Bahai Library Online

Chronology of the Bahá'í Faith

World Canada
   

Date 197-, sorted by date, descending

date event tags firsts
1979 29 Dec
197-
Rahmatu'lláh Muhájir, Hand of the Cause of God and Knight of Bahá'u'lláh, passed away in Quito, Ecuador. (b. 4 April 1923 in 'Abdu'l-'Azím) [BW18:486, 651]
  • Shoghi Effendi had appointed him among the third contingent on the 2nd of October, 1957. [MoCxxiii]
  • For his obituary see BW18:651–9.
  • See BWNS353 for news of the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of his passing in Quito.
  • See also Dr Muhajir: Hand of the Cause of God, Knight of Bahá'u'lláh by Írán Furútan Muhájir.
  • See Bahá'í Chronicles.
  • For stories about Dr Mahájir see Bahá'í Memories.
  • See Academic Wikipedia.
  • See Rahmatu'llah Muhajir: Hand of the Cause of God the Treasure of All Humanity by Richard Francis.
  • A photo.
  • See as well LoF455-461.
  • The 25th anniversary of Rahmatu'lláh Muhájir's death was marked in Ecuador by a Growth and Victories conference and graveside ceremony, including a talk by his daughter Gisu Mohadjer Cook. BWNS353]
  • - Biography; - Births and deaths; - Hands of the Cause; - In Memoriam; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; `Abdu'l-Azím, Iran; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Ecuador; Hands of the Cause, Births and deaths; Hands of the Cause, Third Contingent; Iran; Quito, Ecuador; Rahmatullah Muhajir
    1979 Dec
    197-
    The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, from which all civil rights stem and which did not give recognition to the Bahá'í Faith, was adopted by referendum. [BI11]
  • See Mess63-68p462.
  • See Constitutional Coherence and the Legal Status of the Bahá'í Community of Iran by Salim A. Nakhjavani.
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Human rights; Constitutions (general); Human rights; Iran; Iranian constitution; Iranian revolution (1979)
    1979 Dec
    197-
    'Azamatu'lláh Fahandizh was executed in Tihrán. [BW18:255] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Deaths; Iran; Tehran, Iran
    1979 Dec
    197-
    Work on the demolition of the House of the Báb in Shíráz was resumed and the building almost razed to the ground. [BW18:255]
  • Several attempts had been made to demolish the House and several times they had to stop because there were freak accidents where people were hurt or killed in trying to knock it down. Finally it was completely demolished during the night in December. [OFM69]
  • See video Sacred Space - 40 Years Since the Destruction of the House of the Báb.
  • Wikipedia The Báb's House.
  • After the authorities demolished the House of the Báb, they decided to construct a Islamic religious center on that site. Ironically the new structure was named "Bayt-al-Mahdi" or "The House of the Mahdi (Promised One)". [The House of the Báb, Shiraz, Iran]
  • A Concise Encyclopedia of the Bahá'í Faith p315 says, "A road and a public square were later built over the site."
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Destruction; Báb, House of (Shiraz); Iran; Shíráz, Iran
    1979 21 Nov
    197-
    The assets of three smaller institutions owned by the Bahá'í community, the Vahhaj, Matla and Huqúq companies, institutions that had served as holding companies for various types of funds and properties, were formally confiscated as well as those of the Trustees Company and the Children's Savings Company, (Shirkat-i Nawnahalan) in verdicts handed down by the Central Islamic Revolutionary Court, Branch 1. [Bahá'í Teachings 4 Oct 2012; BW18:252; Documentation (Page 3 and 5)]

    The Bahá'í Hospital, the Misaghieh Hospital, in Tehran was confiscated. See the documentation (page 7) for the list of charges against it.

    * Persecution, Iran; Childrens Savings Company; Huquq Company; Iran; Matla Company; Misaghieh Hospital, Tehran; Nawnahalan; Trustees Company; Vahhaj Company
    1979 11 Nov
    197-
    Starting just months after the revolution, seven members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Iran were disappeared. Only years later was it learned that they had been tried in a sham trial by a revolutionary court on charges of espionage, had been sentenced to death, and had been executed by firing squad. [* Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Deaths; Iran; NSA; Tehran, Iran
    1979 11 Nov
    197-
    Dr 'Alímurád Dávúdí, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran, was kidnapped in Tihrán and presumed to be dead. [BW18:254, 294] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Deaths; Iran; NSA; Tehran, Iran
    1979 Nov
    197-
    Bahá'í meetings were prohibited in Shasavár, Iran. [BW18:255] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Iran; Shasavar, Iran
    1979 24 Oct
    197-
    The publication of the compilation Inspiring the Heart by the Universal House of Justice. This compilation was published as a book by the Bahá'í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom in 1981. [Messages63-86p430] * Publications; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Compilations; Inspiring the Heart (compilation); United Kingdom; Universal House of Justice
    1979 Oct
    197-
    In Iran, Bahá'ís in the ministries of education, health and social administration were dismissed from their jobs. [BW18:255] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Education; - Persecution, Other; Iran
    1979 Oct
    197-
    The first Bahá'í summer school for Quechua-speakers was held in Cachaco, Imbabura, Ecuador. [BW17:170] Cachaco, Ecuador; Ecuador; First summer and winter schools first Bahá’í summer school for Quechua-speakers in Ecuador
    1979 16 Sep
    197-
    Enoch Olinga—Hand of the Cause of God and Knight of Bahá'u'lláh—his wife and three of his children were murdered in Kampala, Uganda. (b.24 June 1926) [BBD 172; BW18:633; LoF471-472]
  • He was buried near the grave of Hand of the Cause Mr Banání with the graves of his wife and children nearby. [CG132]
  • Shoghi Effendi had appointed him among the third contingent on the 2nd of October, 1957. [MoCxxiii]
  • For his obituary see BW18:618–35.
  • See Bahá'í Blog for a tribute to his life.
  • Early in May soldiers had invaded his home and thoroughly sacked it. The president of Uganda was a Nilotic and a native of northern Uganda as were a majority of his army. After taking control of the country they began to take reprisals from rival tribes and those who they thought had supported Idi Amin. [CG127]
  • On the morning of the murders Mr. Olinga and his family had participated in a work detail at the Temple grounds. After the evening meal, a group of soldiers entered their compound and murdered him as well as his wife Elizabeth the children Táhirih and Lennie. [CG130-132]
  • Claire Gung, the "Mother of Africa", had had an extraordinarily accurate dream and had warned Mr. Olinga of his danger. [CG163]
  • See Enoch Olinga, Knight of Baha'u'llah, Father of Victories and Hand of the Cause of God, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4
  • See as well Glimpse of the life of Enoch Olinga as told by 'Ali Nakhjavani.
  • - Births and deaths; - Hands of the Cause; - In Memoriam; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; - Persecution; - Persecution, Deaths; Dreams and visions; Enoch Olinga; Hands of the Cause, Births and deaths; Hands of the Cause, Third Contingent; Kampala, Uganda; Persecution, Uganda; Uganda
    1979 15 - 16 Sep
    197-
    The second Baha'i Studies Seminar on Ethics and Methodology was held at St. John's College in Cambridge, England.
  • The proceedings.
  • - Ethics; Bahá'í studies; Cambridge, England; Methodology; Scholarship
    1979 8 – 10 Sep
    197-
    The House of the Báb in Shíráz was attacked and substantially demolished by a crowd accompanied by 25 Revolutionary Guards apparently under the clergyman in charge of the local religious endowments department. [BBD108; BI11; BW18:253]
  • See BW18p253p253 for an idea of the size of the house.
  • A photo of the destruction.
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Destruction; Báb, House of (Shiraz); Iran; Shíráz, Iran
    1979 Sep
    197-
    Revolutionary committees in Shahsavár, 'Ábádán and Tabríz, Iran, ordered the arrest of Bahá'ís. [BW18:255]
  • Among those arrested were members of local spiritual assemblies. [BW18:255]
  • Bahá'í homes in Tabríz were raided and literature seized. [BW18:255]
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution, Other; Ábádan, Iran; Iran; Shahsavar, Iran; Tabríz, Iran
    1979 Sep
    197-
    Bahár Vujdání was executed in Mahábád, Iran. [BW18:255] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Deaths; Iran; Mahabad, Iran
    1979 25 – 26 Aug
    197-
    An Administrative Committee for Uganda was appointed by the Universal House of Justice to prepare the Bahá'í community for the re-establishment of the national spiritual assembly. [LoF471] National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Uganda
    1979 21 Aug
    197-
    The arrest of the nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran by an unknown armed group "claiming authority". They were accused of "plotting against the security of the State".

