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SINGAPORE

Singapore

Festival serves as preparation for fast

Festival serves as preparation for fast SINGAPORE — Baha'is in more than 200 countries and territories are celebrating a four-day festival involving hospitality, gift giving, charity and social gatherings. The festival, which runs from the evening of 25 February until sunset on 1 March, serves as a spiritual preparation for a fast during the last month of the Baha'is calendar, which begins on March 2 and ends on March 20. Celebrations of Ayyam-i-Ha, as the festival is called, are taking different forms in different locations. In Singapore, for example, Baha'is are observing Ayyam-i-Ha with a blood donation drive and a picnic for families in a beachside park. In Hungary, Baha'is plan to celebrate the festival with a musical program and a costume party for children in the Hungarian Culture Foundation building in Budapest. In Milford, New Hampshire, in the United States, the Baha'is have invited friends and neighbors to join them for devotions and then entertainment, which will include learning a local folk dance, watching jugglers, enjoying music, and gift-giving. The Baha'i calendar was initiated by the Bab, the Forerunner of the Faith's Prophet-Founder, Baha'u'llah, who later confirmed it. The calendar comprises 19 months of 19 days. The Ayyam-i-Ha festival falls on the four days (five in a leap year) needed to balance out the solar year of 365 days. The time of this festival is also known as "Intercalary Days". Of this period Baha'u'llah writes: "It behoveth the people of Baha, throughout these days, to provide good cheer for themselves, their kindred and, beyond them, the poor and needy, and with joy and exultation to hail and glorify their Lord, to sing His praise and magnify His Name." During the fast which follows, Baha'is abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset as a reminder of the need for individuals to control their material desires. It is seen as a time of meditation and prayer during which Baha'is refresh and reinvigorate themselves spiritually. There are exemptions from the fast for the young and elderly, and for those who are pregnant, ill or who are engaging in heavy work. The fasting period ends with the joyous Naw Ruz (New Year) festival, which begins at sunset on March 20.

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103.8194992

NUKUʻALOFA

Tonga

Prince praises school at opening of new buildings

Prince praises school at opening of new buildings NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga — In an opening ceremony for two internet-ready buildings at the Ocean of Light International School, Crown Prince Tupoutoa of Tonga praised the school for its technological advancement. "The opening of the buildings could not have come at a better time in Tonga's history because for the first time this school is breaking new ground in using the technology to mitigate the negative effects of the economy," Prince Tupoutoa said in a speech at the ceremony on 25 January 2003. "I shall follow the progress of the school with much interest and great affection," he said. Owned by the Baha'i community of Tonga, the school and its international staff seek to provide a high quality education for Tongans and other students from around the world. During its seven years of operation the school outgrew its rented facilities. Now the two new buildings will provide some 2,000 square meters of space for classrooms, laboratories and a library. Headmaster Alan Cains said the curriculum of Ocean of Light was inspired by Baha'i principles. "The school aims to inspire its students and graduates to dedicate themselves to the service of the human race," said Mr. Cains. "It is dedicated to the development of the spiritual, intellectual and physical potential of its students." Crown Prince Tupoutoa of Tonga cuts ribbon to open the new buildings at the Ocean of Light International School."We seek opportunities for the students to give of themselves for the benefit of others, such as mentoring in schools for children with hearing impairments and other disabilities, cross-age tutoring and raising awareness about protecting the physical environment," Mr. Cains said. The school also seeks to foster the spiritual development of its students by the teaching of spiritual values in the primary school and moral education in the high school, said Sohrab Bolouri, a member of the Ocean of Light education board. "Each week, a virtue is selected for the entire school to put into practice, Mr. Bolouri said. "Starting the morning assembly with devotions also helps create a spiritual atmosphere." He said the school was open to all strata of society and aimed to give its students an international vision, characterised by the concept of world citizenship and a universal value system. "Classes, except for those for the study of the Tongan language, are taught in English, thus enabling students to gain access to a wide and ever-increasing amount of information from throughout the world." The school currently offers classes for students ranging in age from 3 to 16 but will add a twelfth grade next year. High school diplomas will be awarded to graduates. The new classroom buildings are wired for internet connection, thereby providing a system for students in the future to use their own laptop computers and connect to the school network. The buildings for this non-profit school cost under US$500,000 and were financed with a bank loan and donations. Located on the outskirts of Nuku'alofa, the capital city of Tonga, the school opened in 1996 and started its program with only nine students. At present there are 250 children at the school, with about 80 per cent from Tonga. Others come from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The official opening of the new buildings was followed by a luncheon and entertainment for the 600 guests, who included Prince Tupoutoa's brother, the Honorable Maatu, and his wife Alaileula, the granddaughter of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, the Head of State of Samoa. Also present were government ministers, ambassadors, and other dignitaries. Baha'i representatives included Donald Blanks, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors, a senior advisory body that forms part of the Baha'i administration, three members of the Counsellors' Auxiliary Boards, and seven of the nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Tonga, the elected governing council of the Baha'i community in the country. The ceremony's program, broadcast live on radio throughout Tonga and later televised to the nation, comprised prayers as well as quotations from the Baha'i Writings which emphasize the significance of education. The readings were followed by cultural dances from Tonga and other islands in the region, performed by the students and staff of the school. A local Baha'i youth dance troupe performed a new dance entitled "Education". The dance highlighted the importance of finding the balance between spiritual, physical and academic education.

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-175.201808

TIRANA

Albania

Wide distribution for newly-translated magazine

Wide distribution for newly-translated magazine TIRANA, Albania — The Baha'i community of Albania has recently published "The Baha'is" magazine in the Albanian language and arranged its distribution in 57 commercial bookstores nationwide, as well as in Kosovo and Macedonia. The colorful introductory publication, which features extensive use of photographs and a news magazine style of writing, has been used by Baha'is worldwide for more than a decade to respond to requests for information about their religion. It has been published in a variety of languages including English, French, Spanish, Icelandic, and Mandarin. In Albania there has been a successful program of translating and distributing the Faith's Holy Writings and other literature. Among other works by Baha'u'llah, the Most Holy Book (Kitab-i-Aqdas, Baha'u'llah's Book of Laws), the Hidden Words, Gleanings, and the Book of Certitude (Kitab-i-Iqan) are available in Albanian, as are works by 'Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi. Publishing the four-color magazine,"The Baha'is", was a challenge because of technical and logistical problems, particularly with respect to computer compatibility. It also proved difficult to find a suitable publishing house in Albania ready to take on the job because special permits were needed at that time to own a printing press, and also because of quality control issues. Hans Thimm of the Baha'i National Information Office in Albania said persistent efforts were rewarded and cordial relations were established with a publishing house, which was impressed with the requirements of the Baha'is. "The printing house has agreed to distribute copies commercially through their 57 client bookstores within Albania and though their distribution centers in Kosovo and Macedonia," Mr. Thimm said. The Albanian Baha'is were very pleased to have the popular publication in their language, he said. "This magazine will be very helpful in informing people about the Faith because Albanians like magazines which are informative and full of various topics, and because they are very tolerant towards religions, especially towards those that are logical and have understandable principles." The community plans to present the magazine to government officials, other prominent national figures and the media, he said. The Baha'i Faith first came to Albania in 1931 when an Albanian, Refo Capari, adopted it in New York and returned to his country, where he ultimately became an education ministry official. He translated some of the Baha'i Writings into Albanian. Soon some prominent people adopted the religion, including Xhafer Bej Preza, chief of police in Tirana, in 1935. During the country's communist years, the Government suppressed all religions, including the Baha'i Faith. Today there are about 14,000 Baha'is in Albania. There are 19 Local Spiritual Assemblies in 36 districts. The first national governing council, the National Spiritual Assembly, was elected in 1992.

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19.8184435

BELFAST

Northern Ireland

Joyous parties to greet the New Year

Joyous parties to greet the New Year BELFAST, Northern Ireland — Celebrations to mark the Baha'i New Year will take different forms throughout the world but will typically include programs of spiritual upliftment, music, dancing and feasting. The Baha'i New Year festival known as Naw-Ruz (literally "New Day") is held on the spring equinox, March 21, but the celebrations will begin the evening before because the Baha'i day begins at sunset. The event planned for Belfast is typical of the kind of multi-cultural celebration that will be observed in many of the 120,000 localities where Baha'is -- who embrace human diversity -- reside around the world. Irish stews and Persian cuisine will be on the menu for the opening dinner, and then will come the entertainment, said local Baha'i spokesman Ralph Rossi. "There will be African singers, an Indian dancer and salsa dancing," Mr. Rossi said. A highlight will be the combination of traditional Irish music with Persian drumming, he said. More than 300 members of the wider community had been invited, he said. The festival comes at the end of a 19-day fast in which adult Baha'is abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset as a reminder of the need for individuals to be detached from their material desires. Naw-Ruz is the first day of the first of 19 months in the Baha'i calendar, which was initiated by the Bab, the Forerunner of the Faith's Prophet-Founder, Baha'u'llah, who later confirmed it. An example of another Naw-Ruz celebration will be in Seville, Spain, where Baha'is have invited guests to attend a program, which will start with a presentation on the significance of the festival followed by a prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah for Naw-Ruz. There will be readings of prayers from the Baha'i scriptures in different languages, and also music, dance and a computer display. On the Naw-Ruz festival program in Saskatoon, Canada, there will be traditional native American song and dance. Celtic music, bluegrass Gospel singers and a drumming circle will also entertain Baha'is and their guests, who will also be treated to what organizers promise as "an evening of great food".

54.596391

-5.9301829

LONDON

United Kingdom

Achieving world peace explored in new book

Achieving world peace explored in new book LONDON — Is lasting peace possible? What are the processes by which it can be established? How do issues like human rights and the environment affect the prospects for peace? These are among the questions addressed in a new book from George Ronald publishers, "Processes of the Lesser Peace." Published in February 2003, the book contains eight essays by noted Baha'i authors, scholars and specialists on issues relating to the establishment of the "lesser peace," a state of political unity among nations foretold in the Baha'i sacred writings. Edited by Babak Bahador and Nazila Ghanea, the essays include: " Baha'i Proposals for the Reformation of World Order," by Jeffrey Huffines; "The Environment and the Lesser Peace," by Arthur Lyon Dahl; "The Spiritual Destiny of America and the Achievement of World Peace," by John Huddleston; and "Everything That Rises Must Converge: Global Governance and the Emergence of the Lesser Peace," by Charles Lerche. "We hope that this book will give to the reader an informed viewpoint of the Baha'i teachings on peace and in a contemporary context," said Mr. Huffines, who is the United Nations representative of the Baha'i community of the United States. By covering so many aspects of peace, from human rights to global governance to the environment, the book illustrates that peace is not an event but a process, said Mr. Huffines. "Peace is much more than a diplomatic agreement between governments," he said. "It involves a complete transformation of society, as well as the individuals who compose the society. And what the Baha'i teachings can contribute to this process is a vision in which we are all active participants in this transformation." Founded in 1943, George Ronald specializes in the publication of books on Baha'i topics. The book can be ordered from George Ronald Publisher Ltd, 24 Gardiner Close, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 3YA, United Kingdom at their website at www.grbooks.com. Or by telephone/fax at +44 1235 529137. Or by email at: sales@grbooks.com.

51.5073219

-0.1276474

SALVADOR

Brazil

In Brazil, African descendants plan for better society

In Brazil, African descendants plan for better society SALVADOR, Brazil — More than 170 men, women and children attended a conference of people of African descent in Brazil to gain a deeper understanding of their heritage and to plan to construct a better society. The "Afro-Descendants Gathering" was held in the Regional Baha'i Center in Salvador, Bahia, from 31 January to 2 February 2003. It was sponsored by the Regional Baha'i Council for the States of Alagoas, Bahia and Sergipe. The seventh such gathering in Brazil since 1996, the conference had the aims of increasing the self-esteem of the participants, deepening their spiritual understanding, assisting them in their personal transformation, and promoting the principle of the oneness of humanity. "The aim was to gain a deeper perception and appreciation of African cultural heritage that had an enormous influence on Brazilian culture during the centuries of slavery," said Mr. Gabriel Marques, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors, a senior advisory body that forms part of the Baha'i administration. "Brazil was the last country in the world that abolished the institution of slavery - in 1888," Mr. Marques said. "The wound is still too fresh and the Brazilian population is just beginning to overcome this problem." In order to better understand racial prejudice and how it operates in today's society, the participants spoke in a session of their personal experiences of day-to-day discrimination. Then they examined the contributions made by "Afro descendants" to technological and scientific development in both ancient and modern times. Children mixed with youth and adults at the Afro-Descendants Gathering held in Salvador, Brazil.Participants also studied selected Baha'i principles such as the oneness of the human family and the need for "unity in diversity". In one session, they studied the text where Baha'u'llah compared "the colored people to the black pupil of the eye." (See Note) Two ophthalmologists then explained the vital function of the pupil to the eye, comparing it to the contributions people of color make to humanity. Participants also discussed how they could build a better society. They concluded they should make greater efforts to promote the moral education of children, study the Baha'i sacred writings regularly, and seek to spiritualize themselves, their families and their communities through participation in devotional meetings and study circles, which involve learning about their own spiritual nature, and acquiring the skills and motivation to take effective action. The gathering was permeated with music and dance. Istvan Dely, a Hungarian musician who resides in Colombia, was a featured guest. An accomplished drummer and percussionist, he spoke of the spirituality of the African heritage. "Not having any books, (Africans) used the power of music and dancing as a channel to express their veneration of the spiritual world," said Mr. Dely, who has been closely involved in the revival and integration of the arts and African percussion in Baha'i study circles in Africa and the Caribbean. Two special events preceded the gathering. The first was a visit to the region by 14 young American men who had participated in Black Men's Gathering, a Baha'i event held in the United States aimed at rejuvenating the souls of the participants and enkindling in them a spirit of Baha'i service to humanity. They dedicated two weeks to the promotion of community life activities in the area. The other event was an African mask workshop involving 24 youth from the region. The idea behind it was to develop the individual artistic abilities of the youth and also to learn how to incorporate the arts into study circles. The masks decorated the venue of the gathering, and the young people who made them explained the feelings or specific virtues they sought to express in their masks. NOTE: 'Abdu'l-Baha said that his father, Baha'u'llah, had made the comparison between black people and the pupil of the eye, and 'Abdu'l-Baha himself said, in a letter to the first African American Baha'i, Robert Turner: "Thou art like unto the pupil of the eye which is dark in color, yet it is the fount of light and the revealer of the contingent world." Mr. Turner visited 'Abdu'l-Baha in the Holy Land in 1898-1899. He was the butler of Mrs. Phoebe Hearst, an early Baha'i and mother of the well-known publisher of that name.

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-38.4812772

SAN MARINO CITY

San Marino

Nations large and small receive unity message

Nations large and small receive unity message SAN MARINO — The Heads of State and Government of San Marino have warmly received a message from the Universal House of Justice which calls for decisive action to eradicate religious intolerance and fanaticism in the world. The Captains Regent of San Marino, Mauro Chiaruzzi and Giuseppe Maria Morganti, who have the functions of Head of State and Government, accepted delivery of the message at a ceremony on 20 February 2003. San Marino, which became a member of the United Nations in 1992, is surrounded by Italy. The state religion is Roman Catholicism. The presentation of the message from the governing council of the Baha'i Faith is among the latest in a worldwide distribution of the message begun in May 2002, a delivery so thorough that it has included countries with small populations such as San Marino (population 26,000) as well as the most populous nations such as India (970 million). Religious leaders of many Faiths in countries on all continents have received the document. In Tanzania, for example, the message was presented to President Benjamin William Mkapa, who also holds a position with the Catholic Church, and to some 34 other religious leaders, including the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Islamic Organizations and Institutions, the chairman of the Tanzania Christian Methodist Church, and the chair of the Tanzania Buddhist Association. Some 29 journalists at a press conference also received the message, which has been distributed to more than 560 local religious leaders. Throughout the world, other recipients have included university academics, and media editors and reporters -- with the result that all or part of the message has been published in newspapers in countries as diverse as India, Nicaragua and the Cayman Islands. Example of the Heads of State, government leaders and political representatives to receive the message include: the Queen of the United Kingdom the Queen of Denmark the King of Norway the Governor-General of Jamaica the Prime Minister of Norway the Prime Minister of Mauritius the Minister of Justice of the Democratic Republic of the Congo all members of the New Zealand Parliament The message was presented to the leaders of San Marino by Tabandeh and Sohrab Payman from the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of San Marino, and Lucia Ricco and Julio Savi of the Italian Baha'i community. The April 2002 message points to a general trend towards unity over the last century, noting that prejudices based on gender, race, or nationality have been widely recognized as unacceptable by people everywhere. However, it says that despite humanity's integration on other levels, religious prejudice persists. "Tragically, organized religion, whose very reason for being entails service to the cause of brotherhood and peace, behaves all too frequently as one of the most formidable obstacles in the path; to cite a particular painful fact, it has long lent its credibility to fanaticism." The message urges the leaders of all religions to overcome fanaticism, to transcend claims to exclusivity or finality, and to undertake a wider interfaith dialogue. (The full text of the message can be found on the World Wide Web at: https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20020401_001/1). In response to the message, Dr. Chiaruzzi said the Regency of San Marino was convinced that "the conditions for renouncing all claims of exclusivity or aims of supremacy of human beings over other human beings" had been created and it hoped that what had been said during the meeting with the Baha'i delegation might produce useful opportunities "for the achievement of common goals of justice and solidarity." Usually only one of the Captains Regent makes a speech at such a function, but an exception was made to the protocol. Dr. Morganti expressed his appreciation for the message and said how important justice was and how much it was needed in the world. In return for the message, the Captains Regent presented the delegation with a copy of their New Year message. Mrs. Payman had told the Captains Regent that the Baha'is had felt duty bound to present the message as a tribute to the "San Marino tradition, which for centuries has promoted peace in all its aspects and defended peace within all international organizations." Dr. Ricco emphasized the central theme of the message, the appeal for the unity of religions, and invited the Republic of San Marino through the Captains Regent to "do its part to ensure that religions speed up the process of moving closer to one another." She offered the complete cooperation of the Baha'i community to achieve this aim. Also present at the occasion was the Secretary for Justice of San Marino, Dr. Alberto Cecchetti, and seven Heads of Council (Parliament). The message of the Universal House of Justice was later distributed to all members of Parliament. San Marino radio and television broadcast the entire ceremony and the press also covered the occasion.

43.9363996

12.4466991

SANTA CRUZ

Bolivia

Major teacher training program begins in Bolivia

Major teacher training program begins in Bolivia SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia — Nur University has embarked on a major project to train primary school teachers in Bolivia, with the aim of improving children's reading and writing ability. Nur, a Baha'i-inspired institution, has begun assembling a team of educators to set up and run a pilot program for the training of some 700 primary school teachers. The university is being funded in the work by a two-year grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Officials from the Agency said Nur was awarded the contract because of its regional credibility, experience with training school teachers in rural areas, and innovative approaches to education "One of the things Nur brought was their experience in distance education and their commitment to supporting development in rural Bolivia," said Barbara Knox-Seith of USAID. "They have also worked with teachers who don't have much training." The program, Centers of Excellence in Teacher Training (CETT), was announced in April 2001 by US President George Bush at the Summit of the Americas. It will operate not only in Bolivia but also in 10 other Latin American and Caribbean countries, where counterpart institutions have, like Nur, received contracts. "The Achilles heel of the education reform throughout Latin America has been the whole issue of providing effective reading instruction for children," said Eloy Anello, president of Nur University and coordinator of the program in Bolivia. "If children don't learn to read effectively by the fourth grade, they tend to drop out," Dr Anello said. "The best way to address this is to improve the way we train teachers to teach reading." "So our belief is that, ultimately, this is one of the most effective ways to eliminate illiteracy throughout the Americas," said Dr. Anello. Ultimately, the CETT program aims to train some 15,000 teachers in Latin America and the Caribbean over the course of five years, subject to the availability of funds. The program has been divided into three regions: the Caribbean, Central America, and the Andes. Nur will participate in the Andean regional project, which encompasses the three nations of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. Two other universities in the region, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Peru and Universidad Andina Simon Bolivar in Ecuador, will coordinate the project in those countries. "The idea behind this is to create an innovative teacher training program that will improve teacher ability in the area of reading instruction and, through that, to improve literacy rates," said Dr. Knox-Seith of USAID. Nur, which was founded by Baha'is, is not only helping to develop the basic materials but will also take a leading role in publishing the materials and making them accessible over the Internet, said Dr. Anello. "The Baha'i teachings emphasize the importance of education in developing human potential and promoting social transformation," said Dr. Anello. "Because of this, Nur has committed itself to supporting the educational reforms in Latin America -- and it has concluded that one of the best ways to do this is through teacher training."

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-61.5

HAIFA

Israel

Election of Universal House of Justice under way

Election of Universal House of Justice under way HAIFA, Israel — The members of the Baha'i Faith's national governing councils in 178 countries are participating by postal ballot in the election of their international administrative body. These National Spiritual Assemblies are voting to elect the nine who will serve on the Universal House of Justice, a task they consider to be a sacred privilege. The Universal House of Justice, an institution called for by Baha'u'llah, the Founder of the Faith, was first elected in 1963. Owing to current world conditions, the International Convention at the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa, Israel, which is the normal setting for the election, will not be held. The ballots will be tallied on 29 April 2003 at the Baha'i World Centre here. "Baha'i elections are distinctive," said Mr. Douglas Moore, director of the Baha'i Office of Public Information in Haifa. "They take place without campaigning or nominations." "This election is the only one in the world where the governing body of a major independent world religion is elected directly by delegates chosen by their respective national communities," Mr. Moore said. Elections of the Universal House of Justice occur every five years. The Faith, which has no clergy, is governed by democratically elected councils at the international, national and local levels. The Seat of the Universal House of Justice, located on Mount Carmel, is the home of the Baha'i Faith's international governing body, which will be elected in April by postal ballot by electors in 178 countries.Delegates are guided by the Faith's teachings, which advise them to choose "the names of those who can best combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience." There are about five million Baha'is worldwide. Established in virtually every country, the Baha'i Faith is the second-most widespread independent world religion after Christianity, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica. The Baha'i World Centre in the Acre/Haifa area of Israel has been both the spiritual and administrative center of the Baha'i Faith since Baha'u'llah was exiled there in 1868. The holiest Shrines in the Baha'i world are located in the area.

32.8191218

34.9983856

AUCKLAND

New Zealand

Young orator urges humanity to celebrate diversity

Young orator urges humanity to celebrate diversity AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Diversity in the human race should be welcomed, according to the winner of a speech competition for New Zealand youth. Xavier Black, 17, said in her address that people need to "change how we as human beings...deal with difference and manage our lives." We should see our differences as a cause of celebration rather than as a threat, said Xavier, who is Maori. She delivered her speech in Auckland on 28 March 2003 at the Hedi Moani Memorial Speech Award, an annual competition open to all students in the last three years of high school in New Zealand. The award is sponsored by the Hedi Moani Charitable Trust and the New Zealand Baha'i community. This year the set topic of the speech was "From the head to the heart--beyond tolerance to the celebration of human diversity." The chief judge was the former Race Relations Conciliator for New Zealand, Dr. Rajen Prasad. In her prize-winning address, Xavier, a student at Diocesan School in Auckland, described her experience facing the challenges of integration and being in a minority as being "a gentile in a Jewish primary school, as Maori in descent but not growing up in my iwi (tribe), as a middle-class New Zealand girl with limited Spanish attending a school in a poor part of Madrid." The late Hedi Moani, a member of the New Zealand Baha'i community, in whose honor a speech award was established.Xavier urged individuals to face their fears, develop their sense of belonging, and listen with "generosity in our hearts" in a way that "creates a dialogue and a way forward." People must realize that we are united by our common humanity -- and make a commitment to overcome racism, she said. Xavier, who is not a member of the Baha'i community, won NZ$750 (US$412) and a shield, her school receiving a similar award. The late Mr. Moani, a member of the Baha'i Faith, was a prime mover in the establishment in New Zealand in 1999 of what is now known as Race Relations Day. It is observed on March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. After Mr. Moani's untimely death in 1998 at the age of 54, he was described in his city's daily newspaper, The New Zealand Herald, as "a man of God." A speech award was established to honor him and to mark Race Relations Day. The competition began in 1999 with 19 students representing 14 schools in Auckland and Northland but it has expanded to the extent that this year it attracted 49 students from 31 schools from as far away as the country's South Island.

-36.852095

174.7631803

NEW DELHI

India

First presidential visit to Lotus Temple

First presidential visit to Lotus Temple NEW DELHI — The President of India, Abdul Kalam, visited the Baha'i House of Worship in New Delhi on 18 March 2003, the first official visit there by an Indian Head of State since the Temple was opened in December 1986. Dr. Kalam was joined by Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani and Mrs. Advani, and Defence Minister George Fernandes. The visitors come from three major religious communities in India. Dr Kalam is a Muslim, Mr. and Mrs. Advani are Hindus, and Mr. Fernandes is a Christian. Upon Dr. Kalam's arrival, two children, dressed in gold-braided Sherwani coats, presented him with bouquets. After a brief meeting with representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India and the Continental Board of Counsellors, Dr. Kalam circumambulated the House of Worship as a sign of reverence before entering. Known in India as the Lotus Temple, it is one of the most visited buildings in the world, with an average of three and a half million visitors each year. Among many other prominent visitors to the Temple have been the prime ministers of Norway and Sri Lanka, the president of Iceland, the vice-president of Uruguay, and the Dalai Lama. Defence Minister of India, Mr. George Fernandes (center left) with the choir at the Baha'i House of Worship, India.The Temple has won numerous architectural and engineering awards. It is designed in the shape of a lotus flower, which is beloved in India as a symbol of purity and tenderness -- and of God's Messengers. It is one of seven Baha'i Houses of Worship in the world. The others are in Australia, Germany, Panama, Uganda, the United States and Western Samoa. Each temple has its own distinctive design, incorporating common elements such as a dome and nine entrances, which are symbolic both of the great religions through which humans have gained knowledge of God and of the diversity of the human race and its essential oneness.(For more information on the Lotus Temple see http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/story/89). Upon entering the Temple, Dr. Kalam met choir members. With Mr. and Mrs. Advani and Mr. Fernandes, he listened to a program of prayers and chants. At the completion of the program, Dr. Kalam continued his tour of the Temple, which he described as looking "fantastic". Dr. Kalam carefully read some of the writings of Baha'u'llah placed inside each of the alcoves of the Temple. During his visit Dr. Kalam observed: "Religion has two parts. One is faith; the other is logic and reason. It is important that these two inseparable parts stay together so that religion can help people to have peace of mind. If there is peace of mind, then there will be peace in the family and in the nation." In a visit to the nearby Baha'i public information center, Dr. Kalam showed interest in a display about the Indore-based Barli Development Institute for Rural Women, which focuses on giving poor young women literacy training as well as practical knowledge of health and conservation issues. (For more information see: http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/story/176) He referred to a quotation of 'Abdu'l-Baha regarding the importance of education of girls, and then said: "The education of girls would result in the education of the entire family and is most important in producing good human beings." Dr. Kalam was also given information about the current discourse on science, religion and development being promoted by the Baha'i community. Activities have included a colloquium organized by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India and the Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity, a research organization that works in association with the Baha'i International Community. (http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/story/73) After the President departed, Deputy Prime Minister Advani and Mrs. Advani continued their visit in the public information center. Mr. Advani had attended the 1986 dedication of the House of Worship. He said religion was a powerful ennobling force in society and that it was very important to teach the values of life to children. Defence Minister Fernandes, having agreed to sing in the choir two days later on the Baha'i festival of Naw-Ruz (New Year), practised singing a Christian hymn "Abide with Me". (In Baha'i Houses of Worship, prayers and hymns from all divinely revealed scriptures are welcomed). Mr. Fernandes discussed the relationship of the Baha'i Faith with other religions and was informed that Baha'is believe that the fundamental teachings of all major religions are the same and that they come from the same source. On March 20, Mr. Fernandes performed with the choir as arranged. Among the guests were former Indian Prime Minister I. K. Gujral, India's Attorney-General, Soli Sorabjee, and members of the diplomatic corps. (Report compiled with the assistance of Mrs. Zena Sorabjee, Professor Anil Sarwal, Dr. A.K. Merchant, Mrs. Farida Vahedi and Ms. Naznene Rowhani).

28.6138954

77.2090057

GENEVA

Switzerland

Baha'i International Community disappointed over lack of Iran resolution at the UN

Baha'i International Community disappointed over lack of Iran resolution at the UN GENEVA — The Baha'i International Community today expressed deep disappointment that the UN Commission on Human Rights failed this year to put forward or adopt any kind of resolution on the human rights situation in Iran. Despite a new human rights "dialogue" between Iran and the European Union, human rights violations against Iran's Baha'is are not only continuing but increasing, said the Community. "While, in principle, we support the European Union's 'Human Rights Dialogue' with Iran, we have yet to see any positive results emerging on the ground," said Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations. "Not only has there been no progress, but the persecution of Baha'is in the Islamic Republic of Iran has intensified since the Commission on Human Rights decided last year to suspend its monitoring of the country," said Ms. Dugal. "The arrest and short-term detention of Baha'is has increased; Baha'i teachers and students continue to be harassed; more properties belonging to the Baha'is have been confiscated; and all attempts to obtain redress have been systematically denied," Ms. Dugal said. "As of mid-April, five Baha'is were being held in Iranian prisons because of their religious beliefs." From 1982 to 2001, the Commission each year adopted a resolution expressing concern over the human rights situation in Iran, resolutions which always made special mention of the persecution of the Baha'i community there. Last year, however, the Commission failed to adopt such a resolution. This year, the European Union, the traditional sponsor of the resolution, failed even to put it forward, preferring at this stage to work through the dialogue process on human rights that was initiated last year. The Commission will end its annual session today. "In essence, the Commission and the European Union, have given the Iranian Government a chance to prove its claim that it is committed to improve respect for human rights," said Ms. Dugal. "Iran's response has been far from encouraging." "We believe that the international community must take a stand on Iran's behavior. Accordingly, the Commission's neglect of a resolution that would provide for renewed monitoring of Iran is extremely unfortunate, both for Iran's Baha'is and the international community's reputation as a whole," said Ms. Dugal. Since 1979, when the Islamic Republic of Iran was established, more than 200 Baha'is have been killed or executed in Iran, all solely as a result of religious persecution. Hundreds more have been imprisoned and thousands have lost jobs, pensions and/or access to education. The persecutions reached a peak in the mid-1980s, but lessened after the international community began condemning it through the Commission on Human Rights and in other forums. However, the Baha'i community of Iran remains deprived of its basic rights and Baha'is remain under the continual threat of harassment, imprisonment or worse. Most recently, for example, Mr. Manuchihr Khulusi, a Baha'i in Mashhad, was re-imprisoned in March 2003 for Baha'i activities, following the judgement of the Revolutionary Court in that city.

46.2017559

6.1466014

HAIFA

Israel

Two members of Universal House of Justice leave after 40 years service

Two members of Universal House of Justice leave after 40 years service HAIFA, Israel — Two members of the Universal House of Justice are leaving the Baha'i Faith's international governing council after 40 years service. Mr. Ali Nakhjavani, 83, and Mr. Hushmand Fatheazam, 79, have served in that capacity since the Universal House of Justice was first elected in 1963. Re-elected successively to five-year terms since then, Messrs. Nakhjavani and Fatheazam requested the Universal House of Justice, in November 2002, for permission to resign their office. This was granted but they were requested to continue to serve until the election due this month. This was announced to the Baha'is around the world. Both men had extensive experience in the Faith's activities before their election to the nine-member council, which has its Seat on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. Mr. Nakhjavani was born into a Baha'i family in 1919 and raised in Haifa. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction from the American University of Beirut, he moved to Iran, his ancestral home. He was a member of the national governing council of the Baha'is of Iran, the National Spiritual Assembly, in 1950 and 1951. Mr. Nakhjavani and his family then moved to Uganda in order to assist the development of the Baha'i community there. He worked as a teacher and lecturer. From 1954 to 1961, he was an Auxiliary Board member, an adviser to the Baha'i communities on their development and growth. He also served as the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Central and East Africa from 1956 to 1961. Mr. Nakhjavani moved to Haifa in 1961 after he was elected to the International Baha'i Council, the forerunner to the Universal House of Justice. Mr. Nakhjavani has written numerous articles on aspects of the Baha'i Faith and delivered many talks on its history and teachings. He is married to Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani (nee Banani), and they have two children. Mr. Fatheazam was born into a Baha'i family in Tehran, Iran, in 1924. He obtained Masters degrees in arts from Tehran University and Wiswa Bharati University in India. Mr. Fatheazam worked as a curator at the library of the Faculty of Arts at Tehran University. Following his move to India to assist Baha'i development work there, he held the post of lecturer in Persian literature at Punjab University. He was staff artist at All-India Radio from 1955 to 1963. During that period, he was secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India and was managing director of the Baha'i Publishing Trust, New Delhi. A poet, author and playwright, he wrote an introduction to the Baha'i Faith, The New Garden, which has been translated into some 109 languages. He has presented numerous lectures on the Baha'i Faith. He is married to Mrs. Shafiqih Fatheazam (nee Farzar-Asdagh) and they have three children, one deceased.

32.8191218

34.9983856

HAIFA

Israel

Baha'i Community elects international governing council

Baha'i Community elects international governing council HAIFA, Israel — The Baha'i community, identified in the Encyclopaedia Britannica as the second most widespread of the world's independent religions, after Christianity, today elected the nine members of its international governing council, the Universal House of Justice. Altogether 1544 electors, themselves having been elected by the Baha'i membership in 178 national communities, chose the following nine persons for the forthcoming five-year term: Peter Khan, Farzam Arbab, Hooper Dunbar, Glenford Mitchell, Douglas Martin, Ian Semple, Kiser Barnes, Hartmut Grossmann, Firaydoun Javaheri. The Faith, which has no clergy, administers its affairs through democratically elected councils at the international, national and local levels. Baha'i elections take place without campaigning or nominations, the results being determined by plurality vote. Electors are guided by the Faith's teachings, which advise each person to vote, independently and in the privacy of his or her own conscience, for "the names of those who can best combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience." There are about five million Baha'is worldwide. Prominent among the Faith's teachings are racial oneness, the equality of men and women, and the unity and harmony of the world's religions. The Baha'i World Centre in the Acre/Haifa area of modern day Israel has been both the spiritual and administrative centre of the Faith since its Founder, Baha'u'llah, was exiled there by the Ottoman Empire in 1868. The Seat of the Universal House of Justice, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel. The Baha'i Community elected the nine members of the Universal House of Justice on 29 April 2003.

32.8191218

34.9983856

HAIFA

Israel

Two new members join Universal House of Justice

Two new members join Universal House of Justice HAIFA, Israel — Two new members, Mr. Hartmut Grossmann and Dr. Firaydoun Javaheri, are among the nine recently elected to the Universal House of Justice in a postal ballot for the Baha'i Faith's worldwide administrative body. Both had been serving at the Baha'i World Centre as Counsellor members of the International Teaching Centre. The ballots for the election were tallied here on 29 April by 19 members of National Spiritual Assemblies brought from all continents to Haifa for that purpose. Mr. Grossmann, born in Germany, has academic qualifications in the German and English languages. He served on the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Baha'is of Germany (1963 to 1969) and Finland (1977 to 1980). He was a university academic in Finland. Mr. Grossmann was appointed a Continental Counsellor in 1980, advising Baha'i communities throughout Europe in their growth and development. Dr. Javaheri, who was born in Iran, has a doctorate in agronomy. He lived for 27 years in Africa -- Gambia then Zambia -- where he was Chief Technical Adviser for the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. He served the Baha'i communities there in the area of social and economic development. He was appointed a Continental Counsellor in 1995 after serving for 19 years as a member of its Auxiliary Board. Other members of the Universal House of Justice are: Dr. Farzam Arbab, born in Iran, obtained his doctorate in physics at the University of California, Berkeley. He was the representative for the Rockefeller Foundation in Colombia (1974 to 1983) and the president of the FUNDAEC development foundation there. He was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Colombia and a Continental Counsellor before being appointed to the International Teaching Centre. He was first elected to the Universal House of Justice in 1993. Mr. Kiser Barnes was born in the United States, and holds degrees in political science and law. He practiced law and held senior positions in human rights organizations and in labor relations in the United States, before moving to Africa where he held senior academic posts at universities in Benin, Togo and Nigeria. He was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Benin, an Auxiliary Board member and a Continental Counsellor until appointed to the International Teaching Centre in 1993. He was elected to the Universal House of Justice in 2000. Mr. Hooper Dunbar, born in the United States, was a film actor in Hollywood before moving to Central and South America where he taught arts and English. He is an accomplished painter. He was first elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Nicaragua in 1961. He later served as a Continental Counsellor before being appointed to the International Teaching Centre in 1973. He was first elected to the Universal House of Justice in 1988. Dr. Peter Khan, born in Australia, held professorial posts in electrical engineering at universities in the United States and Australia. He served as an Auxiliary Board member, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia, and a Continental Counsellor before being appointed to the International Teaching Centre. He was first elected to the Universal House of Justice in 1987. Mr. Douglas Martin, born in Canada, holds degrees in business administration and in history, and is an author and editor. He was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Canada, serving as its chief executive officer from 1965 to 1985 when he was appointed director-general of the Office of Public Information at the Baha'i World Centre. He was elected to the Universal House of Justice in 1993. Mr. Glenford Mitchell, born in Jamaica, holds a Masters degree in journalism from Columbia University. An author, he has worked as a magazine editor and managing editor, and taught English and journalism at Howard University. He served as chief executive officer of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States from 1968 until elected to the Universal House of Justice in 1982. Mr. Ian Semple, born in England, holds a Master of Arts degree in the German and French languages and literature from Oxford University. A chartered accountant, he served on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the British Isles. He was an Auxiliary Board member in Europe and was elected to the International Baha'i Council in 1961. He was first elected to the Universal House of Justice in 1963.

32.8191218

34.9983856

OXFORD

United Kingdom

Vigorous promoter of the Faith served with "exemplary zeal"

Vigorous promoter of the Faith served with "exemplary zeal" OXFORD, England — A distinguished member of the international Baha'i community, Mr. David Hofman, 94, died on 9 May 2003 in England. Mr. Hofman was one of the nine elected members of the Universal House of Justice when that institution came into being in 1963. He presented the first statement from the supreme Baha'i administrative body in April that year to the World Congress in London. Twenty-nine years later, in 1992, he delivered the opening address to the second Baha'i World Congress in New York, an event attended by some 30,000 people. He served as a member of the Universal House of Justice for 25 years, until he left in 1988 at the age of 80. On 11 May 2003, the Universal House of Justice sent a message to National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world in which they spoke of how Mr. Hofman, "a vigorous promoter of the Faith for nigh on seven decades", had served the Faith with "exemplary zeal in Canada, the United States, the British Isles, the World Centre and, finally, to the last reserves of his strength, as a traveling teacher throughout the world." "He will be remembered," the Universal House of Justice said, "for an adamantine loyalty to the Cause, an unfailing response to the call and guidance of the Guardian and the Universal House of Justice, a central role in the advancement of the British Baha'i community and the launching of the brilliant Africa Campaign, and his outstanding contributions to Baha'i literature both as an author and a publisher." "His life was crowned by twenty-five years of distinguished service as a member of the Universal House of Justice from 1963 to 1988." When asked in 1997 about his experience as a member of the supreme Baha'i body for so many years he said: "When you have experienced true consultation, there is nothing else like it." Mr. Hofman added that in his time on the Universal House of Justice there were only two or three times when a vote had to be taken. Mr. Hofman founded the publishing house George Ronald, which specializes in Baha'i books. It has published editions containing the Sacred Baha'i Writings, and works by Hands of the Cause Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum, Hasan Balyuzi, Ugo Giachery, William Sears and George Townshend, and Universal House of Justice member, the late Adib Taherzadeh. Mr. Hofman was a prolific and highly regarded author on Baha'i topics. His books include a portrait of the life of Baha'u'llah, and a major biography of the Hand of the Cause George Townshend. He was the publisher, literary executor and close friend of Mr. Townshend. His introduction to the Baha'i Faith, "The Renewal of Civilization" was first published in 1946 but was revised and reprinted some nine times from then until 1992. The book was translated into six languages. Mr. Hofman also wrote a children's book, "God and His Messengers"; a 1950 commentary on the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha (with a 1982 epilogue), and a compilation about 'Abdu'l-Baha from the notes of George Townshend. His statement on the aims and purposes of the Baha'i Faith made a regular appearance in volumes of "The Baha'i World", an official international record of Baha'i activities throughout the world. A British citizen, Mr. Hofman was in Montreal Canada when in 1933 he became interested in the Baha'i Faith through meeting prominent Baha'is Sutherland Maxwell and his wife, May. In an interview in 1997, he said that he had been an atheist with his own theory on how to create a new world order. The bright new future he saw for the planet had no place for God in it. Mrs. Maxwell said to him: "You think you believe that--but you don't." More than six decades later, he said he recalled with absolute clarity the feeling her statement created with him. "I felt as if I were split down the middle," he recalled. Half of him believed what he was saying but the other half knew she was right. He had to make a choice. He became a Baha'i. After touring North America, he settled in Los Angeles, where he intended to become a film actor and served on the Local Spiritual Assembly. There he met Miss Marion Holley, who was later to become his wife. In January 1936 he arrived back in England, was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly and, at the following National Convention, became its Secretary, while continuing to pursue his career as an actor. With brief intervals he served on the National Assembly for 27 years. In 1937 he was for a time the only male announcer on BBC television. Shortly after the outbreak of World War II he was drafted into the National Fire Service and, when he was invalided out in 1943 he returned to the theatre. After a nine-year engagement Marion joined David in 1945 and they were married in England. They moved then to Northampton to establish a Baha'i community and in 1948 went to Birmingham for the same reason. They carried out similar work when they went to live in Oxford and then, as part of the Faith's 10-year expansion plan between 1953 and 1963, they established Baha'i communities in Cardiff and Watford. Upon their departure from the Holy Land in 1988, the Hofmans settled in Steeple Aston in England where they served on the Local Spiritual Assembly together. They later moved to Oxford. In his later years, Mr. Hofman traveled widely, meeting with Baha'i communities, where he was admired as a brilliant public speaker, for his deep knowledge of the Baha'i Faith, his energy and for his warm, inclusive personality. He also met public officials and leaders of thought in many countries, including, for example, Australia and Canada. The secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United Kingdom, Barney Leith, said Mr. Hofman had a "long life of illustrious Baha'i service." Mr. Leith said Mr. Hofman had been admitted to hospital last week. Some Baha'is visited him in hospital and were with him until just before he passed away at 1a.m. Funeral arrangements would be made in due course, Mr. Leith said. The Hofmans had two children, May and Mark. Mrs. Hofman, a highly regarded editor, died in 1995. Mr. Hofman later remarried. Mr. Hofman is survived by his wife Kathleen, his children and grandchildren. The Universal House of Justice has advised the Baha'i world to hold memorial gatherings in his honor in all Houses of Worship and throughout the Baha'i community.

