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From Professor Sir Richard Doll and others
Extract from "The Times" newspaper, Letters to the Editor, 11th February 1999:
Sir, ...although their (Baha'is) access to school education was reinstated in the late 1980s, access to university education was not: a Supreme Revolutionary Council decree of February 25, 1991, stated that:
"The Government's dealings with the Baha'is must be such that their progress is blocked...they must be expelled from universities, either in the admission process or during the course of their studies, once it becomes known that they are Baha'is."
Hence, for the past decade the Iranian Bahai community has organised an open-university style "Bahai Institute of Higher Education". But, in October 1998, 36 members of its faculty were arrested (of whom four remain in prison). At the same time, 500 Bahai homes were raided and textbooks, computers and furniture were seized by the Government's intelligence agency. (When queried about the seizure of the personal household effects, the officers claimed they had been authorised by the Ministry of Information to take anything they wished.)
Iran is signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which condemns religious discrimination, and as the nation modernises it will have to find ways of accommodating not only the Christian but also the Bahai community. Freedom for religious belief is an essential component of academic freedom, and we call on Islamic scholars to help re-establish, in Iran and elsewhere, the tradition of tolerance that has characterised some of the greatest Muslim civilisations.
Yours etc, Richard Doll, University of Oxford, Richard Gombrich, Oriental Institute, Richard Peto, Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, Richard Pring, Department of Educational Studies, Keith Ward, Department of Theology.
Isle of Wight Bahá'ís have had some success in recent months with their local media. Secretary, Clair Pope, obtained an interview on Isle of Wight radio about the situation in Iran, and, thanks to the efforts of several of the friends, articles and a letter have recently appeared in "The County Press" - the Island newspaper.
Then, at the end of January, thanks to Paul Booth and the Travel Teaching Service, the Island received a visit from an Auxiliary Board member from Poland, Samantha Maingay. The local paper, radio and local TV were all approached and a press release prepared, and Clair took Samantha to the County Press office for an interview. Samantha, who is lecturing at a Polish university, is New Zealand-born - and was visiting her grandmother and other members of her mother's family who live on the Island.
Clair and Samantha both felt they had had a super interview, getting on very well with the reporter, who called for a staff photographer to come and take some pics. Importantly, Clair was also able to leave an information folder on the Faith for the paper's files. This was the first time Island Bahá'ís had been able to get an actual interview and to present the paper with an information pack. "County Press" published a long article and super photo of Samantha and Clair Pope in the "Mainly for Women" page.
Since then, the community have had a week of firesides in the Ryde area, and the local radio publicised them each day - three times a day. Exhilaration all round!
A separate approach to the various media and the Council, based on the Government paper "Marking the Millenium in a Multi Faith Context" which was mentioned a few issues ago in Bahá'í Journal UK - resulted in a letter published in "County Press", and brought forth a very encouraging reply from the Island's TV station (the Managing Director, no less) and the local Council. This local community TV station is the first to be established in the UK, and is being used as a trial.
Finally, Isle of Wight Bahá'ís would like to hear from any friends who have connections with the Island - especially if you can spend some time helping with the teaching work.
Scottish TV
A film crew from Scottish TV attended a Naw Ruz party in Falkirk. They were filming a half-hour programme on the Centenary of the Faith for a religious affairs programme called "Eikon" which will be shown in the late spring.
Request on BBC Radio 2
A three-minute Naw Ruz e-mail to Don McLean DJ of Radio 2's "Good Morning Sunday" was broadcast. John Neal, the sender, requested a mention for his Bahá'í friends from Cornwall to the Shetlands, who were finishing the Bahá'í Fast and celebrating New Year. John managed to squeeze the meaning of the Fast, basic principles of the Faith and facts about the World Centre into his short message, as well as complimenting Don McLean on his musical taste!
BBC Thames Valley
The local Bahá'ís had a dedication on BBC Thames Valley radio - "happy naarroz to all the Beehais" - nearly there, so we'll keep trying!
The Guardian newspaper
The Guardian newspaper, 24th March, p18 "A Country Diary - This was the first day of Chaitra, first month of the Hindu lunar year and also the beginning of Fearn, the pagan Celtic month which runs until mid-April. The vernal equinox is about beginnings in a cycle where Nature never really stops and both the Zoroastrian Jameshdi Noruz and the Bahai Naw Ruz are celebrations of a new year's day."
Thanks from BIO ...