    Subsequently, on 11 September 1980, the Universal House of Justice sent a message to all National Assemblies informing them of an article published in the 29 August edition of Le Monde, by a non-Bahá'í contributor, Eric Rouleau condemning Iran for the complete disappearance of these nine Bahá'ís.

  • See the reference for both the message from the Universal House of Justice and the article titled "The Bahá'ís: An Accursed Community". [11 September 1980]
  • * Persecution, Iran; Iran; Tehran, Iran
    1979 4 Jul
    197-
    The Universal House of Justice announced the appointment of a fourth Counsellor to the International Teaching Centre, Counsellor Anneliese Bopp. [Mess63-86p421] - Bahá'í World Centre; Anneliese Bopp; Counsellors; International Teaching Centre
    1979 29 Jun
    197-
    The Universal House of Justice announced that the term of service for the members of the Continental Board of Counsellors will be five years as of the 26th of November, 1980, the Day of the Covenant. [Message from the Universal House of Justice 29 June, 1979, BW19:27] - Bahá'í World Centre; Appointed arm; Counsellors
    1979 (early June)
    197-
    In Iran, the offices of Nawnahálán and the Umaná' Corporation were taken over by Revolutionary Guards. [BW18:252]

    The Bahá'í Children's Savings Company, known in Iran as Shirkat-i Nawnahalan, began as a savings bank for Bahá'í children in 1917. As successive generations of Bahá'í children grew up, they kept their savings–primarily intended for their future educations–with the company, and local and national Bahá'í institutions also placed their deposit funds there. The Iranian government raided and took over the offices of this company in early June of 1979, freezing and then confiscating all of its assets, estimated at $5 million—literally stealing money from children. [Bahá'í Teachings 4 Oct 2012]

    * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Iran; Nawnahalan
    1979 12 Jun
    197-
    The UN Conference entitled "The Human Factor in Science and Technology for Development" was held in New York. Those attending on behalf of the Bahá'í International Community were: Dr. Will C. van den Hoonaard, Alternative Representative of the Baha'i International Community; Dr. K.H. Standke, Director, UN Office of Science and Technology for Development; Mr. Jurge Mahner, Special Fellow, UN Institute for Training and Research; Mr. John Edmonds, Engineer, Baha'i; and Ms. Susan Berge, Economist, Baha'i. [BIC History Science and Technology for Development] Bahá'í International Community; New York, USA; United Nations conferences; United States (USA)
    1979 24 May
    197-
    Shaykh Muhammad Muvahhid, a well-known Bahá'í, was kidnapped in Tihrán. [BW18:254, 294] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Arrests; Iran; Tehran, Iran
    1979 6 May
    197-
    Bernard Howell Leach CBE, (b.5 Jan 1887 Hong Kong), internationally known potter, artist and author, passed away in St Ives, Cornwall. He was buried in the Barnoon Cemetery in St Ives. [BW18:669–71]
  • See AY50 for the significance of the name of the village of St. Ives.
  • Find a grave
  • Wikipedia.
  • Leach Pottery.
  • Encyclopaedia Britannica
  • He was the author of A Potter's Book, A Potter in Japan as well as Beyond East and West: Memoirs, Portraits and Essays, and Drawings, Verse and Belief. [Collins10.892-10.985]
  • See Bernard Leach, Potter:A Biographical Sketch by Robert Weinberg.
  • See Remembering Bernard Leach by Trudi Scott (Published in BW18 pp929-931).
  • See Traces that Remain p216-218.
  • See the tribute to Bernard Leach and Shoki Hamada entitled Pioneering Pottery Sought Unity of East and West on the centenary of the founding of Leach Pottery in St. Ives, England.
  • See a brief biography in The Bahá'í Community of the British Isles 1844-1963 p462-464 and for the story of his learning of the Faith, p460-464.
  • - Biography; - Births and deaths; - In Memoriam; Bernard Leach; Cornwall, England; St. Ives, England; United Kingdom
    1979 Ridván
    197-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Lapland was formed in Kemi, Finland. Finland; Kemi, Finland; Local Spiritual Assembly; Sápmi first Local Spiritual Assembly in Lapland
    1979 -1982
    197-
    In the period Riḍván 1979 to Riḍván 1982 the Association for Bahá'í Studies played an increasingly important role in the affairs of the international Bahá'í community and through its conferences and publications has provided an exciting forum for intellectual and spiritual development.

    A change of name which was recommended by the Canadian National Assembly and approved by the Universal House of Justice in April 1981 reflecting the emerging nature of the Association's membership and activities with national affiliates established in a number of countries. lts executive committee included, for the first time, members from the United States as well as Canada. Serving on the Executive Committee were Hossain Danesh, Glen Eyford, Richard Gagnon, Jane Goldstone, William Hatcher, Douglas Martin, Peter Morgan, Nasser Sabet and Christine Zerbinis, of Canada. Firuz Kazemzadeh and Dorothy Nelson served as liaison officers in the United States. [BW18p194]

    See Wikipedia for a current list of association for Bahá'í Studies worldwide.

    In 1979 the Universal House of Justice gave a further goal to the Canadian community for the Seven Year Plan: 'Expand the opportunities for teaching in Canadian institutions of higher learning and further develop the Canadian Association for Studies on the Bahá'í Faith.'

    And in 1981, when the second phase of the Seven Year Plan was launched, the Universal House of Justice restated this goal and divided it into two parts: 'Foster the development of the Canadian Association for Studies on the Bahá'í Faith' and "Expand and intensify the teaching of the Faith in Canadian institutions of higher learning.'