51.7520131

-1.2578499

HAMILTON

Canada

Ideals inspire medical innovator

Ideals inspire medical innovator HAMILTON, Canada — Mehran Anvari first discovered his love for surgery in high school while dissecting frogs and other small animals. "I was pretty good in dissection class, and I felt this was something I really enjoyed," said the 43-year-old Canadian physician. "I remember we did dogfish, we did frogs, we did rats." Dr. Anvari has come a long way from carving up specimens preserved in formaldehyde. The founder and director of the Center for Minimal Access Surgery (CMAS) at McMaster University here, he is among the world's leading practitioners of laparoscopic surgery. "The layman's term is 'keyhole' surgery," said Dr. Anvari, describing where the surgeon operates through a small incision via a long slender tube (usually equipped with miniature video camera) that allows him to see and work inside the body. Such "minimally invasive" surgery causes less trauma to the patient, allowing faster healing and lowering the probability of post-operative infection. Recently, Dr. Anvari broke new ground when he used a specially configured laparoscopic robot, which measured and then precisely transmitted the movements of his hands and fingers, to operate on a patient some 400 kilometers away, in North Bay, Ontario. Performed on 28 February 2003, it was the world's first hospital-to-hospital operation of this kind. Dr. Mehran Anvari, left, using a specialized robot performs an historic operation via telerobotics. (Courtesy St. Joseph's Healthcare)Dr. Anvari credits his practice of the Baha'i Faith in part for providing him with the inspiration and motivation for effort. "It is the global outlook, given to me by the Faith, that has stirred me to do this kind of work," he said. A science fiction dream, such "telerobotic" surgery has been long talked about for use in outer space and at remote outposts. And Dr. Anvari and others believe it has great potential not only in Canada but in the developing world. "It is a tremendously exciting thing he has done," said Dr. William Orovan, chair of the department of surgery at McMaster. "It has huge applications in a country like Canada, which has a small population scattered over a wide area. It brings first-rate surgical care to remote communities." Dr. Anvari views his work as much more than simply a high technology platform for doing delicate operations at a distance. In related endeavors to develop and promote "telementoring" -- in which he "looks over the shoulder" of another surgeon via video relay and guides him or her by voice -- Dr. Anvari hopes to be of service to the entire human race. Though founded just four years ago, more than 500 doctors have received training at CMAS -- and at least 50 have been from outside Canada, coming from countries as far away as India, China, and Russia. "The Baha'i ideals have given me very much clarity about the fact that we live in a world that is very connected, and I believe it is important to look not only at what you can do to help yourself, but at what you can do to help others," said Dr. Anvari. His activities as a Baha'i are also responsible, at least in part, for his interest in telerobotics. Until last year, he served on a Baha'i committee charged with spreading the Baha'i teachings to all parts of Canada, something that often took him as far as the Arctic Circle. "Because of my Baha'i activities, I had a chance to travel to many parts of Canada -- and around the world -- and I saw the need across the country, and globally, for improved surgery and health care," said Dr. Anvari. Born in Iran, Dr. Anvari was raised in a family where both parents were involved in the medical profession and he had always been interested in medicine and patient care. "But I found I enjoyed working with my hands, and so I specialized in surgery." Dr. Anvari's breakthrough came about by combining advances in information technology with laparoscopic robotics, enabling him to do delicate surgery at a distance. "All I did was to think about a way to put things together, things that exist in other health care settings," he said. The operation was widely reported. Articles were carried in the Toronto Star, the National Post, the Globe and Mail, and the Toronto Sun. As well, TIME Canada, CBC Radio and TV, CTV, and Global have reported on Dr. Anvari's efforts. "The robotic surgery attracts a lot of attention because it is new and very 'Star Wars'-ish," said Dr. Anvari. "But a very important and critical aspect of our work is focused on establishing new centers in other countries, in training other surgeons, and in providing mentoring and telementoring." CMAS is currently exploring setting up collaborative programs with medical centers in Haiti, Yemen, and Uganda. "We have learned a number of things here that can help improve the quality of health in many countries," said Dr. Anvari.

43.2560802

-79.8728583

HAIFA

Israel

Video team creates a moving experience

Video team creates a moving experience HAIFA, Israel — It was the night of the world premiere at the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa. The theatre lights dimmed and the screening began. As the opening scenes unfolded it was clear the production team had a hit on its hands. The name of the video production, "Building Momentum," could not have been more apt. The excitement of the audience grew as it was taken on a visual journey from a dynamic Baha'i community on one continent, to a counterpart on another, then another and another. Intakes of breath, laughter at the right moments and palpable waves of emotion began rippling through the theatre. The video was portraying groups of Baha'i communities (called "clusters") who were following the guidance of the Universal House of Justice to build the capacity of individuals through study circles, and to hold devotional meetings and children's classes with participation from anyone who wanted to join, whether Baha'i or not. The video opened among the greenery of Zambia and closed in the lowlands of Nepal, and on the way took its viewers on a trip through Canada, Italy, Malaysia, Australia and Colombia. The story showed an energetic worldwide religious community on the move, with individuals and groups enthused about taking charge of their own spiritual and material development and welcoming the participation not only of Baha'is but of people from other faiths or with no particular religious affiliation. By the end of the trip the audience was invigorated. This was a premiere in the Holy Land, not Hollywood, but that did not stop people rising to their feet at the end of the performance and calling for the team to take a bow. Emerging reluctantly into the spotlight of attention were May Taherzadeh, 26, from South Africa; Naysan Naraqi, 28, from Papua New Guinea; and Ryan Lash, 25, of Canada. Absent that night were their mentors, United States filmmakers Mark and Suzanne Bamford, who are based in South Africa. Mr. Bamford guided the team throughout by phone and email and helped them with the final version. Mrs. Bamford, a scriptwriter, contributed significantly to the development of the video. The team members said they ensured they took an ethical approach to their work, that everything was genuinely happening. The type of production did not emphasize any particular culture, nor was any country favored. The order of appearance was for story reasons and not in the order of filming or to show that one was more advanced than others. All clusters, in fact, were carrying out all activities but for the purposes of the film each was shown attending to just some of them. Devotional meetings in Australia enhance spirituality. (Photo: Ryan Lash)The team said they wanted to film more than just people talking or being involved in their activities. "We wanted to capture their joyfulness and spirit," said Ms. Taherzadeh. So what was their impression of the Baha'i world? Ms. Taherzadeh said it was if all the documents of the Universal House of Justice had come to life. "People were talking about their area's level of growth and development, having reflection meetings, and carrying out the study circles, children's classes, devotional meetings." She said she had witnessed the truth of the assertion that the Baha'i community had "unity in thought, cohesion in their work." Mr. Naraqi and Mr. Lash said they were impressed that the Baha'is were concentrating on blurring the lines between people who were and who were not Baha'i, that many people from outside the Baha'i community were becoming involved in Baha'i activities, getting in touch with the message of Baha'u'llah. Ms. Taherzadeh said she observed everywhere that Baha'is were taking responsibility for themselves." People had started to say, 'I can do it'," she said. In one scene, a chief in Zambia, resplendent in his yellow robes, explained how he decided to forego his entitlement to be an autocrat in his village in order to participate in unrestricted consultation, the women participating alongside the men. In scenes shot in other countries, the film showed residents of large urban centers enlivening their devotional meetings by the use of the arts, and inviting neighbors to join with them in prayer and reflection. Although people portrayed in one country may have come from a different social class, educational level and ethnic background than those in another, their enjoyment of study circles seemed to be at the same high level. In Nepal, the people decided to build a school and set up their own bank -- and went ahead and did just that. For the production team it had been an inspiring but grueling eight months of unremitting work in preparing for the task, shooting the video in the seven countries, "logging" (annotating minute by minute) the video on plane journeys and attending the myriad other tasks involved. Their deadline was April 2003. "Eight months was a very tight time frame," said Ms. Taherzadeh, who had previously worked on other Baha'i productions in Africa and the United States. "We only had four days off and that was in the Holy Land on the (Baha'i) holy days." Mr. Naraqi, who left his position as a CNN producer to work on the production, agreed that it had been a demanding workload. "We were in each country an average of two weeks," he said. The schedules had been prepared by Continental Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members so that the team could hit the ground running and attend to a rigid schedule of interviews. "It was my first project of this scope," said Mr. Lash, whose professional background includes working as freelance photographer on assignments for the New York Times in West Africa. With 25 hours of footage from each country having to be reduced to about five minutes, the editing workload was immense. The time available for that task, instead of being the usual three times that taken for filming, was reduced to a one to one ratio. "One thing we decided before we set out," said Ms. Taherzadeh, "was this project can't be a successful one if we are not united. That is what kept us going -- unity. We also always referred to the messages of the Universal House of Justice, that was our reference point." Prayer was a constant source of strength. She said that as they went along the team members learned and strengthened their skills. Their own development as film makers ran in a parallel to the very theme of the video, which looked at how the skills and capacities of ordinary Baha'is grew as they studied together and put into practice what they learned. They decided to share roles as director, camera operator, editor, and scriptwriter. "We were strict about the fact that we did not give people prepared questions," Mr. Naraqi said. "We wanted them to speak from the heart." The video has versions with subtitles in English, French and Spanish, and an "international version" with no subtitles so that individual countries can place their own language on the video. The team had decided not to use a narrator but to let the people speak for themselves. Ms. Taherzadeh said the use of subtitles instead of voice-over allowed people to have their own voice. "They are creators of their own story," she said. "Their own voices should be heard -- that's what was important." Screenings of the video are taking place at national Baha'i conventions throughout the world in May 2003 and thereafter in Baha'i communities.

32.8191218

34.9983856

PSAR LEUR

Cambodia

Festival attracts crowds of children

Festival attracts crowds of children PSAR LEUR, Cambodia — Children and youth came in record numbers to a Cambodian Baha'i festival which attracted high praise from government officials. "In the previous year only 400 children attended the festival but this year we decided to invite 300 more," said Mr. Kanna Baran, one of the organizers of the Festival held on 30 March 2003 at the Psar Leur Baha'i Center in Battambang. "Eventually, however, some 1050 arrived," he said. The event is held to create an opportunity for children and youth of all social classes to meet each other and also to give provincial authorities an overview of the Baha'i educational program for children. Although organizers were surprised at the big turnout, they coped well. The 15 volunteers in the kitchens stepped up their efforts and managed to provide everyone not only with a breakfast but a satisfying lunch as well. It was a festival in which children presented stories about 'Abdu'l-Baha, recited quotations from the Baha'i Writings, made drawings and displayed their art, performed traditional Khmer music and dance, and played games together. Among the senior government officials present was the Director of the Battambang Education Department, Mr. Khuon Chhoeut, who delivered an address in which he said he was proud and excited to have been invited to attend. Officials pay tribute to Baha'i children's classes.First, he praised the education provided by other religions in Cambodia, and then he focused on the Baha'i community. "For children and youth, becoming Baha'i is really a very good thing. If all the children would follow and obey this religion then it is a very great thing," he said. "All religions have their Holy Writings and all are good, especially when we know how to protect ourselves from fighting and quarrelling." "To have progress and development in our region, you should follow and obey what is found in the Holy Writings, observe and follow them properly to make all of you good citizens in this country and the whole world." The director's sentiments were echoed and added to by the Director of Religions Affairs for Battambang, Mr. Dy Somaly. "I would like to thank all of you who helped in spreading the Baha'i Faith in the province of Battambang, in educating the youth and the children, thereby making them good children, as what one of the Khmer proverb says: 'The young bamboo shoots replace the old ones.' Therefore children and youth must become good people." No religion guides people to be bad, he told the children, so they must remember that all religions are good and that they should never argue with believers of other faiths. Among the Baha'i guests were four members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Cambodia and two Auxiliary Board members. The festival ended with an exchange of flowers and gifts. The Festival in Battambang followed another successful children's festival held in Saang on 27 March 2003. That event attracted 400 participants.

DERRY

Northern Ireland

Mayor opens new center

Mayor opens new center DERRY, Northern Ireland — The mayor of Derry, Councillor Kathleen McCloskey, officially opened a new Baha'i center in the city on 1 May 2003. "Your community adds to the richness and diversity of life within this city and I look forward to many more years of Baha'i involvement and good work within the wider community," said Councillor McCloskey. "Important contributions have been made by the local Baha'i community on the proposed appointment of a Commissioner for Children, and the community has also done sterling work in the struggle to overcome racism, discrimination and prejudice within our city" she said. The city known variously as Derry and Londonderry is in the north-west of Northern Ireland.

54.9978678

-7.3213056

BUDAPEST

Hungary

Dancers perform at book fair

Dancers perform at book fair BUDAPEST, Hungary — The Hungarian Baha'i Dance Workshop, Puzzle, performed at the 10th International Book Fair in Budapest. The fair, held from 24 to 27 April 2003, attracted 60, 000 visitors. Some themes of their performance were the equality of men and women and the need to eliminate racial prejudice. Baha'i representatives met Gabor Gorgey, Hungary's Minister of National Cultural Heritage, Gabor Demszky, the Mayor of Budapest, and prominent Peruvian writer, Mario Vargas Llosa.

47.4979937

19.0403594

NICOSIA

Cyprus

Reunited after three decades

Reunited after three decades NICOSIA, Cyprus — Baha'is from the north and south of Cyprus met on 27 April 2003 when they were permitted to cross the demarcation line that had divided the island for three decades. The event followed the decision by the Turkish Cypriot authorities to lift the ban on travel across the cease-fire line. Some 60 Turkish and Greek Baha'is held a devotional meeting together at the Baha'i center in Nicosia.

35.1748976

33.3638568

SHILLONG

India

Training for HIV prevention

Training for HIV prevention SHILLONG, India — A Baha'i-inspired NGO has provided health training for secondary school teachers in Shillong, North East India. The objective of the program organized by the Foundation for Global Education and Development was to help teachers improve the awareness of students about HIV prevention. The 30 participants took part in sessions in February 2003 focusing on the importance of moral values in the education of youth and the importance of moral leadership in family life.

25.5760446

91.8825282

WILMETTE

ILLINOIS

United States

Golden anniversary for temple of light

Golden anniversary for temple of light WILMETTE, IL, United States — It was partly a celebration of architecture. And partly a celebration of the spirit. In ceremonies commemorating the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Baha'i House of Worship here in May, participants spoke of the building's beautiful and unique design and of the great sacrifices that were made to see it realized. "It was such a dream of the Baha'is of the world to build this temple," said Fariborz Sahba, telling of how contributions, many of them very small, came in from Baha'is in many nations in the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s, when the building's main structure was erected. An architect himself, and designer of the Baha'i House of Worship in India, Mr. Sahba gave the keynote address at the official 50th anniversary commemoration at the Temple on 17 May 2003. "This is the Temple that all the Baha'is of the world claim ownership of," said Mr. Sahba, "and they love it. But this is not only for the Baha'is -- it is a Temple that belongs to the people of the world." That ideal is reflected in the fact that the Temple is one of the most visited buildings in the greater Chicago region, receiving more than 230,000 visitors a year. "The Baha'i Temple is nationally recognized," said Maria Berg-Stark, executive director of Chicago's North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau. "And it is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the area." A springtime celebration for the House of Worship. (Photo: Vladimir Shilov)Much of the reason for the interest is the Temple's unique and beautiful design. The architect was Louis Bourgeois, a Baha'i of Canada. Sited on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan north of Chicago, the House of Worship is shaped like a large circular bell, with nine sides and nine doors. Some 58 meters in height, and with a seating capacity for nearly 1,200 people, the Temple is built of white concrete, much of it cast in ornamental patterns that allow light to stream in from every angle. "The design represents the first time an architect was able to bring light in through the walls and dome of a building with ornamentation," said Robert Armbruster, an architect and engineer who is currently managing a project to repair the monumental steps that ring the Temple. The design is also highly symbolic, with nine doors open to every direction and light streaming in from all around. "It is one of the fundamental symbols of unity that we have," said Jacqueline Left Hand Bull, vice chair of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. "It is a symbol of unity because it is open to everyone to pray there. "And the architecture itself symbolizes unity with its nine entrances, drawing people in from all directions to a central point," said Ms. Left Hand Bull. In addition to the public commemoration on 17 May, which was attended by more than 250 people, the 50th anniversary was also celebrated in a ceremony for Baha'is on 3 May. That day more closely marked the date -- 2 May 1953 -- when the Temple was completed and opened to the public. The National Spiritual Assembly also commissioned a video/multi-media presentation, titled "The Dawning Place," which recounts the long process of building the Temple. One of seven Baha'i Houses of Worship in the world, the Wilmette Temple is the oldest of them all, and the first Temple to be built in the West. The world's first Baha'i House of Worship was built in Ashkhabad (also known as Ashgabat and Ishqabad), in Russian Turkistan (now Turkmenistan), but it was later confiscated by the Soviet government, and, in 1962, destroyed after severe damage in an earthquake. The cornerstone for the Wilmette House of Worship was laid by 'Abdu'l-Baha in 1912. "Temples are the symbols of the divine uniting force," said 'Abdu'l-Baha, who led the Baha'i Faith from 1892 to 1921. "That is why Baha'u'llah has commanded that a place of worship be built for all the religionists of the world; that all religions, races and sects may come together within its universal shelter." A design for the building was chosen in 1920 and confirmed by 'Abdu'l-Baha in 1921. Over the next three decades, as Baha'is raised funds, the building was gradually constructed. Today, it stands as a beacon of multi-religious and multi-cultural unity, a fact testified to by the many visitors it draws each year. "We think that God is one in the world and you can talk with Him in other churches too," said Iryna Turshyn, a Christian from Ukraine, who visited the Wilmette Temple with a friend in May. "This church is like a 'union' church. It's for everybody."

42.0757315

-87.7193768

LONDON

United Kingdom

Award winner links science and spirituality

Award winner links science and spirituality LONDON — A British neuroscientist who has received a major award says there is a connection between her spiritual beliefs and her understandings of the workings of the human brain. Professor Faraneh Vargha-Khadem outlined her views in an interview after being named Professional of the Year in the Asian Women of Achievement Awards 2003. She received her award on 8 May 2003 from one of the award's patrons, the eminent lawyer Cherie Booth, who is the wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Professor Vargha-Khadem, a member of the Baha'i Faith, said that as a neuroscientist she came to recognize the significance of the Baha'i teachings on the brain, the mind and spirituality. "With more experience, I recognized their interconnection," said Professor Vargha-Khadem, head of the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Unit at the Institute of Child Health at University College London. "I became aware of how the working brain is a reflection of the individual's unique spiritual endowments. "As we learn more about the way the brain functions and the mind operates, we see more and more distinctions between the mind of the human being and the mind of the animal, and these distinctions are really of a spiritual nature. Professor Faraneh Vargha-Khadem."Our differences, even though they may have a biological basis, really are a reflection of something that is inherent to the capacity of the human mind, which is a reflection of a spiritual being." A consultant in neuropsychology at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Professor Vargha-Khadem recently published the results of research on how brain damage can lead to serious anti-social behavior in puberty and adulthood. Her research in collaboration with a team of scientists has culminated in the discovery of the first gene associated with speech and language. Further recent work on childhood amnesia has drawn international recognition and has led to new models of how the brain stores and retrieves different types of memories. Born in Iran, Professor Vargha-Khadem completed her studies in 1979 at McGill University in Montreal and the University of Massachusetts. In 1983 she took up a faculty research position at the Institute of Child Health in London, where she has been working ever since. Professor Vargha-Khadem comes from a distinguished Baha'i family. Her father, Dr. Ali-Muhammad Varqa, is a Hand of the Cause, an appointment of high spiritual rank in the Baha'i Faith. The Asian Women of Achievement Awards, sponsored by major corporations, were launched in 1999 to recognize the accomplishments and contributions that Asian women have made to wider society in the United Kingdom. There are eight categories. Award judge Professor Brian Gazzard, of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, stated: "Professor Vargha-Khadem's achievements are truly outstanding both in the field of science and in the field of understanding the importance of mental health to child development." "This award is significant for two reasons," Professor Vargha-Khadem said, "firstly because it recognizes the contribution of women but also those of ethnic minorities." The Asian Women of Achievement Awards acknowledge the individual efforts and the accomplishments of Asian women working in the commercial, professional, artistic and humanitarian sectors in the United Kingdom. The shortlist for Professional of the Year section of the awards also included an educational economist, a pediatric surgeon, and a film producer who is a women's rights activist.

51.5073219

-0.1276474

BRUSSELS

Belgium

Exhibition opens in Europe

Exhibition opens in Europe BRUSSELS — A special exhibition highlighting the contribution to social harmony made by Baha'i communities in Europe was officially opened today at the main building of the European Parliament here. Hosted by the Parliament, the display is titled "The Baha'i International Community: Promoting Unity in Diversity throughout Europe for over a Century." It will grace the Parliament building's main foyer until 13 June 2003. The display was officially opened by Jean Lambert, a member of the European Parliament who sponsored it, at a reception in the Parliament Building. More than 200 people, including Ana Palacio, the Foreign Minister of Spain, a number of members of the Parliament, and many other prominent people, attended the reception. In addition, about 90 people attended an address given by Professor Suheil Bushrui on "The Ethics of Globalization," as part of the day's events. Prof. Bushrui holds the Baha'i Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland. Composed of 14 panels, the display tells the story in words and photographs of how the Baha'i communities of Europe have sought to promote peace, cross-cultural integration, religious tolerance, and business ethics through a variety of concrete projects and actions. Socrates Maanian, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Greece introduces the exhibition to Efstratios Korakas, a member of the European Parliament. (Photo: European Parliament)"Many people in Europe, especially its leaders, are very familiar with the persecution that Baha'is have faced in Iran," said Silvia Frohlich, a representative of the Swiss Baha'i community who assisted the Paris branch of the Baha'i International Community's Office of Public Information in the design of the display. "This exhibition aims to show the degree to which the Baha'i communities of Europe are involved with the life of society at large, and are seeking to promote and contribute to social progress on a number of fronts," said Ms. Frohlich. "We think many people will be surprised by the kinds of projects and activities Baha'is are engaged in throughout Europe." The display, for example, takes note of projects like "The Institute for Social Cohesion," which was established in 2001 by the Baha'i community of the United Kingdom to promote a discourse on how to improve cross-cultural harmony. It also highlights the Baha'i International Community's innovative collaboration with the European Union's Royaumont Process, which aims to strengthen stability and inter-ethnic communication in Southeastern Europe. There are well-established Baha'i communities -- headed by national-level governing councils -- in all 15 member nations of the European Union, as well as in the 10 new nations which are scheduled to join the EU in 2004. "Baha'is are convinced of the necessity of international collaboration and support the principles underlying the European Union," said the head of the Paris branch of the Baha'i International Community's Office of Public Information, Christine Samandari, who noted that the Baha'i Faith was first established in Europe in 1898. Baha'is reside in more than 6,000 localities throughout Europe, and they have established some 976 locally elected governing councils, which administer their communities at the local level. They have national governing bodies in 37 European countries and territories.

50.8465573

4.351697

HAIFA

Israel

Visitors to Terraces number 1.4 million

Visitors to Terraces number 1.4 million HAIFA, Israel — Nearly one and a half million people have visited the garden terraces surrounding the Shrine of the Bab on Mount Carmel since they were first opened to the public on 4 June 2001. The vast majority of the 1.4 million visitors have been from Israel, which has a population of six and a half million. The terraces are one of the top tourist attractions in the country. Releasing the figures, Guided Tours Operation manager Eliza Rasiwala said more than 380,000 of the visitors had taken pre-reserved guided tours. The tours, provided by the Baha'i World Centre, are free of charge. Guided tours take visitors down either the upper or lower sections of the 19 terraced gardens. Casual visitors may visit Terrace 19, the gardens immediately adjacent to the Shrine of the Bab, and the entrance plaza to the terraces at the foot of the mountain. Ms. Rasiwala said there had been more than 9,700 tours since they first began two years ago. About 25 Israeli university students, who are trained and paid for their services, lead most of the tours but there are also some full-time professional guides, she said. Guides who lead tours of the Terraces.The guides come from Jewish, Christian, Islamic and Druze backgrounds. Tours are also accompanied by support guides, some of whom are Baha'i World Centre staff members volunteering in their off-hours. At present tours are available in Hebrew, Arabic, English, Russian and Spanish. Israeli staff take reservations by phone. For more stories and photographs of the terraces and tours see http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/story/134 and also http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/terraces.

32.8191218

34.9983856

NEW YORK

United States

Baha'i UN Representative elected to head women's committee

Baha'i UN Representative elected to head women's committee NEW YORK — The principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations was yesterday elected to chair a major committee on women's issues. Bani Dugal will serve for two years at the UN in New York as Chair of the non-governmental organizations' Committee on the Status of Women. Then she will be eligible for a second two-year term. As Chair of the Committee, Ms. Dugal will work with all departments at the United Nations to promote the advancement of women and girls and the equality of women and men. "Each of the UN agencies has a person assigned as a 'gender focal point,' and our goal is to work closely with them to ensure that gender concerns are mainstreamed into all policies," said Ms. Dugal. "In particular, we want to focus on promoting the concept of partnership between women and men, and the role of men and boys in the advancement of women and girls," Ms. Dugal said. Bani Dugal, the new chair of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women at the United Nations."Another issue we hope to focus on is peace and security and post-conflict resolution," Ms. Dugal said. "We want to see women represented at the peace table, and in the post-conflict work, in such places as Afghanistan, Iraq, and other countries." Ms. Dugal was elected by acclamation at the Committee's annual meeting. Previously, she served as the Committee's vice-chair. The Committee is composed of about 200 international non-governmental organizations, and networks with hundreds more around the world. In March, Bani Dugal was appointed Principal Representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations. Ms. Dugal had been serving as interim Principal Representative, since Techeste Ahderom completed his duties in 2001. Ms. Dugal came to the Baha'i International Community in 1994, and for many years served as Director of the Community's Office for the Advancement of Women. A native of India, where she practiced law before coming to the United States, Ms. Dugal holds a Masters in Environmental Law from Pace University School of Law in New York. The Baha'i International Community has long been active in the Committee's work. Mary Power, who was director of the Community's Office for the Advancement of Women until her retirement in 1997, served as the Committee's chair from 1991 to 1995. In that position, Ms. Power also served on the Global NGO Facilitating Committee, which organized the NGO Forum on Women, held in Huairou, China from 30 August to 8 September 1995, in parallel with the UN Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing in September 1995.

40.7127281

-74.0060152

HAIFA

Israel

Translucent temple for Chile

Translucent temple for Chile HAIFA, Israel — A temple of light is to grace the continent of South America. The Universal House of Justice has appointed Siamak Hariri of Toronto, Canada, as architect of the Baha'i Temple (also known as a House of Worship) to be built near Santiago in Chile. Mr. Hariri said he hopes to complete the project within the next three years. The approved design has "nine gracefully torqued wings, which enfold the space of the Temple," Mr. Hariri said in his presentation to the Universal House of Justice. "These vast wings are made of two delicate skins of translucent, subtly gridded alabaster, one on the outside and other on the inside," Mr. Hariri said. "Between these two layers of glowing, translucent stone, lies a curved steel structure (the source of the faintly discernable gridding) enclosed in glass, its primary structural members intertwining with secondary support members, not unlike the structural veining discernable within a leaf. "Light moving through and between each of the wings becomes light as structure, lines of radiance moving and arcing gently about The Greatest Name (calligraphy of Baha'u'llah's name at the center of the dome)." In a night sky the dome of the Temple will form a glowing spiral.Mr. Hariri said the wings, identical in form, are organically shaped and twisted slightly to produce a nest-like structure, a soft, undulating dome positioned around a raised base. Mr. Hariri said the inner form of the Temple would be "defined by a finely articulated tracery of wood, which offers a delicately ornamental inner surface, rich in texture, warm by nature, acoustically practical and responsive to the cultural givens of the area." During the day, the soft undulating alabaster and glass skin forms the outer expression, he said. "At night, the image reverses itself, the entire volume then becoming a warmed totalized glow, with the inner form of the building visible through the glass." The Temple, notable for its absence of straight lines, will rise amidst an extensive radiating garden comprising nine reflecting lily pools and nine prayer gardens. The new Temple will seat approximately 500 people. Mr. Hariri said it would take its place as a sister Temple to the other Mother Temples - and yet "find its way into its own gentle and compelling uniqueness." Prominent Toronto-based architecture critic, Gary Michael Dault, said the Temple was a "hovering cloud, an architectural mist." He said it "acknowledges blossom, fruit, vegetable and the human heart -- but rests somewhere between such readings, gathering them up and transforming them into an architectural scheme that is, simultaneously, both engagingly familiar and brilliantly original." A Baha'i, Mr. Hariri, of Hariri Pontarini Architects was born in Bonn, West Germany and educated in Toronto, Ontario. He attended Yale University School of Architecture, New Haven, where he received his Master of Architecture in 1985. Among his commissions have been the $70 million new Schulich School of Business at York University, and the award-winning, $15 million office building for McKinsey & Company in Toronto. He was the winner of the Toronto Urban Design Awards (2000). Internationally, he completed the Landegg Academy Master Plan in Switzerland. In September last year, the national governing body of the Baha'i community in Chile called for submission of designs for the House of Worship. The call came after an announcement in 2001 by the Universal House of Justice that efforts should begin to build what would be known as the "Mother Temple of South America". Submissions were open not only to Baha'is, but to all qualified designers. After considering 185 submissions the Universal House of Justice selected four teams based on the creativity of their designs and asked for further developments or additional concepts. It then selected the design by Mr. Hariri. The Temple will be built outside Santiago on the Pan-American Highway. Funding for the construction will be provided by voluntary donations from the Baha'is of Chile and from local and national Baha'i communities around the world. There are now seven Baha'i Temples: in Australia, Germany, India, Panama, Uganda, United States, and Western Samoa. The House of Worship in the United States was the first one of these to be dedicated, in 1953. The most recently completed was the Indian Temple, in 1986. The Temples themselves are created as beautiful structures that provide places to commune with God in silence and reverence. Their Arabic name, Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, means "dawning place of the mention of God." Baha'i Houses of Worship are open to all. In the future, each Temple will be the central feature in a complex designed to provide social, humanitarian, educational and scientific pursuits.

32.8191218

34.9983856

DUBLIN

Ireland

Inviting the wider community

Inviting the wider community DUBLIN — In an opening address to the annual convention of the Baha'is of Ireland, a local government leader wished delegates "continued success in promoting your ideas of one earth, one country." In Swords, a town near Dublin, Michael Kennedy, chairman of the Fingal County Council, said the Baha'i Faith expressed a commitment to a global program for moral, spiritual and social progress that represented many of the finest ideals of civilization. Mr. Kennedy, who is not a Baha'i, said spirituality had always played a vital part in the lives of Irish people but religion was under threat. "It is important, therefore, that we begin to open ourselves to the concepts and principles espoused by other religions, not just the traditional ones, but independent religions like yours in the Baha'i community, so that we can begin to rebuild our spiritual lives. "It is an article of your faith to mix with followers of other faiths and I would like to take (this) opportunity to encourage the citizens of Fingal to explore what your religion has to offer them." During the subsequent consultations at the convention, the delegates discussed how the Baha'i community can continue to actively foster the inclusion of all people in their activities, regardless of religious affiliation or background. Throughout the world, Baha'is are inviting the public to join with them in study circles aimed at building human capacity, devotional gatherings, and classes to provide spiritual and moral education to children. Western Caroline Islands: delegates attending this year's convention with Auxiliary Board Member Fidelia Adgil.At national conventions worldwide, Baha'is consulted on guidance given to them in this regard by the international governing council, the Universal House of Justice, and its advisory body, the International Teaching Centre. There are 178 National Spiritual Assemblies, the national governing councils. National conventions were held throughout the world between 23 May and 1 June 2003, a month later than usual because of the election of the Universal House of Justice, which takes place every five years. The main purpose of the annual conventions is to elect the National Spiritual Assemblies. The delegates also consult with each other on matters of national and international importance. The Baha'i Faith has no clergy. Its affairs are administered by elected councils. The National Spiritual Assemblies are elected by delegates from local communities. Those delegates are elected by the entire adult membership of their Baha'i communities. In April, Baha'is throughout the world elected their local administrative bodies, the Local Spiritual Assemblies, which are also elected annually. There are more than 11, 700 worldwide. Baha'i spokesman Douglas Moore said the Baha'i election process is quite distinctive. "The elections are conducted by secret ballot -- however, there is no nomination, campaigning or discussion of candidates," said Mr. Moore, Director of the Office of Public Information at the Baha'i World Centre, in Haifa, Israel. "Rather, each elector, in an atmosphere of prayer and meditation, chooses the names of those individuals he or she feels possess the best qualities to serve," he said. "Delegates are guided by the criteria based on the writings of the Baha'i Faith, which advise them to vote for individuals with selfless devotion, a well-trained mind, recognized ability, loyalty and mature experience," he said. Every adult Baha'i, woman and man, is eligible to vote and is also eligible to be elected.

53.3497645

-6.2602732

ROME

Italy

New Web site for Europe

New Web site for Europe ROME — The European Baha'i Women's Network has established a Web site at http://www.ebwn.net. The site provides an opportunity for women in Europe to publish reports and articles and exchange views on the subjects of moral education, spiritual enhancement, social development, the arts, and academic subjects. The Network succeeds the European Taskforce for Women, which for 10 years functioned as the main group coordinating activities initiated by Baha'i women all over the continent.

41.8933203

12.4829321

QUEBEC CITY

Canada

Creating a new school of thought

Creating a new school of thought QUEBEC CITY — In his latest book, mathematician William S. Hatcher steps squarely into one of the major conflicts in modern philosophical thought. "Minimalism: A Bridge between Classical Philosophy and the Baha'i Revelation" seeks to provide a much-needed bridge between the so-called "scientific materialists" and the "post-modern relativists." The two groups represent the two main schools in modern philosophy. The scientific materialists, drawing on the apparent power of science to explain everything, hold that there is nothing beyond which we can see, hear, touch, or experiment on. The postmodern relativists, on the other hand, believe nothing can be so easily objectified. They say all knowledge is relative, whether culture, science, or values. And, in the end, you can't really know anything. In "Minimalism," Dr. Hatcher presents a completely new philosophical approach to these concerns -- and then moves forward to create a new school of philosophical thinking. The approach offers new insights into the great questions of classical philosophers, such as whether there is a God, the nature of being, and the notion of good. In a nutshell, Dr. Hatcher has taken modern refinements in logic -- specifically the creation of relational logic, which forms the basis for modern computing -- and applied them in the realm of philosophy, in particular to the kinds of metaphysical and ethical questions that have seemed so stubbornly to resist modern analysis. The success of his method is revealed towards the end of this short book -- only 128 pages long -- where he offers a logical proof for the existence of God. He concludes that the application of the principles of relational logic to this question prove that there is a single, universal, and eternal First Cause -- something that is very much like God the Creator as named in all of the world's major religions. He terms his method "minimalism" because it "results from consistently making the most plausible and rational choice in the light of current knowledge" but goes no farther than is necessary. As outlined by Dr. Hatcher, minimalism steadfastly sticks to logic, uses scientific empiricism where it is proven effective, and makes an explicit statement of viewpoint (in an effort to circumvent the limitations imposed by human subjectivity). At the same time, it makes no claim to possessing the ultimate truth, acknowledging that there are limits to human knowledge. The result, he writes, is a "proactive philosophy that yields genuine results," a "middle way" between the "gratuitous restrictions of logical positivism" (and other scientific materialists) and the "gratuitous subjectivism of postmodernism." For example, one key issue in modern thought, cutting across a wide range of disciplines, from psychology to sociology to neurobiology, is the nature of subjectivity: how do you know what you know. Post-modern relativists have suggested that we can't really know anything, because of the subjectivity of the human viewpoint. Dr. Hatcher suggests that this limitation can be overcome by explicitly acknowledging one's viewpoint at the outset of any philosophical discussion -- laying one's cards on the table, so to speak. He traces this idea back to Euclid, who deduced the mathematics of geometry from five basic axioms. "The reader is free to reject Euclid's axioms if he so desires, but if he accepts them, then he cannot deny any of Euclid's further affirmations," Dr. Hatcher writes. "Euclid has made his viewpoint totally explicit." Applying that standard to philosophical discourse today, Dr. Hatcher writes, is a key step towards overcoming the split between the scientific materialists and the post-modern relativists on the issue of objectivity. Another plank of the minimalist approach is that it does not close itself off to the possibility of non-material causes and realities. "The philosophy of minimalism is open to the possibility of such phenomena as divine revelation, in which man may be given knowledge that transcends any possible rational basis that is currently known," he writes. Indeed, Dr. Hatcher, who is himself a Baha'i, said in an interview that much of his inspiration for the development of his method came from studying the Baha'i writings, which uphold a highly rational view of God, religion, and theology -- and also uphold the scientific method as the primary path for understanding physical reality. He occasionally quotes 'Abdu'l-Baha in the book, offering his insights as waypoints in the development of minimalism. Yet at the same time Dr. Hatcher indicates that while his inspiration may have come from his Baha'i belief, his rigorous approach to applying relational logic to philosophical questions is original. Review by Brad Pokorny "Minimalism: A Bridge between Classical Philosophy and the Baha'i Revelation," by William S. Hatcher. (Juxta Publishing. Hong Kong.) For information see http://www.juxta.com/main.cfm?SID=30

46.8137431

-71.2084061

SINGAPORE

Singapore

Choir of many cultures

Choir of many cultures SINGAPORE — A Baha'i choir with members from a variety of countries has performed its first full-length concert at a prestige venue in Singapore. "In Unison", which includes members from Singapore, the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Australia, Iran, and the United States, gave a one-hour performance in the Jubilee Hall of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Entitled "In Unison In Concert", the performance on 25 May 2003 comprised 18 songs, including Baha'i prayers and contemporary compositions. The 15-member choir, founded in 2000, had previously performed at events hosted by the Inter-Religious Organization of Singapore as well as at Baha'i celebrations. (Front page photo: Choral director of "In Unison", Michelle Koay of Singapore.)

1.357107

103.8194992

LONDON

United Kingdom

Royalty to bestow awards

Royalty to bestow awards LONDON — Two members of the Baha'i Faith who left their home countries to contribute to the development of other societies will receive awards from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in July 2003. Bruce Saunders, an Australian living in the Solomon Islands, and David Lambert, an Englishman now living in Mongolia, will receive an OBE and MBE respectively. An OBE is an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, and an MBE is a Member of the Order of the British Empire. These awards are made in some countries of the Commonwealth of Nations for valuable service to the nation. They rank below a knighthood. The OBE is the higher award. Such distinguished awards follow recommendations to the Queen by the governments of the proposed recipients. Bruce Saunders, 61, is receiving his award for service to the community and business in the Solomons. Mr. Saunders is currently chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the Solomon Islands. For 10 years, he served as a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia, a senior Baha'i advisory body that assists 17 Baha'i national governing councils (National Spiritual Assemblies). Mr. Bruce SaundersMr. Saunders is from Australia where he studied the catering industry. He and his wife, Keithie, moved to the Cook Islands to assist the Baha'i community there. Two and a half years later, in 1968, they went to the Solomon Islands to help with the family business after the death of Mrs. Saunders' father. They have lived there ever since. (As a child aged seven, Mrs. Saunders accompanied her parents Alvin and Gertrude Blum to become the first Baha'is to settle in the Solomons). One of the most prominent businessmen in the country, Mr. Saunders has interests, often with his wife, in a range of commercial areas, for example in food, insurance, real estate, tourism, exports and handicrafts. Mr. Saunders is the only expatriate member of the city council of Honiara, the country's capital. He has been appointed to the position for the past six years by the Minister of Home Affairs. Mr. Saunders also assists in the attempts to preserve the forests of the country and in the promotion of solar energy. He has been vice-chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and a member of a Government consultative body which interacted between the people and the Government. He has also been on the board of Rotary International, a foundation member of the Lions club, and a member of other organizations. Mr. Saunders has been closely involved in the development of a civil society network. Mr. Lambert, 62, is being honored for his services to the development of English language studies in Mongolia. He is chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Mongolia. He and his wife, Lois, are the longest serving volunteers in the British Volunteer Service Overseas organization. Mr. Lambert went with Lois in 1992 to Mongolia where he devised a course to train teachers of English how to use modern participatory methods in their work. The Mongolian government has since adopted the course for use nationwide. Mr. Lambert has also personally taught English to many prominent Mongolians. He is currently Director of Studies at the English for Special Purposes Foundation, which was set up by the United Nations Development Program and now run as a Mongolian non-governmental organization. He is a member of the first Arts Council of Mongolia, which supports, funds and promotes the arts and culture of Mongolia. Mr. Lambert developed at Ulaanbaatar's University of Humanities an English language library that is the most extensive in the country. He arranged for British publishers to donate many books and for the United Kingdom government to transport them to Mongolia. Mr. Lambert, originally from Kent in England, had trained English and drama teachers at the University of Leeds. Before that he headed the English department in a secondary school in England. It was after teaching English at the University of Nankai in Tianjin in China that Mr. and Mrs. Lambert went to Mongolia. "We volunteered because we wanted to be of service to humanity, to work for the development of the less advantaged countries and to apply Baha'i principles more fully in our lives and work," said Mr. Lambert.

