Baha'i News Baha'i Year 139 No. 620 ISSN 0195-9212 USPS 040-140

The third of five International Conferences is held in Montreal, Canada . .. 1 The World Centre staff pays loving tribute to the Greatest Holy Leaf . .... 6 Counsellor Peter Khan speaks of remarkable life of Bahiyyih Khanum . .. . 7 Alberta, Canada, is the site of the 3rd North American Native Council . ... 8 'Trail of Light' teaching teams blaze memorable path in Latin America .. 10 Association for Baha'i Studies holds its seventh annual Conference . ... 12 Around the world: News from Baha'i communities all over the globe . ... 14

Baha'i News is published monthly by the National Sp iritual Assembly of the Baha'ls of the Un ited States as a news organ reporting current activities of the Baha'i world community. Manuscripts submitted should be typewritten and double spaced throughout; any footnotes should appear at the end. The contributor should keep a carbon copy. Send materials to the Periodicals Office, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 , U.S.A. Changes of ad· dress should be reported to the Office of Membership and Records, Baha'i National Center. Please attach mailing label. Subscription rates: one year, U.S. $8; two years, U.S. $15. Second class postage paid at Wilmette, IL 60091 . Copyright e 1982, National Sp iritual Assembly of the Baha'ls of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. International Conferences

Montreal: Charting course toward victory

More than 9,400 Baha'fs from 50 Conference by the Hand of the Cause Alaska, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Ca­ countries including five of the Hands of God Amatu'l-Baha Rul).fyyih nada and the United States. of the Cause of God gathered Septem­ Khan um. The Conference coincided with the ber 3-5 at the Olympic Velodrome in Her presence was especially ap­ 70th anniversary of 'Abdu'l-Baha's Montreal, Canada, for a Baha'f Inter­ propriate as she is a native of Montreal visit to Montreal, which occurred from national Conference that paid loving who was raised there by her Baha'f August 30-September 9, 1912, and the and eloquent tribute to the memory of parents, architect Sutherland Maxwell 80th anniversary of the establishment the Greatest Holy Leaf and set a firm (who also was a Hand of the Cause of of the Canadian Baha'i community. and unswerving course toward victory God) and Mrs. May Maxwell. Tight security in North America at the midpoint of Also present to celebrate the life and Security was extremely tight as a the Seven Year Plan. service of the Greatest Holy Leaf on result of threats reported to the Na­ The Universal House of Justice, the the occasion of the 50th anniversary of tional Spiritual Assembly of Canada supreme administrative body of the her passing were the Hands of the Faith and architect of its worldwide Cause of God Shu'a'u'llah 'Ala'f, by the Royal Canadian Mounted Po­ lice. teaching plans, was represented at the Dhikru'llah Khadem, John A. Robarts and Dr. 'Ali Mul).ammad Varqa. The RCMP said Muslim extremists In addition to the Hands of the had threatened to disrupt the Con­ Cause, seven members of the Con­ ference and to harm certain in­ tinental Board of Counsellors for the dividuals, but thanks to the pre­ Americas attended the historic three­ cautionary measures that were taken day gathering as did representatives of those threats never materialized. the National Spiritual Assemblies of The Hand of the Cause of God

The Hand of the Cause of God Ama- ~ tu 'l-Bahd RulJlyyih Khdnum addresses the Children's Conference which was The Olympic Velodrome, site of the Bahd'(s from JOI countries attended held as a separate part of the Interna­ Bahd'l International Conference in the historic Conjerence. (Photo by tional Conference in Montreal. Montreal, Canada. More than 9,400 Jack Bowers)

Baha'i News/November 1982 The Hand of the Cause of God Ama­ American dance with members of the cessful tour of Central and South tu '1-Bahd RulJI'yyih Khdnum (fourth 'Trail of Light' teaching team who America this summer. from left) participates in a lively Native were in Montreal following their sue-

Amatu'l-Baha RuQiyyih Khanum read the message to the Conference from the Universal House of Justice, de­ livered the keynote address Friday morning, closed the Conference Sun­ day evening with her second address, and also spoke at the separate Chil­ dren's Conference that was attended by about 1,200 Baha'i children. Prior to the Conference, she led a 12-member Baha'i delegation that was received by the Governor General of Canada, Edward Schreyer, at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, seat of the Canadian Parliament. A second Baha'i delegation was received September 8 by the Prime Minister of Canada, Pierre Trudeau. Dr. Bahiyyih Nakhjavani, an educator who is the author of several books, spoke Saturday afternoon on "The Life and Service of the Greatest Entertainment at the International performing. Among them was 'Do'a ' Holy Leaf.'' Conference in Montreal was splendid, (Ken LaRoche and Randy Armstrong) Her address was followed by one of with many fine groups and individuals from Dover, New Hampshire. the most moving tributes ever witness-

2 November 1982/Baha'i News ed at any Baha'f gathering. A bouquet of 126 roses was placed on stage and ----- the names of the 126 Baha'f men and women who have been martyred or ab­ ducted since the Iranian revolution of 1979 were read aloud as many of those in the audience wept. While the names were being read, the several hundred Conference par­ ticipants who have lost husbands, wives, parents, brothers, sisters or other relatives in Iran stood silently, their heads bowed in prayer. Photos of the Montreal Con­ ference are by John McNair of East Patchogue, New York. Another memorable event took place the following afternoon when all of the participants in the Children's Conference, which was held at the nearby Pierre Charbonneau Centre, made their way to the Velodrome, marched down the center aisle as Gayle Morrison, author of To Move autographs a copy of the book during a everyone stood and applauded, were the World, the biography of the Hand special autograph session held at the assembled in front of the stage and of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory, Montreal Conference. sang the Children's Conference theme song, "We Are Baha'fs," with the In­ • Counsellor Agnes Ghaznavi, "Ba­ Conference in Canberra, Australia, at ternational Baha'i Choir conducted by ha'i Marriage and Family Life." which more than 2,000 Baha'is from Jack Lenz. Some of the talks were presented in about 40 countries were assembled On Friday afternoon and Sunday English, others in French. All were with the representative of the Universal evening, Mr. Lenz conducted the Con­ translated simultaneously into English, House of Justice, the Hand of the ference orchestra, choir and two solo­ French, Spanish and Persian. Cause of God Ugo Giachery. ists in musical tributes to the Greatest Dr. Hatcher's address Saturday Messages to the Montreal Con­ Holy Leaf which he composed. afternoon was followed by a pre­ ference were received from the Hand Following a progress report Satur­ sentation by the Continental In­ of the Cause of God William Sears and day morning on the Seven Year Plan digenous Council of North America from the National Spiritual Assemblies by Counsellor Lloyd Gardner, the that included a drum call, prayers in of Bophuthatswana, Norway, Para­ Hand of the Cause of God John Ro­ Inuit and Indian languages, and a hoop guay and Switzerland. barts spoke on "The Call to Pioneer­ dance symbolizing the destiny of native The widespread and generally ex­ ing,'' after which several hundred of peoples. cellent media coverage included daily those at the Conference came forward Eugene King, a member of the Na­ radio and television reports and promi­ to offer their services in the pioneering tional Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, nent articles and photos in many large field . spoke on "The Destiny of the Native Canadian newspapers. Other speakers at the Conference Peoples as Prophesied by 'Abdu'l­ Baha,'' after which members of the The Voice of America was to broad­ and their topics: cast a full report of the Conference to • Dr. !raj Ayman, "The Role of "Trail of Light" teaching team, com­ posed of Native American Baha'is Persian-speaking countries in the Mid­ Sacrifice and the Baha'i Fund." dle East. • Dr. Hossain B. Danesh, "Baha'i from Alaska, Canada and the U.S. Youth and the Cause of Universal who traveled through Central and Besides the Hands of the Cause of Peace." South America this summer and at­ God, Counsellors, and members of •Dr. William Hatcher, "The Devel­ tended the International Conference in National Spiritual Assemblies, a opment of the Local Spiritual As­ Quito, Ecuador, were introduced. number of other notable Baha'is at­ sembly." The Native Americans presented a tended the Conference including: • Mrs. Ginette Montabord, "The In­ lovely Indian ceremonial blanket to • Professor Christine Hakim, a so­ dividual and Teaching." Arnatu'l-Baha RuQiyyih Khanum who ciologist and author of the recently • Counsellor Farzam Arbab, responded by joining them in a spirited published book, The Bahd'(s: Victory "Teaching the Masses." Native American dance. Over Violence. She is the daughter of • Mrs. Elizabeth Rochester, "The On Friday the Conference was link­ noted cardiologist Manuchihr Hakim Creative Word." ed by telephone to the International who was murdered in his clinic in Teh-

