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Justice for a significant advance in the process of entry by troops,
the Tongan National Convention called for an ambitious target to
be set: 500 new Baha'is before next Ridvan (April 1998)
At its very first meeting the National Spiritual Assembly of Tonga
devised a teaching plan to meet this goal: the Dr Muhajir Teaching
Project, named after the Hand of the Cause of God and using his
methods. This teaching project was to be very different from previous
campaigns. Rather than focusing on goal areas and villages with weak
Baha'i communities, the Dr Muhajir Project concentrated on strong
Baha'i communities.
The project began in June and by the end of November, eight communities
on four islands had taken part. In every community, members of the National
Spiritual Assembly, the Auxillary Board, and the Area Teaching Committee
consulted with the local Baha'is about the practical details of the project.
One point discussed at the initial meeting is arranging a courtesy call to the
local noble.
Each project follows the same pattern: a public meeting at the beginning;
followed by firesides every night for a week; a second public meeting in
the middle of the project; another week of firesides and then a final public
meeting. Each day Baha'is try to meet people in the village to invite them
to the evening meetings.
Each project begins with a public meeting. The public meetings generally
open with singing. After the talk at the public meeting, the audience breaks
up into small groups, each comprising both Baha'is and non-Baha'is. There
is now an intense discussion about the Baha'i Faith.
The firesides have a different pattern. The men usually gather together for
a traditional meeting over kava, while the women will have separate meetings
at the homes of one of the Baha'is. The youth play an active role in the Dr
Muhajir Project, helping with teaching during the day and with music and
dance at the evening meetings.
In addition to the Dr Muhajir project, a separate "fireside campaign" was held
throughout the country between the Birth of the Bab on 20th October and the
Birth of Baha'u'llah on 12th November. Firesides were held in most
communities every night during this period.
So far the Dr Muhajir project has been a huge success and over 300 new Baha'is have
been enrolled.
A reception was held on 25 November at the National Baha'i Centre
in Brasilia
on the subject of global governance. Among the 21 persons attending were the
Vice-Governor of the Federal District (Brasilia), Mrs Arlete Sampaio, two federal
congressman, Eduardo Jorge and Luiz Gushiken, the president of the Academy
of Letters of the Federal District, heads of departments and professors from the
National University of Brasilia (UnB). During the reception, the congressmen
related briefly their participation in the seminar on a New World Order held in
the Landegg Academy in Switzerland. Topics such as "the rescue of citizenship",
"the promotion of human rights" and "an education for world citizenship " were
also widely discussed.
From Brazilian Baha'i News Agency: http://www.wl.com.br/bahai
Translation Hooman Momen
In Belo Horizonte (Matto Grosso province), a private initiative
by a Baha'i
has led to the possibility of establishing an agreement with SESC (an
apprenticeship scheme run by the federation of employers in commerce)
with a view to giving professional training opportunities to dozens of street children.
The director of the Brisa Institute has negotiated successfully with SESC
for the Ruhi Institute training program to be given to these children. Thus
50 abandonned children, both boys and girls, will receive spiritual, moral
and professional training.
From Brazilian Baha'i News Agency: http://www.wl.com.br/bahai
Translation Hooman Momen
In the centrally located Historical Museum of Tirana a Family Life
Conference was organized by the National Baha'i Women's Committee
of Albania with the support of the Auxiliary Board between the
5th and 7th of December 1997 organized around the theme "A Healthy
Family for a Healthy Society". Approximately 200 participants,
half men, half women, half Baha'is, half not, many from NGOs, many
from the districts of Albnaia appreciated the high level workshops
and talks offered by both Baha'i and non-Baha'i speakers.
Dr. Maurice Esmiol, a Baha'i psychiatrist from France deeply
interested in the development of the innate character of man
discussed the topic "Coping with Stress". Mrs. Rose Marie Sabet, a
Baha'i psychoanalyst from Switzerland knowledgeable in communication
skills provided insight into helping children deal with the trauma
of violence, both in the family and in society in general.