    The goal of cultivating opportunities for formal presentations and courses remained a primary objective of the Association, but the Universal House of Justice also encouraged specific attention to the development of the Association itself. The Association had become a significant feature of the intellectual, social and spiritual life of the Canadian community, and for increasing numbers of Bahá'ís worldwide.

    In March of 1981 the Association for Bahá'í Studies announced the acquisition of a property in the heart of the University of Ottawa campus, the first such centre in the world. It is located at 34 Copernicus Street Ottawa, Ontario KIN 7K4. [BW18p195]

    Bahá'í Studies, Associations for; Canada; United States (USA)
    1979 Ridván
    197-
    The Seven Year Plan was launched. (1979-1986) [BBD181; BBRSM159; BW17:71]
  • See Bahá'í News No 676 July 1987 p2-7 for the achievements of the Seven Year Plan.
  • See the publication The Seven Year Plan 1979-1986: Statistical Report Ridván 1983.
  • * Teaching Plans; - Bahá'í World Centre; Seven Year Plan (1979-1986)
    1979 20 Apr
    197-
    The Bahá'í World Centre reported that ten countries or territories had a Bahá'í population that exceeded one percent of the general population. [BW17:99]

    The world population of Bahá'ís was estimated to be 3,217,000. [BW19p67]

    Statistics
    1979 17 Apr
    197-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Greenland was formed in Nuuk (Godthåb) the capital city. Members of the Assembly were: Lillen Bente Delevran, James Milne, Henning Jensen, Carsten Lind, Else Boesen Jensen, Lotus Neilsen, John Berthelsen Lyberth, Ole Berthelsen, and Linda Milne. [BN No 585 December 1979 p15]

    For a picture of this first Local Spiritual Assembly see the for the National Community.

    Greenland; Local Spiritual Assembly, formation; Nuuk, Greenland first LSA in Greenland
    1979 Apr
    197-
    Revolutionary Guards in Iran occupied the House of the Báb in Shíráz and neighbouring Bahá'í properties, explaining that it was a temporary measure intended to protect the building. [BW17:79] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Báb, House of (Shiraz); Iran; Shíráz, Iran
    1979 Apr
    197-
    The ban against the Bahá'í Faith in Uganda was lifted and the House of Worship in Kampala was re-opened for worship. [BW17:141] - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); - Persecution; - Persecution, Bans; Kampala, Uganda; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Kampala; Persecution, Uganda; Uganda
    1979 1 Apr
    197-
    The declaration of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran after a referendum with a 98.2% supporting vote.
  • And part of that constitution...

        Iran's Army and Revolutionary Guards "will be responsible not only for guarding and preserving the frontiers of the country, but also for fulfilling the ideological mission of (Shiite) jihad in God's way; that is, extending the sovereignty of God's (Shiite) law throughout the world ... in the hope that this century will witness the establishment of a universal holy government and the downfall of all others."
  • The IRGC is also the backbone of the clerical establishment in Iran. The senior cadres of the IRGC and the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei enjoy the final say in Iran's domestic and foreign policy and support for proxies. The IRGC, in addition, is engaged in the domestic repression of dissidents; the suppression of freedom of speech, press and assembly, and imprisoning political opponents. The Washington office of an Iranian opposition group, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), has released a 175-page book, "The Rise of the Revolutionary Guards Corps Financial Empire," demonstrating that the IRGC controls more than half Iran's GDP and owns several major economic powerhouses and religious endowments, such as Astan-e Qods Razavi, in the northeastern city of Mashad. The NCRI also published another detailed book on 15 Iranian terrorist training centers, where the IRGC provides ideological, military and tactical training to foreign recruits, who are later dispatched to conduct terrorist activities in the Middle East and beyond. [Gatestone Institue 18 December 2021]
  • The formalization of the concept of Governance of the Jurisconsult (also known as "Wilayat al-Faqih" in Arabic) in the Iranian constitution solidified Khomeini's ideas and provided the framework for the political structure and governance in Iran, with Khomeini himself becoming the first Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. The main aspects of this doctrine in Twelver Shia Islam were: 1. Supreme Authority of the Jurisconsult (Faqih), 2. Guardianship and Leadership in the place of the 12th Imam until his return, 3. The establishment of an Islamic State where the Jurisconsult (Faqih) would hold ultimate authority, 4. The Faqih would be legitimized through popular vote, 5. The Faqih would have the authority to interpret and enforce Islamic law in all aspect of society, 6. Social justice, equity and the welfare of the people would be implemented, 7. Resistance against oppression both from within and outside the country would be a duty, 8. Islamic jurisprudence would evolve and adapt to the changing times. [Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran]
  • Constitutions (general); Iran; Iran, General history; Iranian constitution; Iranian revolution (1979)
    1979 (Spring)
    197-
    The House of Bahá'u'lláh in Tákur, Iran, was confiscated by the Revolutionary Government. [BW18:289] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; House of Bahá'u'lláh (Takur); Iran; Takur, Iran
    1979 21 Mar
    197-
    The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a programme of activities to be undertaken during the second half of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. On that occasion, the General Assembly decided that a week of solidarity with the peoples struggling against racism and racial discrimination, beginning on 21 March, would be organized annually in all States.

      The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960. [United Nations website.

