed an incarnation of lovingunderstanding, of compassion and power, of wisdom andauthority, of strength, and of a buoyant youthfulness, whichsomehow defied the burden of His years; and such years!

One saw, as in a clear vision, that He had so wrought allgood and mercy that the inner grace of Him had growngreater than all outer sign, and the radiance of this innerglory shone in every glance, and word, and movement as Hecame with hands outstretched.

“I am very much pleased with you all. Your love has drawnme to London. I waited forty years in prison to bring theMessage to you. Are you pleased to receive such a guest?”

I think our souls must have answered, for I am not consciousthat anyone uttered an audible word.1

That evening in Cadogan Gardens, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá commentedto those who sat captivated in His presence, that “Heavenhas blessed this day.”2 That eve, the night sky – as though itwas mirroring events below on earth - lit up with the trail of ablazing comet that was streaking overhead and which, forthe first time that very evening, had become visible to thenaked eye. It was to be seen in the English night sky eachnight for the duration of the Master’s first visit to Britain.

The two successive visits of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Britain in theautumn of 1911 and in the winter of 1912-13 abound withmemorable episodes revolving around this ‘majestic andpatriarchal Figure’3 of the Master Who never ceased toshower His loving kindness upon all whom He encountered.It would be an understatement to declare that the mostcommon scene – in public and private - of these historicvisits, and indeed those throughout the length and breadth ofHis western travels, would be the sight of both high and lowbeing mysteriously drawn to His vibrant and magneticpersonality and to the spell of His mighty and soul-stirringutterances. How often, day or night, would many a strangerarrive unexpectedly at His residence eager to seek Him outand to meet Him! How often would those who had attainedHis presence – despite their deep English reserve – find

A New Cycle of Human Power.

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themselves so very naturally bowing and courtesying with theutmost respect before Him! How often, immediately followingHis public addresses, would large numbers of the audienceor congregation remain behind and throng about Him in thehope of catching a closer glimpse of Him, of reaching out totouch His garment, of engaging in conversation with Him,and of receiving His personal blessing and benediction! Howoften would so many, who conversed with Him, come torealise that He read and knew their soul to its very core! Howmany a hapless soul in its moment of despair andhopelessness found loving refuge and consolation in Histender and all-embracing words and in His counsels ofconsummate wisdom! How many could only but roar inwholehearted laughter when confronted by His playful anddelightful sense of humour! And how many a soul who camein contact with His person, came away from Him joyouslyrefreshed, spiritually transformed and magnetized by His all-encompassing love! Once He was asked, “Why do all theguests who visit you come away with shiningcountenances?”4 With a beautiful smile, He replied, “I cannottell you, but in all those upon whom I look, I see my Father’sFace.”5

This journey of three years, that was to take Him to thenorthern shores of Africa, back and forth between Europe’smain capitals and right across the North American continentto its Pacific seaboard, had its public inauguration andopening scene in the most preeminent city of Britain. It washere, in the evening of Sunday, 10 September 1911, at theCity Temple in the heart of London, that an unsuspecting andpacked congregation of over three thousand witnessed thespectacle of a majestic and noble looking Figure, turbaned inwhite and attired in a Persian abá, slowly ascending thesteps of the ‘Great White Pulpit’. There in the heart of thechurch, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was graciously and magnanimouslywelcomed by the Pastor of the City Temple, the ReverendReginald J. Campbell. Speaking in Persian, and speaking inHis characteristic melodious tones with a warm andanimating voice rising and falling in a rhythmic chant,‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s words rang out with enormous power andwith a resonating forcefulness that resounded rightthroughout the building. His address lasted a mere eightminutes. It was a clarion call to all humanity:

O noble friends; seekers after God! … This is a new cycle ofhuman power. All the horizons of the world are luminous,and the world will become indeed as a garden and aparadise … You are loosed from ancient superstitions whichhave kept men ignorant, destroying the foundation of truehumanity.

The gift of God to this enlightened age is the knowledge ofthe oneness of mankind and of the fundamental oneness ofreligion. War shall cease between nations, and by the will ofGod the Most Great Peace shall come; the world will be seenas a new world, and all men will live as brothers.6

Then, as He raised His hands in a final prayer, “a stillnessand quietness fell over the assemblage”7. A serene silenceand air of peaceful calm prevailed throughout the church. It

seemed as though all hearts had been stilled and each wasjoined with Him in quiet prayer. It was a deeply movingmoment etched in the stillness of time. Of that instant, anobserver wrote, “… every soul seemed to vibrate in unisonwith the soul of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá”8. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Himself, lateraffirmed that, in that very moment, “all hearts were prayingto God.”9

As He stepped into the sanctuary of that church so, too, didhumanity step out into a new vista of civilisation. It was amoment filled with immeasurable import, highly charged,distinctly significant and poignantly pregnant – the thresholdand dawn of ‘a new cycle of human power’10.

So many similar scenes, at once, stirring and moving – andbeyond the scope of this little vignette - were to play and ringout throughout these memorable days as ‘Abdu’l-Baháwalked ‘in England’s green and pleasant land’11 and beyondto Scotland’s ancient capital.

In the midst of these awe-inspiring episodes, one must notlose sight of the underlying purpose of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s historicjourneys to the West and of the magnitude of their importand implications for a humanity as a whole, even thoughtheir immediate impact and range was clearly confined to asobering few who had accepted the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh andto the even fewer amongst the clamouring public audienceswho had no more than a relatively dim understanding of HisMessage. This divinely-ordained foray into an imperiousWestern World – undertaken with sublime courage, totalconsecration and with an indomitable resolve, vigour andsingle-mindedness – marks, on one hand, the culmination of‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s remarkable ministry, ‘a ministry whose untoldblessings and stupendous achievements only futuregenerations can adequately estimate’12, and, on the other, theunleashing of tremendous spiritual forces destined, with thepassage of time, to regenerate human civilization, to unveilthe devolution of divine authority and the indestructibleCovenant of God, and to prepare, shape, guide and propelhumanity towards its inescapable ‘coming of age as a unifiedhuman race.’13

Tahir Taherzadeh

1 Lady Blomfield, The Chosen Highway, p. 149-50

2 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, p. 53

3 Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 291

4 Mary Hanford Ford, The Oriental Rose, p. 6

5 ibid., p. 6

6 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, pp.19-20

7 Charles Mason Remey, Star of the West, 16 October 1911, Vol. II,

No. 12, p. 10

8 ibid., p. 10

9 The Christian Commonwealth, 13 September 1911, p. 850, col. e

10 Abdu’l-Bahá in London, pp.19

11 William Blake, And did those feet in ancient time, Verse 4

12 Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 295

13 Who is Writing the Future? Part I, para. 2

Visiting places associated with the Centenarycommemorations.

AT ITS MEETING LAST WEEKEND the National SpiritualAssembly was very happy in the knowledge that the friendsare beginning to make their way to some of the locationsthroughout London and in Byfleet and Bristol, which werevisited by Abdu’l-Baha one hundred years ago. Indeed,during the course of one of its breaks, the members of theNational Assembly made their way together to one of thoseblessed locations in London.

The National Assembly feels sure that when visitingbuildings which are at present private residences you willbe very considerate to those who live there and will bear inmind their need for privacy. For example, it would be wisenot to gather in such locations in large groups. We areconfident that all will respect the sacred nature of the areaswhich we know have been blessed by the presence of theBeloved Master.

Such visits provide all of us with the opportunity to recall indetail some of the beautiful moments in the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, our Perfect Exemplar, which are so inspiring to us.

