“The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens” – Bahá’u’lláh INSIDE In Vanuatu, a proving ground for Newsletter of the Bahá’í International Community coconut oil as an alternative fuel April-June 2003 Volume 15, Issue 1 Entrepreneur Tony Deamer shows that pure coconut oil can be used as an alternative to petroleum in automotive diesel engines. The result is an environmentally friendly fuel that might also help the local economy.

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Perspective: The Ethics of Globalization: a Bahá’í Perspective.

4 In Chicago, a Temple is celebrated for its architectural innovation and spiritual impact.

8 Tony Deamer in his garage with a rally car he has converted to run on coconut oil. ORT VILA, Vanuatu — Rounding a corner and heading up a steep hill outside the At local, national, and Pcapital city of this lush South Pacific island nation, Tony Deamer stomped on the gas international levels, pedal of his Range Rover — but didn’t downshift. Bahá’ís elect leadership With nary a sputter or a cough, the vehicle — modified to run on coconut oil instead of councils worldwide. diesel fuel — took the incline in stride. “Coconut oil is a bit more torquey, because it burns slower,” said Mr. Deamer, a 52- year-old Australian-born motor mechanic. “Normally, I’d have to shift down into first here, but with coconut oil, I can keep it in second gear.” Spending time with Mr. Deamer is an extended lesson in the benefits of coconut oil 16 over petroleum. Among the other advantages: it doesn’t make black smoke, it is less costly (at least in the South Pacific), it has the potential to stimulate employment among local Review: Overcoming coconut growers, and, perhaps most importantly for the world at large, it is an environ- mentally friendly fuel. Violence against And, by the way, cars burning it can be fun to drive. Women and Girls — In what could prove to be a boon for both the environment and cash-strapped South Michael Penn and Pacific islands, Mr. Deamer has succeeded in proving that automotive diesel engines, with Rahel Nardos survey a very little modification, can run safely on coconut oil. The discovery has huge potential for global problem. Coconut, continued on page 10 PERSPECTIVE is published quarterly by the Office of Public Information of the Bahá’í International Community, an international non-governmental organiza- tion which encompasses and The Ethics of Globalization: represents the worldwide membership of the Bahá’í Faith. A Bahá’í Perspective

For more information on the stories in this newsletter, or [Editor’s note: The following is adapted from kind, the world’s major religions — West- any aspect of the Bahá’í a speech by Professor Suheil Bushrui, presented ern Christianity, Orthodoxy, Hinduism, Bud- International Community and on 11 June 2003 in Brussels, in honor of the dhism, Islam, Confucianism, Taoism, Juda- its work, please contact: opening of a display at the European Parlia- ism — also share key values in common. If ment. [See page 14.] Prof. Bushrui holds the humans are ever to develop a universal civi- ONE COUNTRY Bahá’í International Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the Center lization, it will emerge gradually through the Community - Suite 120 for International Development and Conflict exploration and expansion of these com- 866 United Nations Plaza Management, University of Maryland. The monalities.” New York, New York 10017 entire speech can be read at http:// Recognizing 125 years ago humanity’s U.S.A. www.onecountry.org/e151/global_ethics.htm] acute need for spiritual and religious recon- E-mail: [email protected] ciliation, Bahá’u’lláh touched in his writings http://www.onecountry.org ebates on globalization, especially in upon the conditions essential to the creation Dpolicy-making circles, are often shaped of a universal civilization and the establish- Executive Editor: by purely national interests, whether social, ment of a system of world governance. He Ann Boyles economic, or political. But such interests are emphasized the necessity of creating a uni- Editor: parochial, whereas, if the phenomenon of versal global consciousness, a new spiritual Brad Pokorny globalization were to be carefully examined, awareness, and a new sense of responsibility. it would be found to affect far more than the “O well-beloved ones!” Bahá’u’lláh Associate Editors: narrow range of concerns and issues to which wrote. “The tabernacle of unity hath been Galina Tumurova (Moscow) it is customarily restricted, so that discus- raised; regard ye not one another as strang- Christine Samandari-Hakim (Paris) sions of the subject would properly be broad- ers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the Kong Siew Huat (Macau) ened to take into account the cultural and leaves of one branch. We cherish the hope Guilda Walker (London) spiritual dimensions. that the light of justice may shine upon the While enormous possibilities are asso- world and sanctify it from tyranny.” Editorial Assistant: ciated with the phenomenon of globaliza- For the Bahá’í international community, Veronica Shoffstall tion, these potentialities must not blind us globalization is a vision of world unity in so Design: to the grave problems it entails. Only deep and broad a sense as to embrace every Mann & Mann through concerted action by the world com- aspect of human life. Such a vision of plan- munity can there be any hope of tackling etary unity and integration, however, bears Subscription inquiries and finally eradicating such menaces as in- no relation to the often bland, faceless, and should be directed to the above address. All material ternational terrorism, the proliferation of amoral global marketplace that we see op- is copyrighted by the Bahá’í deadly weapons, illegal drug trafficking, or- erating today. Instead, it recognizes and cel- International Community ganized crime, the spread of disease, and ebrates the rich diversity of creeds and cul- and subject to all applicable environmental degradation. tures while at the same time affirming the international copyright laws. Perhaps foremost, all responsible parties fundamental oneness of the human race. Stories from this newsletter may be republished by any and bodies in today’s world are compelled The Bahá’í approach to globalization can be organization provided that to seek some means of global conflict reso- summed up as a commitment to the con- they are attributed as lution and arbitration. Specifically, the ques- cept of “unity in diversity” and what this follows: “Reprinted from tion must be addressed: “How are we to avoid practically entails in the life of the individual ONE COUNTRY, the a disastrous and unwinnable ‘clash of civili- and society alike. newsletter of the Bahá’í International Community.” zations?’” The author of that controversial A diverse world affords the optimal con- thesis has himself suggested an answer. In ditions for all to realize their highest poten- © 2003 by The Bahá’í his 1996 book The Clash of Civilizations and tial through independent intellectual, spiri- International Community the Remaking of World Order, Professor tual, or aesthetic endeavor. With the one- Samuel Huntington included this generally ness of humanity accorded pride of place in ISSN 1018-9300 neglected conclusion: human consciousness, its very diversity be- Printed on recycled paper “…as many have pointed out, whatever comes rather a safeguard against tyranny the degree to which they divided human- than a cause of bitter conflict and division.