  • Sharpville Massacre on 21 March 1960. This is a day which is commemorated each year in South Africa.
  • International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; Racism; Sharpeville, South Africa; South Africa; United Nations
    1979 21 Mar
    197-
    The Universal House of Justice outlined the broad goals of the Seven Year Plan to he launched at Ridván 1979. [BW18:81–5] * Teaching Plans; - Bahá'í World Centre; Seven Year Plan (1979-1986)
    1979 Mar
    197-
    Yúsif Subhání, a well-known Bahá'í businessman, was imprisoned in Tihrán. [BW18:278] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Arrests; Iran; Tehran, Iran
    1979 15 Feb
    197-
    The National Hazíratu'l-Quds of Iran was seized by the Revolutionary Guards. [BW18:250]
  • All the records of the National Spiritual Assembly, including a membership list of all the Bahá'ís in Iran, were confiscated by the government. [BW19:43]
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Iran; National Spiritual Assembly
    1979 Feb
    197-
    Revolutionary Guards raided the offices of Nawnahálán, a Bahá'í investment company, and the Umaná' Corporation, a foundation for the purchase and maintenance of Bahá'í properties, and impoundeded the keys. [BW18:252]
  • In the weeks following, the offices were occupied by the Revolutionary Guards and the staff were dismissed. [BW18:252]
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Iran; Nawnahalan
    1979 Feb
    197-
    A mob of some 5,000 armed with hatchets, spades and pickaxes converged on Hisár, Iran, intent on harming the Bahá'ís; the mob was prevented from doing so. [BW18:275]
  • Shortly afterwards the home of Mr. Ma'naví was looted and he was carried off; it appeared he was beaten to death. [BW18:275]
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Mobs; Hisar, Iran; Iran
    1979 1 Feb
    197-
    Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Iran from exile in France. On the 11th of February, the revolutionary government assumed power. - Ayatollahs; Ayatollah Khomeini; History (general); Iran; Iran, General history; Iranian revolution (1979); Tehran, Iran
    1979 Feb
    197-
    In Iran, Bahá'í representatives met with high-ranking clergy in Shíráz, Qum and Mashhad to combat the widespread accusation that the Bahá'ís of Iran had supported the regime of the Sháh. [BW18:252] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Iran
    1979 27 Jan
    197-
    In Samoa, His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II and Hand of the Cause of God Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum laid the cornerstone of the first Bahá'í House of Worship of the Pacific Islands. [BW17:188, 371; VV36]
  • For the text of the address delivered by His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II see BW17:372.
  • For excerpts from the address of Hand of the Cause of God Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum see BW17:373.
  • For pictures see BW17:374.
  • - Islands; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Apia, Samoa; Foundation stones and groundbreaking; Malietoa Tanumafili II of Western Samoa; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Apia, Samoa; Pacific; Samoa
    1979 17 Jan
    197-
    Mohammad Rezā Pahlavi‎, known as Mohammad Reza Shah, entitled Shāhanshāh ("Emperor" or "King of Kings"), fled Iran. The dissolution of the monarchy was complete on the 11th of February. - Shahs; - Shahs, Throne changes; History (general); Iran; Iran, General history; Iranian revolution (1979); Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi; Tehran, Iran
    1979 12 Jan
    197-
    Bahá'í members of the Sádát-Mahmúdí clan of the Buyr-Ahmad tribe of central Iran were driven from their homes by other clan members. [BW18:271]
  • For the report of this incident and its aftermath see BW18:271–4.
  • For a picture see BW18:272.
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Iran
    1979 3 Jan
    197-
    In a message from the Department of the Secretariat of the Universal House of Justice "To the Participants in the Bahá'í Studies Seminar on Ethics and Methodology held in Cambridge on 30 September and 1 October 1978" the subject of the review of Bahá'í publications was clarified.
      .....it has already established the policy that doctoral theses do not have to be reviewed unless there is a proposal to publish them in larger quantities than is required by the examining body.

    Also included were comments / a small compilation from the Research Department at the World Centre on the seminar and on Bahá'í scholarship. They concluded by discussing the two particular dangers to which Bahá'í scholars are exposed.

    * Publications; * Publishing; * Science; - Publishing, Review; Bahá'í Studies, Associations for; Cambridge, England; Publishing, Policy and practice; Scholarship; United Kingdom
    1979 (In the year)
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Afghanistan was disbanded owing to persecution of the Bahá'ís and the political instability of the country. - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Afghanistan; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Persecution, Afghanistan
    1979 (In the year)
    197-
    The government of Denmark recognized the right of the Bahá'í Community of Denmark to perform marriages and to receive other rights owning to a religious community. [SRRB14p248-250] Denmark; Marriage
    1979 (In the year)
    197-
    The House of Bahá'u'lláh in Tihrán was confiscated by the revolutionary government of Iran. [BW17:79] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; House of Bahá'u'lláh (Tihran); Iran; Tehran, Iran
    1979 (In the year)
    197-
    Bahá'í cemeteries across Iran were confiscated, including the cemetery in Tihrán, which contains the graves of several Hands of the Cause and other distinguished Bahá'ís as well as several thousand other graves of Bahá'ís.
  • Many graves were desecrated and the gravestones smashed.
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Destruction; - Persecution, Other; Cemeteries and graves; Iran
    1979 (In the year)
    197-
    The Síyáh-Chál in Tihrán and the houses of Quddús and Hujjat were seized and occupied by members of the revolutionary committees. [BW17:79–80] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Hujjat; Iran; Quddus; Síyáh-Chál (Black Pit, Tehran); Tehran, Iran
    1979 (In the year)
    197-
    Five Bahá'ís were killed in Iran, two by execution. [BW18:291]
  • For the response of Bahá'í institutions to the persecution of the Bahá'ís in Iran see BW18:337–9.
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Deaths; Iran
    1979 from 1979
    197-
    After the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, the persecution of Bahá'ís significantly intensified due to their perceived beliefs and association with the previous regime. The Iranian government viewed the Bahá'ís as heretics and threats to Islam. Bahá'ís faced severe restrictions on their religious freedom, denial of basic human rights, and discriminatory laws targeting them.

    Persecution included but was not limited to:

    Arrests and imprisonment: Bahá'ís were often arrested on false charges, including espionage or propaganda against the state, and were subjected torture and to long prison sentences.

    Discrimination in education and employment: Bahá'ís were barred from higher education and many forms of employment within the public sector initially and then it expanded to all sectors of the economy. Their business licences were often revoked or they were prevented from starting businesses.

    Property confiscation: Bahá'í properties, including holy sites, cemeteries, and religious centres, were desecrated, vandalized, confiscated or destroyed by the government.

    Denial of citizenship rights: Bahá'ís faced difficulty in obtaining identification documents, which denied them citizenship rights and access to essential services.

    Hate propaganda and vilification: Bahá'ís were subjected to hate propaganda through state-controlled media and religious leaders, portraying them as morally corrupt, enemies of Islam and the state. [Iran Press Watch]

    Physical violence and harassment: Bahá'ís were targeted for physical violence, harassment, and intimidation by both government authorities and extremist groups.

    Efforts by the international community, international human rights organizations, and individuals raised awareness of the persecution faced by Bahá'ís in Iran, urging the Iranian government to respect their human rights and provide them with the freedom to practice their religion without fear of persecution. In the early years of the Revolution about 200 Bahá'ís were executed but in the face of international pressure the regime resorted to more subtile and systematic means of oppression. On the whole the regime was defiant in the face of pressure from other countries, the United Nations and other Human Rights groups. [Iran Press Watch]