Tour Guide for Open Weekend.

19 AUGUST 2011. In the letter sent out by the NationalAssembly to the believers on 29 July 2011 announcing theOpen Weekend at Rutland Gate, it referred to a tour guidethat would be distributed to all in due course.

This is now available in hard-copy from Rutland Gate or insoft-copy from resources@bahai.org.uk

We are certain that in partaking of this wonderfulopportunity, the guide will serve to aid and assist the friendsto see for themselves the locations that were blessed by theMaster’s presence.

Mona Helmy.

THE CONTINENTAL BOARD OF COUNSELLORS in Europehas advised that as Mrs Mona Helmy has transferred fromScotland to the United States, she is no longer serving as anAuxiliary Board member for Propagation for Scotland.

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to join with thecommunity in expressing its deep appreciation for theservices rendered by Mona in her capacity as an AuxiliaryBoard member. Mona’s dedicated and enthusiastic

engagement in the forefront of the teaching field havecontributed significantly to developing the capacity ofbelievers and institutions in Scotland and thus enabling themto achieve numerous victories for the Plans of the UniversalHouse of Justice. The support given to her by her familythroughout her period of service is also lovinglyacknowledged and greatly cherished.

We wish Mona and her family every happiness and joyand assure them of the prayers and love of the NationalSpiritual Assembly.

Review Policy.

BAHÁ’Í REVIEW. The National Assembly would like toremind you of the necessity and importance of review ofBahá’í literature, articles and audio-visual items which are tobe sold or circulated widely. The purpose of review is toensure that the Faith is not misrepresented and to ensure thedignity and accuracy of the presentation of the material.There are two principle points of contact, depending on thenature of the materials: Literature: Mrs Natasha Wilkinson, 2Boundary Lane, Norwich NR7 0TB. Emailnsw9@btinternet.com Audio-visual items, including videoand digital presentations, music (where words are an integralpart of the production), recorded talks, storytelling, poetry,visual images, jewellery, clothes and souvenir items: MrsMargaret Appa, The Mill House, Ecclesden Lane, AngmeringBN16 4DQ. Email margaretappa@gmail.com.

The National Assembly hopes that the above information willbe of assistance to the friends. May all your dedicated effortsto serve our beloved Cause through your writing and artisticendeavours be blessed.

Unit Convention 2010 resolutions – responses.

16 SEPTEMBER 2011. The National Spiritual Assembly ispleased to inform you of the availability of the NationalAssembly’s responses to the resolutions raised at the UnitConventions in December 2010.

The National Assembly gives careful consideration to eachresolution that it receives, sometimes calling upon the adviceand guidance of its agencies that are expert in various fieldsof service such as the Training Institute Board, Bahá’íCouncils and Office of International Pioneering and TravelTeaching. Many of the resolutions received from National andUnit Convention can have a significant effect on the growthand development of the Faith in the United Kingdom and,hence, the National Assembly greatly values receivingresolutions that have been carefully and prayerfullyconsidered and which address the opportunities, concernsand needs of the community.

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Hard copies of this document can be obtained, if required, bywriting to National Spiritual Assembly, 27 Rutland Gate,London SW7 1PD, phoning 0207 5842566, or for softcopies by emailing resources@bahai.org.uk.

Department of the Secretariat.

CHANGE OF SECRETARIAT EMAIL ADDRESS. In ourcontinued efforts to correspond more effectively with thebelievers and with the wider community, we wish to notifythe friends that emails for the National Assembly and theOffice of the Secretariat should now be sent tonsa@bahai.org.uk.

The existing email address: secretariat@bahai.org.uk is beingphased out and we therefore request the friends to kindlyupdate their address books to ensure that they correspondwith the National Assembly at the correct email address.

If, however, the friends wish to send emails of a confidentialnature, they may address it to the Secretary of the NationalAssembly at secretary@bahai.org.uk.

Regarding communications with the Finance Office, pleasecontinue to use finance@bahai.org.uk The Treasurer of theNational Assembly may be contacted directly ontreasurer@bahai.org.uk.

The Office of Public Affairs may be contacted directly atopa@bahai.org.uk.

We are grateful for your kind cooperation and patience as weimplement the change outlined above.

Dr Khan Memorial: ARemarkable Life

RESPONDING TO THE CALL of the Universal House ofJustice, over 500 friends gathered in London on the 17thSeptember to attend the national memorial for Dr Peter Khanand pay tribute to his remarkable life of service.

The friends were welcomed by Shirin Tahzib on behalf ofthe National Spiritual Assembly and were reminded of theletter from the Universal House of Justice that highlightedDr Khan’s life of ‘earnest striving, of unbending resolve, ofunflinching dedication to principle, and of constancy ofeffort.’ As the chanted prayers rang out in his memory, theaudience reflected on the noble example of this dedicatedservant of Baha’u’llah. A slideshow of photographs takenthroughout his life testified to Dr Khan’s joyfulcommitment to the Cause, from his youth, serving on theNational Spiritual Assembly of Australia aged just 21, tohis 23 years of service on the Supreme Body during hislater years.

Counsellor Shirin Fozdar-Foroudi and Dr Kishan Manochagave personal insights into Dr Khan’s record of service,intellectual prowess and love of encouraging academic

excellence. His humour and personal interests also broughtjoy to those around him, particularly his affection for cricket.

As the Tablet of Visitation was recited to conclude the eveningprogramme, the friends reflected on the extraordinarycontribution of a single man distinguished through the depthof his love for the Faith and the ardour of his response to itsneeds.

Westminster Bahá’ís celebratethe Centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’sfirst visit to London, in 1911.

ABOUT 100 PEOPLE, including many non- Bahá’í s,attended a special service at St. John’s, Smith Square, inLondon on 17 September, to commemorate the 100thanniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visit to that church.

Hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of Westminster, the eventwas graced by the presence of Councillor Dr. Cyril Nemeth, aformer Lord Mayor of Westminster, representing the currentoccupant of that office; and by Domnul Keith AlexanderNixon, the consort of Princess Helen of Romania, the greatgrand-daughter of Queen Marie of Romania, the firstcrowned ruler to embrace the Faith.

A major highlight of the service was the reading out byPrincess Helen’s consort of a remarkable message from her,which is quoted elsewhere in this magazine.

Dr. Kishan Manocha gave an address on the religious andhistorical significance of the occasion. He said that theenlightened religious ideas that the Master had expoundedduring His visit to London had made a powerful impressionon people from all walks of life, including public officials,scholars, writers, editors, industrialists, reformers, aristocrats,and influential clergymen of many denominations. Even thepress had been quick to grasp His message.

A play performed at the service transported the audience100 years back in time to meet Lady Blomfield (played bySarah Perceval), the early English believer at whose home,‘Abdu’l-Bahá had stayed during His visit. She and othermembers of her household, vividly and, at times, amusinglydescribed what it was like to host the Master and otherwisebe in His presence, and also the impact that His visit had onLondon.

The devotional component included music played on thepiano by Anna McDonald, and the reading out by Dr. NadiaDavachi of the talk that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had delivered when hehad visited the church exactly 100 years earlier.

In His address to the congregation, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá hadexplored the nature of the Divine, stating that its Reality was“holy above all understanding” and man’s comprehension ofit was only “partial”. He had also explained the role of theProphets of God and their relationship to each other. After‘Abdu’l-Bahá had spoken, his host, Albert Wilberforce, theArchdeacon of Westminster, was moved to declare: “Truly theEast and the West have met in this sacred place tonight.”