Baha'i News/November 1982 3 ran in January 1981. • Mme. Lea Nys, a writer, teacher and translator who is the first Belgian to become a Baha'i. •Dr. Victor de Araujo, the represen­ tative of the Baha'i International Com­ munity at the United Nations in New York City. • John Huddleston, assistant di­ rector for budget and planning of the International Monetary Fund and au­ thor of the book, The Earth ls But One Country. • Jens Lyberth, an Inuit who is con­ sultant to the Canadian Inuit Cultural Institute in the Northwest Territories. • Sam Bald Eagle Augustine, a Ba­ ha'i of Micmac Indian background and a former elder of the First Nations As­ sembly. Entertainment at the Conference was superb, ranging from instrumental Above: Native American dancers en­ national Bahd'( Choir and its director, selections by "Do'a,'' santour player liven one of the Children's Conference Jack Lenz, entertain on stage at the Kiu Haghighi, and the "New World sessions at Montreal. Below: The Inter- Velodrome. Generation" jazz group to vocals by England Dan Seals, Gordie Munro, Suzanne Hebert, Nancy Ward, and the International Baha'i Choir and dance by Roderick Johnson, soloist of the Theatre Ballet of Canada, and the Bal­ let Shayda from Ottawa. Preceding the closing address Sun­ day evening by Amatu'l-Baha Rul}iyyih Khanum, there was a special presentation entitled ''Another Song ... '' based on the poetry of Roger White. Amatu'l-Baha Rul}iyyih Khanum was among the speakers at the Children's Conference for 6- to of Montreal. nearly 300 titles in more than 30 14-year-olds. Also included were slide A nursery program was provided for languages including 15-20 new titles presentations, music and dance, devo­ children under the age of six years. never before available to the Baha'i tions in many languages, and a balloon The largest Baha'i bookstore ever community from publishers in 25 launch offered as a gift to the children assembled at any Conference carried countries around the world. The message to Montreal from the Universal House of Justice To the friends gathered at the Bahd'( International Con­ 'u'llah's summons to the rulers of America, calling on them ference in Montreal to heal the injuries of the oppressed and, with "the rod of Dearly-loved Friends, the commandments" of their Lord, to bring their corrective influence to bear upon the injustices perpetrated by the ty­ Seventy years ago 'Abdu'l-Baha visited Montreal, hal­ lowing it forever. The visit of the beloved Master to Amer­ rannical and ungodly. ica, the laying by Him of the cornerstone of the first Mash­ 'Abdu'l-Baha revealed in clearer details than those given riqu '1-Adhkar of the West and the revelation by Him five by either the Bab or Baha'u'llah the nature and scope of years later of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, which invest its that glorious mission. In His eternal Tablets unveiling chief executors and their allies with special primacy, con­ America's spiritual destiny the Master wrote, " ... the con­ stitute successive stages in the gradual disclosure of a mis­ tinent of America is, in the eyes of the one true God, the sion whose seeds can be found in the Bab's address to the land wherein the splendours of His light shall be revealed, peoples of the West, urging them to aid God's Holy Cause. where the mysteries of His Faith shall be unveiled, where the This mission was given specific direction through Baba- righteous will abide and the free assemble. Therefore, every

