PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY 3 I THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL I

ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'I% ! OF THE UNITED STATES

A NATIONAL BAHA'~@RE"IEW 112 Linden Av., Wilrnette. 111. 66391 Second-class uostaae paid at Wilrnette. Illinois

No. 52 BAHA'I YEAR 129 APRIL 1972

5 ' The Baha I Community Praised

for ' ~ v e r w h e l m i n ~ Victory

~ idva 'n Message from

The Universal House of Justice

To the Baha'is of the World

Dearly-loved Friends, The opening of the final year of the

Nine Year Plan-sees the Baha'i world community poised for overwhelming victory. With grateful hearts we ac- knowledge the continuing confirma- tions which have attended its efforts and the Divine bounties which 'have never ceased to rain down upon this blessed, this ever-developing embry- onic world order.

The Mashriqu'l-Adhkar of Panama, the other ~ e m ~ l e o f Latin Ameri- ca, will be dedicated this Ridvan. Three beloved Hands of the Cause, Amatu'I-Baha Ri+iyyih Khanum rep- resenting the ~ n i v e r s a r H o u s e of Justice, Ugo Giachery and Dzikru- 'Il5h - Khadem will attend this historic ceremony. The imaginative and in- spiring concept of the architect, Peter Tillotson, has been wonderful- ly realized and we extend to the Na- tional Spiritual Assembly 09 Panama on behalf of the entire Baha'i world, loving congratulations on their achievement.

Although the dissolution of the Na- tional Spiritual Assembly of 'Iriq has, unhappily, resulted from the persecution of the Faith in that land, the thirteen new National Spiritual

Assemblies which will come into be- ing this Ritvan will bring the total number of these pillars of the Uni- versal House of Justice to 113.

The goals requiring acquisition of properties and establishment of Teaching Institutes are well in hand and, in those countries where legal circumstances permit, incorporation of Assemblies and recognition of Baha'i marriage and Holy Days are making good progress.

It is the teaching goals which must engage our attention and effort. Al- though more than 260 territories have achieved their assigned goals of localities where Baha'is reside, and in some cases have exceeded them, enabling the Baha'i world corn- munity to rejoice in having out- stripped on a world scale the total number of localities envisaged in the Plan, there a re still some 60 territories where this goal is yet to be won and where its attainment must be given absolute priority be- tween now and Ridvan.1973. I t is ex- pected that a large number of new Local Spiritual Assemblies will be established a t RidvAn and immedi- ately the position of this goal is as- certained a detailed listing of all terr i tor ies throughout the world which have not yet won their goals

for localities and Local Spiritual As- semblies will be sent to every Na- tional Spiritual Assembly for urgent release to the friends.

It is hoped that during this last year of the Plan the principle of col- laboration between National Spiritu- al Assemblies will be extended far beyond the special tasks set in. the Nine Year Plan. Those communities which have already attained their goals or a r e in clear sight of them should consider the world picture as disclosed by the listing mentioned above and do everything they can, without jeopardizing their own suc- cess, to assist their fellow communi- t ies with pioneers and traveling teachers, or in any other way pos- sible. Such a process will' greatly consolidate the unity and brother- hood of the Baha'i world community.

In the meantime we call on all be- lievers everywhere to prayerfully consider their personal c i rcum- stances, and to arise while there is yet time, to fill the international pioneer goals of the Plan. There are 267 pioneer needs still to be answered - 75 in Africa, 57 in the Americas, 40 in Asia, 30 in Australasia and 65 in Europe.