After the service, as we filed out of the main hall, we wereeach presented with a sugared almond. Sugared almondswere apparently the Master’s preferred sweet and He oftendistributed them to others.

Reaction to the event was glowing. One person decided tobecome a Bahá’í following the service, and another wrotethat it was “a very special morning” that she would “neverforget”. VP

Statement issued by HRHPrincess Helen of Romania, andread out by her consort at thecentenary service at St. John’s,Smith Square, on 17 September.

“I AM EXTREMELY SORRY AND SADDENED not to be withyou this morning, to celebrate the centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahávisit to London.

Over the years, I have come to know much about the life ofBahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the Bahá’í Faith, as well as itsmessage of unity, the oneness of God, humanity and ofreligion. For me, the message of this great faith is asimportant today as it has always been. In an increasinglysecular society, where market forces, rampant consumerismand selfishness are considered virtuous, the Bahá’í Faithoffers an alternative way of living, rooted in the propagationof justice, unity and the establishing of peace to bring aboutprosperity and collective well-being.

My great grandmother, Queen Marie of Romania understoodthe validity of the Bahá’í Faith’s message. Inspired by thewritings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, she wrote thefollowing words, “More than ever today, when the world isfacing such a crisis of bewilderment and unrest, must westand firm in faith, seeking that which binds together insteadof tearing apart.”

How pertinent are these words of hers today.

Historically of course, messengers of such radicalism havebeen considered subversives. This seems to have been trueof ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who because of his deep faith in God’sgoodness and guidance spent most of his life in exile. Lessermen would have become bitter separated from theirhomeland, but that was not so of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. He chose adifferent path and became a great ambassador of peace andjustice, and a welcome guest among all peoples of good willand faith.

Such people are unique, inspirational and challenging, andwe need to hear their messages of hope. They may neverbe popular with governments, corrupt regimes and

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oppressors, but to paraphrase the words of Bahá’u’lláh,“Their names are better known in the Heavenly Realmthan they are in this world.”

My personal prayer is that the followers of the Bahá’í Faithwill be blessed by God, and continue to enrich humanity andfulfill the vision of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.”

97 Cadogan Gardens

LEIGHTON HOUSE is the truly intriguing and stunningformer home of the artist, Frederic Leighton. It was here inthe heart of Kensington, on 15th September that SarahPercival’s new play ‘97 Cadogan Gardens’ had its debutbefore a distinguished and fascinated audience.

Sarah’s portrayal of Lady Blomfield was fresh and sweetand full of humour. Sarah ably shared with us LadyBlomfield’s love and admiration for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and herdedication to serving Him in every way. We met LadyBomfield’s personal maid, her cook, a young relative and aphotographer, each of whom connected with the Master intheir own unique manner, the whole weaving a rich andcolourful tapestry of the excitement, awe and wonder that

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit invoked.

This beautifully arranged evening touched the hearts andwas the scene of new and renewed friendships.

Leighton House. LTO

Centenary Walk

IT ISN’T OFTEN THAT WHEN ASKED about the events of acentury ago, we have the answer at hand; but September1911 wasn’t an ordinary time. It marked the first time theMaster landed on these shores and spent 29 days in the UK,most of them in London.

To commemorate the centenary of this momentous visit,many of the friends in London organised tours of the placesthat the Master had blessed with his presence. TheWestminster community, which was particularly fortunate tohave many of these places fall within the precincts of itsborough, organised a tour on 10th September 2011 toattempt to follow in His footsteps.

This group of 21 began its tour at the Serpentine Bridge inHyde Park. During the course of the afternoon the groupvisited another 7 sites stopping at each to hear the storiesand anecdotes associated with that venue and with time forthe friends to pray & reflect. It was at Mansion house that werealised that one of the interpreters who accompanied`Abdu’l-Bahá, Mr.Gholam Ali Davachi was the great, greatgrandfather of the youngest member of the group, 5 monthold Sean Davachi. The tour concluded at City Temple withthe recitation of a prayer revealed by the Master in Londonand a group picture.

I had the honour of being on this tour and London will neverbe the same to me again. Truly, ‘Blessed is the spot, and thehouse, and the place, and the city .. where mention of Godhath been made and His praise glorified.’ GK

Bristol.

24 SEPTEMBER 2011. The day of remembrance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Clifton was bright and sunny. As we crossedthe old bridge high over the Avon Gorge, we glimpsed theviews over the Somerset hills that so delighted the Masterwhen He visited this elevated spot on the edge of Bristol.Pausing in front of the house in Royal York Crescent in whichHe stayed as the guest of Major Tudor Pole, we studied thoseprecious century-old photographs. The appearance of thehouse has not changed. Each detail of the iron railings andthe windows that framed His blessed figure was there. We

imagined Him appearing on that balcony and waving to usas we gazed up. In the garden at the front of the Crescent, amarquee was prepared, and we remembered our Beloved.Stories were told with energy and drama; enchanting voiceswere raised in ‘melodies of the Kingdom’; picture and word,eloquent and engaging, conveyed the memories of thatnever-to-be-forgotten visit. The hearts were dilated with joyand we felt the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. VC

Commemorating ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visits to Byfleet in September 1911

A DEFINITE ‘BUZZ’ WAS IN THE AIR as from all overSussex, Bahá’ís gathered in Byfleet.

It was here during the afternoon of September 9th, 1911,that a number of working women of the Passmore Edwards’Settlement, who were spending their holidays with MissSchepel and Miss Buckton at their farm cottage ‘Vanners’ ,had the great privilege of meeting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The Bahá’ís of 2011 met for lunch at the Queen’s Head Inn,which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited. Then, walking in His footsteps,they made their way towards the spot where ‘Vanners’ oncestood. During His walk through the village, ‘Abdu’l-Baháspoke - through an interpreter – to the many poor children,mothers with sick babies and men out of work, who came toHim.

After the walk, some 50 friends gathered in the Village Hallfor a devotional programme and audio-visual presentation onthe life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

On 28th September 1911 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited Vanners againand stayed overnight. The next morning, He visited theairfield at Brooklands where He watched as an aviatordisplayed his flying skills.

At the commemoration of this second visit, Fidelma Meehanbegan her introductory talk by asking the audience if wewere happy?

‘Wherever He was,’ she said, ‘this was always ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’sapproach with people. He would ask them if they werehappy?’

Included in the programme was a beautiful videopresentation prepared by Shadnaz Rahimi, and somemagnificent singing by Jamaican artist, Brina, accompaniedon the guitar by her husband, Kieran. TB

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Community Activities inThames Valley

MY THREE FRIENDS AND I have recently been working ina ‘teaching team’ to develop community activities in ourneighbourhood. We have been living here for around a yearand have focussed most of our efforts on the spiritualeducation of youth and children. During this time there havebeen both crises and victories and various activities havestarted, stalled and ceased. However, throughout this timewe have been trying to learn about increasing the quality ofour activities and developing strong bonds of friendshipthrough regular visits to the homes of local families to studyconcepts, Writings and prayers from the Faith. Currently thereare between 15 and 20 young people participating in onechildren’s classes and two ‘junior youth’ empowermentprojects. Some of the parents are participating in a ‘RuhiBook 1’ study circle, ‘Reflections on the Life of the Spirit’.