    * Persecution, Iran; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Human rights; Iran; Iranian revolution (1979)
    1978 28 – 30 Dec
    197-
    The West African Bahá'í Women's Conference was held in Monrovia, Liberia with the theme, "Spiritual Education of Women-The Foundation of a New Human Society". [BW17:154]
  • Delegates from sixteen countries attended. It was attended by 150 women and 50 men. Keynote speaker was Dr. Jane Faily, Consultant to the Bahá'í International Community's representative to the United Nations and a clinical psychologist associated with the University of Ottawa. [BN 136 April, 1979 pg10-15]
  • - Africa; - Conferences, International; Bahá'í International Community; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Women; Jane Faily; Liberia; Monrovia, Liberia; Women
    1978 23 Dec
    197-
    Helmut Winkelbach, a German Bahá'í, arrived in Bobrujsk, in what was then called the Belorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. [Ela-D Committee of Germany Records; BW95-96p48] - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Belarus; Bobrujsk, Belarus; Helmut Winkelbach
    1978 16 - 19 Dec
    197-
    More than 560 Bahá'ís from 14 countries throughout Malaysia gathered for the South East Asia Bahá'í Regional Conference. [BN136 April 1979] - Conferences, Regional; Kuching, Malaysia; Malaysia; Sarawak, Malaysia
    1978 15 Dec
    197-
    A cabled message was sent to 93 national spiritual assemblies stating that the Bahá'ís in Iran and the Holy Places in Tihrán and Shíráz were in peril. [BW17:79] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Iran; NSA
    1978 Dec
    197-
    Bahá'í homes in Andarún, Iran, were besieged; one Bahá'í was badly beaten. [BW18:275–6] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Andarún, Iran; Iran
    1978 Dec
    197-
    The first Bahá'í Winter School of Malta took place. [BW17:192] First summer and winter schools; Malta first Bahá’í Winter School of Malta
    1978 7 Nov
    197-
    The murder of Major-General Ali Mohammad Khademi (b. 16 December, 1913 in Jahrom, Fars.) After a brilliant career in the military he became head of Iran's national airline. In 16 years he transformed it into a world-class airline with international connections.
    General Khademi was killed in his home. Despite witness accounts by his wife and the soldiers assigned to his home, the government controlled media called his murder a "suicide", although several international media outlets, such as the New York Times, reported on his murder. Among Iranian Bahá'ís, General Khademi held the highest ranking leadership post in a public institution. His religious affiliation, which was not a secret, was the cause of fierce opposition by a number of Muslim clergy.
    An investigation into his murder named three members of "the joint anti-terror committee", one of whom was identified at the Military Command by Bahiyyih Moayyed as the shooter of her husband. Despite these individuals' identification and arrest by the Military Command, none was tried or punished. Later on, The National Security and Intelligence Agency (SAVAK) detained Bahiyyih Moayyed for about one month to force her to declare that her husband had committed suicide. She refused. [Wikipedia; Iran Press Watch 19724; Iran News]
    - Biography; - In Memoriam; - Persecution; `Alí Mohammad Khademi; Bahiyyih Moayyed; Iran; Tehran, Iran
    1978 Oct - Nov
    197-
    Mobs destroyed the Hazíratu'l-Quds in Mihán-du-´Ab followed by the burning or looting of 80 homes and the murder of two believers, a father and son who bodies were dragged through the streets, cut into pieces and consigned to the flames. Throughout the country the hostility towards the Bahá'ís resulted in 4 deaths, the loss of millions in property and the displacement of some 700 people.
  • The National Spiritual Assembly of Iran instituted a special fund for relief of the needy and suffering. [BN 136 April 1979 p2-3]
  • - Persecution; Azerbaijan; Funds; Funds, relief; Iran; Mihán-du-`Ab, Iran
    1978 Oct
    197-
    Three hundred Bahá'í homes near Shíráz were burned or destroyed and in another 200 homes the Bahá'ís were driven from them, property was stolen and many Bahá'ís were beaten. [BW17:79; BW19:42]
  • At one point 700 Bahá'ís were homeless and their means of livelihood destroyed. [BW17:79; BN136 April 1979 p2-3]
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Destruction; - Persecution, Other; Iran; Shíráz, Iran
    1978 30 Sep - 1 Oct
    197-
    The Bahá'í Studies Seminar on Ethics and Methodology was held in Cambridge, UK.
  • See the Message from the Universal House of Justice addressed to the participants.
  • - Ethics; Bahá'í studies; Cambridge, England; Methodology; Scholarship
    1978 14 - 25 Aug
    197-
    The first World Conference Against Racism was held in Geneva, Switzerland. A major focus on the conference was South Africa's apartheid policies of racial segregation and discrimination.
  • UN website
  • Bahá'í International Community; Discrimination; Geneva, Switzerland; Racism; UNESCO; United Nations
    1978 14 - 26 Aug
    197-
    The Bahá'í International Community participated in the first World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination and sent a delegation of African, European, and Asian backgrounds to participate. A major focus on the conference was South Africa's apartheid policies of racial segregation and discrimination. [BIC History 1978]
  • See the declaration submitted by the Bahá'í International Community.
  • See the resolutions adopted.
  • Declaration and Programme of Action
  • - BIC statements; Bahá'í International Community; Geneva, Switzerland; Racism; United Nations
    1978 Aug
    197-
    An International Bahá'í Youth Conference was held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, attended by some 380 Bahá'ís from 19 countries. [BW17:150, 153] - Africa; Cameroon; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Youth; Yaoundé, Cameroon; Youth
    1978 5 Jul
    197-
    The passing of Ruth J. Ellis Moffet (b. 19 January 1880 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin). She was buried in Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa. Ruth Moffet has been described as a "champion teacher for of the Cause of God" and as being "instrumental in helping establish the Bahá'í Faith in the United States". Her travels took her through Europe, the Near East, Asia, Egypt and Canada as well as the United States. [BW17p463]

    Publications:

    • Do'a: On Wings of Prayer: First published in 1933, then in 1938 and 1953 as Do'a: The Call to Prayer. It was reprinted in 1974 and later in 1984. The book has been described as "A broad Bahá'í approach to prayer and mediation of 'the practice of the presence of the Spirit of God', using quotations from the Bahá'í Faith and other religions." [BELp105] Her formula, which has become known as the "Five Steps of Prayer", and was printed in Principles of Bahá'í Administration published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles in 1953 and was cited by the Universal House of Justice in its message of the 11 October 1978.
    • New Keys to the Book of Revelation: Published in New Delhi in 1977 and reprinted in 1989. [Collins p105] It contains a chronology of the events in the Holy Land.
    • A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land: Published in Honolulu 1980. This was also entitled Visting the Bahá'i World Centre. It consisted of notes from her pilgrimage May 17 - September 17, 1954. [Collins p105]
    • The Cause of the Rise and Fall of Civilizations: This was a chart that she produced after her pilgrimage. It is her own interpretation of history.
    • Her essay, The Dynamics of Prayer was published in SoW Vol 21 Issue 2 p47 in May 1930. A 'cleaner' PDF is available here.
  • See Bahaipedia for a detailed biography.
  • Find a grave.
  • - Biography; - In Memoriam; Des Moines, IA; Eau Claire, WI; Prayer; Prayer, Five Steps of; Ruth Moffett
    1978 Jul
    197-
    In Niger, an announcement was made on the national radio banning 'the Baha'ist sect and the Nineteen Day Feast' throughout the country; immediately, all Bahá'í administrative activities were suspended and the national spiritual assembly was dissolved. [BW17:147]
  • Mr Djoneidi was called into police-headquarters in Niger for questioning and was held for three days; then released unharmed. Other Bahá'ís were also called in.
  • - Persecution; - Persecution, Bans; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Niger; Persecution, Niger
    1978 23 May
    197-
    The House of Worship in Wilmette was included in the register of historic places in the United States. [BW17:166, 375]
  • For picture see BW17:165.
  • - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Architecture; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Wilmette; Recognition (legal); United States (USA); Wilmette, IL
    1978 Ridván
    197-
    The first local assembly in the British Virgin Islands was formed on Tortola. British Virgin Islands; Local Spiritual Assembly; Tortola, British Virgin Islands first Local Spiritual Assembly in the British Virgin Islands
    1978 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Qatar with its seat in Doha was formed. [Message from the Universal House of Justice dated 24 March 1977] Doha, Qatar; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Qatar
    1978 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Oman with its seat in Muscat was formed. [Message from the Universal House of Justice dated 24 March 1977] Muscat, Oman; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Oman
    1978 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland was formed. [BN No 598 January 1981 p14; BN no 608 November 1981 p10]
  • A member of that Assembly was John W Allen, Knight of Bahá'u'lláh for Swaziland. Mr Allen had served on National Assemblies since 1956 (Regional Spiritual Assembly of South and West Africa, then in 1967 the National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland, Lesotho and Mozambique which, in 1978, became the National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland. Mr Allen passed away on the 31st of August, 1981 while visiting the US. Mr Allen also served as an Auxiliary Board Member for Protection. He was among the first group appointed by the Guardian.
  • Note: In 1977 Angola and Mozambique were placed under the direct guidance of the Universal House of Justice. [BN no608 November 1981 p11]
  • - Biography; Auxiliary board members; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Swaziland
    1978 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Burundi was re-formed. [BW16:137; BW17:141, 142, 347] Burundi; National Spiritual Assembly, formation
    1978 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of the Mariana Islands was formed. [BW17:174–176, 348; DM348, 386]
  • For picture see DM387.
  • Mariana Islands; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first National Spiritual Assembly of the Marshall Islands
    1978 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahamas was formed with its seat in Nassau. [BW17:162, 348] Bahamas; Nassau, Bahamas; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahamas is formed
    1978 Ridván
    197-
    The first National Spiritual Assembly of Mauritania was formed with its seat in Nouakchott. [BW17:141, 348, BW19:491] Mauritania; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Nouakchott, Mauritania first National Spiritual Assembly of Mauritania is formed
    1978 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Cyprus was formed with its seat in Nicosia. [BW17:190, 348] Cyprus; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Nicosia, Cyprus first NSA Cyprus, the first island in the Mediterranean to form an NSA.
    1978 Ridvan
    197-
    Delegates to the International Convention attended a ceremony to further dedicate the new building for the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. The superstructure of the building was completed at this stage. Chairing the event was Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery with special guest Ethel Revell, former member of the International Bahá'í Council in attendance. A casket containing dust from both Holy Shrines was placed in a niche specially designed for it.
  • Delegates from 123 National/Regional Assemblies attended. [BW17p293-300]
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; Báb, Shrine of (Haifa); Bahá'u'lláh, Shrine of (Bahjí); Boxes containing dust, earth or plaster; Haifa, Israel; Universal House of Justice, Seat of (Haifa)
    1978 Ridván
    197-
    The Universal House of Justice was elected for the fourth time at the International Convention held in Haifa. [BW17:293]
  • Those elected were: 'Alí Nakhjavání, Hushmand Fatheazam, Amoz Gibson, Ian Semple, David Ruhe, Charles Wolcott, David Hofman, Hugh Chance, Borrah Kavelin, . [Mess63-86p381] .
  • For details of the International Convention and pictures see BW17:293–300.
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; Conventions, International; Elections; Haifa, Israel; Universal House of Justice, Election of
    1978 15 - 15 Apr
    197-
    At the second Seminar on Bahá'í Studies held at the University of Lancaster Denis MacEoin, a Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, delivered his paper Early Shaykhí Reaction to the Báb and His Claims. It has been presented in Studies in Bábí & Bahá'í History, Volume 1, edited by Moojan Momen. Bahá'í Studies, Associations for; Bahá'í studies; Lancashire, England; Lancaster, England; Shaykhism; United Kingdom
    1978 Apr
    197-
    Dorothy Francis, an Aboriginal person from the Salteaux tribe, was awarded the Order of Canada for her services to Canadian native peoples and her efforts to preserve their culture. [BW17:103; VV29]
  • For a picture see BW17:103.
  • Canada; Dorothy Francis
    1978 27 Mar
    197-
    Counsellors do not have any legislative, executive or judicial authority, priestly functions, and can not make authoritative interpretations, however, the Universal House of Justice explained that they outrank Assemblies and the Assemblies are to keep them informed and consider their advice and recommendations. The relationship between the Councellors and the Assemblies is to be one characterized by love and a common desire to serve rather than by rank or station. [27 March 1978] Counsellors
    1978 4 Mar
    197-
    Christaline Francis, the first woman of the Caribs to become a Bahá'í, enrolled in Dominica. - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Dominica first woman Carib Bahá’í in Dominica
    1978 Mar
    197-
    The first Bahá'í-owned school in Pakistan, the New Day Montessori, opened in Karachi. - Bahá'í inspired schools; Karachi, Pakistan; Pakistan first Bahá’í-owned school in Pakistan
    1978 Feb
    197-
    The government of the Congo banned the majority of smaller religious groups, including the Bahá'í Faith. [BW17:141]
  • The national Hazíratu'l-Quds was confiscated and the assemblies dissolved.
  • - Persecution; - Persecution, Bans; Congo, Democratic Republic of; Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Persecution, Congo
    1978 15 Jan
    197-
    The first National Bahá'í Women's Conference of Niger took place. - Conferences, National; - First conferences; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Women; Niger; Women first National Bahá’í Women’s Conference of Niger
    1978 (In the year)
    197-
    The Bahá'ís of Vietnam were prohibited by the government from meeting and practising their religion. [BW17:81; BW19:50]
  • Bahá'í centres throughout the country were closed or confiscated;
  • The national Hazíratu'l-Quds in Ho Chi Minh City was seized and made into an orphanage;
  • Two members of the national spiritual assembly were arrested and sent to 're-education' camps.
  • One was released in 1982, owing to ill health.
  • - Persecution; - Persecution, Bans; Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Persecution, Vietnam; Vietnam
    1978 (In the year)
    197-
    In Iran, many local Bahá'í centres were seized by armed men of the revolutionary committees, along with files and membership lists. [BW17:79–80] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Iran
    1978 (In the year)
    197-
    The publication of Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. [TRAKA]

    It is also published under the title "Fountain of Wisdom: A Collection of Writings from Baháʼu'lláh".

    Sixteen Tablets revealed by Bahá'u'lláh during the later years of His life, including the Tablet of Carmel, the Book of the Covenant, and the Tablet of Wisdom, as well as excerpts from other Writings. Six of the tablets in this volume were translated into English and published in 1917. The translations were improved upon by Shoghi Effendi, and those not translated by him were filled in with the publication in 1978 under the supervision of the Universal House of Justice. [wikipedia]