The extraordinary advances made since that Rigv6n of 1964 when the Nine Year Plan was begun, continu- ing the organized and purposeful process of teaching on a world scale instituted by our beloved Guardian when he launched the Ten Year Cru- sade, force upon our attention new requirements of this ever-growing world order both for its own organic life and in relation to the disintegrat- ing world society in which it is set. The divergence between the ways of the world and of the Cause of God becomes ever wider. And yet the two must come together. The Bah6'i com- munity must demonstrate in ever- increasing measure its ability to re- deem the disorderliness, the lack of cohesion, the permissiveness, the

Bahh'i World Center Haifa, Israel Ripvin, 1972

APRIL 1

godlessness of modern society; the laws, the religious obligations, the observances of Bahi'i life, Bahi'i moral principles and standards of dignity, decency and reverence, must become deeply implanted in BahA'i consciousness and increasingly in- form and characterize this com- munity. Such a process will require a great development in the maturity and effectiveness of Local Spiritual Assemblies. The purposes and stan- dards of the Cause must be more and more understood and coura- geously upheld. The influence of the Continental Boards of Counsellors and the work of their Auxiliary Boards must develop and spread through the entire fabr ic of the Bahh'i community. A vast systemat- ic program for the production of Baha'i literature must be promoted.

Our immediate and inescapable task, however, is to ensure that every attainable goal of the Nine Year Plan is achieved. This must be done a t all costs. No sacrifice, no defer- ment of cherished plans must be re- fused in order to discharge this "most important" of the many "im- portant" duties facing us. Who can doubt that one last supreme effort will be crowned with success? Even now the national community to bear the laurels of first achieving every task assigned to it, Fiji, leads the procession of rejoicing and victori- ous communities within the Army of Light. We may well emulate Baha'i youth whose recent surge forward into the van of proclamation and

. teaching is one of the most encourag- ing and significant trends in the Faith, and who storm the gates of heaven for support in their enter- prises by long-sustained, precedent and continuing prayer. We are all able to call upon Baha'u'llih for His Divine, all-powerful aid, and He will surely help us. For He is the Hearer of prayers, the Answerer.

REVIEW 3

International Property Goals-A Progress Report OUR NINE YEAR PLAN PROPERTY GOALS ABROAD- Status as of March 31, 1972

National Spir~tual Assembly Goal Status Financial Assistance

As of July 1971 As of June 30, through March 31, 1971 March 1972 1972

1. Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands (St Thomas) Haziratu'l-Quds In process $ 378 99 $ 378.99

2. Indian Ocean (Reunion Is ) Haziratu'l-Quds Completed 1968 10,013.30 10,013.30

3. Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) ~ a ~ i r a t u ' l - ~ G d s Completed 1968 13,513.75 13,513.75

4. Congo (Brazzaville)-Gabon Haziratu'l-Quds , In process 1,532.84 $10,500.00 12,032.84

5. West Africa (Monrovia. ~ a ~ i % t u ' l - ~ u d s Completed 1968 8,408.65 8,408.65 Liberia)

6. Ghana (Accra) Haziratu'l-Quds Completed 1969 9,466.05 9,466.05

7. Taiwan (Teipei) Hayiratu'l-Quds Completed 1967 6,011.60 6,011.60

8. Netherlands (The Hague) Temple Slte Completed 1972 10,000.00 10,000.00

9. Norway (Oslo) Temple Site In process 10. Portugal (Lisbon) Temple Site In process 20,195.20 20,195.20

11. Chile (Santiago) Temple Site Completed 1969 4,500.00 4,500.00

12. Venezuela (Caracas) Temple Site In process 1,000.00 3,000.00 4,000.00 13. Leeward, Windward and

Virgin Islands (St. Thomas) Temple Site In process 14. Indian Ocean (Mauritius) Institute Completed 1969 1,500.00 1,500.00

15. South and West Africa Institute Completed 1970 2,250.00 2,250.00

16. West Africa (Bomi Hills Llberia) Institute Completed 1967 4,102.80 4,102.80

17. Bolivia (Cochabamba) Institute Completed 1967 3,000.80 3,000.80

18. Ghana (Cape Coast) Institute Completed 1971 8,888.00 8,888.00

19. Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands (St. Thomas) Endowment In process

19 Goals 12 completed $74,566.78 $43,695.20 $118,261.98 7 in process

I As we approach the end of the eighth

year of the Nine Year Plan there has been an upsurge in activity in the ac- quisition of property goals abroad. The role of the United States is to give finan- cial assistance to other National Spiritual Assemblies in winning nineteen of the goals. In the nine months ended March 31, 1972 we contributed a to ta l of $43,695.20 to four countries, or more than half a s much a s the $74,566.78 in the pre- vious seven years of the plan.