The new school term brought with it particular challenges.Some of the children are now receiving after-school tuition,meaning they are now unable to attend the weekly meetingsof their junior youth groups. We felt it was necessary to bringthe parents together to talk about this challenge. As we wereplanning the gathering, however, we recognised anopportunity to deepen the parents’ understanding of theeducational process, and encourage them to consult amongstthemselves about their aspirations for their children.

Around 7 parents attended a small ‘parents evening’ in ourhome. After an introduction, I asked if there were anyquestions about any of the activities. One of the mumsasked, lovingly but very directly, if we were trying to convertthe children to the Bahá’í Faith! What really amazed us washow the other parents responded to this question. One fathersaid ‘there is nothing in the Bahá’í Faith that contradicts otherreligious beliefs’. Another said ‘this religion is at the centre ofall religions in the neighbourhood’ and described howbeautiful it was that children from Christian, Hindu andBuddhist families could unite around Baha’u’llah and HisTeachings for today. There was widespread agreement the‘Bahá’í classes’ are the community’s best hope for spirituallyand morally educating its children!

By the end, we had managed to arrange a suitable timewhen all of the junior youth can take part in the programme.Some of the families offered their homes as venues for thegroups, and one or two wanted to come with us to introducethe programme to new families in the neighbourhood. Thiswill help shape our ‘expansion phase’ later in the month,aimed at increasing the numbers of individuals involved inour community activities. SAM

Training Institute Board for theUnited Kingdom 30 September2011

LITERATURE NEEDS. As described by the Universal Houseof Justice, the Training Institute is the “engine of growth” anduses a “system of distance education” through which “theworldwide Bahá’í community has acquired the capacity toenable thousands, nay, millions to study the Writings in smallgroups with the explicit purpose of translating the Bahá’íteachings into reality, carrying the work of the Faith forwardinto its next stage: sustained large-scale expansion andconsolidation.” (RIDVAN 2010)

In order to enable those from all backgrounds to study thesematerials, the Training Institute Board is very fortunate tohave access to materials in a wide variety of languages suchas Nepalese, Urdu, and Turkish amongst some 60 others.

It is, however, worth mentioning that although mostlanguages are available in each of the courses of the mainsequence, this is not currently the case for every language.Some of the books within the sequence may not be availablein a requested language.

If you have any questions or requests regarding materials inlanguages other than English or Farsi, please contact theTraining Institute Board, at: tibuk@bahai.org.uk Whenrequesting these materials, please include your name and thename of the cluster in which you live.

For more information on the Ruhi Institute and the guidanceset forward for the curriculum, we encourage you to refer tothe website.

http://www.ruhi.org/institute/curriculum.php which outlinesthe processes set forward in the development of new materialwithin its educational programmes.

Training Institute Board for theUnited Kingdom. Book 8tutoring prerequisites.

AS YOU KNOW, for the last year and a half the first unit ofBook 8 has been released in pre-publication format forstudy. Throughout the United Kingdom, study circles havetaken shape in order to study this galvanising first part ofthe most recent book in the sequence of courses of theTraining Institute.

Many of the friends have requested guidance from theTraining Institute Board on the prerequisites for tutoring the

first unit of Book 8. Of course, it goes without saying that atutor would first need to complete the unit as a participantand to have studied the previous seven books in thesequence. Below is the current recommendation, but it issubject to change as we collectively learn about theapplication of Book 8.

Book 8 sets out to “deepen our appreciation of the influencethat the power of the Covenant exerts on our individual andcollective lives” and approaches this task by exploring themeaning and implications of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement that“the pivot of the oneness of mankind is nothing else but thepower of the Covenant.” The centre of this Covenant is‘Abdu’l-Bahá, our perfect exemplar. He is the servant ofBaha, who wished to be known as the servant of theservants.

Currently, there are no outlined acts of service associatedwith Book 8, however the content of Book 8 suggests “that atruly profound appreciation for this power only growsgradually through a lifetime of study and service.” Then towhom else may we turn to discover how we should serve,than to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself. He did this with His very beingeach day; He taught through word and deed.

Thus, a natural response to one’s love for the Covenant is toteach the Cause. In light of this it is suggested that tutors ofBook 8 have experience of tutoring at least the first few booksin the sequence of courses. Having done so, the tutor’sexperience will include accompanying participants in thecourses of the Training Institute with simple acts of teachingsuch as studying prayers with others and helping to deepennew believers and seekers in Bahá’í concepts.

Further, the Training Institute suggests that Book 8 tutorshave experience of participating in a teaching team to utilisethe skills developed in Book 6. In this way, tutors will be ableto draw on their own experience to accompany theparticipants of Book 8 in thinking about how they mayrespond to their deepening love for the Covenant.

Finally, the Training Institute Board encourages potentialtutors of Book 8 to collaborate closely with cluster trainingcoordinators to identify ready and waiting participants. Oncethe study circle commences, it has beennoted that Book 8s are most effective when a degree ofintensity is built into the way in which it is tutored andstudied, ensuring that the friends move through at a sprightlypace and are then enabled to devote this allocated time tothe field of action.

Should you have any further need of clarification around therecommended experience for tutoring a Book 8 or you wishto find a tutor, please contact your cluster trainingcoordinator.

The Training Institute Board of the United Kingdom.

From the Office of internationalPioneering and Travel Teaching(OIPTT)

FROM TIME TO TIME the OIPTT receives news ofpioneering opportunities, a few of which have beenadvertised in recent days on NEWS. We would like to remindyou of the possibility of applying for assistance from theDeputisation Fund, should financial constraints be anobstacle to your arising in service as a pioneer. If one isunable to tread this path of service it is possible to contributeto this Fund to enable another to arise in his or her stead.Please contact the OIPTT for further information. We are hereto help you in your service to the Blessed Beauty.

“Should you be aided to render such a service, rest yeassured that your heads shall be crowned with the diademof everlasting sovereignty, and at the threshold of onenessyou will become the favoured and accepted servants.‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ.

With loving greetings, Alan Pollitt, Secretary

Recently OIPTT have advertised a need for pioneers to Tokyoand a number of other locations in Japan, in particular longterm pioneers who would be capable of assisting with thecore activities. The Ocean of Light School in Tonga has anumber of teaching vacancies offering contracts of two yearsor longer, Youth Year of Service opportunities exist there also.

In Lesotho there is a need for a pioneer couple to live in theBahá’í Centre and host large groups who stay there toparticipate in Institute courses. There are needs also inNicaragua for those who can accompany the friends in theircore activities.

For information on these opportunities for service pleasecontact: oiptt@bahai.org.uk Or for YOS deskmanijehsmith@hotmail.co.uk.

“They that have forsaken their country for the purpose ofteaching Our Cause – these shall the Faithful Spiritstrengthen through its power. A company of Our chosenangels shall go forth with them, as bidden by Him Who isthe Almighty, the All-Wise. How great the blessedness thatawaiteth him that hath attained the honour of serving theAlmighty.” BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

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National Spiritual Assembly.

Six letters to the Bahá’í s of Iran and two letters toindividuals.

1 SEPTEMBER 2011. The National Spiritual Assembly isthrilled to inform you of a number of communications whichhave been forwarded recently by the World Centre.

Available are copies of letters in Persian, as well asauthorized English translations, dated 14 May, 19 May, 11June, and 24 November 2009 and 21 March and 2 April2010, from the Universal House of Justice to the believers inthe Cradle of the Faith. Also available are two Persian-language communications and an authorized Englishtranslation, addressed to individual believers, one dated 29October 2009 regarding the importance of studying theBahá’í writings on the subject of family life and another dated22 January 2010 concerning the principles that shouldguide the Iranian believers in their participation in the life ofsociety. The 29 October letter has an accompanyingdocument, a compilation entitled “Family Life”, which isavailable in English or with a Persian translation.