We would like to thank everyone who contacted their local/regional/national radio about a dedication or message for Naw-Ruz. We have heard of a number of such items being broadcast on different programmes at all levels. As a result of these efforts, millions of people heard the name of the Faith. God willing, the level of this activity will increase year on year.
Bahá'í Information Office
Sonja van Kerkhoff, a Bahá'í living in the Netherlands, exhibited work in an exhibition entitled "Image defining Word defining Image" in "The Gallery", Stoke Newington, during March.
The exhibition was part of the London Festival of Literature in which fifteen artists explored the way in which words and images can influence each other. One of Sonja's works "Certain Measures" comprised five rods which were engraved with texts taken from the Hidden Words. By allowing individual viewers to pick up these 'measures' and handle them, the artist intended to promote debate on morals (measures).
Sonja van Kerkhoff, a member of the Bahá'í Association for the Arts, co-edits Arts Dialogue which has a website at: www.bahai-library/bafa The contact for subscriptions is Margaret Appa, email: margaretappa@hotmail.com
Caerphilly Spiritual Assembly invite you to participate in the annual Town Carnival which takes place Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August from 11am - 6pm. We will have a stall next to Caerphilly Castle. Last year 30,000 people including tourists from all over the world visited the stall, and the events brought significant prestige to our Town.
Come and join the diversity of the Bahá'í community of Caerphilly. Bring your talent if you can dance or play music and your beautiful smile, to share with the people of Valley.
For further information contact our hard working Secretary, Mrs Beatrice Kent Tel: 01222 882063.
If the Bahá'í Academy for the Arts is not on your personal agenda this summer, please don't turn over this page. Allow yourself a few moments to consider the words that follow - it may lead to one of the most exciting things you will ever do!
"At the Bahá'í Academy for the Arts, meeting new companions, self-healing worlds open up" wrote Cornelius, a visitor from the Netherlands to last year's Academy at Sidco. He only joined the writers' sessions to pass the time while his wife, a painter, attended the art course. Within a day or two, Cornelius was amazed to find that he was, in his heart, a poet, and his words touched many of us. He was not the only friend to be transformed by the Academy, where dedicated Bahá'í professionals generously gave their time to help others learn to express themselves creatively, and prove that art is not just for the few.
The excellent programme was carefully planned in order to draw out the innate abilities in the students and prove that, as Bahá'u'lláh says, man is "a mine rich in gems". Both those participants who already had artistic skills and those who were absolute beginners found themselves surprised and thrilled by the work they were producing.
Attending the Academy for the first time, we were astonished at the effect, not only on ourselves, but everyone around us. Many people found they were getting involved in the sort of work they had dreamed of doing all their lives but had been blocked, perhaps by unimaginative teachers, or families who wanted to guide them into "safe" careers. This led to feelings of deep spiritual fulfilment. Some of the friends admitted that it was the happiest week of their lives.
Perhaps the most important thing we learned is that training in the arts is a wonderful way of encouraging people to be their true selves, thus developing a new spiritual maturity. We made many new friends from around the UK and elsewhere in Europe.
The tutor for the creative writing course, Roger Prentice wrote - "A good journey travelled in good company, poems and stories encountered, lives touched, inner doors opened, new past, new future, new present ..."
Why don't you come and join us on the journey this year?
Mahzad Masloomian and Hilary Freeman
This summer the Bahá'ís of Orkney are offering a never-to-be-forgotten experience to anyone who will accept the invitation to venture north and join them for their third residential Bahá'í school, 24th-31st July.
One of the attractions of the Orkney Islands is their location: though just six sea-swept miles off the north edge of mainland Scotland, this former outpost of Norse dominion remains firmly rooted in its own unique traditions and ways. The short stretch of water which separates Orkney from Mainland Britain has acted as a kind of barrier to the anonymity and crime which is found in the big cities on the mainland, while still being a bridge which allows in the positive aspects of modern life, such as new technology etc. It is a place where you can "get away from it all" while still keeping in touch. Orkney lies at the same latitude as parts of South Alaska but, thanks to the Gulf Stream, enjoys a more moderate climate.
This place attracts over 70,000 visitors every year. People come from near and far to appreciate the many sites of historical interest, to take in the beautiful scenery - Orkney is above all an agricultural area and very fertile. There is a rich variety in wildlife and in local industry: beef, seafood, jewellery, knitwear, pottery, etc.