The period of search for the best prop- erty has often been time consuming and frustrating, but it is virtually a t a n end and all that remains is completing the legal and other details and some finan-

r- cial aid by the United States. In the Congo (Brazzaville)-Gabon we

have completed our financial commit-

ment of $12,000 and expect to hear short- ly of the acquisition of their Ha~ira tu ' l - Quds.

A Temple Site is being acquired in the Netherlands of more than eight acres

1 located not fa r from the Hague. The United States has contributed $10,000, or about one-third of the total cost and the Netherlands has asked that the amount be considered a loan.

After a long and difficult search a Temple Site has been found in Portugal and a contract for its purchase signed, towards which the United States made a substantial contribution of $20,000 within the past few months.

After a fruitless search for years in Venezuela, a beautiful Temple Site has been found within one hour's distance of Caracas, and the United States increased

its payment to that country by $3,000 to enable it to negotiate the purchase. A re- port of final acquisition is expected soon.

Two of the three property goals in the Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands a r e still in the time-consuming negotia- tive stage with good prospects of a favor- able outcome before many months. The third goal in the Islands, an Endowment, is considered relatively easy of attain- ment.

The other goal "in process," that of a Temple Site for Norway, is progressing slowly but there a r e no obstacles other than ones involving time.

I t is expected that additional financial assistance by the United States will be required in the last year of the Nine Year Plan to assure final victory in achieving all of the nineteen goals, but with con- tinuing cooperation and prayers, and the guidance of The Universal House of Jus- tice, there is no question about the out- come. Our next annual report should show all goals completely won. -NATIONAL B A H A ~ ' ~ PROPBRTIES COMMITTEE

Concerning Fireside Meetings

The National Assembly, judging by letters and reports received in recent months, feels that there a re some mis- understandings about the a im and the conduct of intimate fireside teaching meetings which can be readily cleared away and thus release more potential teaching energy for effective service to the Faith.

What the Assembly has in mind is the need for some simple definition of the na- ture of the home meeting started by one or more members of the family in order to awaken interest in the teachings among the i r neighbors and personal friends.

Such a meeting is a direct response to the universal command that every be- liever teach the Cause. I t is also one of the very best methods for bringing new people into the community. As such its value depends almost entirely upon two factors: first, control of the attendance and the program by the host or hostess; and second, continuity and development in the teaching and discussion.

APRIL 1972

The National Assembly wants this type of intimate gathering safeguarded. Ex- perience from all over the country shows ,, that the intention cannot be carried out - if the other Bah6'is look upon such a fire- side a s an open "party" or "community teaching meeting" and come and go as they feel inclined, join in the discussion and in general adopt the meeting a s their own.

Believers should not attend a home fireside meeting unless they a re specifi- cally invited by the host or hostess. More than cour tesy is involved, impor tan t though courtesy is in this Faith. What is involved a r e the rights of the non-Baha'i guests to receive the Message, enter into study and discussion, and when prepared, declare their faith.

The home fireside conducted for a few non-Baha'i friends and neighbors is not subject to administrative control. The Assembly has no grounds for exerting its authority but on the contrary should up- hold the right of every Bah6'i to gather his own friends together in the hope of confirming them. Assembly authority does not apply until there a re applica- tions for enrollment, unless the Assembly -

* - has fair reason to believe that erroneous and harmful teachings a r e being given out a s "Baha'i."

-NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY [First published in B A H A ~ ' ~ NEWS June

19481

Gambling Forbidden f o r c ah;& In God Passes B g (page 214) the be-

loved Guardian enumerates the Laws of Bah6'u'llah. Included is the Law that in- terdicts gambling. In other communica- tions he has indicated that sanctions of deprivation of administrative rights a re to be imposed upon individuals who per- sist in violating this prohibition. Obedi- ence to this Law has been especially em- phasized to the believers in Nevada in which State gambling is legalized by state law and where all forms and temptations for gambling abound everywhere.