51.5073219

-0.1276474

HAIFA

Israel

Casting light on design of Temple

Casting light on design of Temple HAIFA, Israel — The architect of the new Baha'i Temple to be built in Chile, Siamak Hariri, sat down recently for a wide ranging interview about everything from the creative process to details of the design. Light of inspiration "The first concept was a temple of light," said Mr. Hariri, a Toronto-based architect. "Light, after all, is the connecting force of the universe and all religions celebrate its spiritual delights. "That was our starting point -- that it would glow with a dreamlike serenity which will explore the range of the phenomena of light and shadow in continual interaction." Stimulation for that inspiration, he said, came in part from a close examination of the dome of the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette, Illinois, in the United States. However, Mr. Hariri said the creative team did not look at other buildings as a reference point for the design of the structure. An alabaster model of a "wing" of the Temple.Natural objects "We wanted to capture the magic of looking under a canopy of trees in full daylight and at night -- we looked at many references but none of them were buildings," he said. "We looked at unconventional sources, from white markings or tracery, at interesting Japanese baskets and how they interwove, at leaves of trees in Moscow with ice on them." Those initial steps were just the start of what Mr. Hariri described as a challenging creative process. "We were after a feeling," he said. "We had highs and lows in the process, (it was) never linear. As most experiments go, the deep lows were followed by accidents and breakthroughs. Eventually the final form of the Temple began to take shape." In one of the early stages, the creative team experimented with backlit resin, and with the way strands of copper interwove, he said. Computer and physical models were made. Eventually the idea was born of using alabaster, a translucent stone. At first it was thought it would be too soft but that turned out not to be the case. Curving glass was selected as the medium to link the nine leaves. The decision to use interior tracery out of nickel-plated stainless steel or white-stained oak was influenced by the "white on white" paintings by Mark Tobey. The team, which grew to number 18, included not only design professionals but also engineers, musicians, animators, and experts in the complex "Maya" computer program, which is typically used for animation and industrial design rather than architecture. Final form Mr. Hariri said that when the final form emerged, the team was surprised and delighted to find that it conformed to classic proportions. The structure will be almost as wide as it is high. He said the design parameters as laid down in the Baha'i Writings were taken very seriously -- the Temple had to have nine sides and a dome. There was symmetry in that the nine "wings" were the same shape but at the same time there was a carefully studied variety. Mr. Hariri said he welcomed the fact that people gave various descriptions of the shape and appearance of the planned Temple. "No architect wants their building to be one line, especially when it is to do with something as deep as the Baha'i Faith," he said. "In the end, it is hoped that this sacred building will feel both simple and understated, and, at the same time, complex enough to accept and hold a rich multiplicity of readings and experiences." Some, he said, had compared it to a ribbon, others to something marine. There are those who have seen it a cloud, a bubble, as something about to ascend into the heavens. The nine alabaster wings have also been compared to "leaves". Mr. Hariri referred to it as "temple as tent, room, sanctuary" -- and also used the analogy of a turban. He said it was to be both monumental and intimate, subtly structured and ordered yet capable of dissolving in light. Asked what he most liked about the design, Mr. Hariri said: "Its softness. It is not found very often in architecture, softness. It is an embracing softness. The way it rests is soft, the light is soft, the detail is soft." Interior ideas Mr. Hariri said he noticed that many worshippers at the House of Worship in Wilmette wanted to be at the periphery. As a result of that observation, he and the team for the Chile Temple put a lot of work into the alcoves on the ground floor and in the mezzanine, so that visitors could nestle there and look out through the glass to the landscape yet would always be able to see the Greatest Name (calligraphy of the name of Baha'u'llah) at the apex of the dome. "What happens is normally that people come and say prayers and leave -- so the scale should be intimate," he said. There will be seating for 500 (with an extra 100 in the alcoves) so there would be no feeling of being in an auditorium, he said. Alabaster, oak and glass The alabaster of the type that will form the wings is hard and resistant to scratching. When held up to the sun the marble-like stone lights up and reveals patterns, some looking like snow crystals. The wings will be hollow with a steel framework in the middle. The framework, like veins in a leaf, will be clipped to the alabaster. There will be lateral stiffness in the wings obtained by the central rib being clipped to them at three points at the mezzanine level. Mr. Hariri said that when pondering the concept of a temple of light, the team thought of a glass temple, but seismic and other considerations, such as its ephemeral nature, led to the rejection of that idea. "We liked the solid enduring image that stone has naturally, but we didn't want to give up the glow," he said. Glass, therefore, was retained to play its part between the wings. "The glass wraps up and around, like a ribbon. These glass ribbons between the wings transform, in one continuous form, from being an oculus at the very top (where the wings nest together) to skylights to a windows at the mezzanine level to the alcoves at the base." The glass will be silk-screened or fritted to filter the light. Inside the dome the silvery white tracery will cast dappled patterns on the interior. Pools and gardens Look for a straight line in the pools and gardens and your search will be as fruitless as trying to find one in the building itself. The paths around the gardens will not be straight, but slightly oblique. Mr. Hariri described these as being "like the veining of the lily leaf". There will be two pathways to circumambulate the Temple. The nine prayer gardens adjoining the Temple "are really there to serve the alcoves," said Mr. Hariri. Three of those gardens would be in fact lily ponds, green rather than blue. A main purpose of the ponds is to reflect the Temple. The gardens will emphasize indigenous species of Chile. A grove of weeping elms will adorn a viewing mound set away from the temple. Avenue of approach Mr. Hariri said people would approach the temple on foot along an avenue that points in the direction of the Shrine of Baha'u'llah in the Holy Land. The first two thirds of the approach will rise on a three degree slope and the last third will descend at the same angle, making the land surrounding the Temple seem like arms enfolding it. Model Conventional model makers found the design too challenging to attempt so the computer design was sent to a "rapid prototyping oven" normally reserved for industrial purposes. Each of the nine plastic wings took 40 hours to construct. The wings of the model are removable so that the interior can be viewed. It can also be examined from underneath. Numbers The Temple will be about 30 meters tall, about the height of the Shrine of the Bab. It will be between 25 and 30 meters wide. The starting and finishing dates of construction are yet to be firmly established. The cost is yet to be announced but it will be paid for exclusively by contributions from Baha'is worldwide. Creative team Mr. Hariri emphasized the contributions of the team, and the consultations in which inputs from all members led to the progress of the design. A Baha'i, Siamak Hariri, was born in 1960 in Bonn, West Germany. He is the son of Baha'is who heeded the call of the then head of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi, to leave their home in Iran to help the development of the Faith worldwide. They went to Brazil and then to Germany. A graduate with a Masters degree from Yale University School of Architecture, Mr. Hariri is a partner of Hariri Pontarini, Toronto. His firm recently won a competition to design the city's waterfront as part of a team. Among its recent commissions have been the new $110 million Schulich School of Business for York University, and current work includes the Law School and School of Economics for the University of Toronto. He and his wife Sasha, an artist, have two children: David Amin, 13, and Yasmin, 10. Other temples Mr. Hariri said the design for the Chile Temple had moved away from the two-step structure of the seven other Houses of Worship where the dome rises from a substantial base. The Chile Temple, in contrast, rises immediately from the ground. Mr. Hariri said he wanted it to sit comfortably among the other continental Temples. Although not basing the design of the Chile Temple on the other Houses of Worship (or any other building), the design team was nevertheless inspired by them. "We were attracted to the Wilmette and Panama (Temples)," he said. "I've always loved the Wilmette Temple, and particularly its dome . . . so we tried to capture the spirit of that temple, yet perhaps in a new way -- we all went there and were allowed to climb inside the dome. That was our beginning." The team looked at the original drawings of the architect, Louis Bourgeois, impressed by the full-scale 50-meter drawings he did. "The dedication of Mr. Bourgeois inspired us greatly -- he was clearly in touch with the Spirit. The drawings were stunningly beautiful. "We also love the way the Panama Temple is so understated. It transcends its own sense of itself, sitting majestically, quietly yet confidently connected to the landscape." As for one of his favorite designs, Mr. Hariri nominated the Shrine of the Bab in Haifa, designed by the Canadian architect, Sutherland Maxwell. Selection Mr. Hariri's team was selected to be on a short list of four. "We were shocked to make the short list," he said. "We had only the beginnings of a concept." "It is a testimony to the generosity and deep insight of the Universal House of Justice that they realized -- more than we realized -- that the concept had some potential yet it needed more time and space -- and they were very kind to give us the time and space." For more on the Chile Temple see http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/story.cfm?storyid=223 and http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/story.cfm?storyid=172.

32.8191218

34.9983856

BUEA

Cameroon

A love for all peoples

A love for all peoples BUEA, Cameroon — A Baha'i who played an historic role in the development of the Faith in Ireland, Great Britain and three countries in Africa died here on 20 June 2003. In a tribute to Ursula Samandari, 93, the Universal House of Justice said that her long decades of historic service "characterized by a purity of spirit, radiant joy and love for all peoples, are remembered with gratitude and admiration." Among her many acts of service, were membership of the first Local Spiritual Assemblies of Dublin, Belfast, and Mogadishu. She was a member of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the British Isles (1945-51); North East Africa (1961-70) and Cameroon (1972-74; 1975-80). She also served on the Local Spiritual Assemblies of London, Bristol and Nairobi. Her move in 1953 to Somalia with her husband, Mihdi Samandari, won them the accolade of Knights of Baha'u'llah, a title bestowed on them by the Head of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi. Ursula Newman, her maiden name, was born in Mitcham, Surrey, England on December 29, 1909. Educated by a governess and then at Wimbledon High School and Swanley Horticultural College in Kent, she became a lecturer in botany at that college. She had her own flower decorative business in London and ran a nursery garden in Dublin. In Somalia, she taught English. Ursula Samandari (1909-2003)In biographical notes she wrote in 1986, Mrs. Samandari described how, from a Church of England background, she came to declare herself a Baha'i in 1938. She began learning about the Faith in 1936 in London from Richard St. Barbe Baker (a well-known Baha'i who was founder of Men of the Trees), Hasan Balyuzi (later to be named a Hand of the Cause), and Dorothy Ferraby. "Although I believed in Jesus Christ I was no longer a believer in Church teachings," she wrote. "I first attended Baha'i meetings out of impersonal interest and a desire to meet Persians. I read and studied and attended meetings for two years. Gleanings (a book of Writings by Baha'u'llah) was the strongest influence." In 1945, Ursula Newman became one of the first three Baha'is in Britain to answer the needs of a plan to spread the Faith by relocating to other towns, moving to St. Ives. Shortly afterwards, she moved to Dublin and there became a member of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of that city (and of Ireland), and served as secretary at the time when the now internationally famous and historic figure, George Townshend (later named a Hand of the Cause) was chairman. Longtime Irish Baha'i Olive McKinley, who described Mrs. Samandari as artistically talented and a "magnificent teacher of the Faith" recalls: "She had a wonderful sense of humor and everything seemed a joy and hilarious occasion to her -- no wonder David Hofman (Mr. Townshend's biographer) wrote that George Townshend missed his secretary so much when she had gone from Dublin." Ursula married Dr. Mihdi Samandari, with whom she had served the Faith in Belfast, at the Baha'i Center in London in 1951. In 1953, the couple moved to Nairobi, Kenya, and a year later went to live in Mogadishu, Somalia where they stayed until 1971. At the request of the Universal House of Justice, they pioneered (moved to assist the development of the Faith) to Cameroon. Described by the Universal House of Justice as a "noble soul", Mrs. Samandari passed away at her pioneering post in Buea, Cameroon, after a long illness. Dr. Samandari survives her. The Universal House of Justice has advised the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Cameroon to hold memorial gatherings in her honor throughout the country. Editor's note: After the publication of this story a report was received of the funeral of Mrs. Samandari from the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Buea. The report said Mrs. Samandari was buried at the Baha'i Center in Buea following a funeral service which included prayers, songs and a eulogy. The service ended with the Baha'i prayer for the dead. Throughout the burial, the Baha'is were singing, humming and chanting. In attendance was Dr. Samandari together with more than 200 people, from the Baha'i and wider community, including two members of the Continental Board of Counsellors, four Auxiliary Board Members, and six members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Cameroon. Among comments in the condolence register were those of the paramount chief of Buea, HRH Samuel L. Endeley, a friend of the Samandaris since they arrived in the country. He wrote: "My dear Sister, You lived with us like one of us, you served faithfully and lovingly to win souls into God's redeeming grace. You loved us and our country, Cameroon, and you have demonstrated this in dying here like the good soldier of God you have lived to be. You died with your boots on. We thank God for all you were to us. May your soul rest with the good God, our creator, in perfect peace."

4.1567995

9.2315519

BHUBANESWAR

India

Indian youth gather in unity

Indian youth gather in unity BHUBANESWAR, India — Youth from Baha'i communities in the rural and tribal areas of the Indian state of Orissa gathered for a festival recently to share ideas and experiences and to enjoy dance, theatre, talent shows and cultural performances. The occasion was the annual youth festival of Orissa in Bhubaneswar. Held from 26 to 29 June 2003, the festival was organized by the State Baha'i Youth Committee of Orissa. Among the key speakers were Auxiliary Board Member Padrat Mohanty who gave a presentation on the history of the Baha'i Faith in Orissa and Ehsan Azadi, a guest from New Zealand, who talked about the laws and ordinances contained in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the holiest book of the Baha'i Faith. In a message to the 80 participants, the Universal House of Justice expressed hope that the youth of the region would "take up with unrelaxing vigor the challenge of rapidly multiplying the number of study circles, devotional meetings and children's classes" -- activities that have been highlighted as areas of major importance for Baha'i communities worldwide.

20.28105765

85.81140263163533

KINGSTON

Jamaica

Joyous festivities in Jamaica

Joyous festivities in Jamaica KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Governor General of Jamaica proclaimed 25 July 2003 as "Baha'i Day" for the Caribbean country. Sir Howard Felix Hanlan Cooke made his official announcement on 23 July 2003 at a ceremony at his residence, the King's House. The announcement marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the first Baha'i Local Spiritual Assembly in Jamaica. The official proclamation read: "Whereas the Baha'i Faith teaches that 'The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens,' and embraces as its supreme goal the unification of the entire human race, consisting of divers peoples and cultures...I do hereby proclaim July 25 2003 'Baha'i Day' and urge the members of the Baha'i Faith, and likewise all the citizens of goodwill, towards the high ideals of spiritual brotherhood, and of carrying humanity forward in an ever-advancing civilization." The Governor General was presented with copies of more than 50 congratulatory messages to the Baha'is of Jamaica. They had been sent by National Spiritual Assemblies all over the world for the occasion. Governor General, Sir Howard Felix Hanlan Cooke, with Baha'i representatives Linda Roche (left) and Namwar Zohoori (second from right).As part of the reunion events an official reception was held at the national Baha'i center in Kingston on 25 July. The guest of honor was Canon Weevil Gordon, who represented the Governor General. The guest list also included the chairman of the Inter-Faith Council, Reverend Ashley Smith, and the representative of the Jewish community, Mrs. Norma Chin. Among those attending were 30 Baha'is from overseas, some of whom were originally from Jamaica. The reception came at the end of two weeks of events throughout the country which included local celebrations, such as a picnic and a dance party, talks on Baha'i topics, and a blood drive organized by the Baha'is of Kingston. Another commemorative event was a symposium on 26 July that focused on the history and the vision of the Baha'i Faith in Jamaica. A public devotional gathering, with over 150 participants, involving prayers and readings from the Baha'i holy writings, was held on 27 July. The recording of that event will be broadcast on the radio throughout the nation.

17.9712148

-76.7928128

DUBLIN

Ireland

Historic role in Ireland and Malta

Historic role in Ireland and Malta DUBLIN — A memorial service for Una Dean, a Baha'i who played a prominent part in the history of the Faith in Ireland and Malta, is to be held in August 2003 at the Baha'i national summer school in Ireland. Mrs. Dean, who died aged 81 on 8 March 2003 in Canada, was the daughter of a distinguished Baha'i, George Townshend, and his wife Nancy. The Head of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi, appointed Mr. Townshend a "Hand of the Cause of God" in 1951. "Hand of the Cause" was a title given to 50 outstanding Baha'is whose chief duties were to protect and propagate the Baha'i Faith. Once a dignitary in the Church of Ireland, Mr. Townshend was the author of books, essays, poems and prayers on Baha'i topics. Born in Ireland, Una was the subject of an eloquent written meditation by her father describing her childhood happiness. It began: "O little one, my Una, April's child, thou breath of spring wind embodied!" (See full text below.) She in turn gave great happiness to her father when, in 1940, she became a Baha'i, a process involving, as it does for all Baha'is, the independent investigation of the Faith: "My heart just bursts into pieces with happiness and gratitude when I think of her," Mr. Townshend wrote. Una Dean... "exemplary courage"Una, who had attended a leading women's college in Cheltenham, England, spent the early years of World War II with her family, and was active in Baha'i life in Ireland. She later served in the British armed forces in Italy. In 1946 Una became the first Baha'i to settle in Dublin, a city where the vast majority of residents were devoutly Catholic. This posed great challenges for a single woman seeking to find those who might be interested in hearing about her religion. Furthermore it involved her leaving her mother who wanted her at home as "an extra pair of hands" and to help with the family budget. After the number of Baha'is in Dublin grew, Una became an inaugural member of that city's first Local Spiritual Assembly, an elected nine-member administrative body. She later went to Liverpool to establish the first Local Spiritual Assembly there. Baha'is regard the establishment of such councils as vital in the building of a new spiritual civilization. Shortly before his own death this year, George Townshend's biographer, Mr. David Hofman, fondly recalled Una Dean: "She was a beautiful Irish girl -- full of fun, devoted to her father and a very active Baha'i." In October 1953, she became the first Baha'i to reside in Malta, earning her the title "Knight of Baha'u'llah", an accolade first given by Shoghi Effendi to those who took the Faith to countries where there were no Baha'is. In a letter to her father, Shoghi Effendi wrote: "The work so splendidly initiated by your dear daughter is unique, historic and of vital importance. I admire her courage, zeal, devotion and perseverance. I will pray for her success from the depths of my heart." After Una's death this year, Mr. Hofman provided an historical context in which to view the sacrifice she made by responding to Shoghi Effendi's call and going to Malta : "Malta was savagely destroyed in the war and by 1953 it offered no savory reputation to invite a young single woman of 33, delicately brought up and resident (nearly) all her life in Ireland." Moreover, as in Dublin, to proclaim a new Faith in a staunchly Catholic society required a deep well of steadfastness because progress was very slow -- indeed, it was not until 1973 that the first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Malta was formed. In 1954, with her distinguished father suffering from Parkinson's disease, and on the instructions of Shoghi Effendi, Una returned home to help with the housework and also to assist her father with what Shoghi Effendi was to call his "crowning achievement" -- writing the book "Christ and Baha'u'llah". Una with her brother Brian, who died in 1988, attended to correspondence and put their father's thoughts on paper. After her father's death in March 1957 and Shoghi Effendi's passing in November that year (Una attended the funeral in London), she went to live in Canada. On a trip to Seattle she met and later married Baha'i, Richard (Dick) Dean, a former member of the Harlem Globe Trotters basketball team. They settled in Edmonton. Mr. Dean died in 1990. Una served on the Local Spiritual Assembly of Edmonton until 1987. In an eloquent eulogy, Douglas Raynor quoted Felicity Enayat, a Baha'i, who remembered Una preparing studies on messages of the Universal House of Justice. "She showed me the importance of taking the time to ponder the words of the Universal House of Justice," Ms. Enayat wrote. "This itself enabled the meaning of that institution to go deep into my mind and heart... "Her qualities of humility and generosity, her loyalty, her gentleness, her contentment with the will of God and her total consecration are unforgettable." In 1992 Una Dean went to the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa, Israel to attend a gathering of the Knights of Baha'u'llah. The Deans' daughter Farah, who survives them, had a severe mental disability. The Deans were among the founding members of the Alberta Association of Families in Action for the Dependent Handicapped. Mrs. Dean died in Edmonton. Irish music was played at her funeral there, and messages from the National Spiritual Assemblies of Ireland and Malta were read. In a message to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Canada, the Universal House of Justice, wrote of her "exemplary courage" in taking the Message of Baha'u'llah to the people of Malta. "Her service to the Faith was characterized by devotion and steadfastness," the tribute said. "We remember with gratitude the loving assistance she rendered to her illustrious father, the Hand of the Cause of God, George Townshend, in particular with the completion of his influential work, 'Christ and Baha'u'llah'." The Universal House of Justice advised the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the Republic of Ireland is to hold a befitting memorial service to celebrate the life and services of "this distinguished member" of their community. (Report compiled with the assistance of Mr. David Hofman, Mrs. Olive McKinley and Mr. Doug Raynor). To a Little Girl on Her Third Birthday (An ode to his daughter by George Townshend) "O little one, my Una, April's child, thou breath of the spring wind embodied! "The bluebells cluster about thy knees; overhead the giant beech trees spread their half-unfolded leaves; across the meadows the cuckoo calls, and from the distant bog comes the curlew's lonely cry. "How happy art thou, leading the revel of the woods, their native queen, for whom a thousand springs have come and gone to weave thy flower-beauty, and to find their meaning and perfection in these fresh lips and laughing eyes of thine. "O little one, joys more rare than these await thy wakening heart! A richer spring has cast its bounty at thy feet, a greater glory shines from another Heaven. And never morning breaks nor evening falls but lovers' prayers go forth to beg the early vision of God's Golden Age for thee who playest here thinking all happiness is already thine!" (Reproduced from "The Mission of Baha'u'llah", by George Townshend, with the kind permission of George Ronald, Publishers.)

53.3497645

-6.2602732

BUDAPEST

Hungary

Spirited choir wins encores

Spirited choir wins encores BUDAPEST, Hungary — Sustained and often rhythmic applause greeted every song at the opening night here of a concert tour by Voices of Baha, an international Baha'i choir. Rewarded with encores, the audience did not cease applauding until long after choirmaster Tom Price had taken his leave from the stage. The performance on 2 July 2003 crossed the borders not only with respect to the nationalities -- the 120 singers came from 21 countries -- but also in terms of musical genres. Styles ranged from Western classical music and modern popular music, to traditional Persian songs and, most dramatically, African-American gospel. On stage with the choir was the Budapest Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mr. Price, a composer from Nashville, Tennessee, who founded Voices of Baha. (The choir's name is a reference to Baha'u'llah.) The concert in Budapest was the starting point of a tour that was to take the choir to Prague, Warsaw, Berlin, Wernigerode and Frankfurt. The Hungarian audience enthusiastically greeted gospel-style sounds from the full choir and from individual soloists like the veteran Van Gilmer and 17-year-old Rachael Price (the youngest of Mr. Price's three daughters) -- and, on one dynamic occasion, the two together singing "Soldiers in God's Army." Paul Seaforth on trumpet.Mr. Gilmer, the choir's gospel director, proved to be a master of the style. With a voice born for the occasion, he brought emotion to a pitch with his rendition of "Amazing Grace." Ms. Price, in fine voice, gave a demonstration of how the body -- and in particular the hands -- can convey in physical terms the pulsating power of gospel. Most of the some 1100 people present in the elegant Budapest Congress Center were the general public, guests of the Baha'is, and VIPs such as members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians and musicians. The occasion marked an historic anniversary. Ninety years earlier 'Abdu'l-Baha had blessed the city with His presence, and now His words were to soar in song as the choir celebrated in praise of His Father with the oratorio, "O Baha'u'llah." First sung during the inaugural performance of Voices of Baha at the 1992 Baha'i World Congress in New York, the song featured in Budapest the glorious soprano voice of Emily Price, another of Mr. Price's daughters. Ms. Price also gave a memorable performance of the spiritually uplifting "Whither Can a Lover Go?" Later, she sang "Minnie the Moocher's Wedding Day" with sisters Rachael and Juliet, in a rendition that was a sassy mix of energy and humor. The multi-cultural choir, dressed in black with colored scarves, followed the direction of Mr. Price with close attention. That paid off in excellent timing and controlled variations in volume that enabled them to work with the orchestra in a way that clearly delighted them both. Among the songs presented were "Render Thanks", "God is Sufficient unto Me", and "Dastam Bigir 'Abdu'l-Baha." Perhaps the most heartfelt applause of the night came after the choir sang the song "Oh God, My God" in Hungarian, a language the singers had only recently encountered. Mr. Price varied the emotional level of the night between high drama and humor by employing a mix of self-deprecating humor and affectionate teasing of some of his colleagues. One such target was Paul Seaforth, who repaid the attention with a stirring rendition of "We Are One," a song by Dan Seals that points to the acceptance of the oneness of humanity as a solution to the agonies of the modern world. Mr. Seaforth also delighted on other occasions with his solos on the saxophone and trumpet, and later playing alongside the orchestra members. Mr. Price revealed his own melodious tenor voice when he led a barbershop quartet in the sweetest of harmonies as they sang "Darkness on the Delta." At times both he and Mr. Gilmer accompanied the singing on a grand piano. Complementing the concert in Budapest was a display of photographs, by Hungarian Baha'i Dr. Laszlo Farkas, of terraced gardens on Mount Carmel at the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa, Israel. A large part of the proceeds from ticket sales went to a development project for Roma women in Hungary. Following the concert in Hungary, Voices of Baha went on to win enthusiastic receptions from big houses in Prague, Warsaw, and Berlin. The choir won a gold prize in the Johannes Brahms International Choirs Competition Festival in Wernigerode. It was the only choir selected to give an entire concert, singing before some 2000 people in a performance shown live on German television and repeated twice in the following days. It also sang in the Baha'i House of Worship in Langenhain near Frankfurt in Germany. The Temple was filled to overflowing for the occasion. Voices of Baha, which has performed in Asia, North America and Europe, is setting its sights on other continents for future concerts. Review by Michael Day. Photos by Edit Kalman. For more information on Voices of Baha see http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/story.cfm?storyid=162

47.4979937

19.0403594

PARIS

France

Running the race of his life

Running the race of his life PARIS — Champion runner David Krummenacker will be praying for his competitors at the world championships this month. "Before races I pray everyone in the race runs well and that we all keep our health," says Mr. Krummenacker, who is from the United States and is a member of the Baha'i Faith. "I never pray for victory, only for strength and for my health to remain strong," says Mr. Krummenacker, 28, who anchored a world record quartet in the 4x800 meter relay in 2000. Ranked number one in the United States in the 800-meter and 1500-meter races, he has a good chance of success at the 9th International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships to be held in Stade de France, Paris, beginning on 23 August 2003. Last March, at the world indoor championships in Birmingham, England, he surged past world record holder Wilson Kipketer of Denmark to win the 800-meter race in a personal best of one minute 45.69 seconds. Mr. Krummenacker has achieved some of his goals, such as being national champion, but he still has others. One is success in the Olympic Games to be held in Athens next year. "I believe consistency, hard work, good coaching, proper diet, rest, and the grace of God, Who instills my health and internal strength, will aid me to achieve what I have set out to." David Krummenacker at the US championships, 2003.In defining the relationship between spirituality and sports, Mr. Krummenacker says that spirituality permeates every human activity. "It is the essence of our existence and athletics is no exception. "When it is not present, differences arise. Frequently we hear stories in the media of athletes having problems with their teammates, their coaches, their competitors, their wives and girlfriends. These turmoils are oftentimes a result of the lack of spirituality. I think when spirituality is present, conflicts cease." Running, he says, has taught him life lessons, and he meditates on his goals as he goes on long training runs. "As a result, I often envision things that I've set out to accomplish. For me, visualizing something before it happens helps it to materialize. "Running has taught me over the years that life is very much what you will of it. I've had some years where I wasn't successful in running and was sad and frustrated because of it. I learned somewhere along the way that your treasure is where your heart and soul are." He does not just pray and expect to win. In fact, he says he prepares tirelessly for competitions throughout the season. "I believe when training is good and the grace of God has enabled me to stay healthy and strong, it's only left for me to believe in my ability and go for it. There is no room for doubt." Mr. Krummenacker says he is "very grateful for having had the guidance of Baha'ullah from day one." He was brought up in the Baha'i Faith by his mother, Marylou, who lives in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She has a "Baha'i women's network", linked globally by the Internet, whose members pray for him to run his best. Running is a full time job, he says. "A lot of my friends think, 'Oh, you just go for an hour run, then you sit around the rest of the day.' "In contrast, between traveling to training sites, warming up, stretching, track workouts, weight training, morning runs, cool-downs, and ice whirlpools (injury prevention) I have very few moments in a day. There has to be a little time for fun, so I'm careful not to overdo it." His other interests include surfing, playing chess, music and reading. He trains in Tucson Arizona with coach Luiz de Oliviera, spends time in Atlanta, and uses a training base near Stuttgart, Germany, during competitions in Europe. Mr. Krummenacker, who holds a degree in management from Georgia Tech, says that after he retired in "another six years or so", he would like to devote his energies to children. "I am very interested in restructuring -- or creating if need be -- after-school programs for underprivileged children. The programs would provide kids with tutoring, counseling and coaching for various sports." (Tom Mennillo of "The American Baha'i" contributed to this report).

48.8588897

2.3200410217200766

LONDON

United Kingdom

Memorial to a shining star

Memorial to a shining star LONDON — When British Baha'is cleaned a gravestone in a London cemetery recently they confirmed they had found the resting place of a figure of great historical importance. Concealed under clods of earth and long grass on the gravestone in Hampstead Municipal Cemetery was the name of Lady Blomfield, one of the most prominent Western Baha'is in the time of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Also recorded was the name of her daughter, Mary (Esther) Basil Hall, a devoted Baha'i and a generous benefactor to the Faith. The absence of any direct family members had led to the grave's disrepair, but that was about to change -- the Baha'is received permission from cemetery authorities to erect a new headstone. That engraved headstone now stands as dignified memorial to Lady Blomfield and her daughter, one befitting a future visiting place for Baha'is from all over the world. Sara Louisa, Lady Blomfield (1859-1939) was renowned as a humanitarian who was involved in the establishment of the Save the Children Fund. The worldwide Baha'i community remembers her for the significant role she played as a participant in, and recorder of, Baha'i history. She hosted 'Abdu'l-Baha on His visits to London in 1911 and 1913. She took copious notes of His talks in Paris. They form the substance of "Paris Talks," still one of the most widely-circulated Baha'i books. New headstone for Lady Blomfield and her daughter.As a tribute to her, 'Abdu'l-Baha bestowed upon her the name "Sitarih Khanum" (in Persian, "sitarih" means "star", and "khanum" means "lady"). After the death of 'Abdu'l-Baha in 1921, Lady Blomfield accompanied His grieving grandson Shoghi Effendi back from England, where he was a student at Oxford University, to Haifa. He became the Head of the Faith, and later consulted with Lady Blomfield about plans for its future activities. While in Haifa, Lady Blomfield interviewed members of Baha'u'llah's family. Those recorded recollections, together with her account of the days when she hosted 'Abdu'l-Baha, make up the contents of her book, "The Chosen Highway." In the 1940 preface to "The Chosen Highway," the eminent historian Hasan Balyuzi (later to be honored by Shoghi Effendi with the title Hand of the Cause) said the book would hand a message "rich in enlightenment" to generations unborn and would eternally merit the esteem of historians. Describing Lady Blomfield as a gracious lady who served the Cause of Baha'u'llah with never-failing vigor and devotion, Mr. Balyuzi went on to mention "the contagion of her enthusiasm and the brilliance of her talk and description...the intense light of her faith and the captivating charm of her presence." Born in Ireland, Lady Blomfield was renowned as a London society hostess. She was the second wife of a distinguished architect, Sir Arthur Blomfield. In contrast to many women of her generation and position -- who occupied themselves primarily with the social events of "polite society" -- Lady Blomfield spent her time in religious and humanitarian activities. She was a fearless supporter of the suffragettes and a protector of the rights of women, children, prisoners and animals, a defender of the oppressed and an ardent promoter of peace and inter-religious understanding. She was actively involved with the Save the Children Fund from its foundation until her death. The Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly in 1959 had its roots in the Geneva Declaration -- a document drawn up by the Save the Children Fund International -- which the League of Nations accepted in 1924 largely through the influence of Lady Blomfield. Lady Blomfield's acceptance of the Baha'i teachings in 1907 marked the turning point in a lifelong quest for spiritual truth. She was the first person of Irish birth to become a Baha'i. Through her identification with the principles of the Baha'i Faith came an increased desire to see justice and equality established in the world, a concern expressed in her selfless involvement in all manner of philanthropic causes as well as in direct service to the needy or oppressed, including her close involvement with the League of Nations and the welfare of the world's children. She actively called upon her friends in the British Parliament to defend the persecuted Baha'is of Persia (now Iran). Lady Blomfield also served for eight years as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles. She gave many talks about the Faith, and supported artistic activities in the community including those of a Baha'i Theatre Group in London. She maintained correspondence with Baha'is all over the world. Her daughter, Mary Basil Hall, who had been given the name of "Parvine" (a Persian name of a star) by 'Abdu'l-Baha, served the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the British Isles for five years. She described her mother as a "wonderful personality and a deeply loved mother" who faced difficulties with "radiant acquiescence and invincible faith." It was partly due to Mrs. Hall's generous bequest that the National Spiritual Assembly was able to buy what is now the national Baha'i center at 27 Rutland Gate, London. (Story compiled from an article by Rob Weinberg in the "Baha'i Journal of the United Kingdom" May/June 2003, with supplementary information from "The Chosen Highway" and "The Baha'i World," volume VIII.)

51.5073219

-0.1276474

PORT VILA

Vanuatu

A natural driving force

A natural driving force PORT VILA, Vanuatu — Tony Deamer stepped on the gas pedal of his vehicle but didn't change down a gear as it rounded a corner and sped up a steep hill. Modified to run on coconut oil instead of diesel fuel, the four-wheel-drive took the slope without slowing down. "Coconut oil is a bit more torquey, because it burns slower," said Mr. Deamer, 52, an 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." Mr. Deamer lists other advantages coconut oil has over petroleum as a fuel: 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 coconut growers, and, perhaps most importantly for the world at large, it is an environmentally friendly fuel. In what could prove to be a boon for both the environment and cash-strapped South Pacific islands, Mr. Deamer has succeeded in proving that automotive diesel engines, with very little modification, can run safely on coconut oil. The discovery has huge potential for island nations like Vanuatu where the cost of imported oil is a heavy burden on the economy. Helping the population is a main goal of Mr. Deamer's project, which he sees as an extension of his commitment to the promotion of social and economic development -- a commitment that stems from his practice of the Baha'i Faith. Tony Deamer and his wife, Easuary, with one of his first test vehicles."This is not a commercial venture," said Mr. Deamer, explaining that the entire project stems instead from his desire to help his fellow citizens -- and the world at large. Late last year, some 200 mini-buses here were using a coconut oil/diesel mix on a daily basis, proving the concept. Mr. Deamer himself operates about a dozen vehicles on a pure coconut oil fuel. "He's been talking about this for a few years," said Marc Neil-Jones, publisher and managing director of Vanuatu Trading Post and Pacific Weekly Review. "But people's interest has shot up since he started running a few cars on it. "The copra industry is having major problems at the moment and the government is shoring up the price and it is costing a fortune," Mr. Neil-Jones said. "So the possibility of using coconut oil as a fuel has the potential to really help the rural people." Mr. Deamer says that if coconut oil fuel is widely accepted, it will increase the local demand for copra -- the dried coconut meat that is a major, although low-priced, commodity on world markets. Such an increase in demand would provide jobs and money for rural villagers in Vanuatu, where cutting copra has been the major source of outside income. This, he says, will help to stem the tide of villagers who have fled idle copra plantations to urban areas. "For every ton of diesel fuel that we can offset, we can put back some $200 into the local economy. And at those prices, people could earn a very good living cutting copra," said Mr. Deamer. "This is really a great idea -- because it goes all the way back to the farmers who plant and cut coconut," said Leo Moli, head of the energy unit within the Vanuatu Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. "And, if it succeeds, there will be a reduction in the importation of fossil fuels, especially diesel fuel." The key to the entire project was proving that ordinary automotive diesel engines can run reliably on coconut oil. "Tony has done groundbreaking work to show that coconut oil will work in automotive diesels without any major modification," said Rodney Newell, president of Renereltech, a small Vanuatu-based company that focuses on helping local businesses develop renewable energy. "Vegetable oils are being used in other parts of the world in diesel engines," said Mr. Newell. "But this is a unique project in that neat coconut oil is being used. This is a first for the Pacific area." Using coconut oil for fuel has several inherent problems. First, it tends to be thicker -- more viscous -- than other fuels. The unprocessed oil also usually contains more water and impurities than other alternatives. Mr. Deamer has experimented extensively and solved many of these problems. He has developed a small and inexpensive pre-heater that lowers the viscosity of the oil before it enters the engine. And he has also worked with another local fuel distributor to develop filtration techniques to remove water and impurities. Unlike many entrepreneurs, Mr. Deamer has been willing to share his findings widely, giving information to all concerned, even potential competitors. Trained as a mechanic, Mr. Deamer came to Vanuatu from Australia in 1971. As a Baha'i, he sought to promote social and economic development, residing first on the outer island of Tanna, working as a mechanic for the public works department there. In 1981, he relocated to Port Vila, first working for the Ministry of Education and then establishing his own automobile rental and repair business. That enterprise has provided a good living for Mr. Deamer -- and a platform on which to experiment with alternative fuels. He has converted many of his rental cars to run on coconut oil, tinkering with the pre-heaters until they ran smoothly. Baha'i principles guide his activities. In his business, he has hired and trained a number of female motor mechanics, a move that stems from his belief in the Baha'i ideal of equality between women and men. "Work in the service of humanity is service to God," said Mr. Deamer. "That is the driving force of what I am trying to do, to leave behind something of value to Vanuatu, instead of just to Tony Deamer." Mr. Deamer soon switched back to a discussion of the advantages of coconut oil fuel. "One of the reasons I like using coconut oil instead of diesel fuel is you are putting back into the atmosphere the same carbon dioxide that the tree took out a year ago," said Mr. Deamer. "It's completely sustainable. Coconut trees are very efficient carbon absorbers. "And coconut oil is also non-toxic," Mr. Deamer said. "What other Pacific fuel can you cook your fish and chips in and run your truck on?"

-17.7414972

168.3150163

KINIVING

Papua New Guinea

Launching a ship of faith

Launching a ship of faith KINIVING, Papua New Guinea — A new Baha'i center with a distinctive nautical design has taken pride of place here in a remote region of the country. More than 300 Baha'is and some Christian guests gathered from 11 to 14 July 2003 for the opening of the center in this village, all of whose residents are members of the Baha'i Faith. For some visitors, the journey to Kiniving entailed a 30-minute flight from the regional center of Lae followed by a three-hour hike into the mountains from Pindiu Station. The center's architect, local Baha'i Roro Kugewa, gained his inspiration for the building from a picture of an ark on the cover of a Baha'i publication. (In the Baha'i Writings, the term "Ark" is often used to signify the Baha'i Faith and the law of God.) Mr. Kugewa incorporated aspects of a ship in his design. The center's ground-floor meeting room for some 70 people resembles a ship's hold, with slightly curved half-walls and windows at eye level. The upper level has an enclosed room for the meetings of the Local Spiritual Assembly, and within that room is another room reserved for Baha'u'llah's book of laws, the Kitab-i-Aqdas, and other Baha'i books. Outside the upper room is a deck, which commands a view over the whole village. Holding a precious gift...Baha'is at the Kiniving Centre with the Kitab-i-Aqdas.Prayers and music by "singsing" (performance) groups from different villages featured at the welcoming ceremony. Marsha Milani, a representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Papua New Guinea, presented big laminated photographs of the Shrine of the Bab and the Terraces on Mount Carmel as gifts for the centers in Kiniving and nearby Doi and Bulu. She also gave them laminated quotations from the text of the Kitab-i-Aqdas. In return the Local Spiritual Assemblies and individual Baha'is presented gifts of treasured woven bags, known as bilums, to the national Baha'i institutions and to the secretariat of the Universal House of Justice. Ms. Milani said the presentation ceremony and the placement of the Kitab-i-Aqdas in the special room followed a study session on the book's significance. "With great reverence the guests were accompanied back to the entry to the village with representatives of the (Baha'i) institutions carrying the Kitab-i-Aqdas and the prayer books in traditional bilums. "Once again there was a formal welcome of prayers and singsing groups and a drama based on one of the Hidden Words (sacred Writings of Baha'u'llah). "The guests were then escorted to the Center where devotions were read before the formal presentation of a copy of the Kitab-i-Aqdas to a representative of each of the nine Local Spiritual Assemblies in the area, namely: Belibaec, Bulu, Doi, Kiniving, Kolohong, Kuluntufu, Simbe, Sogobong and Songon." (There are about 500 Baha'is in the area. Papua New Guinea has 254 Local Spiritual Assemblies.) The assemblies also received copies of excerpts translated into Tok Pisin (the language also known as Pidgin English), as well as 100 copies each of a newly published prayer book in their local language of Mongi, Ms. Milani said. Those local spiritual assemblies without centers entrusted their copies to the Kiniving Assembly to keep in the special room until they have a suitable place to keep it in their own village, she said. "I gathered that the friends (local Baha'is) are so much in awe of the Most Holy book that they find it hard to actually hold it in their hand and read it," Ms. Milani said.

LILONGWE

Malawi

Dramatic stories thrill Malawi golden jubilee

Dramatic stories thrill Malawi golden jubilee LILONGWE, Malawi — Fifty years ago the two original members of the Baha'i community in Malawi would meet in the bush at night where they would say their prayers, discuss plans, enjoy biscuits, and then go their separate ways. "This was done because in those days, blacks and whites could not meet openly," said Enayat Sohaili, who was describing the first Nineteen-day Feasts held in the country to an enthralled audience at the 50th jubilee celebration here on 9 August 2003. Mr. Sohaili, a Baha'i of Persian background, had arrived from India in 1953 and was considered white. The first Malawian Baha'i, Dudley Smith Kumtendere, was black. The colonial policy of discouraging racially mixed gatherings ended when Malawi, once known as Nyasaland, gained its independence in 1964. Since then Baha'is have been able to openly express their commitment to a basic principle of their faith, the oneness of humanity. They did so when they commemorated the golden anniversary of the Faith's establishment in their country. Baha'is came from all over Malawi -- Nsanje to Karonga, from Mchinji to Nkhotakota. They were joined by participants from as far away as Bermuda Australia and Mauritius, and from nearby African countries like South Africa, Zambia, and Lesotho. The celebrations were in great contrast to the early days. Julius (Robert) Kasakula, one of the first Malawian Baha'is, recalled that when Baha'i meetings were held indoors they were just as secretive as the encounters in the bush. Enayat Sohaili."Because the blacks and whites could not meet openly, we used to have meetings at our house at night," Mr. Kasakula said. Mr. Sohaili, who now lives with his wife, Iran, in Zimbabwe, recounted the time when he asked a restaurant owner to provide a table to allow visiting Americans John and Val Allen (Baha'is living in Swaziland), to meet with him and Mr. Kumtendere. "When the owner was approached, he asked us to come after 2 p.m. when there would be few customers. He put us right at the back where we had our lunch." These days the Faith is highly visible in Malawi. There are some 15,000 Baha'is, a handsome national center, 15 local Baha'i centers, two institute buildings, and some 101 Local Spiritual Assemblies. These achievements are considerable in such a time span. In September 1953, Mr. Sohaili arrived as a participant in what came to be known as the "Ten Year Crusade." From 1953 until 1963, in a plan initiated by Shoghi Effendi, Baha'is from various nations took their beliefs to countries that had not been exposed to the Faith. The ten-year effort more than doubled the number of national communities. In that decade, the Faith entered 131 new countries, 37 of those in Africa. Accordingly, half a century on, many nations, including Malawi, are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the faith. As well as Dudley Kutendere and his brother Douglas (both have since died), the first Malawian Baha'is included Albert Ntala and Mr. Kasakula and his wife Alice. Present at Malawi's celebrations was Counsellor Maina Mkandawire, a keynote speaker. Also there was Ramucy Namkopowe, whose 1964 wedding was the first Baha'i marriage service in the country. The festivities included songs, traditional and modern dance performances and comedy sessions. Baha'is offered prayers of thanksgiving and read from the Baha'i writings and from the Bible and the Qur'an. An uplifting message to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Malawi came from the Universal House of Justice, who said in part: "The foundation has been laid on which a spiritual and social structure of unprecedented splendor can be raised that will spread its shelter of unity and peace over your struggling land." A highlight of the evening was the performance by a Zambian Baha'i theatrical group of a drama portraying the life of Mona Mahmudnizhad, a 17-year-old Baha'i girl martyred in Iran in 1983. As part of the jubilee festivities, a formal reception was held at the Capital Hotel, where guest of honor Counsellor Enos Makhele of South Africa gave a talk on the Baha'i Faith from a global perspective. Among the distinguished guests was British High Commissioner Norman Ling and Lilongwe city councilor Stella Thunyani. In her address, Councilor Thunyani spoke of the oneness of humanity and the unity of religions. "You may wish to ask yourself as to why a group of people of different races and creed are dining together in a friendly atmosphere," Councilor Thunyani said. "I feel it is through the Divine love which is taught to us by the different messengers of God that we are one." Today's Baha'i community in Malawi is comprised of Baha'is from villages, cities and from numerous tribes who speak different languages. Baha'is hold regular children's classes and study circles, perform in choirs and undertake social and economic development projects. The Bambino School, a Baha'i initiative, has an enrolment of 1,100 from nursery level to secondary school and secretarial college. These results have come after years of effort. By 1970 there were 12 Local Spiritual Assemblies, enough for the country to have its own National Spiritual Assembly, which was elected in the presence of Hand of the Cause Paul Haney. The next year a Hand of the Cause, Enoch Olinga, asked for official registration of the Faith, a request met by President Hastings Banda, who was quoted in the local newspaper, The Times, as saying the Faith was a good religion because it had respect for the culture. The next year, Madame Ruhiyyih Rabbani, the widow of Shoghi Effendi, had a cordial audience with Dr. Banda, and traveled throughout the country, meeting and encouraging local Baha'is. In 1975, the first Baha'i book -- about teaching classes -- was translated into Chichewa, and that work has continued with expansion into the Tonga and Tumbuka languages. In 1985, as a contribution to the International Youth Year, Baha'i youth planted fuel wood and fruit trees throughout the country, benefiting entire villages. In 1982 and 1992, Malawi hosted international summer schools with participants from 17 and 10 countries respectively. The Baha'i National Center in Lilongwe was completed in March 2000.