Jean-Marc Lepain banking specialist, Baha'i scholar and pioneer in
Albania shared insightful views on marriage today. Dr. Anesti
Kondili, head of cardiology in Albania explained the dangers of
stress and smoking. Lidra Remacka, a non-Baha'i specialist in
conflict resolution provided techniques for putting into practice
this important skill. Milena Mihajlovic offered a workshop based on
her practical experience working with battered women in Switzerland
and the concept of a violence free family. Martha Otto, a German
pioneer to Albania inspired participants through her encouragement
workshop. Jutta Strieth, Auxiliary Board member from Greece charted
a clear, practical course for building a family based not on the old
authoritarian model of relationships but on a unity based model. During
her keynote address concluding the conference she spoke about
the qualities of a creative person and about inspiring
each one to put into practice the ideas and skills learned during
the conference. Margarita Xhepa, a nationally known actress from
Albania, who embraced the Baha'i Faith during the first Baha'i Women's
Conference in 1994 and who just had won the first prize for her
role in the recent film called "Miro Pafshim" (Good Bye) during the
film festival in Thessaloniki/Greece (15th -30th November), recited
Hidden Words from Baha'u'llah and Albanian poems about the family.
The conference culminated in the final evening of artistic
performances. The audience of about 175 men, women and youth
delighted first in the music of an Albanian band, then the recital
of poems and finally, as the highlight of the evening, the amazing
first performance of an Albanian Dance Workshop called "Light of
Unity".
Seventeen year old Neissan Besherati from Sardinia, a former
student from Townshend International School and member of the
successful "Ablaze" Dance Workshop in Greece, arrived in Tirana in
September to teach Albanian youth dances which they already had
seen and started to learn when the Diversity Dance Theater from
Germany came to Albania in February 1997. After just two and a half
months of hard work, these poised and confident Albanian youth
announced each dance with quotations from Baha'u'llah and enchanted
the audience with their grace, talent, energy, spirit and message of
hope for the world.
Report from P and J Strieth
On December 4th, 1997 the Chilean Ministry of Education
organized a day long event for the school directors in the southern
Santiago area. The morning was dedicated to a talk and consultation on
affection in schools. The whole afternoon was dedicated to the Nur
School, so that we could present the uniqueness of our school to 80
directors. We were asked to emphasize our achievements with its innovative
applications, such as consultative decision making in our school
administration and our distinctive characteristics as a Baha'i School.
Recently, while writing up the school's vision, - an official from the Ministry of
Education, read: "will become a model for Chilean education, a source of
transformation of both our students and the society." Very simply, she
corrected us: "It's not in the future - you are doing it now! Correct your
verb tenses!"
December 1996 found the Nur School in a situation of near panic. We had to
build a completely new school, and funds were not available. We had lots
of moral support but no money. Then between December 96 and July 97
friends from all over the world contributed enough funds to get the
Architectural plans completed and approved by the Municipality.
And the Ministry of Education decreed a prolongation of the deadline for
the new building! We now have until March 1999 to build our new building.
At present the school is operate at a slightly reduced size.
Sent by Larry Curtis and Janet Alexander, Chile
Guam has been devastated by typhoon Paka which over the island for
many hours on 16 December, accompanied by winds of 237 miles per hour.
It caused massive destruction and disruption, leaving thousands homeless,
many structures totally destroyed, almost every structure damaged, and
complete island-wide power outage which could last up to three months.
Two local Baha'i Center's lost portions of their roofs, and sustained
much significant damage. National Office and Baha'i School unable to
function without power and water. No Baha'i injuries, but the community is
stunned and in temporary disarray. Telephones and postal mail still
functioning and some folks able to access email if they work at businesses
with generators.
Sent by Tom Howe, Mariana Islands
called on Iran to stop executions for nonviolent crimes and establish
human rights for women and minority religions such as the Baha'is.
The vote was 74 to 32 with 56 nations abstaining on a resolution
sponsored mainly by Western nations.
The resolution said Iran had committed ``grave breaches of human
rights'' against the Baha'is and other minority religions whose active
members have been jailed, condemned to death or had their property
confiscated.
This endorsed a report from special investigator Maurice Danby
Copithorne, a Canadian, who said human rights improvements in
Iran over the past year were imperceptible.
