{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-archive-page-jsx","path":"/archive/64/","result":{"pageContext":{"strings":{"about":"About","additional_articles":"Additional Articles","administration":"Administration","africa":"Africa","all_bahaiorg_sites":"All Bahai.org Sites","all_sites":"All sites","all_sites_arising_serve":"Arising to Serve","all_sites_arising_serve_caption":"A film recounting highlights of the 41 regional Bahá’í conferences called by the Universal House of Justice in 2008","all_sites_bahai_org":"The official website of the worldwide Bahá’í community","all_sites_bahai_org_library":"Bahá’í Reference Library","all_sites_bahai_org_library_caption":"The authoritative online source of Bahá’í writings","all_sites_bahaullah_org":"The Life of Bahá’u’lláh","all_sites_bahaullah_org_caption":"A photographic narrative of the life of Bahá’u’lláh","all_sites_bic":"Bahá’í International Community Representative Offices","all_sites_bic_caption":"The official website of the Bahá’í International Community’s Representative Offices. The site contains news and information about recent activity and provides access to BIC statements, reports, and other publications","all_sites_bicentenary":"Bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh","all_sites_bicentenary_bab":"Bicentenary of the Birth of The Báb","all_sites_bicentenary_caption":"The official international website for the bicentenary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh","all_sites_frontiers_learning":"Frontiers of Learning","all_sites_frontiers_learning_caption":"This film captures the insights and experiences of people from four communities across the world whose efforts to build vibrant communities are at the frontiers of learning","all_sites_light_to_the_world":"Light to the World","all_sites_light_to_the_world_caption":"A feature film about the life and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh","all_sites_media_bank":"Bahá’í Media Bank","all_sites_media_bank_caption":"Photographs available for downloading","all_sites_national_communities":"National Bahá’í Communities","all_sites_national_communities_caption":"A page containing links to the websites of many national Bahá’í communities from around the world","all_sites_news_bahai_org_caption":"The official news website of the worldwide Bahá’í community","all_sites_title":"Official Bahá’í Sites","all_sites_universalhouseofjustice_org":"The Universal House of Justice","all_sites_universalhouseofjustice_org_caption":"Information about the Universal House of Justice and selected statements and letters","all_sites_widening_embrace":"A Widening Embrace","all_sites_widening_embrace_caption":"A documentary film about the community-building efforts of the Bahá’í world","americas":"Americas","android":"Android","archive_results_to_of_a":"Results","archive_results_to_of_b":"to","archive_results_to_of_c":"of","asia":"Asia","back_to_story":"Back to Story","bahai_international_community":"Bahá'í International Community","bahai_media_bank":"Bahá’í Media Bank","bahai_reference_library":"Bahá’í Reference Library","bahai_world_centre":"Bahá’í World Centre","bahai_world_news_service":"Bahá’í World News Service","bahai_world_news_service_bwns":"Bahá’í World News Service (BWNS)","bahaiorg_home":"Bahai.org Home","bahais_semnan":"The Bahá’ís of Semnan","battambang_cambodia_house_worship":"House of Worship in Battambang, Cambodia","battambang_cambodia_temple":"Battambang, Cambodia Temple Inauguration","before_downloading_terms":"Before downloading please refer to the [Terms of use](/legal/).","bic_un_office":"Bahá’í International Community\nUN Office","brief_history":"Brief history","bwns_noTranslation":"BWNS","cdn_documentlibrary_path":"http://dl.bahai.org/bwns/assets/documentlibrary/","cdn_images_path":"//bwns.imgix.net/","chile_house_worship":"Chile House of Worship","chile_temple":"Chile Temple Inauguration","close":"Close","closed_doors_denial_education_iran":"Closed Doors: Denial of Education in Iran","comma":",","comprehensive_report":"Comprehensive report","contact":"Contact","contact_h1":"Contacting the Bahá’í World News Service","contact_h2":"Contacting Bahá’í institutions","contact_h3":"Reporting technical problems","contact_information":"Contact Information","contact_p1":"General inquiries about BWNS can be directed to [news@bahai.org](mailto:news@bahai.org). Information regarding news and media contacts is available in the [Media Information](/media-information/) section.","contact_p2":"The Bahá’í Faith is established in more than 100,000 localities in virtually every country and territory around the world. At the national level, the affairs of the Bahá’í community are guided by National Spiritual Assemblies, and a list of websites for many national Bahá’í communities can be found at the [National Communities page](https://www.bahai.org/national-communities/) on Bahai.org.","contact_p3":"To report a technical problem with this site, please send a detailed description and screenshot of the issue, along with the address of the page where it occurred, to [webmaster@bahai.org](mailto:webmaster@bahai.org). Please note that this email address exists to receive reports of technical problems with the site and it is not possible to respond to other queries through this facility.","copy_link":"Copy Link","did_not_match_any_documents_showing_results_for":"did not match any documents. Showing results for","did_you_mean":"Did you mean:","download":"Download","download_highest_resolution":"Download highest resolution","email":"Email","email_address":"Email Address","enlarge":"Enlarge","error_page":"Error Occurred","error_page_p1":"Sorry. An error has occurred with your request. It would help us if you let us know what you were trying to do when this error occurred by using our [contact form](https://www.bahai.org/contact/).","europe":"Europe","featured_stories":"Featured stories","featured_videos":"Featured videos","follow_updates_via_instagram_twitter":"Follow the Bahá’í World News Service on Twitter and Instagram for regular updates and stories","from_bwns_archive":"From the Bahá’í World News Service archive","get_notified_stories":"Get notified of stories","highest_resolution":"Highest resolution","historical_photographs":"Historical photographs","homepage_feature_audio_h2":"Recent podcast episodes","homepage_feature_audio_h3":"Audio versions of stories","homepage_feature_audio_p1":"Selected audio content from around the globe","homepage_feature_h1":"Subscribe to BWNS Updates","houses_worship":"Houses of Worship","human_rights_iran":"Human Rights in Iran","images":"images","ios":"iOS","iran_news_stories":"Iran News Stories","key_terms_facts":"Key terms and facts","latest_headlines":"Latest headlines","latest_video_category":"Latest","legal":"Legal","legal_h1":"Privacy","legal_h2":"Terms of Use","legal_information":"Legal Information","legal_li_1":"They must at all times be attributed to the Bahá’í World News Service.","legal_li_2":"Photographs and stories cannot be used in any way (including, without limitation, suggesting an association with or endorsement of any product, service, opinion or cause) that conflicts with the intent and premise of the original source.","legal_li_3":"Photographs may be edited for size only. Captions must remain with the photographs at all times.","legal_li_4":"The Bahá’í World News Service will not be responsible to any person or organization for any liability for any direct, incidental,  consequential, indirect, or punitive damages that may result from any access to or use of the stories and/or photographs on our site.","legal_li_5":"Although this blanket permission to reproduce BWNS material is given freely such that no special permission is required, the Bahá’í World News Service retains full copyright protection for its stories and photographs under all applicable national and international laws.","legal_p1_1":"On this Web site we try to ensure your privacy. We collect only personal information provided by you on a voluntary basis, in order to respond to your queries and to send you any additional information and material that you request.","legal_p1_2":"Visitors to this Web site are not tracked, except to produce aggregate statistical data that does not identify individual users. Where we must use cookies to provide essential functionality, these are not used to track your use of the site or to store personally-identifiable information. Steps have been taken to ensure that all information collected from you will remain secure, free from unauthorized access, use or disclosure. Please keep in mind that if you leave this site via a link, the other site may have a different policy regarding privacy.","legal_p1_3a":"We occasionally update this privacy policy and encourage you to review it periodically. If you wish to correct your personal information, or have questions regarding this policy, please send an email message to","legal_p1_3b":"or call the Bahá’í World News Service at +972 (4) 835-8412, between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. GMT +2, Sunday through Thursday.","legal_p2_1":"All stories and photographs produced by the Bahá’í World News Service may be freely reprinted, e-mailed, posted to the World Wide Web and otherwise reproduced by any individual or organization, subject to the following restrictions:","legal_p2_2":"The Bahá’í World News Service is an agency of the Bahá’í International Community, a nongovernmental organization that represents and encompasses the five million members of the Bahá’í Faith.","links_other_websites":"Links to other Web sites","listen":"Listen","listen_bwns":"Listen to BWNS","load_more_results":"Load more results","media_bank":"Media Bank","media_information":"Media Information","media_information_about_bwns":"About BWNS","media_information_administration_h2":"International","media_information_administration_h3":"National","media_information_administration_h4":"Local","media_information_administration_p1":"The Bahá’í Faith is administered by a series of elected bodies at the local, national, and international levels. There is no class of ecclesiastics or clergy.","media_information_administration_p2":"The Universal House of Justice is the international governing council of the Bahá’í Faith. It is the supreme administrative body ordained by Bahá’u’lláh in His book of laws. The Universal House of Justice is elected every five years at the International Bahá’í Convention, where members of the National Spiritual Assemblies (see below) around the world serve as delegates. The Universal House of Justice was first elected in 1963. Its permanent seat is on Mount Carmel in Haifa.","media_information_administration_p3":"At the national level, the affairs of the Bahá’í community are administered by the National Spiritual Assembly, a nine-member elected council responsible for guiding, co-ordinating, and stimulating the activities of Local Spiritual Assemblies and individual members of the Bahá’í community within a given country. The responsibilities of a National Spiritual Assembly include channelling the community’s financial resources, fostering the growth and vibrancy of the national Bahá’í community, supervising the affairs of the community including its social and economic development activities and its properties, overseeing relations with government, resolving questions from individuals and Local Spiritual Assemblies, and strengthening the participation of the Bahá’í community in the life of society at the national level.","media_information_administration_p4":"At the local level, the affairs of the Bahá’í community are administered by the Local Spiritual Assembly. Each Local Assembly consists of nine members who are chosen in annual elections. As with all other elected Bahá’í institutions, the Assembly functions as a body and makes decisions through consultation. The responsibilities of the Local Spiritual Assembly include promoting the spiritual education of children and young people, strengthening the spiritual and social fabric of Bahá’í community life, assessing and utilizing the community’s resources, and ensuring that the energies and talents of community members contribute towards progress.","media_information_administration_p5":"In addition, the Bahá’í Faith has **counsellors**, appointed to five-year terms by the Universal House of Justice, who serve as advisers in countries and regions around the world. Currently there are 90 such counsellors assigned to specific countries or regions, and an additional nine counsellors who constitute the membership of the International Teaching Centre at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa.","media_information_administration_p6":"The Bahá’í International Community is a non-governmental organization that represents the worldwide Bahá’í community. It has been registered with the United Nations (UN) as a non-governmental organization since 1948. It currently has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social council (ECOSOC) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), as well as accreditation with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). The Bahá’í International Community collaborates with the UN and its specialized agencies, as well as member states, inter- and non-governmental organizations, academia, and practitioners. It has Representative Offices in Addis Ababa, Brussels, Cairo, Geneva, Jakarta, and New York.","media_information_bahai_world_centre_li_4_a":"the Seat of the Universal House of Justice,","media_information_bahai_world_centre_li_4_b":"the International Teaching Centre,","media_information_bahai_world_centre_li_4_c":"the Centre for the Study of the Texts,","media_information_bahai_world_centre_li_4_d":"the International Archives Building.","media_information_bahai_world_centre_p1":"The spiritual and administrative center of the Bahá’í Faith is permanently established in the Acre-Haifa area of northern Israel, following the explicit instructions of Bahá’u’lláh.","media_information_bahai_world_centre_p2":"The burial place, or shrine, of Bahá’u’lláh near Acre and that of the Báb on Mount Carmel in Haifa are the holiest spots on earth for Bahá’ís. Other sites associated with the life of Bahá’u’lláh as well as the burial site of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are revered by Bahá’ís as holy places.","media_information_bahai_world_centre_p3":"The shrines are the object of pilgrimage for thousands of Bahá’ís each year.","media_information_bahai_world_centre_p4":"The administrative offices are positioned in an Arc across Mount Carmel in Haifa and include:","media_information_bahai_world_centre_p5":"Also in Haifa are the Bahá’í International Community’s Secretariat and Office of Public Information.","media_information_bahai_world_centre_p6":"The Bahá’í World Centre is known for the gardens surrounding the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh near Acre, and also for the gardens and terraces surrounding the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel in Haifa.","media_information_bahai_world_centre_p7":"At this time the Shrine of the Báb is open to the public.","media_information_brief_history_p1":"The Bahá’í Faith traces its origin to 1844 and the announcement by a young man, Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad, in Shiraz, Persia (now Iran), that He had been sent by God to prepare humanity for a new age and the imminent appearance of another Messenger even greater than Himself.","media_information_brief_history_p10":"During the 40 years of His exile, Bahá’u’lláh revealed a series of books, tablets, and letters that today form the core of the **holy writings of the Bahá’í Faith**. Comprising the equivalent of some 100 volumes, the writings of Bahá’u’lláh describe the nature of God and the purpose of human existence, give new religious laws, and outline a vision for creating a peaceful and prosperous global society.","media_information_brief_history_p11":"In His will, Bahá’u’lláh named His eldest son, ‘Abbás Effendi (1844-1921), as the head of the Bahá’í Faith and authorized interpreter of His teachings. ‘Abbás Effendi, known to Bahá’ís as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (“Servant of Bahá”), became well-known in the Haifa/Acre area for his charitable works, and he also traveled through Europe and North America to encourage nascent Bahá’í communities and to proclaim Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings to the general public. The writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are considered part of the sacred scriptures of the Bahá’í Faith.","media_information_brief_history_p12":"‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed away in 1921. In his will he had designated his grandson **Shoghi Effendi** (1897-1957) as his successor, with the title of **Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith**. During the ministry of Shoghi Effendi, the religion spread around the world, and its local and national administrative institutions were established. With the passing of Shoghi Effendi in 1957, the line of hereditary leaders of the Bahá’í Faith came to an end.","media_information_brief_history_p13":"Following provisions established by Bahá’u’lláh, in 1963 the **Universal House of Justice** was elected to direct the affairs of the worldwide Bahá’í community. The nine members of the Universal House of Justice are elected every five years by the members of the Bahá’í national administrative bodies around the world.","media_information_brief_history_p2":"Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad took the title of the **Báb** (meaning “Gate” in Arabic) and said the one whose coming He foretold would be the universal Manifestation of God sent to inaugurate an age of peace and enlightenment as promised in all the world’s religions.","media_information_brief_history_p3":"The Báb’s teachings, which spread rapidly, were viewed as heretical by the clergy and government of Persia. More than 20,000 of His followers, known as Bábís, perished in a series of massacres throughout the country.","media_information_brief_history_p4":"The Báb Himself was publicly executed in the city of Tabriz on 9 July 1850.","media_information_brief_history_p5":"Bahá’ís consider the Báb to be both an independent Messenger of God and the forerunner of **Bahá’u’lláh** (“the Glory of God” in Arabic), who is the founder of the Bahá’í Faith.","media_information_brief_history_p6":"Bahá’u’lláh, whose name was Mírzá Husayn ‘Alí, was born into a noble family in Tehran on 12 November 1817. In His mid-20s, He declined a life of privilege and became one of the leading disciples of the Báb.","media_information_brief_history_p7":"In 1852, in the course of the persecution of the Bábís, He was arrested, beaten, and thrown into an infamous dungeon in Tehran. After four months, He was released and banished from His native land – the beginning of 40 years of exile and imprisonment.","media_information_brief_history_p8":"He was first sent to Baghdad, where He and His companions stayed for 10 years. In 1863, on the eve of His further banishment to what is now Turkey and then to the Holy Land, Bahá’u’lláh announced that He was the Universal Messenger of God foretold by the Báb.","media_information_brief_history_p9":"In 1868, Bahá’u’lláh arrived in the Holy Land with about 70 family members and followers, sentenced by the Ottoman authorities to perpetual confinement in the penal colony of Acre. The order of confinement was never lifted, but because of the growing recognition of His outstanding character, He eventually was able to move outside the walls of the prison city. He lived His final years at a country home called Bahjí, where He passed away in 1892. He was interred there, and His shrine is the holiest place on earth for Bahá’ís.","media_information_description":"Contacts, facts, style guide,\ngeneral information, and photos","media_information_h1":"National and local","media_information_h2":"International","media_information_h2_a":"Bahá’í World News Service","media_information_h2_b":"Bahá’í International Community","media_information_h2_c":"Bahá’í International Community - United Nations Offices:","media_information_h2_e":"For languages other than English:","media_information_houses_worship_li_1":"Wilmette, Illinois, United States. Opened in 1953.","media_information_houses_worship_li_2":"Kampala, Uganda. Opened in 1961.","media_information_houses_worship_li_3":"Sydney, Australia. Opened in 1961.","media_information_houses_worship_li_4":"Frankfurt, Germany. Opened in 1964.","media_information_houses_worship_li_5":"Panama City, Panama. Opened in 1972.","media_information_houses_worship_li_6":"Apia, Samoa. Opened in 1984.","media_information_houses_worship_li_7":"New Delhi, India. Opened in 1986.","media_information_houses_worship_li_8":"Santiago, Chile. Opened in 2016.","media_information_houses_worship_li_9":"Battambang, Cambodia. Opened in 2017.","media_information_houses_worship_li_10":"Norte del Cauca, Colombia. Opened in 2018.","media_information_houses_worship_li_11":"Matunda Soy, Kenya. Opened in 2021.","media_information_houses_worship_li_12":"Tanna, Vanuatu. Opened in 2021.","media_information_houses_worship_li_13":"Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Opened in 2023.","media_information_houses_worship_li_14":"Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Opened in 2024.","media_information_houses_worship_p1":"Bahá’u’lláh designated Bahá’í Houses of Worship as spiritual gathering places for prayer and meditation around which will cluster social, humanitarian, educational, and scientific institutions. Eight continental, two national, and four local Bahá’í Houses of Worship have been built.","media_information_houses_worship_p2":"The physical structure of a House of Worship comprises a central building—a House of Worship—along with several dependencies. While the House of Worship forms the focal point of worship in a geographical area, its purpose is not solely to provide a place for prayer. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explained that, through the provision of education, healthcare and other services it is also to support the social and economic progress of the community and afford shelter, relief and assistance to those in need. In this connection, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá anticipated that subsidiary branches—such as a hospital, school, university, dispensary, and hospice—would gradually be added to a House of Worship. Bahá’u’lláh refers to the House of Worship as a Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, Arabic for “dawning place of the mention of God.”","media_information_houses_worship_p3":"Bahá’í Houses of Worship are located in:","media_information_houses_worship_p4":"Plans are underway to build a national House of Worship in Brazil, Canada, and Malawi. A local House of Worship is also being constructed in Batouri, Cameroon; Bihar Sharif, India; Kanchanpur, Nepal; and Mwinilunga, Zambia. At the local level, meetings for worship are held regularly in Bahá’í centers and in the homes of believers all over the world.","media_information_key_terms_facts_h1":"Name of the religion and of the organization – the Bahá’í Faith","media_information_key_terms_facts_h2":"Founder of the Bahá’í Faith – Bahá’u’lláh","media_information_key_terms_facts_h3":"Year of founding – 1844","media_information_key_terms_facts_h4":"Head of the religion – the Universal House of Justice","media_information_key_terms_facts_h5":"Number of Bahá’ís – more than 5 million","media_information_key_terms_facts_h6":"Description of the religion and key beliefs","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_a":"the unity of the races and elimination of prejudice,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_b":"the equality of women and men,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_c":"universal education,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_d":"the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_e":"a spiritual solution to economic problems,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_f":"establishment of a universal auxiliary language,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_g":"the harmony of science and religion,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_h":"the independent investigation of truth,","media_information_key_terms_facts_li_6_i":"the creation of a world commonwealth of nations that will keep the peace through collective security.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p1_a":"The Bahá’í Faith is an independent world religion.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p1_b":"A member is called a Bahá’í (plural: Bahá’ís). It is also correct to say that someone is a “member of the Bahá’í Faith,” a “follower of the Bahá’í Faith,” a “follower of Bahá’u’lláh,” or a member of the Bahá’í community of a given locality.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p1_c":"The term “Bahá’í International Community” refers to the non-governmental organization that represents the worldwide Bahá’í community. It has been registered with the United Nations (UN) as a non-governmental organization since 1948. It currently has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social council (ECOSOC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as well as accreditation with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). The Bahá’í International Community collaborates with the UN and its specialized agencies, as well as member states, inter- and non-governmental organizations, academia, and practitioners. It has Representative Offices in Addis Ababa, Brussels, Cairo, Geneva, Jakarta, and New York.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p2":"Bahá’ís consider Bahá’u’lláh to be the most recent in a line of great religious teachers, or Messengers of God, that includes Abraham, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Krishna, Muhammad, Moses, Zoroaster, and others. Bahá’u’lláh—the name is Arabic for “Glory of God”—was born in 1817 in Tehran, Iran, and passed away in 1892 in Acre, Israel. The coming of Bahá’u’lláh was announced by the Báb (Arabic for “Gate”), also considered by Bahá’ís to be a divine Messenger.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p3":"There are a number of important dates in the establishment of the Bahá’í Faith, but the first announcement by the Báb of the new religion came in 1844.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p4":"The Universal House of Justice is the international governing council of the Bahá’í community, an elected body of nine men. Its seat is at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel. Around the world, in almost all countries, a National Spiritual Assembly oversees the affairs of the Bahá’í Faith in that country, and Local Spiritual Assemblies oversee local affairs.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p6_a":"The Bahá’í Faith is an independent, monotheistic religion established in virtually every country of the world. Bahá’ís believe that the world’s major religions represent unfolding chapters in God’s teachings for humankind, and that the writings of Bahá’u’lláh represent God’s guidance for this age.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p6_b":"Bahá’u’lláh’s central teaching is the unity of humanity under one God.","media_information_key_terms_facts_p6_c":"Among the many Bahá’í principles are the following:","media_information_key_terms_facts_p7":"For more information, see [Bahai.org](https://www.bahai.org).","media_information_li_a_1":"Phone (office): +972 (4) 835-8412","media_information_li_a_2":"E-mail, for news inquiries: [news@bahai.org](mailto:news@bahai.org)","media_information_li_b_1":"Mr. Saleem Vaillaincourt (London)","media_information_li_b_2":"Senior information officer","media_information_li_b_3":"Phone (office): +1 (212) 803-2544","media_information_li_b_4":"E-mail: [media@bic.org](mailto:media@bic.org)","media_information_li_c_1":"Ms. Bani Dugal (New York)","media_information_li_c_2":"Principal Representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations","media_information_li_c_3":"Bahá’í International Community","media_information_li_c_4":"Phone: +1 (212) 803-2500","media_information_li_c_5":"After-hours phone: +1 (914) 329-3020","media_information_li_c_6":"E-mail: [uno-nyc@bic.org](mailto:uno-nyc@bic.org)","media_information_li_d_1":"Ms. Simin Fahandej (Geneva)","media_information_li_d_2":"Representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations","media_information_li_d_3":"Bahá’í International Community","media_information_li_d_4":"Phone: +41 (27) 798-5400","media_information_li_d_5":"After-hours phone: +41 (78) 880-0759","media_information_li_d_6":"E-mail: [geneva@bic.org](mailto:geneva@bic.org)","media_information_li_e_1":"Persian – Simin Fahandej, +41 (27) 798-5400","media_information_li_e_2":"French – Rachel Bayani, +32 (475) 750394","media_information_li_e_3":"To arrange other languages +972 (4) 835-8412","media_information_media_contacts":"Media Contacts","media_information_p1":"Editors, journalists, and other media professionals are encouraged to contact the National Office of the Bahá’ís of their own country. See [National Communities](https://www.bahai.org/national-communities/).","media_information_p2":"BWNS reports on major developments and endeavors of the global Bahá’í community.","media_information_p3":"Information about the Bahá’í Faith is available at [Bahai.org](https://www.bahai.org/)","media_information_p_native":"The website for BWNS is located at [news.bahai.org](https://news.bahai.org/)","media_information_photographs_p1":"To arrange for photographs, you are encouraged to contact the office of the National Spiritual Assembly of the  Bahá’ís of your country. See [National Communities](https://www.bahai.org/national-communities/).","media_information_photographs_p2":"For more information, or for international photographs, contact the Bahá’í World Centre:","media_information_photographs_p3":"Phone: +972 (4) 835-8412  \n            E-mail: [news@bahai.org](mailto:news@bahai.org)","media_information_photographs_p4":"Photographs here may be downloaded and published, with photo credit given to the Bahá’í World Centre. [Terms of use](https://news.bahai.org/legal/).","media_information_photographs_p5":"Additional photos are available through the [Bahá’í Media Bank](https://media.bahai.org/). Images attached to articles in the [Bahá’í World News Service](https://news.bahai.org/) main site may also be downloaded.","media_information_photographs_p6":"Photographs of Bahá’ís imprisoned in Iran are available in the [Iran Update](/human-rights/iran/iran-update/photos.html) section of this Web site.","media_information_sidecontent_h1":"Bahá’ís in Iran","media_information_sidecontent_li":"Updates, background, photos","media_information_statistics_p1":"There are more than 5 million Bahá’ís in the world.","media_information_statistics_p2":"The Bahá’í Faith is established in virtually every country and in many dependent territories and overseas departments of countries. Bahá’ís reside in well over 100,000 localities. About 2,100 indigenous tribes, races, and ethnic groups are represented in the Bahá’í community.","media_information_statistics_p3":"There are currently 188 councils at the national level that oversee the work of communities. A network of over 300 training institutes, offering formal programs of Bahá’í education, span the globe.","media_information_statistics_p4":"Of the several thousand Bahá’í efforts in social and economic development, more than 900 are large-scale, sustained projects, including more than 600 schools and over 70 development agencies.","media_information_statistics_p5":"There are currently 14 Bahá’í Houses of Worship – in Australia, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Germany, India, Kenya, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Uganda, the United States, and Vanuatu. Plans are underway to build a national House of Worship in Brazil, Canada, and Malawi. Local Houses of Worship are also being constructed in Batouri, Cameroon; Bihar Sharif, India; Kanchanpur, Nepal; and Mwinilunga, Zambia. At the local level, meetings for worship are held regularly in Bahá’í centers and in the homes of believers all over the world.","media_information_statistics_p6":"The Bahá’í International Community has been registered with the United Nations as a non-governmental organization since 1948. It currently has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social council (ECOSOC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as well as accreditation with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). The Bahá’í International Community collaborates with the UN and its specialized agencies, as well as member states, inter- and non-governmental organizations, academia, and practitioners. It has Representative Offices in Addis Ababa, Brussels, Cairo, Geneva, Jakarta, and New York.","media_information_statistics_p7":"Bahá’í writings and other literature have been translated into more than 800 languages.","media_information_statistics_p8":"Each year, around one million people visit the Bahá’í Shrine, terraces, and gardens on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel.","media_information_statistics_p9":"In Iran, where the Bahá’í Faith originated, there are now about 300,000 Bahá’ís, constituting the largest religious minority in that country.","media_information_style_guide_h1":"Pronunciation guide","media_information_style_guide_h2":"Style guide and glossary","media_information_style_guide_p1":"**Bahá’í:**   Ba-HIGH  \n            **Bahá’u’lláh:**   Ba-ha-ul-LAH  \n            **Báb:**   Bahb (Bob)  \n            **‘Abdu’l-Bahá:**   Abdul ba-HAH  \n            **Naw-Rúz:**   Naw Rooz  \n            **Ridván:**   REZ-vahn","media_information_style_guide_p2_1":"**‘Abdu’l-Bahá** (1844-1921) – The son of Bahá’u’lláh who was the head of the Bahá’í Faith from 1892 to 1921. Bahá’u’lláh in His will had designated ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as His successor. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá occupies a special station as the authoritative interpreter of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and as the perfect example of how a Bahá’í should live. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá traveled widely through Europe and North America from 1911-1913, explaining his Father’s teachings in talks, interviews, and addresses at universities, churches, temples, synagogues, and missions for the poor. (Bahá’ís capitalize pronouns—for example, “He”—that refers to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá out of respect for his special station. Such pronouns are not capitalized in this guide in deference to international journalistic style and also to avoid confusion with Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb, who are considered to be divine Prophets.) For more information, see [Bahai.org](https://www.bahai.org).","media_information_style_guide_p2_10":"**Bahá’í Faith** – The correct term for the religion is the Bahá’í Faith. It is an independent, monotheistic religion established in virtually every country of the world. It is not a sect of another religion. In a list of major religions, it would look like this: Hinduism, Zoroastrianism,  Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, the Bahá’í Faith.","media_information_style_guide_p2_11":"**Bahá’í International Community** – The Bahá’í International Community is a non-governmental organization that represents the worldwide Bahá’í community. It has been registered with the United Nations as a non-governmental organization since 1948. It currently has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social council (ECOSOC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as well as accreditation with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). The Bahá’í International Community collaborates with the UN and its specialized agencies, as well as member states, inter- and non-governmental organizations, academia, and practitioners. It has Representative Offices in Addis Ababa, Brussels, Cairo, Geneva, Jakarta, and New York. For more information, see [bic.org](https://www.bic.org).","media_information_style_guide_p2_12":"**Bahá’í World Centre** – The spiritual and administrative center of the Bahá’í Faith, comprising the holy places in the Haifa/Acre area in northern Israel and the Arc of administrative buildings on Mount Carmel in Haifa. The Bahá’í World Centre itself uses the spelling “Centre”; elsewhere both “Centre” and “Center” are used, depending on the custom of the country.","media_information_style_guide_p2_13":"**Bahá’u’lláh** – The founder of the Bahá’í Faith, who lived from 1817 to 1892, considered by Bahá’ís to be the most recent divine Messenger, or Manifestation of God, in a line of great religious figures that includes Abraham, Buddha, Jesus, Krishna, Moses, Muhammad, Zoroaster, the Báb, and others. Bahá’u’lláh was born in Tehran in present-day Iran, and passed away near Acre, in what is now Israel. “Bahá’u’lláh” is a title that means the “Glory of God” in Arabic; His name was Mírzá Husayn-‘Alí. His writings, which would equal about a hundred volumes, form the basis of the Bahá’í teachings. For more information, see [Bahai.org](http://www.bahai.org).","media_information_style_guide_p2_14":"**Bahjí** – The place near Acre where the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh (His burial place) is located, as well as the mansion that was His last residence and surrounding gardens. It is a place of pilgrimage for Bahá’ís. The word “Bahjí” is Arabic for “delight.”","media_information_style_guide_p2_15":"**children’s classes** – Classes in moral education, open to all, that are provided for children, operated at the community level by the Bahá’í training institute.","media_information_style_guide_p2_16":"**Convention** – See [International Bahá’í Convention](#internationalbahaiconvention) and [National Bahá’í Convention](#nationalbahaicconvention).","media_information_style_guide_p2_18":"**counsellor** – An adviser appointed by the Universal House of Justice who serves in a particular geographic area or at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa. At present, there are 90 counsellors assigned to specific countries or regions, and nine counsellors who form the membership of the International Teaching Centre at the  Bahá’í World Centre. Appointments are for five years.","media_information_style_guide_p2_19":"**devotional meetings** – Gatherings, often in people’s homes, for prayers and to read the sacred writings of the Bahá’í Faith and other religions. Usually undertaken as an individual initiative.","media_information_style_guide_p2_2":"**accent marks** – Bahá’í, Bahá’u’lláh, and other names are written with accent marks, but many publications and websites do not have the facility for using such marks.","media_information_style_guide_p2_20":"**fast, the** – A period during which Bahá’ís abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sundown during the Bahá’í month of ‘Alá’, from 2 March to 20 March. Bahá’u’lláh enjoined His followers to pray and fast during this period. The sick, the traveler, and pregnant women, among others, are exempt.","media_information_style_guide_p2_21":"**feast** – See [Nineteen Day Feast](#nineteendayfeast).","media_information_style_guide_p2_22":"**Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith** – See [Shoghi Effendi](#shoghieffendi).","media_information_style_guide_p2_23":"**Haifa** – The city in northern Israel that, along with nearby Acre, is the location of the Bahá’í World Centre. The international administrative buildings of the Bahá’í Faith (including the Seat of the Universal House of Justice), the Shrine of the Báb, and surrounding terraces and gardens are all located on Mount Carmel in the heart of Haifa.","media_information_style_guide_p2_24":"**Holy days** – Eleven days that commemorate significant Bahá’í anniversaries. The nine holy days on which work is suspended are the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the Birth of the Báb, Declaration of the Báb, Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, Martyrdom of the Báb, Naw-Rúz, Ridván (a 12-day festival, of which the first, ninth and 12th days are holy days). The other two holy days are the Day of the Covenant and the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. *See names of individual holy days.