These are now available in soft-copy fromresources@bahai.org.uk.

Beloved friends, we commend these remarkable series ofletters to your study and reflection with family members,friends, colleagues and neighbours.

May they inspire and enrich your endeavour to evidence thehealing remedy that the Blessed Beauty has brought for theills afflicting society today.

Secretary of External Affairs.

Open letter to the Minister of Science, Research, andTechnology of Iran.

IN RECENT DAYS an open letter has been sent from theBahá’í International Community to the Honourable KamranDaneshjoo, Minister of Science, Research, and Technology inthe Islamic Republic of Iran, concerning that government’srecent actions against the Bahá’í Institute for HigherEducation (BIHE). We are pleased to share this with you.Please note that these are for your information only. You arefree to share these documents with friends but no otheraction is being requested unless asked of you by the Office ofPublic Affairs, which will be initiating appropriate actionbased on guidance received.

Bahá’í International Community,Authorized Translation, 26 August 2011.

The Honorable Kamran Daneshjoo Minister of Science,Research, and Technology Islamic Republic of Iran.

Sir:

On 6 June 2011, the Iranian Student News Agencyannounced that the Ministry of Science, Research, andTechnology had declared the Bahá’í Institute for HigherEducation (BIHE) to be illegal. This declaration was madesome days after raids by government agents on the homesof around thirty Bahá’ís associated with BIHE and theimprisonment of a number of these individuals.

As you are aware, immediately following the Islamicrevolution, in contravention of the laws in force at the time,Bahá’í students were expelled from your nation’s universitiesand Bahá’í professors and lecturers dismissed from theirpositions. The government was insistent upon theenforcement of this injustice. Efforts to explore possiblesolutions with officials proved futile. By the late 1980s, itbecame clear that Bahá’ís could not enroll in universitywithout denying their faith and that the government wouldnot rectify this situation. Under these conditions, it wasclearly impossible to establish a formal university for Bahá’ís;to seek a permit to do so in the face of overt governmenthostility would have been a fruitless, if not reckless,provocation. Consequently, the community made informalarrangements to use the volunteer services of dismissedprofessors to teach Bahá’í youth.

As with any other program that benefits from organizationand coordination, this undertaking was graduallysystematized. It was later referred to as the Bahá’í Institutefor Higher Education. While the Bahá’í community did notpublicize this initiative at that time, nonetheless over theyears others in Iran and abroad learned about this endeavorand volunteered to assist with it. Because the communitywas determined to meet the needs of every young person,arrangements became somewhat elaborate. However, theinitiative remained an internal activity of the community. Itspursuits were limited to youth within the Bahá’í community,and it was not involved in educating the members of thegeneral public. Most often, classes were held in Bahá’íhomes. Participation was voluntary and the benefit to thestudents was limited. They did not expect to receive anofficial degree, nor was anyone promised any other benefit,such as enhanced prospects of employment. The aim was tonurture the intellectual faculties of youth so as to preparethem for service to their society. This activity of the Bahá’ícommunity is comparable to home education or privatetutoring arranged by parents when children are unable toattend public schools. Were not such efforts well known inthe past among Iranians who have always cherished andvalued learning?

Since the inception of this initiative, the Islamic Republic hasmade repeated attempts to hinder its progress and harassits participants. Homes of Bahá’ís have been summarilysearched. In these raids, computers, books, and othereducational tools that had been obtained through sacrifice

and hardship were confiscated. Many of those involved inthe endeavor were arrested and asked to sign a commitmentto eschew association with it. The 1998 raid against 500homes of Bahá’ís throughout Iran is an example of suchattacks and serves to underscore the private and domesticnature of this undertaking.

Such actions, as you know, have been conducted as amatter of official government policy and as part of asystematic campaign to eliminate the Bahá’í community asa viable entity in your country. A confidential memorandumon “The Bahá’í Question”, issued in 1991 by the IranianSupreme Revolutionary Cultural Council and approved bythe Supreme Leader, stated clearly the position of theIslamic Republic toward the Bahá’í community. Thememorandum specifies that Iran’s Bahá’ís should be treatedin such a way “that their progress and development areblocked”. A copy of the document is enclosed. You are, nodoubt, very familiar with the stipulation, under the headingof “educational and cultural status”, that Bahá’ís “must beexpelled from universities, either in the admission process orduring the course of their studies, once it becomes knownthat they are Bahá’ís.”

Experience over the years that ensued has amplydemonstrated that the policy to exclude Bahá’ís from yourcountry’s institutions of higher learning remains in full effect.In 2006, as a result of extensive protests over the continuedexclusion of Bahá’ís from your nation’s universities,representatives of your government told the internationalcommunity on several occasions that the reference toreligion that was included on the university forms did notidentify applicants by their religion but only specified thereligious subject on which they were to be examined. TheBahá’í community, in good faith, accepted the explanationoffered. Since then, Bahá’ís have attempted to sit for theannual national entrance examination, although thedifficulties they have encountered have caused their numberto diminish from year to year. Nonetheless, most of thosewho have taken the examination have successfully passed it,some with the highest marks possible.

Months after their participation in the 2006 examinations, ittranspired that—in the same year when you were publiclystating that your forms did not require Bahá’ís to deny theirfaith to be eligible to attend university—the Central SecurityOffice of your own Ministry issued a letter to eighty-oneuniversities throughout Iran, instructing them that “if Bahá’íindividuals, at the time of enrollment at university or in thecourse of their studies, are identified as Bahá’ís, they mustbe expelled from university. Therefore, it is necessary to takemeasures to prevent the further studies of theaforementioned [individuals] and forward a follow-up reportto this Office.” A copy of this document is also enclosed.

Thus, Bahá’í youth are blocked from access to highereducation in one way or another. They sit for the universityentrance examination, only to discover that they have beendisqualified on the wholly specious claim that theirapplications were “incomplete”. Universities refuse to enroll

many of those who pass the examination. A small numberwho are able to enroll because their religion is overlooked atthe time of registration are later expelled. In someparticularly cruel instances, these expulsions have beeneffected just weeks or days prior to the completion of theircourses of study. A fair measure of whether the Bahá’ís haveaccess to higher education is not how many of them youpermit to enter universities but how many of them wereallowed to complete their studies. To any careful observer, itis evident that the only reason a few Bahá’í youth have beenadmitted into your universities is that such actions permityour government’s officials to deny that you prohibit Bahá’ísfrom gaining access to higher education—a claim that isblatantly duplicitous.

And now a fresh measure of tribulation has befallen theBahá’ís, as they are subjected to harsh treatment ininterrogations about their involvement with their informalefforts for the education of youth. Individuals who assist withthe educational program are threatened with imprisonment.Parents who host classes are notified that their homes will beexpropriated if the classes continue. And students arewarned against attending their classes and are instructedthat they will never obtain a higher education so long as theydo not abandon their faith and declare themselves to beMuslims. Yet, when the representatives of your governmentare confronted with these facts in the international arena,they continue to maintain that no one is deprived ofeducation in Iran on account of his or her religion. Howregrettable that the representatives of the Islamic Republicrepeatedly peddle such obvious falsehoods, furtherundermining your government’s credibility. When will theofficials in Iran bring to an end the entrenched practice ofsaying one thing to Bahá’ís while offering a range ofconflicting reassurances on the global stage?