Copithorne's October report said executions doubled from 1995 to
1996 but he gave no figures. In 1997, he said 137 people were
executed between January and September, an indication the rate may
double in 1997 also.
President Mohammad Khatami's election last May has been viewed
as a mandate to ease social restrictions imposed by his predecessors
and Copithorne praised his public speeches. But he said so far the pace
of change has been ``so modest as to represent little substantive
improvement.''
The response of the Iranian government was reported in the
English-language daily Tehran Times: ``Foreign Ministry spokesman
Mahmoud Mohammadi said...that international cooperation for
improvement of human rights should be free from any ideological
conflicts, unreliable information and exaggeration''.
``He expressed regret that biased reports are used as the basis of the
decisions taken by the U.N. General Assembly, saying that the authors
of the human rights resolutions bear a grudge against the Islamic
countries and Islam.''
``(Mohammadi) made it clear that such a vicious and unrealistic report
would not leave even the least effect on Iran's determination to further
improve the most basic spiritual and material needs of human beings,''
the newspaper said. ``On the contrary (it) would harm the spirit of
cooperation with and trust in the U.N. rapporteurs,'' it added.
On 12 December, Baha'is throughout the United States held elections
to create
four Regional Councils; one each for the Western States, the Central States,
the North-Eastern States and the Southern States. These four Councils correspond
to the four regions of the United States to whom `Abdu'l-Baha sent the Tablets of
the Divine Plan. Thus the United States became the latest in a series of countries
that have added a further layer to the Baha'i administration under the direction of the
Universal House of Justice.
For a description of one election meeting see:
http://www.greenbelt.com/news/97/12/10.htm
Report from Heather Elizabeth Peterson
exhibition of the religions represented in Taiwan and the Baha'i community
was one of the 32 religions which participated in this event. The
Exhibition took place from 19 - 21st December, attracting the media and at
least 60,000 visitors.
Appropriately it was held in the Ta An Park, which means the large and
peaceful park and it was gratifying to see the religious groups working in
harmony. Bordering the Park is the major boulevarde of Hsin Shen South
Road and the Baha'i booth to be alongside the traffic lights.
Our banners were arranged in such a way that curious drivers could read them
while waiting for the lights to change.
One banner highlighted the Hidden Words "...with fire we test the gold..."
and "Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart..." The other banner was
the clear and emphatic quote from Abdu'l-Baha who said that
when there's equality of men and women, war will cease.
About 1,500 people stopped to talk to the Baha'is and Baha'is were
interviewed by both the newspapers and cable TV news companies. Perhaps the
most spectacular part was when the TV news referred to the Statement on Baha'u'llah --
the screen was filled with deep blue and Baha'u'llah's name in both Chinese and
English, surrounded by the burst of rays emanating in gold.
Sixty Baha'is from around Taiwan assisted in the Exhibition, including National
Spiritual Assembly members and Auxilliary Board Members. The Ocean Waves
Dance Group performed to a crowd of about 300 people and a Starlight Picnic
was held after the performance to thank all the friends who came to help and
support.
This event was the first for Taiwan and was indeed successful - exceeding
the expectations of the organisers.
Report by Aaron Blomeley
ABLAZE 2 the dance workshop consisting of four Townshend International
School students and three guest dancers from Albania and Germany toured
Greece through Christmas Holidays. Everyone assured the group that it is a
bad time and nothing much can be done. Here is just one example of one
performance.
For the first time a Vice-Mayor (Mr. Oreopoulos) of a large district in
Thessaloniki (Neapoli) addressed 250 youth to welcome the "ABLAZE 2"
dance workshop. So also did, with enthusiasm, did the secretary (Ms Maria
Datseri) of the Organisation "New Generation" an institution for the welfare
of youth. The atmosphere was filled with happiness and admiration for the
dancers.