*","media_information_style_guide_p2_25":"**Holy Land** – The area associated with present-day Israel, which is holy to a number of religions, including to Bahá’ís. The resting places of Bahá’u’lláh near Acre and of the Báb in Haifa are, to Bahá’ís, the holiest spots on earth.","media_information_style_guide_p2_26":"**International Archives Building** – One of the buildings at the Bahá’í World Centre on Mount Carmel in Haifa. The repository of many sacred relics of the Bahá’í Faith, it is visited by thousands of Bahá’í pilgrims each year.","media_information_style_guide_p2_27":"**International Bahá’í Convention** – A gathering every five years of delegates from around the world to consult on the affairs of the Bahá’í Faith and elect the members of the Universal House of Justice. Members of the National Spiritual Assemblies serve as delegates.","media_information_style_guide_p2_28":"**International Teaching Centre** – One of the institutions at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa. The International Teaching Centre has nine members, all counsellors appointed by the Universal House of Justice. Appointments are for five years.","media_information_style_guide_p2_29":"**Local Spiritual Assembly** – At the local level, the affairs of the Bahá’í community are administered by the Local Spiritual Assembly. Each Local Assembly consists of nine members who are chosen in annual elections. As with all other elected Bahá’í institutions, the Assembly functions as a body and makes decisions through consultation. The responsibilities of the Local Spiritual Assembly include promoting the spiritual education of children and young people, strengthening the spiritual and social fabric of Bahá’í community life, assessing and utilizing the community’s resources, and ensuring that the energies and talents of community members contribute towards progress.","media_information_style_guide_p2_3":"**Acre**– English rendering of the name of the city north of Haifa where Bahá’u’lláh was exiled in 1868. He lived in or near the city until His passing in 1892. Bahá’ís often use the Arabic name, ‘Akká, which was the name in general use during the time of Bahá’u’lláh. In Hebrew the name is Akko.","media_information_style_guide_p2_30":"**Mount Carmel** – In Haifa, Israel, site of the Bahá’í World Centre, including several Bahá’í holy places, the most important of which is the Shrine of the Báb, and the buildings housing the administrative offices of the Bahá’í World Centre.","media_information_style_guide_p2_31":"**National Bahá’í Convention** – In each country, the annual gathering of elected delegates to discuss the affairs of the Bahá’í Faith in their jurisdiction and to elect the members of the National Spiritual Assembly.","media_information_style_guide_p2_32":"**National Spiritual Assembly** – At the national level, the affairs of the Bahá’í community are administered by the National Spiritual Assembly, a nine-member elected council responsible for guiding, co-ordinating, and stimulating the activities of Local Spiritual Assemblies and individual members of the Bahá’í community within a given country. The responsibilities of a National Spiritual Assembly include channelling the community’s financial resources, fostering the growth and vibrancy of the national Bahá’í community, supervising the affairs of the community including its social and economic development activities and its properties, overseeing relations with government, resolving questions from individuals and Local Spiritual Assemblies, and strengthening the participation of the Bahá’í community in the life of society at the national level.","media_information_style_guide_p2_33":"**Nineteen Day Feast** – An administrative gathering at the local level. The term refers to a spiritual “feast” of prayers,  consultation and fellowship. It is held every 19 days, on the first day of each Bahá’í month.","media_information_style_guide_p2_34":"**pilgrimage** – Each year thousands of Bahá’ís undertake pilgrimage, during which they forge a profound and lasting connection with the spiritual and administrative centre of their Faith, located in the Haifa-Acre area of what is now northern Israel. Bahá’í pilgrims pray and meditate at the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh and the Shrine of the Báb, as well as in the beautiful gardens that surround them. They also draw inspiration from the time spent at various historical sites associated with the lives of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi, as well as from visits to the edifices dedicated to the worldwide administration of the Bahá’í Faith.","media_information_style_guide_p2_35":"**progressive revelation** – The central belief that Manifestations of God have successively provided the guidance necessary for humanity’s social and spiritual evolution.","media_information_style_guide_p2_36":"**Regional Bahá’í Council** – In some countries, the National Spiritual Assembly assigns certain of its functions to Regional Bahá’í Councils, which serve a designated geographical area within the land in question. The responsibilities of a Regional Council may include carrying out policies of the National Spiritual Assembly, supervising progress of particular plans and projects, and taking steps to stimulate and coordinate the growth of the Bahá’í community within the region.","media_information_style_guide_p2_37":"**Shoghi Effendi** (1897-1957) – The head of the Bahá’í Faith from 1921 to 1957. His title is Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith. He is the grandson of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the great-grandson of Bahá’u’lláh. For more information, see [Bahai.org](https://www.bahai.org).","media_information_style_guide_p2_38":"**Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh** – The resting place of the mortal remains of Bahá’u’lláh, located near the city of Acre in what is now Israel. The shrine is the holiest spot on earth to Bahá’ís and a place of pilgrimage.","media_information_style_guide_p2_39":"**Shrine of the Báb** – The resting place of the mortal remains of the Báb, located on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. It is a sacred site to Bahá’ís and a place of pilgrimage.","media_information_style_guide_p2_4":"**‘Akká, Akko** – See entry above for “[Acre](#acre)”.","media_information_style_guide_p2_40":"**study circles** – A study circle is one of the principal elements of the process of distance education offered by the [Bahá’í training institute](https://www.bahai.org/action/response-call-bahaullah/training-institute). It is a small group that meets regularly to study the institute course materials.","media_information_style_guide_p2_41":"**Universal House of Justice** – The international governing council of the Bahá’í Faith. It is the supreme administrative body ordained by Bahá’u’lláh in His book of laws. The Universal House of Justice is elected every five years at the International Bahá’í Convention, where members of the National Spiritual Assemblies around the world serve as delegates. The Universal House of Justice was first elected in 1963. Its permanent seat is on Mount Carmel in Haifa.","media_information_style_guide_p2_5":"**Arc** – An area on Mount Carmel in Haifa, shaped like an arc, where the major international administrative buildings of the Bahá’í Faith, including the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, are situated.","media_information_style_guide_p2_6":"**Báb** – The title, meaning “Gate,” assumed by Siyyid ‘Ali-Muhammad, the Founder of the Bábí Faith and the Forerunner of Bahá’u’lláh. Considered by Bahá’ís to be one of the twin Manifestations of God associated with the Bahá’í Faith. Born on 20 October 1819, the Báb proclaimed Himself to be the Promised One of Islam and said His mission was to announce the imminent coming of another Messenger even greater than Himself, namely Bahá’u’lláh. Because of these claims, the Báb was executed by firing squad in the public square in Tabriz on 9 July 1850. His remains were hidden in Iran for many years before being taken to Haifa/Acre in 1899 and buried on Mount Carmel in 1909. For more information, see [Bahai.org](http://www.bahai.org).","media_information_style_guide_p2_7":"**Bábí Faith** – The religion founded by the Báb. After 1863 and the announcement by Bahá’u’lláh that He was the Messenger whose coming had been foretold by the Báb, the Bahá’í Faith gradually became established and most followers of the Báb began to call themselves Bahá’ís.","media_information_style_guide_p2_8":"**Badí‘ calendar** – The Bahá’í calendar, consisting of 19 months of 19 days each, with the addition of intercalary days known as Ayyám-i-Há. The number of these intercalary days varies according to the timing of the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere in successive years. The first day of the year corresponds to the spring equinox. The Bahá’í era (B.E.) begins with 1844, the year of the Báb’s declaration. For more information, see [Bahai.org](https://www.bahai.org/action/devotional-life/calendar).","media_information_style_guide_p2_9":"**Bahá’í** – (1) A noun referring to a member of the Bahá’í Faith. The plural is Bahá’ís. (2) An adjective describing a person, place, or thing related to the Bahá’í Faith. Examples: a Bahá’í book, the Bahá’í community, a Bahá’í holy day, a Bahá’í holy place.","media_reports":"Media Reports","menu":"Menu","meta_description_bwns":"The Bahá’í World News Service - BWNS - The official news source of the worldwide Bahá’í community, reports on major developments and endeavors of the global Bahá’í community.","minutes_short":"min","mobile_app":"Mobile app","national_bahai_communities":"National Bahá’í Communities","news_email":"news@bahai.org","news_service_home":"BWNS Home","no_matches_for":"No matches for","no_results_for":"No results for","number_of":"of","oceania":"Oceania","official_news_site":"Official news source of the worldwide Bahá’í community","one_country":"One Country","other_bahai_sites":"Other Bahá’í Sites","other_sites":"Other sites","other_stories":"Other Stories","overview_section":"Overview of this Section","page_link":"Page link","photographs":"Photographs","photographs_download":"Photographs for download","podcast":"Podcast","podcast_available":"Podcast available","podcast_description_bwns":"Reporting on major developments and endeavors of the global Bahá’í community.","podcast_p1":"The Bahá’í World News Service (BWNS) podcast reports on major developments and endeavors of the global Bahá’í community.","podcast_subscribe":"Subscribe to the BWNS podcast for additional audio content.","print":"Print","privacy":"Privacy","recent_articles":"Recent Articles","recent_headlines":"Recent headlines","recent_media_reports":"Recent media reports","recieve_stories_email":"Receive stories via email","related_stories":"Related Stories","results":"Results","return_top":"Return to top","rss":"RSS","search":"Search","search_bahai_reference_library":"Search the Bahá’í Reference Library","search_bahaiorg":"Search Bahai.org","search_news_service":"Search the News Service","section_shrine_of_abdulbaha_description":"Read reports on the progress","section_shrine_of_abdulbaha_title":"Coverage of Construction Work of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá","see_all":"See All","seven_bahais_leaders":"The Seven Bahá’í Leaders","share":"Share","share_this_article":"Share this article","share_this_page":"Share this page","show_more":"Show more","sign_up":"Sign Up","slideshow":"Slideshow","social_media_name_instagram":"Instagram","social_media_name_instagram_account":"bahaiworldnewsservice","social_media_name_twitter":"Twitter","social_media_name_twitter_account":"bahainews","special_reports":"SPECIAL REPORTS","special_reports_shrine_construction":"Coverage of construction work for the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá","statistics":"Statistics","story_archive":"Story Archive","style_glossary_pronunciation_guide":"Style guide, glossary and pronunciation guide","subscribe":"Subscribe","subscribe-confirmation-message":"Thank you for your interest in Bahá’í World News Service (BWNS)","subscribe-souble-optin-email":"You will receive an email shortly, asking you to confirm your subscription.","subscribe_bot_submission":"This doesn't look like a human submission.","subscribe_check_email":"Please check your email to confirm your subscription!","subscribe_email_exists":"This email already exists! 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In 1998, for instance, the school's Character Development Program received awards, both locally and internationally, for innovative curriculum development.\n\n\"People choose to come to our school because we put emphasis on the development of the person as a whole,\" explained Mr. Payman. \"Our main concern is for the students to develop the desire and habit of extending themselves beyond their own personal concerns and becoming involved with the needs and problems others face on a daily basis.\"\n\nThe Character Development Program focuses on developing capabilities, and putting what is learned into action.  Concepts such as responsibilities and contributions as a family member, unity in diversity, world citizenship, and consultation are taught within the classroom.  Skills, attitudes and habits are developed and these are simultaneously put into practice in various acts of service to the wider community.\n\nWith time, the aim is that these acts of service become a way of life, according to Mr. Payman.  \"This attitude of service is not only essential for the development of the individual's potential but is, at the same time, an essential force required for the betterment of society,\" he said.\n\nIn a courtesy visit recently made to Mr. Sou Chio Fai, the Director of Education and Youth Services in Macau, Mr. Sou emphasized that he regarded the Education Department and the School of the Nations as \"partners,\" and that the government of the Macau SAR is committed to supporting the school and that includes substantial financial support for the construction of the multi-million dollar project.\n\nThe development of the school has not always been easy, however.  \"Initially,\" Mr Payman said, \"the fact that the school was Baha'i-inspired was a real challenge. People were somewhat uncomfortable with the idea.  Now the school is highly regarded and respected. People are seeing the impact that the school is having on developing the characters of young people.\"\n\n\"The motto for the eleventh graders comes from the Baha'i Writings, \"Make me as dust in the pathway of Thy loved ones.\" A couple of years ago, two graduates, who were not Baha'is came back to do a year of voluntary service at the School.  Because they were a part of the (school's) culture, the manner in which they served was fantastic, and people could see this.  They were outstanding.\"\n\n\"Public education in Macau is for free,\" he added. \"However, despite the fact that we have limited financial resources and our facilities leave a lot to be desired and despite there being tough competition from other schools, people still continue to pay for their children to attend the School.\" The School of the Nations is one out of three schools in Macau that charges school fees and yet has filled 90 percent of its student capacity.\n\n\"We ultimately hope to become an example of what the Baha'i Faith is striving to do,\" said Mr. Payman.  \"We are very much hoping to be seen as a beacon of light in promoting both academic and spiritual education.\""}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471269-bwns7730-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Diagram of the new school building."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471270-bwns7728-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Students serving the elderly as part of Character Development"}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":459,"evergreenUrl":"iran-confiscates-bahais-properties-says-un","title":"Iran confiscates Baha'is' properties, says UN","description":"Baha'is in Iran face discriminatory housing policies, including \"the abusive use of property confiscation,\" said a United Nations report released...","date":"2006-07-02","customDateline":false,"city":"GENEVA","country":"SWITZERLAND","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471263-bwns7726-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471263-bwns7726-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Miloon Kothari, the UN Special Rapporteur on adequate housing (UN file photo/Rick Bajornas)","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Baha'is in Iran face discriminatory housing policies, including \"the abusive use of property confiscation,\" said a United Nations report released at a news conference last week.\n\nAt least 640 Baha'i properties have been seized since 1980, according to Miloon Kothari, the UN Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, who wrote the report and presented it to the news media on 29 June 2006.\n\n\"The properties listed included houses and agricultural land, but also Baha'i sacred places such as cemeteries and shrines,\" said Mr. Kothari. \"The affected owners have allegedly not been given an opportunity to participate or receive prior information related to ongoing confiscation procedures.\"\n\nHe said, for example, many of the confiscations were made by Iranian Revolutionary Courts, and that some of the verdicts he examined declared that \"the confiscation of the property of 'the evil sect of the Baha'i' (were) legally and religiously justifiable.\"\n\nIn rural areas, he said, such confiscations were often accompanied by threats and physical violence before and during related forced evictions.\n\nMr. Kothari said he was \"concerned at the clear evidence of discriminatory conduct with respect to Baha'i property, including housing.\"\n\nAt the news conference, Mr. Kothari said he continues to receive reports about Baha'is who have had their land confiscated.\n\n\"In the last two years, there has been an increase in the number of Baha'i leaders or prominent people who have been arrested without any charge and then released with very high bail,\" Mr. Kothari said, according to the Voice of America. \"And, the only way in which they can post this bail is to put their property as a guarantee. This seems to be another method of expropriation.\"\n\nThe annual report, which was written as part of a six-year mandate to consider housing policies around the world in relation to the right to an adequate standard of living, focused this year on issues of discrimination in housing, and drew extensively on visits by Mr. Kothari in 2005 to Iran and Cambodia.\n\nThe report was set to be released in March, during the Commission on Human Rights, but in the changeover to the new Human Rights Council, its official release by Kothari to the public was delayed until last week.\n\nDiane Alai, the Baha'i International Community's representative to the United Nations in Geneva, said the report served to confirm that property confiscations have been used as part of Iran's systematic persecution of Baha'is in Iran.\n\n\"Unfortunately, what Mr. Kothari has been able to document has been an on-going problem for Iranian Baha'is,\" said Ms. Alai. \"Property confiscation, along with a ban on access to higher education, discrimination in the workplace, and the outright ban on organized religious activity by Baha'is, reflect the Iranian government's wholesale campaign to slowly strangle the Baha'i community in Iran while seeking to evade international condemnation.\"\n\n[Click here](http://info.bahai.org/pdf/un_29-06-06.pdf) for the Special Rapporteur's report.