-13.9875107

33.768144

CORDOBA

Spain

Beauty of the feminine spirit

Beauty of the feminine spirit CORDOBA, Spain — A soft sari adorns an Indian woman as she shoulders a heavy water pot. An elder of the Navajo people decorates her practical clothing with a turquoise necklace. The long finger extensions of a Thai lady suggest she may be about to dance. These are some of the images captured by Spanish photographer Francisco Gonzalez and reproduced in a book of photographs portraying women around the world. Mr. Gonzalez introduces subjects dressed in myriad costumes and performing a variety of roles: homemakers, grandmothers, craftswomen, artists. "Mujeres del Mundo: Retratos del Alma" ["Women of the World: Portraits of the Soul"] depicts the mental, physical and emotional reality women cope with, whether living in villages or cities. The images won for Mr. Gonzalez the Meridiana award from the Andaluz Institute of Women, and they have been seen in an exhibition that toured more than 20 cities and towns in Spain. With the publication of his book, a wider audience now has the opportunity to enjoy the work of this 43-year-old artist with a camera. Happiness near the Shrine of the Bab. (Photo: Francisco Gonzalez)Mr. Gonzalez takes us into the homes of these women and to their workplaces. We witness their lives in rural and urban areas, and we see some of them at worship. His photographic subjects appear undefeated by their challenges but shine out of the pages as examples of courage and spiritual insight who have risen above the pressures of their daily life. Somehow he has captured the beauty and sensitivity of the feminine spirit. A common approach among modern photographers is to exploit the image of women. In contrast, Mr. Gonzalez appears to look at his subjects with different eyes. The photographer seems to search to find out what is it that men can learn from women. For example, in the picture showing an Indian woman with a pot of water on her shoulder the artist depicts a hard-working woman carrying water for her family. However, she is not straining under her burden. Her beauty comes from the dignity with which she carries out her task. Mr. Gonzalez traveled the globe and selected for publication 59 of his photographs depicting women, young and old, of many ethnic and cultural backgrounds in countries as diverse as Italy and Samoa, Costa Rica and Bosnia. Inspired by the photographs, young Bolivian writer Jorge Nazra wrote nine poems to accompany the images. Included, too, are excerpts from the Baha'i writings that point to the importance of the equality of men and women as a pathway towards a peaceful and united world civilization. To carry out his project, Mr. Gonzalez, the photographic editor of the Spanish daily, "Cordoba", visited Baha'i-inspired social and economic development projects all over the world. He also obtained images at the May 2001 opening of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab at the Baha'i World Centre, in Haifa, Israel. In an interview, Mr. Gonzalez said he considers his body of work a contribution to the well being of humanity. For him, he said, photography is a tool to represent the teachings of the Baha'i Faith -- in this case the equality of men and women. He said the unity and equality of the sexes is not a goal but rather a pathway towards the attainment of a united and peaceful world. Awarded the Andalucia Award of Journalism in 1995, Mr. Gonzalez was nominated three years later for the Romeo Martinez International Award of Photography. During the seven years he spent collecting photographs for "Women of the World: Portraits of the Soul" Mr. Gonzalez initiated another project called "The Pathway of the Sun", in which he introduces his viewers to the life of the indigenous American populations and the ways they contribute to a global society. "Mujeres del Mundo," by Francisco Gonzalez, (Barcelona, Arca Editorial, 2003). For information: http://arcaeditorial.com For more information on the work of Francisco Gonzalez see http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/story.cfm?storyid=191. Review by Edit Kalman

37.8845813

-4.7760138

THAMES

New Zealand

Youth animators spring to life

Youth animators spring to life THAMES, New Zealand — "I feel animated -- like a picture suddenly given life!" says Anisa Beckman, 22, who recently qualified to assist the development of junior youth (12 to 14-year-olds). Anisa attended a five-day residential "Animator" course here and, like the other graduates, is keen to employ her new skills. Graduates, who are in their late teens or early 20s, return home to help groups of young teenagers to devise and implement plans of community service as well as look to their spiritual, intellectual, and creative development. "Animators" encourage junior youth in New Zealand to devote themselves to tasks like gardening at homes for the elderly, taking young people with disabilities to entertainment parks, and taping books for the blind. The Aotearoa Institute, a training board founded and run by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of New Zealand, organizes the course. Spokesperson Mary Ann White said the training course combines learning and practice. "It's a very active course and quite demanding," she said. For Anisa Beckman, who lives in Kaikoura, on the east coast of the country's South Island, the benefits of the course are clear. "This training has reminded me of the enormous energy and potential that junior youth have," she said. "This has stopped me from holding myself back and just leaving them [junior youth] to it, and to start working through this program and to stoke their fire for learning, for action and for doing good and useful things." One of her co-students on the course, Nava Derakhshani, 18, said that as a result of the course she realized the positive effect that interaction by people her age has on younger youth, especially in the development of self-esteem. "I hope to take [this experience] back to my home country and future countries that I may reside and serve in," said Nava, who is spending a year here away from her Botswana home in a "youth year of service", a period when young Baha'is volunteer to devote themselves full-time to serving their society through their religion. This is the fourth year of the Animator training course, and was special because some earlier trainees, such as 19-year-olds Terra Lew, from Christchurch, and Abdullah Norozi, from Papakura, were returning to carry out the training. Mr. Norozi said that before getting involved he did not take much notice of younger youth. "But ever since I have made a conscious effort in involving myself with the junior youth and helping and supporting them in their endeavors." The course held this month was the fourth since training began in 2000. The original trainer of the Animators was Nina Perez, who came from Mexico to live in New Zealand while pursuing tertiary studies. She and Mr. Norozi also carried out additional training in Perth, Western Australia. The Animators also contribute their skills in Baha'i children's camps, where pre-teens and junior youth combine studies of art and spirituality with games and fellowship, appreciation and enjoyment of nature, and outdoor activities.

-37.137983

175.5418037

JAMESTOWN

Saint Helena

In the midmost heart of the oceans

In the midmost heart of the oceans JAMESTOWN, Saint Helena — Two Baha'is who have contributed to societies on remote islands have received high awards for their services. Basil George, who led a successful attempt to restore British citizenship to the people of the St. Helena, has received an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to his birthplace, which lies about midway between South America and Africa. Robin White, a New Zealander who lived with her family in the Pacific nation of Kiribati from 1982 to 1999, has been appointed a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to painting and printing. Much of her recent work depicts Kiribati. Basil George, 67, a descendant of the early settlers of St. Helena, received the award at a ceremony on the island, which has the status of a British Overseas Territory. St. Helena's population of under 6,000 comprises people of British, African, Indian and Chinese descent. There is no air service but a ship calls monthly. "The announcement of the award came unexpectedly and I am very touched by people on the island who put my name forward intending it as a surprise," Mr. George said. Mr. George has served on the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of St. Helena, including a number of times as chairman. Leba Toki (left) and Robin White apply decorative elements to tapa cloth in Robin's studio in Masterton, New Zealand.In 1996 the Anglican Bishop of St. Helena, John Ruston, asked Mr. George to take over as chairman of the Citizenship Commission. The Anglican Church had set up the commission four years earlier in an attempt to reverse a 1981 decision of the British Government to introduce various classes of citizenship, effectively depriving the islanders of their longstanding legal status as full British citizens. Under Mr. George's leadership, the commission took its case to the United Nations in 2000 and 2001. Victory was achieved when the British government restored full citizenship rights, including the right of abode in the United Kingdom and the European Union, to the people of their overseas territories. The law came into effect on 21 May 2002, specifically timed for the St. Helena celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the previously uninhabited island. In a tribute, the monthly magazine, the "St. Helena Catalogue," said: "Basil George's love and devotion to his island and its community are amply demonstrated in his work in education and his commitment to the restoration of British citizenship to the people of St. Helena." Mr. George became a Baha'i in 1961 when he was a policeman. To serve the Faith and the community more effectively, he took up teaching, gaining an honors degree in secondary education and being appointed headmaster of the secondary selective school. In 1983 he became the Chief Education officer of St. Helena, was closely involved in a project to establish the island's first Community High School open to all children. He managed the introduction of a three-tier system of education on the island. Mr. George has also contributed to the island as chairman of the Agricultural Authority Board, founding member and chairman of the Disabled Persons' Aid society, Heritage society, and diving club. He is now retired but serves as a tourist guide, and writes children's stories and poems about the island. He is married with three adult children. Award for artist Robin White is one of New Zealand's most prominent artists, with her work represented in major collections. Ms. White, 57, was invested as a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit at Government House in Wellington in August 2003. "When I was first informed of the award I couldn't understand why I had received it for 'services to painting and printmaking' when there are so many very fine artists in New Zealand," she said. "But I gather it has something to do with international connections -- the fact that I have exhibited overseas (India, United Kingdom, France, Japan, Australia) and that I have collaborated with Pacific artists." Ms. White has been a member of the Baha'i Continental Board of Counsellors since 1995, and is now based in Masterton in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand. Many images in her works are regarded as symbolic of aspects of her country's life. Her art is known for its clear images, strong colors and clean lines. In 1982, when her works were in ever-increasing demand, she and her husband, Mike Fudakowski, moved to Kiribati to assist with the development of the Baha'i community there. Two of their three children were born there. Kiribati is an independent nation comprising a group of 33 coral atolls in the Pacific Ocean. Straddling the equator, it is about half-way between Australia and Hawaii and has a population of about 98,000. Robin White and her husband chose to live in a pandanus-thatched and coconut-ribbed house with a studio on stilts, rather than move into a conventional western style house. After their relocation, Ms. White began producing images depicting the Kiribati environment. She used a Pacific woodblock and hand-coloring technique by which she carved a design into a block of wood, which was then inked before paper was pressed against the design. Ms. White created detailed images depicting scenes of fishing, women conversing, people strolling in villages, children, and ocean scenes. Those common, every-day images were the basis for an exploration of universal themes. Her reputation grew and her work was exhibited in distant New Zealand and Australia to good reviews. A tragic 1996 fire, destroyed their family's house and her studio and equipment. The loss, however, prompted her to collaborate with indigenous artists and to extend her skills in the use of locally available material. Her collaborative work includes tapa (bark cloth) pieces produced with Fijian artist Leba Toki. (See http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/story.cfm?storyid=77) In Kiribati she also learned the Gilbertise language to the extent that she served as a translator and worked with the local women to enhance the education and advancement in society and participated fully in the Baha'i community. She has been an artist in residence in New Zealand and Australian universities and still travels in the Pacific region.

-15.9277296

-5.7160872

VOORBURG

Netherlands

A flower for Lottie

A flower for Lottie VOORBURG, Netherlands — Next year at the annual convention of the Baha'is of the Netherlands, there will be a rose on an otherwise empty seat, the one traditionally occupied by the late Lottie Tobias. The National Spiritual Assembly promised the gesture, in a eulogy read at her funeral. The rose will be a symbolic tribute to the five decades of loving, expert attention paid by Elisabeth Charlotte (Lottie) Tobias to the development of the Baha'i administrative order in her homeland and beyond. On 25 July 2003 Lottie, 93, died while on her way home to Voorburg from a summer school held in De Poort. More than 350 mourners attended her funeral. The National Spiritual Assembly, describing her as the "mother" of the Netherlands Baha'i community, pointed out in its eulogy that Lottie herself had always said the Baha'i community was her family. "She was interested in everyone and followed the progress of her friends' children -- they were her children and so it was very moving that she died in the arms of two of these, now very adult, children." Lottie Tobias became a Baha'i in 1950 when there were only a few dozen believers in the whole country. She was elected to the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Den Haag in 1952, and in 1957 was elected a member of the first Spiritual Assembly of the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), serving as secretary for the Netherlands. In 1962 she was elected to the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the Netherlands, and served on that body until 1986. For 24 years she was the secretary. "Alone, without the help of a secretariat, her only help a typewriter and a table, she performed this work cheerfully and uncomplainingly for all those years in a manner which today still serves as an example," the National Spiritual Assembly said. "Everything had still to be built up both in the office in the Hague and in the administrative order in the country. In addition most of it had to be done in the evenings after a busy day's work." Not only was she meticulous in her work as secretary but also as a proofreading member of the editorial team of the "Baha'i Vizier" (a regular publication with scholarly and other articles). To the last moment of her life, she was a member of the national properties committee. She kept in touch with Baha'is who went to live abroad to assist other communities and gave a warm welcome to newcomers, wrote cards to and visited the sick, and kept up to date with the welfare of others in person and by telephone. That legendary care for others was in her nature. For years she wrote a column in the "Haagse Courant" newspaper as a counselor on social and legal matters. Her nom de plume was "Raad" (a combination of the words for "advice" and "deed"). She even held a weekly consultation hour for individuals at the newspaper office. When staff at her newspaper learned of her death, they placed a large display notice commemorating their beloved former colleague. In a personal eulogy, Jan Sijsling, a Baha'i who had known her more than 50 years, said she had made a great impression upon him because of her reliability, the bond between them deepening as a result of her care not only for the work but everyone as individuals. Another long time Baha'i friend, Wilco Broekhuizen, said that getting to know her was by observing her actions for she never really spoke about herself. "The Covenant, loyalty to Shoghi Effendi, the Universal House of Justice, the Hands of the Cause and the Spiritual Assemblies formed the very foundation of her life." Mr. Broekhuizen said that in consultation she provided clear, personal opinions and solutions but, having heard another point of view, could completely change her opinion. She possessed an endearing humanity and a sense of humor. Mr. Broekhuizen recalled once when a meeting was to be held in her flat, somebody said there was a wonderful film on television that evening. "And it was actually Lottie who proposed we should 'leave the business' and all sit around the TV instead." Arts and culture were dear to her, and she had begun to paint in watercolors. In a tribute, the Universal House of Justice said: "Having served with distinction for more than two decades on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Netherlands, as well as on the first Spiritual Assembly of the Benelux countries, she will always be lovingly remembered for her dedication to the progress of the Cause, the upbuilding of its institutions and her tireless endeavors over many years to inspire and encourage all the friends."

52.0703201

4.3558561

WINSCOMBE

United Kingdom

Inspired art from spiritual infusion

Inspired art from spiritual infusion WINSCOMBE, England — "It is the atmosphere at the academy that makes you want to learn more and become better -- it gives you life and spirit!" said Chanelle Fusco, 20, describing her experience at the Baha'i Academy for the Arts in England. A singing course at the academy three years ago inspired her to become a professional singer. The academy is held at a boarding school in Sidcot, Somerset, for a week during the summer. It opened in 1993 and now provides some 18 courses open to people of all ages. This year's academy took place from 26 July to 2 August and brought together professional and amateur artists from 16 countries. Course topics range from weaving to calligraphy, filmmaking to mural painting -- and all aim to infuse spiritual values into artistic expression. Ms. Fusco illustrated her experience at the academy by describing a singing course which, she said, gave her a tremendous amount of energy for her art. Art of relaxation...students and tutors take a break at the Baha'i Academy for the Arts.Participants in the course sang gospel-style and Baha'i prayers set to music, a form of learning she found instantly appealing. "I liked music but during that week at the academy I feel I discovered myself," said Ms. Fusco. The academy taught her to set goals. She now writes her own songs, has moved from Lancaster to London to concentrate on her career, and is currently preparing her first album. The arts academy originated with Cecilia Smith and Margaret Appa, two Baha'is who wanted a summer camp for their children, one that combined arts education with spiritual values. That initial concept became an academy which grew from just 20 enrolled students when it opened a decade ago to 260 this year. "We have a very strong, spiritual source which of course is the writings of Baha'u'llah, but the artistic and educational philosophies are a very strong and very positive part of the whole event," said Ms. Appa, who serves with Ms. Smith and others on the organizing executive committee. In contrast to conventional courses -- typically built on competition and comparison -- the Baha'i Arts Academy aims to challenge, encourage, and empower students in order for them to discover their hidden spiritual and artistic "gems". "The energy and the power that comes from an environment where there is no judgment, no criticism, is huge and empowering," said Ms. Appa, an art teacher by profession. "People feel safe to risk success, rather than accepting failure." "It's a more positive mindset," she said, explaining that seeing successes encouraged all students to feel they can achieve their potential. Photographer Darius Himes, who taught the photography course this year, said that the distinction of the academy lies in the fact that the community at the school -- individuals and families together -- strive to combine spiritual values with their art. "It is the living qualities of being a Baha'i," he said. "Courtesy towards others, inclusiveness, friendliness, respect, a deep concern for others, and being full of thought -- those qualities infuse the academy." Mr. Himes, the editor of "photo-eye", an Internet-based bookstore and gallery of fine-art photography, encouraged his group to look at the different roles photography can play in representing spiritual ideas. "Spirituality is a difficult thing to define. Mindfulness, attentiveness, ever striving for clear intent -- these are the qualities that I emphasized in the class because I see these qualities manifested in great art. "The Prophets call forth these qualities in us as humans. "To manifest those qualities in our chosen fields is the dream and goal of humanity." The academy provides four hours of tuition daily. Each day has a period of "morning focus", when all the students gather to set the spiritual tone for the day with the help of prayers, music, and drama. The evenings are filled with musical and theatrical performances, talks, or academic presentations. At the end of the week the groups are invited to share the progress of their art with the rest of the participants. Jessica Naish, an English theater director and performer, has been working with teenagers who have personal problems. She said that when starting to learn anything for the first time people, face barriers of self-consciousness and embarrassment, but the academy provides the perfect atmosphere to break these boundaries. "The academy is like going on a journey," said Ms. Naish, 32, who this summer tutored a course on performing with masks. "You come as you are; you can start from nothing, in competition with yourself, and go through spiritual, artistic, and personal development." She said that the power of the academy comes from the mutual encouragement and love that exist among the students and the tutors -- and that helps them strive for personal excellence unashamedly. The arts academy is also a meeting point for artists from all around the world. "It doesn't matter if you are an amateur or a professional -- what makes it unique is the amazing artists you meet there," said Liza Gerhold, 22, a university student from Germany, who discovered photography as her medium at the academy. "I learnt that art is not about putting one's self in the center of attention but to work on the gifts one has and share them with others," she said. The executive team of organizers, also including Farzaneh Seegoolam, Aidan Matthews, Rob Weinberg and Ranjit Appa, has started planning for next year's academy. "We are in a stage of transition," said Ms. Appa. "We are planning to become an educational trust, part of which would be the arts academy." The trust would also provide a forum for professional artists where they could challenge one another and evaluate their own personal development. At the same time the team would like to focus more on the development of the arts within the Baha'i community and explore possible ways of assisting tutors of Baha'i study circles and children's classes. For more information: http://www.bahai-artsacademy.com/welcome.html

51.3139428

-2.8334616

BRAZZAVILLE

Congo Republic

Light of the spirit shines in the Congo

Light of the spirit shines in the Congo BRAZZAVILLE, Congo Republic — Teachings on peace prompted Anselme Nkouka to become a Baha'i during the earliest years of the Baha'i community here. "I became a Baha'i because Baha'is even then spoke of peace when no one else did -- Baha'u'llah's message was addressing this issue," said Mr. Nkouka. An interview with Mr. Nkouka was part of a documentary film shown to participants as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations held from 29 to 31 August 2003 to mark the introduction of the Baha'i Faith to this country. Like Marie-Joseph Sommere and Francois M'Bemba, who were also shown in the film, Mr. Nkouka, now 86, learned of the Baha'i Faith through the man who brought the Faith here, Ugandan Max Kanyerezi. The Baha'i community, which now has 20 Local Spiritual Assemblies, celebrated its golden jubilee by honoring the struggles of the past, looking forward to its future and enjoying the present. The event involved 28 theatrical and musical performances, including a play by a theater troupe from Pointe Noire. "Everyone wants peace today, and everyone talks of peace -- it is quite a common topic -- but in the past, it was not so common," Mr. Nkouka said. Peace remains a vital issue in a country that has suffered through severe political and social unrest. The national Baha'i center -- the venue of the jubilee festivities -- was seized by the communist regime in 1978 and occupied for 14 years. During that period, the Baha'i community was forced to stop its organized activities. Baha'is supported one another through mutual encouragement and informal family contacts, but without their elected administrative bodies. In 1992, a new democratically elected government gave legal recognition to the Baha'i community. The Baha'is reinstated their administration, regained use of the national center, and energetically resumed their activities. Although there has been civil unrest, including two civil wars since 1992, the country, with its 2.9 million population, is now healing from its wounds. In Brazzaville, on the edge of the mighty Congo river, buildings are being repaired, and roads paved. The city, its stately avenues bordered by flamboyant and mango trees, is mending slowly. Today, the Baha'i community is actively contributing to the development of the country through conducting children's education, providing opportunities for artistic creativity, holding capacity building study circles for adults, and welcoming the public to spiritual gatherings for prayer and readings from holy writings. The jubilee celebrations, attended by 200 Baha'is, began with a brief welcome by the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, Ruffin Kinzuku. Then, as the message of the Universal House of Justice was read, the Congolese Baha'is stood up out of respect. "That you are coming together under such auspicious circumstances," said the message, "is a testimony to the tenacity, resolve and unflagging devotion of the followers of Baha'u'llah in the Congo Republic, who have been able to maintain their integrity as a community while the society around them erupted in conflict." The Baha'i Faith came to the French Congo (then called the Middle Congo, now Republic of the Congo) on 20 September 1953 when Ali Nakhjavani and his wife, Violette, driving a small car through the jungles from Uganda, dropped off Mr. Kanyerezi in Brazzaville. Mr. Nakhjavani, a recently retired member of the Universal House of Justice, and Mrs. Nakhjavani, an author, attended the jubilee as guests of honor and received a heartfelt welcome. Speaking in French, Mr. Nakhjavani addressed the crowd on the great destiny of Africa. He recalled his reaction when only 20 years old to first reading the description in the Baha'i writings of black people as like the "pupil of the eye" through which the "light of the spirit shineth forth". Mr. Nakhjavani: "And I said to myself, Ali, why did God make you white? Why didn't God make you black? Why weren't you born in Africa? Why were you born here, in Asia? I am telling you the truth; those were my thoughts when I realized the high, exalted station Baha'u'llah gave the African people. "His words, dear friends, were not compliments but the truth for the world to see." Later, in a two-hour question and answer session, Mr. Nakhjavani addressed topics ranging from Baha'i scripture and history, to personal spiritual growth. Mr. Nakhjavani also spoke at the grave of his friend, Gudratullah Azemikhah, who contributed greatly to the Baha'i community after arriving, two years after independence, in 1962. Mrs. Nakhjavani enthralled the audience with an account of the historic journey she and her husband undertook in 1953. They dropped off Ugandan Baha'is Enoch Olinga, Samson Mugono, and Max Kanyerezi at their respective posts in the Belgian Congo, Middle Congo and British Cameroon, as part of the worldwide project for the expansion of the Baha'i Faith. Also present at the celebration was Dr. Ezzatullah Tai, 73, originally from Iran and now of France, who played a key role in assisting the growth of the Congolese Baha'i community. Other guests of honor included Joan Lincoln, Counsellor Member of the International Teaching Centre, and her husband, Albert Lincoln, Secretary-General of the Baha'i International Community in Haifa, Israel. Mrs. Lincoln conveyed inspiring news from around the world, of Baha'i communities actively engaged in activities similar to those in the Congo: children's classes, capacity building study circles for adults, devotional gatherings, and projects to help rebuild the society. In his public address, Mr. Lincoln paid tribute to the endurance of the Baha'i community. "To extract the true and deep meaning of the event we are gathered here to celebrate, we must place it in its proper historical and human context, a scene in which the dominant color is not that of a rose but of red, the red of blood, of heart and of sacrifice." Mr. Lincoln said that we had to accept trials because they were part of a larger process of "finding a way to live together like the global human family we are and were created to be". Mr. Lincoln's speech was applauded by Mr. Roger Packa, Cabinet Director for the High Commission charged with Moral and Spiritual Education, a branch of the Presidency of the Republic of the Congo. National television news reported the jubilee, and Mr. Lincoln gave an interview on the radio and on one of the country's most popular TV shows. Brazzaville Baha'i Urbain Niamba said the jubilee gave him a new vision of the future of the Faith in the Congo. "I am sure that the creativity present in the celebrations will encourage more use of the arts and culture among the youth in the Baha'i community." [Report and photographs by Violetta Zein in Brazzaville.]

-4.27250705

15.28303990586435

SAN FRANCISCO

United States

Learning on a higher plane

Learning on a higher plane SAN FRANCISCO — Scholars should move away from a combative style and lift their discussion to a higher plane, a senior professor told a major conference here. "Contemporary academic scholarship is often vindictively vicious in attacking an idea or an author regardless of the merit of the thesis proposed," said Suheil Bushrui, who holds the Baha'i Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland. Professor Bushrui was delivering the prestigious Hasan M. Balyuzi Memorial Lecture at the 27th annual conference of the Association for Baha'i Studies-North America, held 29 August-1 September 2003. More than 1,300 participants attended the conference. "All knowledge in the Baha'i point of view is measured by its benevolent influence and contribution to the unity and prosperity of the human race," said Professor Bushrui, who also announced his retirement in 2004 from the Baha'i Chair. Addressing the conference, noted sociologist Philip Selznick discussed the importance of a stronger sense of civility in the effort to build stronger and yet more inclusive communities, in a world where many groups are seeking -- out of a sense of piety -- to distance themselves from others. "Civility is naked without articles of faith, which tell us who we are and what we live by," said Professor Selznick, who is not a Baha'i. One of the speakers: Dr. June Thomas, professor of urban and regional planning at Michigan State University."Piety without civility is debased and out of control," he said. Founded in 1975, the Association for Baha'i Studies promotes the development of scholarship on the Baha'i Faith in North America. The San Francisco conference took the theme of "Religion and Community in a Time of Crisis" and featured a wide range of lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and artistic performances. A keynote speaker, Dr. Ann Boyles, addressed the topic "Binding Together a Fragmented World: A Baha'i Perspective on 'Community'." "Baha'is see religion as one powerful means to address the problems besetting the world, and this is because religion has traditionally been concerned with two broad questions: the purpose of existence and the nature of the community," said Dr. Boyles, a lecturer at the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada. "Baha'is are deeply and centrally concerned with the process of building an inclusive, rather than exclusive, community based on the enactment of transcendent values rather than mere material progress," said Dr. Boyles, a senior editor of the "Baha'i World", an annual volume recording Baha'i activities and perspectives. "Theories and practices that promote self-indulgence and disrupt the connections among individuals have no place in the Baha'i community." Dr. Boyles also commented on the inauguration of a new special interest group -- on indigenous studies -- within the Association. Named in honor of the late Patricia Locke, a noted Lakota/Chippewa Baha'i, the group opened with a panel discussion that explored the diverse ways of "knowing" and "seeing" among indigenous peoples. "This development is important because it showed how the Association is making efforts to nurture different approaches to scholarship, or different ways of 'knowing'," said Dr. Boyles. She said another aspect of the conference she found very moving was the artistic presentations. "They ran the gamut from opera to a young group of kids doing hip-hop music. There was also a duo that played traditional Chinese instruments, including the yangqin (hammered dulcimer); music from Ghana; and a group of Armenian dancers." Stephen Birkland, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for North America, told the conference that people find themselves in an age when the equilibrium of the world has been upset. Nonequilibrium states, however, are "characterized by extraordinary innovation" and are "where the greatest learning takes place". He identified three resources to help people thrive in this frustrating yet promising age: keenness of vision; communication with one another, or "cultivating a culture of encouragement"; and the Word of God, as "the wellspring of all social and material progress". The challenge of practicing Baha'i values within the materialistic and secular settings of the academic world was the topic of a searching and lively panel discussion by five young Baha'i academics and professionals. Ruha Benjamin, a sociology graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, spoke of the "severe mental tests" that scholars must confront in "the battle with our self, or ego". She urged Baha'is to engage in reflective practice as a learning community and to ask: "Am I reinforcing hierarchies that Baha'u'llah came to change?" Derik Smith, a professor of African-American literature at Arcadia University, noted that "in order to be employable you have to articulate views in the discourse that holds sway." But lest "we forget where we're coming from... we must constantly cultivate a transcendent vision, a spiritualized approach to what we do." The more than 90 papers, panel discussions, and workshops at the conference included a presentation on "Creative Dimensions of Life Crisis and Suffering" by Abdu'l-Missagh Ghadirian, a professor at the McGill University Faculty of Medicine; a discussion on "Faith, History, and Community Building in the Babi and Baha'i Faiths"; and a panel discussion on "The Press as a Consultative Forum", featuring Baha'i journalists. Other presentation and workshop topics included human rights and religious extremism, applying principle-based indicators of development, multiracial community building, bioethics, economics and social justice, and gender and ethics. Special interest groups within the Association held presentations on topics ranging from agriculture and ecology to marriage and family life. (Photos by Courosh Mehanian.)

37.7790262

-122.419906

KINSHASA

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Double cause for celebrations

Double cause for celebrations KINSHASA, Democratic Republic Of The Congo — Members of the Baha'i community here had a double reason to celebrate this month. The Baha'is marked the 50th anniversary of the Faith's activities in the nation. It was also the first time in five years that the nine members of their national governing body could meet together in the capital. The war that erupted in 1998 prevented members of the National Spiritual Assembly meeting here from then until now. Congolese Baha'i Mayika Manseki described why the community was so happy to see all the National Spiritual Assembly members in Kinshasa. "They are our liaison with the Universal House of Justice," Mrs. Manseki said, "and to have this institution we love so much present here with us is wonderful -- this is a sign of hope." The jubilee celebrations in Kinshasa on 6 and 7 September 2003 began with the National Spiritual Assembly's message, read by its chairman, Nshisu Nsunga. On stage...performers at the festivities in Kinshasa."Today our country is entering a crucial phase of its future," the message said. "If the Baha'i model that our national community is striving to build, can in some way contribute to the renewal and construction of the infrastructures of our country, we humbly submit it for [the nation's] consideration." A reconciliation program is now under way after five years of turmoil in this country, which was once known as the Belgian Congo, and then, after independence in 1960, by a variety of other names, including Zaire. A vast country four times the size of France, it has a population of 56 million. It borders the smaller Republic of the Congo, whose Baha'i community celebrated its own 50th jubilee in August 2003. (See http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/story.cfm?storyid=246). Attending the opening of the 50th jubilee festivities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was senior government representative, Jean Baptiste Nsa Lobete, Political and Diplomatic Counselor of the Governor of Kinshasa. He linked the jubilee to the rising climate of hope in the nation. "Because the social development and the various economic endeavors of your faith across the country constitute a point of pride for all its members and leaders," Mr. Lobete said, "all of these wonderful results justify the respect that the authorities of this country feel towards the Baha'i community in particular when it comes to answer one or another of your concerns." Some of the activities Mr. Lobete referred to include social and economic development field projects such as adult literacy initiatives in Kasai and Western and Eastern Kivu, community health projects in Southern Kivu, and community farming projects in Katanga and Southern Kivu. Mr. Lobete particularly praised the Baha'i contribution to national education. The Baha'is have established primary and secondary schools in Katanga and throughout the country and centers for the promotion of the status of women and the education of children in Kinshasa and Katanga. The vicechairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, Sefu Lemba, read a message from the Universal House of Justice that described the community as "stalwart and valiant" and said in part: "Despite years of political strife and adversity that have severely torn the fabric of the society around you, the spirits of the believers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have remained unbroken, and you have managed to lay the foundations of a community whose influence is felt throughout the continent." The program included songs from the Dawn of Carmel Choir, including performers who won acclaim throughout the Baha'i world as the Congo Youth Choir at the opening of the Terraces on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, in May 2001. Among many others to sing were the Navvab Choir, and the Mona Choir from the neighboring Republic of the Congo. The Millennium Theatre Troupe presented a play about the transforming effect of Baha'i teachings on family life. Participants at the celebrations also learned more of the community's history, including the fact that there were esteemed visitors to their country 13 years before normal Baha'i activity could commence. Those visitors were the then Head of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi, and his wife, Madame Ruhiyyih Rabbani, who in 1940 drove across the eastern region of the Belgian Congo. In 1953 Baha'is began formal efforts to start teaching the Baha'i Faith as part of a worldwide 10-year plan, directed by Shoghi Effendi, to bring the message of Baha'u'llah to the world. Before that time, colonial authorities did not permit the promotion of the Faith by Baha'i pioneers (people who moved to the country to establish the Baha'i community). Active attempts to spread the teachings began in 1953 when Ali Nakhjavani and his wife, Violette, driving across Africa from Uganda, took Ugandan Baha'i Samson Mungongo to the city of Kamina. (The Nakhjavanis carried on to the Middle Congo and British Cameroon.) Congolese who had become Baha'is in Rwanda and Burundi moved back to settle in their home provinces. The first Local Spiritual Assembly was elected in 1957, and there are now 541 assemblies. The first National Spiritual Assembly formed in 1970. Traveling long distances within the country is often extremely difficult, so in some regional centers, Baha'is unable to attend the jubilee festivities in Kinshasa held their own celebrations in support of the main event. Among the 600 participants at the celebrations in the capital were three of the first Congolese Baha'is: Louis Selemani, 81, Remy Kalonji, 83, and Valerien Mukendi, 83. They were joined by a dozen former pioneers from Europe, North America and other parts of Africa. One who could not make it was Ola Pawlowska, 93, though she participated in the celebrations by sending from her home in Canada a message of congratulations and love to a community to which she devoted three decades of her life. Mulmaba Munanga, 51, a Congolese Baha'i, met Mrs. Pawlowska when he was a teenager. He has remembered words from her that changed his life. "She would say, 'Mulamba, take this Faith as if it were your personal belonging because a personal belonging is something you take care of, something you love,'" said Mr. Munanga. "As I always felt the truth of these words, I have always taken the Faith as a personal belonging and I have always wanted to serve as much as I possibly can -- if Baha'u'llah can give me the time and the strength to do so -- for the rest of my life." Guests of honor at the jubilee included Mr. Nakhjavani, former member of the Universal House of Justice, and Mrs. Nakhjavani, an author, as well as Joan Lincoln, counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre, and Albert Lincoln, secretary-general of the Baha'i International Community. All four had spent many years as pioneers in Africa. Mrs. Nakhjavani greatly moved the audience with her recollections of early visits she made to the country with Mr. Nakhjavani and later with Madame Rabbani. Mr. Nakhjavani spoke at the gathering about the spiritual destiny of Africa and answered questions on subjects ranging from journalism ethics and the finer points of Baha'i law and scripture to personal problem solving. Mrs. Lincoln updated the Baha'is on current projects and methods and paid a tribute: "We now see second and third generation Baha'is, and this is a true sign of the future of the Faith in this country, and all of this notwithstanding the years of conflict and adversities." In the internal affairs of the community, the Baha'is have also made great strides, as pointed out by Laeticia Cigangu, a Baha'i for 26 years and an Auxiliary Board member. Mrs. Cigangu said she remembered when she was the only Congolese woman in her local Baha'i community. "Now," she said, "a quarter of that same community is composed of women. And nationwide, a good third of Baha'is are women." "With the arrival of training institutes in our communities, you have to understand the Faith is not just something for Baha'is or intellectuals anymore, the way it was perceived for a long time. Now the Faith spreads through children's classes, so the next 50 years are full of hope!" [Report and jubilee photographs by Violetta Zein in Kinshasa.]

-4.3217055

15.3125974

YAOUNDE

Cameroon

Cameroon celebrates golden time

Cameroon celebrates golden time YAOUNDE, Cameroon — When there were only a handful of Baha'is in their country, five young Cameroonians left home to take the teachings of the Baha'i Faith to nearby lands. Their actions in 1954 won them the designation "Knight of Baha'u'llah", a title given to individuals who brought the Baha'i Faith to new territories. The five Cameroonian Baha'is were following the example of another young man, Enoch Olinga, who had left his homeland of Uganda to bring the Faith to British Cameroon less than a year earlier, in 1953. In a message to those attending the golden jubilee festivities of the Faith in Cameroon held here on 22 and 23 August 2003, the Universal House of Justice referred to those dramatic early days as it extended congratulations on the "outstanding accomplishments" of the Baha'i community. "An enduring model of consecrated labours," the Universal House of Justice wrote, "has been set by a host of devoted believers, including Enoch Olinga, and the five Cameroonians who likewise arose to become Knights of Baha'u'llah." Cameroon is now comprised of the former French Cameroon and part of the former British Cameroon, which merged in 1961. It is about twice the size of the United Kingdom and has a population of more than 15 million. Home to more than 250 tribes and ethnic groups with nearly as many languages, it is often referred to as "Africa in miniature". Baha'i children's class, Mamfe, 1980.The first National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Cameroon was elected in 1967. The Baha'i community, now 40,000 strong, has 58 Local Spiritual Assemblies. Among the accomplishments of the Cameroon Baha'i community are contributions to their nation in the form of social and economic development projects. The Baha'i Agency for Social and Economic Development, founded by the National Spiritual Assembly, has worked with the United Nations Development Fund for Women on a program in the eastern province aimed at improving family life and easing the lives of women. As a result, women in villages instituted a communal cultivation program, which increased income and improved the quality of life. This led to further cooperation with international agencies. The Baha'i agency has also worked successfully in family education projects in central and northwestern provinces and assisted in programs to eradicate river blindness. Since the 1980s, Baha'i radio programs in the northwest and in Buea have been helping communities improve their family life and the education of children. Weekly religious and moral education classes for children and study meetings for parents are also held. The Baha'is also organize interfaith activities, which serve to close gaps in Cameroon's multireligious society. More than 560 Baha'is from all regions of Cameroon attended the 50th jubilee celebrations, including Knight of Baha'u'llah, Benedict Eballa. Other guests came from Australia, Botswana, Canada, Equatorial Guinea, France, Morocco, Rwanda, Uganda, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Among the guests of honor was George Olinga, the son of Enoch Olinga, the Knight of Baha'u'llah for British Cameroon. Mr. Olinga spoke of his recollections of his father, who initially established a cohort of believers in Limbe, spent the rest of the decade in British Cameroon, was later named a "Hand of the Cause" and rendered historic services to the worldwide Baha'i community until his passing in Uganda in 1979. Also present at the event were former member of the Universal House of Justice Ali Nakhjavani and his wife, Violette. In 1953 Mr. and Mrs. Nakhjavani undertook a strenuous two-month car journey across Africa from Uganda with Mr. Olinga and two other Baha'is to establish the Faith in Cameroon and other countries. At the jubilee, Mr. Nakhjavani delivered the keynote address and later spoke on the spiritual destiny of Africa. In a tribute to Mr. Olinga, Mrs. Nakhjavani spoke of the "purity" and of the "exemplary courage" he showed at the age of 27 by leaving his home in Uganda to become the first Baha'i in Cameroon. He arrived in British Cameroon within hours of the deadline set by the then Head of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi, on the last day of the Holy Year (1953) commemorating the centenary of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah. In early April 1954, Shoghi Effendi told Mr. Olinga that he wanted some Baha'is in Cameroon to take the Faith to five other countries and territories by 21 April, the holy day known as the First Day of Ridvan. According to Mr. Nakhjavani, there were more volunteers than needed so the Baha'is decided to choose the names by lot. Four of the five chosen then traveled to Nigeria and, with the assistance of Mr. Nakhjavani, obtained the travel documents necessary to undertake their mission. Samuel Njiki went to French Cameroon (now part of Cameroon), and David Tanyi arrived in French Togoland (the present Togo). Three others went to territories now part of Ghana: Edward Tabe moved to British Togoland, Benedict Eballa to Ashanti Protectorate, and Martin Manga to Northern Territories Protectorate. Cables were sent to Shoghi Effendi before 21 April to advise him that his wishes had been carried out. The achievements by the Baha'is of Cameroon were among the most remarkable in the 10-year plan (known as the "Ten Year Crusade") which took the teachings of the Faith around the world. The five men were later designated by Shoghi Effendi as Knights of Baha'u'llah. For Mr. Olinga's part in the achievement, Shoghi Effendi gave him the title of Abd'l-Futuh, a Persian name meaning "the father of victories". Meanwhile, so many people had become Baha'is in Limbe through the efforts of Mr. Olinga (the first Cameroonian Baha'i was Jacob Tabot Awo) that a Local Spiritual Assembly was able to be formed there by 21 April 1954. Other guests of honor at the jubilee festivities included Joan Lincoln, Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre, and her husband Albert Lincoln, secretary-general of the Baha'i International Community. Mrs. Lincoln spoke about the role of the International Teaching Centre in supporting community development. She also talked about her personal experiences in the Cameroonian Baha'i community. In his speech Mr. Lincoln spoke on the activities of the Baha'i International Community. The program also included a talk by a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, Francois Guebe, on "50 Years of the Faith in Cameroon". Chairing the sessions were Tiati a Zock, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors; Christine Tchamegni; and members of the National Spiritual Assembly Honoree Atem and Alexander Tatah Eyong. Also present at the festivities from Buea in Cameroon was Dr. Mihdi Samandari, Knight of Baha'u'llah for Somalia, who, with his wife Ursula, moved to Cameroon three decades ago to aid the Baha'i community there. Mrs. Samandari, also a Knight of Baha'u'llah, passed away this year (see here). The celebrations included songs at regular intervals in the program and two evenings dedicated to cultural performances. Some 15 performance groups from all parts of the country, each comprising about 20 people, presented songs, poetry, and traditional dance. Following the celebrations in Yaounde, Mr. and Mrs. Nakhjavani, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln and some other guests of honor, went to Limbe to visit the Baha'is of the southwest province. They also went to Buea where they were received by the paramount chief, and traveled to Douala, a city that has special significance in the history of the Cameroonian Baha'i community. Mrs. Meherangiz Munsiff, a young Indian woman, arrived there in April 1954, for which she was honored with the title Knight of Baha'u'llah.