Orkney has an interesting Bahá'í history, too. It was first mentioned by name by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. When it was still unopened to the Faith in 1953, the Guardian listed it as one of the territories which were to be opened during the Ten Year Crusade. Very quickly after the announcement of the Plan, Charles Dunning, a man who was to become much loved by Shoghi Effendi arose to pioneer to the islands to become the Knight of Bahá'u'lláh for Orkney. During these early years of the Faith in Orkney, it was blessed by visits from other knights of Bahá'u'lláh, six Hands of the Cause of God and other distinguished believers such as David Hofman and Gloria Faizi. These visits were inspired by the words of the Guardian who said "...a further intensification of effort is required on the homefront, and particularly throughout the newly opened islands bordering the homeland itself, now standing in dire need of a flow of pioneers and a concentration of material resources unexampled in British Bahá'í history." (1)
In recent years the Bahá'í community has flourished and the Bahá'í Faith has become widely respected among the local people. The acquisition of a Bahá'í Centre for Orkney in the 1980's, a fulfilment of the plan made by the Universal House of Justice, has raised the profile of the Faith.
The whole youth hostel in Kirkwall has been booked for this year's school - a total of 89 beds, (mostly in rooms with 3 or 4 beds in them). Sessions and workshops will take place at the nearby brand new Pickaquoy Leisure Centre and the Youth Hostel. There are many facilities available at the Leisure Centre for those who would like to take advantage of them. A half-day tour of the island is included in the price of the school and there will be lots of opportunities to learn about the local culture, taste the specialties, enjoy the music etc.
We are looking forward to welcoming new and old friends this summer in Orkney. The cost of the school for full board is (UK pounds)110. To book, please contact Rosemary McLaughlin, Tel: 01856 761624, e-mail rosemary@laughlin.demon.co.uk or Moira Shanko, Tel: 01856 874765.
There's no doubt about it - this year's spring school at Trinity College, Carmarthen really did carry on that special atmosphere that we thought was unique to Narberth. The friends were amazing; it's the body of the believers who attend who create the spirit of the school - the committee merely provide the framework, and the venue.
The topics of the talks and the styles of the speakers were varied, but somehow it all dovetailed and flowed logically. The input of the children and youth was tremendous, what a spirit burns in them! More than once a tear could be seen, as someone was deeply moved by a devotional or artistic presentation.
The Centenary concert was the high spot. We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Carmarthen and the Chairman of the County Council and his wife along with other specially invited guests. They were all greatly impressed by the professionalism and variety of talent in the programme, which included Kerry McGrath (mezzo soprano), Sam Roskams (cellist), Carolyn Sparey-Gillies (viola), Steve Day (instinctive musician), Nadim Rohani-Sarvestani (talented young musician from Greece) and Suzanne and Kingsley Swan (versatile duo from Bermuda). Our sincere thanks go to all those who performed, some having to travel great distances in order to do so.
All in all, the first "Welsh" Spring School was a huge success. If you held back this year, please join us in 2000!
Jan Fussell, on behalf of the Welsh Spring School Committee
Much credit is due to Deborah McKinley, especially so soon after the passing of her husband, Hugh, and to her team. They supplied activities for adults, youth and children. The adult programmes included a number of thought-provoking, practical talks including: Margaret Nash telling us how to get on better with people; Dr Abeola Ogunsola on healing racism -applicable to all forms of prejudice; Dr Kishan Manocha on the approach of the Lesser Peace; Inder Manocha and Mrs Mitra Murray on the work of the Council for England; Christopher Galitello looking to the future - and others.
The science slot was filled by Dr Iraj Poostchi with a presentation on agriculture and economic development. This was a fascinating talk, touching on such issues as genetic modification. Highly recommended for any public events you may be planning.
Maarten Kleijne taught us how to appreciate the Fire Tablet. Bert Sluis told us about Thomas Breakwell. In the afternoons we had a mini Arts Academy where we could study various art forms including graphic arts, music, dance and writing. At the end of the school there was a performance of the things we had been working on. The children made cards and sold them, with the proceeds going to the Bahá'í funds.
On the Saturday evening there was a memorial to Hugh McKinley. The beautifully decorated stage in the gymnasium was dominated by a picture of Hugh, which is now en route to his beloved Cyprus. The programme included a mixture of classical and ethnic music; favourite prayers with underlinings in Hugh's own hand, read by friends; letters exchanged between Amatu'l-Bahá and Hugh's mother; tributes from Dutch Bahá'ís who helped set up the North Sea Border Conferences and from Dr Iraj Pooshti who was a Bahá'í youth with him; Hugh's poems, other poems, a most beautiful song of WB Yeates by songbird Liz Fosbrook; recordings of the tributes at the Memorial held in Northern Cyprus, accounts from his early life in Wales and the West country and letters recalling other incidents in his life.