This Baha'i Law is being called to the attention now of all believers who visit or travel in Nevada and who may be under 7 the impression that because gambling has been legalized by that State it is permis- sible for them to engage in it.

REVIEW 5

f I

BAHA'I SUMMER SCHOOLS - 1972 Arizona/New Mexico Location: Near Payson, Ariz. Session: June 18-22 Teacher: Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi

California (Southern) Location: Idyllwild Pines Session: July 1-8

Carolinas Location: Cherov State Park near Charlotte, N.C. Session: August 19-27, noon. Teacher: Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi (Aug. 23-27)

Davison Location: 3208 S. State Road, Davison, Mich. 48423 Sessions: 10 weekend sessions, 4 week sessions, one week for I.G.C. Sessions Monday through Friday. Weekends begin July 1-2, end Sept. 4-July 31-Aug. 4; Aug. 7- 11; Aug. 14-18; Aug. 21-25; Aug. 28-Sept. 1. Teacher: Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi (Aug. 2-6.)

Florida (Norfh 1 Location: Near Leesburg Session: Sept. 1-4

Georgia/Alabama Location: Camp Sumatanga, North Alabama Session: August 31-Sept. 4, noon. Teacher: Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi

Geyserville Location: Geyserville, California Sessions: 4 weeks June 25-July 1; July 2-8; July 9-15; July 16-22. Teacher: Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi (June 25-29) - Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Gallagher (July 16-22)

Green Acre Location: Eliot, Maine Sessions: National Spiritual Assembly Institute July 2-15; July 16-22; July 23-29; July 30-Aug. 5 ; Aug. 6-12; Aug. 13-19; Aug. 20-26. Teacher: Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi (Aug. 16-20)

%.

New York (Eastern) Location: Poughkeepsie Session: July 23-Aug. 6. Two weeks.

Oklahoma/Texas Location: Lake Bridgeport Session: August 6-12

Oregon Session: July 2-7 Teacher: Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi (July 2-6); Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Ope1 Conner - Rocky Mountain Location: Red Lodge, Montana Session: August 20-28

Rocky Mountain Location: Conifer Hill, Colo. Session: July 3-8 Teacher: Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Gallagher

- Rocky Mountain Location: South Colorado Session: June 10-18 Teacher: Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Velma Sherrill

APRIL 1972

Washington Location: Seabeck, Wash. Session: June 24-29 T e a c h e r s : Counsellor Mrs. Mayberry; Auxliliary Board member Mrs. Ope1 Conner

NOTE: Information has not arrived about the North Central States School or the South Florida School. Additional information will be published about schools, as available. National Baha'i School Committee, John H. Stroessler, Secretary 26592 El Mar Drive, Mission Viejo, California 92675

In Memoriam Mrs. Dora Bray Ulysses Greene Mrs. Ola Mae Polley Pasadena, California Savannah, Georgia San Francisco, California

February 26, 1972 February 26, 1972 February 7, 1972 George L. LaBrant

Henry Robert Broadhurst Eagle Point, Oregon Nathaniel Simmons High Point, North Carolina January 31, 1972 Little Rock, Arkansas

February 16, 1972 December 1971 Floyd Laurent

Joseph Brushorn Denver, Colorado Mrs. Louella Utzman Poplar, Montana February 6, 1972 Seal Beach, California

February 10, 1972 Theo Marinello February 26, 1972 Maywood, Illinois

Miss Joan Crawford Mrs. Ethel Virdure February 24, 1972

Chicago, Illino~s Roxbury, Massachusetts February 27, 1972 Horace Mellor March 5, 1972

Raleigh, North Carolina Harold V. Dilley February 21, 1972 Mrs. Alice Whipple Carson, California qessie Paddy Rochester, New York

Unknown Fort Hall, Idaho January 31, 1972 February 18, 1972

Work is Forbidden on Nine Holy Pays

In a letter to the National Spiritual As- sembly of the United States written on be- half of the beloved Guardian by his sec- retary on July 7, 1947, Baha'is a re in- formed that work is forbidden on nine of our eleven holy days. These a re listed in the BahA'i calendars which also give the dates of the Nineteen Day Feasts. The let- ter states:

"He wishes also to stress the fact that, according to our Baha'i laws, work is forbidden on our nine holy. days. Be- lievers who have independent business- es or shops should refrain from working on these days. Those who are in govern- ment employ should, on r e l i g i o u s grounds, make an effort to be excused from work; all believers, whoever their employers, should do likewise. If the government, or other employers, refuse to grant them these days off, they a re not required to forfeit their employ-

ment, but they should make every ef- fort to have the independent status of their Faith recognized and their right to hold their own religious holy days ac- knowledged. " * Referring to BahQ'i children, the Guard-

ian instructed on October 24, 1947, that "children under fifteen should certainly observe the Bah6'i holy days, and not go to school, if this can be arranged on these nine days." Whenever possible s t e p s should be taken to have BahA'i children excused, on religious grounds, from at- tending school on Baha'i holy days. It is the responsibility of the Loca! Spiritual Assemblies and Baha'i parents to see to it that their children engage in the observ- ance of these holy days in ways that a re meaningful to them educationally and spiritually. * Published in B A H ~ ~ N E W S , NO. 198, page 3

REVIEW

Spiritual Asssembly of the Bahh'is of Saginaw, Michigan at the t ime of Incorporation, September 8 , 1971. Front row, left to right: Kenneth Augustine, Chairman; David Thorpe; Herbert N . Merrell, J r . ;

Bradley Melcher. Back row, Left to right: Ann Aug,ustine, Corresponding Secretary; Freddie Allen; Jane Merrell,

Treasurer; Marilyn Oeming, Recording Secretary; Sue Sperbeck.

Announcements by Continental Board of Counsellors 6 With commingled sadness and joy, the

Continental Board of Counsellors of North America make two announcements.

The first is that Mr. Chester Kahn, valued member of the Auxiliary Board for Teaching, has submitted his resigna- tion because of demanding personal and professional responsibilities, and because of his deep desire to work more directly with the Navajo Nation of which he is a member. This brings deep regr.et and sad- ness to the Counsellors. However a t the

ence in Baha'i publishing, which has at- tracted international praise, enables her to bring to her new service an extraordin- ary knowledge of the literary wealth of the Faith.

Mrs. Braun's temporary territorial as- signment is North Carolina, South Caro- lina, Georgia and Florida.

DIRECTORY CHANGES ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

same time we are in the that his great gifts will continue to be

The second annuoncement is pure joy. We have the honor to announce the ap- pointment of Mrs. Eunice Braun a s mem- ber of the Auxiliary Board for Teaching to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Kahn's re- signation. Mrs. Braun brings extraordin- a ry capacity to her new position, having served for many years as the brilliant and gifted manager of the Bahh'i Publishing

/c- Trust. This work was coupled with teach- ing and speaking on behalf of the Faith, a s well a s carrying on extensive adminis- trative activities. Her editorial experi-

A 1 ~ ~ ~ o m e r y : Miss Lynda Keisling, 436 B so. High- land ct . . 36104

used in the ~ a i t h to such special advant- age.

Northern California Central Sonoma County J.D.: Mrs. Jacqueline R.

Heald, 1500 John Dr., Santa Rosa, 95101 Central California Dist. #1

Redwood City: Mrs. Patricia Shaefer, P.O. Box 103. 94064

Seaside: Mrs. Mary H. Boyd, pro-tern, 1328 Luzern St., 93955

' Central California Dist. #2 Fresno: Mrs. Mary Beth Kessler, P.O. 8065, 93727

Southern California Dist. #1 Burbank: Mrs. Betty Carey, 1200 Riverside Dr., Apt. 233, 91506 (correct Secty's name)

San Fernando: Mr. Soheil Sohrab, P.O. Box 806, 91341 Southern California Dist. #2

Anaheim: Mrs. Bernyce T. Stillwell, 639 S. Webster, Apt. 132, 92804

Ontario: Mrs. Anna M. Rehling, 1541 Iris, 91762

Arizona' '