4 November 1982/Baha'i News section thereof is blessed ... '' and, referring to Canada, He Baha'is of North America 'Abdu'l-Baha assures each one of asserted that its future "is very great, and the events con­ you that \'whosoever arises in this day to diffuse the divine nected with it infinitely glorious." fragrances, the cohorts of the Kingdom of God shall con­ Even more specifically, He expressed the "hope that in firm him ... " I the future Montreal may become so stirred, that the melody You are met in this Conference to review the progress of of the Kingdom may travel to all parts of the world from the Seven Year Plan, to be confirmed, galvanized and sent that Dominion and the breaths of the Holy Spirit may into action. It is !!QLenou h for the North American be­ spread from that centre to the East and the West of Amer­ lievers to stand at the forefront of the Baha'i world; the ica." scope of their exertions must be steadily widened. In the After the passing of 'Abdu'l-Baha and under the guid­ words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, "The range of your future achieve­ ance of the Guardian the Baha'fs of the world witnessed ments still remains undisclosed. I fervently hope that in the with awe and admiration the North American community near future the whole earth may be stirred and shaken by arising as one man to champion the Administrative Order the results of your achievements." "Exert yourselves; your taking shape on their own soil, to embark upon the first col­ mission is unspeakably glorious. Should success crown your lective teaching plan in the annals of the Faith, to lead the enterprise, America will assuredly evolve into a centre from entire Baha'i world in intercontinental teaching campaigns, which waves of spiritual power will emanate ... " ~ to demonstrate with devotion their exemplary firmness in The valiant countries of North America should in the sec­ the Covenant, to extend their support and protection and ond half of the Seven Year Plan ensure thatan ever-swelling relief to the oppressed followers of Baha'u'llah throughout number of pioneers and traveling teachers will arise and the East and particularly in His native land, and to send travel to and settle in countries which need their support, forth valiant pioneers and traveling teachers to every conti­ however inhospitable the local conditions may be, ceaseless­ nent of the globe. ly endeavoring to contribute to the expansion of the These marvelous and noble exertions, calling for expendi­ teaching work and the strengthening of the foundations of ture of resources almost beyond their means, paved the way the communities they are called upon to assist. They should, for the achievement of glorious victories which synchro­ moreover, continue their defense of the downtrodden, open nized with a series of world convulsions, signs of universal their doors to their Baha'i brethren who are seeking refuge commotion and travail, and with repeated crises within the in their lands, provide technological expertise to com­ Faith. And in this day, while the blood of the martyrs of munities which need it, and supply an uninterrupted flow of Persia is once again watering the roots of the Cause of God resources to support the ever-increasing international pro­ and when the international outlook is impenetrably and jects of the Faith. ominously dark, the Baha'is of North America are in the In their respective homefronts the Baha'is of North van of the embattled legions of the Cause. America should intensify the drive to attract the masses to Less than a score of years remain until the end of this cen­ God's Holy Cause, to provide the means for their integra­ tury which the Master called ''the century of light,'' and He tion into the work of the Faith, and should become stand­ clearly foresaw that ere its termination an advanced stage ard-bearers of an embryonic Baha'i society which is des­ would have been reached in the striving towards the po­ tined to gradually emerge under the influence of the in­ litical, racial, and religious unity of the peoples of the tegrating and civilizing forces emanating from the Source of world, unfolding new horizons in scientific accomplish­ God's Revelation. Such noble objectives cannot be fully ments, universal undertakings and world solidarity. The achieved unless and until local communities become those calls of the Master and Guardian plainly summon the Ba­ collective centers of unity ordained in our Writings, and ha'is of the Americas to prodigies of proclamation, of every individual earnestly strives to support the structure teaching and of service. and ensure the stability of the Administrative Edifice of the The American melting-pot of peoples needs the unifying Faith. power of the new Faith of God to achieve its fusion. The representative character of the Baha'i community should How fitting that this Conference, and the one held for therefore be reinforced through the attraction, conversion Baha'i children on a scale unprecedented in North America, and support of an ever-growing number of new believers should commemorate the 50th anniversary of the passing of from the diverse elements constituting the population of Bahiyyih Khanum, the Greatest Holy Leaf, whose Jove for that vast mainland and particularly from among Indians the North American believers and whose admiration for and Eskimos about whose future the Master wrote in such their heroism were so deep and so sustained and whose na­ glowing terms. In the glorious freedom which enables you tural fondness for children was so characteristic of Baha­ to proclaim, to teach and confirm, to educate and deepen 'u 'llah. May each of you emulate her unswerving devotion yourselves and others in the verities of the Faith, you have and loyalty to the Covenant of God and her perseverance in precious opportunities of service denied to many of your the path of His love. We shall mark this first day of your fellow believers elsewhere. Conference, together with the one being held concurrently in Canberra, with prayers at the Holy Shrines that all may If your blessed communities are to lead the world spiri­ "become assisted in service and like unto brilliant stars tually, as the Master envisaged, then the Faith must strike shine in these regions with the light of guidance.'' deeper roots in your hearts, the spirit of its teachrngs must Oeexemplified inever greater measure in your Jives, and With loving Baha'i greetings, God's Holy Cause must be taught and proclaimed with ~r The Universal House of Justice greater intensity. In His immortal Tablets addressed to the September 2, 1982 ~-

Baha'i News/November 1982 5 World Centre

A loving tribute to Greatest Holy Leaf

At 9 a.m. Saturday, July 17, about ments with Khanum in the Master's lunch of cold food in the staff dining 250 staff members at the World Centre house during her stay in Haifa with her room, still unfurnished but carpeted in Haifa gathered for the first event mother in 1923. and with temporary buffet tables set ever held in the Seat of the Universal Counsellor Anneliese Bopp present­ up. House of Justice, a seminar on the ed a summary of the life of "the out­ Precious memories Greatest Holy Leaf. standing heroine of the Baha'i Dispen­ In the afternoon 'Ali Nakhjavani, a The day-long event was held on the sation,'' enumerating some of the titles member of the Universal House of Jus­ occasion of the 50th anniversary of the by which Bahiyyih Khanum is called in tice, shared precious memories from passing of Bahiyyih Khanum, the the literature of the Faith, among the life of the Greatest Holy Leaf. Greatest Holy Leaf, and followed by which are: ''well-beloved sister of 'Ab­ He noted that the dome of the Seat is several hours a commemorative ob­ du '1-Baha"; the Holy Family's "most reminiscent of the dome of the monu­ servance at the Shrine of the Bab. precious, most great adorning"; "the ment to the Greatest Holy Leaf, saying The broad stairway, seven meters (23 brightly shining Leaf, the Remnant of that the architect intended this visible feet) wide, leading down into the con­ Baha, and His trust, the eternal fruit link between the two structures. course of the Seat of the House of Jus­ and the one last remembrance of the Mrs. Baharieh Ma'ani gave an origi­ tice from the second floor served as a Holy Tree." nal presentation on the Greatest Holy dais. The friends were seated to the left The friends shared a picnic-style Leaf's place in religious history, out­ of the main entrance, while behind lining first the role of each of the out­ them lay an area of comparable size standing women of previous Dispensa­ that will permit the seating of more tions, and reinforcing the friends' re­ than twice the number of that day's participants. spect for the effective contributions made by Bahiyyih Khanum at several Numerous arrangements of roses times in the history of the Cause. and other flowers accented the struc­ During a tea break the friends went tural beauty of the reception concourse out by the back door of the concourse whose design shows classic perfection and sipped refreshments in the colon­ of proportion. nade while admiring the dramatic dis­ A Tablet of 'Abdu'l-Baha addressed play of color that had appeared in the to the Greatest Holy Leaf was chanted terraced gardens in recent months. The and then repeated in English. five-tiered garden rises steeply for 25 The first speaker was one who had meters (about 82 feet) and is profusely close personal association with the planted with a variety of flowers, blos­ Greatest Holy Leaf-the Hand of the soming shrubs and small trees. Cause of God Amatu'l-Baha RU.Qiyyih Khan um. Portraits of Khanum and scenes as­ She began her remarks, however, by sociated with her life were shown in a calling to mind "one whose chair is slide presentation prepared by Mr. and empty today." The friends' thoughts Mrs. A.L. Thompson. This was fol­ turned to Amoz Gibson, the well-loved lowed by the recitation in Persian and member of the Universal House of Jus­ English of a prayer from the Pen of the tice whose death they had so recently Greatest Holy Leaf-a fitting end to a mourned. day spent commemorating her saintly The Hand of the Cause then spoke life. for more than an hour sharing her memories of "Khanum," as the Great­ est Holy Leaf was known. She told of the privilege she had been given as a Bahi'yyih Khdnum, known to Bahd'{s young girl of sharing intimate mo- as the Greatest Holy Leaf.