2 ONE COUNTRY / April-June 2003 The multicultural approach offers a to design in consequence a single global sys- sound alternative to the paradigm of global- tem of governance based upon universal ization which seems predominant today. values. From these could then be fashioned Since the end of the Cold War over a decade a comprehensive global ethic and a shared ago, the proponents of globalization have global “human rights and responsibilities enthusiastically acclaimed the transforma- constitution.” tive potential of markets and market mecha- Instead of retreating from globalization, nisms as a kind of universal panacea for all developing countries and ethnic communi- the world’s ills. Undoubtedly, markets do ties are summoned to shape the process by perform certain functions very efficiently: themselves actively participating in it; the over time, they have emerged as useful in- world must not indeed be deprived of the struments for the allocation of goods and distinctive and invaluable contribution that services, and, to a certain degree, have suc- all societies, without exception, have within ceeded also in connecting and integrating their power to make by sharing with others the peoples of the world. Yet, are not other their highest and most noble values. economic models also possible — models A globalization informed rather by the that should serve to release and develop timeless wisdom of the prophets and sages human potential, whilst drawing upon those than the arbitrary exigencies of the global innate human impulses towards fairness and mart must of necessity be set upon a firm compassion? foundation of interfaith and intercultural All too often, dialogues on globalization cooperation, and be characterized by an Cultural relativism are thwarted by appeals to “cultural relativ- amicable and open dialogue between the is a political ism.” In theory, cultural relativism is the divers creeds and cultures of the world. stratagem rooted notion that certain social, economic, cul- For Bahá’ís, the principle of unity is the in the false tural, and political practices are intrinsic to bedrock of all religious faith; but in the social particular groups, and that the peremptory sphere, the establishment of a universal stan- premise that the imposition of alien and artificial standards dard of justice is of preeminent concern, for member societies is an unwarrantable infringement. Yet such justice is the essential foundation of unity, and of today’s world protests are often but attempts to shirk the without unity there can be no peace. The con- have grown up in application of a universal code of human struction of a peaceful global society is thus a hermetic isolation rights. In fact, cultural relativism, meaning progressive task: first, justice is universally from each other; the view that would deny such universal established; second, the unity of the planet is norms, is a political stratagem rooted in the realized; and finally, world peace reigns su- whereas the most false premise that the member societies of preme. The global system for which human- cursory today’s world have grown up in hermetic ity should strive must accordingly renounce examination of isolation from each other; whereas the most all forms of exploitation of one group by an- human history cursory examination of human history re- other; its international trade must be con- reveals beyond veals beyond the faintest shadow of a doubt ducted in a manner both free and fair; and it the faintest that every society on earth is related to its must accord to all — workers as well as man- sisters by a thousand ties. And this is a real- agers and owners — a share in the prosperity shadow of a ity which the investigations of archaeologists created. The new global order should narrow doubt that every and others are further corroborating with the gap between rich and poor, and grant equal society on earth is each passing day. Whatsoever circumstance opportunities to all members of the human related to its restricts the ability of individuals to develop family; above all, it should insure equality be- sisters by a their inherent capacities, and to prosper as tween men and women. thousand ties. human beings, must be changed. Today perhaps more than at any other time Perhaps the essential and underlying in history, great and incalculable possibilities unity that binds together all the peoples and have opened before us as a world community. races of the world is nowhere more evident New avenues can be perceived that, if wisely than in the perennial wisdom – what followed, will lead us into a world that is at Gottfried Leibniz termed the “perennial one and the same time diverse and unified, a philosophy” – that “universal and unani- world suffused and guided by a vision of unity mous tradition” common to all cultures and transcending all human differences. Above all, expressing, albeit in a myriad different ways, we have the chance as never before to attest to a common vision of the plight of man. By the truth communicated to us by the scrip- rediscovering such fundamental perceptions tures of all past ages. Whatever our persua- it would be possible to derive those essential sion, we are all wayfarers on a single path lead- commonalities which unite all peoples, and ing to the selfsame ideal haven.

ONE COUNTRY / April-June 2003 3 INTERFAITH

Commemorations in Chicago highlight the immense impact of House of Worship

The Bahá’í House of Worship outside Chicago, dedicated to the public in May 1953, is the oldest of seven Bahá’í Temples in the world — and an architectural and spiritual landmark in the United States.

ILMETTE, Illinois, USA — Even House of Worship here each year. Although In May, the Bahá’í Wthough they are not Bahá’ís, Jayson each surely has his or her own reasons, Ms. community of the Malfait and Priti Sinha chose to have their Sinha and Mr. Malfait clearly reflect the feel- United States wedding day photographs taken at the Bahá’í ings of many, who commonly tell the Temple celebrated the House of Worship in this suburb north of staff that they come because of the Temple’s Chicago. beauty — and its welcoming design. 50th anniversary The gardens and building are so beau- In May, the Bahá’í community of the of the dedication tiful, said Mr. Malfait. “It’s an amazing United States celebrated the 50th anniver- of the first Bahá’í structure.” sary of the Temple’s public dedication — an Temple in the But there is another important reason. event that was widely reported in newspa- West, reflecting The couple comes from different religions pers of the day. In ceremonies to mark the on the building’s and cultures. Mr. Malfait was born in anniversary — and in interviews — Bahá’ís America, into a Christian family. Ms. Sinha and others reflected on the Temple’s archi- architectural was born in India, into a Hindu family. tectural impact, spiritual significance, and innovation, “The Bahá’í religion is very accepting of continuing prominence. spiritual other religions and accepting of diversity, The occasion also offered an opportunity significance, and which is important to us, since we’re from to explore both the spiritual and practical continuing different religions, and the Temple is sym- side of Bahá’í religious observances. Al- prominence. bolic of that,” said Ms. Sinha. “So it means a though there are currently only seven such lot to us.” Houses of Worship in the world, one on each Mr. Malfait and Ms. Sinha are among the continent, the intent of their design and some 230,000 people who visit the Bahá’í outline of their functions put them at the