\n\nTo learn more about the situation of the Baha'is in Iran [click here](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran)"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":458,"evergreenUrl":"russian-professor-receives-award-contributions-discourse-science-spirituality","title":"Russian professor receives award for contributions to discourse on science and spirituality","description":"Despite what might be expected from a scientist, for Dr. Gudrat Seyfi, faith plays a key role in his understanding of science. \"For me faith...","date":"2006-06-29","customDateline":null,"city":"MOSCOW","country":"RUSSIA","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471252-bwns7719-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471252-bwns7719-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Congratulatory message from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahai's of Russia read to Dr. Seyfi","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Despite what might be expected from a scientist, for Dr. Gudrat Seyfi, faith plays a key role in his understanding of science.\n\n\"For me faith implies wisdom that gives answers to the question to which science has not found answers yet,\" he explains.  \"The principle of the interaction of science and religion allows a scientist to advance a more complete cognition and understanding of the world as a whole.\"\n\nDr. Seyfi's creative and innovative approach in understanding the sciences from a spiritual perspective and his contribution to the discourse of science and religion were formally recognized at a special session of the Scientific Council of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences this March.\n\nThe author of several books and numerous articles on faith and science, spirituality and comparative religion, Dr. Seyfi, the vice-director of the Scientific Centre, \"Eurasia,\" of the Russian Academy of the Natural Sciences, was awarded a diploma with the highly merited status of \"Academician\" by the Academy.\n\nHe recognizes, however, that his perspective, once considered radical, is becoming more widespread.\n\n\"Scientists have different approaches,\" he explained. \"Extreme ones are convinced that faith impedes scientific knowledge because faith is blind.  Others think that science and religion have to emerge separately, that belief is a very intimate matter.  But nowadays, the tendency is gradually changing.  Scientists are beginning to think more and more that this issue is a subtle one and there is no unambiguous answer.\"\n\nA member of the Baha'i Community of Moscow, Dr. Seyfi describes his own approach to science as being deeply connected to his understanding of the spiritual evolution of humanity.\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"\"Outside of the organic interrelation of science and religion it is hardly possible for a human being to understand the fundamental questions: the place of a human being in the world, his attitude to nature, and his fellow beings and so on,\" said Dr. Seyfi.\n\n\"It is reflected in the statement of Baha'u'llah that science and religion are the wings of one bird and that without their interaction the flight of thought and cognition of the world is not possible.\"\n\nHe describes science and religion as being both complementary and interdependent in nature, and emphasizes the need to create a culture of dialogue between the different religions, recognizing them as being all from the same Source and progressive in nature.\n\nIn acknowledgment of his achievement, the elected governing body of the Baha'is in Russia, the National Spiritual Assembly, sent a message of congratulations, stating that:\n\n> This event is a high evaluation of your contribution to the development of science in general and especially in the field of transcultural and interfaith dialogue between people of different nationalities and creeds. Your innovative approach to the problems of development of humanity from the point of view of spirituality allows to open new horizons of the purpose of human life and helps the understanding of the oneness of humanity.\n> \n\n\"It was quite unexpected but pleasant for me,\" Dr. Seyfi said, referring to the award.  \"I have never had such a goal.  Of course, it is gratifying but I do not have any kind of euphoria, because the highest value of a human being is his spirituality.\"\n\n\"Despite the difficult and complex processes in the world,\" he said, speaking of his vision of the future, \"I believe that humanity will overcome its spiritual crisis and come to a mutual understanding between world religions, religious figures and governments for the betterment of mankind on our small planet.\"\n\n\"The fundamental concept of Baha'u'llah, that we are fruits of one tree, directly knock at the heart and soul of every human being.  In my life, I am trying to bring this idea to the consciousness of people.\""}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471252-bwns7718-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Dr. Gudrat Seyfi, recipient of diploma with status of \"Academician\" by the Scientific Council of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences"}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":457,"evergreenUrl":"pattern-arrest-release-continues-iran","title":"Pattern of arrest and release continues in Iran","description":"Baha'is arrested and imprisoned in recent weeks without charge in Shiraz and Hamadan, Iran, have been released, most on the basis of some collateral,...","date":"2006-06-27","customDateline":false,"city":"NEW YORK","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471244-bwns7717-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471244-bwns7717-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Map of Iran","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Baha'is arrested and imprisoned in recent weeks without charge in Shiraz and Hamadan, Iran, have been released, most on the basis of some collateral, the Baha'i International Community has learned.  Trial dates for nearly 130 Baha'is across Iran have yet to be announced.\n\n\"We are concerned that this pattern of arrest and release is being used increasingly as another form of harassment of the Baha'is,\" said Bani Dugal, the Baha'i International Community's principal representative to the United Nations.  \"Holding on to the assets of people who have not been charged with any crime and whose trial date is unknown are part of the larger strategy of intimidation to deny the community's rights and opportunities.\"\n\nIn Hamadan, meanwhile, three other Baha'is were arrested on 18 June, jailed for three days and released.  They were arrested after government officials searched their homes and confiscated computers, books and Baha'i documents.\n\nEarlier, the last three of the group of 54 Baha'is, mostly young people arrested on 19 May in Shiraz, were released on 14 June.  The group was the largest number of Baha'is arrested at one time since the 1980's.\n\nAlthough the judge originally demanded a bond equivalent to $54,000, the three in Shiraz were released without bail on the promise that they would return for a later court appearance. No formal charges have been made against them.  However, in most cases, some form of bail, such as deeds of property, were demanded before release.\n\nCurrently, two Baha'is, arrested in Tehran and Sanandaj, still remain in prison.\n\nFor more information on the situation of the Baha'is in Iran , please go here: http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":456,"evergreenUrl":"egypts-court-postpones-hearing","title":"Egypt's Court postpones hearing","description":"Egypt's Supreme Administrative Court has postponed until 16 September its hearing on a government appeal of a ruling in favor of a Baha'i couple....","date":"2006-06-22","customDateline":null,"city":"CAIRO","country":"EGYPT","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471238-bwns7716-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471238-bwns7716-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Map of Egypt","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Egypt's Supreme Administrative Court has postponed until 16 September its hearing on a government appeal of a ruling in favor of a Baha'i couple.  The couple has been seeking not to have their religion incorrectly identified on government documents.\n\nA lower administrative court ruled in favor of the couple in April this year, and the case has since gained international attention from human rights groups.  The court ordered the government to issue members of the Baha'i Faith with identification cards, birth certificates and death certificates that accurately identify their religion.\n\nWithout such documents, Baha'is are unable to gain legal access to basic citizenship rights, including employment, education, medical and financial services.\n\nThe government appealed the lower court's ruling in early May, and a court hearing was set for 19 June.  However, the Court commissioner's advisory report was not submitted in time for the hearing, resulting in the delay.\n\nFor more information [click here](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/egypt)."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":455,"evergreenUrl":"bahai-media-bank-launched","title":"Baha'i Media Bank launched","description":"The Baha'i International Community has launched a new Web site containing more than 2,500 high-quality photographs on Baha'i-related themes....","date":"2006-06-16","customDateline":null,"city":"HAIFA","country":"ISRAEL","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471229-bwns7715-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471229-bwns7715-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Homepage of the newly launched Baha'i Media Bank","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"The Baha'i International Community has launched a new Web site containing more than 2,500 high-quality photographs on Baha'i-related themes.\n\n\"The purpose of the site is to provide institutions and individuals alike with easy access to a large collection of Baha'i images,\" said Douglas Moore, director of the Baha'i International Community's Office of Public Information.\n\n\"We hope it will prove to be of great utility to all kinds of publishers, journalists, and other media producers,\" he added.\n\nCalled the \"Baha'i Media Bank,\" the site is at: [http://media.bahai.org](http://media.bahai.org)\n\nIt will be regularly updated with new additions and will eventually include video and audio material.\n\nVisitors to the Web site will be able to browse through the high resolution images, categorized by community activities, people and institutions, buildings and places, and history and events.  Then, by creating a free account, users will be able to download images for use in publications, websites, and media presentations.\n\nThe site also offers such services as a \"My Downloads\" holding area, where up to 20 images can be collected and then downloaded all at the same time in a single ZIP file.  The account keeps track of the user's download history so that previous collections can be retrieved or shared with other users of the Media Bank."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":454,"evergreenUrl":"egyptian-government-challenges-bahais-civil-rights-appeal-court-hearing-set-monday-19-june-cairo","title":"Egyptian Government challenges Baha'is' civil rights on appeal -- Court hearing set for Monday, 19 June, in Cairo","description":"Proponents of religious freedom around the world are expected to watch closely the appeal by the government of a case on which an Egyptian court...","date":"2006-06-15","customDateline":null,"city":"CAIRO","country":"EGYPT","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471222-bwns7714-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471222-bwns7714-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Map of Egypt","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Proponents of religious freedom around the world are expected to watch closely the appeal by the government of a case on which an Egyptian court will hold a hearing next Monday.\n\nThe case concerns an administrative court's ruling in April in favor of an Egyptian Baha'i couple who sought not to have their religion falsely identified on government documents, such as ID cards, without which most rights of citizenship are unobtainable.\n\nUnder pressure from conservative elements of Egyptian society, the government has appealed that decision, taking it before the Supreme Administrative Court.\n\nThe initial ruling and the appeal have drawn extensive media attention in Egypt and the Arab world as the implications go far beyond the Baha'is who are directly involved, explained Hossam Bahgat, director of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), an independent Egyptian human rights organization.\n\n\"This case is important not only for Baha'is but for all Egyptians as it will set an important precedent in terms of citizenship, equality, and freedom of religion,\" said\n\nMr. Bahgat. \"There is a huge interest in this case.\"\n\n\"The human rights community, the legal community and the media are closely following it,\" he said. \"We have at least a hundred press clippings from May alone.\"\n\nThe attention came after a lower administrative court ruled in favor of the Baha'is on\n\n4 April 2006, ordering the government to issue identity cards and birth certificates that correctly state their professed religion as members of the Baha'i Faith.\n\nElements of society here, particularly Al Azhar University and the Muslim Brotherhood, raised an outcry in the wake of the decision, objecting to any kind of recognition of the Baha'i Faith as a religious belief. That reaction, in turn, triggered a wholesale debate in newspapers and blogs throughout the Arab world over the right to freedom of religion and belief.\n\n\"People on both sides of the case are mobilized,\" said Mr. Bahgat. \"There are people who are in support of the Baha'is, and people who see this as a threat to society or Islam.\"\n\nIn early May, the government appealed the lower court's ruling, and the hearing next Monday will focus on procedural issues concerning the case, which could go on in the courts for some time, said Mr. Bahgat.\n\nThe emotions stirred by the case were evident at the initial hearing on the government's appeal of the case by the Supreme Administrative Court, held 15 May.\n\nA description of that hearing was posted by the EIPR to its website last month.\n\n\"Lawyers and other individuals seated in the courthouse interrupted and heckled defense counsel each time they tried to address the court and yelled insults at them, calling them 'infidels' and threatening them with physical violence during the hearing,\" said the EIPR in the statement issued on 15 May and posted on its website.\n\n\"Unable to impose order in the courtroom, the Court briefly adjourned the hearing before resuming the proceedings *in camera*,\" the EIPR statement continued. \"When the hearing was adjourned, courthouse security officers refused to protect lawyers who were surrounded by members of the crowd, verbally threatened, pushed, shoved and not allowed to walk away from the area.\"\n\nBani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations, said she hoped next Monday's hearing would not be marked by similar kinds of abuse and threats. \"We believe that such actions, if allowed by the Court, are prejudicial to the case,\" said Ms. Dugal.\n\n\"Further, our hope is that the Court will not allow the emotions that have arisen regarding this case to cloud their judgment on what is an otherwise clear-cut matter concerning the right of individuals simply to profess their own beliefs -- a right that is firmly upheld in both international and Egyptian law.\n\n\"The Baha'is represented in the case, and by extension the entire Baha'i community of Egypt, only ask that they be given the same rights as other Egyptian citizens, which in this case concerns the right not to have one's religion falsely identified in government documents. Such false reporting, in addition to being fraudulent, is for the Baha'is a denial of their Faith.\"\n\nOne reason the issue rose to prominence after the initial court ruling in April is because Egypt officially recognizes only three religions: Islam, Christianity and Judaism. And even though the lower court acknowledged that Islamic jurisprudence does not recognize the Baha'i Faith for \"open practice,\" it ruled nevertheless that the religion of Baha'is should be acknowledged in official documents, rather than falsely identified as Muslim or one of the other religions, which government agencies currently insist upon.\n\n\"This is not about forcing the Egyptian government or anyone to accept or recognize the divine origin of the Baha'i Faith,\" said Ms. Dugal. \"It is simply that Baha'is, like all other Egyptian citizens, are legally required to obtain government-issued ID cards. And without such documents, Egyptian Baha'is are unable to gain legal access to employment, education, and medical and financial services, and are deprived of freedom of movement.\"\n\nMs. Dugal said human rights organizations in Egypt and elsewhere will closely watch the appeal process.\n\n\"For Baha'is, the issue is simply a matter of obtaining the same rights granted to every other Egyptian citizen, and being allowed to live their lives in peace,\" said Ms. Dugal. \"But there is little doubt that the issue has taken on a wider significance in Egyptian and Arab society, as evidenced by the intense discussion on issues of religious freedom and tolerance that this simple case has stimulated.\"\n\nFor more information, [click here](http://www.bahai.org/persecution/egypt)."}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":453,"evergreenUrl":"low-key-approach-virtues-training-pays-big-dividends","title":"Low-key approach to virtues training pays big dividends","description":"When city health officials make their morning rounds to pick up used syringes, the neighborhood of Lord Selkirk Park in Winnipeg's north end...","date":"2006-06-12","customDateline":null,"city":"WINNIPEG, MANITOBA","country":"CANADA","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471208-bwns7691-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471208-bwns7691-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Jordan weaves a \"God's eye\" at the crafts table during the Family Virtues Breakfast in Winnipeg.","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"When city health officials make their morning rounds to pick up used syringes, the neighborhood of Lord Selkirk Park in Winnipeg's north end is often their first stop.\n\nIt's a measure of the problems afflicting the district, which has the lowest per capita income, the lowest level of education, and the highest percentage of single parent families among all neighborhoods in this central Canadian city.\n\nA ray of hope shines here every Sunday morning during the school year, however, when dozens of children from the area stream into the Turtle Island Neighborhood Center for breakfast, crafts, friendship, and a chance to bring out the virtues in each other.\n\nBegun as a volunteer service by Winnipeg Baha'is in 2001, the Family Virtues Breakfast this year attracted as many as 80 children and parents each week. It has become \"a Sunday morning tradition,\" according to Nicole Richard, a mother who has been coming with her four children for about two years.\n\nWhile many families were initially drawn by the prospect of free food -- the menu usually features pancakes, French toast, hash browns, ham or sausage, and juice -- the program's continuing attraction has become its emphasis on helping children build positive moral capacities.\n\nThe virtues component of the program comes without any lecturing or structured lessons. Rather, project volunteers take an interactive approach to teaching virtues, involving crafts, drawing, and reading, and games like skipping and tag.\n\nDuring such activities, project volunteers strive to foster virtuous behavior by modeling it themselves.