3.8689867

11.5213344

CIUDAD COLON

Costa Rica

Standing up for the oneness of humanity

Standing up for the oneness of humanity CIUDAD COLON, Costa Rica — Long before segregation of the races was outlawed in the United States, Ruth Pringle stood up in support of the oneness of humanity. It was in the late 1930s and Ruth Yancey (as she was prior to marriage) arrived as a student for her first lecture at a school of nursing in the American south. Unlike the other African American students, Ruth firmly refused to sit in an area set apart for those who were not white. It was more than a decade before she was to become a Baha'i and start her life's work of spreading the teachings of unity, especially to the indigenous peoples of the Americas. As a Continental Counsellor, Ruth Pringle performed such outstanding service that after she passed away on 22 August 2003, aged 83, the Universal House of Justice praised her as an "intrepid champion" of the Faith of God. In the 1930s, and even up to the 1950s, victims of racism in the United States were expected to accept oppression without complaint. That was not in Ruth's character. She made it very clear to her fellow African American students that she would never comply with segregation in the classroom. She refused to do so -- even when called to the Dean's office to explain herself. As a result of her principled stance, other students gradually moved out from the fenced-off area. After completing postgraduate courses in surgical nursing and operating room technique in Chicago, Ruth practiced as an operating room nurse and graduated with a degree in zoology and chemistry. She became a Baha'i the first time she read the Writings of Baha'u'llah. "Such marvels were unveiled before my eyes that both my heart and mind were kindled and set afire -- now I knew what I must do," she wrote in an autobiographical sketch. In 1953, two months after her acceptance of the Faith, she left for Puerto Rico as a "pioneer" to assist in building up the Baha'i community there. In 1956 she moved to Honduras, spent a year in Guatemala, and then returned to Honduras. In the evenings, after working long hours as a registered nurse, she conducted weekly Baha'i youth activities at her home. They often attracted some 100 young people from all strata of society. Ruth participated in projects to establish Local Spiritual Assemblies, including in Nicaragua where she pioneered on the eastern coast of that country. In 1961 Ruth was elected to the first National Spiritual Assembly there. Following the death of the then Head of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi, in 1957, at least five Hands of the Cause visited Central America. "All these Hands had a profound influence on my formation and perhaps the direction of my Baha'i life," she wrote. She said that one of them, Dr. Rahmatu'llah Muhajir, had introduced her to what she and her coworkers had been searching for -- "the sweetness of witnessing" the establishment of the first all-indigenous Baha'i community in Nicaragua. Her marriage to Alan Pringle was the first Baha'i wedding to be legally recognized in Panama. Taking the Baha'i teachings to indigenous people became their principal aim in life, and they made strong links with the native Guaymi people. "Results were immediately forthcoming, and hundreds of indigenous believers were enrolled, and all-indigenous assemblies were formed," she wrote. Both Ruth and Alan Pringle, as members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama, attended the 1963 International Convention in Haifa, Israel, to participate in the first election of the Universal House of Justice. At the subsequent World Congress in London, Mrs. Pringle had the honor of giving an address on the topic of "Victories of Pioneers". She was on the same panel as Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga. In November 1963, she was appointed as an Auxiliary Board member, and traveled extensively in pursuit of her duties. She spoke at international and inter-oceanic conferences, and in 1975 had what she described as "the inestimable privilege" to serve with the "Green Light Expedition", a major journey for the Baha'i Faith undertaken in South America by Madame Ruhiyyih Rabbani, a Hand of the Cause and the widow of Shoghi Effendi. In 1980, Mrs. Pringle was appointed to the Continental Board of Counsellors, a position involving sustained hard work and constant journeys overseas. In this capacity, she traveled to some of the remote parts of the world, guiding and encouraging young Baha'i communities. She worked for the rights of women and dedicated herself to the establishment of the Guaymi Cultural Center and radio station in Soloy in the province of Chiriqui, Panama. Her next-door neighbor in Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica, for the past 15 years, Jere McKinney, said she was known for her quick wit, her ready laugh, her superb hospitality, and her grasp of where Baha'is should direct their efforts. Mr. McKinney described how Mrs. Pringle would travel in remote parts of the country on very basic transport and arrive full of enthusiasm to assist the Baha'is and speak about the Faith. One day in Honduras he accompanied Mrs. Pringle to meet a very poor lady in a simple hut with an earthen floor and adobe walls. "Ruth pretty much swept her away with her love and hugs and words of encouragement," he said, adding that the lady remembered her visit for years afterwards. Just two weeks before her death, Mrs. Pringle went to Jamaica to attend the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the first Local Spiritual Assembly there. In her typical fashion, and despite suggestions that for her health's sake she might slow down, she had a series of meetings with Baha'is -- especially youth -- spent an hour discussing the Faith with a senior official, and gave a talk about the early days of the Faith's activities on the island. She also participated in a devotional meeting broadcast on the radio by reading a passage from the Kitab-i-Iqan (The Book of Certitude), by Baha'u'llah. After returning home to Costa Rica, Mrs. Pringle passed away. She is survived by her husband. In a message of tribute to Mrs. Pringle, the Universal House of Justice wrote: "Her magnificent career, spanning a full-half century and including two decades of splendid, resolute service as a Continental Counsellor, has shed new and fresh luster upon the American Baha'i community's historic world mission." Noting her promotion of the Faith among the indigenous peoples of the Americas, the message continued: "May her devoted and energetic life inspire present and future generations to emulate her shining example." The Universal House of Justice asked National Spiritual Assemblies to arrange befitting memorial meetings in her honor throughout the Americas and in both Houses of Worship there.

9.9353975

-84.2216652

HELSINKI

Finland

Devotion to human rights recognized

Devotion to human rights recognized HELSINKI — Just after the birth of her fourth child, Melody Karvonen made a career change that put her on the path to be named Human Rights Worker of the Year in Finland. While still on maternity leave, Mrs. Karvonen decided to bring to an end her 10-year career in architectural drafting and house-designing and to move into the human rights field. She first participated in a project aimed at the elimination of racism. In that campaign organized by the Red Cross and the Mannerheim's Child Protection League, she led groups of youth and children in discussions on racial tolerance in society and the beauty of human diversity. Fourteen years later, after her initial steps had broadened into a career devoted to the protection of human rights, Mrs. Karvonen, 51, was named the Human Rights Worker of the Year by the Finnish League for Human Rights. Dr. Pentti Arajarvi, a member of the league's board of directors and husband of the President of Finland, Tarja Halonen, was the keynote speaker at the award ceremony on 27 September 2003. Also present was Mikko Puumalainen, the Finnish Ombudsman for Minorities. In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Karvonen said that the principles of the Baha'i Faith provided a basis for her work. "Today there is a lot of emphasis in the world on diversity and coexistence, but less on how we can work better together," she said. "People often concentrate on the differences of culture, but in my work I try to focus on how human beings can live together.As Baha'u'llah said: 'The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.'" Mrs. Karvonen was born in Iran -- her maiden name was Naghmeh Izadi -- and moved to Finland in 1973. She is married to Finnish-born Jarmo Tapio Karvonen and has four children. She has served as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Finland since 1997. After her initial two years as a volunteer in human rights work, she accepted a position with the Red Cross as a refugee adviser for the newly established Center for Asylum Seekers in Joensuu, in the east of Finland. For five years she represented the Police of Joensuu as an educator for tolerance and cross-cultural understanding. Other projects with which she has been involved include a program to reduce violence and racism among youth; the establishment of a school curriculum called "Coexistence to Living Together, a Curriculum for World Citizenship Education"; an evaluation and development of an international meeting center in Joensuu; and the "Be Equal Be Different Project" shared by Finland, Holland, Italy and Ireland to reduce discrimination in the workplace. Mrs. Karvonen often accepts invitations from throughout Finland to address groups on topics such as cross-cultural understanding, tolerance and understanding, and the equality of women and men. Mrs. Karvonen is currently working as an immigration counselor for a project funded by the European Social Fund, under the auspices of the European Union.

60.1674881

24.9427473

HAIFA

Israel

Golden anniversary of the Queen of Carmel

Golden anniversary of the Queen of Carmel HAIFA, Israel — When Shoghi Effendi, then the Head of the Baha'i Faith, announced the completion of the superstructure of the Shrine of the Bab 50 years ago this month, he used poetic words to indicate the significance of the occasion. He described the completed Shrine in a cablegram as the "Queen of Carmel enthroned (on) God's Mountain, crowned (in) glowing gold, robed (in) shimmering white, girdled (in) emerald green, enchanting every eye from air, sea, plain (and) hill." The Shrine on Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel, is the burial place of the Bab, the Martyr-Prophet of the Baha'i Faith, the Forerunner of Baha'u'llah, the Faith's Founder. For Baha'is, it is a place of pilgrimage and the holiest spot on earth after the Shrine of Baha'u'llah. The beauty of the Shrine, illuminated at night, is now enhanced by 19 garden terraces that stretch one kilometer from the base of Mount Carmel to its summit. The terraces, which were opened in May 2001, have attracted more than 1.5 million visitors. The announcement by Shoghi Effendi in October 1953 of the completion of the Shrine's superstructure came five years after the beginning of a US$750,000 construction project paid for by Baha'is around the world. The completion of the project was, in fact, the triumphant consummation of a process begun more than 60 years earlier by Baha'u'llah to provide a fitting resting place for His Forerunner. In 1891, Baha'u'llah had indicated to His eldest son and appointed successor, 'Abdu'l-Baha, the precise spot on Mount Carmel where the Shrine of the Bab should be built. The dome and drum of the Shrine of the Bab take shape over the completed octagon and colonnade, 1952.'Abdu'l-Baha carefully carried out His Father's instructions. He overcame many difficulties to build a massive six-room mausoleum of local stone. Then, in 1909, He solemnly placed the sacred remains of the Bab in an alabaster sarcophagus within the vault of the edifice, which he called "the Throne of God". Between 1928 and 1929 Shoghi Effendi added three rooms to the building. In 1942, he commissioned one of Canada's leading architects, William Sutherland Maxwell -- his father-in-law, who was then living in Haifa -- to design the arcade and the superstructure, which was to embellish and preserve the stone building. For two years, Mr. Maxwell consecrated himself to his task. Shoghi Effendi provided overall guidance, including in the use of Western and Eastern styles, but left the artistic details to Mr. Maxwell. On 23 May 1944, 100 years after the Bab declared his Mission, Shoghi Effendi unveiled in Haifa a 60 cm (two feet) model of the superstructure. When built, it would rise 40 meters above ground level. Crowning the majestic design, as anticipated by 'Abdu'l-Baha, was a dome, which was set on an 18-windowed drum. That, in turn, was mounted on an octagon, a feature suggested by Shoghi Effendi. A stately arcade, in fulfillment of the vision of 'Abdu'l-Baha, surrounded the stone edifice. Shoghi Effendi, who spoke of the work of Mr. Maxwell with delight and admiration, said the project to build the structure transcended in sacredness any collective undertaking in the course of the history of the Faith so far. Construction began at the time of the establishment of the state of Israel, and as the world was struggling to recover from a devastating war. Building materials were in extremely short supply in the country, as were skilled stone masons. Shoghi Effendi asked Sicilian Baha'i, Ugo Giachery, to acquire the required materials in Italy. Much of that country had been laid waste by the Second World War, and there too it was difficult to obtain the vast quantities of construction items necessary. Skilled artisans, however, were looking for work. Dr. Giachery engaged them to cut, carve, and polish Chiampo stone and Rose Baveno granite in accordance with Mr. Maxwell's designs. They produced 28 columns, eight pilasters and 28 arches -- as well as other pieces. Using his skills in planning, administration, and as a government liaison, Dr. Giachery ensured that ships transported the columns, panels, capitals, arches and other items for the Shrine from Italy to Haifa. Overcoming electricity shortages, export restrictions, storms at sea, a fire on board ship, a cordon of warships, and even the dropping of 61 cases of stone into Haifa harbor, Dr. Giachery fulfilled Shoghi Effendi's requests to the letter. He was to be accorded the honor of being named a Hand of the Cause, and one of the Shrine's doors was called after him. The superstructure was said to be at the time the largest prefabricated building to move from Europe to any point in the world. The first contracts were signed in 1948, and the first threshold stone laid in 1949. Such was the beauty of the completed arcade with its colonnade of rosy pink granite and its Oriental-style arches of soft, creamy stone that many local people thought the structure was finished in June 1950, long before the octagon and dome were erected. The emerald green and scarlet mosaics on the balustrade above, the fire-gilded bronze symbol of the Greatest name, the Baha'i ringstone symbol at the four corners, and the multitude of intricate decorations and motifs elsewhere were hailed as pure artistry. The original plan of Shoghi Effendi had been to halt at this stage until conditions improved, but he changed his mind. The next stage was to build a platform to support the proposed octagon, drum and gilded dome, which would combine to weigh more than 1,000 tons. Huge interlocked beams in the shape of an eight-pointed star -- cast in one day -- were placed about 30 cm above the roof level of the stone building. That star was supported by eight steel-reinforced concrete piers, which reached down to bedrock. The piers penetrated the thick masonry of the Shrine, a difficult task successfully implemented without damaging the essential structure or impinging on the Tombs. The octagon rose from the center of the large platform. It was surmounted by eight elegant, golden-tipped pinnacles, which anchored wrought-iron railings suggesting a lotus blossom opening. "Great happiness, many congratulations and much laughter" accompanied the completion of the installation of the railings, wrote Dr. Giachery in his book of recollections entitled "Shoghi Effendi". "The whole edifice displays a great variety of architectural and artistic gems, products of the inventiveness and refined taste of Mr. Maxwell," he wrote. In 1952, Leroy Ioas, a Baha'i who had been closely associated with the construction of the beautiful Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, arrived from the United States. He was to become an able lieutenant of Shoghi Effendi in the construction process. Mr. Ioas employed his considerable administrative skills and practical mind to supervise the building of the drum and dome, a task done without the availability of sophisticated machinery. He too was to be named a Hand of the Cause. Shoghi Effendi called the door on the octagon after him. The drum, a perfect cylinder, was completed in March 1952. Rising 11 meters, it rests on a circular steel-reinforced-concrete ring on the top of the octagon. In accordance with an idea of Shoghi Effendi's, it has 18 stained-glass lancet windows, representing the first disciples of the Bab. On 25 March 1952, while the drum he had designed was being built, Mr. Maxwell died in Montreal, Canada. It was three months after he had been appointed a Hand of the Cause. In a message expressing his intense grief at the passing of his friend and colleague, Shoghi Effendi announced that the southern door of the Bab's tomb would be named after him. The building of the brim, and then the dome, called for all the ingenuity of the engineer of the project, Professor H. Neumann of Haifa's Technion University. No heavy stone could be used because the weight-bearing capacity of the concrete stilts was limited. A solution was found for the brim using two slabs of stone anchored together and to the dome. Next, Professor Neumann used a recently-devised method for the dome in which cement, mixed with fine sand and water was sprayed upon a mold. Meanwhile, 12,000 fish-scale tiles -- of 50 different shapes and sizes -- were being made in Holland by employing an innovative process involving fire-glazing over gold leaf. On 29 April 1953, Shoghi Effendi climbed the scaffolding and placed behind one of the tiles a small box containing plaster from the Mah-Ku prison cell, which once confined the Bab in Persia. The lantern and finial were placed on top of the dome, and the tiling was finished. The graceful structure was completed, the golden dome its crowning beauty. Shoghi Effendi announced the conclusion of the project in a joyous cablegram to a Baha'i conference being held in New Delhi, India from 7 to 15 October 1953. His message came as a triumphant climax to the Holy Year marking the centenary of the birth of the Mission of Baha'u'llah, and at the early stages of the successful Ten Year Plan to spread the Baha'i teachings throughout the world.

32.8191218

34.9983856

BRASILIA

Brazil

Dedicated citizens win awards

Dedicated citizens win awards BRASILIA, Brazil — Brazilians who have devoted themselves to supporting human rights received "world citizenship awards" at a Baha'i-sponsored ceremony here. The event, held on 9 September 2003, was covered by major television channels, Rede Globo and TV Nacional. Many newspapers also published reports about the awards. Government representative Hildesia Medeiros and representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Brazil presented the awards at the ceremony, which was held in the auditorium of the Ministry of Justice. Among the 250 attending were members of the Association of Brazilian Lawyers, and representatives of government ministries, the Supreme Court of Labor, and United Nations agencies. A special posthumous award went to the Brazilian diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello, the United Nations' special representative who was killed in Iraq in August 2003. Other award recipients, including individuals and organizations, were: Dom Mauro Morelli, from Rio de Janeiro, for his work to eliminate poverty; Baha'i representative Osmar Mendes presents an award to Sonia Creide of the Malunga Group of African-descendant Women. The Malunga Group of African-descendant Women, for its work for the advancement of black women; The Steve Biko Benefactor Institute for organizing preuniversity courses for Afro-descendants; The Rural Women's Movement in Santa Carina for its support of rural women; The Gaspar Dias Center for Human Rights for its work in the slums of Sao Paulo; The National Child-Hope Movement, for improving the living conditions of poor children; The Great Circus Arraial, an institution that trains poor children to work in the circus, and helps them to develop the confidence to earn their own living; Mrs. Zilda Arns, founder and coordinator of the Children's National Pastoral; March Eighth Woman's House, for its support of poor, pregnant women and the victims of violence. Accepting the award on behalf of the March Eighth Women's House was Bernardete Aparecida Ferreira, the organization's president. "This award is the acknowledgment of our work to defend the human rights of marginalized women and victims of violence -- our institution has helped about 3000 people a year," Mrs. Ferreira said. The awards were founded by the Brazilian Baha'i community in 1994. The jury which selected the award recipients this year included a representative of a major newspaper, "Folha de Sao Paulo", as well as members of the National Movement of Human Rights, UNESCO and the Baha'i community. The president of the jury was Brazilian writer Washington Araujo. "The creation of this award put a spotlight on the efforts of the Baha'i Community to defend human rights, for world peace, the status of women and the preservation of the environment," said Mr. Araujo, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Brazil.

-10.3333333

-53.2

PALERMO

Italy

Island of faith holds jubilee

Island of faith holds jubilee PALERMO, Italy — It all began with the decisions of one woman in Massachusetts and a family in Michigan. When they decided to take the teachings of the Baha'i Faith to Sicily 50 years ago, they initiated the next phase in the religious history of this Mediterranean island. Centuries ago it had been an outpost of Islam, but it was a tight-knit community with a strong allegiance to the Catholic Church when the first Baha'is arrived in 1953 as part of a ten-year plan to take the teachings of the Faith around the world. From 19 to 21 September 2003, as the Baha'is of Sicily celebrated the golden jubilee of the arrival of the Faith on their island, they could rejoice that Sicily now has 11 Local Spiritual Assemblies and that Baha'is now live in 44 localities there. In 1953, however, there were no Baha'is in Sicily. Arriving there was something of a shock for Emma Rice, who, at 55, had left her comfortable family estate in Hamilton, Massachusetts, in the United States. "Her first impressions of Sicily were horrifying, for she was confronted with poverty, unsanitary conditions, illiteracy, and what she felt to be cruelty previously unknown to her," her 1985 obituary by Anne Gordon Atkinson reveals. Participants at the jubilee.But she found strength in prayer and quickly made friends. In fact, just after Mrs. Rice's arrival in Sicily, a chambermaid in her hotel in Taormina caught sight of a picture of 'Abdu'l-Baha in Mrs. Rice's hotel room, and within two months both the maid and the hotel's laundress had become Baha'is. Mrs. Rice plunged herself into Sicilian life. She learned the local songs and dances, and the language. She went to festivals, christenings, graduations, and pageants. A week after Mrs. Rice came to Sicily, Baha'is from Michigan, Stanley and Florence Bagley, arrived with their three teenage children. They met a local person who introduced them into Palermo society and soon gained local friends. For their services in Sicily, the members of the Bagley family were designated by Shoghi Effendi as "Knights of Baha'u'llah," as was Mrs. Rice. At the golden jubilee celebrations held in Campofelice di Roccella near Palermo, there were 300 guests from 15 countries. Guests of honor included a former member of the Universal House of Justice, Ali Nakhjavani, who spoke about the Ten Year Plan, and his wife, Violette Nakhjavani, who gave some moving recollections about Madame Ruhiyyih Rabbani, the widow of Shoghi Effendi. The jubilee was an occasion to recall how the community grew over the years. Through the activities of the Baha'i pioneers and other arrivals, and with visits by Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery (1896-1989), the Faith grew. The first Local Spiritual Assembly formed in 1957. Dr. Giachery was born in Palermo, Sicily, but had later moved to the United States where, in the 1920s, he met his wife, Angeline, and became a Baha'i. In 1947, Dr. and Mrs. Giachery settled in Italy as pioneers of the Faith. Dr. Giachery went on to win renown as an able assistant of Shoghi Effendi in the projects to build the superstructure of the Shrine of the Bab, and the International Archives Building, both on Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel. He provided innumerable services to the Faith. In August 1968, he was the representative of the Universal House of Justice at a conference attended by some 3,000 Baha'is in Palermo. The conference commemorated the centenary of Baha'u'llah's arrival in the Holy Land. At the jubilee, Italian Baha'i Mario Piarulli, 82, shared with participants his memories of Dr. Giachery. "Dr. Giachery and Mrs. Giachery were like my father and mother. They were the first Baha'is I met," Mr. Piarulli said. "Whatever I know, concerning the meaning of life, the way life should be conducted, I learned from them," he said. Mr. Piarulli, 82, has recently finished writing a book, "The Ambassadors of Baha'u'llah" (Gli Ambasciatori di Baha'u'llah), which he dedicated to the memory of Dr. Giachery. Another author present was Rino Cardone, a journalist, who launched his recently published book "The Countless Pearls of Sicily" (La Sicilia dalle Infinite Perle), in which he describes the history of the Baha'i Faith in Sicily. A highlight of the jubilee was a teleconference between the participants and Hand of the Cause Dr. Ali-Muhammad Varqa, who was in Haifa, Israel. Dr. Varqa, who has been a regular visitor to Sicily, also sent a special letter for the occasion, which read in part: "Following the 50 years of hard effort and activities, you have been successful in creating a community, which could be presented as a model of integrity, harmony, and fellowship that generates the sweet fragrance of divine love in all parts of the islands of the Mediterranean Sea."

38.1112268

13.3524434

INTERLAKEN

Switzerland

High tribute at Swiss centenary

High tribute at Swiss centenary INTERLAKEN, Switzerland — Baha'is from all parts of Switzerland and guests from 26 other countries gathered last month for centenary celebrations in this scenic mountain town. The festivities marking the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Baha'is in this country were held here because of the town's historical link to the Faith. Interlaken was dear to Shoghi Effendi, the head of the Baha'i Faith from 1921 to 1957. On vacations here, he found a rare respite from his heavy workload. The Interlaken celebrations followed an official reception for dignitaries held at the national Baha'i center in Bern on 23 September 2003 during which a senior Swiss political leader paid a high tribute to the Swiss Baha'i community. "On the occasion of your jubilee celebration I congratulate you for the ideas you stand for and to which you are committed: the unity of humankind, world peace, tolerance towards people of other cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds," said the Federal Chancellor, Annemarie Huber-Hotz. "I am here because I share your ideals and consider your efforts for their implementation as essential steps on the path towards a more peaceful world," Mrs. Huber-Hotz said. "Our world needs people with a vision and a compass that are oriented beyond our own borders, and by borders I mean not only geographical, but ethnic, social and religious borders." The Swiss Baha'is presented the chancellor with a copy of "The Baha'i World, 2001-2002", the annual record of Baha'i activities and perspectives. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Switzerland, 2003.The major daily newspaper of Bern, "Der Bund", published an extensive article about the reception, whose guests included government officials, parliamentarians, and representatives of non-governmental and religious organizations. The centenary events that followed in Interlaken on 4 and 5 October, celebrated the achievements of the country's Baha'i community in the first century of its existence. Swiss Baha'is reside now in more than 220 locations in the country. A community of cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity, it comprises members from 60 national backgrounds. Of the 57 people who have served on the National Spiritual Assembly throughout its 50-year history, 29 were women, 28 men, reflecting a commitment to the equality of women and men, a principle of the Baha'i Faith. The International Baha'i Bureau was established in Switzerland in 1925, beginning the longstanding Baha'i association with international organizations, including the League of Nations and the United Nations. The Baha'i International Community maintains an office in Geneva. The guests of honor among the 450 participants at the centenary celebrations in Interlaken included Ali Nakhjavani, a former member of the Universal House of Justice, and his wife, Violette. Participants at the centennial enjoyed various artistic presentations, and heard about the history of the Baha'i community in Switzerland, including that 'Abdu'l-Baha briefly visited Switzerland in September 1911, spending time at Lake Geneva. Ariane Schaller related the stories of her grandparents, Joseph de Bons, from Switzerland, and his French-American wife, Edith, the first Baha'is to reside in Switzerland. Also present at the centennial celebrations was Annemarie Kruger, the granddaughter of scientist and humanitarian, Auguste Forel (1848-1931), a Swiss Baha'i and a figure of such renown that his image has appeared on a Swiss postage stamp and bank note. Nils Semle recounted stories of the contributions of his father, Fritz Semle, who accepted the Faith in 1920, and was elected a member of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Switzerland in 1962. Also participating was a senior member of the community, Mrs. Renee Bahy-Vuichet, who joined the community in 1949, and who has been an active promoter of education for children and the advancement of women in both Switzerland and Iran. A message from the Universal House of Justice to the participants said in part: "May these events inspire all the participants and, beyond them, the devoted members of the Baha'i community in every part of the Confederation, with an increased awareness of the momentousness of their task and of the blessings that are showered upon every determined endeavor for the progress of the Cause."

46.6855231

7.8585139

PORT VILA

Vanuatu

Public parade a triumph of faith

Public parade a triumph of faith PORT VILA, Vanuatu — On the 50th anniversary last month of the arrival here of the Baha'i Faith, a parade set out from Baha'i Street and moved through the center of this capital city. The streets were closed for the occasion and the police provided an escort for the hundreds of Baha'is on parade. Singing songs and waving to the crowds, the Baha'is paraded under banners proclaiming principles of their Faith such as "the oneness of humanity." Traditional dancers from the Vanuatu island of Tongoa led the parade along the main streets. Members of local Baha'i communities, wearing different floral uniforms, followed them. The Baha'is of Mele, for example, wore yellow and purple, those from Pango were in pale blue, and the Erangorango Baha'is had on green and white. Interspersed with the marchers were colorful floats including a replica of the S.S. Caledonien, the ship on which Bertha Dobbins had traveled to Port Vila in 1953. Mrs. Dobbins was the first to bring the Baha'i Faith to the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu). In the time since her arrival, the Baha'i community of Vanuatu has grown to have 44 Local Spiritual Assemblies, and a National Spiritual Assembly. The Faith is now established in 199 localities throughout this archipelago of some 80 islands. Stephanie Melenamu (right), one of three prizewinners in the jubilee poster competition with a member of the Baha'i National Education Committee, Annick Moltaban.Before a 500-strong audience including many government and community leaders, the chairman of the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Paul Tahi, welcomed the parade and congratulated the Baha'is on the anniversary. "I would like to praise the Baha'i community for all its contributions to this country, especially in education and promoting good health," Mr. Tahi said. "Thank you, too, to the Baha'is who have set up businesses in Vanuatu and helped us economically. "The Baha'i Faith is here to promote unity. Now unity is something that we must all protect. If we want to have unity in our communities, it is not enough to leave the chiefs to arrange it. Each of us, as individuals, has the responsibility of working towards it." A Baha'i youth representative, Laifi Soalo, pointed out that everyone is part of one family, the human family, and that the barrier to the unity of the human race is prejudice. A representative of the Baha'i children, Faleono Mototorua, 10, said, "We children beg of you, our parents to think strongly about our education. We want you to guide us along the straight path and to teach us how to achieve spiritual qualities." Later, at a public festival on Port Vila's tropical seafront, other leaders to speak about the Faith included Vanuatu's Director-General of Education, Abel Nako, and the Mayor of Port Vila, Patrick Crowby. "The Baha'i Faith is not new to me," Mr. Crowby said. "It has been part of my life as a child at home, and now as Mayor of this city. My mother is a strong Baha'i. Even though I have not accepted the Faith, I always admire her." Baha'is first provided education in Vanuatu in 1954, and the tradition continues today on the island of Santo where the Rowhani school has 80 primary and kindergarten pupils from different religious backgrounds. It has a potential roll of 200. In 2004 it will grow to include a high school. The Vanuatu Baha'is have their own radio program, and are frequently asked to participate in seminars on social issues. They are active in adult literacy and work in socio-economic projects involving health care, water supply and environmental conservation. They reach out to the community by offering devotional meetings, children's classes and study circles aimed at developing skills, knowledge, and spiritual capacity. A highlight of the jubilee, celebrated between 16 and 19 October 2003, was the opening of an extension to the national Baha'i center, which virtually doubles its size. To a spontaneous eruption of cheering, singing and dancing, the cutting of the ribbon was performed by Vanuatu's first local Baha'i, Peter Kaltoli, and Madge Featherstone, who with her late husband, Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone, often visited Vanuatu. Mrs. Featherstone spoke about her memories of Bertha Dobbins, who had taught both her and her husband the Baha'i Faith in South Australia in 1944. Mrs. Dobbins (1895-1986) was a New Zealand schoolteacher who, before arriving in Vanuatu in 1953, had moved to Australia, where she became a Baha'i in 1929, edited the Baha'i magazine "Herald of the South" for 22 years, and served as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand. In consultation with her Baha'i husband, Joe, and her teenage children, Joseph and Helen, she decided to respond to a call from the then head of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi, and arrived by herself in Vanuatu on 17 October 1953 to offer the Baha'i message to people there. In March 1955, Mr. Kaltoli, of Ifira, became the first person in Vanuatu to accept the Faith. Other early believers were David Lonis of Erakor, William Titiongoaroto of Tongoa, and Alice Wombu of Erromango. Mrs. Dobbins established the Nur primary school in Port Vila in 1954, and continued teaching there until 1971. The first Local Spiritual Assembly was formed seven years after her arrival. By 1977, there were enough Baha'is to allow the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Mrs. Dobbins, her goal achieved and by then elderly, felt able to leave the country. Throughout the decades, local Baha'is assisted by those from other countries who had settled in Vanuatu, actively developed the Baha'i community, their efforts supported by traveling teachers of the Faith. Other historic Baha'i events in Vanuatu included the visit in 1979 of Madame Ruhiyyih Rabbani, a Hand of the Cause and the widow of Shoghi Effendi. Another occurred in 1998, when a representative of the Universal House of Justice, Giovanni Ballerio, met Vanuatu's president, Jean-Marie Leye Lenelgau, to talk about the role of Pacific Island leaders in bringing about world peace. In 2002, the community received its first visit from a serving member of the Universal House of Justice, Ali Nakhjavani. Among the many international guests attending the jubilee was a representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia, Kath Podger, and an Australian-based member of the Continental Board of Counsellors, Stephen Hall. They participated in a day of laughter and tears as Baha'is remembered the hardships, achievements and personalities of the past, expressed confidence in the plans for future growth, and enjoyed musical items and traditional food cooked overnight in several earth ovens. Representatives came from Baha'i communities in the Solomons and French Polynesia, and there was a 56-strong delegation from New Caledonia, who brought gifts and performed a powerful dance. A professional Baha'i musician, Gary Stirling, performed for the Baha'is and, with Sylvain Malsungai, was a master of ceremonies at a full-day public concert of song and dances staged on the city's sea-front. Non-stop entertainment there came from a Baha'i choir and dance groups from the Vanuatu island of Efate and from New Caledonia and French Polynesia. Meanwhile Baha'i communities in Tanna, Malakula, Pentecost and Ambae held local jubilee festivities.

-17.7414972

168.3150163

EDMONTON

Canada

Moving images of spirituality

Moving images of spirituality EDMONTON, Canada — Twelve films were screened at an inaugural Baha'i film festival here this month. The festival, open to the public, included movies made by professional and amateur filmmakers from Canada and the United States. The pictures were presented in four categories: short and feature fiction, and short and feature documentary. Entries could include film, digital and analog video, and animation. Supported by the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Edmonton, "The Cause and Effect Baha'i Film Festival" (known as "CEBFest") was held from 6 to 8 November 2003 on the campus of the University of Alberta. Among the themes explored at the festival were the spiritual nature of human beings, the equality of men and women, the elimination of prejudice, world peace, life after death, the harmony of science and religion, and the history of the Baha'i Faith. In a workshop organized at the Edmonton Baha'i center, the festival participants also examined ideas on filmmaking. A panel discussion was also held on the role of individual initiative within the Baha'i community, and the importance of the arts. The organizers of the festival were University of Alberta law student Tara Rout, 25, playwright Jacqueline Russell, 23, and film director Tobin Smith, 26. "I am surprised that nobody has thought of it before," said Ms. Rout, the originator of CEBFest. Though not a film professional, she said she enjoys organizing events and wanted to provide a forum for this kind of filmmaking. Surveying the location...director Tobin Smith (left) with Dustin Lamendola."We wanted to create a venue for motion pictures that revolve around virtues and attributes of the Baha'i Faith, a place where Baha'i artists could showcase their work," she said. Mr. Smith said the festival also gave artists and filmmakers an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and to plan collaboration for future projects. "I think festivals like this say to filmmakers: 'You have a place and you are not alone'," he said. His film, "Song of Songs", won the Best International Picture award at the New York Independent Film and Video Festival in 2002, and he has strong views about the role of cinema in society. "It is important to make motion pictures that don't contribute to the 'lack of quality cinema' -- to make movies that lead you to think, to contemplate, and to raise influence," he said. "As Baha'i artists we have the opportunity to make motion pictures that are of a particular standard, a quality -- to share the history of the Baha'i Faith, to share the principles of the Baha'i Faith, to share the vision of what we hope for the future. "The influence that Baha'i films can have on the world is limitless. What people want to see are good stories, told well." Baha'i filmmakers can contribute to spirituality in film, he said, even if the film doesn't involve explicitly Baha'i content. "Take a look at a motion picture like 'What Dreams May Come'. Nowhere is there mention of religion or any such design, but that motion picture exists on a spiritual plane. I'd say the same for 'Whale Rider'. Here is a motion picture that strongly influenced and affected me. It was spiritual filmmaking to me." Gretchen Jordan-Bastow, who submitted a film about Navajo sand painting, said that the event provided a rare opportunity to people to see films together, in one place that demonstrated moral, social and spiritual values. "Today the media is full of news of murder, war, and various violent acts -- this beats down society and is a discouragement to the human spirit," said Ms. Bastow, who has worked as a producer and director for more than 16 years. "Baha'i films can bring to the forefront all the good work that is being done, and demonstrate the triumph of the human spirit," said Ms. Jordan-Bastow. Another filmmaker who presented her work was Angela Rout (a sister of Tara). Her film, "I Think You'll Like it There", deals with the excitement and the personal challenges of a youth offering a year of service to her community. "From my understanding, the Baha'i concept of art is inclusive rather than exclusive," said Ms Rout, 26, a fine arts graduate who is now an architecture student. "It is inspiring, useful, a part of everyday life. It enhances our world, reminds us of our true purpose and of our noble character. "The spiritual nature of the theme (of the festival) is quite different from mainstream festivals and this is a unique opportunity. "Artists and filmmakers tend to work independently and don't get a chance to see the impact of their work. By bringing these films together, the combined energies and perspective is inspiring to both the audience and the filmmakers." Another participating filmmaker was Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi, whose film, "When Your Spirit Goes Wandering", deals with escapism and the denial of one's spiritual nature. He said that films are possible tools of social advancement. "Art must have a purpose and function beyond itself -- either to provoke thought, encourage consultation or elevate the spirit through aesthetic form," Mr. Eshraghi-Yazdi said. "My artistic inspiration is deeply inspired by the writings of Baha'u'llah, both in concept and function," he said. Most of the filmmakers received funding for their productions from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Canada Film Board, and Vision TV, Canada's leading multi-faith and multicultural television network. Encouraged by the interest showed by participants, the organizers are planning to hold weekend workshops on story boarding, film editing, grant applications, and other practical issues related to film making throughout the next year. Although initially the festival began as an experimental project only, the organizers now have a vision for CEBFest and they are already planning for next year's festival. "I myself know about four movies that didn't get in because of the deadline -- this is just the beginning," Tara Rout said. "I am hoping that people, who have come to the festival, will feel welcomed to the Baha'i community because it's an open, dynamic, and exciting place to be." For more information about the festival see http://www.geocities.com/cebfest/index.htm Films presented at "The Cause and Effect Baha'i Film Festival" 2003 were: The Trials of Eve by Gretchen Jordan-Bastow. Myth and story-telling combine Canadian West-Coast imagery with the Adam and Eve story to create a positive vision of change and transformation for both women and men. Morning Stars: A Profile of Kevin Locke by Shar Mitchell Kevin Locke, an internationally renowned hoop dancer from the Sioux Nation, says that the teachings of the Baha'i Faith are the fulfillment of his people's traditional prophecies. His flute music, hoop dancing and oral traditions express some of his culture. What Hath God Wrought!: A History of the First Century of the Baha'i Dispensation by Joel Cotten. This documentary tells the story of the fulfillment of 19th century expectations and reveals a connection among the messianic traditions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the Baha'i Faith. Seasonal Soil...Singing Stones by Jennifer Maas. The story of a diverse neighborhood in Seattle where a park to commemorate Cesar Chavez, the Latino civil rights leader, is being built. Navajo Sand Painting: The Healing Tradition by Gretchen Jordan-Bastow. Native American Baha'i, Mitchell Silas, takes the viewer on a journey into the ancient world of the Navajo healer and demonstrates the connection of native traditions with the Baha'i revelation. Abdu'l-Baha: Glimpses of Perfection by Faramarz Rohani. Visuals and narration depict stories about Abdu'l-Baha's trip to North America in 1912. A New Faith is Born by Faramarz Rohani. An account of the growth of the Baha'i community from a small, persecuted band of believers into a vibrant, international body. Sherbrooke Baha'i Youth Congress by Tobin Smith. In 2001, more than 1,000 Baha'i youth from all over the world gathered in Sherbrooke, Quebec to celebrate the international Baha'i Youth movement. This film communicates the spirit of that event and of the youth movement itself. I Think You'll Like It Here by Angela Rout. A young Baha'i on her year of service to the community depicts the challenges involved. Skowak: The Bribri of Mojoncito, Costa Rica by Shar Mitchell. A look at the Bribri people and their success at maintaining their traditions in the face of modern development. Zamir: Red Grammar in the U.S.S.R by Shar Mitchell. Just before the fall of communism, a Baha'i children's performer tours the Soviet Union promoting the principles of world unity and love for all humanity. When Your Spirit Goes Wandering by Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi. The film deals with the cause and effect of our spiritual actions and the consequences of attempts at escape from, or denial of, our responsibilities.

53.535411

-113.507996

NEW YORK

United States

Baha'i International Community lauds passage of UN Resolution on Human Rights in Iran

Baha'i International Community lauds passage of UN Resolution on Human Rights in Iran NEW YORK — Noting that the Baha'is of Iran face continuing religious persecution, the Baha'i International Community today expressed appreciation for the support of those countries that co-sponsored and voted for a new resolution in the United Nations General Assembly about ongoing human rights violations in Iran. "International support remains the key to protecting the long oppressed Baha'i community of Iran," said Bani Dugal, the Principal Representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations. "We are extremely grateful today for the support of those countries that have once again expressed concern about human rights violations in Iran -- especially as regards Iran's Baha'is." By a vote of 73 to 49, with 50 abstentions, the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution today that expresses "serious concern" over continuing violations of human rights in Iran -- and mentions specifically "continuing discrimination" against Baha'is and other religious minorities. Since the Islamic Republic of Iran was established in 1979, the 300,000-member Baha'i community of Iran has faced on-going and systematic persecution. In the early 1980s, more than 200 Baha'is were killed, hundreds were imprisoned, and thousands were deprived of jobs and education, solely because of their religious belief. Although killings and imprisonments have abated in recent years -- in large part thanks to international pressure -- Iran's Baha'is remain victims of systematic oppression. Baha'is continue to be deprived of employment, property, education, and the right to freedom of assembly and worship. Two years ago, for the first time in 18 years, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights failed to pass a resolution expressing concern about human rights in Iran, an event that ended UN-sponsored monitoring of the Iran's human rights situation. "Since the end of international monitoring, the situation of the Baha'i community has not improved -- as was hoped by those countries that urged a 'dialogue' with Iran on human rights," said Ms. Dugal. "Indeed, if anything, the situation of the Baha'is in Iran has deteriorated, with an increase in short term arrests and detentions, the confiscation of more properties, and continued harassment of Baha'i teachers and students. "We laud those countries that recognize the importance of continued pressure on Iran and that have taken a principled stand by co-sponsoring it and/or voting for it," said Ms. Dugal. "At the same time, we must state that we regret the lack of support from those nations that have chosen to turn a blind eye to the oppression of Iran's largest religious minority." "For Iran's beleaguered Baha'is, a resolution from the United Nations is a sign of hope and a source of comfort, confirmation that the international community indeed stands behind its words on human rights." Those countries who co-sponsored the resolution were: Andorra, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Ireland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Micronesia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sweden, The Netherlands, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Approval of the resolution in the Third Committee virtually assures its passage by the full General Assembly in a final vote, an event that is likely to occur in December.

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-74.0060152

ATHENS

Greece

Greek youth dance into view

Greek youth dance into view ATHENS, Greece — Young Baha'i dancers from Greece received an enthusiastic reception when they performed at an exhibition by nongovernmental organizations in Athens last month. The exhibition was organized under a development program of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held at the historic Zappio. The applause was matched when they performed at an international gathering for peace held at another elite venue, the Palia Vouli ("Old Parliament") in Athens. Such response is becoming familiar to the Flame of Unity troupe. Similar positive reactions came when the 15-member troupe danced at a seminar on conflict resolution held in Cyprus last summer, and when it performed at two other venues on that island -- in an old khan (hotel) in the northern part of Nicosia and at a Baha'i summer school in the south of Cyprus before 300 people from 28 countries. The dancers, aged between 11 and 17, aim to inspire their audience to tackle and overcome the causes of such social problems as racism, poverty, abuse in the family, and illicit drug use. One of two co-coordinators of the troupe, Helen Kontos, a Baha'i from Thessaloniki, said organizers of prestigious events are impressed by the dancers' excellence, their enthusiasm in raising awareness about important issues, and the choreography. Mrs. Kontos said their audiences appreciate the sincerity of these young performers in giving their message. Phoenix Theatre and some of their young fans."And they admire the fact that the multi-cultural group, which includes youth from Greek, Albanian, Dutch, Swiss, Persian, and other backgrounds, shows such unity." The other co-ordinator of Flame of Unity, Lida Mirra, a Baha'i from Patras, said that members of Flame of Unity make an effort on tour to develop their own characters. "We conduct daily deepenings (spiritual study sessions) and prayers and, besides their arts skills, the youth develop their social skills and their spirituality." This past summer, Flame of Unity toured Greece where they presented their show in Volos, Larissa, Amarinthos, Zagora, and Patras, and finished in September with three performances in Thessaloniki. "It was exhausting, but wonderful," said Andreas Vatsellas, a 17-year-old from Athens and the oldest member of the group. He said he couldn't believe how impressed people were and that such young people could cause such an impression. Mrs. Kontos said that when they danced on 6 September 2003 at the gypsy settlement of Agias Sofias near Thessaloniki, the audience response was spontaneous and warm-hearted. "There was a crowd of people of all ages, and they would surround them and come closer and closer," she said. "We had to make more space so they could dance, and some of the men helped us. They responded with such generosity, care and warmth that they impressed us as much as our youth did them." The troupe also received a warm reception when it performed at a youth prison near Volos. Some of the troupe had already experienced the taste of success as members of the Phoenix Theatre, a drama group that was founded in the summer of 2001 and which performed local material in the Greek language. Most of the Flame of Unity dancers were part of that group. Mrs. Kontos taught them songs and choreographies for her play "Beast TV, Channel One," a fable about human rights in which an owl reads news about uprisings all over animal country. Each of the scenes is followed by a song and dance. Her husband, Greek composer Kostas Kontos, instructed the group in singing, and taught them one of his own compositions. Theater director Jessica Naish from the United Kingdom instructed the young people in stagecraft and directed the play, assisted by actress Shirin Youssefian-Maanian from Athens. After rehearsals on the island of Evia in 2002, Theatre Phoenix performed before a Turkish-speaking minority in Athens and in Volos, Larissa, and Thessaloniki. A national television channel covered a performance at a gypsy camp. That year the troupe members began their intensive training in dance organized by the National Youth Committee of the Baha'is of Greece. They went to Crete for intensive training in the choreographies of the dance workshop. Their teacher was Ramin ("Wrighley") Mazloum of Germany. This year the youth gathered in March to rehearse the dances with the help of Jesse Fish, an American Baha'i youth. "We learned much more than just dancing," said Daphni Kontou, a 13-year-old from Thessaloniki. "We needed to focus and be disciplined, and not to waste time, otherwise we could never manage to rehearse in time for the performances. It was also very important that we had unity in the group and didn't forget what we were doing it for."