4 ONE COUNTRY / April-June 2003 heart of Bahá’í community life. the Divine,” he added. “It is one of the fundamental symbols of “But for me, when I go into this building, unity that we have,” said Jacqueline Left it is an encounter with silence,” said Prof. Hand Bull, vice chair of the National Spiri- Halstead. “Visual silence, aural silence. And tual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United for me, this captures the mystery of God.” States, which oversees the Wilmette Temple. “It is a symbol of unity because it is open to Symbolic Design everyone to pray there.” The design of the Temple is likewise quite distinctive — and indicative of underlying New Modes of Worship Bahá’í beliefs. Situated on a bluff overlooking The nature of worship in Bahá’í Temples Lake Michigan north of Chicago, the House also says much about the relation of man to of Worship is shaped like a large circular bell Jayson Malfait and Priti God, as understood in the Bahá’í Faith. For — “calling” people to God, said the architect Sinha chose to have their example, unlike churches, mosques or syna- — with nine sides and nine doors. wedding day photographs gogues, all forms of preaching or sermonizing “The architecture itself symbolizes unity taken at the Bahá’í House of are banned. Instead, the individual is encour- with its nine entrances, drawing people in Worship in May 2003, a aged to pray and meditate on his/her own. from all directions to a central point,” said testimony to the Temple’s “Bahá’í worship is a celebration of the Ms. Left Hand Bull. appeal to individuals of Word of God,” said Robert Stockman, an In fact, all Bahá’í Houses of Worship share various religious historian of religion who serves as director this essential layout: nine sides, with nine backgrounds. of research for the US Bahá’í community. “So in the Bahá’í House of Worship you have the readings or recitations of the Word of God. And the role of the worshiper is not to be sitting passively but rather to be medi- tating on the Word, and perhaps praying at the same time.” Dr. Stockman noted that for Bahá’ís the Word of God includes not only the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb, the twin Mes- sengers of the Bahá’í Faith, but also the scrip- tures of the other major world religions, such as the Baghavad Gita, the Hebrew Bible, the Christian New Testament, and the Qur’an. “In other words, in contrast to worship ser- vices in many other religions, the responsibil- ity for the interpretation and internalization of the Word rests on the worshiper — there is no one up front to mediate or do the interpret- ing for the worshiper,” said Dr. Stockman. “Each individual has to play an active role in his or her own reflection on the Word, and in making decisions about how he or she is go- ing to be transformed by it.” James Halstead, a Catholic priest and the Chair of the Department of Religious Stud- ies at DePaul University in Chicago, makes a point of bringing students in his compara- tive religions class to the Bahá’í House of Worship. “The first experience of the student upon seeing it is awe and wonder,” said Prof. Halstead. “ ‘Isn’t it beautiful?’ they say.” Prof. Halstead also said his students are often struck by the lack of statues and other intermediaries to God. “Some people want those things; they want intermediaries that look like them, so they can negotiate with

ONE COUNTRY / April-June 2003 5 doors leading to a central dome. All are also pecially important because ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the illuminated by natural light in the daytime. son of Bahá’u’lláh and the leader of the Bahá’í “The intricacy of Rather than limiting possibilities, how- Faith from 1892 to 1921, laid the corner- the sculpted ever, these design parameters have opened stone himself. details of the the door to a flourishing of architectural That was in 1912. It took the Bahá’í com- panels on the styles. Each of the seven Bahá’í Temples is munity of North America another 41 years distinctive in its expression. to raise funds for and to complete the Bahá’í House of An eighth Temple will soon be built in Temple, which was constructed in various Worship has not Santiago, Chile, and its design entails, in the phases, at an overall cost of some US$2.6 yet been equaled words of its architect, Siamak Hariri, nine million. The building was opened to the in other buildings “gracefully torqued wings,” which enfold the public on 2 May 1953, in joyous ceremo- of architectural temple and give it an organic look reminis- nies that were reported on in more than 500 concrete.” cent of a seashell or a nest. newspapers, numerous radio programs, and The most famous Temple, the Bahá’í House a Universal International newsreel. – Robert of Worship in New Delhi, India, is also a mod- Armbruster, ernist design. Constructed of 27 soaring con- A Breakthrough in Construction architect crete “petals,” arranged in the shape of a nine- The Wilmette Temple is also notable for sided lotus flower, the Delhi Temple has won its architectural innovation. Specifically, it is numerous architectural awards. one of the first buildings to utilize pre-cast It has also become the most visited build- concrete panels in its construction — an ap- ing in India, surpassing even the Taj Mahal plication of a cutting edge technology that is with some 4.5 million visitors a year. today, 50 years later, in widespread use. Among the seven Bahá’í Temples cur- Cast at a factory off site, the panels hang rently in existence, the Bahá’í House of from an inner frame of steel and glass. They Worship in Wilmette holds a special place incorporate extensive amounts of white A photograph inside the in history. It is the oldest of them all, and quartz, giving the building a dazzling white Chicago Temple, looking up, the first to be built in the West. (The world’s appearance. They are also extensively orna- reveals the unique lacework first Bahá’í House of Worship was built in mented, many in an arabesque lacework ornamentation, done in pre- Ishqabad (now known as Ashgabat) in Rus- design that allows light to stream in from cast concrete, that allows sian Turkistan (now Turkmenistan). How- all angles. light to stream in through ever, it was later confiscated by the Soviet This use of pre-cast concrete technology the roof — a goal of government, and, in 1962, razed after it was enabled the Temple’s architect, Louis Bour- religious architects for severely damage in an earthquake.) geois, to achieve a vision that had for thou- thousands of years. For Bahá’ís, the Wilmette Temple is es- sands of years gone unrealized. “If you look at the development of ca- thedrals, mosques, and synagogues, one of the goals was always to create a space that was uplifting — and one way to do that is to bring as much light as possible in through the walls,” said Robert Armbruster, a Chi- cago-based architect and civil engineer who has since 1983 been closely involved with efforts to maintain and restore the Temple. The great buttresses supporting the walls of Gothic cathedrals were designed to create tall windows, capable of bringing in maxi- mum light, said Mr. Armbruster. “But, with the materials at hand, they were never able to bring light in through the roof.” After the industrial revolution, however, with the introduction of steel and reinforced concrete, it became possible to create build- ings that were very light and open, he said, like London’s famous Crystal Palace or the grand train terminals of the 1800s. “But they still hadn’t cracked the puzzle of how to add ornamentation and bring the light through it,” said Mr. Armbruster. “The Photo by Vladimir Shilov Photo by