\n\nThey also seek to provide positive reinforcement when the children behave well. On the ready are specially marked cards that identify virtues like courtesy, joyfulness, or truthfulness. When a child displays such a virtue, they are handed a card.\n\n\"Mostly our goal is for children and adults to experience the virtues,\" said Stephanie Bloodworth, a long-standing Baha'i volunteer with the program. \"We want it to be interactive.\"\n\nThose who have watched the program from the outside agree that the project's low-key approach has been effective.\n\n\"I know that it is hard for any organization to put together a program that attracts families as a unit,\" said Shon Haynes, who was program coordinator at the Turtle Island center until April. \"I understand they get 70 to 80 families coming to the breakfast program, which kind of blows my mind. It is so hard to get families to do anything together.\"\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Mr. Haynes added that the idea of modeling virtues, instead of lecturing about them, has been an important innovation. \"One of the reasons why workshops or community meetings have failed in that area is because you have an individual coming and standing up in front of the room and saying 'This is how things should be done.' But they don't do that and for that reason it is effective, and appreciated by the community.\"\n\nOther social service groups have begun to enquire about the project's approach. The project has also started to receive outside funding and donations. In 2003, for example, the Winnipeg Foundation donated C$3,000 for food, craft supplies, and equipment.\n\nThe Winnipeg Harvest food bank also gives weekly donations of food stuffs when they are available. This year, as well, the project received C$1,684 for crafts from the North End Community Renewal Corporation.\n\nOrganizers said the project's innovative approach has evolved through a process of action and reflection -- and a dose of Baha'i consultation.\n\n\"At the end of every morning, we sit down with all the volunteers and debrief,\" said Sheila Pinkerton, a volunteer since 2001, who is also the liaison with the local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Winnipeg, which oversees the project.\n\n\"We ask each other: what is needed, how can we respond better, and how can we do it differently,\" said Ms. Pinkerton. \"So it is an on-going process of evaluation and adjustment.\"\n\nCurrently, about 12 Baha'is -- and up to half-dozen non-Baha'is -- form the core group that volunteers every Sunday during the school year, when the project is active, said Ms. Pinkerton.\n\nThe project began, however, as an individual initiative, started by two Baha'is. The two, who have since moved on to other activities, went to Turtle Island in the summer of 2001, offering to provide whatever services they could offer.\n\nThe pair met with local parents and the Turtle Island board, who agreed that the most useful service they could provide was a program for the children. Built in the 1980s, with meeting rooms, a small library, and a gymnasium, the Turtle Island center sits in the middle of a subsidized housing development.\n\nThe breakfast was launched, and the pair enlisted the help of other Baha'is in the community, including Ms. Bloodworth and Ms. Pinkerton. The early breakfasts were preceded by a brief group discussion of a particular virtue, and toys were brought in to occupy the children for the remainder of the morning.\n\nAbout 20 kids came each week during that first year. The local Baha'i community defrayed most of the costs associated with the program, and some of the food that the local food bank was providing to the center was diverted to the breakfast.\n\nThat first year was difficult. The children largely ignored the volunteers and often disobeyed the ground rules that had been laid out, said Ms. Pinkerton.\n\n\"What we found was that the kids interacted with the toys,\" said Ms. Pinkerton. \"There wasn't a way for us to interact with them, apart from sitting down with them at breakfast and cutting their pancakes and trying to talk to them. That would be our golden moment. But apart from that we were just maintaining order. And these kids treated us like a wall. It was like, 'You're not there. I'm talking to you -- I don't hear you.'\"\n\nThe team also found that the toys were disappearing from week to week.\n\nSo they consulted together and retooled. Games were gradually replaced by crafts that participants could work on at the center and take home afterwards. Parents were actively invited to participate in the program with their kids. And the virtues component became less formalized and more integrated into the rest of the morning's activities.\n\nAttendance grew year by year, peaking last year when as many as 140 children and adults showed up on a given Sunday. The team has had to limit numbers to about 80 this year to make it manageable.\n\nMs. Bloodworth believes the process of action and reflection, rather than any professional expertise, is what has kept the program relevant to the needs of the children and their parents.\n\n\"On some level, we recognize that this is a lifeline for some of the people who come,\" said Ms. Bloodworth.\n\nDan Trottier, program coordinator of the Lord Selkirk Aboriginal Women's Group, which also runs programs in Lord Selkirk Park, agrees that the program has been a benefit for the community.\n\n\"It fills the weekend void,\" said Mr. Trottier. \"It helps the families come together. You have activities going for different age groups. There's not enough of that. Usually the parents are not involved.\n\n\"It's a great program,\" he added, \"a much needed program.\"\n\n-- *Canadian Baha'i News Service*"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471208-bwns7690-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Some of the children and parents who attend the Family Virtues Breakfast posed recently in the gym of the community center where the program takes place."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471207-bwns7689-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Rod Sasaki, far right, one of the Baha'i volunteers, helps out with skipping rope, one of several popular activities at the Sunday Family Virtues Breakfast at the Turtle Island Neighborhood Center in Winnipeg's Lord Selkirk Park."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471208-bwns7688-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Nicole Richard, shown here with her youngest of four children, has been coming to the Baha'i-sponsored Family Virtues Breakfast for about two years. She said the regulars feel \"like a huge extended family.\""}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":452,"evergreenUrl":"correction","title":"Correction","description":"In the 24 May 2006 story on the arrests of Baha'is in Shiraz, we reported that they were teaching classes to underprivileged children in a school...","date":"2006-05-30","customDateline":null,"city":"NEW YORK","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1687959778-bwns-default-missing-image-endslate-still-8-1-1.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"In the 24 May 2006 story on the arrests of Baha'is in Shiraz, we reported that they were teaching classes to underprivileged children in a school as part of a UNICEF community service activity conducted by a local non-governmental organization when they were arrested. We have learned since that the project was one of local initiative, in which participants modeled their efforts after a UNICEF project. It was not, however, directly associated with UNICEF. We apologize if this caused any misunderstanding.\n\nPlease go here to view the corrected story: [https://news.bahai.org/story/450](/story/450)"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":451,"evergreenUrl":"update-arrests-iran","title":"Update on arrests in Iran","description":"After their arrests on 19 May in Shiraz, Iran, three Baha'is remain in jail while 51 others have been released on bail. No indication has been...","date":"2006-05-26","customDateline":false,"city":"NEW YORK","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471198-bwns7667-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543471198-bwns7667-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Map of Iran","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"After their arrests on 19 May in Shiraz, Iran, three Baha'is remain in jail while 51 others have been released on bail.  No indication has been given as to when the three will be released.  None of those who had been released, nor the three who are still being detained, have been formally charged.\n\nOn the day of the arrests, one Baha'i, under the age of 15, was released without having to post bail.  At that same time, several other young people who are not Baha'is and who had been arrested with the Baha'is, were also released without bail.\n\nOn Wednesday 24 May, five days after their summary arrests, 14 of the Baha'is were released, each having been required to provide deeds of property to the value of ten million tumans (approximately US$11,000) as collateral for release.  The following day, Thursday 25 May, 36 Baha'is were released on the strength of either personal guarantees or the deposit of work licenses with the court as surety that they will appear when summoned to court.\n\nFor more information on the situation of the Baha'is in Iran , please go here: http://www.bahai.org/persecution/iran"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":450,"evergreenUrl":"54-bahais-arrested-iran","title":"54 Baha'is arrested in Iran","description":"Iranian officials have arrested 54 Baha'is in the city of Shiraz, the Baha'i International Community has learned. They are mostly youth and were...","date":"2006-05-24","customDateline":false,"city":"NEW YORK","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469531-bwns7666-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469531-bwns7666-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Three of the Baha'í youth arrested in Shiraz, 19 May 2006.","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Iranian officials have arrested 54 Baha'is in the city of Shiraz, the Baha'i International Community has learned.  They are mostly youth and were all engaged in humanitarian service when they were arrested.  It is one of the largest number of Baha'is taken at once since the 1980s. The specific charges are not clear, though in the past, Baha'is have been arrested summarily on false charges.\n\nThe arrests occurred on Friday, 19 May, while the Baha'is, along with several other volunteers who were not Baha'is, were teaching classes to underprivileged children in a school as part of a community service activity conducted by a local nongovernmental organization. At the time of the arrests, they had in their possession a letter of permission from the Islamic Council of Shiraz. They also carried the letter of permission in each of their classes.\n\nThe nature of the charges against the Baha'is is unknown at this time. The day following the arrests, a judge told family members that the detainees would be freed soon. As of today, it appears that all of the non-Baha'is and one Baha'i junior youth have been released without having to post bail.\n\nThe arrests coincided with raids on six Baha'i homes during which notebooks, computers, books, and other documents were confiscated. In the last 14 months, 72 Baha'is across Iran have been arrested and held for up to several weeks.\n\n\"These new arrests in Shiraz, coming after more than a year of 'revolving door' detentions, bring the total number of Baha'is who have been arrested without cause to more than 125 since the beginning of 2005,\" said Bani Dugal, principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations.\n\n\"Taken all together, this pattern of arbitrary arrests and detentions amount to the purest form of religious persecution and reflect nothing less than a calculated effort by the Iranian government to keep the Baha'i community utterly off balance and in a state of terror,\" Ms. Dugal said.\n\nThe arrests come against a backdrop of increasing concern by international human rights monitors that the Iranian Government is escalating its 25-year-long campaign of persecution against the 300,000-member Baha'i community of Iran, the largest religious minority in that country.\n\nIn March, the UN Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on freedom of religion or belief released news of a secret 29 October 2005 letter from the Iranian military high command ordering police and Revolutionary Guard units to \"identify\" and \"monitor\" members of the Baha'i community of Iran, saying the existence of such a letter made her \"highly concerned.\"\n\nMoreover, since late 2005, more than 30 mostly negative and often defamatory articles about the Baha'is and their religion have appeared in \"Kayhan,\" the official Tehran daily newspaper. Radio and television broadcasts have likewise increasingly condemned the Baha'is and their beliefs.\n\nSince January, in addition to the 54 arrested in Shiraz last Friday, seven Baha'is have been arrested and held for periods of up to one month in Kermanshah, Isfahan, and Tehran.\n\nAmong those arrested in January was Mrs. Roya Habibi of Kermanshah, who has reported that she was interrogated for eight hours, with questions focused on her role as coordinator of a program to provide religious instruction in the Baha'i Faith.\n\nIn the court document that sets out the charges against her, Mrs. Habibi, who is currently out on bail, \"is charged with teaching the Bahaism sect and acting in an insulting manner towards all that is holy in Islam.\"\n\n\"While it is often difficult to get details on the charges against Baha'is, there is no doubt that most of them – like the case against Mrs. Habibi – are motivated purely by religious intolerance and prejudice,\" said Ms. Dugal.\n\nLast year, some 65 Baha'is were arrested and held for periods of time ranging from a few days to more than a month.\n\nWhile most were held less than a week, others were jailed for up to three months. Some of the prisoners last year were held incommunicado, in unknown locations, while their families desperately searched for them. Last year also, government agents conducted prolonged searches of many of their homes, confiscating documents, books, computers, copiers and other belongings.\n\nIn the 1980s, some 200 Baha'is were killed or executed. Thousands were arrested and hundreds were imprisoned, many for long periods. In recent years, in the face of international monitoring, the executions and long-term imprisonments have stopped.\n\n*(Correction: In this 24 May 2006 story on the arrests of Baha'is in Shiraz, we reported that they were teaching classes to underprivileged children in a school as part of a UNICEF community service activity conducted by a local nongovernmental organization when they were arrested. We have learned that the project was one of local initiative, in which participants modeled their efforts after a UNICEF project. It was not, however, directly associated with UNICEF. We apologize if this caused any misunderstanding.)*"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":449,"evergreenUrl":"collecting-e-waste-is-an-interfaith-effort","title":"Collecting \"e-waste\" is an interfaith effort","description":"Just nine years old, Eve McCowen was dwarfed by the huge piles of unwanted electronic equipment that quickly accumulated in the parking lot of...","date":"2006-05-11","customDateline":null,"city":"MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469514-bwns7636-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469514-bwns7636-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Rehema Clarken, right, puts an old CD player into an \"e-waste\" recycling bin during the Earth Keepers Clean Sweep in Marquette, Michigan, on 22 April 2006. In the red jacket is Dennis McCowen. Both are Baha'is. (Photo by Greg Peterson.)","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Just nine years old, Eve McCowen was dwarfed by the huge piles of unwanted electronic equipment that quickly accumulated in the parking lot of the Messiah Lutheran Church on Earth Day 2006.\n\nBut she was nevertheless one of the first to run up to an arriving car that needed to be unloaded as residents brought old stereos, defunct computers, and broken television sets for recycling.\n\n\"Recycling is good for the environment because when you throw stuff away it can get in the earth's soil and water and that isn't good for the earth,\" said Eve, the daughter of Dennis and Lisa McCowen of Marquette.\n\nEve is also a Baha'i, as are her parents, and they were among the nine Baha'is from Marquette who participated in the second annual Earth Keeper Clean Sweep on  22 April 2006, which is designated as Earth Day in the United States and many other countries.\n\nThe effort collected more than 300 tons of \"e-waste\" -- electronic equipment like television sets, computers, VCRs, and the like that are not otherwise easily recycled -- from various sites in across Michigan's Upper Peninsula, a sparsely populated region north of Lake Michigan.\n\nThe Earth Keeper event also showed how faith communities can collaborate on local and regional projects for the common good.\n\nIn this case, more than 350 volunteers from some 120 churches, temples, and faith communities across the Upper Peninsula participated. Represented were: Baha'is, Buddhists, Catholics, Episcopalians, Jews, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists and Unitarian Universalists. All totaled, the faith groups represented have some 130,000 members in the region.\n\n\"This is historic and I hope it is a model that can be duplicated throughout the country and the world,\" said Rodney Clarken, a Baha'i and one of the original signers of the Earth Keeper Covenant. \"We often see faith communities arguing and even killing one another -- we have here an example of spiritual leaders and their communities uniting.\"\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"\"I believe the overwhelming response to the local initiatives to collect hazardous wastes last year and electronic wastes this year has largely been the result of all the faith communities uniting to support this endeavor,\" said Dr. Clarken, who is a professor of education and director of field experiences at Northern Michigan University (NMU) in Marquette.\n\n\"Without the force of religion to sustain and inspire moral action, little can be accomplished,\" Dr. Clarken said.\n\nCarl Lindquist, director of the Central Lake Superior Community Partnership and the event's organizer, said Baha'is were a \"key partner\" in the event.\n\n\"They were very enthusiastic, and very well informed about the issues,\" said Mr. Lindquist, adding that faith groups in general were critical players in raising public awareness about the event, and then motivating people to take action.\n\n\"As the director of a non-profit environmental organization, who has also worked at the state and federal levels, we have been trying to do public education and efforts like this over the years -- and I've never seen anything more effective than this, ever,\" he said.\n\nWith faith groups, Mr. Lindquist said, \"when you send the word out, they listen and they respond.\"\n\nThe annual clean sweep is sponsored by the Central Lake Superior Watershed Partnership, the non-profit Cedar Tree Institute, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and the various faith communities that participated.\n\nLast year's Clean Sweep collected about 46 tons of household poisons like pesticides, herbicides, mercury, car batteries and lead-based paints. More such household hazardous waste was collected in three hours than the Upper Penninsula's landfills normally see in two years.\n\nDr. Clarken and other Baha'is who participated said they hope that similar projects will be started by Baha'is around the world.\n\nDr. Clarken said that such projects can help \"break down the artificial barriers we have constructed between religions, nations, cultures, and the world in which we live.