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23.7283052

HAIFA

Israel

High-ranking member of the Baha'i Faith passes away

High-ranking member of the Baha'i Faith passes away HAIFA, Israel — The worldwide Baha'i community has lost one of its most cherished figures with the death on 26 November of Ali-Akbar Furutan. Mr. Furutan, who carried the rank of Hand of the Cause of God, was one of the only two surviving members of this company of senior officers of the Faith appointed by its late Guardian, Shoghi Effendi Rabbani, who died in 1957. Mr. Furutan was 98 years of age, but had maintained a demanding schedule of activities at the Faith's World Centre in Haifa, Israel. He died of natural causes. His wisdom and gentle sense of humor had contributed greatly to deepening the understanding of the Faith's spiritual teachings by the steady stream of Baha'is from all over the world who come as pilgrims to the Shrines of their religion. Born in Sabzivar, Iran, on 29 April 1905, Ali-Akbar Furutan moved with his family to Ashgabat in what was then Russian Turkestan (now part of Turkmenistan), and, through his years of school and university, he took an active part in the work of the Baha'i communities of Ashgabat, Baku, Moscow, and other parts of Russia. In 1930 he was expelled from the Soviet Union during the Stalinist persecution of religion, and, from that time on, played an ever more significant role in the work and administration of the Iranian Baha'i community. Following the passing of Shoghi Effendi, Mr. Furutan was one of the nine Hands of the Cause selected, at their first Conclave, to serve as Custodians in the Holy Land, pending the election of the Universal House of Justice, the governing body of the religion envisioned by its Founder, Baha'u'llah. Mr. Furutan at the dedication of the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, United States of America, 1953.As a young man, Mr. Furutan had won a scholarship to the University of Moscow, from which he obtained degrees in education and psychology. On returning to Iran, with his wife, Ataieh, he served as principal at the influential "Tarbiyat School for Boys" which was eventually closed by the Pahlavi government as a result of pressure brought by fanatical Islamic elements in the country. Despite the circumstances of his departure from the Soviet Union, Mr. Furutan retained to the end of his life a deep love for the people of that region of the world. A source of great joy was his return in 1990, as the guest of honor at the election of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the Soviet Union. It seemed a particularly fitting conclusion for a long life of service to humankind that his death should have occurred at the close of a meeting where he had addressed assembled Baha'i pilgrims from many countries, as was his practice, concluding his remarks with the exchange of a few words with some of the Russian-speaking believers in attendance. Mr. Furutan's wife predeceased him. He is survived by his daughters, Iran Muhajir and Parvin Furutan, and two granddaughters, Gisu Muhajir-Cook and Shabnam Rahnema.

32.8191218

34.9983856

MASERU

Lesotho

Lively festivities in Lesotho

Lively festivities in Lesotho MASERU, Lesotho — Lively performances of dance, music and storytelling were highlights of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Baha'i Faith in Lesotho, held from 10-12 October 2003. The Butha Buthe Baha'i choir and the Men's Choir from Lesotho sang several times throughout the program, as did the Swaziland Baha'i choir. A visiting arts group from South Africa, Beyond Words, performed many dances. They also depicted the lives of the first Lesotho Baha'is in a play written for the occasion. At times during the event, all the participants were dancing and singing together in harmony. Following a reception at the national Baha'i center, more than 170 Baha'is gathered at the Lesotho Sun Hotel for two days of celebrations. Guests came from South Africa and Swaziland. Lesotho Television covered part of the proceedings. Present at the event was a member of the Continental Board of Counselors, Enos Makhele of South Africa, who spoke about the historical significance of the anniversary. After an address by the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, Nontsiki Mashologo, participants learned from a slide presentation about some significant Baha'i activities during the past 50 years, such as visits by traveling teachers, youth conferences, and children's classes. Frederick Laws.One of those major events was the visit from 19 July to 4 August, 1972, of Madame Ruhiyyih Rabbani, a Hand of the Cause of God and the widow of the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, Shoghi Effendi. The first National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Lesotho was formed in 1971. There are now 26 Local Spiritual Assemblies, and Baha'is live in more than 470 localities. The Lesotho Baha'is hold regular children's classes, study circles, and devotional meetings. There is also a youth enrichment program, which encourages young people to identify their problems and empowers them to find solutions. At the jubilee, Mapeko Mofolo, the secretary of the National Assembly, told stories about the early days of the Baha'i Faith in Lesotho. The first Baha'is to arrive in Basutoland (as Lesotho was once called) were Frederick and Elizabeth Laws, a couple from the United States. They arrived on 13 October 1953, just three days before the end of the Holy Year at the beginning of a ten-year plan to take the Baha'i teachings around the world. For their services, they each received the accolade, Knight of Baha'u'llah, from Shoghi Effendi. The Laws soon won the hearts of the local people. Mrs. Laws became known simply as "Malerato" (Mother of Love) and Mr. Laws as "Lerato" (Love). They soon met Chadwick and Mary Mohapi, a couple in their sixties. "The Mohapis asked us to live in their village, and gave us a round, thatched hut with a clay floor. The rondavel was about 16 feet in diameter. We laid a tarpaper floor and moved in," Mrs. Laws later recalled. On 6 September, 1954, after learning about the faith from Mr. and Mrs. Laws every evening for five weeks, Mr. and Mrs. Mohapi became Baha'is, the first local believers of their country. Subsequently, despite difficulties with language, many local people were enthusiastic to learn about the Baha'i Faith. "Our mighty Lord takes our inadequate words, our puny efforts, and causes them to bring great results," Mrs. Laws wrote. "Those who hear go out to tell many others -- the chain is endless to eternity." Mr. and Mrs. Laws stayed in Basutoland for 30 months. Mr. Laws could not get a work permit so they left for South Africa in early 1956. By that time there were 85 Baha'is in Lesotho and five Local Spiritual Assemblies. They later moved to Gambia and then to Liberia to assist the Baha'i communities in each of those countries.

-29.310054

27.478222

SCARBOROUGH

United Kingdom

Arts portray life of the spirit

Arts portray life of the spirit SCARBOROUGH, England — British Baha'is explored creative ways to portray the themes of a popular study course on spirituality at a national festival held here last month. More than 1,200 people attended the festival, held from 7 to 9 November 2003, in the historic spa town of Scarborough, on the northeast coast of England. The Baha'is and their many guests used the arts and other methods to portray the themes of "Reflections on the Life of the Spirit," a course aimed at understanding prayer, life after death, and the spiritual nature of human beings. The course, created at the Ruhi Institute in Colombia, is the first in a series being used widely by Baha'is around the world to develop spiritual insights, knowledge and skills. People who are not Baha'is are also participating in increasing numbers. Festival coordinator Rob Weinberg said the event was aimed at encouraging people to reflect on their spiritual nature and its portrayal in dramatic and musical performances, audio-visual presentations, and talks. "The 'Life of the Spirit' was chosen as the theme because (spirituality) is fundamental to life and the transformation of society," Mr. Weinberg said. Though many of the participants had already studied the course, Mr. Weinberg said that the festival was meant to "take the concepts and ideas of it and present them on a bigger stage." Professor Edward Granville Browne in oriental attire."We also wanted to demonstrate to our visitors and friends what it means to be a Baha'i and to encourage them to engage with the processes the community is involved with." Among the many guests of the Baha'is attending the festival was a representative of environmental charity Life Force International, Nigel Whittle, who said the festival was successful on many levels. The enormous effort of the Baha'is was demonstrated by the variety and quality of exhibits, talks, and entertainment, Mr. Whittle said. "Since the spirit is manifested in the material, this aspect of the festival alone represented much love, faith, and spiritual development," he said. The spiritual realities that underpin human existence, the main theme of "Book One" of the Ruhi Institute's series of courses, was the topic of an address by Sohrab Youssefian, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors. "Just as there are laws, such as gravity which govern our physical life, so there are spiritual laws which impact on the life of our souls," Mr. Youssefian said. "If we fail to access these forces, we remain like a bird that refuses to leave its nest and fly -- in other words, we do not realize the potentialities inherent within us." Allied to the theme of prayer was an exhibition that showed the development of Baha'i Houses of Worship around the world. Rare drawings and photographs of those Temples were displayed alongside architectural models. Audio-visual presentations charted their evolution. The exhibition also included images and descriptions of the model of the newest Baha'i Temple, which is now in the planning stages and will be built near Santiago, Chile. Illustrating the theme of life after death, Arabella Velasco, a British writer and actress, presented "A Light at the End of the Tunnel," her play based on first-hand accounts of near-death experiences. "These were true stories taken from over 200 testimonials that were studied in my writing of the play," said Ms. Velasco, who played all three characters. "Although science has not yet backed up such experiences, they add an enriching element to our study, in ("Reflection on the Life of the Spirit") and other arenas, of life after death," she said. Other themes, such as the status of women, were also creatively explored at the festival. Athens-based actor Shirin Youssefian-Maanian performed all 14 characters in the play "Pure," written by Annabel Knight. The play depicts the life and death of the 19th century Persian poet, Tahirih, who heralded a new age of emancipation for women and challenged the religious fundamentalism of her time. Among the prominent musicians at the festival was Conrad Lambert, also known as Merz, who gave a solo performance. Merz's debut album was named one of the top 50 in the United Kingdom in 1999, and his performance at the Glastonbury Festival won him critical acclaim. Making his UK debut was Tunisian-born Hatef Sedkaoui, also known as Atef, who played a blend of new soul and traditional Arabic dance music with his Marseilles-based band, "Soul Tunes." One of the members of "Soul Tunes," Franck Taieb, said there were no religious barriers when it came to music. "My wife is a Muslim and I am Jewish, and Atef is a Baha'i, and music brings us all together," Mr. Taieb said. The festival included a creative description of aspects of the 1890 meeting between the distinguished Cambridge University orientalist, Professor Edward Granville Browne, and Baha'u'llah. A documentary film about Professor Browne, which included footage shot in the professor's rooms at Pembroke College, was screened. Festival participants could enter a detailed reconstruction of the room near Acre, Israel where the meeting took place, and hear a recording of Professor Browne's eloquent pen-portrait of Baha'u'llah. Another film shown at the festival charted the worldwide development of the Baha'i community since 1890. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United Kingdom presented a program describing the Baha'i social and community projects underway in the country. Participants heard about the Institute for Social Cohesion, a Baha'i sponsored initiative, which encourages government and civil society to promote unity and understanding between socially diverse groups within British society. Heather O'Neill, the coordinator of the Baha'i-inspired Youth Empowerment Project of Swindon, described how many young people have transformed their lives by participating in programs aimed at helping them develop a sense of purpose, personal responsibility and community service. Festival participants aged between 11 and 14 had sessions in which they explored issues affecting them at school, and in the wider society. The event concluded with a devotional ceremony. Pauline Senior, 96, a Baha'i for more than 80 years, led readers -- from children to the elderly -- in a tribute to the transforming power of the Baha'i teachings in their lives.

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-0.4011868

KIGALI

Rwanda

Reflections of Rwanda

Reflections of Rwanda KIGALI, Rwanda — Baha'is from different ethnic groups joined together in unity at a meeting here where they reviewed the achievements of their community and made plans for the future. The Baha'is were participating in a "reflection meeting" -- now an increasingly common practice in Baha'i communities worldwide. Songs and traditional dances contributed to the meeting, which was held on 30 November 2003. Sixty participants attended, half of whom were youth. They came from different sectors of the community. A Baha'i spokesperson said that unity is a Baha'i ideal, and the Baha'is identify themselves as Rwandans first, instead of as belong to a particular ethnic group like Hutu or Tutsi. "So in the Baha'i meetings everybody is seen as a brother or a sister, without emphasizing the differences," the spokesperson said. The reflection meeting was the third held in the Kigali cluster of communities, which comprises five Local Spiritual Assemblies. The participants studied, "Building Momentum," a publication produced at the Baha'i World Centre, which gives guidance in the administrative and capacity-building methods being used to advance the process of wide expansion of the Faith. Baha'is in Kigali, Rwanda, participate in a study circle.Baha'is are following advice from the international governing council, the Universal House of Justice, to focus on three core activities: study circles, children's classes and devotional meetings, all of which are open to participation from those in the wider society. In the Kigali cluster there are six regular study circles, -- which are aimed at developing spiritual insights, knowledge and skills -- five children's classes and nine devotional meetings. The participants at the reflection meeting made a plan to multiply those activities. In 1994 in Rwanda, widespread violence resulted in the deaths of some 800,000 people. In March 2000, as the country struggled to create unity and rebuild trust between the ethnic groups, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Rwanda issued a statement to the National Commission for Unity and Reconciliation urging consideration of the principle of oneness of humanity as a basis for reconciliation in the country. "Baha'is believe that humankind has always constituted one species, but that prejudice, ignorance, power seeking, and egotism have prevented many people from recognizing and accepting this oneness," said the National Spiritual Assembly, urging the adoption of a program for moral education that would seek both to abolish prejudices and to foster social and economic development.

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30.061507

RAROTONGA

Cook Islands

Double blessing for Cook Islands

Double blessing for Cook Islands RAROTONGA, Cook Islands — Two women -- from different countries but with the same aim -- brought the Baha'i Faith to these remote islands half a century ago. As part of an internationally co-ordinated effort to spread the Baha'i Faith around the world, Edith Danielsen, from the United States, and Dulcie Dive, from New Zealand via Australia, arrived here in 1953 and 1954 respectively. Their efforts soon bore fruit. In March 1955, two Cook Islanders, Tuaine Karotaua (also known as Mr. Peter Titi) followed by Rima Nicholas, became Baha'is. A year later, the first Local Spiritual Assembly was formed. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the Cook Islands was first elected in 1985. The stories of these early Baha'is and those who followed were told during the 50th jubilee celebrations held here from 10 to 15 October 2003. More than 100 participated, including overseas visitors and guests. A commemoration event on 14 October began with a traditional welcome from Cook Islands Baha'i Nga Makirere. Mrs. Makirere described how the message of both Jesus Christ and Baha'u'llah arrived in the Cook Islands through the island of Aitutaki, Mrs. Danielsen's first landing point. First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Rarotonga, 1956.Among the official guests at the jubilee were Queen Elizabeth's representative to the Cook Islands, Frederick Goodwin, and his wife, Ina Goodwin, the former representative, Sir Apenera Short and Lady Short, and Prime Minister Robert Woonton with his wife, Sue Woonton. Also present were traditional tribal chiefs and a representative from the country's Religious Advisory Council. During his address, Sir Apenera commended the organizers of the jubilee, and the Baha'is in general. "I praise you Baha'is for bringing your religion to the Cook Islands," Sir Apenera said. "I pray God to take you to another 50 years, and God will make that happen." Baha'i speakers included Heather Simpson, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors, and Alan Wilcox, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of New Zealand. The Baha'i communities of both countries have close links. Among the guests were the brother and daughter of Tuaine Karotaua, Papa Poreo Tavai Portoru and Te Oru Karotaua; a son of Rima Nicholas, Albert Nicholas and his wife; and a daughter of a prominent Baha'i, the late Pa Ariki, Chief of Takitumu, Lily Henderson. Also present during the festivities were Baha'i pioneers Nan Greenwood, from Canada, and Gwen Welland, from the United States, who have lived in the Cook Islands since 1972 and 1962, respectively. Professor Duane Varan of Australia gave talks on the Faith to audiences comprising Baha'is and members of the wider community. The events also included a devotional gathering that opened with a prayer said in eight languages, and featured children singing and readings from the Baha'i holy writings. The program also included reading messages of congratulations from Baha'is overseas. Other highlights included a concert with singing, drumming and dancing, and a visit to the island of Aitutaki. Georgie Skeaff, who has compiled a record of the Cook Islands Baha'i community, led a tour to historical Baha'i landmarks, such as where Mrs. Danielsen and Mrs. Dive first lived here. Mrs. Skeaff's account tells how Mrs. Danielsen (1909- 1984) was in San Francisco when she ran her finger over a map, stopped it at the Cook Islands, and decided to go there. She arrived in October 1953, and remained until 1958. Mrs. Danielsen was responding to a call by the then head of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi, to move to places where there were no Baha'is so that the spiritual benefits of Baha'u'llah's teachings would be available to all. An outgoing personality, Mrs. Danielsen was also a talented musician -- she played the organ to entertain guests -- and she delighted in extending hospitality and teaching the Baha'i Faith. Meanwhile, Dulcie Dive (1909-1962), a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia and New Zealand since 1944, left her adopted country of Australia in 1954 to be a Baha'i pioneer in the Cook Islands. Mrs. Skeaff said Mrs. Dive had a loving nature, which attracted people to her. She is still spoken about with affection in the Cook Islands. As first Baha'i arrivals, both Mrs. Danielsen and Mrs. Dive were named Knights of Baha'u'llah by Shoghi Effendi. Mrs. Skeaff's record also describes the first two Baha'is in the Cook Islands and others who followed. In 1956, the first Cook Island Baha'i, Mr. Titi (1907-84) moved to New Zealand where he came to be loved for his spiritual insights, his happy personality and his devotion to spreading the Baha'i message. The first Cook Island Baha'i woman, Mrs. Nicholas (1926-2000), had been a star student, and became a popular singer and instrumentalist, and a leader of the Girl Guides. She greatly assisted the progress of the Faith by providing her skills as a translator to Mrs. Danielsen. Another prominent Baha'i was Pa Tepaeru Terito Ariki (1923-1990), who became a Baha'i after meeting Dulcie Dive and Edith Danielsen. In 1978, Pa Terito inherited her traditional chief's title. As Ariki (hereditary chief) of Takitumu, she was able to reach many levels of society, and she actively proclaimed the Faith in the South Pacific. Te Atamira Makirere was a clergyman when, in the face of considerable local disapproval, he and his wife, Nga, became Baha'is in 1977. Te Atamira, also known as "Ta" or "Papa Ta," lives on Aitutaki and is a member of the National Spiritual Assembly. There were more than 100 pioneers in the Cook Islands from 1953-2003, and more than 170 traveling teachers. Much of the development of the Baha'i community has been carried out in difficult circumstances. In 1975, a law was enacted allowing only four religious groups -- all Christian denominations -- to publicly teach their faith. This law was repealed in 1978. In 1992, four Baha'is formed a private pre-school, which has now developed into a primary and intermediate school, Te Uki O. There have been many other Baha'i-inspired projects over the last 50 years. A current one is the "Cook Islands Learning Disability Reading Program." For the last eight years, a popular Baha'i television program, "Baha'i on Air," has screened at first weekly, and now fortnightly, in Rarotonga.

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-159.77610904284523

LAS PALMAS

Spain

Celebrating with music and dance

Celebrating with music and dance LAS PALMAS, Spain — Classical Spanish dances and melodies entertained participants at the 50th jubilee celebrations in the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. Canary Islands Songs originating from the Canary Islands were a highlight of the festivities held in the capital, Las Palmas, from 10-12 October 2003. Guests from Austria, Senegal, Morocco, and Spain joined local Baha'is to watch a video documentary about the 50 years of Baha'i activity in the islands. Another film, produced by local youth, depicted the significant role young people played in the history of the Baha'i community. One of the speakers, Mahnaz Nekoudin, paid tribute to the Baha'is who had settled in the islands to support the work of the Baha'i community. Many of those pioneering Baha'is were present at the jubilee, and received roses as a gesture of gratitude. The Faith came to the Canary Islands in October 1953 when George and Peggy True, and their son, Barry, arrived from Detroit and settled in Tenerife. George and Peggy True, and their son, Barry, with Gertrude Eisenberg (right) in the Canary Islands.For their services, Mr. and Mrs. True received the accolade Knights of Baha'u'llah from Shoghi Effendi. At the jubilee, Barry True gave an address that included affectionate reminiscences of his parents. Another Knight of Baha'u'llah to the Canary Islands was Gertrude Eisenberg, who settled on the island of Grand Canary. Shoghi Riaz Rouhani, a Baha'i from Egypt, arrived on that island a few months later, in April 1954. He too was named a Knight of Baha'u'llah. Mr. Rouhani, who was present at the jubilee, talked about the significance of the historic events 50 years ago. Also contributing to the festivities were Emilio Egea and Sohrab Youssefian, members of the Continental Board of Counselors. In conjunction with the jubilee, the Baha'is organized an interfaith panel discussion, which was held at the Writers' Guild of Las Palmas. Present at that meeting were representatives of the Buddhist, Catholic, and Jewish communities, as well as the consuls for Ireland and Italy. Ines Jimenez, member of the town council of Las Palmas, spoke at that gathering. "The message that I learned is that humanity is one race, and that unity, peace, and dialogue of all cultures of the world will be a reality," Mrs. Jimenez said. Also attending were Angel Tristan, editor and columnist of one of the regional newspapers, "La Provincia," who had written an article about the Baha'i Faith. The jubilee was also covered by another local newspaper, the "Canarias 7," and there was a report by the local television station, Channel 8. Balearic Islands Celebrations took place in Mallorca (Majorca), Soller, and Calvia from 21 to 23 November 2003. Many Baha'i and other artists, including the local Baha'i choir and the San Jaime Choir, performed at the events. Regional dances, and performances on violin and piano were also part of the entertainment. The first Baha'i to take the Faith to the islands was Virginia Orbison of the United States, who arrived in August 1953. Others soon to follow were Jean and Tove Deleuran from Denmark, and Charles Monroe Ioas of the United States, who was present at the jubilee. They were among many other Baha'is at the same time who left their home countries at the urging of the then head of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi, to take the teachings of Baha'u'llah around the world. Those first four to arrive in the Balearic Islands received the title Knight of Baha'u'llah from Shoghi Effendi. Several high-ranking officials were present at the celebrations, including the director of the Human Rights for Children's Office, a UNESCO representative, and senior members of the Education Council, who praised the Baha'i community's work for social welfare. Also present were Emilio Egea, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors, and members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Spain. Representatives of the Buddhist, Jewish, Catholic, and Muslim communities participated with the Baha'is in a panel discussion on religious dialogue, which was covered by the local media.

27.9580004

-15.6062305376665

NASHVILLE

United States

In the U.S., South surges towards success

In the U.S., South surges towards success NASHVILLE, United States — Participants at the biggest Baha'i conference held in the United States since 2001 prepared themselves for increasingly focused efforts to expand the Faith in their country. Some 4,000 Baha'is attended the Southern Regional Baha'i Conference, which was held from 27-30 November and was opened by the city's vice mayor Howard Gentry Jr. Participants spent sessions examining progress in three core activities being undertaken throughout the Baha'i world -- capacity-building study circles, children's classes, and devotional meetings. Those sessions, aimed at furthering the process of expansion, were allied to the theme of the conference, "Blazoning the Name of Baha'u'llah," a plan to introduce the name of the Founder of the Baha'i Faith to every resident of the United States by 2013. The Regional Baha'i Council of the Southern States, which sponsored the conference, reported "extraordinary progress" in the number of study circles in the region, and in the number of participants who have completed the sequence of courses and trained as tutors. Then participants examined what was successful or otherwise in Baha'i communities, evaluating progress in geographic "clusters." The southern states of the country saw a dramatic surge in enrolments in the Baha'i Faith in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and participants at the conference pledged to undertake systematic activities to ensure the region continues in that tradition. At the event, which was open to the public, 18 people joined the Faith. The conference was dedicated to the memory of Ali-Akbar Furutan, 98, the much-loved Hand of the Cause who passed away in Haifa, Israel, on the eve of the opening of the conference. Speakers drew on the example of his life to encourage participants in their efforts. Eugene Andrews.Among the addresses given at the conference was one by Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. A prominent article in "The Tennesseean," the state's biggest-circulation daily newspaper, subsequently quoted Dr. Henderson urging on the Baha'is in their efforts to expand the Faith. "We are really talking about the essential mission of the Baha'i Faith, which is nothing more complicated than learning how to love and sharing with other people what we're learning about that love, and then telling them Who taught us how to love like that," Dr. Henderson said. Another speaker, Eugene Andrews, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors, told the participants that the Faith is not a church, and its members should not conduct themselves in a way where leadership comes from an individual or individuals presumed to be qualified for the purpose. "Where does our spiritual vitality come from? It comes from you all," he said. Rebequa Murphy, also a member of the Continental Board, used an urban analogy to illustrate her point that the institute process (which includes study circles, children's classes and other community activities) was aimed at raising a community of teachers of the Faith. "In New York City you learn [to] only hail cabs that have their light on, because if their light's not on they're not open for business," Ms. Murphy said. "When we become communities of teachers, what happens? What the institute process does, it turns on [our] lights. So people know we're open for business. And they come to us. "We must never forget the purpose for which we live -- to bring about the oneness of the human family." Kenneth Bowers, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly said he was a native southerner, a descendant of slave-holders and confederate soldiers and he could testify to "a new life that is stirring in this age," one in which he could be loved by African-Americans and love them right back. "And the question I ask is, who else but God can do something like that?" Mr. Bowers said. Artistic expression permeated the conference. There were musical and dramatic performances, a journey for children through reconstructed historical places of the Faith, film screenings, displays of the visual arts, and creative devotionals. A performance of the Voices of Baha choir -- featuring solos by performers such as Dan Seals, Red Grammer, the Price Sisters, and Van Gilmer -- took place in a venue synonymous with the music of the south -- the Ryman Auditorium, once home to the Grand Ole Opry. Youth and children had sessions devoted to their issues, and many young people volunteered to help in the running of the conference. Other sessions included an adult singles discussion group, an African-American teaching consultation, young adults leadership sessions, and a forum for study circle tutors. (Article based on reporting by Tom Mennillo. Photos courtesy of "The American Baha'i.")

36.1622767

-86.7742984

GENEVA

Switzerland

Global diversity at Information Society conference

Global diversity at Information Society conference GENEVA — The global diversity of the worldwide Baha'i community was showcased at a major United Nations conference on the creation of a global "Information Society." The Baha'i International Community assembled a delegation of Internet and communications specialists -- who are also Baha'i's -- for the U.N.'s World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) held from 10-12 December 2003. The Baha'i delegation included one of the founders of Africa Online, a top-ranked entrepreneur and Internet consultant from Singapore, and a CISCO Systems vice-president who is of Native American origin. It was headed by Canadian Bahiyyih Chaffers, who was appointed in August as a permanent representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations. "Baha'is believe that the emergence of a global information society is an aspect of the inevitable coming together of humanity in the construction of a new, just, and peaceful global civilization," said Ms. Chaffers. "It is important that the growing information society be as inclusive as possible, so that every human being has an opportunity to participate in shaping global society." Some 54 heads of state, prime ministers, presidents, and vice presidents, along with 83 ministers, came to the WSIS, which drew official delegations from some 176 countries. Also attending were several thousand representatives of nongovernmental organizations, business groups, the media, and other organizations of civil society. The summit, called by the U.N. to assess the impact of information and communications technology on human society, ended with the adoption of a Declaration of Principles and Plan of Action aimed at building a "people-centered, inclusive, and development-oriented Information Society." "We are going through a historic transformation in the way we live, learn, work, communicate, and do business," said U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan in an opening speech to the summit. "We must do so not passively, but as makers of our own destiny. Technology has produced the information age. Now it is up to all of us to build an information society," Mr. Annan said. For their part, representatives of the Baha'i International Community -- along with several Baha'i-inspired organizations -- participated in the summit at many levels. They attended workshops, worked with other civil society organizations on issues before the summit, and presented the results of various Baha'i-inspired projects in the "ICT4D" (Information and Communication Technology for Development) global village that was associated with the WSIS. Ms. Chaffers, for example, was selected to chair the Ethics and Values Caucus, an ad hoc civil-society group that sought to ensure that moral and ethical values were included in the summit's deliberations. The caucus issued a statement to the summit that said, in part: "The ethical dimension of the Information Society, where the common good is its driving force, involves the development of a code of practice at the individual, community, national, and international levels, that protects the dignity of every human life. "This ethical dimension is where the oneness of humanity is recognized and respected and where each human being born into the world is acknowledged as a trust of the whole." A member of the Baha'i delegation, Karanja Gakio, participated on a round-table discussion of Internet security in developing countries that was held at the ICT4D forum. A number of Baha'i agencies also participated in various summit activities. The European Baha'i Business Forum (EBBF) sponsored a workshop at the summit titled "Toward a Knowledge-based, Sustainable World Information Society: The Role of Good Governance and Business." It featured a panel composed of Dr. Augusto Lopez-Claro, economist and director of the World Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum; Dr. Arthur Lyon-Dahl, president of the International Environment Forum and a former senior advisor to the United Nations Environment Programme; and Dr. Ramin Khadem, chief financial officer of Immarsat, London.

46.2017559

6.1466014

NEW DELHI

India

Girl highlights conference theme

Girl highlights conference theme NEW DELHI — A 10-year-old girl made one of the most moving speeches at a conference here that stressed the importance of educating girls. Akansha Dhungyha told of the discrimination she faced as a girl in her home village of Bhaktapur, in Nepal. "In my village, they send the boy to school thinking that he will take care of the parents when they get older, and that the girl will go to another home when she is married," said Akansha, explaining why girls are often kept at home. She made her presentation on 19 December 2003 at a conference entitled "Education: The Right of Every Girl and Boy," which was organized by the Baha'i International Community with the support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other international agencies and organizations. Akansha told the conference that if parents do send the girls to school, they enroll them in lesser quality government schools, while the boys are sent to private institutions. "And there are a lot of girls who leave the school because of the lack of toilets," she said. "Or the parents take the girls out of school and ask them to get married." Akansha's experiences highlighted and reinforced some of the main points made by adults at the conference. Some 150 governmental officials, international agency representatives, non-governmental activists, academics, and other civil society representatives gathered for the event, which was held 17-19 December 2003 at the Baha'i National Center (known as Baha'i House) in New Delhi. The Baha'i House of Worship was the backdrop for the opening ceremony.The conference sought to establish and strengthen networks and partnerships among organizations in South Asia that work to accelerate the provision of basic education of universal quality to all children, and especially to girls. "We here in South Asia are challenged by high numbers of children out of school," said Erma Manoncourt, a deputy director for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), India, noting that some 43 million children are out of school in the region, and that the majority -- some 26 million -- are girls. "It is only by increasing the enrollment and retention of girls that we can reach the goal [of universal education] " Ms. Manoncourt said. By the end of the conference, many of the participants reached agreement on certain key points. First, that greater efforts must be made to eliminate the cultural and economic barriers that prevent girls from going to school in South Asia. As well, government funding for education must be increased so as to increase the availability of, and access to, schooling in the region. Additionally, however, many participants stressed the importance of improving educational quality -- as a means of attracting children to school and keeping them there -- by emphasizing moral education, updating primary school curricula, increasing community participation, and giving localities more control over school administration. "School education does not prepare a child to live," said Mervyn Fernando, the director of the SUBODHI Institute for Integral Education in Sri Lanka. "It prepares a child for a job with certain skills. But even after grade 12 or 13, the child goes to society very ill-equipped to live life as a mature, successful citizen because a lot of important things have been left out of our education system." The conference opened at the Baha'i House of Worship here, when a number of prominent officials and experts outlined the challenges and benefits of achieving universal education. Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations, spoke about the importance of education -- and especially for girls -- as being in the "enlightened self-interest" of society. "Education for all -- and especially for girls -- is not only a human right. It is also in the best interests of society as a whole," said Ms. Dugal. "It is, indeed, perhaps the single best development strategy we have." Ms. Dugal noted that the Baha'i writings stress the importance of educating girls -- a point she said had been confirmed by recent educational and sociological research. Educated girls are healthier and more prosperous, she said, and their families and children are likewise healthier and more prosperous. "By every measure, every study, and every rational thought process, the investment made today in the education of girls and boys pays dividends that will last far into the future -- and make the world a much better place," Ms. Dugal said. Dr. Sadig Rasheed, the Regional Director of UNICEF for the Region of South Asia, stressed the overall strategy of putting girls first as a means to increase educational access for everyone. "We know that some of the things that can be done to keep a girl in school, such as better sanitation, a friendlier protective environment, and secure, violence- and harassment-free, surroundings, also benefit boys," said. Dr. Rasheed. "By looking after the most vulnerable, we make conditions better for all. By reaching those who have the most difficulty in accessing education, we assist the path for everyone." Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said that India must work harder to overcome cultural preconceptions that cause discrimination against girls and prevent their education. "We are supposed to be a country of wise men, and yet we are one of the most illiterate countries in the world," said Ms. Dikshit. "We have states where the girl foetus is still killed. Why are families choosing to kill the girl child even before she is born?" "Despite the fact that my vegetable seller has a cell phone around his neck, he still does not think the girl at home needs to be educated," said Ms. Dikshit. "We must make education a habit." Five South Asian countries were represented at the conference: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Many sent government representatives and all were represented by organizations of civil society, including the Bah' communities of each of the five countries. The conference was co-sponsored and supported by a number of agencies, including: the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), World Vision India, National Foundation for India, Save the Children UK, Commonwealth Education Fund, and India Alliance for Child Rights. (Photos and story by Brad Pokorny).

28.6138954

77.2090057

PHOKENG

South Africa

Generation expresses gratitude

Generation expresses gratitude PHOKENG, South Africa — Two young cousins provided a highlight here at the national Baha'i jubilee celebrations, which followed satellite festivities in eight cities. At an opening session of the festivities, Kelebogile Khunou, 12, and Direlang Nakedi, 11, praised their grandparents for becoming Baha'is nearly 50 years ago. The cousins said the sacrifices made by their grandparents, Ntate and Mme, were the cause of many of the benefits in their own lives. One of those benefits, both said, was that their parents were "welcomed into the progressive knowledge-giving world of the Faith." "I [would] never exchange anything to give up being a Baha'i child -- it is really a rewarding experience," Kelebogile said. "The favorite gift I receive every day from my grandparents' efforts is the relationship of my parents, which is based on the principle of equality of men and women." This testimony by third-generation Baha'is helped symbolize the dramatic and inspiring history of the Baha'i Faith in South Africa, where for many years the government's official policy of apartheid (involving the separation of racial groups) ran directly counter to the principle of the oneness of humanity, a fundamental teaching of Baha'u'llah. Participants at the South African jubilee celebrations, held from 21 to 22 November 2003, told stories of courage, of successes achieved in a "cloak and dagger" fashion, of constant police surveillance, of dogged determination, and of endeavors of heroic proportions. Members of the 40-strong local community of Phokeng, including youth, organized most of the national event, which was attended by some 620 Baha'is. Max Seepe, who served the Faith in South Africa for many years, as did his wife, May.African dancing, music and dramatic performances, including presentations by the group "Beyond Words," gave artistic and emotional energy to the national jubilee celebrations. At one point, all the members of the National Spiritual Assembly sang to the audience from the stage. The Queen Mother of the Bafokeng tribe, Dr. Semane B. Molotegi, a guest of honor at the celebrations, said she was delighted the jubilee was held in her province -- the home of the first indigenous South African Baha'is -- and she praised the Baha'i community work for peace and unity. During the celebrations, some Baha'is who were in South Africa in the 1953-1963 era recounted memories, and outlined some of the difficulties they overcame in the early years of the community. One such speaker was Ephens Senne, whose wife, Dorothy, in January 1955, became the first South African woman to accept the Faith. Describing the oppressive atmosphere of apartheid, Mr. Senne said he and his wife were scared initially that the white people had plans to kill them. That fear vanished as they got to know the Baha'is, but they had to be very careful about meeting them because of their apprehensions about official surveillance. When the couple visited European Baha'is, they had to pretend that they came to clean the houses, carrying mops and brooms to avoid suspicion, said Mr. Senne, a former member of the National Spiritual Assembly. One of the talks at the conference was about the "spiritual ancestors" of many of today's Baha'is -- the three Persian Baha'is who were murdered in March 1994 at the Baha'i center in Mdantsane, Ciskei. The presentation recalled the crime that shocked not only Baha'is throughout South Africa and the world but also the local community when gunmen from a militant black group shot dead Houshmand Anvari, Shamam Bakhshandegi, and Riaz Razavi, all of whom had come to South Africa to improve conditions for the black majority. At the jubilee festivities, members of the Continental Board of Counsellors, Beth Allen and Enos Makhele, gave inspiring talks on unity and diversity, and the vision of the South African Baha'i community respectively. The two authors of a newly published book, "Heroes and Heroines of the Ten Year Crusade in Southern Africa," Edith and Lowell Johnson, spoke on the topic, "Fifty Years of the Baha'i Faith in South Africa." Participants listened closely as Edith Johnson pointed out that in 1953 there were only two Baha'is in South Africa, Agnes Carey (1879-1958) in Durban and Reginald Turvey (1882-1968) in Johannesburg, and they didn't know about each other. Shoghi Effendi, who had traveled through South Africa in 1929 and 1940, named them "Mother" and "Father" respectively of the Baha'is of South Africa. Records show that the first Baha'is in South Africa were Agnes Cook in 1911 and William and Mary Fraetas in 1912. The first pioneer was Fanny Knobloch in 1920. Mr. Johnson said that the first of 37 pioneers to arrive during the Ten Year Plan were William (Bill), Marguerite and Michael Sears. The Sears' farm became a place for people of different racial and religious backgrounds to deepen their understandings of the teachings of Baha'u'llah. Mr. Sears was later appointed a Hand of the Cause of God, and this much-loved figure published influential books and delivered inspiring talks on the Faith. The first indigenous South African to become a Baha'i was Klaas Mtsweni, an employee of Lyall and Eleanor Hadden, in 1954 in Pretoria. The first white South African to enroll was Florence Norman in Durban. During the early years prominent local Baha'is included, for example, Bertha Mkize, Gilbert Tombisa, Dr. A.H. and Joan Bismillah, Cassiem Davids, William Masetlha, Max and May Seepe, Andrew Mofokeng, Florence Marumo, Sue Hofmeyr Podger, Daniel Ramoroesi, Michael Nthau, Stanlake Kukama, Phillip Hinton, plus the Heuvel and Gallow families. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson said that since 1963, 396 overseas Baha'is had served in South Africa, and about 182 are present there now The first Local Spiritual Assembly was formed in 1954 in Johannesburg, and the National Spiritual Assembly, administering the whole of Southern Africa, followed two years later. It assisted the formation of 14 National Spiritual Assemblies in Southern Africa and also three "homeland" regions, which are now incorporated back within South Africa. Today the National Spiritual Assembly administers one country, South Africa, and the island of St. Helena. There are 38 Local Spiritual Assemblies. At the conclusion of the address by Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, the participants sang a Mike Sears song, which is now sung all over Africa and starts with the lyrics: "Africa, Africa! Come let us sing, a song of the love and the glory of God." The satellite festivities were held in Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Sabie, Umtata, and Mafikeng. The South African Baha'i community is actively involved in the three core activities now engaged in by Baha'is throughout the world -- study circles, children's classes and devotional meetings. In 2000, some 12 per cent of new Baha'is were under the age of 25 years but that has increased to 25 per cent this year, as more and more young people attend study circles and become attracted to the teachings. One of the activities carried out within the wider community is the Royal Falcon Education Initiative, which is dedicated to the promotion of moral values among teenagers and young adults in South Africa. More than 29 facilitators are now offering the program at 18 schools throughout South Africa and it is being used at a university and in a prison, as well as in nearby countries. (Jubilee photos by Denny Allen).

-25.575404

27.156484

PORT BLAIR

India

Jubilee becomes major talking point

Jubilee becomes major talking point PORT BLAIR, India — Celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Baha'i Faith here became the talk of the islands as local dignitaries attended special events, and the media provided extensive coverage. At a dinner for high-ranking officials, the Lt. Governor, Shri N. N. Jha, praised the work being carried out by the Baha'is in the islands, which are a Union Territory of India. The first lady, Smti Chaya Jha, then officially announced that the Baha'is had specially produced for the occasion a souvenir publication, which included a history of the Faith here. In a speech wishing the Baha'is good luck in their endeavors, she said that she had first met Baha'is 40 years ago, and had a number of good friends who were members of the Faith. At a unity concert attended by some 700 people, the Chief of Staff of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, Rear Admiral Rakesh Kala, wished the Baha'is all the best in their work and activities. Rear Admiral Kala spoke of his fond memories of the peacefulness he experienced during his visit to the Baha'i House of Worship in New Delhi. At both the official dinner and the concert, Jamshed Fozdar was one of the guests of honor. Mr. Fozdar is a son of Dr. K. M. Fozdar (1898-1958), who first brought the Baha'i Faith to these islands in 1953 as part of a Ten Year Plan to take Baha'u'llah's teachings around the world. Dr. Fozdar, who received the title of Knight of Baha'u'llah for his services, had to leave the islands after four months but by then four local people had become Baha'is, and they remained to continue the development of the community. Some members of the audience at the unity concert.At the jubilee events, which were held 10-12 November 2003, Jamshed Fozdar said that the Baha'i Faith possessed a solution to the problems being faced by mankind today, and he exhorted the audience to investigate its teachings. He also recounted stories about his father, who diligently and effectively served the Faith not only in the islands, but also in India and Singapore. The events attracted coverage in the widely circulating newspaper, "The Daily Telegrams," an official English daily. There were also reports in three other English language daily newspapers, two Hindi newspapers, and a Tamil weekly newspaper. The All India radio repeatedly led its bulletins with news of the jubilee. It broadcast quotations from Baha'u'llah as its "Thought for Today" and carried live interviews with three Baha'is. The local television also covered the unity concert, which featured a program of songs and dances presented by Baha'i youth and other high school students, all on themes of peace, harmony and unity. At that event, citations of appreciation were given to people who had rendered selfless service to the people of the islands. The former project manager of the construction of the Baha'i House of Worship in New Delhi, Sheriar Nooreyazdan, gave an address and presented a slide show about the Temple to an appreciative audience of more than 110 people, including 32 engineers. An integral part of the festivities was an Institute conference at a freshly refurbished Baha'i House. The more than 100 Baha'i who attended were addressed by, among others, Payam Shoghi, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors, Mr. B. Afshin from Panchgani in India, Mehrzad Akhtarkhavari, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Mr. R. N. Shah, a prominent Baha'i from India. Among the topics of the sessions, were the Five Year Plan, currently being carried out by Baha'is throughout the world, and its three core activities -- capacity building study circles, devotional meetings and children's classes. Each of these activities is open to the wider community, and all are being energetically pursued by the Baha'is here. There were also reminiscences of the early days of the Faith in the islands. Seven people who declared their Faith in Baha'u'llah were called to the stage for a warm welcome and expressions of encouragement. Twenty-one Baha'is offered to move to other parts of the islands to develop Baha'i communities there. In a message to the Spiritual Assembly, the Universal House of Justice promised prayers that the jubilee event would be a source of inspiration to the Baha'is as they endeavored to promote the Cause of Baha'u'llah. There are currently 11 Local Spiritual Assemblies on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which has a population of some 280,000. The population is spread among 40 of the 540 islands in the group.