6 ONE COUNTRY / April-June 2003 The Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi, India, at left, was completed in 1986 and has since won numerous architectural awards. It has become the most visited building in India, surpassing even the Taj Mahal with some 4.5 million visitors a year. On 18 March 2003, the President of India, Abdul Kalam, visited the Temple, the first official visit there by an Indian head of state.

design represents the first time an architect too,” said Iryna Turshyn, a Christian from was able to bring light in through the walls Ukraine, who visited the Wilmette Temple and dome of a building with ornamentation.” with a friend in May. “This church is like a “Originally, Bourgeois thought he would ‘union’ church. It’s for everybody.” use stone, but the stone company said they For Bahá’ís and others, these distinguish- were unable to execute the kind of ornamen- ing elements — the overall design of the tation he wanted,” said Mr. Armbruster. Temples, their innovative construction, and Bourgeois then turned to reinforced concrete the distinctive mode of worship held within panels, and the Temple is, in fact, the first them — are important reflections of the cre- use of such panels, he said. ative power of the Bahá’í Faith. “The intricacy of the sculpted details of “The Bahá’í Faith is a new religion, and the panels on the Bahá’í House of Worship so the Temples have to show it has not yet been equaled in other buildings is new,” said Fariborz Sahba, the of architectural concrete,” added Mr. architect of the India Temple, in Armbruster. a speech here on 17 May, as part of the 50th anniversary com- A National Landmark memorations. “The architect The result is a unique building that has here, Louis Bourgeois, spent become a major drawing point in the greater eight years on this design, be- Chicago area. fore it was even submitted.” “The Bahá’í Temple is nationally recog- Mr. Sahba noted that nized,” said Maria Berg-Stark, executive direc- Bahá’ís from all over the world tor of the Chicago’s North Shore Convention sent in contributions all and Visitors Bureau, who noted that it is listed through the first five decades in the United States National Register of His- of the 20th century to finance toric Places. “And it is one of the most promi- the Wilmette Temple’s con- nent tourist attractions in the area.” struction. All Bahá’í Temples Some 58 meters in height, and with a are entirely financed with con- seating capacity of nearly 1,200 people, the tributions from Bahá’ís. Temple also stands as a spiritual beacon to “This is the Temple of which all of the The eighth Temple will be many, silently offering a lesson about the Bahá’ís of the world claim ownership,” said built in Santiago, Chile, and unity of religions. Mr. Sahba. “And they love it. But this is its nine “gracefully torqued “We think that God is one in the world not only for the Bahá’ís — it is a Temple wings” will give it a and you can talk with Him in other churches, that belongs to the people of the world.” distinctive, organic look.

ONE COUNTRY / April-June 2003 7 GOVERNANCE

At local, national, and international levels, Bahá’ís elect leadership councils worldwide

AIFA, Israel — Using a distinctive elec- the names of those individuals he or she feels Htoral process that extends from the grass- possess the best qualities to serve,” he said. roots to the international level, the world- “Delegates are guided by the criteria based wide Bahá’í community on 29 April 2003 on the writings of the Bahá’í Faith, which ad- elected its international governing council, vise them to vote for individuals with selfless the Universal House of Justice. devotion, a well-trained mind, recognized abil- Altogether 1,544 electors, themselves ity, loyalty, and mature experience,” he said. having been elected by the Bahá’í member- Headquartered in Haifa, the Universal ship in 178 national communities, chose nine House of Justice guides and directs the ac- people for a five-year term. Those nine come tivities of the five million members of the from seven different nations and reflect a Bahá’í Faith, which has been identified in diverse range of professional experiences and the Encyclopaedia Britannica as the second Nineteen tellers assembled at backgrounds. most widespread of the world’s independent the Bahá’í World Centre on In May, those same 178 national Bahá’í religions, after Christianity. Mount Carmel on 29 April communities held elections to choose mem- The electors of the Universal House of 2003 to tally the votes in the bership for national-level governing bodies, Justice consist of the members of the 178 election for the Universal known as National Spiritual Assemblies. Also National Spiritual Assemblies, who this year House of Justice. The tellers composed of nine members, National Spiri- cast their votes by mail. Those electors, in came from Australia, Austria, tual Assemblies are elected annually. turn, had been chosen in April 2002, the Bahamas, Canada, As well, local Bahá’í communities around through a system of delegates, by the entire Colombia, Ethiopia, Ghana, the world held their annual elections in mid- adult membership of their respective national Greece, Hungary, India, April, selecting nine-member governing communities. Japan, Kenya, the Marshall councils known as Local Spiritual Assem- “This election is the only one in the Islands, Papua New Guinea, blies. There are more than 11,700 Local world where the governing body of a major South Africa, Turkey, the Spiritual Assemblies worldwide. independent world religion is elected di- United Kingdom, and the At each level, the electoral process was rectly by delegates chosen by their respec- United States. marked by certain distinctive characteristics. tive national communities,” said Mr. Moore. “The elections The elections this year for the Universal are conducted by House of Justice were marked by the retire- secret ballot — ment of two long-serving members: Ali however, there is Nakhjavani and Hushmand Fatheazam. no nomination, Both Mr. Nakhjavani, 83, and Mr. campaigning, or Fatheazam, 79, had served on the Universal discussion of can- House of Justice since it was first elected in didates,” said 1963. They gave notice of their intention to Douglas Moore, resign earlier this year. director of the Of- In the subsequent election on 29 April, fice of Public In- two new members were chosen — and the formation at the seven others were re-elected. Bahá’í World The two new members, Hartmut Centre, in Haifa, Grossmann and Firaydoun Javaheri, had Israel. been serving at the Bahá’í World Centre as “Rather, each Counsellor members of the International elector, in an at- Teaching Centre. mosphere of Mr. Grossmann, born in Germany, has aca- prayer and medi- demic qualifications in the German and En- tation, chooses glish languages. He served on the National