6 November 1982/Baha'i News Greatest Holy Leaf

'An event-filled and peerless life'

Bahiyyih Khanum, the Greatest stressful environment. 'Abdu'l-Baha, Holy Leaf, and sister of 'Abdu'l-Baha, '. . . believers will celebrate her in a Tablet addressed to the Greatest occupies a unique position in the Ba­ devotion to the protection of the Holy Leaf, identifies the general prin­ ha'i Faith. Shoghi Effendi describes Faith in her undeviating and un­ ciple applicable to Baha'i service when her as "the outstanding heroine of the shakable adherence to the Cove­ He states: Baha'i Dispensation," 1 and informs nant, standing firm in support "From the beginning of time sorrow us that both Baha'u'llah and the Mas­ and anxiety, regret and tribulation, ter "proclaim her as an example to of 'Abdu'l-Baha as the Cove­ have always been the lot of every loyal their · followers, and an object worthy nant-breakers in His family servant of God. Ponder this in thine of the attention of all mankind." 2 made their shameful attacks.' heart and consider how very true it It is particularly fitting that her is .. . "3 name should be mentioned at this Na­ So it is today. The challenge to fulfill tional Convention, as the United States lack of resources, opportunity, and the goals of the Seven Year Plan; the National Baha'i Archives contain a let­ freedom-and also despite physical sacrifices inherent in administrative ter written on her behalf to Martha suffering and years of ill-health con­ functioning; the pressures coming sequent to the hardships endured in Root nearly 60 years ago, in which the from a wayward and declining society; Adrianople. Greatest Holy Leaf disclosed her ex- all combine to produce stress in the life --.. citement at the imminent prospect of Her life was enriched and ennobled of a devoted believer-but this work is by her participation in the adminis­ meeting the first Baha'is from Aus­ the work that God most wants done at trative activities of the Faith, even to tralia and New Zealand to go on pil­ this time; and this stress can be a con­ the extent of its custodianship during grimage to the Holy Land. structive and positive factor promoting the temporary absences of Shoghi Ef­ Surveying her event-filled and peer­ personal growth and spiritual develop­ fendi from the Holy Land during the less life, there appear to be three dis­ ment, and thus leading to an abiding early years of his ministry as Guardian tinguishing characteristics which serve and pervasive happiness. This sense of of the Faith. During the entire course to illuminate the significance of her joy, this celebration of the wonder and of this Dispensation, believers will cele­ days on this earth. They are: mystery of life distinguished the Great­ brate her devotion to the protection of 1. She offers an admirable role est Holy Leaf. the Faith in her undeviating and un­ model to the women of the world in her 3. Her relationship with Baha'u'llah shakable adherence to the Covenant, quest for the true liberation which Ba­ and 'Abdu'l-Baha offers an admirable standing firm in support of 'Abdu'l­ ha'i teachings offer. One of the mighty example of the richness and tenderness Baha as the Covenant-breakers in His tasks in which the world-wide Baha'i which will increasingly distinguish Ba­ family made their shameful attacks. community is engaged is that of con­ ha'i family life. structing a society in which the sacred 2. Her life is an instructive example Let us draw inspiration and instruc­ principle of equality of men and wo­ to all Baha'is, men and women alike. tion from the magnificent example of men is expressed adequately. Baha'i Time permits mention of only a few of the holy life of Bahiyyih Khanum. As women might well find comfort and in­ her peerless attributes. Her service to we meditate on the beauty of her char­ spiration in contemplating the life of the Faith dates back to the period in acter, and as we celebrate the success fulfillment exemplified by Bahiyyih Baghdad when, as a young girl, she of her life, let us resolve to go forward Khanum-a fulfillment which she at­ carried out important assignments for in her footsteps and to find happiness tained despite years of imprisonment, Baha'u'llah. It was a service offered and serenity through service to the selflessly to Baha'i and non-Baha'i Faith in these turbulent days. An address by Dr. Peter Khan, a alike; her compassion and solace to the member of the Continental Board of starving and afflicted people of the References: Counsellors for Australasia, at the Holy Land during World War I dem­ 1. God Passes By, p. 108. 1982 Bahd'f National Convention in onstrates the consistency between Ba­ 2. Guidance for Today and Tomorrow, ,,-... New Zealand. It is reprinted from the ha'i belief and practice. p. 69. Australian Baha'i Bulletin, August Even a cursory survey of her life 3. Baha'i Holy Places at the World 1982. shows that she found inner serenity in a Centre, p. 67.

Baha'i News/November 1982 7 Canada

Third North American Native Council

Four hundred forty-six Baha'is and their guests from IO countries and HEARTS UPLIFTED WELCOME MESSAGE COUNCIL DELIGHTED representing 60 Indian tribes par­ WIDE REPRESENTATION LARGE ATTENDANCE PRESENCE DIS­ ticipated August 12-15 in the third TINGUISHED GUESTS. MAY HIGH RESOLVE GATHERED FRIENDS North American Baha'i Native Council BE FULLY REALIZED MAY SPIRIT GENERATED AT COUNCIL on the Blood Indian Reserve in south­ PERMEATE RECEPTIVE MULTITUDES OF INDIAN POPULATION western Alberta, Canada. NORTH AMERICA. FERVENTLY PRAYING HOLY SHRINES CONFIR­ The Council, whose theme was MATION ALL EFFORTS FULFILLMENT GLORIOUS DESTINY ENVIS­ "Come Soar with the Knowledge of IONED BELOVED MASTER. the Spirit,'' was blessed by the presence UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE of the Hand of the Cause of God AUGUST 14, 1982 Amatu'l-Baha RuQiyyih Khanum. Among the other participants were from North America. change, not in a partisan political way Counsellors for the Americas Lauretta The Council featured 15 workshop but in every other way. King and Raul Pav6n; Counsellor Shi­ sessions on topics that included Native During the Council the Hand of the rin Boman from India; and members prophecies; the Baha'i Faith and the Cause visited the nearby Peigan Re­ of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Bible; Overcoming Hurt Through serve where she met with a group of the Alaska, Canada and the United States. Spiritual Understanding; Native Mu­ elders of that tribe who, more than 20 ~ Although most of those present were sic, Dance and Spirituality; Overcom­ years ago, had conferred upon her an from North America, some had travel­ ing Alcoholism; and Building a Spiri­ Indian name that means "blessed mo­ ed from as far away as Central or tual Marriage. ther." South America. All but about 50 of the Other workshops focused on child One evening during the Council she participants were indigenous Baha'fs education; Baha'i youth; Native Amer­ dined with a group of elders from the and their non-Baha'i guests. ican women and the Faith; problem­ Blood Reserve. Spiritual destiny solving without politics; and building a Amatu'l-Baha RuQiyyih Khanum strong Baha'i community. In an opening address, Eugene King, also was among the approximately A frequent topic of frank consul­ 2,000 people who attended a Saturday a Native American who is chairman of tation during the workshops, accord­ the National Spiritual Assembly of evening pow wow that began at 8 ing to one observer, was the issue of o'clock and did not end until 3 o'clock Alaska, challenged the native peoples dealing with a predominantly white so­ to arise to fulfill their spiritual destiny. Sunday morning. At one point, she ciety including non-Native Baha'is. joined in the lively dancing. Speaking strongly of the need for During the consultation the in­ native believers to serve the Faith, he digenous friends spoke of their need to Another highlight of the Council referred to a Tablet from the Bab in overcome fears and prejudices and to was the arrival and introduction of which He speaks of those who know of become one not only with other Native members of "Camino de! Sol," the this Revelation and who might now be believers but with all of the friends. "Trail of Light" teaching teams that held accountable for prolonging the Participants offered one another traveled this summer through Central agony of the world should they fail to strong encouragement to accomplish and South America before linking up arise and teach the Cause of God. this. again in Quito, Ecuador, at the Inter­ A highlight of the four-day gather­ Amatu'l-Baha RuQiyyih Khanum national Baha'i Conference. ing was the announcement of the elec­ spoke on three occasions, during one Team members shared moving ac­ tion of Chester Kahn to the U.S. Na­ of which she mentioned the spiritual counts of their teaching experiences. tional Spiritual Assembly. challenges faced by indigenous peoples Saying that meeting with the various Mr. Kahn, a Navajo Indian from around the world and encouraged indigenous peoples in Mexico, Central Houck, Arizona, was present at the those present not to abandon their own and South America had affected them Native Council with other members of spiritual values. deeply, they expressed a heightened the "Trail of Light" teaching team Baha'is, she said, must be actively desire to unite North and South Amer­ composed of Native American Baha'is involved in bringing about social ica in closer bonds of fellowship and