    * Bahá'u'lláh, Writings of; * Publications; * Translation; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Fountain of Wisdom (book); - Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas; Akka, Israel
    1978 (In the year)
    197-
    Ten Bahá'ís were killed in Iran, seven by mobs. [BW18:291]
  • For the response of Bahá'í institutions to the persecution of the Bahá'ís in Iran see BW18:337.
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Deaths; - Persecution, Mobs; Human rights; Iran
    1978 (In the year)
    197-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Bonaire was formed.
  • It never functioned and was dissolved in 1989.
  • See also West, Letters From Bonaire.
  • Bonaire; Local Spiritual Assembly first Local Spiritual Assembly in Bonaire
    1977 27 – 30 Dec
    197-
    The first Bahá'í summer school of Sierra Leone was held in Magburaka. [BW17:151] First summer and winter schools; Magburaka, Sierra Leone; Sierra Leone first Bahá’í summer school of Sierra Leone
    1977 15 Dec
    197-
    The Hemispheric Bahá'í Radio and Television Conference was held in Panama, with 125 participants from 24 countries. [BW17:219; Mess63-86] Bahá'í Radio; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Other; Media (communication); Panama; Television
    1977 Dec
    197-
    Properties confiscated by the Iraqi government belonging to individual Bahá'ís were returned; properties and funds belonging to the Faith were turned over to the Ministry of the Interior for disposal. [BW17:80] - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Iraq; Persecution, Iraq
    1977 Dec
    197-
    The first International Conference of Bahá'í Women in South America was held in Lima, Peru, attended by 200 women from 12 countries. [BW17:172]
  • For picture see BW17:211.
  • - Conferences, International; - First conferences; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Women; Lima, Peru; Peru; Women first International Conference of Bahá’í Women in South America
    1977 Dec
    197-
    The restoration of the house of 'Abdu'lláh Páshá began. [BW17:84] - Bahá'í World Centre; - Restoration and renovation; Akka, Israel; Haifa, Israel; House of `Abdu'lláh Páshá (Akká)
    1977 17 Oct
    197-
    At the end of the Asian Bahá'í Women's Conference Hand of the Cause Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum laid the foundation stone of the Mother Temple of the Indian Subcontinent. [BW17:85, 180, 368–70; VV35] - Asia; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Women; Foundation stones and groundbreaking; India; Lotus temple, New Delhi; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Delhi; New Delhi, India
    1977 13 – 16 Oct
    197-
    The Asian Bahá'í Women's Conference was held in New Delhi, attended by more than a thousand women from across Asia. 1,200 women from 36 countries were in attendance. [BW17:180]
  • For picture see BW17:212.
  • - Asia; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Women; India; New Delhi, India; Women
    1977 12 Oct
    197-
    The first Bahá'í educational and cultural radio station, HCRN-1 Radio Bahá'í del Ecuador, made its inaugural broadcast at 1420kHz, 20 watts, in Spanish and Quechua from studios in Otavalo. [BBD193; BW17:169, 215–17; BW19:120; VV77; Mess63-86p373]
  • Radio Bahá'í was first housed in the Amatu'l-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum Institute in Otavalo. [BW18p226]
  • For pictures see BW17:216, 218 and VV77.
  • Full time programming (six hours a day) was initiated on the 12th of December, 1977. The 1 kiloWatt transmitter was located at Cahas, 20km south of Otavalo. [Radio Bahá'í Ecuador p23, 52]
  • On December 12th, 1979, programming was initiated in the short wave band on 2340 kHz in the 120-metre band. The 1 kilowatt transmitter was located about 30 km north of Otavalo at an altitude of 10,000 feet. In 1982 the transmission frequency was switched to 4990 kHz on the 60-meter band. [Radio Bahá'Í Ecuador p205 note 23]
  • For further details on this radio station see Radio Bahá'í Ecuador by Kurt Hein.
  • See as well the compilation entitled Use of Radio and Television in Teaching attached to the message from the Universal House of Justice dated 25 May 1975.
  • Pictures
  • Bahá'í-owned radio; Bahá'í Radio; Cahas, Ecuador; Ecuador; Education; Firsts, other; Otavalo, Ecuador first Bahá’í educational and cultural radio station in Ecuador makes inaugural broadcast
    1977 21 Sep
    197-
    The government of Idi Amin in Uganda banned all religion groups but for four. President Amin, who was a Moslem convert, granted the freedom of worship only to Islam and the Anglican, Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christian churches. The vast majority of Christians belonged to the Anglican and Catholic churches. Some of those organizations banned had been included in previous bans imposed by President Amin in 1973 and 1975. [CG113]
  • The ban remained in place until the overthrow of the Amin government by the ousted former President Obote on the 11th of April, 1979. The Bahá'ís of Kampala formed an administrative committee until elections could be held. [CG124]
  • Persecution, Uganda; Uganda
    1977 Oct
    197-
    The Bahá'í Faith, along with many other religious groups, were banned in Uganda. The National Assembly and 1,550 local assemblies were dissolved. The ban was lifted in April of 1979 and the community began the process to re-build. [BWNS135; BW17:141]
  • The National Spiritual Assembly was re-established in 1981. [BW18:553]
  • - Persecution; - Persecution, Bans; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Persecution, Uganda; Uganda
    1977 16 Sep
    197-
    In Uganda, 27 religious organizations were banned, including the Bahá'í Faith, and the Bahá'í House of Worship was closed. [BW17:81]
  • The national spiritual assembly and all 1,550 local assemblies were dissolved. [BW17:141]
  • The Assembly was able to re-form in 1981. [The Achievements of the Seven Year Plan p2]
  • - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); - Persecution; - Persecution, Bans; LSA; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Kampala; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Persecution, Uganda; Uganda
    1977 14 Sep
    197-
    The first Spiritual Assembly of the Galapagos was established on the island of Santa Cruz. The members of this first local Spiritual Assembly of Puerto Oyora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos were: Sr. Catlos Patino, Sr. Golo Paredes, Sta. Nilda Pena, Srta. Ester Margarlta Panedei, Sr. Gonzalo Salinas, Sra. Luzmila Villacis de Salinas, Sra. Vilma de Arguello, Sra. Soila Robaliino, and Sr. Victor Hugo Arguello. . [Heroes of God: History of the Bahá'í Faith in Ecuador, 1940-1979 p82] Ecuador; Galápagos Islands, Ecuador; Local Spiritual Assembly, formation; Puerto Ayora, Galápagos; Santa Cruz, Galápagos the first Spiritual Assembly of the Galapagos
    1977 16 Aug
    197-
    The passing of Annamarie Honnold (b. 23 December 1914 in Urbana, Illinois) in Kennet Square, PA, USA. She was an American Bahá'í author, teacher and United Nations representative. Her mother became a Bahá'í a year after her birth and in 1921 the parents and their two daughters, Annamarie and Margaret Rosa, went on pilgrimage and met 'Abdu'l-Bahá.