8 ONE COUNTRY / April-June 2003 Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá’ís of Germany (1963 to 1969) and Finland (1977 to 1980). He was a university academic in Finland. In 1980, Mr. Grossmann was appointed a Conti- nental Counsellor for Europe. A volunteer position, a Continental Counsellor advises and assists Bahá’í communities in a given region with their growth and development. Dr. Javaheri, who was born in Iran, has a doctorate in agronomy. He lived for 27 years in Africa — first the Gambia, then Zambia — where he was chief technical adviser for the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. He served the Bahá’í commu- nities there in the area of social and economic development. He was appointed a Continen- tal Counsellor in 1995 after serving for 19 years as a member of its Auxiliary Board. Other members of the Universal House the Universal House of Justice in 1988. The Seat of the Universal of Justice, who were re-elected this year, are: Peter Khan, born in Australia, held pro- House of Justice, the building Farzam Arbab, born in Iran, who obtained fessorial posts in electrical engineering at on Mount Carmel in Haifa, his doctorate in physics at the University of universities in the United States and Austra- Israel, where the California, Berkeley. He was the representa- lia. Dr. Khan was first elected to the Univer- international governing tive for the Rockefeller Foundation in Colom- sal House of Justice in 1987. council of the Bahá’í Faith bia (1974 to 1983) and the president of the Douglas Martin, who was born in has its headquarters. FUNDAEC development foundation there. He Canada, holds degrees in business adminis- was first elected to the Universal House of Jus- tration and in history, and is an author and tice in 1993. editor. Mr. Martin was elected to the Uni- Kiser Barnes, who was born in the United versal House of Justice in 1993. “This election is States, and holds degrees in political science Glenford Mitchell, born in Jamaica, holds the only one in and law. He practiced law and held senior a Master’s degree in journalism from Colum- the world where positions in human rights organizations and bia University. An author, he has worked as in labor relations in the United States, be- a magazine editor and managing editor, and the governing fore moving to Africa where he held senior taught English and journalism at Howard body of a major academic posts at universities in Benin, Togo, University. He was elected to the Universal independent and Nigeria. He was elected to the Universal House of Justice in 1982. world religion is House of Justice in 2000. Ian Semple, born in England, holds a elected directly by Hooper Dunbar, who was born in the Master of Arts degree in the German and delegates chosen United States, was a film actor in Hollywood French languages and literature from Ox- before moving to Central and South America ford University. A chartered accountant, he by their respective where he taught arts and English. An ac- was first elected to the Universal House of national complished painter, he was first elected to Justice in 1963. communities.” David Hofman, distinguished Bahá’í leader, passes away – Douglas Moore

XFORD, United Kingdom — David loyalty to the Cause, an unfailing response OHofman, a former member of the Uni- to the call and guidance of the Guardian and versal House of Justice, passed away at age the Universal House of Justice, a central role 94 on 9 May 2003. in the advancement of the British Bahá’í An actor, radio and television announcer, community and the launching of the bril- author, and publisher, Mr. Hofman served for liant Africa Campaign, and his outstanding some 27 years on the National Spiritual As- contributions to Bahá’í literature both as an sembly of the Bahá’ís of the United Kingdom author and a publisher.” before being elected as a charter member of After World War II, Hofman married the Universal House of Justice in 1963. He Marion Holley, a former U.S. Olympic athlete. served for 25 years, until he retired in 1988. He also founded George Ronald, a small pub- “He will be remembered,” said the Uni- lishing company in Oxford, specializing in versal House of Justice, “for an adamantine books of religious and theological interests.

ONE COUNTRY / April-June 2003 9 ENVIRONMENT

In Vanuatu, a proving ground for coconut oil as an alternative fuel

Tony Deamer and his wife, Easuary, pose in front of a Toyota – now somewhat rusted – that he converted to run on pure coconut oil in an early test of the fuel’s viability.

Coconut, continued from page one “One way or the other, we are going ahead with this,” said Mr. Deamer, with the island nations like Vanuatu where the cost gung-ho enthusiasm that has made him the of imported oil is a heavy burden on the driving force in winning wide acceptance for economy. coconut oil fuels here. Mr. Deamer has Late last year, some 200 mini-buses here Indeed, it seems hard to find anyone of succeeded in were using a coconut oil/diesel mix on a prominence in this small port city who proving that daily basis, proving the concept. A recent doesn’t know of Mr. Deamer — and of his automotive diesel change in Government tax laws has had the work at promoting coconut fuel. engines, with very unintended consequence of temporarily “He’s been talking about this for a few little modification, raising the price of coconut oil/diesel mix- years,” said Marc Neil-Jones, publisher and tures — but many mini-bus drivers are still managing director of Vanuatu Trading Post can run safely on using the fuel, even if they have to mix it and Pacific Weekly Review. “But people’s coconut oil. Late themselves. interest has shot up since he started run- last year, some Mr. Deamer himself continues to op- ning a few cars on it. 200 mini-buses erate about a dozen vehicles on a pure co- “Coconuts are a huge commodity around here were using a conut oil fuel, which is not subject to the the world,” added Mr. Neil-Jones. “Here, for coconut oil/diesel new excise tax on petroleum mixtures. example, the copra industry is having ma- Now, he and another local coconut fuel jor problems at the moment and the gov- mix on a daily producer are working with the Govern- ernment is shoring up the price and it is basis. ment to change the excise tax and/or to costing a fortune. So the possibility of using explore alternatives, such as mixing co- coconut oil as a fuel has the potential to re- conut oil with alcohol or converting more ally help the rural people.” vehicles to run on the pure stuff. Helping the rural population is, in fact,

10 ONE COUNTRY / April-June 2003 a main goal of Mr. Deamer’s project, which more money in the outer islands,” he said, he sees as an extension of his commitment referring to the network of islands that sur- to the promotion of social and economic round the main island of Éfaté, where Port- development — a commitment that stems Vila is located. from his practice of the Bahá’í Faith. Formerly known as the New Hebrides, Vanuatu is a collection of some 80 islands “This is really a Not for profit located about 2,100 kilometers northeast of great idea. “This is not a commercial venture,” said Sydney, Australia. The island chain was Mr. Deamer, explaining that the entire made famous by James Michener’s World Because it goes project stems instead from his desire to help War II novel, Tales of the South Pacific. all the way back his fellow citizens — and the world at large. The country’s chief exports are agricul- to the farmers Mr. Deamer believes that if coconut oil tural: copra, kava, beef, cocoa, timber, and who plant and cut fuel is widely accepted, it will increase the coffee. The population of some 200,000 coconut. And, if it local demand for copra — the dried coco- people is more than 94 percent indigenous succeeds, there nut meat that is a major, albeit low-priced, Melanesian, and some 80 percent live in ru- commodity on world markets. Such an in- ral areas. The per capita income is about will be a crease in demand would provide jobs and US$1,200 a year. reduction in the money for rural villagers in Vanuatu, where “For every ton of diesel fuel that we can importation of cutting copra has been the major source of offset, we can put back some $200 into the fossil fuels, outside income. This, he believes, will help local economy. And at those prices, people especially diesel to stem the tide of villagers who have fled could earn a very good living cutting co- fuel.” idle copra plantations to urban areas. pra,” said Mr. Deamer. “If coconut oil does become a significant Government officials agree that the – Leo Moli, head of substitute for diesel fuel, then the local co- project has great potential. the energy unit, pra price will be less influenced by the world “This is really a great idea,” said Leo Vanuatu Ministry of market price of coconut oil,” said Mr. Moli, head of the energy unit within the Lands and Natural Deamer. “Instead, it will have a floor price Vanuatu Ministry of Lands and Natural Re- Resources determined by its relative value as a fuel and sources. “Because it goes all the way back the world price of diesel fuel.” to the farmers who plant and cut coconut. “A higher local price is likely to bring And, if it succeeds, there will be a reduction about an increase in local copra production. in the importation of fossil fuels, especially And more people cutting copra will mean diesel fuel. And this is important.”