There was a strong sound system, an inviting amphitheater with lots of light,
and comfortable chairs from where everybody had a great view. It was the first
time that the audience was mainly students of the same age as the dancers. This
crowd warmed up to be a cheering fan club, asking autographs from the members
and trying to hold them back after the show. Even the dancers gave their very
best through the intensive applause and whistling which filled the air. After the
performance the Vice-mayor offered to organize another evening on 7 January
which unfortunately is not possible. Most members will have left until then to
spend at least 3 days with their parents before school starts again. The
secretary of "New Generation" proposed to sponsor the dance workshop to
come back in springtime. And today a national newspaper "Adesmevtos"
published a whole page which pictures from "Townshend International
School". The title "Kids are dancing and singing for peace". Much of the
success of this event was due to the efforts of Nada Rohani, a Baha'i student
in Thessaloniki, who was responsible for the public relations.
Reported by P & J Strieth
Following a widely-reported interview given by President Khatami
of Iran
on CNN, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States
addressed the following open letter to President Khatami:
The following letter appeared in the New York Times on Saturday, January
17, 1998, on the op-ed page 25.
________________________________________
A RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT KHATAMI TO THE AMERICAN
PEOPLE
January 13, 1998
His Excellency President Mohammad Khatami
Islamic Republic of Iran
Tehran, Iran
Your Excellency,
We, the American Baha'is, residing in more than seven thousand cities and
towns across the United States and representing all races, cultures and
ethnic origins in our nation, have listened with great interest to your
words addressed to the American people, of which we are an organic part.
Your message prompts us to address you directly, because of your expressed
dedication to the principles of freedom, justice and the rule of law -
principles which, as you noted, are cherished by the American people.
We who enjoy such freedoms hope that our co-religionists in Iran, who have
been deprived of them, will be granted their full rights as law-abiding
citizens of your nation.
We are particularly encouraged by your assertion "that religion and liberty
are consistent and compatible." As you said, "Human experience has taught
us that prosperous life should hinge on three pillars: religiosity,
liberty and justice." These, you concluded, "are the assets and
aspirations of the Islamic Revolution as it enters the twenty-first
century."
Are the Baha'is of Iran - your nation's largest religious
minority - included in these aspirations?
Your explicitly stated determination to fulfill the provisions of the
Iranian Constitution and to establish the rule of law gives us hope that
the freedom of the Baha'i community in Iran openly to practice its religion
will be guaranteed.
May we not expect, in the light of your commitment to human dignity and
freedom, that the United Nations General Assembly Resolution
(A/RES/52/142), which calls for the emancipation of the Baha'i community of
Iran, will now be implemented?
Respectfully yours,
THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES
Robert Calvin Henderson
Secretary
Washington that the public response to Pope John Paul II's visit to
Cuba illustrated a deep human longing to worship and she strongly
endorsed calls for an intensified U.S. focus on religious freedom worldwide.
She was speaking at a news conference called to discuss a new report by
the government's Advisory Committee on Religious Freedom Abroad,
established a year ago and composed of leading scholars on religion. This
committee has found that followers of all major religions -- Christians,
Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Baha'is and others -- are ``discriminated
against, harassed, detained, tortured and killed.''
The report, by the Advisory Committee on Religious Freedom
Abroad, criticized Iran for allegedly trying to eliminate the
Baha'i faith and harassing and persecuting Christian, Jewish and
Zoroastrian communities.
It faulted Moscow for a law denying legal rights based on
how long a religion has had a presence in Russia.
The panel urged the United States to do more to promote
religious freedom worldwide, including making it a criteria for
arms sales, aid and granting asylum to refugees.
It said President Clinton should deliver a major speech on
the importance of religious freedom and give the issue
''enhanced importance'' in foreign policy decision making.
Albright enthusiastically embraced the panel's work. She
said she would immediately comply with a key suggestion by
naming a new senior level coordinator to focus on advancing
religious freedom worldwide.
``I consider the promotion of religious freedom to be an
integral component of U.S. foreign policy to be pursued not in
isolation, but as part of our efforts to increase the respect
for human rights around the world,'' she said.
The Encyclopedia Britannica Year-Book for 1997 has produced the
following statistics for the Baha'i Faith:
Africa 1,923,000
Asia 3,230,000
Europe 95,000
Latin America 722,000
North America 357,000
Oceania 77,000
Total for World 6,404,000
Countries in which there is a Baha'i community 210
two adults, all from Austin, Texas, made a Baha'i travel teaching trip to both the
Huasteca Potosina and to Monterrey. They joined forces with the "Continuous
Campaign for the Spiritual Transformation of the Huasteca Potosina" and with
the Furutan Project in Monterrey. Their efforts brought in about 25 new
Baha'is, proclaiming the Faith in Universities, high schools and city parks
to hundreds. It was the first time a youth workshop had shared their magic
in Monterrey and in the small mountain villages that they visited.
