UK Community News

HISTORY IS BEING MADE in Dundee, where a nine-week introduction to the Bahá’í Faith is included in the University of Dundee’s Continuing Education programme, set to commence on October 18.

How did this remarkable situation come about? In April 2000, an advertisement placed by the University in the Dundee Courier asked for Tutors of World Religions. I applied, and met with the Director of Continuing Education, Keith Mackle. This led to the Bahá’í Faith being included in “The World About Us” series of lectures.

In January 2001 a single lecture was given in Arbroath Library as part of the University’s outreach programme. The same lecture was delivered in February at the University in Dundee. Six people attended each. At the initial meeting with the Course Director, the possibility of a longer course had been discussed, and he asked me to submit an outline programme, which I did. More recently, I was asked to give a description to be included in the brochure. And this is how the Bahá’í Faith came to be included in the University of Dundee’s Continuing Education programme.

This is a major breakthrough, which has come about surprisingly easily. I am sure the Concourse on High have something to do with it. Perhaps there are other Universities who would be interested in doing the same.

WE HAD A WONDERFUL REUNION on Saturday, July 28. One-hundred and fifty people, a third of them friends of the Bahá’ís, attended. The local press and radio covered the event, and expressed great interest in the specially composed song.

Many ex-Slough Bahá’ís saw the photograph published in the June issue of the Journal and sent messages for the evening. We hope that other communities will be encouraged to have similar celebrations.

PRIZE-WINNING Canadian author, Jack McLean, a celebrated Bahá’í scholar and poet, visited Sheffield in August. He has enjoyed worldwide acclaim for his book, “Dimensions in Spirituality”, for which he won the Bosch Award for Book of the Year, and so it was with some pride that the Sheffield friends were able to advertise his public meeting entitled “Spiritual Transformation – What can we become?”

The public meeting was a friendly, stimulating evening of discussion, attracting an audience of over fifty people, half of whom were not Bahá’ís. Jack’s two books, “Under the Divine Lote Tree” and “Dimensions in Spirituality” were offered for sale and several copies were bought. The next day Jack was interviewed on Radio Sheffield.

THANKS TO ONE OF OUR resourceful members, we have had three wonderful one day schools in Sutton this summer. Mr Farzin Yourtchi and his wonderful wife prepared a day on Huqúqu’lláh making us aware of one of the most important obligations that we have as Bahá’ís.

Our second school was all about education. Experts on the subject, Shiva and Trevor Finch squeezed the whole history of how Thomas Breakwell schools were developed, how vital a role spiritual and moral education at home plays in forming the future generation, and what tireless work is being done, and must continue to be done, in this field. We were particularly encouraged to continue with our Bahá’í classes for our children. Even though we only have four students: with the help and dedication of the mums who help conduct the classes, they have proven to be very successful and enjoyable.

Last but not least, Zarin Hainsworth-Fadaie opened our eyes to the vital role of women, how world peace is dependent on the equality of men and women and the work of the Association of Bahá’í Women UK at national and international levels. This summer we not only deepened ourselves and had some inspiring and moving moments, but we realised how enjoyable learning can be. Each class was hosted by friends in their homes with wonderful food and the most wonderful company. Friends of the Faith were also made welcome which made each day a double blessing of teaching and learning.