8 November 1982/Baha'i News love. Among the chairmen for the Council sessions was Martha Many Grey Horses, a Blood Indian from Leth­ bridge, Alberta, who became a Baba'{ two years ago during the second North American Native Council in Wilmette, Illinois. She is now a member of the Conti­ nental Indigenous Council which plan­ ned the four-day Native Council meet­ ing. Tribute to martyrs The program for the final day of the Council included a tribute to the mar­ tyrs in Iran and an address by Amatu'l­ Baha Rul)iyyih KMnum. Following her presentation, the Hand of the Cause asked for questions from the audience. Instead, she was greeted by several non-Baha'i Native Americans who expressed their desire to embrace the Faith. In all, more than a dozen people de­ clared their belief in BaM'u'llah dur­ ing the Council sessions including three of the cooks. The Council ended with participants singing "Allah'u' Ab ha" followed by tearful but happy farewells.

Above: The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu 'l-Bahd Rtif;fyyih Khdnum ad­ dresses the audience at the third North American Bahd'f Native Council in Al­ berta, Canada. She discussed the spiri­ tual challenges facing indigenous peo­ ples around the world and stressed the importance of holding on to firm spiri­ tual values. Left: No Native Council would be complete without exuberant dancing to the rhy thmic beat of drums.

Baha'i News/November 1982 9 Latin America

'Trail of Light' sets many hearts ablaze

Members of 10 North American na­ parts of the Yucatan peninsula 100 to tive tribes blazed a "Trail of Light" 'It is impossible to estimate the 150 Baha'is and their friends came to through Latin America this summer spiritual impact of this historic each event. In Quintana Roo a procla­ during a wide-ranging teaching cam­ project, but it is certainly very mation in an open air theatre attracted paign that included visits to 10 coun­ an audience of more than 600. The per­ tries in Central and South America. great .. . Everywhere, people formers shared samples of their tribal The two teams of Native American were amazed to learn that the songs, dances, symbols and the basic Baha'is from Alaska, Canada and the Faith had penetrated the indi­ teachings of the Faith. The next morn­ United States traveled and taught in genous areas of North Amer­ ing brought an interview with the Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Guate­ ica ... ' President of the city. mala, Honduras, Panama, Bolivia, Counsellor Lamb writes: "It is im­ Chile, Peru and finally Ecuador, where possible to estimate the spiritual im­ they were linked up in time for the In­ Prayers comforted the hearts as the pact of this historic project, but it is ternational Conference August 6-8 in "Trail of Light" campaign was dedi­ certainly very great, both on local Ba­ Quito. cated to the memory of his indomitable ha'is and on friends of the Faith and They taught, danced and sang for spirit. the public. Everywhere, people were varied groups, forging bonds of friend­ Following the conference the two amazed to learn that the Faith had ship with their Latin American bro­ teams set out from Arizona. One went penetrated the indigenous areas of thers and sisters in the Faith and es­ to the six countries of Central America North America; furthermore, they pecially with the indigenous peoples of and the other to Chile, Bolivia, Peru were deeply impressed by the spiri­ the southern hemisphere. and Ecuador where they were reunited tuality, capacity and love of the team. The "Camino del Sol" (Trail of at the International Conference. Already in Mexico, new concepts, Light) began June 19-20 on the Navajo MEXICO-The five-member team, ac­ ideas and plans are being discussed on Reservation in Arizona where an inter­ companied by Counsellors King and how to carry this process forward, national teaching conference at the site Artemus Lamb, and by Fletcher Ben­ both on a national and an international of the future Southwest Baha'i In­ nett, an Auxiliary Board member from level." stitute brought team members together Canada who filmed the activities, ar­ BELIZE-On July 9 the team left for the first time. rived June 21 in Mexico City. Three members of the Continental for Belize, reduced now to four mem­ In Tampico, State of Veracruz, in­ bers, as one person had to return home Board of Counsellors for the Americas terviews were held with the leading were present at the conference-Mrs. due to a back injury. Public meetings newspaper, the university newspaper were given in Corozal, Orange Walk Carmen de Burafato of Mexico, Mrs. and with television and radio stations. and Belize City, attracting large crowds Lauretta King of Alaska, and Raul In Pablanta there were many meetings in the last two places. Dances and Pav6n of Ecuador. with Totonaco Indians of that region, Mrs. de Burafato described the origi­ songs and some talks on the Faith were and a proclamation for more than 100. video taped for local television, and nal migrations of the native peoples of In Oaxaca City about 300 people at­ the hemisphere, saying that the travels two shows were recorded for the regu­ tended a public meeting at which team lar Baha'i radio program of Belize. A of the Baha'is along a "trail of light" members demonstrated their tribal newspaper article for July 9 proclaims was a dream come true. dances and songs and shared the Ba­ "First time in Belize! American In­ A memorial service for Amoz Gib­ ha'i Teachings. In the indigenous vil­ dians visit." son, a member of the Universal House lage of Lachigoloo 175 people came to of Justice who passed away May 14, a public meeting. Both meetings were PANAMA-The team arrived July flooded the hearts of those present the largest of their kind ever held by 21 to undertake a schedule that in­ with memories of his early days as a Baha'is in the State of Oaxaca. cluded radio and television appear­ pioneer on the Navajo Reservation and At the Baha'i Center in Merid~, Yu­ ances, public meetings, and partici­ reminded them of his love for the Na­ catan, an interview was filmed for tele­ pation in the first Baha'i Native Coun­ vajos and his confident vision of the vision news and a fine newspaper arti­ cil in that region. A cable received July teaching institute's coming into being. cle with photo was published. In other 30 at the World Centre in Haifa reports