More recently, during the Thanksgiving break, a group of 12 travel teachers,
also mostly youth, from Austin, Dallas. Houston, San Antonio, Edinburg,
Hidalgo and College Station, returned to Monterrey to give further impetus to
the Furutan Project. They concentrated their efforts on University campuses,
leading 11 youth to embrace the Cause.
Still filled with the excitement of their November teaching efforts,
eight youth, all from the Austin area, traveled south to the Huasteca Potosina
for eight days of teaching in the mountains among the Nahuatl and the Huasteco
Indians. They welcomed 50 new Baha'is from 6 localities. Though barely
speaking Spanish themselves, the youth, assisted with the State Convention
to elect delegates to the National Convention at the end of April. They
participated in the deepening of the local Baha'is, added joy and energy
to the children's classes, and, finally, helped to organize and carry out the
election of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of a town which had been
raised to Assembly status through their dedicated efforts.
A heartily welcomed confirmation came to the team when two of its
members, who had come along originally for the adventure and change of scenery
that a trip to the mountains would mean, were swept up with the spirit of
loving service, and formally declared themselves Baha'is on the last night
they were up on the mountainside.
Report from Mike N Mabel
of the Albanian Baha'i Community was inaugurated in the
presence of 150 people.
The new building had been under construction for 4 years, rising
majestically in the heart of Tirana. It is still receiving the finishing
touches. All yellow and white, it was restored, incorporating the
original facade in Italian style dating from the thirties. In
addition to the two main stories the structure has a basement and
a third floor. The graceful balcony, supported by two pillars,
and large windows providing natural light add a sense of
fragility to the architecturally imposing structure. The
beautiful building is undeniably alluring. Very proud of their
center, the Albanian Baha'is have decorated it like a beautiful
bride on the day of her wedding. An abundance of green plants
embellish the entrance, while fragrant narcissus decorating the
interior add to the festive atmosphere. A gold-trimmed book
displayed tastefully in a corner prepares the visitor for things
to come. The large ceremonial hall, diffused with light,
decorated with colorful carpets provides a remarkably elegant
scene, while a large portrait of 'Abdu'l-Baha hung so that His
sweet and penetrating gaze can embrace the entire room. He must
certainly have shared the joy of the Albanian Baha'is.
Arriving early for the occasion, they came from Pogradec, Starov,
Tirana, Berat, Durres, and many other places. Almost all Albania
was represented. The special guests, Baha'is and non-Baha'is, were
seated in the front rows, including various officials. The hall was filled
to overflowing. Finally, when everyone had found a place, the
ceremony could commence. A reverent silence filled the hall, as
though all felt deeply the solemnity of this day.
The representative of the Albanian National Spiritual Assembly opened
the ceremony with a moving speech, explaining the significance of such
an event for the Baha'is and the functional importance of their Center.
A dream of the early Albanian Bah's, before World War II, the most
eminent of whom, Refo Capari, is now fulfilled in this Center.
Their historic efforts, as well as those of the Albanian believers and
pioneers since the opening of the country in 1991, are crowned with
victory through this Center.
With more than fourteen thousand people having recognized
Bah'u'llah in this country, the opening of an official Center
could only be a matter of time. The building is not just for the
Baha'is but also for all Albanians, whatever their religion, as
peace, unity, and love are the values most cherished by the
Baha'is. An orchestra of young violinists from the Tirana School
of Fine Arts rejoiced the hearts of the audience, followed by prayers
and Holy Texts recited by some eminent Albanian Baha'is.
Some official representatives of the government, the Ministries
of Agriculture, Education, and Culture, and from embassies
were welcomed, and some were invited to address the audience.