It is evident to the generality of the people of the world,especially promoters of social justice, academics, students,and indeed the majority of the people in Iran, that to activelydeprive any youth of access to education is reprehensibleand against all legal, religious, moral, and humanitarianstandards. Many government officials to whom Bahá’ísappeal for redress, including staff in your own Ministry,sympathize with the Bahá’ís, telling them that their handsare tied because they have been ordered by their superiorsto abide by the provisions of the 1991 memorandum of theSupreme Revolutionary Cultural Council. All the while yourgovernment exacerbates the plight of young members of theBahá’í community.

How is it that a government would debar a population ofyoung citizens from access to higher education and then,when their families, with the help of one another, makeprivate arrangements that bring them together in theirhomes to study such subjects as physics and biology,pronounce such activity to be “illegal” by citing laws that arein fact intended to guide the operation of educationalinstitutions that serve the general public? Why is thegovernment so ruthless in the face of the earnestness ofBahá’í youth to obtain higher education? Are not the

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professors in your universities calling upon their ownstudents to cultivate the same commitment to learning?

Even though the Bahá’í community’s program of highereducation has never been in a position to formally awarddegrees to its students who have studied in this educationalendeavor, the academic accomplishments of scores ofgraduates of these classes and their eagerness to learn haveled universities in many lands to accept their work asqualifying them for post-graduate studies. What has evokedthe deep admiration of the professors and classmates ofthose who have gone abroad for such studies is thedetermination evinced by these students to return to Iranafter the completion of their studies despite the numerousobstacles they face and their readiness to accept everymanner of hardship in their longing to contribute to theadvancement of their country. Why is such dedication to thebetterment of the country unappreciated by the governmentof Iran?

One strains to cite another example of a government thathas devoted itself so systematically to blocking theeducational advancement of a minority community. For it isnot merely that Bahá’ís face social and institutional obstaclesto their progress, as do many minorities. Nor is it simply thatgovernment policies prevent Bahá’ís from obtaining highereducation, as deplorable as such an official action is. You gofurther, with no acceptable reason or basis, declaring itillegal for some of your citizens to use their minds to acquireknowledge for themselves!

The government of Iran now threatens Bahá’ís withwidespread arrest if they do not discontinue theirinvolvement with the higher education of Bahá’í youth. Thecharges are, however, very vague. What is “illegal”?To study?To learn? To accompany others in their quest to acquireknowledge? Why debar Bahá’í youth from studying orgathering together to learn, or disallow a dismissed universityprofessor from sharing his or her learning with young peoplewho are deprived of access to education? Ultimately, whichis illegal: a government policy that excludes its citizens fromhigher education on the basis of their religious affiliation orthe efforts of a community to educate its own youth? It is alltoo apparent that declaring the current efforts of the Bahá’ícommunity to educate its youth to be illegal is, alas, but onemore ploy—a transparent attempt to misuse the Bahá’íprinciple of obedience to government in order to get theBahá’ís themselves to become complicit in retarding theprogress of their own community.

In the eyes of Bahá’ís, government as a system formaintaining the welfare and orderly progress of humansociety merits both respect and wholehearted support;indeed obedience to the government is a feature of Bahá’íbeliefs. This obedience, however, is not absolute. They willnot, for instance, accept the least compromise on matters offundamental spiritual principle—the education of childrenand youth is one such principle.

Among the Bahá’í teachings is that God “has chosen the

reality of man and has honored it with intellect and wisdom,the two most luminous lights in either world.” “Knowledge,”according to our Writings, “is as wings to man’s life, and aladder for his ascent”; its acquisition is “incumbent uponeveryone”. It is “a veritable treasure for man, and a source ofglory, of bounty, of joy, of exaltation, of cheer and gladnessunto him.” Further, it is stated, “The happiness and pride ofa nation consist in this, that it should shine out like the sunin the high heaven of knowledge.” And parents are enjoined“to strive with all effort to train the daughter and the son”and “to rear them in the bosom of sciences and arts.”

Thus, Bahá’ís consider the acquisition of knowledge to bethe duty of every individual ordained by the Almighty inorder to develop the latent gems of human capability andcontribute to the betterment of society. All should beaccorded freedom to acquire it; no government should denythis fundamental and sacred right to its citizens.Nevertheless, in response to recent government actions, theBahá’ís of Iran are engaged in a review of their activities overthe past twenty years to provide higher education to theiryouth and, if necessary, will make changes so as to moreexplicitly emphasize the informal nature of their efforts. Theydo this to once again demonstrate their good will.

You are well aware that Bahá’ís cannot abandon theirresponsibility to ensure that their young people receive inIran the best, the most useful education that can beprovided to them, nor will they deny their faith to gain accessto higher education. We call on you, as the Ministerresponsible for the higher education of your nation’s youth,to work to bring the unjust and oppressive practices of thegovernment of the Islamic Republic to an end not only forthe Bahá’í youth but also for all other citizens.

Respectfully, Bahá’í International Community. Enclosures

Insert 4 Persian Pages HERE

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Book review

Reviewer: Barney Leith

LIGHTING THE WESTERN SKY: THEHEARST PILGRIMAGE AND THEESTABLISHMENT OF THE BAHÁ’ÍFAITH IN THE WEST

Kathryn Jewett HogensonOxford: George Ronald, 2010ISBN 978-0-85398-543-3

MEMORIES OF NINE YEARS IN ‘AKKÁDr Youness Afroukhteh (Riaz Masrour, translator)Oxford: George Ronald, 2003ISBN 978-0-85398-477-1

During the winter of 1898–1899fifteen Bahá’ís made a significant andsacred journey. They travelled aspilgrims by train and ship fromCalifornia, Chicago, New York, Kent,and Paris, to visit ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, thenHead of the Bahá’í community and aprisoner of the Ottoman authorities inthe ancient Mediterranean port of‘Akká. This first pilgrimage by WesternBahá’ís was to be a pivotal event in thehistory of the Bahá’í Faith.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá was the eldest son ofBahá’u’lláh and His Father’s appointedsuccessor as Head of the Bahá’ícommunity. But more than that, Hewas the Centre of the Covenant

Bahá’u’lláh had laid down in His Willand Testament that after His death theBahá’ís should turn to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asthe infallible Interpreter of His writingsand the sole authority for thecommunity.

For all faithful Bahá’ís ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wasthe object of intense love and devotion.For the Bahá’ís in the West, He was, inthe absence of reliable Englishtranslations of Bahá’u’lláh’s writings,the only source of accurate knowledgeof Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings.

The fifteen Western pilgrims wereunder the care of brilliant and wealthyphilanthropist Phoebe Hearst, who hadlearned of the Bahá’í Faith in herCalifornia home in the Spring of 1898– as had her African American butler,Robert Turner.

Phoebe Hearst’s role in aiding thegrowth of the Bahá’í community in theUnited States and Europe was hugelyimportant. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wroteapprovingly that she was ‘one who hasproved that it is possible for a camel topass through a needle’s eye’, andnamed her ‘Mother of the Faithful’. Sheempowered people, whose names areembedded in the consciousness ofBahá’ís the world over as those whopioneered this new community in theAmericas, Britain and Europe, namessuch as May Ellis Bolles, Edward andLua Getsinger, Harriet Thornburgh,Mary Virginia Thornburgh-Cropper, andRobert Turner, the first AfricanAmerican Bahá’í.