11.6645348

92.7390448

VICTORIA

Seychelles

Festivities exceed expectations at Seychelles celebration

Festivities exceed expectations at Seychelles celebration VICTORIA, Seychelles — A jubilant Baha'i community celebrated its 50th anniversary here in a week-long series of events which included the official opening of an impressive new building as its center. The prelude to the golden jubilee festivities was on 8 November 2003 as banners advertising the forthcoming official program were placed above all the main streets of the capital city. Television coverage at prime time and extensive reporting on radio and in the newspapers informed the nation about what was to take place, but at that time nobody predicted the unprecedented public interest that was to come. The first formal event was a workshop on virtues education in schools, and a presentation of books to the Ministry of Education sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Seychelles. The response to the invitation to attend the workshop was overwhelming. More than 100 teachers from public and private schools attended. The media covered the event, and there were extensive inquiries from those in the public who wanted to obtain a publication on virtues for their own use. Speaking at that event on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly, Sarah Rene, who is a member of the Assembly and also the First Lady of Seychelles, said "educational systems must provide a more balanced education to our young souls, an education where the moral, ethical, and spiritual is given its due importance on a par with the intellectual and academic." In response, the Minister of Education, Danny Faure, agreed that there was an urgent need to make the classroom curriculum more balanced. Mr. Faure also thanked the Baha'i community for its gift of books, and twice quoted what he described as a very profound statement by Baha'u'llah: "The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens." The next day saw the official dedication ceremony in Victoria of the new national Baha'i center, an event attended by some 400 guests, including the President of the Republic, France Albert Rene, along with the vice-president, a former president, the leader of the opposition, and many other ministers and high ranking officials. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Seychelles at the International Convention in Haifa, 1998.Also present were Baha'i guests from India, Mauritius, the Maldives, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria. The national Baha'i choir provided uplifting music for the occasion. Speeches by the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, Antonio Gopal, and vice-chairman Selwyn Gendron, explained much about the Baha'i Faith and its history in Seychelles. "May this building," said Dr. Gendron, "provide the Baha'i community with a daily reminder that we need to strive for perfection in all aspects or our daily lives by adhering to the principles of our Faith." "The Baha'i community of Seychelles is jubilant today to offer to our country what we believe to be a monument, and which we are sure will add to the richness of the architectural landscape of Seychelles," Dr. Gendron said. Participating was one of the Baha'i community's historic figures, Munirih Zarqani, one of the first Baha'is to pioneer to the Seychelles and the widow of Abdu'l Rahman Zarqani, who was one of the two men named by Shoghi Effendi as a Knight of Baha'u'llah for bringing the Faith to the islands in January 1954. Mrs. Zarqani unveiled the commemorative plaque with Dr. Badi Abbas, the son of the other Knight of Baha'u'llah, the late Kamil Abbas, who arrived in Seychelles from Iraq in November 1953. Also present was the center's architect, Kamal Zarqani, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Zarqani. Mrs. Rene, a daughter of the Zarqanis, also attended. In his design concept, which integrated Baha'i concepts with the local culture, he combined ancient Greek architecture on the ground floor with traditional Seychelles architecture on the upper floor. After the unveiling of the plaque, there was a two-hour pageant that depicted the history of the Baha'i Faith in Seychelles and an overview of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah. Some 100 performers in the pageant and the background crew presented a show of songs, video, dances and skits. So much interest was generated in the pageant that it was staged again the following day, and another four days later, both times to full houses. National television also broadcast the complete two hours 15 minutes of the pageant at prime time. The next stage of the festivities involved two open days at the Baha'i center where members of the public were guided throughout. They visited an exhibition and watched video programs. They also bought many books and posed questions to the Baha'is about their Faith. Two well-attended devotional programs were held, and many of the visiting public also registered to join Baha'i study circles. Dr. Gendron later addressed a public meeting on the topic "Station and Teachings of Baha'u'llah." The final event of the jubilee celebrations was the laying of the foundation stone of the Baha'i Centre of La Digue, the fourth biggest island of Seychelles, by a local Baha'i, Angela Sophola, and Mrs. Zarqani. Some 100 Baha'is as well as many local dignitaries attended the ceremony. The national Baha'i choir sang, prayers were said, and Mr. Gopal addressed the gathering. National television news covered the event. History of the community Participants at the jubilee events heard about the first Baha'i to set foot in Seychelles, Mr. Abbas. Although he had to leave after five weeks, he taught the Faith to a local teacher, Marshall Delcy, the first Seychellois to become a Baha'i. Shortly after Mr. Abbas left, Mr. Zarqani (1926-1994) arrived from India where he had been the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly. Answering the call of Shoghi Effendi for Baha'is to take the teachings of Baha'u'llah throughout the world, he traveled with great courage to Seychelles, having heard it was a place of exile and having been warned, mistakenly, that there were cannibals there. He had originally intended to settle in the Chagos Islands. However, when he landed he found Seychelles an exquisitely beautiful location and soon called for his young wife and daughter. In mid-1954, Manuchihr Ma'ani Entessari arrived from Iran as a Baha'i pioneer bound for the Chagos archipelago. In 1955, Munir Wakil arrived from Iraq. He was joined by his family in 1956 and purchased land that is now the site of the national Baha'i center. When Mr. Wakil arrived, the fact there were now nine adult Baha'i meant that they were able to elect the first Local Spiritual Assembly. The election was carried out in the house of a local Baha'i family, the Deweas. Five of the nine members were locals. Seychelles now has 13 Local Spiritual Assemblies. During the 1960s, the Baha'i community inaugurated the observance in their country of international days celebrating Human Rights, the United Nations, Race Unity, World Peace, and World Religion. Many people, including religious and civil leaders, attended those celebrations organized by the Baha'is. In 1969, programs about the Faith were broadcast on national radio, the first religion to do so.

-4.6232085

55.452359

LONDON

United Kingdom

Royal recognition for services to women

Royal recognition for services to women LONDON — A member of the British Baha'i community, Lois Hainsworth, will receive the award of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) at Buckingham Palace on 11 February 2004. The announcement of the award for services to three organizations that promote the rights of women was made in the United Kingdom's New Year's Honours List. The citation refers to Mrs. Hainsworth's services to the Women's National Commission, the Baha'i Office for the Advancement of Women, and UNIFEM UK. She is currently a member of the international working group of the Women's National Commission, the official, independent, advisory body that gives the views of women to the Government of the United Kingdom. She also chairs the Women of Faith Coalition, a partner organization of the Women's Commission. As a Commissioner of the Baha'i Office for the Advancement of Women, which represents women from all walks of life throughout the United Kingdom, she has participated in conferences on such topics as people trafficking, human rights, and the European Union. However, her services to those organizations represent only part of her efforts in a myriad of women's groups dating back to 1958 when she represented the Baha'i community of Uganda on a subcommittee of the Uganda National Council of Women. She has also served in senior positions on the International Council of Women, the National Council of Women of Great Britain, the European Women's Lobby, and the Women's Advisory Council of the United Nations Association of the United Kingdom. Mr. and Mrs. Hainsworth, 2000.Mrs. Hainsworth has also been in the forefront in Britain in the fight against trafficking in women, and the spread of pornography and HIV/AIDS. A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Journalists, she became, in 1996, only the second woman in 130 years to be elected president of the group. In her early career, Mrs. Hainsworth was an accomplished classical singer. Mrs. Hainsworth has served the Baha'i Faith in many capacities. "I would not have been able to do any of these things had it not been for a loving, totally supportive husband," said Mrs. Hainsworth, referring to the late Philip Hainsworth, with whom she raised their three children, Richard, Zarin, and Michael. Mr. Hainsworth, who passed away aged 82 in 2001, served on elected Baha'i institutions at a high level for almost five decades, was a noted speaker, and the author of several books and numerous articles. Mrs. Hainsworth cites as her motivation for her service the following quotation from the Universal House of Justice: "The emancipation of women, the achievement of full equality between the sexes, is one of the most important, though less acknowledged, prerequisites for peace."

51.5073219

-0.1276474

PORT LOUIS

Mauritius

Handing on the light of faith

Handing on the light of faith PORT LOUIS, Mauritius — Three generations demonstrated the growth of the Baha'i community in a moving presentation at the festivities marking the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Baha'i Faith here. In the packed auditorium, representatives of the first generation of Baha'is appeared on the stage and lit candles held by some of the second generation of the Mauritian believers. Those Baha'is in turn passed on the light to the third generation. During the ceremony, two groups, Citoyens du Monde (Citizens of the World) and Melody Channel, sang songs of spiritual upliftment, their performances conducted by Subrata Sharma, the musical director of the Baha'i House of Worship in New Delhi. Many of those in the 500-strong audience were overcome with emotion at the depiction of the history of a community that grew from a solitary figure in 1953 to a vibrant community today. Five members of the first generation of Baha'is in the country spoke to the audience about events of the first years with all their difficulties and triumphs. A group of youth presented an Indian dance and then depicted in a short dramatic sketch the introduction of the Faith to Mauritius and the events that lead up to the current focus on children's classes, devotional meetings and capacity-building study circles. Applause filled the auditorium after the children performed a moving presentation reminding the audience of the presence of God in our lives. The Diversity Dance Workshop also received acclamation. Speakers included Eddy Lutchmaya, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Africa, Baha'i author Lowell Johnson, and longstanding Baha'is Sir Harry Tirvengadum, Paul Fabien, Retnon Muree, and Somoo Valayden. The history of the community was also one of the themes of the opening ceremony for the festivities, which ran from 12 to 14 December 2003. National Spiritual Assembly member Balram Appadoo introduced to the audience of some 700 Baha'is and their guests the chief guest speaker, Dr. Graham Walker of the United Kingdom. Dr. Walker said that only three years after the 1953 arrival of Ottilie Rhein, the first Baha'i in Mauritius, there were more than 100 members of the Faith, and three Local Spiritual Assemblies were formed by 1956. There are now 100 Assemblies. "In 1970, with astonishing energy and few resources, the Baha'is organized an Oceanic Conference at the Queen Elizabeth College in Mauritius," he said. "This was attended by the Prime Minister at that time, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and 1000 (participants) from 30 different countries." Dr. Walker said the Mauritian Baha'is helped the Faith develop in Reunion, Madagascar, and Seychelles, where National Spiritual Assemblies were formed in 1972. Outlining some of the Baha'i contributions to Mauritius, Dr. Walker said the Baha'is regularly distribute documents to about 500 organizations and individuals, generating a productive dialogue and elevating moral awareness. "In January 2001, the Baha'is organized an interfaith council to identify the common values of all religions, and to encourage inter-religious and trans-cultural debate," he said. Dr. Walker praised Mauritius for its many freedoms, offered the assistance of the Baha'i community to the social and economic development of the country, and called on the government to resume its support for the United Nations resolutions against the persecution of Baha'is in Iran. In his address, the guest of honor, the vice-president of the Republic of Mauritius, Raouf Bundhun, offered the Baha'i community his best wishes for "success and great achievements in the future." "The Baha'i community has all the time been working assiduously, discreetly, and with a seriousness of purpose, and promoting the development of its members and the welfare of the people at large," Mr. Bundhun said. "Inspired by the message of Baha'u'llah, they have been constantly promoting the key theme of unity and justice," he said. On that same occasion, a large screen carried a message from the Universal House Justice that said in part that the Baha'i community of Mauritius had "been blessed with a body of devoted believers whose consecrated efforts have, over the years, firmly accomplished the sustained growth of the Cause of God in Mauritius." Other events held during the jubilee celebrations included a public address by Dr. Walker on "Science and Morality," an occasion opened by Dr. Chunnoo, president of the Medical Council of Mauritius. The Minister of Arts and Culture, Motee Ramdass spoke highly of the Baha'i community when he opened an exhibition at the Baha'i Institute in Belle Rose on the history of the Baha'i Faith in Mauritius. During the half-century of the Faith in Mauritius there have many individuals of great capacity who arose to develop the Baha'i community in the country. Among those was Miss Rhein, who was named by Shoghi Effendi as a Knight of Baha'u'llah for her service in being the first person to bring the Faith to Mauritius. Miss Rhein (1903-79), who had arrived in the United States from Germany as a young girl, set out during a global Ten Year Plan to take the teachings of the Baha'i Faith around the world. She arrived in Mauritius on 11 November 1953, and on her first expedition to provide necessities for living there met the proprietor of a shop, Mr. Yim Lim, who became the first resident of the country to join the Faith. Another prominent Baha'i was Seewoosumbur Appa (1912-1981). Mr. Appa became a Baha'i in 1956 and diligently served the Faith until the last day of his life. He was a member of Local and National Spiritual Assemblies and served as a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors. Conscientious, hardworking and orderly, he had a gentle, pure-hearted personality that led him to become known affectionately throughout Mauritius and the African countries he visited as "Papa Appa." A schoolteacher by profession, he was also an outstanding teacher of the Baha'i Faith. Another dynamic Mauritian Baha'i was Roddy Lutchmaya (1932-1999), a joyous and enthusiastic personality, who held the high-ranking post of Commissioner of Prisons in Mauritius. He served on Local and National Spiritual Assemblies and was also a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors.

-20.1624522

57.5028044

HARARE

Zimbabwe

Drumming and dancing in delight

Drumming and dancing in delight HARARE, Zimbabwe — Musicians and dancers played a spectacular role during celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Baha'i Faith in Zimbabwe. A variety concert that followed the opening ceremony on 12 December 2003 showcased talents of Baha'is from throughout the country. Among the performers was a Baha'i youth group from Bulawayo, "Isitsha Sothando" ("Portal of Love"), which performed the Ndebele tribe's traditional dance for community celebrations. "Letters of the Living," a group from Mashonaland Central Province, danced to the traditional piano-like instrument, the mire, as they sang about the coming of Baha'u'llah and the subsequent introduction of His teachings to Zimbabwe. The Chiweshe Baha'i Choir sang and danced as members of the group played drums that they had made themselves. The Harare Baha'i youth and children also sang during the event, and a Baha'i youth from Matabeleland, Sithule Moyo, recited a poem. Baha'is from all provinces of Zimbabwe and nine other countries attended the festivities that were held from 12 to 14 December 2003. The event followed smaller regional congresses held throughout the nation in 2003 to mark the golden jubilee. Television, radio and newspapers provided extensive coverage of the event. For example, a newspaper, "The Herald," which circulates nationwide, carried two major articles on the Faith. Eyneddin Ala'i.From the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa, Israel, came a congratulatory message from the Universal House of Justice, which said in part: "Your assemblage is a testimony to your devotion and brings to mind those valiant souls whose sacrificial efforts laid the foundation of the Faith in your country." Those pioneering Baha'is were remembered as the program, chaired by master of ceremonies, Jonah Mungoshi, began with a slide show depicting the Baha'is who established the Faith in Zimbabwe (previously called Southern Rhodesia). The most prominent of all the Baha'is who resided in the country was John Robarts, who was appointed by Shoghi Effendi as a Hand of the Cause in 1957. Mr. Robarts served as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of South and West Africa until 1959. With his wife Audrey, and their children, he lived in Bulawayo from 1957 to 1967. In an opening speech, Beth Allen, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Africa, said there was nothing more joyful than to see the jubilee gathering. "Today we are gathered here heart and soul to commemorate not only 50 years of the Faith in Zimbabwe but also to celebrate the coming together of people whose varied backgrounds and different cultures lend a beautiful diversity to the colorful flower garden God has created," Mrs. Allen said. In the official opening address, the founder and acting vice-chancellor of the Women's University in Africa, Hope Sadza, called the 50th anniversary "a remarkable landmark." Dr. Sadza said she cherished the hope that the Baha'is would "help Zimbabwe to become spiritually as beautiful as physically she is, so that our lovely country may become the abode of peace and tranquility and the envy of the rest of the world." Among those in the audience were a former cabinet minister, a representative of the diplomatic corps, leaders from Christian churches, and other distinguished guests. A prominent government official, Nathan Shamuyarira, briefly addressed the conference, speaking about his high regard for the Faith's teachings and principles, and the great respect he has for Baha'is. History came alive at the jubilee when some of the early Baha'is of Zimbabwe were introduced to the participants. They included Izzat'u'llah Zahrai, Douglas Kadenhe, Nura Faridian (now Steiner), Enayat and Iran Sohaili, and former member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Africa Shidan Fat'he-Aazam and his wife Florence. Mr. Zahrai was the first Baha'i to come to the country during a Ten Year plan to take the teachings of the Faith around the world. He was followed soon after by Claire Gung, Eyneddin and Tahirih Ala'i, and Kenneth and Roberta Christian. All six received the accolade of Knight of Baha'u'llah from Shoghi Effendi. Mr. Zahrai told the participants that the "sweetest moment" of his life came shortly after his arrival when he received a cablegram from Shoghi Effendi which said, "Fervently praying success." Another speaker was prominent Harare businessman, Mr. Kadenhe. He became a Baha'i in 1958, one of tens of thousands of people from all major tribes of Zimbabwe who have joined the Faith from that time until the present day. Baha'is now live in more than 1,600 localities in urban and rural areas, and there are 43 Local Spiritual Assemblies. The National Spiritual Assembly was formed in 1970. There are Baha'i centers in Harare, Bulawayo, Chinamora, Mubaira, and Murewa. The Baha'is have undertaken a range of social and economic projects in Zimbabwe. For example, there are three Baha'i pre-schools, most of whose pupils are not Baha'is. Baha'is have conducted agricultural programs devoted to improving cultivation of fruit and vegetables. There is also a pilot program by the Baha'is to combat HIV/AIDS. The Baha'i community has co-sponsored workshops on women's rights, the family, and human rights with the University of Zimbabwe, the Teachers' Association, and government ministries. History of the community During intervals at the jubilee, an audio-visual presentation of historic photographs was screened, reminding Baha'is about the past difficulties and triumphs, and of their precious heritage. Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, visited the country firstly by himself in 1929, and then with his wife, Madame Ruhiyyih Rabbani, in 1941. He visited the Victoria Falls, Matopos, and Bulawayo. The first indigenous person to accept the Faith was Morton Ndovi in January, 1955 (he left for Malawi, then Nyasaland, shortly afterwards). Other local people accepted the Faith soon afterwards, and in April that same year the first Local Spiritual Assembly was formed in Harare (then called Salisbury). The first African woman to become a Baha'i in Zimbabwe was Mabel Chiposi, who accepted the Faith in 1957. She passed away two years later. Her husband, Leonard, continued serving the Faith until his death in 1993. Many local people were introduced to Faith in a primary school set up by two pioneers from the United States, Larry and Carol Hautz. They had established a motel, service station, and a snake farm on the Bulawayo road just outside Salisbury (now Harare). The school was initially for the 20 children of the staff, but it eventually expanded to a total enrollment of 400. The first people of European descent to become Baha'is in the country were the late Salvator ("Sue") Benatar, and his wife Sylvia Benatar. Mrs. Benatar, a pianist who has performed internationally, attended the jubilee and played a selection of classical pieces. Another Baha'i pioneer working alongside the ever-increasing numbers of African-born members of the Faith was author and educationalist, Dr. Genevieve Coy, whose course on living a spiritually-based life was published as a widely-circulating book, "Counsels of Perfection." (Jubilee photos by Dana Allen.) (Historical photos, except for last three portraits, courtesy of "Heroes and Heroines of the Ten Year Crusade in Southern Africa," compiled by Lowell Johnson and Edith Johnson. Baha'i Publishing Trust, Johannesburg.)

-17.831773

31.045686

HAIFA

Israel

Travel writers salute 'floral jewel'

Travel writers salute 'floral jewel' HAIFA, Israel — The Baha'i garden terraces surrounding the Shrine of the Bab on Mount Carmel have received an award from the Society of American Travel Writers. The society, comprising 1300 members in North America, named the garden terraces as one of six recipients of its Phoenix Awards for 2003. The awards honor individuals or groups which "have contributed to a quality travel experience through conservation, preservation, beautification or environmental efforts." In its citation, the Society said: "At the turn of the last century (19th), historic Mount Carmel, sacred to Jews, Christians, Muslims and Baha'is, was nothing more than another desolate hill, rock and scrub brush." But with the creation of the garden terraces, the once barren face of the mountain that overlooks the city is now "a magnificent floral jewel," the citation said. "In a region where water is precious, the gardens use a combination of ancient and modern gardening practices, from mulching and composting to computerized irrigation systems. The noise of the city is masked by the gentle sound of water, which flows down the sides of the staircases and through a series of fountains. Water for the 70 fountains is recycled." As of 24 January 2004 there have been 2,083,185 visitors to the terraces, which were first opened to the public on 4 June 2001. "Some 465,000 of these visitors have taken a pre-reserved guided tour," said Eliza Rasiwala, Guided Tours Operation manager at the Baha'i World Centre. View from the informal gardens of the upper terraces. Photo by Rouhulah Ferdowsian."More than 12,200 tours have taken place since the opening in June 2001. At present, regular tours are available in Hebrew, Arabic, English, and Russian and there are occasional tours in French, German, Spanish, Danish, Norwegian, and Armenian," Ms. Rasiwala said. The Baha'i World Centre provides the tours free of charge. The terraces and two adjacent administrative buildings were completed in 2001 after 10 years of work at a cost of some $250 million in voluntary donations from the worldwide Baha'i community of some five million believers. The terraces were built primarily to adorn the Shrine of the Bab and as a path of approach for Baha'i pilgrims to what is the second-most holy spot for Baha'is. The terraces also offer a symbol of peace and hope to the world at large, and the guided tours come with a message: that harmony and co-existence are possible. For more stories and photographs of the terraces see http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/story.cfm?storyid=221 http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/story.cfm?storyid=134 http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/terraces.

32.8191218

34.9983856

HUAHINE

French Polynesia

Community builds its first Baha'i center

Community builds its first Baha'i center HUAHINE, French Polynesia — Devotional songs and prayers marked the inauguration of the first Baha'i center to be built in French Polynesia. After the local mayor and a Baha'i representative cut a ribbon of flowers to open the center, the Baha'is sang in Tahitian "Blessed is the spot," a song whose lyrics are a prayer by Baha'u'llah. The event held on 7 January 2004 was attended by representatives of three other religions, as well as by Baha'is from Huahine, Tahiti, and Switzerland. The ceremony also included Baha'i children singing selections from the Baha'i writings in French and Tahitian. Francis Dubois, a Baha'i from Paea, summed up the feelings of those present when he rejoiced in seeing the physical presence of the Faith established: "Our hearts are on fire and filled with joy," Mr. Dubois said. The opening ceremony came only eight months after the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Huahine decided to undertake the project. Huahine, with a population of 8000, is an island in the Society Islands group, one of five archipelagoes in the territory of French Polynesia. Most of French Polynesia's 245,000 people live on the island of Tahiti, also one of the Society Islands. Once the decision was made to build, the Baha'is -- three families and four individuals -- threw themselves into the task of constructing the center, which will be used for spiritual gatherings and study classes. Some of the members of a dance troupe from Huahine with Iraj Sabet from Switzerland.One of the families provided the land, and Saturday was designated as work day. The Baha'is put in long hours. Working together, they used coconut palm logs for the base of the building. The Baha'is built the walls of bamboo and made the roof of corrugated iron on a timber frame. They spread white sand to form the floor. The construction proceeded so rapidly that the Local Spiritual Assembly decided to add a sleeping area, a kitchen and bathroom. Other Baha'i assemblies contributed generously to provide the funds for these extra projects. For the inauguration ceremonies, the Baha'is prepared a feast of fruit -- coconuts, pineapples, watermelon, rock melon, banana, and grapefruit. They also cooked taro, fish, breadfruit, and bananas in a traditional earth oven. They made the "hei" (headpieces) and the "auti" (necklaces) using the strongly scented Tahitian white gardenia, berries, ferns, and colored leaves. A member of the local Baha'i community, Tema Raurii, observed custom by welcoming the guests with traditional oratory before they entered the building. This was followed by a rousing song of greetings. Once inside, the chairman of the Local Spiritual Assembly, Hubert Bremond, introduced all participants and issued another warm welcome. Mr. Bremond, who is a well-known broadcaster, promoter of Tahitian culture and a community leader, emphasized the Faith's worldwide character and its principles. Later, he explained the origins of the project. "We are only a handful of Baha'is, and we are families that are not very well off," Mr. Bremond said. "By any human standards, it was probably impossible to take on this project and build a center, but each person made their contribution and brought along their piece of the building." Another Baha'i speaker was Daniel Pierce, of Tahiti, who is a member of one of the two auxiliary boards assisting the Continental Board of Counsellors. Mr. Pierce invited the guests to investigate the Baha'i message more closely, and he quoted the words of Baha'u'llah addressed to all humanity: "Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch." The mayor, Marcelin Lisan, expressed his gratitude to the Baha'is for the invitation to the inauguration of the center. "Thank you for the thoughts that have been shared today -- I will keep with me the idea that love, fellowship, and respect must come before all else," Mr. Lisan said. Speakers from the Catholic, Protestant and Keretitiano churches also gave warm and encouraging addresses. A deacon of the Tahitian Protestant Church, Raoul Mare, said: "My Baha'i brothers...hopefully we can share and help each other. There are things that we might lack that might be found with you. There are things that you are missing that we might have." The guests then feasted on "poe" (sweet pudding with coconut cream), fresh fruit and the cooked food, all served on banana leaves and using coconut shells as plates. Following the opening ceremony, the Baha'is held a mini-conference about the environment, and then discussed the progress of capacity-building study circles. The Baha'i community of Huahine is active in the three core activities of the Five Year Plan currently being carried out by Baha'is throughout the world -- study circles, devotional meetings and children's classes.

-16.72858845

-151.01346965159058

STRASBOURG

France

Promoting social harmony in Europe

Promoting social harmony in Europe STRASBOURG, France — An exhibition on social harmony at the main building of the European Parliament was officially inaugurated at a reception here on 10 February. Titled "The Baha'i International Community: Promoting Unity in Diversity throughout Europe for over a Century," the display will grace the first floor gallery of the Winston Churchill Building until 12 February 2004. More than 150 people -- including some 30 members of the Parliament -- attended the reception, which featured an address by Baroness Sarah Ludford, a member of the European Parliament from the United Kingdom who sponsored the exhibition. There are well-established Baha'i communities -- headed by national-level governing councils -- in all 15 member nations of the European Union, as well as in the ten acceding nations. "I believe this little-known religion of global reach is of interest to people like ourselves who work in an international context in this expanding and enlarging European Parliament," said Baroness Ludford. She said that Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith, "warned of the dangers of unconstrained nationalism and called for a system of global governance, which has led Baha'is to be particular supporters of the United Nations." "He would have applauded the success of the European Union in ensuring collective security and protecting human rights," said Baroness Ludford, who is not a Baha'i. The exhibition was created by the Baha'i International Community to welcome the 10 new states that will join the European Union on 1 May 2004. Baroness Ludford (center) with Ronald Mayer, the ambassador of Luxembourg to the Council of Europe and the European Parliament (left) and Ulrich Bohner, chief executive of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (right). Photo by European Parliament.It specifically showcases the contributions that Baha'i communities in Europe have made towards promoting unity among diverse peoples. Also addressing the reception was Dr. Laszlo Farkas, a representative of the national governing council of the Baha'is of Hungary, which is one of the 10 new countries joining the EU. "For us, the unification of different cultures and peoples is a natural process," said Dr. Farkas. "Baha'is both in Europe and in the whole world are working for this unified human family." Other dignitaries at the reception included several judges from the European Court of Human Rights, representatives of the Council of Europe, members of the European Commission, and a number of ambassadors and diplomats. As well, a number of prominent personalities from the Strasbourg region were present. Composed of 17 panels, the display tells the story, through words and photographs, of how the Baha'i communities of Europe have sought to promote peace, cross-cultural integration, religious tolerance, and business ethics through a variety of concrete projects and actions. "The idea of social harmony, which this exhibition seeks to promote, is of critical importance as the European Union becomes larger," said Lucien Crevel, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of France, one of the 37 national Baha'i governing councils in Europe. "Over the years, the Baha'i communities of Europe have sought to engender and encourage social harmony and progress, through a wide range of activities. It is this experience, which the exhibition seeks to highlight, that we hope will be helpful to the Parliament, and its members," said Mr. Crevel. The exhibition, for example, takes note of projects like The Institute for Social Cohesion, which was established in 2001 by the Baha'i community of the United Kingdom to promote cross-cultural harmony. It also highlights the Baha'i International Community's innovative collaboration with the Stability Pact for Eastern Europe (formerly known as the Royaumont Process) to strengthen stability and interethnic communication in Southeastern Europe. And it discusses projects in some of the new member-states, such as the Mesed (Story-telling Mothers) of Hungary, which empowers women to work for greater social harmony. "Baha'is are convinced of the necessity of international collaboration and support the principles underlying the European Union," said Christine Samandari, representative of the Baha'i International Community, noting that the Baha'i Faith was first established in Europe in 1898. Baha'is reside in more than 6,000 localities throughout Europe, and they have established some 976 locally elected governing councils, which administer their communities at the local level. As noted, they have national governing councils in 37 European countries.

48.584614

7.7507127

HAIFA

Israel

Chile Temple Web site launched

Chile Temple Web site launched HAIFA, Israel — The Baha'i International Community launched a Web site presenting the design of the Baha'i House of Worship to be constructed in Chile. The site is located at http://temple.cl.bahai.org. The site, in both Spanish and English, features an animated tour, a slide show and "fly-through" of the Temple, accompanied by text. Canadian architecture firm Hariri Pontarini Architects received approval by the Universal House of Justice to develop its competition-winning scheme for the Temple in the environs of Chile's principal city, Santiago. It is the final continental Baha'i Temple, taking its place among seven existing temples in Australia, Germany, Panama, Uganda, the United States, Western Samoa, and, most recently, India. The starting point for the design was to create what architect Siamak Hariri calls "a glowing temple of light, inviting to people of all faiths." According to Mr. Hariri, "Light, the connecting force of the universe, shapes all aspects of the design. By day, light draws you into the building, and concentrates at the oculus. Light creates an interior experience of ever-changing texture and unpredictable iridescence as it is filtered through the inner tracery of wood. "The stone shell glows with a dreamlike serenity at night. Golden light spills out between the leaves, and the inner form of the building is revealed." The two-stage international call for design submissions attracted 185 entries from over 80 countries around the world. The Hariri Pontarini scheme was selected from a shortlist of four designs by architecture teams from Australia, Great Britain, the United States, and Canada. The brief called for a nine-sided domed structure with nine entrances to symbolically welcome people from all directions of the earth for prayer and meditation. The winning design is a glowing temple of nine gracefully torqued translucent alabaster "leaves" that floats over a large reflecting lily pool and nine prayer gardens. The translucent leaves of stone form the Temple's outer shell, with a delicate wood tracery as an inner layer. Space for communal and private meditation and prayer is provided by two distinct spaces: the area under the dome seating 600 people, and nine intimate, light-filled alcoves nestled between the wings beneath a mezzanine that rings the Temple perimeter. Although visually light, the building is structurally strong to respond to its location in a seismic zone. The structure is designed to accommodate ground movement and flex under lateral loads, with each wing composed like a leaf whose primary steel stem and secondary veins support the two layers. Three supporting bands tie the leaves into one integral whole. For more on the Chile Temple see http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/story.cfm?storyid=229.

32.8191218

34.9983856

WINDHOEK

Namibia

Secret rendezvous of faith

Secret rendezvous of faith WINDHOEK, Namibia — The first Namibian to become a Baha'i told participants at jubilee celebrations here about how he joined the Faith after secret meetings with the person who brought the teachings to this country. Hilifa Andreas Nekundi said that because he was black and Englishman Ted Cardell was white, they had to have their meetings in secret to avoid becoming victims of the oppressive apartheid policies then in force. Mr. Nekundi told his dramatic story as part of a gathering held from 19 to 21 December 2003 to mark the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Baha'i Faith in Namibia (then called South West Africa). Mr. Nekundi (also known as Tate Hilifa) first heard about the Baha'i teachings in 1955 from Mr. Cardell, who had arrived in the country two years earlier. The first Baha'i to settle there, Mr. Cardell received the accolade Knight of Baha'u'llah from Shoghi Effendi. Mr. Cardell first encountered Mr. Nekundi while looking for someone to translate a Baha'i pamphlet from English into Kwanyama, the language of one of the biggest tribes in the country. Mr. Nekundi, an official police translator, agreed to help. Over a period of six weeks the two men would drive to an isolated place outside the city in the evenings and work on the translation by torchlight. The Baha'i writings attracted Mr. Nekundi, and shortly afterwards he sent a letter to the then-head of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi. Some of the participants at the jubilee."I am one of the smallest seeds of which the sower had sowed in the garden of South West Africa," he wrote. "I am still a baby in this Spirit [Faith] I have no roots yet. But to do my best is just to pray to God for it, and give myself into thy hands to guard my prayer to him who is the Divine God." Shoghi Effendi replied: "Assuring you of a most hearty welcome into the Baha'i Faith and of my loving and fervent prayers for your success and spiritual advancement." Mr. Nekundi later served on the first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Windoek, and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Namibia. Today Baha'is live in 247 localities in Namibia, and there are 25 Local Spiritual Assemblies. At the jubilee celebrations there were many local Baha'is, a prominent representative of the government, and Baha'i guests from Malawi, South Africa, Botswana, Germany, United Kingdom, and the United States. The participants also heard reminiscences from Gerda Aiff, who settled in Namibia with her husband, Martin Aiff, and their six young children in 1959. The family lived a life that was split in two parts because of the need to protect the Baha'i community, Mrs. Aiff, 82, told the gathering. If it were known that white and blacks were mixing, there would have been swift and devastating repercussions for a community whose fundamental teaching, the oneness of humanity, ran directly counter to the racist policies then prevailing. "While the (white) women were sitting in front of the house pretending to be relaxed, in the background the men would hold study classes with the African friends." Mrs. Aiff said that meetings of white and African Baha'is were generally impossible because of the segregation laws, so the Baha'is had to find a way of communicating with each other. A courier between the two groups was found in Martin Onesmus, an African Baha'i who was an employee of the Aiff's. Because he lived on their premises, he could take messages from them to the African Baha'is. In 1965 Mr. Onesmus was elected as one of the members of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Windhoek. "Now seeing so many friends, free to teach (the Baha'i Faith) and be together -- my family, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren -- is an overwhelming joy," said Mrs. Aiff with great emotion. A guest of honor at the jubilee was a member of the local Baha'i community, Sandra Tjitendero. She read the speech of her husband, Dr. Mose Tjitendero, the speaker of the Namibian parliament, who was ill on the day he was due to speak. Dr. Tjitendero praised the principles of the Baha'i Faith and said that they not only gave personal inspiration to him but they are also the highest aspiration of the government of Namibia. "There is no doubt in my mind that this jubilee celebrates, among other things, the power of faith, the courage and spirit of those early Baha'is in Namibia, who despite the hostile political and social environment that existed at the time, persevered to demonstrate the principle of unity and oneness," Dr. Tjitendero said. Dr. Tjitendero recovered from his illness and joined the festivities the following evening. Also present at the event was Maina Mkandawire, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Africa who resides in Malawi, and Lally Lucretia Warren, a former member of the Board and now a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Botswana. Baha'i youth from different regions of the country entertained participants with musical and dance performances. The 40-member Omaruru children's choir, from the Erongo area, sang songs in English and Otijherero. Also performing was a dancing choir from the Kavango region of Namibia. A slide presentation portrayed the history and growth of the Faith in the country. It told of the encouraging visits during the apartheid years by Hands of the Cause of God Ruhiyyih Rabbani, Adelbert Muhlschlegel, Rahmatullah Muhajir, and William Sears. Namibia television covered the jubilee during a Sunday morning religious program. Satellite celebrations were also held in the coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. (Jubilee photos by Haynes McFadden and Brigitte Aiff.)

-22.5743922

17.0790688

HLUBOKA NAD VLTAVOU

Czech Republic

Inspiring young people to serve others

Inspiring young people to serve others HLUBOKA, Czech Republic — A six-day gathering to inspire Baha'i youth to make their contribution to the welfare of humanity attracted participants from more than 30 countries. The world's suffering was a "call to action," a keynote speaker told participants at the "Changing Times" seminar, which was held at the Townshend International School here from 26 December 2003 to 1 January 2004. "Today we are witnessing the disintegration of international order," said Robert Henderson, the secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. "Sovereign states are unable to stop the spread of terrorism and war, to stabilize the world economy or to alleviate the sufferings of millions," said Dr. Henderson, drawing on analysis by Shoghi Effendi and messages from the Universal House of Justice. Baha'i youth, he said, should strive to become examples of the transforming power of Baha'u'llah. They should "elevate the atmosphere" in which they live, face challenges with confidence and become the embodiment of excellence in their personal lives, academic training, professions, and spiritual qualities. The atmosphere of the seminar was characterized by the joy and camaraderie of the some 220 participants. In addition to the many European Baha'is, attendees came from places as far away as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The program also featured a talk by Hamid Peseschkian, a psychiatrist who spoke on marriage preparation, and Lesley Taherzadeh, who addressed aspects of Baha'i history. Vahid and Martha Khadem-Missagh.Ms. Taherzadeh spoke about the heroes and heroines of the Faith -- and she offered a moving tribute to her late husband, Adib Taherzadeh, a renowned Baha'i author who served on the Universal House of Justice. Ardawan Lalui, the project director of the Townshend School, spoke about applying Baha'i principles to the workplace. Topics by other speakers included the importance of ethics in business and the equality of men and women. Workshops aimed at inspiring the youth to incorporate Baha'i principles into their lives included a focus on two current themes in Baha'i activities worldwide -- the arts in Baha'i community life (led by Inder Manocha), and the importance of devotional meetings (led by Katrina Modabber). Both of those workshop topics were illustrated in the program itself. Among the artistic performances were those by international prize-winning violinists Martha and Vahid Khadem-Missagh, who performed with their father, Bijan, at the official opening of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab in Haifa in May 2001. Stand-up comedian Inder Manocha, who performed at the "Best of the Edinburgh Festival Showcase" and has appeared on BBC programs, provided an evening of comedy. A devotional meeting, in which music and the arts provided an uplifting atmosphere, was one of the highlights of the seminar. The seminar was dedicated to two much beloved Baha'is who passed away in 2003 -- the Hand of the Cause of God Ali-Akbar Furutan, and former member of the Universal House of Justice David Hofman. The Changing Times seminar, organized by European Baha'i youth, was first held in 2002 and is scheduled to become an annual event.

49.0522493

14.4342702

COLLEGE PARK

MARYLAND

United States

Scholar to receive interfaith honor

Scholar to receive interfaith honor COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND, United States — Professor Suheil Bushrui, who holds the Baha'i chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, is to receive an award previously bestowed on such luminaries as Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama. On March 1 2004, Professor Bushrui will be honored with the Juliet Hollister Award from the New York-based Temple of Understanding, a global interfaith organization. The award is in recognition of Prof. Bushrui's "exceptional service to interfaith understanding." As well as the former South African president, Mr. Mandela, and the Dalai Lama, recipients have included Queen Noor of Jordan, and the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson. Also receiving the award this year are Coleman Barks, and Cokie and Steven V. Roberts. "What we are looking for are people who carry the interfaith message to a large audience, and Prof. Bushrui has certainly done that," said Alison Van Dyk, executive director of the Temple. Prof. Bushrui has a long record of promoting intercultural and interreligious understanding. In large part, this work has been built on two main themes -- the commonality of all religions and the essential oneness of the human family. For the last 10 years, Prof. Bushrui's platform for the promotion of such ideas has been the Baha'i Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, a professorial post endowed largely by the worldwide Baha'i community. Prof. Bushrui delivering a lecture in association with an exhibition by the Baha'i International Community, at the European Parliament in Brussels, June 2003.Prof. Bushrui has organized conferences promoting international and interfaith dialogue. He has lectured in the United States and Europe on globalization and human rights, and has sponsored prominent guest lectures. Prof. Bushrui is also known for the quality of his teaching -- another factor in the Hollister Award. "Many teachers are good," said Maynard Mack, director of the Honors Program at the University of Maryland. "But Suheil is life-changing. We hear this over and over again, that students' whole attitude towards education, their whole attitude towards life, changes in his class." In 1999, Prof. Bushrui was chosen "teacher of the year" at the University, a significant honor on a campus with more than 2,800 full time faculty. Elie Teichman, a 21-year-old senior at the University who is considering rabbinical school after graduation, said that Prof. Bushrui's honors seminar on "The Spiritual Heritage of the Human Race" was "one of my most treasured academic experiences in college." Cynthia Roberts Hale, assistant dean in the College of Behavior and Social Sciences, where the Baha'i Chair resides, said Prof. Bushrui has had an "enormous impact" on the campus, despite some initial skepticism about him. "But he has developed relationships all over the campus, and he has won the respect of many people, first because he is a scholar in his own right and second because he is a citizen of the world. "So often, academics have a message that is only for each other. But Suheil has the capacity to communicate with everyone, whether a child, a student, a scholar, or the House of Lords," said Dr. Hale. "And Suheil wants you to know that he believes in God, that there is a world order, and that there is a code of human behavior -- and he is constantly translating that into a formula for world peace." Born in Nazareth Born 74 years ago in Nazareth, Suheil Bushrui went to Arab primary schools and then to St. George's College in Jerusalem. "I had a foundation in Qu'ranic, Arabic studies, but then I moved to an English school, and the literature fascinated me," Prof. Bushrui said. "In particular, I was fascinated by the romantic poets, Keats, Shelley, and Byron. They appealed to my Arab imagination, I think." He obtained a doctorate in English literature at the University of Southampton. He taught there and later at universities in Nigeria and Canada. It was in the junction of two worlds -- of his Arab childhood and of his English education -- that he found a great resource for intercultural harmony. "The link between the two cultures is that tremendous area -- where I think many cultures meet -- that is commonly referred to as the 'perennial philosophy,'" said Prof. Bushrui. "My whole work on Yeats has always been about the perennial philosophy, about his search for a universal religion." Popularized by Aldous Huxley, the term "perennial philosophy" encompasses the idea that there is one Divine reality underlying all religions and cultures, even though it has been revealed to humanity at different times and in different forms. The other main influence on Prof. Bushrui's thinking has been his practice of the Baha'i Faith. Born into a Baha'i family, he has lived by the Baha'i teachings since childhood. Its themes of religious and human oneness are clearly found throughout his writings and lectures. "For me," said Prof. Bushrui, "the Baha'i religion -- which does not emphasize a narrow religious perspective -- opened up tremendous vistas of acceptance of other traditions in such a way that it emphasized the commonalities between the various cultures and religions of the world." Lebanon and Gibran Prof. Bushrui accepted a position at the American University of Beirut in 1968. "In part, my return to Lebanon stemmed from a tremendous desire to publish in Arabic and to express myself in the language I have loved from childhood," said Prof. Bushrui. "It was in Lebanon that I began to work assiduously on Gibran." As with Yeats, Prof. Bushrui found in the work and life of Kahlil Gibran a profound repository of universal thinking that he believed could be a great source of healing in the world. "Gibran was perhaps one of the foremost promoters of world unity and the unity of religions," said Prof. Bushrui. Prof. Bushrui published several books on the Lebanese poet, including, in 1998, "Kahlil Gibran: Man and Poet," which he coauthored with Joe Jenkins. "His words went beyond the mere evocation of the mysterious East but endeavored to communicate the necessity of reconciliation between Christianity and Islam, spirituality and materialism, East and West," wrote Bushrui and Jenkins. One of his recent projects, a book entitled "The Wisdom of the Arabs," which compiles traditional sayings from throughout Arab culture, takes a popular approach to promoting cross-cultural understanding. "It's a critically important book," said Arab cultural specialist Mounzer Sleiman, who calls Prof. Bushrui a "super ambassador" for Arab culture. Prof. Bushrui also has "real world" experience at promoting cross-cultural harmony. In the 1980s, Lebanon's President Amine Gemayel, one of his former students, appointed Prof. Bushrui as his non-partisan cultural advisor, bringing him directly into the field of international politics and conflict resolution. "In Lebanon at the time, of course, the main concern was how do you create understanding and resolve conflict between the various religious groups there, especially between Christians and Muslims," said Prof. Bushrui. "I believe that it was possible to do this through the arts, through the great works of literature, and particularly through the works of Gibran himself." "You see, what most people don't appreciate is that literature is a holistic study," said Prof. Bushrui. "It encompasses psychology, history, culture, and politics. And what has interested me is how culture and religion have interacted towards one another. And how they can be reconciled." "In poetry, for example, whether the poet is aware of it or not, there is a sacred knowledge, which is transmitted from generation to generation," said Prof. Bushrui. "And that sacred knowledge, which is the basis of all great poetry, is what makes poetry universal." In one of his speeches, "The Spiritual Foundation of Human Rights," Prof. Bushrui argued that since all religions recognize "the existence of individual souls and the relationship between that soul and its Creator," every religion in essence agrees that "human beings enjoy certain inalienable rights that no worldly authority may capriciously or systematically abrogate." Prof. Bushrui has addressed many prominent audiences. In 2000 and 2001, he addressed the House of Lords in Great Britain, and in 2001 he spoke at the US Library of Congress on the topic of "Globalization and the Baha'i Community in the Muslim World."