Then the touching message of 'Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khnum
sent for the occasion was read. It was an expression of love for
the Albanian Baha'is, sent by this great lady, who a few years ago
had marked a brick of the building with her signature during the
ground-breaking ceremony. Baha'i friends from other countries
such as Belgium, Malta, Austria, Dubai, and, of course, Italy also
came to celebrate. Messages and telegrams received from National
Spiritual Assemblies all over the world were read on this
joyous occasion, among them messages from Alaska, Austria,
Azerbaijan, Bielorus, Brazil, Bulgaria, Ghana, Germany, Greece,
Guyana, Holland, Hungary, South Leeward Islands, Italy,
Kazakistan, Kuwait, Macau, Moldavia, Portugal, Rumania, Sicily,
Spain, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe.
Individual Baha'is from many other countries shared with the community
their messages of love as well.
The speech by the member of the Continental Board of Counsellors
Sohrab Youssefian was the highlight of the beautiful ceremony. He
spoke of the Albanian youth, of the efforts of all the Bah's and the
love he felt for all, and said that the Center is the home of all Baha'is
and non-Baha'is as it must become the place where one breathes love
and brotherhood. After these touching words, the orchestra closed the
ceremony with a lively and joyous piece by Mozart that seemed to
celebrate a victory, the victory of the Albanian Baha'is. And as the unique
moment had to be captured for history, an official photograph of
the gathering was taken with the beautiful yellow and white
National Center in the background. A reception with delicious
refreshments provided the participants with the opportunity to meet
each other and exchange their impressions.
The newly inaugurated National Center marks a new epoch in
the history of the Faith of Baha'u'llah in Albania. The Baha'is and
their friends came together again later that afternoon to enjoy the
artistic program offered by two Albanian groups. The first group
called "The Advent of Divine Justice" from Starov delighted the
audience with a number of Hidden Words which they had put to
both original music and typical folk melodies of their region of
Albania. Next, the recently formed "Light of Unity" Dance Workshop
amazed the audience with their well executed and moving dances
against drugs, prejudice, for compassion and equality. During the
reception that followed, the band from Starov started to play
traditional wedding songs and soon lines of dancers snaked
through the large room hand in hand, dancing out their joy of
being together on this glorious occasion.
Based on a report of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is
of Albania
to receive a Martin Luther King Day of Service Grant
ATLANTA, GA - January 2, 1998 - President Clinton announced that Mottahedeh
Development Services is one of only a small number of organizations to
receive a 1998 Martin Luther King Day of Service grant. Over 400
organizations applied for the grants made by the Corporation for National
Service. Grants were awarded to organizations that showed exceptional
ability to implement service activities that honor Dr. King's legacy of
bringing people together to solve community problems. Mottahedeh
Development Services (MDS) will initiate a service project titled
"Generation 21 - Raising Socially and Economically Successful Families."
MDS will launch the project with a dinner and an evening program for
participants at the Baha'i Family Unity Institute located at 2370 Wesley
Chapel Road in Decatur on Monday, January 19, 1998.
The primary goal of the project is to assist refugee/immigrant women in
developing the survival skills needed to build self-esteem and improve the
quality of life for themselves and their families. "The root cause of
poverty, crime, violence, racism and environmental problems are all the
same: the absence of unity," said Carole Miller, Director of MDS. "Unity
of self, family and community must be taught and developed," Miller
continued. "Understanding the value of being connected with others and
having close human bonds creates self-esteem and personal well-being. This
in turn enables the individual to pursue the unity of family and to value
this essential building block of community life."
"Generation 21 - Raising Socially and Economically Successful Families" is
organized into three distinct activities. A general assembly geared to
foreign exchange students will be the first activity. This session will
focus on societal responsibility, problem solving and job search skills
such as resume writing and interviewing. Later, students will demonstrate
some of what they have learned by volunteering at a homeless shelter. The
second activity consists of six weekly workshops for refugee/immigrant
women. These workshops will focus participants' attention on an approach
to acquiring healthy values that will have a positive impact on the family
and the community. The third activity includes personal visits to the
participants' homes. These one-on-one counseling sessions will impart
information about accessing health and educational resources,
transportation, babysitting, and medical care.
Working closely with the King Commission for four years, the Corporation
for National Service has spearheaded efforts to fulfill the King Holiday
and Service Act of 1994. This Act seeks to transform the observance of
King's birthday into a day of service that reflects his life and teaching.