10 November 1982/Baha'i News the outstanding results of that Council: "Overjoyed outcome first native coun- ...... _ cil Guaymi Indians, catalyzed (by) in­ spiring North American kin, "Trail of Opening the Closet Light," signalizing beginning fulfill­ Doors "A prophecy ment indigenous traditions, Bahci'f comu prophecies. Consultation fruitful, con­ Film censorship In lrue" Chile faces a tough de­ tinued spiritual cultural interchange ...... ~ ladlrlr.m ..... cision over controversial ...... a. .~.n.-& development. More than 1,000 Guaymi homosexuality themes. ...._....ftlll. ..Cl"lesart ol.& )OUJ" ... ~., ... .,_ ~ believers joined by Panamanian Cuna, See exclusive photos ...... ~ . I0 1Dl!llll Jo. .a 1...-n .-m 9DuSh. ~ . m Costa Rican Guaymi, Talamanca, Te­ from newest film in this ...... trend - Making love - .... ~ olOW'~ ribe representatives, despite torrential , ...... ,.._... U.~ toflntn.W' which you probably ftlls• ~ . ,_.,UM !ndia.Nl ol rains. Historic gathering further bless­ _...._...SU. ~otU» Sauth won 't ever see on the __.._._,_. Iii.~ ed presence Counsellor Pringle and in­ screen in Chile . p. 13. ~ ...... \IV-. 9'0IMCl ..nd or>6 .... ~ ma..oitaa fm!'d .JU.M digenous Auxiliary Board member. **************** ...... u. ~ . n.ns....,,g ~l!I .Happy Birthday , ...... ~ io Sbt 91:MA, Ware Recommendation made, fund initiated ._..... ~ .. ... U.S.A.! .....U ...,_,...... 'f'-1'..,.. to -..... on establishment Native Council Panama­ ~-~Ota~,.._ _..._ ...... tuctud9 nians, Costa Rican tribes. Rising in­ **************** ...... ar....i..-.....-. o1u:. ra.a· JlllltJ ..... ,...__Mid & wtp so A special report on the digenous enkindlement Faith Baha­ --'-~----~ 'u'llah." U.S. presence in Chile ­ then and now - and a ---...... ai!W.&N look at some of those ...... ~ ,. CHILE-In Region IX (where 89 of -...... ·---­ 4 ...... -.. ...,. .. Chile's Local Assemblies are and who have made history. __...... p. where 14,000 Baba'!s live) there were 8.******** - -- - - public performances at two schools, at - ·- - .... ·- . the Baba'! Institute, the Cultural Cen­ This photograph of members of one of article about the team and its journey ter of the city of Temuco-250 pres­ the 'Trail of Light' teaching teams ap­ to Latin America to meet indigenous ent-and at a municipal school in Te­ peared July 2 on the front page of the peoples and tell them about the Bahd'( muco for 600 children and faculty. The Chronicle in Santiago, Chile, with an Faith. team also performed in a park in San­ tiago, recorded music and interviews met at the border between Bolivia and assisted by Counsellor Mas'ud Khamsi for Baba'! radio, and gave a public Peru by the directors of Radio Baha'i and Auxiliary Board members Mr. performance in Concepcion. of Puno with their Volkswagen and by Handal and Andres Jachakollo. In "Publicity for the group," accord­ Auxiliary Board member Boris Handal Cuzco the following day they met hun­ ing to Chile's Feast Newsletter, "put with the Baha'i jeep. The following dreds of campesinos and visited Machu the Faith in the 'first rank' since not day the team members participated in a Picchu where they were the center of only were there numerous articles in large conference in Caspa where, attraction. the press in Concepcion, Temuco and through radio and visits, hundreds of Arriving in Lima, the team members Santiago, but also photos and articles people had been invited. From early visited newspapers and were inter­ on the covers of the dailies of Temuco morning to four o'clock in the after­ viewed for 20 minutes on a television and Concepcion and of the Chronicle noon there was an exchange of perfor­ news program. At midday they flew to of Santiago, an English-language mances between the visitors in their visit the Aguarunas, a jungle tribe. Ac­ paper. In Temuco the Sunday supple­ colorful costumes and local groups, companied by Enrique Sanchez, who ment of July 4 devoted the entire first with the Faith proclaimed at every op­ had arranged the visit two weeks ear­ page to the subject. Radio interviews portunity to the 3,000 people in at­ lier, they met with hundreds of Agua­ were outstanding in all the cities. tendance. In the late afternoon of that runas and their chiefs, performing for Among all the activity, however, the same day, the "Trail of Light" team them and proclaiming the Faith. From most moving was the heart-to-heart performed for an audience of more Lima they left for Ecuador to join the contact with our brothers the Mapuche than 1,000 in the town of Juli. other half of the "Camino del Sol" at Baha'is. The crowning glory, we might In Puno on July 21 they visited the Quito, where their participation was say, came at the end of their perform­ College of Fine Arts and radio and one of the highlights of the Baba'! In­ ance in Temuco when they danced the television stations, accompanied and ternational Conference. 'Eagle Dance' together with a Ma­ puche group, Kalle-Kalle Mapu, inter­ changing their tribal costumes. Mr. Athos Costas, Counsellor of the Con­ tinental Board in the Americas, who accompanied them on the trip said, 'The full effect of this visit still has not been manifested . . .' " PERU-On July 18 the team was

Baha'i News/November 1982 11 I Canada

'Baha'i Studies' holds 7th Conference

The Hand of the Cause of God John nada, Dr. Hossain Danesh, Glen By­ Gregory. Robarts was among the more than 650 ford and Douglas Martin; and three Mrs. Morrison's topic was "A New Baha'is who attended the seventh an­ members of the U.S. National Spiritual Creation: The Power of the Covenant nual Conference of the Association for Assembly, Dr. Wilma Brady, Judge in the Life of Louis Gregory." Baha'i Studies held August 30- Dorothy W. Nelson and Judge James ~say awards September 2 at the Chateau Laurier in F. Nelson. The 1982 essay contest awards were Ottawa, Canada. Also attending were Counsellor Raul presented in the high school category The Conference theme, "The Baha'i Pav6n; Dr. Victor de Araujo, the rep­ to Saba Arjomand of Port Moody, Option,'' was explored in a variety of resentative of the Baha'i International British Columbia, for "Economics in addresses and papers, and in work­ Community at the United Nations; and Third World Countries"; in the univer­ shops and symposia on scholarship, Dr. Betty J. Fisher, general editor of sity category to Randy Gottlieb of Ca­ curricula, health, and international the U.S. Baha'i Publishing Trust. muy, Puerto Rico, for "Needs Assess­ development. This year's Hasan Balyilzi Lec­ ment Survey to Determine the Training Among the Conference participants tureship was delivered by Gayle Mor­ Requirements of International Baha'i were Dr. Farzam Arbab, a member of rison, a Baha'i historian and educator Travel Teachers"; and in the in­ the Continental Board of Counsellors from Hawaii who is the author of To dividual category to Robert Cameron for the Americas; three members of the Move the World, a biography of the of Duluth, Minnesota, for "The Num­ National Spiritual Assembly of Ca- Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. ber Nineteen and the Disconnected Letters of the Qur'an." Other speakers and their topics: • Judge Dorothy Nelson and Judge James Nelson, "Natural Law Revis­ ited: The Baha'i Perspective on Law, Language and Ethics.'' • Deborah and Will van den Hoo­ nard, "Reconciling Personal and So­ cial Values." • Helgi Byford, "Development of Human Rights in International Law.'' • John Huddleston, "Thoughts on the Economy of a Baha'i World Com­ monwealth." • Gregory C. Dahl, "Evolving To­ ward a Baha'i Economic System.'' • Larry Miller, "The Corporate Cul­ tural Revolution." • Tahirih Foroughi and Malcolm Greenlees, "Accounting: The Period of Decline and Regeneration, a Baha'i Perspective." • Houshang Zargarpour, "Le Por­ trait de Notre Civilization-1' Aspet Socioeconomique de la Foi Baha'ie." • Marion R. Finley Jr., "La Tele­ The seventh annual Conference of the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, matique dans la Communaute Interna­ tionale Baha'ie." Association for Bahd '( Studies was (Photo by Jack Bower~) held A ugust JO-September 2 at the Stephen Caswell, "International