\n\n\"May these efforts reinforce a hundredfold our work toward creating a world in which all people can live in peace and prosperity,\" said Dr. Clarken.\n\nRehema Clarken, a 27-year-old NMU graduate student and the daughter of Dr. Clarken, said the project offers an important lesson because \"so many people from so many different faiths pulled together to complete a project that really benefits our community.\"\n\n\"Whatever differences we might have in our religious beliefs, we have become united in service,\" said Ms. Clarken.\n\nVicki Lockwood of Marquette said the Earth Keeper event helped her to understand better various Baha'i principles, such as the importance of service and the concept of unity in diversity.\n\n\"This instills the concept of unity, and unless you center on your commonalities you won't accomplish much,\" said Ms. Lockwood. \"We were all working with the concept of keeping these products out of the landfills and keeping pollution off the ground and out of the air.\"\n\nJean Soderberg, a nurse and a Baha'i since 1993, agreed that the chance to work with other faith groups offered an important model.\n\n\"Protecting the environment is the responsibility of everyone on the planet if we are to continue to enjoy the bounties God gives us,\" said Ms. Soderberg. \"Doing this through a faith-based organization is an even more rewarding opportunity.\"\n\n-- Reported by Greg Peterson"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469510-bwns7635-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Dr. Rodney Clarken, a Baha'i and one of the original signers of the Earth Keeper Covenant, at left, looks on as \"e-waste\" is collected in a recycling bin in Marquette, Michigan. Also shown are Jean Soderberg (background, center) and Dennis McCowen (in red). All are Baha'is and all were participating in the Earth Keeper Clean Sweep on 22 April 2006. (Photo by Greg Peterson.)"},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469511-bwns7634-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Eve McCowen, 9, tosses an old computer into a recycling pile under the watchful eye of her mother, Lisa, on 22 April 2006 during the Earth Keeper Clean Sweep in Marquette, Michigan, USA. Eve and Lisa McCowen were among nine Baha'is who joined some 350 other volunteers to help collect electronic waste on Michigan's Upper Penninsula in an interfaith effort. (Photo by Greg Peterson.)"}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":448,"evergreenUrl":"folding-paper-flowers-religious-harmony","title":"Folding paper flowers for religious harmony","description":"Young members of the Baha'i community here recently gave support to a national interfaith project aimed at bringing Singaporeans of all races...","date":"2006-05-11","customDateline":null,"city":"SINGAPORE","country":"SINGAPORE","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469497-bwns7633-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469497-bwns7633-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Project Million Lotus 2006 aims to have young people of all races and religions in Singapore make a million paper lotuses as symbols of purity and harmony. Shown, left to right, are Kuek Shao Zhen, Yuen Yi Ying, and Chong Ming Hwee, all Baha'is, folding paper flowers at the Singapore Baha'i Center on 15 April 2006.","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Young members of the Baha'i community here recently gave support to a national interfaith project aimed at bringing Singaporeans of all races and religions together.\n\nAbout 40 youth gathered at the Singapore Baha'i Center on 15 April 2006 to fold paper lotuses as part of the Project Million Lotus 2006, which is sponsored by the Singapore Buddhist Federation.\n\nThe effort aims to have young people of all races and religions make a million paper lotuses as symbols of purity and harmony.\n\n\"The idea of folding a paper lotus is taken from the symbolic meaning of a lotus that grows in muddy water and yet emerges into a pure and beautiful flower,\" said Lynette Thomas, Secretary of The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Singapore.\n\n\"Every lotus folded is like a wish for harmony that unites all people in Singapore,\" said Ms. Thomas. \"Each of the nine major religions has been invited to open up their centers for one Saturday to host youth from other communities to come and fold paper lotuses.\"\n\nMs. Thomas said in addition to the 15 April event, Baha'i study circles in the city have also folded lotuses for the project. She said about 4,000 lotuses have been contributed so far by Baha'is.\n\nThe 40 young people who gathered at the Singapore Baha'i Center included many from Chung Cheng High School who are not Baha'is.\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"\"Regarding the million Lotus project, I think it is a very meaningful one,\" said Sabrina Han, one of the Baha'i youths who participated on 15 April, saying it brings \"many youths from different religions together.\"\n\nAnita Kuppusamy, another of the Bahai youths who participated on 15 April, said she found that the effort lead to meeting many new friends.\n\n\"Though I had a hard time folding the lotuses at first, I got better at it after folding a few,\" she said. \"The center was filled with energetic youths and I was glad to be one of them.\"\n\nThe project has received support from Singaporean President S.R. Nathan, as well as from the Central Singapore Community Development Council, Trust Central, the Inter Religious Organisation (IRO) of Singapore, and several Singapore corporations.\n\nThe lotuses were scheduled to be displayed at the Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza on 6-7 May 2006 as the highlight of the \"Growing Compassion, Harvesting Harmony,\" Singapore celebration of the Vesak Festival.\n\n\"The National Assembly is delighted by the initiative shown by the Baha'i youth to be part of this event to foster inter-religious harmony,\" said Ms. Thomas. \"It has provided them with a great opportunity to learn more about the peace-loving religion of Buddhism and to interact with the Buddhist youth.\""}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469497-bwns7632-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"About 40 youth gathered at the Singapore Baha'i Center on 15 April 2006 to fold paper lotuses as part of the Project Million Lotus 2006. Shown here are six secondary school students from Chung Cheng High School with Baha'i Sabrina Han (center) in the blue shirt."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":447,"evergreenUrl":"annual-bahai-world-volume-examines-science-morality-concept-progress-global-activities","title":"Annual 'Baha'i World' volume examines the science of morality, concept of progress, and global activities","description":"An examination of the science of morality, a look at the opportunities and challenges presented by human \"progress,\" and a report on a small...","date":"2006-04-17","customDateline":null,"city":"HAIFA","country":"ISRAEL","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469484-bwns7618-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469484-bwns7618-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"During the year 2004-2005, a number of Baha'i communities celebrated their 50th year in existence. A full report in the latest volume of *The Baha'i World * includes this photograph of a dance troupe that performed at the jubilee celebrations in Burundi in August 2004.","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"An examination of the science of morality, a look at the opportunities and challenges presented by human \"progress,\" and a report on a small but inspiring educational project in Mali are among the articles in the latest volume of \"The Baha'i World.\"\n\nAn annual record of Baha'i activities and perspectives, \"The Baha'i World 2004-2005\" also includes reports on the 2004 Parliament of the World's Religions, an historic restoration of the prison cell where Baha'u'llah was held in the late 1800s, and the use of arts in Baha'i community life.\n\nNow available from the U.S. Baha'i Distribution Service, the book is the 13th volume in an annual series aimed both at Baha'i readers and the general public.\n\n\"One of our main goals in the production of these volumes is to document the activities and thinking of the worldwide Baha'i community in a way that will be of interest to any serious researcher,\" said Ann Boyles, editor of \"The Baha'i World.\"\n\n\"However, we also believe that the general reader will find the topics -- which explicitly analyze current trends in our global society from a Baha'i point of view -- to be of relevance.\"\n\nThe article on \"Science and Morality\" by Graham Walker discusses some of the latest scientific findings in neuroscience relating to brain capacity and the evolution of altruism, addresses the probability that life in the universe was created by chance, and examines the role of genetics in the development of human character.\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Like many of the other articles in the new volume, Dr. Walker's essay also approaches its subject from a practical standpoint.\n\n\"As cities become increasingly multiracial, cultural moral relativity is causing problems,\" writes Dr. Walker. \"For example, imbibing alcohol is seen as immoral hedonism by one but as a harmless pleasure-almost a rite of passage-to another; the thigh-high skirt and bare midriff are wanton to some but an innocent fashion to others...\"\n\nThe article about an effort by the Nosrat Foundation to establish village-level primary schools in Mali likewise offers practical lessons on the subject of how to promote community involvement in education, especially in an underdeveloped country.\n\n\"The schools that Nosrat has established are owned by the community,\" reports the article. \"The villagers themselves provide many of the construction materials for the buildings, which generally consist of three classrooms and latrines. Parents make mud bricks and do the actual construction, while Nosrat provides what is difficult to find or provide locally, such as cement and iron to cover and protect the walls and sustain the long-term roofing...\"\n\nA \"World Watch\" essay on some current views of the opportunities and challenges presented by \"progress,\" written by Dr. Boyles herself, offers not only a survey of current literature on the subject, but also a distinctive viewpoint of how Baha'is approach the idea of human progress.\n\n\"As one writer has observed, 'progress in the Western sense has become a virtually universal aspiration',\" writes Dr. Boyles, \"even though its achievement may still be a distant dream for the vast majority of the world's peoples. But is it, in fact, an entirely desirable or sustainable aspiration, or do we perhaps need to reconsider our view of progress and the criteria we use to measure it?\"\n\nDr. Boyles concludes that the \"experience of the Baha'i community offers compelling evidence 'that humanity can live as one global society, equal to whatever challenges its coming of age may entail.'\" Further, she writes, \"the Baha'i community is working with some urgency to promote an understanding of 'progress' that encompasses both the spiritual and the material aspects of life.\"\n\nOther articles in the volume include:\n\n-- An omnibus report on the celebrations by Baha'i communities around the world of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Ten Year Crusade, with numerous color photographs.\n\n-- An update on the human rights situation of the Baha'is in Iran and Arab countries.\n\n-- The publication of several recent major statements by the Baha'i International Community, including the Community's response to U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan's \"In Larger Freedom\" report, as well as a statement entitled \"Freedom of Religion,\" which is the Community's response to the United Nations Development Programme 2004 Human Development Report.\n\nThe volume also includes a selection of Baha'i Sacred Writings on the theme of science and progress, highlights from messages of the Universal House of Justice written during 2004-2005, and the \"Year in Review,\" which chronicles the worldwide activities of the Baha'i community from 21 April 2004 to 21 April 2005.\n\nThe volume also contains obituaries, statistics, an index, and a directory of Baha'i agencies and selected new publications in English. At 333 pages, in hardcover format with a cloth cover, \"The Baha'i World 2004-2005\" is available at a retail cost of US$19. It can be ordered from [http://www.bahaibookstore.com]( http://www.bahaibookstore.com)"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469484-bwns7617-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The latest volume of *The Baha'i World* offers researchers, academics, and the general public a glimpse of Baha'i activities around the world during the past year. Shown here is a study circle at the Baha'i center in Suva, Fiji, in March 2005."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469484-bwns7616-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Among the articles in the latest volume of *The Baha'i World* is a report on a series of primary schools established by the Nosrat Foundation in Mali. Shown here are first grade students at one of the schools."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":435,"evergreenUrl":"a-banner-year-bahai-communicators","title":"A banner year for Baha'i communicators","description":"Eleven professional Baha'i communicators have won 12 awards from the Religion Communicators Council for excellence and merit in the production...","date":"2006-04-07","customDateline":null,"city":"DALLAS","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469469-bwns7587-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469469-bwns7587-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Patricia Tomarelli, shown at left, receiving a \"Best of Class\" DeRose-Hinkhouse Award for \"Sarah Farmer's Dream of Peace\" in the \"public relations materials\" category, for special issue publications. Presenting the award, at right, is Jeanean Merkel, President of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC).","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Eleven professional Baha'i communicators have won 12 awards from the Religion Communicators Council for excellence and merit in the production of various informational materials last year.\n\nIn addition, Baha'i filmmakers Suzanne Kay and Mark Bamford won a major Council award for their feature-length theatrical film \"Cape of Good Hope.\"\n\nThe awards for professional religion communicators were presented at a dinner on 30 March 2006 as part of the annual Council national convention. Known as the DeRose-Hinkhouse Memorial Awards, they are presented to members of the Council who demonstrate excellence in religious communications and public relations, and are given in a wide variety of categories, from writing to website design.\n\nThe award to filmmakers Kay and Bamford was presented on 1 April 2006 in a ceremony meant to honor work in the secular media that highlights moral or religious themes.  Known as Wilbur Awards, they are reserved for nonmembers of the Council, also known by its acronym, the RCC.\n\nSet in South Africa, \"Cape of Good Hope\" interweaves a number of story lines, all revolving around a Cape Town animal rescue shelter. It has won numerous other awards around the world, including a jury prize for best film from the Starz Denver Pan African film festival.\n\nBaha'i professional religion communicators won seven DeRose-Hinkhouse \"Awards of Excellence\" for the production of magazines, booklets, books, special issue publications, CD illustration, and website design. Five secondary-level \"Awards of Merit\" were given to Baha'is for editorial writing, video documentary, and other forms of presentation.\n\n\"Without doubt, this was a banner year for Baha'i professional religion communicators, who won more awards in more categories in this annual competition than ever before,\" said Brad Pokorny, the editor of \"One Country,\" the newsletter of the Baha'i International Community.\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Mr. Pokorny, who has also been a member of the RCC since 1988, won two awards this year. He won an Award of Excellence in the category for \"public relations materials, booklets\" for [The Baha'i Question,](http://question.bahai.org) a booklet about the human rights situation of the Baha'is in Iran, which was published by the Office of Public Information of the Baha'i International Community. He also won a Certificate of Merit for an editorial in \"One Country\" titled \"The Challenge of Extreme Poverty.\"\n\nOther DeRose-Hinkhouse Awards of Excellence went to the following Baha'is:\n\n-- Amethel Parel-Sewell, editor of \"Brilliant Star\" magazine, published by the United States Baha'i community, for excellence in the national magazines category.\n\n-- Betty J. Fisher, editor, \"World Order\" magazine, published by the United States Baha'i community, in the national magazines single issue category, for Vol. 36, No. 3 of World Order.\n\n-- Patricia Tomarelli for \"Sarah Farmer's Dream of Peace\" in the \"public relations materials\" category, for special-issue publications. This work also won \"best of class\" citation in the public relations category, and Ms. Tomarelli gave a brief speech at the awards ceremony.\n\n-- Anne Gordon Perry for \"Green Acre on the Piscataqua\" of the Baha'i Publishing Trust, in the books category.\n\n-- Patricia Tomarelli for graphic design on the album cover of \"From Exile to Exaltation: Our offering to Baha'u'llah\" in the video/CD/DVD category.\n\n-- Glen Fullmer, director, U.S. Baha'i Office of Communications, and his colleagues Ellen Price, Deborah Wood, and Jeffrey Dalton, for the [U.S. Baha'i website](http://www.bahai.us) in the website category.\n\nOf note, Dr. Perry was also invited to be the keynote speaker for the convention. Speaking on the topic of \"Where Art Intersects Faith,\" Dr. Perry examined the convergence of art and religion in the past and anticipated future intersections.\n\n\"Art can enhance our experience of worship and bring new meaning to our sense and acts of faith,\" said Dr. Perry.  \"Art and religion, both potent forces in civilization, can be seen as having a profound, eternal partnership, capable of producing things beyond our current imaginings.\"\n\nDr. Betty J. Fisher, managing editor of \"World Order,\" said she was delighted to have won an award from the RCC. Her award was for a special issue devoted to the life and writings of the famous African-American philosopher Alain Locke -- who was not only a Rhodes Scholar and the Dean of the Harlem Renaissance but also a Baha'i.\n\n\"Since 1966, 'World Order' has been publishing on issues of broad social concern from a Baha'i perspective and has tried to stimulate, inspire, and serve those trying to understand the relationship between contemporary life and contemporary religious teachings and philosophy,\" said Dr. Fisher.\n\nFounded in 1929, the RCC is an international interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and in public relations.\n\nThe DeRose-Hinkhouse Awards are named to honor the late Victor DeRose and the late Paul M. Hinkhouse, leading lithographers in New York City and longtime friends of the RCC. Both men shared a strong interest in, and concern for, excellence in communications.\n\n\"These awards validate the imagination and originality so plentiful in our RCC family,\" said Victoria Goff, chair of the DeRose-Hinkhouse awards and executive with National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA in Valley Forge. \"They demonstrate the high quality of work that institutions receive from our RCC members.\"\n\nAs noted, five De-Rose Hinkhouse \"Certificates of Merit\" were also given to Baha'is. In addition to the certificate given to Brad Pokorny for \"One Country,\" Kari Carlson and Tiffany Walters of Baha'i Media Services won a Certificate of Merit for their Baha'i newsreel story \"Being Rich.