Because of the vagaries of their travelarrangements and to minimise thedangers surrounding ‘Abdu’l-Bahá atthe time, the pilgrims arrived anddeparted in small groups at differenttimes between November 1898 andMarch 1899. Some stayed only threedays, others for longer periods.

The culmination of a Bahá’í pilgrimageis the visit to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláhat the Mansion of Bahjí outside ‘Akká.The members of the Hearst party whowere in ‘Akká in February 1899,including Edward and Lua Getsingerand May Bolles, were granted anextraordinary privilege. ‘Abdu’l-Baháconducted them into the inner room of

the Shrine, to stand right over the tombof Bahá’u’lláh Himself. Lua Getsingerlater wrote:

Suffice it to say that the GreatestBranch [‘Abdu’l-Bahá] let me walk inHis footsteps and led me by the handinto this sacred place, where I kneltdown and begged God to cleanse myheart from all impurity and kindlewithin it the fire of His love. (pp. 119–120).

Hogenson comments:

It was highly significant that the Masterled the Americans into the actual roomunder which the Blessed Beauty[Bahá’u’lláh] was interred. This was agreat honour that apparently had notbeen accorded to anyone during theentire period since the passing ofBahá’u’lláh, and signified theimportance of their coming as the firstpilgrims representing the peoples of theWest. (p. 120)

Kathryn Hogenson’s deeply researchedand inspiring history of the first WesternBahá’í pilgrimage and its consequencesthrows a brilliant light on ‘Abdu’l-Baháand His unique role in the annals of theBahá’í Faith. An equally brilliant light isthrown from a different direction on‘Abdu’l-Bahá by the personal accountby Dr Youness Afroukhteh of the nineyears that he spent serving ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in ‘Akká.

Jináb-i-Khán, the title with which‘Abdu’l-Bahá honoured Dr Afroukhteh,served ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as a trustedsecretary, interpreter and envoy from1900–1909. His qualities of love,devotion, wit and humour shine outfrom the pages of his memoir. As thetranslator of this edition comments:

Absorbed and captivated by thewarmth that radiated from these pagesI began to visualize myself as a playerin the story, an observer of the events,a resident of the pilgrim house. So I toobegan to experience, in a daydreamstate, the joy and thrill of nearness tothe beloved Master, and as I poundedthe computer keys I too basked in thesunshine of His love. Along with therest of the friends we seemed to be inthe midst of Paradise while living in the

Most Great Prison. (p. xv).

Although Dr Afroukhteh arrived in‘Akká the year after the momentousHearst pilgrimage, the situation inwhich he and the small band ofBahá’ís devoted to the service of‘Abdu’l-Bahá found themselves hadnot changed. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wasunder constant attack by Covenant-breakers, those who, while claimingto be faithful Bahá’ís, were motivatedby their ego-driven desire forleadership to try to undermine‘Abdu’l-Bahá and to disrupt anddivide the Bahá’í community.

To add to the uncertainties of thoseyears, the Ottoman authorities,prompted by the Covenant-breakers’incessant depositionsmisrepresenting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’smotives and actions periodicallyrestricted ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s movements,threatened to arrest Him and even todeport Him to the deserts of NorthAfrica.

The Bahá’ís in the United Stateswere also affected by the desire of afew individuals for positions ofleadership, as Kathryn Hogensonrelates. Ibrahim Kheiralla, aLebanese Bahá’í of Christianbackground, who had arrived inAmerica in 1892, became therespected teacher of Lua Getsinger,amongst others of the earliest Bahá’ísin America. It eventually becameapparent that he enjoyed the respectrather too much. He introducedsome of his own doctrines into histeaching and made claims forhimself that would eventually berevealed as lies, once the Bahá’ísmet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. After his returnfrom the pilgrimage he attempted totake control of the nascent AmericanBahá’í community but, when hefailed to gain the allegiance of mostof the Bahá’ís, he defected from theBahá’í Faith. He and his followerswent their own way, while the Bahá’ícommunity flourished.

As Bahá’ís in Europe and NorthAmerica mark the centenary ofepochal travels to these continents by‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the first time since theinception of the Bahá’í Faith ‘the

recognized Head of the Faith enjoyeda freedom of action to pursueunencumbered its divinely prescribedmission’ (Universal House of Justice,to the Bahá’ís of the World, August2010), both of these books offerunparalleled insights into the earlyhistory of the Bahá’í community inthe West and in the East and into thedevotion of the faithful Bahá’ís to‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Perhaps most importantly, theseaccounts show the impact of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s unfailing love and guidanceon the increasing capacity ofindividuals to serve and of the Bahá’ícommunities in Iran and the UnitedStates to take collective action thatlaid the foundations for thecommunity-building activities oftoday’s Bahá’ís and those who walkthe path of service alongside them.

Bahá’í Books UK

NEW TITLES

ABRAHAM: ONEGOD THREE WIVESFIVE RELIGIONSFive Religions is agroundbreakingexamination ofAbraham, one of themost beloved andsignificant religious

figures in history. Author FrancesWorthington researches the threewives/concubines (Sarah, Hagar, andKeturah) of Abraham, and tracestheir lineage to five different religions- Christianity, Judaism, Islam, theBábi Faith, and the Baha’i Faith.Examining the scripture andtraditions of these five “Abrahamic”faiths, this complex story also drawsheavily from a rich variety ofhistorical sources that provide afascinating backdrop.

This is a good book to encourageyour local library to order and stock.

Order Ref: IFD050.Sc paperback,£11.50.

BAHÁ’Í PRAYERSAND READINGS(ENGLISH)This new 2011Australian edition ofBahá’í prayersincluding prayersand tablets isavailable in a nice

patterned leather cover format. Thecontents include a large range ofprayers and tablets of Bahá’ulláh, theBáb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and eightdrawings of Baha’i Holy places byHushang Seyhoun. Other featuresinclude: round corners, gold edgingon three sides, marking ribbon, thinpaper and easy to carry 150 mm x105 mm book size.

Order Ref: PRB230.HC Hard cover.£12.00

NIAYESH VA SETAYESH PRAYERSOF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND OF‘ABDU’L-BAHÁThis is a new Bahá’í prayer book inPersian. The content of this editionincludes a big range of prayers andtablets of Bahá’ulláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for different occasions. There isa separate section located at the endof the book for some of the prayers ofShoghi Effendi. The book is bound ina nice leather, other features include:round corners, gold edging on threesides, marking ribbon, 150 mm x105 mm book size.

Order ref: FAR311.LC Leather Hardcover. £12.00

Other Farsi titles

Available from Mrs Alaee – tel:0208 3618 102

KITAB-I-AQDAS IN ARABIC ANDPERSIAN. £22.00 Order ref: FAR060.HC

RISALIY-I-MADANNIYYIH ANDRESALEH SIASIEH Reduced to £6.00 Order ref: FAR140.SC

Reminder – UnitConvention 2011

THE NATIONAL SPIRITUALASSEMBLY wishes to lovinglyremind the friends that this year’sUnit Convention will be held acrossthe country over the weekend of 3-4December 2011.

May we also remind institutions andindividuals to kindly not plan anyBahá’í activities during this weekendto ensure maximum participation ofthe community.

We hope that the friends have madea note of these dates and will partakeof the bounty of assisting theAdministrative Order of Baha’u’llah.