Copra, the meat of coconut, shown stacked in bags for processing, is a mainstay of the economy on Vanuatu.

ONE COUNTRY / April-June 2003 11 Mr. Moli said the energy department move water and impurities. plans to begin operating two of its vehicles Unlike many entrepreneurs, Mr. Deamer on Deamer’s coconut oil fuel, as one way of has been willing to share his findings widely, supporting the project. giving information to all concerned, even Sela Molisa, the Minister of Finance and potential competitors. Economic Management, agrees that using “Tony is not doing it for money,” said coconut oil to fuel automobiles could in- Dick Eade, a New Zealander who has a pine- deed reduce the need for imported oil. “On apple plantation here. “He is just doing it a yearly basis, we import around US$10 mil- because it will save the country money. He lion in fuel,” said Mr. Molisa. “That’s a lot has community spirit.” of money for us. And I am pretty sure that at Nevertheless, Mr. Deamer has taken an “Tony has done least half of that could be replaced by coco- entirely professional approach to the pro- groundbreaking nut oil.” motion of coconut oil fuel. He has lined up Mr. Molisa said the country has plenty a number of investors so that he can pur- work to show that of capacity to produce more copra. He said chase the kinds of filters and equipment to coconut oil will a fall in prices for copra on international mar- properly process raw coconut oil into refined work in kets has reduced Vanuatu’s annual harvest automotive fuel. automotive from a peak of some 45,000 tons in the 1970s Trained as a mechanic, Mr. Deamer came diesels without and 1980s to about 30,000 to 40,000 tons to Vanuatu from Australia in 1971. As a any major currently. “Vanuatu can at present produce Bahá’í, he sought to promote social and eco- at least 50,000 tons.” nomic development, residing first on the modification.” The economic impact can be amplified outer island of Tanna, working as a mechanic – Rodney Newell, if the coconut by-products are also used, for the public works department there. In president of Mr. Deamer said. The spent coconut meal 1981, he relocated to Port Vila, first work- Renereltech, a makes excellent cattle feed, coconut shells ing for the Ministry of Education and then renewable energy can be made into high quality activated establishing his own automobile rental and company charcoal, and coconut fibers have many repair business. important uses. That enterprise has provided a good liv- The key to the entire project was prov- ing for Mr. Deamer — and a platform on ing that ordinary automotive diesel engines which to experiment with alternative fuels. can run reliably on coconut oil. He has converted many of his rental cars to run on coconut oil, tinkering with the pre- “Groundbreaking work” heaters until they ran smoothly. “Tony has done groundbreaking work In his mind, everything he does stems to show that coconut oil will work in auto- from Bahá’í principles. In his business, he motive diesels without any major modifica- has hired and trained a number of female tion,” said Rodney Newell, president of motor mechanics, a move that stems from Renereltech, a small Vanuatu-based com- his belief in the Bahá’í ideal of equality be- pany that focuses on helping local busi- tween women and men. nesses develop renewable energy. “Work in the service of humanity is ser- “Vegetable oils are being used in other vice to God,” said Mr. Deamer. “That is the parts of the world in diesel engines,” said driving force of what I am trying to do, to Mr. Newell. “But this is a unique project in leave behind something of value to Vanuatu, that neat coconut oil is being used. This is a instead of just to Tony Deamer.” first for the Pacific area.” Disinclined to talk too much about him- Using coconut oil for fuel has several self, Mr. Deamer soon switched back to a dis- inherent problems. First, it tends to be cussion of the advantages of coconut oil fuel. thicker — more viscous — than other fu- “One of the reasons I like using coconut els. The unprocessed oil also usually con- oil instead of diesel fuel is you are putting tains more water and impurities than other back into the atmosphere the same carbon alternatives. dioxide that the tree took out a year ago,” Mr. Deamer has experimented exten- said Mr. Deamer. “It’s completely sustain- sively and solved many of these problems. able. Coconut trees are very efficient carbon He has developed a small and inexpensive absorbers. pre-heater that lowers the viscosity of the “And coconut oil is also non-toxic,” Mr. oil before it enters the engine. And he has Deamer added. “What other Pacific fuel can also worked with another local fuel distribu- you cook your fish and chips in and run your tor to develop filtration techniques to re- truck on?”

12 ONE COUNTRY / April-June 2003 HUMAN RIGHTS

The Bahá’í International Community expresses concern about the human rights of Iranian Bahá’ís