\"  Dr. Perry won three Certificates of Merit for a PowerPoint presentation on the Portsmouth Peace Treaty, for the annual ABS Arts Journal, and for a newspaper feature on her portrayal of Sarah Farmer in the New Hampshire Chautauqua festival.\n\nThe entire list of RCC award winners can be found at: [www.religioncommunicators.org/derose_hinkhouse/dh2006excellence.html](http://www.religioncommunicators.org/derose_hinkhouse/dh2006excellence.html)\n\nand [www.religioncommunicators.org/wilbur/2006newsrelease.html](http://www.religioncommunicators.org/wilbur/2006newsrelease.html)"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469469-bwns7586-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"A group photograph of the Baha'is who attended the national Religion Communicators Council convention in Dallas, Texas, USA, this year. Shown left to right are: Anne Gordon Perry, Aaron Kreader, Ellen Price, Tiffany Walters, Mandy Morgan, Patricia Tomarelli, Joyce Litoff, Amethel Parel-Sewell, Susan Engle, Amy Renshaw, and Urla Morgan."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":434,"evergreenUrl":"white-house-spokesman-expresses-presidents-concern-over-worsening-situation-bahais-iran","title":"White House spokesman expresses President's concern over worsening situation of the Baha'is in Iran","description":"At the 28 March 2006 White House press briefing, Spokesman Scott McClellan said President George Bush is concerned over last week's announcement...","date":"2006-03-29","customDateline":null,"city":"WASHINGTON","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469460-bwns7585-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469460-bwns7585-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"The White House","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"At the 28 March 2006 White House press briefing, Spokesman Scott McClellan said President George Bush is concerned over [last week's announcement by a UN official](/story/432) that government persecution of the Baha'is in Iran is intensifying.\n\nIn response to a reporter's question, Mr. McClellan called on the Iranian regime to respect the religious freedom of all of its citizens and indicated the President would continue to monitor the situation of the Baha'is very closely. He also said the United States would continue to speak out and urge other countries in the region and the United Nations to defend the rights of the Baha'is and other religious minorities in Iran.\n\nFollowing is the transcript of the two questions on the situation of the Baha'is in Iran:\n\nQ: Scott, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief has said that she's highly concerned that the\n\ngovernment of Iran is about to increase its persecution of the 300,000 members of the Baha'i faith in that country. What is the President's message to the government of Iran on this issue?\n\nMR. McCLELLAN: Well, as you pointed out, she has expressed her concern that the situation with regard to religious minorities in Iran, the Baha'i, is, in fact, worsening. We share those concerns. We call on the regime in Iran to respect the religious freedom of all its minorities, and to ensure that these minorities are free to practice their religious beliefs without discrimination or fear. And we will continue to monitor the situation of the Baha'i -- the Baha'is in Iran very closely, and to speak out when their rights are denied.\n\nQ: What pressure would you urge, perhaps, other countries to put on Iran?\n\nMR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think we will talk with ambassadors of other countries in the region and raise this issue with them, and with their governments. We will continue to speak out and to raise this issue, the treatment of the Baha'is, in the United Nations and other organizations, and to ask all those who have any sort of influence in Tehran to continue to defend the rights of the Baha'i and other religious minorities.\n\nThe full transcript of the March 28 White House press briefing is available at www.whitehouse.gov/news/briefings.\n\n-- U.S. Baha'i News"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":433,"evergreenUrl":"british-politicians-commend-bahais-naw-ruz","title":"British politicians commend Baha'is on Naw-Ruz","description":"Prime Minister Tony Blair and other top British politicians have sent greetings to the Baha'i community of the United Kingdom on Naw-Ruz, the...","date":"2006-03-28","customDateline":null,"city":"LONDON","country":"ENGLAND","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469442-bwns7583-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469442-bwns7583-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Phiroza Gan (left) of the Zoroastrian community in conversation with Noemi Robiati (right) and another Baha'i youth at a Naw-Ruz celebration in the House of Commons on 21 March 2006.","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Prime Minister Tony Blair and other top British politicians have sent greetings to the Baha'i community of the United Kingdom on Naw-Ruz, the Baha'i New Year.\n\nIn their messages, Mr. Blair and the others took note of Baha'i efforts to promote social cohesion and human rights.\n\n\"I warmly commend all that the Baha'i community does for social cohesion and better inter-faith relations, which makes such a valuable contribution to our society,\" wrote Mr. Blair in his message, which was read on 21 March 2006 at a reception in the House of Commons.\n\n\"Your commitment to tackling discrimination and promoting our shared humanity is particularly important,\" said Mr. Blair. \"I hope that this work will become increasingly well-known.\"\n\nAbout 90 people attended the Naw-Ruz reception, which was organized by the Office of External Affairs of the Baha'i community of the UK and held on the terrace of the House of Commons.\n\nWhile Mr. Blair was not in attendance, many prominent people were, including several Members of Parliament, a Peer, and officials from a number of government departments, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Home Office, and No. 10 Downing Street.\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Also joining the celebration were members of all of the major faith communities in the UK: Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, and Zoroastrians.\n\nMember of Parliament David Cameron, leader of the opposition Conservative Party, also sent a message, which was also read out at the reception.\n\n\"There is no doubt that your faith's belief in the breaking down of barriers that separate people is a lesson to us all, as we face the national and international challenges of our day,\" said Mr. Cameron.\n\n\"The importance you place on principles such as social justice, and the need to tackle prejudice, has stood the test of time. These principles are as vital today as they were a century and a half ago. \"\n\nIn his message, Member of Parliament Sir Menzies Campbell, leader of the Liberal Democrat Party, took note of Baha'i efforts to promote human rights.\n\n\"I have enormous respect and admiration for both the philosophy and culture which the Baha'i faith embraces and represents,\" said Sir Campbell in his message.  \"Particularly, I am proud of the work you do in conjunction with my fellow Liberal Democrat Parliamentarians regarding human rights abroad.\n\n\"I know that in Iran there is much to do before the Baha'i faith can live without fear of intimidation or persecution. However, I am confident that this end will be achieved through our collective effort.\"\n\nMember of Parliament Lembit Opik, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Friends of the Baha'is, welcomed guests to the reception. He praised the Baha'is for their solidarity and optimism and said that being with Baha'is reminded him of why he was in politics -- to try to make the world a better place.\n\nBarney Leith, secretary for external affairs of the Baha'i community of the United Kingdom, welcomed the guests and explained that the festival of Naw-Ruz is a time of celebration for the Baha'i community.\n\nMr. Leith noted that the festival of Naw-Ruz is shared with the Zoroastrians.  Mr. Leith added, however, that while the Baha'is in the UK were free to celebrate, the Baha'is in Iran were suffering ever greater levels of persecution. He warmly thanked Her Majesty's Government, and particularly the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, for its steadfast support and excellent work in defending the human rights of the Baha'is in Iran.\n\nMr. Leith also thanked the All Party Friends of the Baha'is for their continuing support.\n\nWhile Prime Minister Blair has sent Naw-Ruz greetings to the Baha'i community previously, this was the first time the UK Baha'i community had received New Year's greetings from the leaders of all three main political parties.\n\nGye Nyami, a London-based Baha'i musical ensemble closed the formal programme by performing three pieces with texts taken from Baha'i, Hindu and Buddhist scriptures.\n\n\"There can be no doubt that this was the best of the successive Naw-Ruz receptions held over many years in the House of Commons,\" said Mr. Leith. \"There was a warm spirit of welcome for all who attended. The presence of so many MPs and government officials clearly confirms the respect in which the Faith is held at quite senior levels in government.\""}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469442-bwns7582-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Left to right: Dr Wendi Momen of the Baha'i community; Eileen Fry, Director of the Multifaith Centre at Derby University; William Chapman, Prime Minister's Appointments Secretary at 10 Downing Street."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469442-bwns7581-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Peter Luff MP, Treasurer of the All Party Parliamentary Friends of the Baha'is, reads the Naw-Ruz greeting message from David Cameron MP, Leader of the Opposition at a 21 March 2006 Naw-Ruz celebration at the House of Commons."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469442-bwns7580-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Barney Leith (right), secretary for external affairs of the Baha'i community of the United Kingdom, talks to Dr. Anna Cummins (far left), leader of the Btitish Home Office's Faith Communities Engagement Team, at a Naw-Ruz celebration in the House of Commons on 21 March 2006. Also shown are several other Home Office officials."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":432,"evergreenUrl":"un-religious-freedom-official-expresses-fears-bahais-iran","title":"UN Religious Freedom Official expresses fears for Baha'is in Iran","description":"Representatives of the Baha'i International Community reacted with alarm today to a United Nations official's statement about actions of the...","date":"2006-03-20","customDateline":null,"city":"UNITED NATIONS","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1687959778-bwns-default-missing-image-endslate-still-8-1-1.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Representatives of  the Baha'i International Community reacted with alarm today to a United Nations official's statement about actions of the Iranian government against the  Baha'is in Iran.\n\nThe United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Asma Jahangir, stated  that she was highly concerned and expressed her apprehensions in a press release posted today about \"a confidential letter sent on 29 October 2005 by the Chairman of the Command Headquarters of the Armed Forces in Iran to a number of governmental agencies.\"\n\n\"The  letter,\" she said, \"which is addressed to the Ministry of Information, the Revolutionary Guard and the Police Force, states that the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, had instructed the Command Headquarters to identify persons who adhere to the Baha'i faith and monitor their activities. The letter goes on to request the recipients to, in a highly confidential manner, collect any and  all information about members of the Baha'i faith.\"\n\n\"We are grateful that Ms. Jahangir has brought this activity to light,\" said Bani Dugal, the Baha'i International Community's principal  representative to the UN.  \"We share her concern for the welfare of the Baha'is and shudder to think what this might mean. Because of the unprecedented character of the government's action, we are  addressing a request to the Ambassador of Iran for an explanation.\"\n\nMs. Jahangir also \"considers that such monitoring constitutes an impermissible and unacceptable interference with the rights of members of religious minorities.\"\n\n\"The  Special Rapporteur's concern that such information could be 'used as a basis for the increased persecution of, and discrimination against, members of the Baha'i faith' is clearly well-founded,\" said Ms. Dugal.\n\nSuch actions come in the wake of mounting media attacks on the Baha'is, the nature  of which in the past have preceded government-led assaults on the Baha'is in Iran. \"Kayhan,\" the official Tehran daily newspaper has carried more than  30 articles about the Baha'is and their religion in recent weeks, all defamatory in ways that are meant to create provocation. Radio and television programs have joined in  as well with broadcasts condemning the Baha'is and their beliefs. In addition, the rise in influence in Iranian  governmental circles of the Anti-Baha'i Society, Hojjatieh, an organization committed  to the destruction of the Baha'i Faith, can only heighten the fears for that  beleaguered community.\n\n\"We well know what hateful propaganda can lead to; recent  history offers too many examples of its horrific consequences. We make an urgent appeal to all nations and  peoples on behalf of our Iranian coreligionists that they not allow a  peace-loving, law-abiding people to face the extremes to which blind hate can  lead,\" said Ms. Dugal. \"The ghastly  deeds that grew out of similar circumstances in the past should not now be  allowed to happen. Not again.\"\n\n**Statement by Bani Dugal, Principal Representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations, in the wake of the announcement of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief concerning treatment of followers of the Baha'i Faith in Iran**\n\n20 March 2006\n\nNew York City\n\nThe statement of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief about recent actions taken by the Government of Iran concerning the Baha'is arouses grave apprehension in the Baha'i International Community about their fate. The Baha'is have been the victims of an unrelenting persecution ever since the revolution of 1979, and one hesitates to think of what horrors could be implied by the combined effort of intelligence, military and police agencies to identify Baha'is and monitor their activities, as has been ordered by the Chairman of the Command Headquarters of the Armed Forces at the direction of the Head of State. We are dreadfully afraid for the lives of our fellow Baha'is in Iran.\n\nBecause of the unprecedented character of the Government's action, we are addressing a request to the Ambassador of Iran for an explanation.\n\nSuch actions come in the midst of mounting media attacks on the Baha'is, the nature of which in the past have preceded government-led assaults on them. \"Kayhan,\" the official Tehran daily newspaper, has carried more than 30 articles about the Baha'is and their religion in recent weeks, all defamatory in ways that are meant to create provocation. Radio and television programs have joined in as well with broadcasts condemning the Baha'is and their beliefs.\n\nWe know what hateful propaganda can lead to; recent history offers too many examples of its horrific consequences. We make an urgent plea to all nations and peoples on behalf of our Iranian coreligionists that they not allow a peace-loving, law-abiding people to face the extremes to which blind hate can lead. The ghastly deeds that grew out of similar circumstances in the past should not now be allowed to happen. Not again.\n\n**Background**\n\n**Recent media attacks on the Baha'is in Iran**\n\nIn recent months, Iranian newspapers and radio stations have  been conducting an intensive anti-Baha'i campaign. From September through November 2005 alone,  the influential, state-run \"Kayhan\" newspaper ran nearly three dozen  articles defaming the Baha'i Faith with the clear intention of arousing in  readers feelings of suspicion, distrust and hatred for the Iranian Baha'i community. The articles engage in a  deliberate distortion of history, make use of fake historical documents, and  falsely describe Baha'i moral principles in a manner that would be offensive to  Muslims.\n\nBefore the onset of previous government campaigns of  persecution against Baha'is, such as in 1955 and 1979, similarly defamatory  articles and radio programs were run against the Baha'is, stirring up animosity  and prejudice, apparently to prepare the public for what was to come.\n\nFor more information, including copies of the \"Kayhan\" articles in Persian and summaries in English, please [click here.](http://www.bahai.org/iranthreat)\n\n**The Anti-Baha'i Hojjatieh Society**\n\nFounded in 1953 as a specifically anti-Baha'i organization  by a charismatic Shiite Muslim cleric, the Hojjatieh Society has today reemerged in Iran as an influential if secretive faction that has been linked  in news articles and Web blogs with the current Iranian administration.\n\nDuring the 1979 Iranian revolution, the Society played an important role in stirring animosity against Baha'is.  However, in part because of differences in theology -- among other things the Hojjatieh believe a truly Islamic state cannot be established until the return of the 12th Imam -- the Society fell into disfavor and was banned by the regime in 1984.\n\nOutside observers have connected the Society's reemergence with the return of hardliners to positions of power in the government, including the president who has frequently stated his expectation that the 12th  Imam will return soon.\n\nFor more information on the Hojjatieh, please [click here.](http://www.bahai.org/iranthreat)"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":431,"evergreenUrl":"a-global-presence-womens-issues-un","title":"A global presence on women's issues at the UN","description":"Mary Caetana Aune has long been a champion of human rights. She has worked in her native Brazil with UNICEF and the Geledes Instituto da Mulher...","date":"2006-03-20","customDateline":null,"city":"UNITED NATIONS","country":"UNITED STATES","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469422-bwns7578-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469422-bwns7578-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"South African First Lady Zanele Mbeki at the podium at the Baha'i International Community offices in New York on 28 February 2006, where she spoke about a new program she has founded, South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID).","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Mary Caetana Aune has long been a champion of human rights. She has worked in her native Brazil with UNICEF and the Geledes Instituto da Mulher Negra, a minority women's advocacy group, to launch a \"unity in diversity\" website for educators there, and she also serves as an external affairs officer for the Baha'i community of Brazil.\n\nBut after spending a week here at the UN's annual meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), she has returned to Brazil with a new energy and perspective.\n\nInspired by the global participation of women and the unity of effort she witnessed at her first Commission meeting, she plans this year to encourage Brazilian Baha'i women to participate more actively in a national campaign against gender violence, among other things.\n\n\"We usually just support the campaign in Brazil, which is very beautifully conducted by other women's groups around the country,\" she said, referring to the \"16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence\" campaign, an international effort observed each fall. \"This year we will probably do something more concrete.