12 November 1982/Baha'i News from the Universal House of Justice to 1,650 including 839 members in Ca­ This year's Hasan Balyuzi Lec­ "cultivate opportunities for formal nada, 459 in the U.S. and 352 in other tureship was delivered by Gayle presentations, courses and lectureships countries, mainly in Europe. Morrison, a Baha'i historian on the Baha'i Faith in Canadian In 1981, with the approval of the and educator from Hawaii who universities and other institutions of Universal House of Justice, it was higher learning." decided, in view of its worldwide ex­ is the author of To Move the The Association has experienced re­ pansion, to change the name from the World, a biography of the Hand markable growth over the past three Canadian Association for Studies on of the Cause of God Louis G. years with membership growing from the Baha'i Faith to the Association for Gregory. 350 (with Canada alone represented) to Baha'i Studies.

Telecommunications and the Baha'i Faith." • Don Addison, "An Emergent World-Embracing Approach to Mu­ sic." • Dr. Farzam Arbab, "A Challenge to Baha'i Scholars." • Lewis Perinbam (non-Baha'i), "The New Interdependence." • Paul Ojermark, "L'Integration et Cooperation.'' • Linda Gershuny, "lntercultural Communication: A Prerequisite for In­ ternational Development-the Unique Contributions of the Baha'i World View.'' • Michael Bopp, ''Essential Com­ ponents of Baha'i Development." • Will van den Hoonard, "Strategies in Baha'i International Development." Mr. Perinbam, who is vice-president Above: A technician video tapes one of Shown with him are (left to right) Rob­ of the special programs branch, Cana­ the sessions of the seventh Conference ert Cameron of Duluth, Minnesota; dian International Development Agen­ of the Association for Bahd '(Studies in Saba Arjomand of Port Moody, Brit­ cy in Ottawa, said that "as Baha'is you Ottawa, Canada. Below: The Hand of ish Columbia; and Randy Gottlieb of have seen the coming of a new World the Cause of God John Robarts (sec­ Camuy, Puerto Rico. (Photos by John Order and you have dedicated your­ ond from right) congratulates the win­ McNeil) selves to shaping it. ners in the Association's essay contest. "In the current atmosphere, which is too often characterized by apathy or despair, we need your faith in building and developing the potential for a glo­ bal society, because without that faith, we cannot build-or should I put it positively, that it is only with that faith that we can build a new interdependent world order founded on justice, on harmony and on tolerance." Entertainment at the Conference was provided by pianist Don Addison from Nsukka, Nigeria; santour player Kiu Haghighi from Glenview, Illinois; and the musical duo "Do'a" (Randy Armstrong and Ken LaRoche) from Dover, New Hampshire. The Association for Baha'i Studies was established in 1974 by the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada in re­ sponse to a goal of the Five Year Plan

Baha'i News/November 1982 13 The world

An 'accidental' proclamation by design

An unexpected proclamation took place in Lahore, Pakistan, last summer when the Spiritual Assembly of Lahore decided to employ an architectural firm to submit a design for a new local I:Ia?:f ratu' 1-Quds. Unexpectedly, the architect hired for the project assigned the task to his class of architectural students at the Na­ tional College of Arts. Each of the 56 students was asked to submit a design for the I:Ia?:fratu'l-Quds. A Baha'i who visited the college on the day the designs were presented was astonished to find 56 lovely and dif­ ferent concepts, each one based on some aspect of the Teachings of the Faith. Each student introduced his or her design, and ''it seemed for a moment,'' Shown here are participants in a con­ ference were Counsellor Sabir Afaqf said the visiting Baha'i, "as if they ference for assistants to the Auxiliary and Auxiliary Board members Sham­ were all Baha'is." Board held July 30 in Thatta, Paki­ sheer Ali and Parvin Yazamedi. stan. Among those attending the con- Fifty Baha'i youth from a dozen lo­ calities in Pakistan attended a National tended by assistants to the Auxiliary National Teaching Committee. Youth Conference held April 2-3 in Board members for Sind Province. Before leaving for Quetta, the Coun­ Hyderabad. Speakers included mem­ That evening, Dr. Afaqf met with sellor addressed Baha'fs in Karachi bers of the National Spiritual As­ the Trustees of the Baha'i Publishing during a Nineteen Day Feast observ­ sembly and the Auxiliary Board. Trust of Pakistan and members of the ance. The conference theme was "sacri­ fice," and 10 youth volunteered to Zimbabwe become homefront pioneers to help Three conferences, each of which Kwekwe attended the Midlands Con­ form and consolidate new Assemblies. was planned by the National Teaching ference in Gweru whose speakers also Eight youth arose to make a week­ Committee, were held in Zimbabwe to included a representative of the Na­ long teaching trip, while five others honor the 50th anniversary of the pass­ tional Spiritual Assembly. agreed to conduct teaching institutes in ing of Bahfyyih Khanum, the Greatest Holy Leaf. Speakers at the third conference, in mass-taught areas. Contributions from Gumtree, Matabeleland, included those present enabled the conference to More than 80 people attended the Auxiliary Board member Enayat So­ be self-supporting. conference at Mizpah Farm in Masho­ haili and a representative of the Na­ naland. Among the speakers was a rep­ tional Spiritual Assembly. Dr. Sabir Afaqi, a member of the resentative of the National Spiritual Continental Board of Counsellors for Assembly who called for a renewed During a lunch break, the non-Ba­ Asia, met July 29 with members of the sense of dedication on the part of all ha'i owner of Gumtree Farm visited National Spiritual Assembly of Pakis­ the Baha'is in Zimbabwe by learning the conference and offered the Baha'fs tan at the beginning of his visit to from the example of Baha'fs in Iran a room in the compound for their ex­ various cities in that country. who are sacrificing their personal com­ clusive use. The Counsellor attended a confer­ fort and even their lives for the Faith. ence July 30 in Thatta that also was at- Fifteen Baha'fs from Gweru and

14 November 1982/Baha'i News Thailand This photo, taken last March, shows a new building under construction for the Baha'i school at Yasothon, Thai­ land. Classes were scheduled to begin in mid-May for children from farms and villages in northeastern Thailand. Local residents are happy to see the new Bah