Mesa: Mrs. Constance Kiely, pro-tern, P.O. Box 2417, Sherwood Station, 85204

sothern California Dist. #3 Santa Barbara: Mr. Andrew R. Hopkins, P.O. BOX

1327, 93101 Indiana

Richmond: Mrs. Martha Patton, .R319 S. 6th St.. 47374 Kansas

Emporia: New secretary to be reported Newton: Mr. Edward C. Sinclair, Box 451, 67114

Kentucky Jefferson County: Mrs. Karen Cummings, 271 Chur-

chill Ave., Louisville, 40220 Louisiana

Baton Rouge Eas t Parish #1: Mrs. Elaine Williams, 10565 Cletus Dr., Baton Rouge, 70815

Massachusetts Somerville: Mr. David R. Power, 175 College Ave.,

02144 Minnesota

Minneapolis: Mr. William B. Harley, 4216 Standish Ave., So., 55407

Nebraska Lincoln: Mr. Roger Egan, P.O. Box 80601. 68501

Nevada Henlerson: Mrs. Evelyn R. Plasse, 1030 Center St.,

Apt. 5-D, 89015 Eas te rn New York

Town of Hempstead: Miss Diane Shure, pro-tem, 19 Hidden Lane, Westbury 11590

Western New York Town of Amherst: Miss Sally Hibbard, 4285 Chestnut

Ridge Rd., Apt. H-1, Tonawanda 14150 Oregon

Corvallis: Mrs. Sue E. Badiei. 1850 Arthur Circle. 97330 Eugene: Miss Janis Ivanoff, pro-tem, 710 W. 25th

Ave., 97405 Jackson Conty: Mrs. Mary E. LaBrant, 125 Bucking-

ham Circle, Eagle Point 97524 East Texas

Garland: Mr. Roy Kuykendall, 410 International, Apt. #222, 75042

Virginia Nansemond County: Mrs. Barbara Camm, 4022 Col-

lege Dr., Portsmouth 23703 Western Washingtoll

Makah Reservation: Mrs. Klara Tyler, Box 306, Neah Bay 98357

Seattle: Mrs. Pala Warme. P.O. Box 396, 98102 DISTRICT TEACHING COMMITTEE SECRETARIES Northern California #2: Mrs. Arlene Batt, 3904 Sebasto-

pol Rd., Santa Rosa 95401 Minnesota: Mrs. M a r y a y Klann, 2225 - 2nd St., N.W.,

Rochester 55901 Missouri: Mrs. Cathy Vance, 6490 Enright. University

City 63130 South Carolina #2: Mr. Richard Hatch, 2050 Beltline

Blvd., #107, Columbia 29204 Vermont: Miss Dianne Bombaugh, The Ledges, Nor-

wich 05055

Calendar Feasts

April 28 Jarni l (Beauty) May 17 'Azmat (Grandeur) June 5 Ncr (Light)

Special Events June 11 Race Unity Day Suggested topic : "Oneness - Pathway

to Peace'' Special Days

Feast of Rigvan (Declaration of Bahi- 'u'llah) April 21-May 2

May 23 Declaration of the BAb May 29 Ascension of Baha'u'llah

National Baha'i Fund

A Fiscal Year (Loftiness) to Date

INCOME : Regular Contributions $ 89,350.21 $1,377,693.60 Special Contributions 6,000.00

Total Contributions $ 95,350.21 Estates 50,000.00 Other Income 1,373.40

Total Income $146,723.61

Budget $120,000.00

-

~ a h 2 i Holy Days on Which Work Should Be Suspended

April 21 The first. day of Ripvan (Local Spiritual Asembly elections)

April 29 The ninth day of Ridvin May 2 Twelfth day of Ridvhn May 23 Anniversary of the Declaration

of the Bab (Two hours after sunset) May 29 The anniversary of the ascen-

sion of ~ah!i 'u'llah (Three a .m.)

National Assembly Meetings April 21-24 May 26-28 June 23-25

National Convention April 22, 8:30 a .m.

through April 24, 1:00 p.m. 7

Panama Temple Dedication April 29-May 2, 1972