\"\n\nNow celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Commission has become something of a global rallying point for women and men who care about the advancement of women. Held this year from 27 February -- 10 March, the Commission drew some 1,500 representatives from more than 400 organizations -- including 21 Baha'is representing the Baha'i International Community and some 10 national Baha'i communities.\n\nLike Ms. Aune, most members of the Baha'i delegation are very involved in women's activities in their own countries. They came to the Commission both to give input -- and to take away inspiration.\n\nMehri Afsahi represented not only the National Spiritual Assembly of Sweden but also the Swedish UNIFEM Committee and the Swedish Women's Lobby. And, like Ms. Aune, she has plans for more activity upon her return home.\n\n\"We are already planning for many seminars about the conference,\" said Ms. Afsahi, who funded her own travel to and from New York. \"On my return home, UNIFEM had a one day program for the celebration of International Women's Day. Over 200 people participated.\"\n\nMs. Afsahi said her experiences at the Commission helped prepare her for the subsequent event in Sweden, which she chaired. \"Our guest speakers were the Minister for Democracy, Metropolitan Affairs, Integration and Gender Equality, the Vice Prime Minister and the Swedish Ambassador from Brazil.\"\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"The 21-member Baha'i delegation to the CSW at the UN in New York came from countries in five continents, representing-in addition to Brazil and Sweden-Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Togo, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Baha'i International Community delegation was composed of four people.\n\nBaha'i participation in the Commission provided opportunities for other related activities aimed at cementing important contacts with government representatives and collaborating with other nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).\n\nOn 28 February, for example, the Baha'i International Community hosted a luncheon for South African First Lady Zanele Mbeki at its offices in New York. More than 25 people attended, including representatives of the Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, the Indian Counsul General in New York, and various NGOs. Mrs. Mbeki spoke about a new program she has founded called South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID).\n\nThis year the Commission focused on two themes: the \"enhanced participation of women in development\" and promoting the \"equal participation of women and men in decision-making processes at all levels.\" Baha'is sought to address these themes in various ways.\n\nZarin Hainsworth, who represents the National Alliance of Women's Organizations, a British NGO, as well as the Baha'is of the United Kingdom, facilitated three NGO workshops during the Commission meeting. One addressed the decision-making theme by exploring positive values learned from influential women, a second examined women and development by looking at how issues of international trade affect women, and the third addressed the plight of widows.\n\n\"I think the CSW is improving over time as it becomes more inclusive of civil society,\" said Ms. Hainsworth, who has participated in Commission meetings for the last several years.\n\nFor representatives of the Baha'i community of Canada, also seasoned Commission participants, the theme of equal participation in decision-making is an important one.\n\n\"I always return with a renewed desire to see if more men couldn't get involved in this work,\" said Gerald Filson, director of external affairs for the Baha'i community of Canada and one of a growing number of men who attend the Commission each year.\n\n\"The necessity of keeping this theme in high profile has underscored the importance of our building new and useful information tools in Canada, a regular bulletin or publication for the community at large, more advancement of women news on our website, and more local projects focused on these issues,\" said Mr. Filson.\n\nHis colleague, Elizabeth Wright, director of the Office for the Advancement of Women of the Baha'i Community of Canada, likewise sees her focus in \"continuing the work on partnership between women and men, in the Baha'i community and in society, using pilot projects of equality workshops.\"\n\n\"Even though the integration of men in the women's movement is still considered with fear or prudence by many feminists, it is clear that at the government level, many are ready to go in this direction,\" said Ms. Wright.\n\nKit Bigelow, director of external affairs for the Baha'i community of the United States, has been attending the Commission for more than two decades.\n\n\"Our purpose in participating in the conference was to obtain useful knowledge and information to inform our advocacy work on the advancement of women in the United States,\" said Ms. Bigelow.\n\nOne focus for the US Baha'i delegation is to promote ratification in the United States of the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).\n\n\"The role of the CEDAW in promoting both of these goals was underscored throughout the Commission, which assists our work in promoting the treaty's ratification in the United States,\" said Ms. Bigelow.\n\n\"In addition, the knowledge shared on methods to promote women's participation in development will aid our work in advocating for full gender integration into government-based international development agencies in the United States.\"\n\nAdded Sharona Shuster, Ms. Bigelow's colleague and the US Baha'i representative for women's issues: \"Baha'is see the achievement of gender equality in policy and in families as a prerequisite for the great peace that all religions refer to.\"\n\n-- By Veronica Shoffstall"}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469421-bwns7577-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Bani Dugal, principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations, left, with South African First Lady Zanele Mbeki during a luncheon on 28 February 2006 at the Baha'i International Community offices in New York. More than 25 people attended, including representatives of the Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, the Mission of India to the United Nations, and various NGOs. Mrs. Mbeki spoke about a new program she has founded, South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID)."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469422-bwns7576-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Elizabeth Wright, director of the Office for the Advancement of Women of the Baha'i Community of Canada, made a presentation on Bahiyyih Khanum at a workshop on \"Role Models of Women in Decision-making,\" which sponsored by the Baha'i International Community on 27 February 2006."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469422-bwns7575-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Mehri Afsahi represented not only the National Spiritual Assembly of Sweden but also the Swedish UNIFEM Committee and the Swedish Women's Lobby."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469421-bwns7574-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Zarin Hainsworth, who represents the National Alliance of Women's Organizations, a British NGO, as well as the Baha'is of the United Kingdom, facilitated three NGO workshops during the Commission meeting. She is shown here facilitating a workshop on \"Women in Decision-making and Trade\" on 3 March 2006."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469421-bwns7573-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Some 21 Baha'is from 10 countries participated in the 2006 United Nation's Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), an annual meeting on women's issues. Shown here is a partial gathering of the Baha'is present at the meeting, taken at the Baha'i International Community (BIC) offices in New York. Left to right are: Mehri Afshai (Sweden); Patricia M. Mosely (Bahamas, government delegate); Florence Kelly (Hawaii); Tahirih Naylor (Canada); Kaoru Iwabuchi (Japan-front row); Bani Dugal (BIC-middle row); Kit Bigelow (USA-back row); Anisa Fedaei (UK); Kimiko Schwerin (Japan); Zarin Hainsworth (UK); Elizabeth Bowen (USA); Sharona Shuster (USA); Elizabeth Wright (Canada); Katina Jones (Australia); Gisa Meier Floeth (Germany); Carl Murrell (USA)."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null},{"storyNumber":430,"evergreenUrl":"guyana-youth-try-move-world","title":"Guyana youth try to \"move the world\"","description":"With an empty Coke bottle for a pint of rum and a white plastic chair the only other prop, the skit performed by five young men and women during...","date":"2006-03-09","customDateline":null,"city":"GEORGETOWN","country":"GUYANA","thumbnail":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469403-bwns7560-0.jpg"},"featureAudio":null,"feature":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ImageRecord","image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469403-bwns7560-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Members of the Future Club in Georgetown, at a Youth Can Move the World session on suicide prevention.","imageStyle":"body-right","imageLink":""}],"storyContent":[{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"With an empty Coke bottle for a pint of rum and a white plastic chair the only other prop, the skit performed by five young men and women during a recent meeting of the Future Club here told a story that is unfortunately all too familiar in this vibrant South American country.\n\nA husband drinks too much and beats his wife, shouting and swearing at her for failing to have dinner ready on time. Crying and inconsolably depressed after many such episodes, she decides to take her own life.\n\nHowever, as performed before an audience of several dozen other young people from every section of this gritty coastal capital one recent day, the young woman's friends intervene, pleading with her not to take her life.\n\nAnd so the heroine, played by 16-year-old Rayana Jaundoo, triumphantly throws the poison aside. \"I have learned I don't care what other people do and what other people say,\" she says, breaking character and addressing the audience directly. \"I can live a positive life.\"\n\nAlthough a little overplayed, it is a happy ending, just the sort encouraged by the young facilitators of an innovative and highly successful youth leadership training program here, known as Youth Can Move the World (YCMTW), which often uses skits, songs and other types of media to drive home its message.\n\nThe program focuses on the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, HIV/AIDS, and domestic violence. Since its founding in 1997, YCMTW has offered more than 7,000 Guyanese young people strategies aimed at helping them cope with and avoid such problems.\n\nIts success at reaching youth on the margins has been widely recognized, not only by other youth-oriented NGOs but also by the government-run national university, which has given support to YCMTW.\n\nMuch of its funding has come from international development agencies and, most recently, researchers at the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland have launched a three-year study on the project's methods and accomplishments.\n\n\"The project in Guyana is quite innovative,\" said Roy McConkey, a professor in the health promotion group at the Institute of Nursing Research at the University of Ulster, who is heading up the study. \"They manage to do a remarkable amount of work with very little resources.\"\n\nEstablished by the Varqa Foundation, a Baha'i-inspired non-governmental organization based here, YCMTW also emphasizes in its training the importance of -- and the possibilities for -- personal and community transformation. To do that, the project uses a program of spiritual and moral education produced by the Ruhi Institute of Colombia, which draws quite directly on the Baha'i writings for its motive power.\n\n\"From the very beginning of the project, we saw that the only way that genuine change could come about was through community and personal transformation,\" said Brian O'Toole, director of YCMTW and chairman of the Varqa Foundation. \"We saw that these Baha'i materials were successful around the world.\"\n\n"},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_InlineImageRecord","slideshowImageNumber":2},{"__typename":"DatoCMS_ParagraphRecord","paragraphText":"Observers say the emphasis on spirituality is an important part of the program.\n\n\"The approach of integrating spiritual values, including positive community values, makes it a program with a difference,\" said Samuel A. Small, director of the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education at the University of Guyana, which provides end-of-training certification to YCMTW graduates.\n\n\"In the [other] youth programs that I know of and have participated in, spiritual values are never part of the core of the curriculum, and personally I believe that because of the tremendous problems that are being brought upon young people today, every effort should be made to help them to see that spiritual values are not taught separately in churches, mosques, temples and so on, but that they are really part and parcel of our every day life skills,\" said Mr. Small.\n\nThe social problems addressed by the project are by no means unique to Guyana -- but they are nevertheless serious concerns in this beautiful tropical country situated on the southern edge of the Caribbean basin.\n\nAfter Haiti, Guyana has the highest HIV/AIDS rate in the Caribbean, which is the world's second-most afflicted region after Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Health Organization. AIDS has become the leading cause of death for people aged 25-44 in Guyana, according to the WHO.\n\nDomestic violence, unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse are also major problems here.\n\nThe program, which has received funding from UNICEF, the European Union, and the InterAmerican Development Bank among other agencies, seeks to fight these problems mainly by educating young people about the risks associated with each behavior.\n\nThe facilitators' manual, for example, discusses the short and long term effects of alcohol, ranging from poor judgment and lowered inhibitions to cirrhosis of the liver and dependency. It explains clearly how HIV/AIDS is transmitted and discusses a range of protective measures, from less risky types of sex to condom use to abstinence.\n\nThe curriculum also promotes the development of social action -- such as the protection of the environment -- and positive moral values. The section on domestic violence, for example, explains ways in which qualities like honesty, compromise, and forgiveness can improve a relationship.\n\nSpiritual ideas, such as the Golden Rule, are also emphasized, underpinned by quotations from the major world religions.\n\n\"It comes out of a Baha'i framework, but we have enriched it with spiritual insights from Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism,\" said Dr. O'Toole, who came to Guyana with his wife, Pamela, 27 years ago from the United Kingdom.\n\nThe incorporation of religious quotations has resonated particularly well in Guyana, said Dr. O'Toole, owing to the distinctive religious diversity of Guyanese society, which is about 50 percent Christian, 35 percent Hindu, and 10 percent Muslim. The remaining five percent belong to other religions, including the Baha'i Faith.\n\nYoung people who have participated in YCMTW training say the discussion of spirituality is an important part of the program.\n\nSusan Coocharan, 17, said the program's balance between practical education and the holy writings of various religions has given her new tools to avoid risky behaviors.\n\n\"I used to think that guys were the only thing in life that matters,\" said Ms. Coocharan, a Christian from Essequibo in the western part of the country, who participated in an intensive two-month YCMTW training program in July and August 2005. \"But when I came to this program it helped me to develop spiritual qualities and it made me see that guys are not the only thing in life.\"\n\nDhanpaul Jairam, 31, has been involved in YCMTW since March 2005, when he received training to become a facilitator. A Hindu, he has since established a YCMTW subgroup in his home village of Bath Settlement in the Berbice region of Guyana, where he has reached out to young people from every religious background.\n\nAt first, he said, the Hindus didn't want to mix with the others. \"But I talked about all of the religions,\" said Mr. Jairam, who works as a radio telephone operator for the Guyana Sugar Corporation. \"I do have a Bible and a Qur'an. And Hindu writings.\"\n\nBecause of the emphasis on all religions, Mr. Jairam said, young people of all backgrounds were willing to participate. \"That is why I think YCMTW is doing a great job of encouraging youth of all walks of life to make of themselves somebody,\" said Mr. Jairam.\n\nAnother key feature of the project is its use of youth, themselves, as agents of change. By encouraging young volunteers to establish YCMTW groups in their own villages and neighborhoods, it has grown organically as young people themselves involve their friends and acquaintances.\n\nTroy Benjamin, 19, started a 17-member YCMTW group in his village in the remote North Rupunui Region after attending the intensive training program last summer.\n\n\"I was very much interested, because some of the topics mentioned were dealing with alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and such,\" said Mr. Benjamin, who is himself of Native American -- or \"Amerindian\" background -- as are most of the other 500 residents of his village. \"And I knew that those problems were kind of arising, and I was facing it in my community as a whole.\"\n\nProf. McConkey of the University of Ulster said using young people themselves to deliver health promotion messages is one of the key innovations of the project.\n\n\"In affluent countries like the United States and Great Britain, we rely on professional educators, who may well have a special training or special expertise,\" said Prof. McConkey. \"But they may lack a relationship with young people. Hence we sometimes wonder why our health promotion messages don't come through.\n\n\"The model that they are using, in which local groups are built up, in which [young] people in those groups have knowledge about each other and their own behaviors,\" said Prof. McConkey. \"I think in that setting people are more likely to be open about what they actually do.\""}],"disableInlineCaptions":false,"slideshow":[{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469404-bwns7559-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"At the Future Club, Youth Can Move the World facilitators lead two dozen participants through a discussion on suicide prevention, which ended with the performance of various skits to illustrate what had been learned. At center is Rayana Jaundoo, pretending to drink Paraquat herbicide only to have her friends snatch the bottle away."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469404-bwns7558-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Young people from around Guyana at a Youth Can Move the World facilitators' training session, held October 2005 in Georgetown, Guyana."},{"image":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/6348/1543469403-bwns7557-0.jpg"},"imageDescription":"Youth Can Move the World program coordinator Farah Beepat, center, discusses ways to avoid domestic violence with 11- to 15-year-olds at the Uitvlugt Secondary School in Uitvlugt, Guyana."}],"pushRelatedContentDown":null,"relatedContent":[],"updatedContent":false,"excludeFromHomepage":false,"category":[],"highlightClip":null}],"lang":"en","language":"en","location":"/archive/64/"}},"staticQueryHashes":["2762707590"]}