Benin Australia The photography of Effie Baker, the first woman Baha'i of Australia, forms part of an exhibit entitled "Australian Women Photographers, 1890-1950" that is presently touring that country. Miss Baker's work is represented by four hand-colored silver prints of wild­ flowers that were loaned by the Natio­ nal Spiritual Assembly of Australia. She is described in the exhibition catalog as a Baha'i, and reference is made to her 1930 photographs of his­ torical places of the Faith in Iran. Miss Baker was sent to Iran to carry out that task by the beloved Guardian. She accomplished it so well that he in­ cluded some of her photos in the 1932 publication of The Dawn-breakers. Earlier, Shoghi Effendi had invited her to come to the Holy Land where she served for 11 years as hostess at the pilgrim house. Auxiliary Board member Frederic Ho­ mer School last December 19-21 at the Miss Baker returned to Australia in donou addresses the more than 60 peo­ National lfai;r'ratu'l-Quds in Cotonou, 1936. She continued her photography ple who attended the Harmattan Sum- Benin. and her services to the Faith, living at the National }:ia?iratu'l-Quds at the re­ An "Association for Baha'i Wo­ tain the Baha'i Center. quest of the National Spiritual Assem­ men" was created during a recent re­ bly of Australia. She died in January gional conference in Benin's Oueme Meanwhile, Baha'i women in Do­ 1968 at the age of 87. Center. The association was formed in loume have formed a singing group that performed at the dedication of the response to one of Benin's goals for the Lesotho Seven Year Plan, that of encouraging regional Baha'i Center in Zou, Benin, the participation of women in Baha'i last January, at a border conference in Forty adults and as many children activities. Doloume in February, and at local in­ attended a two-day regional teaching stitutes. conference last summer in Thaba­ The new association began immedi­ Limpe, Lesotho. Two women and an ately to make plans for the partici­ The women singers are accompanied by a group of young instrumental mu­ 11-year-old child had walked for two pation of Baha'i women at the Inter­ days to reach the conference site. national Conference in Lagos, Nigeria. sicians. Baha'i women now gather in Abo­ The gathering was sponsored by the mey and Lotcho, Benin, to sing and get National Teaching Committee. acquainted. In Lotcho, they also main-

Baha'i News/November 1982 15 Mexico Pictured are the 52 delegates to the 22nd Baha'i National Convention .Jf Mexico, held April 30-May 2 at the Martha Root Institute in Muna, Yu­ catan. Among the guests at the Con­ vention were Counsellor Fred Schech­ ter and his wife.

Gregorio Gonzalez, a Zatopec Indian Baha'i (center) is shown with the first two Bah

The first Bah

16 November 1982/Baha'i News India

Shown are the 115 children and their ing institute held June 7-14 at the baneswar, India. teachers at the first children's deepen- Orissa State Bahd'f Center in Bhu-

One hundred-fifteen children from ternoon and enjoyed evening entertain­ were taken on a guided tour of the 13 villages in Orissa State, India, at­ ment that included a slide show, dra­ Temple construction site. tended the first children's deepening matic presentations, singing and other On May 3, in a solemn and moving institute ever held at the state Baha'i musical performances. Many partici­ ceremony, a brick from the Siyah­ Center in Bhubaneswar last June 7-14. pated in a singing competition, with Chal, the "Black Pit" in Tehran where The children, who came from Baha'i prizes distributed by Auxiliary Board Baha'u'llah was imprisoned for several and non-Baha'i families, were pro­ member H . Moghelpour. months, was placed within the crown vided with meals and boarding as well At the close of the institute, the of one of the Temple's nine arches be­ as medical care during the week-long children were given an exam in which tween layers of steel bars before the institute that was sponsored by the they were asked to reproduce whatever concreting was done. State Teaching Committee of Orissa. they had learned during the week. Before the brick was placed, the im­ Following dawn prayers and break­ Teachers and members of the State portance of the relic from the Slyah­ fast each day, the children were divided Teaching Committee were surprised by Chal was explained to the engineers by age into two groups for classes in the results, which showed that the stu­ and workers who gathered on the Tem­ which they were taught Baha'i prayers, dents remembered almost everything ple floor for prayers. quotations from the Writings, moral they had been taught. Counsellor Shirin Boman visited lessons, the history of the Faith, and Bihar State, India, last July to begin The first meeting in the Mother stories about the Central Figures. teaching work in the tribal area of Ran­ Temple of the Indian Subcontinent was During arts and crafts periods, the chi and to give added impetus to the girls were taught embroidery while the held May 2 for delegates and guests at proclamation work in Patna, Bihar's the Baha'i National Convention of In­ boys were given drawing lessons. capital city. dia. The children played games each af- The Faith is being proclaimed by the The meeting, held in the Temple's media in Patna where there is a Baha'i outer basement area, was a moving who is a journalist and another who is United Kingdom tribute to the memory of Ardeshir Rus­ employed at a radio station. Families tampur, the donor of the Temple land. The Spiritual Assembly of Exeter, of professional people-lawyers and England, has resolved to celebrate Ba­ The institution of the Mashriqu'l­ other officials-are accepting the Faith ha'i Holy Days, whenever possible, by Adhkar was explained, and the guests in Patna. offering some service to the less for­ tunate people in that community such as those in children's homes, hospitals, Bahamas or homes for the elderly. Fifty-eight Baha' fs from four islands Two Bahamians were enrolled in the ~ On the anniversary of the Declara- in the Bahamas and from the United Faith, and media coverage of the event tion of the Bab, the community held a States and Canada attended the first was extensive. party for disabled children at a local Baha'i Summer School in Nassau, held hospital. last July 4-10.

Baha'i News/November 1982 17 by Marion Carpenter Yazdi

Youth in the Vanguard tells the fascinating story of the first Baha'i student at the University of California at Berkeley and at Stanford University. In the familiar chores of finding meeting places, placing speakers, sending out invitations, putting up posters, and writing notices for new spapers, you will find a kinship with a predecessor that transcends time and place. A special treat also aw aits you in the story of one w ho set her course so deliberately in the footsteps of the Master, w ho grew up w ith the loving guidance and encouragement of such stalw art pioneer workers as Helen Goodall, Ella Cooper, Kathryn Frankland, and Ella Bailey, and w ho had her academic career shaped by le tters from 'Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi. Youth in the Va nguard tells the story of two loves­ Marion Carpenter Yazdi' s love for a dashing young Persian graduate student w hom she met at Berkeley w hen a quota system foiled her dreams of entering Stanfo rd University as a freshman, and her love for the Baha'i Faith. Marion Carpente r Yazdi first heard about the Ba ha'i Faith in 1912 when her mother read aloud a newspaper article about 'Abd u'l-Baha in the Los Angeles Times . In 1914 she learned more about the Faith from a Baha'i salesman and became a Baha'i. From that time to this the Cloth edition only. 211 pages, Forewords by Ali M. Yazdi Baha'i Faith has provided the ballast and direc­ and publisher, preface by author, notes, index, many photo­ tion for her life. Except fo r two short periods she graphs. has spent most of her life in Berkeley, serving Catalog No. 332-089 $14.()()* the community at large as a teacher and busi­ nesswoman, and the Baha'i Faith in a number *Valid only in the United States. A ll others write for of capacities. prices and ordering and shipping instructions.

A vai Iable from Baha'i PublishingTrust 415 U NDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL60091