It was a remarkable evening in which Hugh's presence was keenly felt.
Margaret Carloa, Carolyn Neogi and Alfred Sharpe
The stage lights turned on. The audience sat silently in the darkness and a voice boomed out over the hall: "There were flashes of lightning and peals of thunder and the most violent earthquake that anyone has ever seen since there have been men on the earth".
The place, Leicester Guildhall, the event - the first production of a stage performance based on the book, The Servant, the General and Armageddon.
Around fifty people watched Roderic Maude perform this remarkable one-man show. For some, it was their first contact with the Bahá'í Faith. "We waited, not knowing what to expect," remarked one of the friends, "but we were gripped from the first moment to the last".
The adventure is carried forward by five characters whose interlocking stories span the years of the First World War. They include the Jewish spy-master, Aaronshon, a Welsh machine gun sergeant Dai, and Tudor-Pole, an admirer of 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Through the story, General Allenby's army advances from the deserts of Egypt to Haifa and beyond. These are events which left their mark on the history of the Twentieth Century, culminating in a few bloody days which came to be known as the Battle of Armageddon.
But it is the triumphs and tragedies, the real experiences of ordinary people which made this performance as moving as it was. What is the colour of the desert at dawn? What would you do if you were ordered to shoot at women and children? And how do you fight a plague of locusts?
Perhaps we are not used to this kind of stage performance. It was accessible to Bahá'ís and non-Bahá'ís alike. It was ambitious and of a high professional standard. It carried the audience through a range of emotions; from humour and compassion all the way to the horror of war and famine. Entertainment. Teaching. Deepening. Whatever we were looking for, it was all here.
Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Roderic, Tel: 0116 251 3273.
South West Centenary report
Bristol was chosen as one of the centres to hold a befitting ceremony to celebrate the Centenary of the Bahá'í Faith in the UK. After meeting with the Council for England, a team was appointed to further investigate ideas.
This team - the "South West Bahá'í Centenary Events Committee", has met fortnightly since April '98. After consultation, the committee concluded that in order to adhere to the guidance from the Universal House of Justice, all activities should significantly help advance the process of entry by troops.
A chain of events started at the Ridván '98 party in Bristol, which was attended by about 300 people. Press coverage was given before and after the event.
Achievements so far
In June a meeting was held where representatives of the South West communities met with Auxiliary Board members, Viv Bartlett and Gawayne Mahboubian-Jones. Aims were con-veyed and various ideas were gathered.
A day of teaching took place at the July Ashton Court Festival, Bristol, for which a professional banner was produced which can be used at other events. A Centenary exhibition has been produced by the Bahá'ís of Torbay for use in the region. Bath and North East Somerset's main Centenary event included a public talk given by Rob Weinberg, entitled "The End of One Era, the Dawn of a New Millennium". There was a declaration during this evening.
Exeter community held a tree planting ceremony in the presence of their local MP and Barney Leith, who was also guest speaker at an evening fireside.
Future Events
The committee is planning representation of the Faith at the Ashton Court Festival in Bristol this summer. Also, look out for something (?!) at Sidcot Summer School. The main centenary celebration event for the South West is to be held in November in Bristol at the Victoria Rooms, city centre.
The Committee thanks all the communities who have organised events and shared their ideas with other regions. Further information is available from Shahin Saebnoori, Tel: 0117 907 1566.
A "Village of spaces for interfaith dialogue" is a fair description of the new (UK pounds)2.5m Multifaith Centre soon to be built at Derby University. The local Bahá'ís have been involved in this project since its inception, represented on the planning committee. All concerned are very excited to be part of a unique venture in the UK, which is to be used by all religious groups.
If any individual Bahá'í feels they would like to give financial support to this project there is an opportunity to contribute to the development fund. In order that our collective support can have an impact, the Derby Bahá'ís have opened an account. (A significant contribution from the Bahá'ís towards the Multifaith Centre would result in a permanent acknowledgement within the building).
Donations should be made payable to: "Multifaith Centre", c/o Mrs Pam Sutton, 53 Broadway, Duffield, Derbyshire DE5 4BU.