ENEVA — The Bahá’í International rights that was initiated last year. GCommunity has expressed deep disap- “In essence, the Commission and the pointment that the UN Commission on Hu- European Union, have given the Iranian man Rights failed this year to put forward Government a chance to prove its claim that or adopt any kind of resolution on the hu- it is committed to improve respect for hu- man rights situation in Iran. man rights,” said Ms. Dugal. “Iran’s response Despite a new human rights “dialogue” has been far from encouraging.” between Iran and the European Union, hu- “We believe that the international com- man rights violations against Iran’s Bahá’ís munity must take a stand on Iran’s behav- “The arrest and are not only continuing but increasing, said ior. Accordingly, the Commission’s neglect short-term the Community following the close of the of a resolution that would provide for re- detention of Commission on 25 April 2003. newed monitoring of Iran is extremely un- “While, in principle, we support the Eu- fortunate, both for Iran’s Bahá’ís and the in- Bahá’ís has ropean Union’s ‘Human Rights Dialogue’ ternational community’s reputation as a increased; Bahá’í with Iran, we have yet to see any positive whole,” said Ms. Dugal. teachers and results emerging on the ground,” said Bani Since 1979, when the Islamic Republic students continue Dugal, the principal representative of the of Iran was established, more than 200 to be harassed; Bahá’í International Community to the Bahá’ís have been killed or executed in Iran, more properties United Nations. all solely as a result of religious persecution. “Not only has there been no progress, Hundreds more have been imprisoned and belonging to the but the persecution of Bahá’ís in the Islamic thousands have lost jobs, pensions, and/or Bahá’ís have been Republic of Iran has intensified since the access to education. The persecutions confiscated; and Commission on Human Rights decided last reached a peak in the mid-1980s, but less- all attempts to year to suspend its monitoring of the coun- ened after the international community be- obtain redress try,” said Ms. Dugal. gan condemning it through the Commission have been “The arrest and short-term detention of on Human Rights and in other forums. Bahá’ís has increased; Bahá’í teachers and However, the Bahá’í community of Iran systematically students continue to be harassed; more remains deprived of its basic rights and denied.” properties belonging to the Bahá’ís have been Bahá’ís remain under the continual threat – Bani Dugal, Bahá’í confiscated; and all attempts to obtain re- of harassment, imprisonment or worse. International dress have been systematically denied,” Ms. Most recently, for example, Mr. Manuchihr Community Dugal said. “As of mid-April, five Bahá’ís Khulusi, a Bahá’í in Mashhad, was re-im- were being held in Iranian prisons because prisoned in March 2003 for Bahá’í activities, of their religious beliefs.” [Editor’s Note: As following the judgment of the Revolution- of mid-June, four Bahá’ís remained in prison, ary Court in that city. following the release of Musa Talibi from prison in Isfahan on 28 May 2003.] Visitors to Bahá’í Terraces on From 1982 to 2001, the Commission each year adopted a resolution expressing Mt. Carmel hit 1.4 million concern over the human rights situation in Iran, resolutions which always made spe- AIFA, Israel — Some 1.4 million cial mention of the persecution of the Bahá’í Hpeople have visited the garden terraces community there. surrounding the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Last year, however, the Commission Carmel in the two years since they were first failed to adopt such a resolution. This year, opened to the public on 4 June 2001. The the European Union, the traditional spon- vast majority of the 1.4 million visitors have sor of the resolution, failed even to put it been from Israel, which has a population of forward, preferring at this stage to work 6.5 million. The terraces are one of the ma- through the dialogue process on human jor tourist attractions in the country.

ONE COUNTRY / April-June 2003 13 BRIEFS

Exhibition at European Parliament tells the story of Bahá’í contribution to social harmony

RUSSELS — At its main building here the Bahá’í communities of Europe have sought Bin June, the European Parliament hosted to promote peace, cross-cultural integration, a special exhibition highlighting the contri- religious tolerance, and business ethics bution that Bahá’í communities in Europe through a variety of projects and actions. have made to promote social harmony. “The moment was quite auspicious, in Titled “The Bahá’í International Commu- that the opening of the display coincided nity: Promoting Unity in Diversity through- with final deliberations on the draft Euro- out Europe for over a Century,” the display pean Constitution, which were being held graced the Parliament building’s main foyer in the same building,” said Jean-Pierre from 10–13 June 2003. Laperches, a representative of the Bahá’í The exhibition was officially opened by community of Belgium. Jean Lambert, the member of the European “And the challenges facing the European Parliament who sponsored it, at a reception Union as it proceeds forward with its inte- in the Parliament building on 11 June. More gration are many,” said Mr. Laperches. “So than 200 people, including Ana Palacio, the our goal was to share the vision that Bahá’ís Foreign Minister of Spain, members of the have in terms of creating unity while at the Parliament, and other prominent people, same time showing respect for the rich di- attended the reception. versity of culture, religion, and national In addition, about 90 people attended an backgrounds that exist on this continent.” address given by Suheil Bushrui on “The The display, for example, takes note of Ethics of Globalization,” as part of the day’s projects like “The Institute for Social Cohe- events. [See page 2] sion,” established in 2001 by the Bahá’í com- Composed of 14 panels, the display tells munity of the United Kingdom to promote a the story in words and photographs of how discourse on cross-cultural harmony.

Bani Dugal, right, newly Bahá’í UN Representative elected to head NGO women’s elected Chair of the NGO Committee on the Status of committee in New York Women, and Leslie Wright, EW YORK — Bani Dugal, the Princi- and girls and the equality of women and UN Representative of the Npal Representative of the Bahá’í Inter- men. World Association of Girl national Community to the United Nations, “Each of the UN agencies has a person as- Guides and Girl Scouts, who has been elected to chair the main commit- signed as a ‘gender focal point,’ and our goal is outgoing Chair of the tee of non-governmental organizations is to work closely with them to ensure that Committee. (NGOs) concerned with gender concerns are mainstreamed into all women’s issues at the UN. policies,” said Ms. Dugal. Ms. Dugal will serve “In particular, we want to focus on pro- for two years as Chair of moting the concept of partnership between the non-governmental or- women and men, and the role of men and ganizations’ Committee boys in the advancement of women and on the Status of Women girls,” Ms. Dugal said. in New York. She was “Another issue we hope to focus on is elected by acclamation at peace and security and post-conflict resolu- the Committee’s annual tion,” Ms. Dugal said. “We want to see meeting here on 12 June women represented at the peace table, and 2003. in the post-conflict work, in such places as As Chair of the Com- Afghanistan, Iraq, and other countries.” mittee, Ms. Dugal will Ms. Dugal previously served as the work with all depart- Committee’s vice-chair. The Committee is ments at the United Na- composed of about 200 international non- tions to promote the ad- governmental organizations, and networks vancement of women with hundreds more around the world.