"On Monday, January 19, 1998, Americans across the country will honor the
life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King," said Harris Wofford, CEO of the
Corporation for National Service. He continued, "As they have for thirteen
years, students will stay home from school and many adults will not go to
work. But while they are not working or studying, what can they do to
really commemorate the day? King answered that question with a challenge:
'Life's persistent and most urgent question is: What are you doing for
others?' "
Coretta Scott King, Chairperson of the King Commission, said "The greatest
birthday gift my husband could receive is if people of all racial and
ethnic backgrounds celebrated the Holiday by performing individual acts of
kindness through service to others. Remember, it's not a day off -- it's a
day on!"
Report from Baxter Huston
Submitted by Crispin Pemberton-Piggott
Archbishop of Canterbury, and Mr James D Wolfensohn,
the President of the World Bank, hosted a Dialogue on
"World Faiths and Development" at Lambeth Palace,
London (the official residence of the Archbishop
of Canterbury), on 18-19 February 1998.
Representatives of the Baha'i Faith, along with leaders from
eight other major world religions, Buddhism, Christianity,
Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism, and Taoism
met yesterday and today at Lambeth Palace with officials
from The World Bank to discuss how faith groups and the
Bank can better work together to tackle issues of global
poverty and economic underdevelopment.
For their part in this ground-breaking meeting, the
Baha'i representatives said that spiritual values
must be placed at the center of efforts to promote
social and economic development.
"Spiritual principles direct attention to the
fundamental nature of human existence and thus
provide an enormous motivational power for change and
advancement," said Kiser Barnes, head of the Baha'i
delegation to the event, which was called simply
"World Faiths and Development Dialogue" and was
sponsored by The World Bank and the Church of
England.
"And those specific spiritual principles, such as the
oneness of humanity and the equality of women and
men, which are universal in nature and can be
concretely expressed in development endeavors, have a
special potential to create a new framework for
development," continued Mr. Barnes, who holds the
title of International Counsellor in the Baha'i
Faith. Also representing the Baha'i community at
the Dialogue was Lawrence Arturo, Director of the Baha'i
International Office of the Environment in New York City
and Baha'i Representative to the United Nations on
environmental and development
issues.
Mr. Barnes said the outcome was precedent-setting in
terms of new collaborative initiatives that have been
forged between the world's religions and the Bank.
"One of the features of this particular time in
history is the degree to which the world's great
religions are cooperating and recognizing their
fundamental unity," said Mr. Barnes. "And this
meeting marks a significant further advancement in
that process, in that the world's religions are
working directly with another major world
institution, The World Bank, to discuss how they can
work together to facilitate the advancement of human
affairs."
In specific terms, Baha'i representatives at the
gathering suggested that certain key spiritual values
- such as "unity in diversity," "equity and justice,"
"equality of the sexes," and "trustworthiness" -
could be used as the basis for developing a series of
"development indicators" by which humanity's progress
towards a truly prosperous and unified global
civilization might be better gauged.
Two papers presented by Baha'i representatives to the
Dialogue elaborated on these ideas. One paper,
entitled "Valuing Spirituality in Development"
proposed that certain spiritual principles are needed
to provide a unified vision of development. "In our
increasingly interdependent world, development
efforts must be guided by a vision of the type of
world community we wish to create and be animated by
a set of universal values," said the paper. The paper
also outlined how such principles could be
incorporated into educational programs and efforts to
increase development participation at the local
level.
A second paper, entitled "The Prosperity of
Humankind," outlined a broader vision of how
spiritual principles might form the underpinnings of
a broad-based program of world development, such that
a new level of "global prosperity" that encompasses
both material and spiritual well-being for all of
humanity, without distinction, might be achieved.
Further information, including the opening and closing statements, press
release, agenda, and list of attendees with biographical details, is
available on the following Web sites:
The World Bank:
http://www.worldbank.org/html/extdr/faithsdialogue/
Archbishop of Canterbury:
http://www.church-of-england.org/main/lambeth/abchome.htm (click on
"speeches")
Reports by Gregory C. Dahl and Brad Pokorny
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