38.99203005

-76.94610290199051

DAKAR

Senegal

National communities celebrate together

National communities celebrate together DAKAR, Senegal — Baha'i communities of former French West Africa have celebrated the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Baha'i Faith to the region. Participants in the festivities, held here between 26 and 28 December 2003, came from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Guinea, Togo, and Ivory Coast. There were also Baha'i guests from other parts of Africa, Europe, North and South America, and the Middle East. Presentations using slide shows and photographs prepared by Chahine Rassekh from Mali and Thelma Khelgati from Guinea, informed the participants about the Baha'i history of the region, including the first Baha'is there -- Labib and Habib Isfahani. Labib Isfahani arrived from Egypt in December 1953, followed by his brother, Habib Isfahani, in April 1954. For their introduction of the Faith to the region they both received the accolade Knight of Baha'u'llah from the then head of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi. The presentations also depicted in photographs the visits to the region of some outstanding Baha'is, among them five Hands of the Cause of God: Abu'l-Qasim Faizi, Rahmatu'llah Muhajir, Enoch Olinga, Ruhiyyih Rabbani, and Ali-Muhammad Varqa. Some early Baha'is in the region gave accounts of the major events involving the Faith during the past 50 years, and Parvine Djoneidi of Niger, spoke on the establishment of the Faith there and its potential for the future. Baha'i traveling teacher Elbahi Aziza (right) visiting local Baha'is.One of the highlights of the event was the screening of the video, "Building Momentum." The film, distributed by the Baha'i World Centre, portrays Baha'i communities throughout the world engaged in community-building activities that are open to the general public: study circles, children's classes, and devotional meetings. After the screening of the video, participants held discussion groups and exchanged their experiences on the subjects portrayed. Two distinguished guests at the celebration were Ibrahim Galadina, and Moussa Kamaye, members of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Africa. In his address, Mr. Kamaye encouraged the Baha'is to carefully study and follow the messages of the Universal House of Justice. He also spoke about the significant role of Baha'i youth in building the Baha'i communities of the future. The festivities were marked by joyous artistic performances by a variety of groups. A theatrical troupe from Mali performed dramatic stories about the early believers in Persia. The Baha'i choirs of Dakar, Kaolack, and Burkina Faso entertained guests with their dances and songs, and a Baha'i dance group from Dakar, Les Etincelles, performed two well-received shows. The National Radio broadcast two interviews in connection with the jubilee. Baha'is live in 382 localities in Senegal, and there are 54 Local Spiritual Assemblies. Social and economic development projects include teacher training, and providing literacy classes for women. Among other Baha'i development activities in the region are the establishment of schools in Guinea, Mali, and Niger.

14.693425

-17.447938

NEW YORK

United States

Women's award to Baha'i representative

Women's award to Baha'i representative NEW YORK — The Principal Representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations, Bani Dugal, has received a "Women Helping Women" award from Soroptimist International. The award came in the weeks leading up to International Women's Day on March 8, an occasion which is widely observed by Baha'i communities throughout the world. "Women Helping Women" is one of three awards offered under an umbrella program, "Making a Difference for Women," established in 1986 by the Soroptimists to acknowledge those who work to improve the status of women in society. Soroptimist International is a 70-year-old volunteer service organization for women. Ms. Dugal received the award on 11 February 2004 at the Williams Club in Manhattan. "Her sensitivity and success at gender and intercultural relations are at the center of her ability not only as a woman helping women, but also helping women, collaboratively, to help other women," said Linda Stillman, chairperson of the awards ceremony. Noting that Ms. Dugal was recently selected to chair the NGO Committee on the Status of Women at the United Nations, Ms. Stillman called her "a testament to diplomatic decorum steeped in her spiritual soul." Ms. Stillman is the representative of Soroptimist International to the United Nations. She nominated Ms. Dugal for the award, which honors "women who consistently and effectively use their resources, talents and influence to help other women achieve their potential." At the podium...Bani Dugal at the award ceremony.Ms. Dugal accepted the award "in the name of all the women in the world that are working to assist one another to advance and enjoy an equal status with men." She spoke about the importance of using international mechanisms of human rights to assist women in their advancement. "Many women are unaware of their human rights, and others see them as abstract and unattainable," said Ms. Dugal. "Thus, while activism in past years has drawn attention to women's rights, the challenge is now to make them more accessible by implementing agreed strategies and commitments made by governments." The key to improving the rights of women, said Ms. Dugal, lies with an educational process that also promotes a "conscious awareness that the interests of men and boys are linked with those of women." "I quote from the Baha'i writings: 'As long as women are prevented from attaining their highest possibility, so long will men be unable to achieve the greatness which might be theirs.'" "Our task is clear and, together, helping one another, we can realize our dreams for a better tomorrow for women and men," said Ms. Dugal. Two other awards, "Advancing the Status of Women," and "Woman of Distinction," were also presented the same evening. Yannina Varvitsiotes, who heads a group called Face the Challenge, received the "Advancing the Status of Women" award, also part of the "Making a Difference for Women" program. Face the Challenge seeks to improve the self-image and self-esteem of disabled people, said Ms. Varvitsiotes, a social worker affiliated with the Jerome Bellson Center in the Bronx, who is herself a person with cerebral palsy. The "Advancing the Status of Women" award "recognizes businesses and organizations that have helped advance the status of women, and have used their positions to promote recognition of women's issues." The "Woman of Distinction" award was given to Eva H. Richter, a retired university educator who speaks five languages and now serves as UN representative for the International Federation of Business and Professional Women. "Women of Distinction" honors "women who have made outstanding achievements in their professional, business or volunteer activities" and who are "ideal role models." [Report and photos by Veronica Shoffstall.]

40.7127281

-74.0060152

SAN JOSE

Philippines

Learning and singing harmonize

Learning and singing harmonize SAN JOSE, Philippines — Participants in a choral concert tour here also conducted intensive training on the use of the arts and choral music for both the Baha'i community and the wider society. The tour by members of the international Melody of Carmel Baha'i choir ran from 20 to 30 December 2003. The conductor of the choir and one of those involved in the training sessions was Franco Aquino, whose great-grandfather, Felix Ricardo Maddela was the first Filipino to become a Baha'i, in 1938. The training project, originally planned only for participants from the Nueva Vizcaya region, soon became a national one because of widespread interest. Many amateur singers, ranging from the age of 11 to 57, came from all parts of the country to learn how to enhance their musical skills, and the practical steps of starting a choir. Other sessions were dedicated to chanting and to the role of music in children's classes, devotional meetings, and other activities of the Baha'i community. "Following the workshops and seeing the impact of the tour, the local Baha'i youth felt inspired to start choirs in their own communities," said Mr. Aquino, who lives in Haifa, Israel where he is a volunteer at the Baha'i World Centre and conducts its choir. "Other participants are also planning to perform in the provincial fair in Solano," he said. Some members of the choir.Members of the newly formed Melody of Carmel Baha'i choir came from Canada, Fiji, New Zealand, the United States, and Zambia, as well as from many regions of the Philippines. "With 60 singers, this is the largest Baha'i choir ever to have performed in the Philippines," said Mr. Aquino. The members of the choir spent five days preparing together for the tour and learning the 16-song repertoire. Entitled "Echoes of Love," the tour featured choral arrangements of Baha'i prayers and other Baha'i holy texts set to music. Choir member, Bonnie Ellis, a librarian from Canada, who has been a staff member at the Baha'i World Centre since 2001, said that the Baha'i writings have a unique potency, firstly because they are the word of God, and secondly because when set to music, they move the hearts of people. "Baha'u'llah says that music is like a ladder whereby man gets closer to God," said Ms. Ellis. "People always remember the music most [from an event] because it moves them." The group also sang songs that arose from a variety of ethnic traditions, as well as some pop songs and folk tunes, including a song in Filipino. The concerts also featured a traditional dance from Fiji, performed by the Iloilo Baha'i Youth Dance troupe, and a solo violin performance. Melody of Carmel's three public performances were in San Jose, Solano, and Cabarroguis. A colorful parade welcomed the choir to the town of Solano. Local dignitaries attended the events, and admission to the concerts was free for the general public. The concert in San Jose was recorded and will be broadcast in the near future by the Radio Baha'i Philippines. Local radio stations also interviewed some of the members of the choir.

12.084861199999999

121.88020026979054

NUKUʻALOFA

Tonga

Tongan Baha'is parade to the palace

Tongan Baha'is parade to the palace NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga — Hundreds of Baha'is paraded through the streets of this capital city as they celebrated the golden anniversary of the Baha'i Faith in Tonga. Escorted by the local police band, more than 400 Baha'is set off from the newly renovated national Baha'i center for their destination, the royal palace of Tonga. They wore traditional Tongan woven clothing and carried flags and banners proclaiming such principles of the Baha'i Faith as the oneness of religion and the unity of mankind. At the palace, the Crown Prince Tupouto'a, the first son of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, welcomed the parade. Baha'is presented traditional gifts of roasted pigs, root crops, fine woven mats, tapa cloth, and other handicrafts as a sign of respect. A local Baha'i dance troupe presented a traditional Tongan dance, called Lakalaka, which had been choreographed specially for this event and had been rehearsed for months. Native American artist Kevin Locke, who represented the Baha'i community of the United States at the jubilee, performed a hoop dance at the gathering. His performance was shown on the national television news. Following royal protocols, traditional orators Masila and Leka -- both of them Baha'is -- spoke on behalf of the Baha'i community and expressed their appreciation to the royal family. Visit of Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts to Tonga, April 1972. (From left to right) Vilatu Tu'akihekolo, Mr. Robarts, 'Asita Fielea, Andrew Fielea.In response, the Prince's orator, Vakalahi, assured the Baha'is that the Faith would continue to be under the blessing of the royal family. He also noted many of the positive contributions of the Baha'i community to Tonga, such as the establishment of the Ocean of Light International School. The school, located on the outskirts of Nuku'alofa, first opened in 1996 with nine students. Now there are about 300 children at the school, 80 per cent of them from Tonga. Students also come from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States. The school provides elementary and secondary education, emphasizes high ethical standards, and offers a moral educational program. The highlights of the jubilee, held from 24 to 28 January 2004, included a welcoming ball, with 600 in attendance, a morning devotional gathering attended by 500, and a luncheon attended by some 800 Baha'is and guests, including a member of the royal family. Baha'is from various Tongan island groups, such as Vavau, Eua, and Haapai, gathered for the jubilee. Others came from Samoa, the Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, and the continental United States. Among the special guests was Stanley Bolton, who arrived from Australia as the first Baha'i in the country on 25 January 1954. The day of the luncheon was the anniversary of Dr. Bolton's arrival in Tonga a half century earlier. For his services in bringing the Faith to Tonga, Dr. Bolton received the accolade Knight of Baha'u'llah from the then head of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi, as did two other pioneering Baha'is, Dudley Moore Blakely, and his wife Elsa (Judy) Blakely, who arrived from the United States on 12 July, 1954. "I could never dream 50 years ago that such a gathering of Tongan Baha'is in the name of Baha'u'llah was ever possible," said Dr. Bolton at the luncheon. "Much has transpired since the seed was planted 50 years ago. With the flow of pioneers the seed was watered, nurtured and steadily grew to become such a strong tree," he said. The guest of honor at the event was the Hon. Ma'atu, the second son of the King. (The Hon. Ma'atu passed away on 17 February 2004 after suffering a heart attack. Representatives of the Baha'i community accepted an invitation to offer prayers at the memorial service held on 24 February.) Also present at the jubilee luncheon were retired speaker of the parliament, Hon. Fusitu'a, accompanied by his daughter; Donald Blanks, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia; representatives of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Baha'is of Samoa, Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand; and many government officials, community leaders, and members of the Christian community of Tonga. The evening program featured a choir competition. Seven groups -- from Tonga, New Zealand, and Australia -- competed. The songs were based on the Baha'i sacred writings and the themes of "Reflections on the Life of the Spirit," a course aimed at understanding prayer, life after death, and the spiritual nature of human beings. On 27 January, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia, Heather Simpson, spoke about the progress of devotional meetings, study circles, and children's classes, activities now being focused on by Baha'i communities worldwide. Participants improved their skills in workshops on media and video, the use of the arts and of music, and community development. During a presentation about the growth of the Faith in Tonga from just a few souls in the 1950s to 29 Local Spiritual Assemblies today, participants heard about visits from such prominent Baha'is as Hands of the Cause Collis Featherstone, Abu'l-Qasim Faizi, Rahmatu'llah Muhajir, Enoch Olinga, Ruhiyyih Rabbani, and John Robarts, and a member of the Universal House of Justice, Hugh Chance. Some 45 Baha'is from other countries have lived in Tonga for various periods of time to assist in the development of the Baha'i community. The Tongan Baha'i community has a rich, courageous and dramatic history, growing amidst a society that was not initially receptive to a new religion. Among the early Baha'is were Latu and Mele Tu'akihekolo, Peni and Lupe Tutu'ila (Lupe being the first Tongan woman to accept the Faith), Tevita Tu'ipulotu and Seini Toutaiolepo, Lisiate Maka (who became a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors), Tevita Halaholo and Hesekaia Vaohingano. Tonga has also sent out many Baha'is from its borders to help establish the Faith in other lands. For example, Mosese Hokafonu travelled extensively for the Faith throughout the kingdom and the Pacific, and Suliana Halaholo Korean, a notable translator of the Baha'i writings, lived as a Baha'i pioneer with her husband Masao in the Marshall Islands. She passed away there in 1982. The first Local Spiritual Assembly was formed in Nuku'alofa in April 1958. Tonga established its own National Spiritual Assembly in 1970. The five-day jubilee celebrations ended with a picnic and a dance: "Island Night." Participants from different islands wore their traditional local costumes as they performed dances. The jubilee was an occasion of unprecedented media coverage of the Faith in Tonga, with the national TV channel and radio covering three nights of the jubilee. Reporters from two newspapers also covered the events. (Sione Tuitahi and Sohrab Bolouri contributed to this report.) (Jubilee photos by Daska Babcock-Halaholo, George Taufui Halaholo, and Ian Schutz.)

-21.1343401

-175.201808

HAIFA

Israel

'Baha'i World' volume focuses on key issues

'Baha'i World' volume focuses on key issues HAIFA, Israel — The need for religious tolerance, the role of the individual in building society, and HIV/AIDS are among the topics addressed in the newly released volume of "The Baha'i World". "The Baha'i World 2002-2003" is the 11th volume in an annual series aimed both at Baha'i readers and the general public. Its pages describe the aims and activities of local and national Baha'i communities around the world. "If people want to understand the forces that cause the Baha'i community to act and the results of those actions, then this volume is the place to look," said Ann Boyles, the book's senior editor. "The articles in the book provide striking evidence of the Baha'i community's involvement in issues of serious and global importance," said Dr. Boyles. For example, said Dr. Boyles, the volume reprints the full text of the recent message of the Universal House of Justice to the world's religious leaders. That message called for decisive action to eradicate religious intolerance and fanaticism, warning that with "every day that passes, danger grows that the rising fires of religious prejudice will ignite a worldwide conflagration the consequences of which are unthinkable." The full text of the message of the Universal House of Justice is published in the volume, as is a report of the distribution of the message to religious leaders by Baha'i communities around the world. Other major articles include "Facing the Growing HIV/AIDS Epidemic: A Baha'i Perspective," by Dawn Smith, "Obligation and Responsibility in Constructing a World Civilization," by Hoda Mahmoudi, and a "World Watch" essay by Dr. Boyles on the role of the individual in building society. Dr. Smith's article says Baha'is have taken a different tack in responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Not only have Baha'is begun to apply the distinctive spiritual principles of their Faith on an individual level, they have also launched a number of small scale educational projects to address the epidemic's root causes, she writes. The overarching approach is one of unity, she says. "Too often members and representatives of the world's religions have used the HIV/AIDS epidemic to promote discord, insisting that it is solely a problem of the irreligious or that this illness is a punishment from God, meted out to 'sinners' or the 'unfaithful,'" she says. "'Abdu'l-Baha emphasized the role of religion in promoting unity and in working in harmony with science," she says. "HIV-related stigma and discrimination are not only unjust and unkind at the individual level, they are themselves a contributor to new infections." Dr. Mahmoudi's article examines the nature of a spiritualized society founded on altruism and reciprocity, based on the principles in the Baha'i sacred writings. "The Baha'i teachings recognize that the transformation of individuals into altruistic persons cannot take place outside the social context, which must provide a matrix for that transformation," she says. Other reports featured in the book include an account of the Baha'i participation at the World Summit on Sustainable Development, the annual "Year in Review" survey, and an update on the situation of the Baha'i communities in Iran and Egypt. Also printed in the book are a selection of major statements by the Baha'i International Community and a statement on social cohesion by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United Kingdom. This 320-page book is prepared by the Baha'i International Community's Office of Public Information. It contains numerous color photographs, and is available for US$18.00. It can be ordered from World Centre Publications through the United States Baha'i Distribution Service, 4703 Fulton Industrial Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30336-2017, USA (telephone: (800) 999-9019; e-mail: bds@usbnc.org).

32.8191218

34.9983856

ANTANANARIVO

Madagascar

Four islands unite in celebrations

Four islands unite in celebrations ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — Representatives of Baha'i communities in four Indian Ocean islands gathered here to celebrate the 50th jubilee of the arrival of the Faith in the region. Baha'is came from Reunion, Mauritius, and Seychelles to join with the Baha'i community of Madagascar for three days of festivities. Malagasy government ministers, local government leaders, and religious representatives were guests at the opening ceremony in the Hilton hotel in the heart of the capital. Those attending the opening ceremony viewed an exhibition that depicted the growth of the Baha'i Faith throughout the world in the last half century. It also portrayed the garden terraces that embellish the Shrine of the Bab on Mount Carmel in Haifa. One of the guest speakers, the Interior Minister of the government of the Republic of Madagascar, General Soja, outlined the world-embracing principles of the Faith and noted how its teachings were introduced to Madagascar by Meherangiz Munsiff in 1953. Mrs. Munsiff first set foot in Madagascar on 21 April 1953. She was able to stay through the hospitality of a local Muslim family, the Ismails, and later with the Robert family, of Tananarive (now Antananarivo), who were among the first to become Baha'is in Madagascar and who later played an outstanding role in the history of the Faith here. Suffering ill health, Mrs. Munsiff left in January 1954 a day after Danile Randrianarivo, 29, accepted the Faith, becoming the first Malagasy Baha'i. The first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Tananarive was formed in April, 1955, and the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Madagascar was elected in 1972. There are now 33 Local Spiritual Assemblies. Fifty Baha'is from the other three islands joined 120 Malagasy Baha'is and Baha'i visitors from North America, Europe, and Africa at the jubilee festivities, held from 19 to 21 December 2003. Among those present were Baha'is who had been members of the community for more than four decades. During one of the sessions of the jubilee, the daughter of Mrs. Munsiff, Jyoti Munsiff, told anecdotes of the history of the Faith in Madagascar. Daisy Robert, one of the first Baha'is of the island and the widow of Gilbert Robert, who had served as a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors, related stories of the growth of the Baha'i community on the island. Musical groups from the four islands sang spiritually uplifting songs from their respective homelands. At the closing ceremony two ministers from the Malagasy government gave speeches praising the faith for its teachings of universal unity and peace. The media gave extensive coverage to the celebrations. Several newspapers published articles about the events, and the national television channel covered the closing ceremony. After the celebrations, a group of Baha'is from the four participating islands went to Ansirabe, about 250 kilometers from the capital, to teach the Faith.

-18.9100122

47.5255809

BIRMINGHAM

ALABAMA

United States

Magazines win high praise

Magazines win high praise BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, United States — Two Baha'i publications have won awards from the Religion Communicators Council (RCC), an interfaith association at work in print and electronic communication, marketing, and public relations. Brilliant Star, a magazine for children and junior youth published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, won an Award of Excellence -- and a Best of Class Award -- in the category for national magazines. The awards were accepted by the magazine's editor, Amethel Parel-Sewell, on behalf of the Brilliant Star staff. One Country, the newsletter of the Baha'i International Community, also won an Award of Excellence. This was given to editor Brad Pokorny in the newspaper features category for a story titled "In Vanuatu, a proving ground for coconut oil as alternative fuel," which was published in the April-June 2003 issue. The awards, known as the DeRose-Hinkhouse awards, were presented on 26 March 2004 at the Council's annual convention, held this year in Birmingham. The awards recognize the achievements of RCC members who demonstrate excellence in their fields. Entries in various categories are judged by peers in local chapters across the country. The awards honor the late Victor DeRose and Paul M. Hinkhouse, leading lithographers in New York City. "These awards validate the imagination and originality so plentiful in our RCC family," said Ronald T. Glusenkamp, chair of the DeRose-Hinkhouse awards and vice president of customer outreach for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Board of Pension in Minneapolis. The cover of the latest issue of Brilliant Star."They demonstrate the high quality of work that institutions receive from our RCC members." Both award-winning publications have a presence on the World Wide Web. More information about Brilliant Star can be found at http://www.brilliantstarmagazine.org. This year, Brilliant Star celebrates its 35th anniversary. The Award of Excellence and the Best of Class Award go to the magazine for its entire year of issues for 2003. The Web address for One Country is http://www.onecountry.org, and the winning story can be read at http://www.onecountry.org/e151/e15101as_Deamer_profile.htm. That story tells of the efforts of Tony Deamer, a Baha'i on the South Pacific island of Vanuatu, to invent and promote a new technology that makes it feasible to operate diesel automobiles on coconut oil instead of petroleum, which will help protect the environment. The Baha'i World News Service published a condensed version of the story at http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/story.cfm?storyid=238. More information about the RCC can be found at its website at: http://www.religioncommunicators.org, where a complete list of DeRose-Hinkhouse Award winners can be found. Established in 1929, the Council is celebrating its 75th anniversary as the oldest association of religion communicators in the United States. There are eleven local chapters around the country which promote excellence in the communication of religious faith and values as well as understanding among diverse faith groups.

33.5206824

-86.8024326

CHIRIQUI PROVINCE

Panama

Trainees use tools for teaching

Trainees use tools for teaching CHIRIQUI PROVINCE, Panama — The sweet smell of cedar sawdust fills the air, and the rhythmic back-and-forth of a lone hacksaw harmonizes with an insistent tap-tap-tapping of oversized tropical raindrops announcing an imminent downpour. Suddenly, all clouds burst, and the entire sky becomes a waterfall, its deafening beat thundering off the corrugated tin roof of the Ngabe-Bugle Cultural Center in Soloy. Victorino Rodriguez is hard at work, along with 15 other indigenous schoolteachers. Oblivious to the rain outside, the teachers continue preparing instructional materials to take back to their schools. One is on government salary; the rest are volunteers, serving full-time as teachers for the native children who live in the remote mountain communities of Chiriqui. The teachers are attending an intensive two-week training, where they will earn three credits towards the 14 required to become government-certified and receive a salary. Roberto Palacio has been serving as a volunteer for eleven years. "This was the best training we have ever had," said Mr. Palacio of Alto Naranjo. "We were given an opportunity to design our own educational materials and to bring these back to our own communities to teach the children. For us, teaching is a labor of love." His wife, Maria Teresa Bejerano, also a teacher, is participating in the workshop as well. Teacher trainee Tahireh Sanchez displaying her handiwork.The training is sponsored by FUNDESCU (a Baha'i-inspired non-governmental organization in Panama) with assistance from the Mona Foundation (a Baha'i-inspired non-profit organization based in the United States). It includes classes in curriculum development, lesson planning, teaching strategies for active learning, methods of teaching elementary math, and the production of hands-on materials. Most of the teachers are members of the Baha'i Faith, who are learning to set instructional goals that meet Ministry of Education requirements, and that are in harmony with Baha'i teachings as well as local cultural values. They have generated a list of topics which they feel are of high importance such as moral values, practical skills for useful work, preservation of traditional culture. After setting goals, the teachers practice writing educational objectives using an integrated thematic approach. They work in teams to design interesting lessons based on those objectives, and they demonstrate a variety of teaching strategies, including the use of art, music and drama. In the math workshop each afternoon, participants use the hacksaw, the drill, and other tools to craft practical, inexpensive materials that will help their students learn to sort, classify, count, understand the decimal system, and perform basic math operations. These items must be produced using hand tools, since there is no electricity in the area. It is an impressive sight: young Ngabe women in their colorful floor-length naguas (the traditional dress), cutting wood and measuring right angles with a T-square, a pencil tucked behind one ear. The trainees are making the short numerical rods used in the Montessori system of education. "The Montessori methodology learned in the seminar has been of great assistance to me in teaching the children in my school -- we should continue with this method to facilitate their learning," said trainee Julio Moreno of Cerro Bolo. After two intensive weeks, the training course comes to an end, and a photo session is scheduled for the last afternoon. "This training has been in tune with the reality faced by the teachers, the children and the communities," said trainee Ismael Atencio of Quebrada Molejon School. "The trainers showed us how to develop a coherent and integrated curriculum model that truly meets our needs. The seminar was dynamic, interactive and collaborative. It was also systematic and practical." "For me, this two-week training was extraordinary," said trainee Alexis Bejerano, of Bocas del Toro. "I learned about curriculum development, and many different methods of teaching and learning," Mr. Bejerano says. That night, a small closing ceremony begins with prayers and singing in three languages (Spanish, English and Ngabere). There are eloquent speeches, an exchange of gifts, laughter and a few tears. Their official certificates are being signed by the Ministry of Education, and won't be delivered for several days. But the teachers are undaunted. They are already making plans for the next course. [Report and photos by Randie Gottlieb.] (For part one of this story see https://news.bahai.org/story/186)

HONIARA

Solomon Islands

Festivities honor community service

Festivities honor community service HONIARA, Solomon Islands — Jubilee festivities here provided a fitting opportunity for the Baha'i community to reinstate a popular community service award. The Baha'is announced the re-launch of the "Blum's Community Service Award" during celebrations held between 27 February and 1 March 2004 to mark the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Baha'i Faith in these islands. The Blum's award, which was suspended in 1999 due to ethnic conflicts in the country, is given to individuals for their outstanding services to the wider society. Founded in 1993, the award pays homage to the memory of Alvin Blum (1912-1968) and his wife, Gertrude Blum (1910-1993). Originally from the United States, they introduced the Baha'i Faith to the country on 1 March 1954 and subsequently won renown for their invaluable services to their adopted country. The official function at the jubilee celebrations attracted some 500 participants from all over the country. Guests included the Governor-General, the deputy Prime Minister, together with government ministers, ambassadors and high-commissioners from all diplomatic missions, a High Court judge, and many prominent members of the community. Participants also came from Australia and Papua New Guinea. Events were held at the national Baha'i center in Honiara, and in Malaita, Gizo, and Hareapa. Guests in Kwaio and Langa Langa also celebrated the jubilee. Keithie Blum Saunders, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Blum, announced the re-launch of the award as part of the jubilee celebrations. The names of the recipients will be announced in September. Mrs. Saunders, who lives in Honiara with her husband, Bruce, and other family members, gave an account of the life of her parents. "My parents were real pioneers," said Mrs. Saunders, who was with them as a seven-year-old child when they first set foot in the Solomons. "They came to an unknown land, used their skills to help the people develop; taught their teachings of love and peace, and lived their life as example to others." For their services in establishing the Baha'i community in the Solomon Islands Mr. and Mrs. Blum received the accolade Knight of Baha'u'llah from the then head of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi. Among their many contributions to the Solomon Islands was the opening of various businesses, such as a bakery, an ice cream shop, a laundry and dry cleaning business, a taxi service, a general store, and a hotel. Many of these services were new to the country. Gertrude Blum helped to establish the National Council of Women and the Red Cross Society. For her active support of these organizations and her considerable community service, Mrs. Blum was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1989. Alvin Blum had been a member of the United States medical corps in the Solomons during the Second World War. After his return to the Solomon Islands with his family nearly a decade later, he served as a member of the Honiara Town Council, a chairman of the Medical Board, and was one of the founders of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Scout Movement. He was a member of the Civil Aviation Committee and acted as the financial adviser to the Young Farmers Club. Mr. and Mrs. Blum had served on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia and New Zealand in the early 1950s. In 1960 Mr. Blum was elected to the first Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the South West Pacific Ocean. In 1963 he participated in the first election of the Universal House of Justice. The guest of honor at the jubilee was Governor General Sir John Ini Lapli, who commended the Baha'i community for "endlessly and untiringly promoting unity, peace, and the brotherhood of mankind in the country over these 50 years of (the country's) life." "We thank God for your good contribution in the development of the Solomon Islands," Sir John said. "May you continue to be commendable partners, together with the Government, the churches and non-governmental organizations, in the building up of good character in the people of the Solomon Islands," he said. "We are with you in your desire and mission to promote peace and unity in the Solomon Islands, and indeed the world." The acting Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Snyder Rini, also paid tribute to the Baha'is and thanked the community for the re-launch of the Blum's award. "The Baha'i community has initiated interdenominational services on many occasions, as well as giving continual support to the Government by participating in projects like trade fairs, peace and reconciliation initiatives," Mr. Rini said. Mr. Rini encouraged the Baha'is to continue their work, and he concluded his talk by quoting from a prayer from Baha'u'llah for the unity of mankind. A member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the Solomon Islands, Whitlam Saeni, also read to the guests a message from that body to the people of the country. Another distinguished guest at the jubilee was a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia Jalal Mills of Papua New Guinea. Dr. Mills is a son of John and Ruhengiz Mills. Mr. Mills worked with Mr. Blum and was the first expatriate to become a Baha'i in the country. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mills were present for the jubilee celebrations. Local Baha'i youth performed some of their songs from a recently released album, produced specially for the jubilee. Copies were presented to dignitaries and other guests at the event. Participants also enjoyed an international dance spectacular. A photo exhibition featured images of the history of the Baha'i community in the Solomons from the mid-1950s to the present day, including photographs of some of the early Baha'is. The first Solomon Islander to accept the Faith was Billy Gina. Another early Baha'i was a traditional chief from the Are Are region of Malaita. Hamuel Hoahania was attracted by the racial equality practiced by the Blums -- they invited islanders like him into their home to dine with them -- not the usual practice by Europeans living there. His conversion was the start of large-scale enrolment in the Baha'i Faith by residents of Malaita. Mr. Hoahania traveled widely in the country, carrying the teachings of the Baha'i Faith to many parts of the Solomon Islands. In 1978, Mr. Hoahania, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the Solomon Islands, was present at the election of the Universal House of Justice at the Baha'i World Centre. He passed away in 1986. Jubilee participants visited the gravesite of Mr. and Mrs. Blum, where they offered prayers in their memory. Later, during an emotional five-hour session, longtime Baha'is shared inspiring stories with participants at the national center. The program ended with a feast for 500 people. The media gave the jubilee extensive coverage. Both main national newspapers published articles (including the full text of the speech by Mrs. Saunders), and the national radio, SIBC (Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation), also broadcast reports. Three thousand copies of a brochure about the Baha'i Faith were inserted into a nationally-circulating newspaper on March 1. Two large banners about the jubilee were hung across the main street of Honiara for three weeks. The first Local Spiritual Assembly in the Solomons was formed in 1957 and the first National Spiritual Assembly was elected in 1971. Today there are 38 Local Spiritual Assemblies. Baha'is all over the island are active in holding children's classes, prayer gatherings, and study circles. Since 1996 the Virtues Project, a Baha'i-inspired initiative, has been successfully implemented throughout the country. The classes promote moral and spiritual development and assist individuals in nurturing and practicing virtues in everyday life. Some schools in Honiara and also in the countryside have been supportive in adopting this program. The Solomon Islands has welcomed distinguished Baha'i guests on its shores during the past 50 years. The country was visited by Madame Ruhiyyih Rabbani and other Hands of the Cause, including Collis Featherstone, Rahmatullah Muhajir, Enoch Olinga, and John Robarts.

-9.437797549999999

159.9624174786047

BRATISLAVA

Slovakia

Audience treated to world-class recital

Audience treated to world-class recital BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — A recital to mark the Baha'i new year (Naw-Ruz) here attracted a distinguished audience of business leaders, diplomats, academics, teachers, musicians, government officials, and other community leaders. Prominent Austrian violinists Martha and Vahid Khadem-Missagh performed at the Austrian embassy in the historic Mozart hall where a plaque notes that the great composer played there when he was six-years-old. Organized by the Baha'i community of Slovakia and the Austrian Cultural Forum of Bratislava, the concert to celebrate Naw-Ruz (which falls on March 21) was held on 30 March 2004. A welcome from the cultural attache at the Austrian embassy Susanne Ranetzky was followed by an introduction by the internationally prominent Slovak violinist, Peter Michalica. "These two young artists bring you a spiritual message which is very much in line with my thinking," Mr. Michalica said. Martha and Vahid Khadem-Missagh, who are sister and brother, are both prize-winning musicians who perform internationally and who have recorded their own albums. The performance featured works by Charles de Beriot, Louis Spohr, and Werner Pirchner. Mr. Khadem-Missagh told the audience that he and his sister had once visited the late Mr. Pirchner, and that they were inspired to choose his composition because it symbolized the development of the human being through the different stages of life. The Khadem-Missaghs are both artists-in-residence with Allegro Vivo, the International Chamber Music Festival in Austria. It was founded by their father, Bijan Khadem-Missagh, who is its artistic director. He is an internationally distinguished violinist, recording artist, and conductor and the recipient of Austrian cultural awards. Martha and Vahid Khadem-Missagh with (at left) Peter Michalica. Photo by Omeed Jahanpour.The three Khadem-Missaghs are members of the Baha'i Faith and all three performed at the May 2001 opening of the majestic garden terraces of the Shrine of the Bab at the Baha'i World Centre on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. After the Naw-Ruz concert, 100 copies of Das Musische als Lebensweise, a book on music by Bijan Khadem-Missagh, translated into Slovak, were presented to members of the Slovak Radio Orchestra on behalf of the Slovak Baha'i community. The orchestra has recorded and toured with an international Baha'i choir, the Voices of Baha. For more information on the Khadem-Missaghs see http://www.allegro-vivo.music.at/. For more on the Baha'i community of Slovakia, see http://www.bahai.sk/. The English language newspaper, The Slovak Spectator, published a report of the concert. It can be seen at http://www.slovakspectator.sk/clanok-15736.html.

48.1516988

17.1093063

NEW YORK

United States

Baha'i holy site destroyed in Iran

Baha'i holy site destroyed in Iran NEW YORK — Government authorities in Iran have destroyed a Baha'i holy site, the Baha'i International Community has learned. The gravesite of Quddus, a prominent figure in early Baha'i history, has been razed to the ground, despite protests from Baha'is at the local, national, and international levels. "The destruction and desecration of this holy place were carried out with the knowledge of the national government to which appeals had been made beforehand," said Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations. "This act represents yet another example of the ongoing persecution against Iran's 300,000 member Baha'i community, utterly contradicting the government's claim that the human rights situation in Iran is improving," said Ms. Dugal. Destruction of the gravesite began in February but was temporarily halted after local Baha'is demanded to see a legal permit for the demolition work. The Baha'is were referred to national authorities and for a time it appeared that the desecration had been halted. More recently, it was discovered that the dismantling of the gravesite had continued surreptitiously over a period of days until the structure was entirely demolished. The house-like structure marked the resting place of Mulla Muhammad-'Ali Barfurushi, known as Quddus (The Most Holy). Quddus was the foremost disciple of the Bab, the Prophet-Herald of the Baha'i Faith. "It would be the least that the Government could do at this point to return to the Baha'i community his sacred remains," said Ms. Dugal. "We ask for the international community's support in this goal." Ms. Dugal added that the destruction of the gravesite came soon after the international community failed this year to offer a resolution on the human rights situation in Iran. Since the Islamic Republic of Iran was founded in 1979, more than 200 Baha'is have been killed by the Government. Hundreds more have spent time in prison and thousands have been deprived of education, property, and employment, solely because of their religious belief. The killings and imprisonments of Baha'is have abated in recent years in the face of increasing international outcry, such as a series of resolutions in the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressing concern over the treatment of Baha'is. Over the last two years, however, the CHR has failed to pass such resolutions owing to efforts by Iran to pursue a "dialogue" with Western nations. "Unfortunately," said Ms. Dugal, "the Baha'is of Iran still face, day after day, systematic deprivation of their rights as Iranian citizens -- not only in terms of their civil and political rights, but also in terms of their economic, social and cultural rights."

40.7127281

-74.0060152

SASKATOON

Canada

One World Cafe puts unity on the menu

One World Cafe puts unity on the menu SASKATOON, Canada — When, as a child, Diana Gray watched her parents cook in the South American nation of Guyana, she acquired skills that came in useful many years later. At the One World Cafe, which she opened here in 2000, Mrs. Gray includes dishes from Guyana in her wide-ranging menu. The dry grasslands of Western Canada are about 7,000 kilometers from the tropical rain forests of Guyana and sometimes colder by 80 degrees centigrade. It is hard to imagine more different environments -- or more different diets. The Indian-style cuisine typical of Guyana is nothing like the traditional meat and potatoes of the Canadian prairies, but customers in Saskatoon have responded warmly to it and to the other international dishes provided by the One World Cafe. In fact, says Mrs. Gray, it seems that the more exotic the dish, the faster it sells. Diana Gray has a dual mission for her cafe. A top priority is to offer fresh, high-quality dishes from around the world, a kind of global cuisine Diana has devised in collaboration with her co-workers. Another is to introduce her clientele to Baha'u'llah's teaching of "unity in diversity." "I became a Baha'i back in Guyana at an international youth conference in 1989," Mrs. Gray said. Customer Rick Fedorchuk with staff member Marina Harbord."I was impressed with the Baha'is I met because they knew so much about religion. I was a Hindu but they knew more about my religion than I did." One of the Baha'is she met was her future husband, Doug Gray, a Canadian who was in Guyana working on a Baha'i project. After they married in 1991, Mr. and Mrs. Gray made their home in Canada. Mrs. Gray says that the global fusion menu of the One World Cafe has become an effective way for people of different backgrounds to appreciate each other's cultures. On any given day, One World's feature menu may include spicy rotis from Guyana, chicken enchiladas from Chile, Thai fried vegetables, North African cauliflower, Arab falafel and hummus, nicoise salad from France, vegetable masala from India, Russian borscht, Greek donair, and fusili alla salsa di Pomodoro from Italy. And every once in a while, customers can order a Canadian mainstay -- hamburgers. "My customers love international foods," Mrs. Gray says. "If they don't reserve the daily feature in advance, it sells out before they get here. "Even little appetizers, like Japanese sushi, Indian samosas or pakora, or Vietnamese salad rolls, are gone before I can wrap and put them in the cooler. Whatever the price, they just buy it." The One World Cafe is an unpretentious, 60-seat cafeteria primarily for the 200 workers in the National Hydrology Research Institute building at Innovation Place, Saskatoon's science research park. "I also get a lot of customers by word-of-mouth. People who work in the building invite people for lunch, including a lot of out-of-towners." Making money is not Diana's major objective for the cafe and catering business. Her main income comes from her commercial property maintenance and cleaning service. She says she wanted to open the cafe to give the opportunity to people to inquire about the Baha'i Faith, though makes it clear that "Baha'is are not allowed to push their faith on anyone." "The cafe provides a way to meet people and talk about Baha'u'llah if people are interested. Everyone knows we are Baha'is and I would say about 50 percent of customers ask questions." Questions are also prompted by menu cards, which include excerpts from Baha'u'llah's writings. "People are curious about my background and religion and I am not afraid to tell them," Mrs. Gray says with a laugh. "My staff has included Persians, a Russian -- people from different cultures -- which also arouses curiosity," she says. "To me, everyone belongs to the same race, the human race." [Report by Paul Hanley.]

52.131802

-106.660767

ATLANTA

GEORGIA

United States

Catalog comes online

Catalog comes online ATLANTA, GEORGIA, United States — A comprehensive catalog of Baha'i sacred literature as well as Baha'i books on history, social teachings, and other aspects of the Baha'i Faith, is now available on the World Wide Web. The new e-commerce site also carries Baha'i-inspired music, videos, calendars, and other materials. The Baha'i Distribution Service, an agency of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, launched the site. More than 2000 titles representing the efforts of hundreds of publishers around the world are available through the site. The Baha'i Distribution Service is the primary distributor for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and its agencies; the Baha'i Publishing Trust of the United States; and Baha'i World Centre Publications. The site is http://www.BahaiBookstore.com.

33.7489924

-84.3902644

VANCOUVER

Canada

Youthful experience inspired service

Youthful experience inspired service VANCOUVER, Canada — Throughout his whole life Aziz Ismayn Yazdi was inspired by the time he spent as a young boy in the presence of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Mr. Yazdi died of natural causes here, aged 95, on 19 April 2004 after a life consecrated to service to the Baha'i Faith in many parts of the world. Aziz Yazdi lived in Egypt, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Great Britain, Uganda, Kenya, Israel, and finally Canada. But his travels for his religion took him to countries all around the world -- and he is remembered with affection by generations of Baha'is. In 1973 Mr. Yazdi was appointed as an inaugural member of the International Teaching Centre in Haifa, an institution created by the Universal House of Justice to attend to matters of propagation and protection of the Faith throughout the world. In this capacity, he had the opportunity to recount to pilgrims his experiences with the Master, as 'Abdu'l-Baha is commonly referred to by Baha'is. His face beaming with his characteristic smile, Mr. Yazdi would recall that on one occasion in his youth, he had the privilege of being the sole witness of the Master as He knelt and prayed in the Shrine of the Bab. Mr. Yazdi often talked about the intense stillness in the room and the incredible feeling of peace. He would sometimes tell a humorous anecdote of how, as a young boy, he had tried to sneak into 'Abdu'l-Baha's kitchen for candy but unexpectedly ran into the Master, Who patted him on his head, gave him an apple, and kindly sent him on to the kitchen for the sweets. Mr. Yazdi had a fund of such stories that he told when he conducted his extensive and sometimes difficult travels as a Counsellor to encourage and advise Baha'is in often remote areas of the world. Mr. Yazdi (back row, second right) with members of the Continental Board of Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members of Central and East Africa, Kenya, 1969.Born in 1909 in Alexandria, Egypt, Aziz Yazdi was the son of devoted Baha'i parents. His father and his grandfather had the honor of visiting Baha'u'llah. Mr. Yazdi received his name from 'Abdu'l-Baha, Who Himself went to Alexandria in 1910 on a brief sojourn. During World War One, the Yazdi family moved to Damascus on the instructions of 'Abdu'l-Baha. In response to a call by 'Abdu'l-Baha, the family moved to Haifa in 1919, and so young Aziz was often in the Master's spiritually uplifting presence until His passing in 1921. Mr. Yazdi studied banking in Egypt and electrical engineering in England before working at management level in the oil industry in Iran. In 1941, he married Soraya Khamsi and they had four children. Mrs. Yazdi passed away in 1997. Motivated by service to the Baha'i Faith, the Yazdis moved to Iraq, back to Iran and then, in response to a call by Shoghi Effendi, to Kenya where Mr. Yazdi ran his own import business for two decades. He was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Central and East Africa, and later of Kenya. In 1954 he was appointed as a member of the Auxiliary Board in Africa, and in 1968 he was appointed to the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central and East Africa. After Mr. Yazdi's retirement from the International Teaching Centre in 1988, he moved with his wife to Canada but kept up his tireless travels for the Faith. When he passed away, the Universal House of Justice sent a message to all National Spiritual Assemblies describing Mr. Yazdi as a "dearly loved, devoted promoter of the Cause" who lived a life "characterized by an imperishable record of selfless service, steadfast action and instant obedience." The message advised National Spiritual Assemblies to hold memorial gatherings in his honor in all Baha'i Houses of Worship and in Baha'i communities throughout the world. Aziz Yazdi is survived by his children Vida Yazdi Ditter, Mona Yazdi Grieser, Jamileh Yazdi, and Aziz John Yazdi, and by his seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

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