Calendar ofNational events2011-2012

2011

BIRTH DAY OF THE BÁB20 Oct 2011

BIRTHDAY OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH12 Nov 2011

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING18-20 Nov 2011

DAY OF THE COVENANT26 Nov 2011

ASCENSION OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ28 Nov 2011

UNIT CONVENTIONS3 & 4 Dec 2011

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING16-18 Dec 2011

2012

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING20-22 Jan 2012

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING24-26 Feb 2012

NAW RUZ21 March 2012

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING30 Mar -1 Apr 2012

1ST DAY OF RIDVÁN21 April 2012

LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS21 April 2012

NATIONAL CONVENTION26-29 April 2011

Resting Place ofShoghi Effendi,Guardian of theBaha’i Faith

New Southgate Cemetery,Brunswick Park Road, NewSouthgate, London N11 1JJ

HELP REQUIRED. We are indesperate need of the services of anexperience gardener 1 day per week(Spring, Summer and Autumn) tohelp in the grounds of the Guardiansresting place. If we are unable to findanyone within the community wewill need to employ a local gardenerat the expense of the fund. The workwill include; Cutting the grass,trimming the hedge and generalmaintenance inside the Guardian’s.

Cleaning the paved road area using apower spray, and applying weed killerGeneral Maintenance, as required.

We are also in need of advice fromanyone with experience of treemaintenance.

Any interested souls please contact;

07949029180Nick@sabetiwainaerospace.com

Bahá’í WorldCentre staffingneeds

THERE IS AN ONGOING need atthe Bahá’í World Centre forindividuals who possess therelevant training and experience tofill the following positions:

• BOOK CONSERVATOR• CONSERVATOR• SENIOR ARCHIVIST• HEALTH CARE PROVIDER• LIBRARY COORDINATOR• ASSISTANT IN DOCUMENT

AND RECORDS HANDLING• ASSISTANT IN RESEARCH AND

DRAFTING• COMMUNICATIONS QUALITY

CONTROLLER• EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT• PUBLICATIONS RESOURCE

DESK• TRANSLATORS (PERSIAN,

FRENCH, ENGLISH, ARABIC)

Services at theNational Hazirat’l-Quds

HAZIRATU’L-QUDS SUNDAYOPENINGS – NOVEMBER,DECEMBER, JANUARY 2011. TheBahá’í s and their friends andfamilies are advised that the NationalHaziratu’l-Quds will NOT be open onthe following three Sundays whenthe National Assembly is meeting:20th November, 18th December and22nd January. As you will be aware,the Haziratu’l-Quds is open mostSundays between 10.00 - 17.00, aswell as during office hours eachweek (10.00 -17.00). All are mostwelcome to visit and enjoy theprivilege of being in this historic andsignificant building.

On 6 April 2004 the UniversalHouse of Justice shared the followingvision about London as a hub where

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visitors from around the world and theUK would wish to visit:

London is, of course, a majorinternational centre and a crossroadsfor travellers from many parts of theworld.

It is entirely understandable that Bahá’ívisitors will want to meet other friendswhile they are in the city, exchangeexperiences and gain a deeper senseof the universality of the Bahá’ícommunity.

The Universal House of Justice hasreferred to the National Haziratu’l-Qudsin London “as the central spiritualhome of the British Bahá’í community”,“a rallying point for the friends and acentre of unity”, and a “point towardswhich the friends would naturallygravitate when they visit London, bothBritish Bahá’í s and those fromoverseas”. The National Assemblyhopes that the community will feelwarmly welcomed and will enjoy theopportunity to be in the building onSundays. Tours of the building will beoffered, the bookstore will be open andrefreshments will be available.

It is the wish of the National Assemblythat opening the National Haziratu’l-Quds will facilitate the friends insharing their experiences and willstrengthen the bonds of love andfellowship which unite all who visit.

The National Haziratu’l-Quds is openon Sunday between 10.00-17.00hours, except on weekends when theNational Assembly is meeting (seeabove). It is also closed on 25thDecember and 1st January next.

Visitors are kindly asked to appreciatethat the National Haziratu’l-Quds is aworking building and that manymeetings take place over weekends. Itis therefore likely that some rooms willbe in use and are not open to visitors.On some occasions all the rooms areoccupied and it is only possible to visitthe book shop and take somerefreshment. Your understanding isgreatly appreciated.

National SpiritualAssembly of theBahá’ís of GermanyEuropean House ofWorship to be closedfrom October 4ththrough December31.

This is to inform you that due toextensive installation and renovationwork, the European House of Worshipwill be closed from October 4th throughDecember 31, 2011.

Huqúqu’llah

In this day it is incumbent uponeveryone to serve the cause of God,while He Who is the Eternal Truth -exalted be His Glory – hath made thefulfilment of every undertaking onearth dependent on material means.Hence it is enjoined upon everyindividual to offer that which is theRight of God. BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

The Board of Trustees of Huqúqu’llahfor the Republic of Ireland and theUnited Kingdom.Secretary: Patricia D. Jamshidi.Tel: 028 90485288

The Gift

EDINBURGH BAHÁ’Í CENTRE. Further to the NationalAssembly communication in August concerning the funds ofthe faith relative to: The establishment of a Guardian’sResting Place Endowment Fund International FinancialCollaboration programme Edinburgh Bahá’í Centre Fund.

In this issue of “The Gift” we remain focused on theEdinburgh Bahá’í Centre and its accomplishments since theofficial opening on 23rd May. With the refurbishment nowcomplete, without delay it has begun to host influentialfunctions associated with bodies outside the Faith, who aregreatly pleased and recommending its facility, confirming ournatural expectation of its ever-increasing significance and useas the future unfolds.

Below are a few glimpses of such activities excluding regularmeetings such as feast, Assembly, council and clustermeetings and various small seminars.

5 June, hosted Scottish Interfaith Council meeting.

30 Sept, Dr Peter Khan Memorial meeting.

14 Oct, Edinburgh’s Student Reception meal.

Open day on 25 Sept from 14:00-17:00 attracted 50 visitorswanting to know about the Faith.

Mark Cousins, the “refurbishment” architect of the Bahá’íCentre has proposed to hold a meeting at the centre to talkabout “Spirituality in Architecture” and plans to tie this withinterfaith week on 29 Nov.

This is just the beginning, with a great reinforcement for the5 year plan. To keep the momentum, the UK Bahá’ícommunity still has to secure the final hurdle to close thecurrent deficit, which at the time of writing is £271,041.This is the desire of the National Assembly the remainingbalance is contributed before Jan 2012.

How to contribute to Edinburgh Centre Fund?

By post: National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of theUnited Kingdom, Finance Department, 27 Rutland Gate,London SW7 1PD.

By online payment: Bank Name: Nat West Sort Code: 60 04 04 Account No: 18188443 Account Name: NSA – Edinburgh Centre Fund. For transfers from overseas: BIC or SWIFT CODE: NWBK GB 2L IBAN NO: GB90 NWBK 6004 0418 188443

Please use your surname as a reference in order for us toidentify the payment. You should also send an email tofinance@bahai.org. uk with details of the amount, thefund(s) being contributed to, the date transferred and thename of the contributor(s).

For regular contributions, please complete a standing orderform and we will arrange with your bank for the regularamount to be taken from your account in accordance withyour request. You can download this through the web pagebahai.org.uk/donations or email finance@bahai.org.uk orwrite to the above address requesting a copy of the form.

Finally, if you are a taxpayer, the National Spiritual Assemblycan obtain a tax refund on your payment if you complete andreturn a Gift Aid form to our Offices. You can download thisthrough the web page bahai.org.uk/donations or emailfinance@bahai.org.uk or write to the above addressrequesting a copy of the form.

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