14 ONE COUNTRY / April-June 2003 Violence Against Women The work of the Authenticity Project also contravenes the notion that human nature Review, continued from page 16 is incorrigibly selfish and aggressive. This paign” to eradicate such violence. And, Drs. in itself opens the door to change. Penn and Nardos argue, for such campaign to On this basis, Drs. Penn and Nardos of- be effective, it must deal not only with the fer a series of points for moving beyond the outward, legalistic, elements of the problem, cultural practices and faulty relationships that but also with the inward elements of violence foster violence against women. against women — elements that concern the First, they suggest, men must shoulder a cultural, moral, and religious spheres of life. greater share of the burden in seeking to “As vital as legal and human rights mea- advance the rights of women on all fronts. sures are, they are, as an increasing number They note that the civil rights movement in of individuals and organizations are begin- the United States gained steam in the mid- ning to recognize, insufficient to effect the 1960s when whites began to get involved — magnitude of change necessary if gender- and they suggest that the same process of based violence and discrimination are to be invigoration can occur when men become eradicated,” the authors write. “Inasmuch as more involved in the women’s movement. violence against women and girls is sustained More specifically, they write, religious lead- by long-standing, maladaptive patterns of ers, who are predominantly men, must take a thinking and relating, legal strategies, un- stronger role in opposing those aspects of reli- accompanied by efforts to address the gious fundamentalism that have contributed intrapersonal dimensions of the problem, are to the subordination of women. And men must likely to prove ineffective.” advocate for greater educational opportunities In considering how to change the men- for women, they write, noting that education tal and cultural structures that lie at the is one of the “most effective means for contrib- “The goal of root of the problem, Drs. Penn and Nardos uting to women’s advancement.” eradicating draw extensively on the Authenticity The authors believe violence against gender-based Project, a Bahá’í-inspired initiative to de- women can be eradicated. They note that violence should velop a new paradigm for moral education both slavery and racial discrimination have be proclaimed on that stems from work done by philosopher deep cultural roots, were once viewed as billboards, William S. Hatcher. morally permissible, and have persisted for Dr. Penn is, himself, a Bahá’í and a mem- thousands of years. Yet, they offer, slavery televisions, and ber of the Project, which draws on the latest has faded in the last hundred years or so, radio stations scientific research in human psychology, as and much progress has been made to im- around the world. well as on the underlying morality of the prove civil rights in many countries. It should be world’s major religious and philosophical “As we embark on a new century, we can discussed in systems, to create a new ethical framework imagine few goals more deserving of the at- classrooms, that can be accepted on a global level. tention of the community of nations and of The Project proposes that genuine human the peoples of the world than the eradica- churches, transformation can come about only as indi- tion of gender-based violence,” they write. synagogues, viduals strive to develop and sustain “authen- “The goal of eradicating gender-based vio- temples, and tic” relationships based on altruistic love, jus- lence should be proclaimed on billboards, mosques. It tice, and a new understanding of power. televisions, and radio stations around the should invite the “The trademark of relational authenticity world. It should be discussed in classrooms, men of the world is sincere, unselfish love,” write the authors. churches, synagogues, temples, and “Whenever we give priority, however subtly, mosques. It should invite the men of the to play a vital to our own (perceived) needs over the needs world to play a vital role.” role.” of the other in a relationship, this kind of re- In its sweeping and challenging analysis – Michael L. Penn lating is a manifestation of egotism and ne- — and its bold prescription for an interdis- and Rahel Nardos gates authenticity. In extreme forms it gives rise ciplinary, international remedy — Overcom- to manipulation, exploitation, competition, ing Violence against Women and Girls offers and the mutual search for dominance. hope that this age-old problem can be eradi- “In a nonauthentic relationship we each cated. It also suggests a new model for an seek power — the power to compel the other crosscutting, spiritually based approach to to satisfy our needs,” the authors write. societal problems in general, especially those “Thus, authentic relationships are said to be based on entrenched cultural and social prac- based on love and nonauthentic relationships tices that persist despite their obvious obso- on power.” lescence in an age of human maturity.

ONE COUNTRY / April-June 2003 15 BOOK REVIEW

A new approach to violence against women

hy is it that although women compose consist of women who have been battered by Whalf the world’s population and put their partners. And in Papua New Guinea, one in nearly two-thirds of the world’s work study indicated that 73 percent of all women hours, they receive just one-tenth of the murdered were killed by a male intimate. Overcoming world’s income and own less than one-hun- They likewise find that culturally sanc- Violence against dredth of the world’s property? tioned forms of violence against women are Women and Girls: It does not take much reflection to real- widespread. In Africa, they note that female ize that part of the answer to this question genital mutilation, a complex phenomenon The International boils down to the capacity and willingness Campaign to of men, throughout history and into mod- Eradicate a ern times, to use violence to enforce and Worldwide uphold their superior position. Problem For if all men had somehow restrained themselves, if wife beating, rape, and other forms of violence against women had been By Michael L. inconceivable from the start, is it likely that Penn and Rahel half the human race would have for so long Nardos remained in an inferior position? In this light, a new book by Michael L. Rowman & Penn and Rahel Nardos arrives with special Littlefield importance. Overcoming Violence against Women and Girls: The International Campaign Publishers, Inc. to Eradicate a Worldwide Problem outlines the vast scope of this continuing problem — and Lanham, also offers a new and insightful interdisci- Maryland, USA plinary approach to remedying it. Dr. Penn, a professor of psychology at Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylva- nia, USA, and Dr. Nardos, a researcher and medical student at Yale University while writing the book, now graduated with an MD, spend the first half of the book docu- menting the breadth and extent of the prob- lem as a global phenomenon. Drawing extensively on United Nations documents — such as the 1993 UNICEF study viewed largely as a women-implemented that produced the statistics in the opening coming-of-age ritual, stems in part from the paragraph — and other recent studies, Drs. desire of men to enforce sexual chastity. And Penn and Nardos show that, despite the vast in India, so-called “bride burning,” in which progress that has been made in advancing wives are “accidentally” burned to death so women’s rights in recent decades, violence that husbands and their families can keep against women and girls persists in a wide expensive dowries, remains commonplace — range of forms, from domestic abuse to bride despite laws against it. burning to female genital mutilation. It is on this point — the inability of legal Citing figures on domestic abuse, they note sanctions alone to eradicate violence — that that an estimated 1.8 million women in the the primary significance of Overcoming Vio- United States are battered by their husbands lence against Women and Girls hinges. For one each year — and more than 2,000 deaths re- of the main purposes of the book is to put sult. They cite data from Peru that indicates forward the outline for an “international cam- that some 70 percent of all reported crimes Review, continued on page 15

16 ONE COUNTRY / April-June 2003