    Her publications were:

  • 1982 - Vignettes from the Life of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
  • 1986 - Divine Therapy: Pearls of Wisdom from the Bahá'í Writings
  • 1994 - Why They Became Bahá'ís: First Generation Bahá'ís By 1963
  • In 1972 she published Glimpses of Early Bahá'í Pilgrimages, a discussion of early pilgrimages based on the resulting pilgrim's notes. Includes text from a variety of memoirs.
  • - Biography; - In Memoriam; Annamarie Honnold; Kennett Square, PA; Pennsylvania, USA; United States (USA); Urbana, IL
    1977 12 – 14 Aug
    197-
    An International Bahá'í Youth Conference was held in Enugu, Nigeria, attended by over 250 Bahá'ís from 19 countries. [BW17:150, 153] - Africa; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Youth; Enugu, Nigeria; Nigeria; Youth
    1977 5 Jul
    197-
    The passing of Mírzá Ahmad Khán Yazdání Kasrawí (b. April 24, 1891) in Tehran. Born into a Muslim family he learned of the Faith from a peddler and then studied under Hand of the Cause Ibni-Abhár and from the renowned teacher, Aflavén-i's-Safé and became an avowed believer at the age of twenty-two.
  • In 1919 he was commissioned by 'Abdu'l-Bahá to accompany Hand of the Cause Ibn-i-Abhár to The Hague to take a Tablet addressed to the Central Organization for a Durable Peace along with its English translation.
  • In addition to this service for 'Abdu'l-Bahá he served on the Spiritual Assembly of the Tehran and travelled at the request of Shoghi Effendi to India and Pakistan to teach and to Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Dubai to cheer the hearts of the pioneers that had settled in those countries. He also travelled to Iráq and Hijaz as well as Turkey and Afghanistan.
  • He served as editor of the Bahá'í News of Iran for 12 years and contributed articles regularly. He was the founder and a contributor to the Bahá'í Women's Journal and contributed to the Bahá'í Youth Magazine as well as the Year Book of the Iranian Bahá'í youth. [Bahaipedia; BW17p4380439]
  • - Biography; - In Memoriam; Ahmad Yazdani; Central Organization for a Durable Peace; Iran; Tehran, Iran
    1977 Jul
    197-
    The first Bahá'í summer school of Ecuador was held in Cuenca. [BW17:170] Cuenca, Ecuador; Ecuador first Bahá’í summer school of Ecuador
    1977 11 Jun
    197-
    The centenary of the termination of Bahá'u'lláh's confinement in 'Akká was commemorated at the World Centre. [BW17:64] - Bahá'í World Centre; Bahá'u'lláh, Banishment of; Centenaries; Haifa, Israel
    1977 Jun
    197-
    At the behest of the Universal House of Justice, two conferences were held for Persian-speaking Bahá'ís resident in Europe, one in Germany and one in London. [BW17:194] - Conferences, International; - Europe; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Persian-speaking Bahá'ís; Diaspora, Persian; Germany; London, England; United Kingdom
    1977 31 May
    197-
    Joe Rabess, the first Carib to become a Bahá'í, enrolled in Dominica. Dominica; Joe Rabess first Carib Bahá’í, in Dominica
    1977 14 May
    197-
    The house of a Bahá'í in Fádilábád, Iran, was attacked; the Bahá'í was killed and his sister severely injured. [BW18:391]
  • BW17:79 says this was June.
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Deaths; Fadilabad, Iran; Iran
    1977 May
    197-
    Paul and Jane Jensen arrived on Andros Island in the Bahamas, the first Bahá'ís to reside on the island. - Travel teachers and pioneers, First; Andros Island first Bahá’ís to reside on Andros Island
    1977 May
    197-
    The Himalayan Conference was held in Gangtok, Sikkim. [BW17:180–2] Conferences, Bahá'í; Gangtok, Sikkim; India; Sikkim, India
    1977 Ridván
    197-
    The first National Spiritual Assembly of the unified nation of Vietnam was elected. [Bahaipedia] National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Vietnam
    1977 Ridván
    197-
    The first National Spiritual Assembly of the French Antilles was formed with its seat in Pointe a Pitre in Guadeloupe. [BW17pxviii, 336; Guadeloupe by Daniel Caillaud]
  • Its jurisdiction covered Guadeloupe and its dependencies, Iles des Saintes; Marie-Galante; St. Barthelemy; Desirade Island, St. Martin/St. Maarten.
  • Note: Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin left the union of Guadeloupe in 2007.
  • Desirade Island, Guadeloupe; French West Indies; Guadeloupe; Îles des Saintes, Guadeloupe; Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; St. Barthélemy; St. Martin Island first National Spiritual Assembly of the French Antilles is formed.
    1977 Ridván
    197-
    The Bahá'ís of Guyana elected an independent assembly while Surinamé and French Guiana communities organized their own national assembly. The elected members of the first National Assembly of Guyana were Sheila Dolphin, Henry Dolphin, Ellen Widmer, Frank Sheffey, Ivan Fraser, Eileen Hill, David Morris, Rooplall Doodnauth, and Krishna Seegopaul. [BN No 555 June 1977 p11] Guyana; National Spiritual Assembly, formation
    1977 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Suriname and French Guiana was formed with its seat in Paramaribo. [BW16:219, 341]. French Guiana; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Suriname first NSA Surinam and French Guiana
    1977 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Greece was formed with its seat in Athens.This had been a goal of the German community. [BW16:287; BW17:190] Athens, Greece; Greece; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Greece
    1977 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of the New Hebrides was formed with its seat in Port Vila. Since 1964 it had been administered by the National Spiritual Assembly of the South West Pacific Ocean. With the name change it became the National Spiritual Assembly of Vanuatu on 30 July 1980. [BW17:xxviii,186, 341]
  • With the independence of New Hebrides the National Spiritual Assembly of the South West Pacific Ocean was renamed the National Spiritual Assembly, Bahá'ís of New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands.
  • National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Port Vila, Vanuatu; Vanuatu first NSA New Hebrides
    1977 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of the Marshall Islands was formed with its seat in Majuro. [BW17:174]
  • See letter sent on behalf of the Universal House of Justice dated 23 June 1995 regarding "Marshall Islands population statistics".
  • Majuro, Marshall Islands; Marshall Islands; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Marshall Islands
    1977 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Upper Volta (Burkina Faso) was formed with its seat in Ouagadougou. [BW17pxviii, 141, 341]
  • The former regional assembly of Ivory Coast, Mali and Upper Volta was reformed as the National Assembly of Ivory Coast and Mali at this time.
  • National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Upper Volta, Burkina Faso first NSA Upper Volta
    1977 16 – 17 Apr
    197-
    The first annual Bahá'í Studies Seminar supported by the Departments of Religious Studies and of Sociology at the University of Lancaster, England, took place. [BW18:204] Bahá'í Studies, Associations for; Bahá'í studies; Conferences, Other; Firsts, other; Lancaster, England; United Kingdom first annual Bahá’í Studies Seminar England
    1977 Apr
    197-
    The first National Bahá'í Children's Conference of Samoa took place. [BW17:211] - First conferences; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Children; Samoa first National Bahá’í Children’s Conference of Samoa
    1977 24 Mar
    197-
    In a cabled message, the Universal House of Justice called upon Bahá'í women around the world to arise and play an active role in the service of the Faith. [BW17:202]
  • For the report of the response to this call see BW17:202–14.
  • Women
    1977 4 – 6 Feb
    197-
    An International Teaching Conference was held in Mérida, Mexico, attended by more than 2,000 Bahá'ís. [BW17:81; VV33]
  • For the message of the Universal House of Justice see BW17:139.
  • Three Hands of the Cause were present – Paul Haney, Rahmatu'lláh Muhájir, and Enoch Olinga, as well as Counsellor Florence Mayberry who had been on the first national assembly of Mexico.
  • For pictures see BW17:112, 126–7.
  • VV33 says this was 2–6 Feb.
  • - Conferences, International; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Latin America; Merida, Mexico; Mexico; Teaching
    1977 27 – 30 Jan
    197-
    An International Teaching Conference was held in Bahia, Brazil, attended by 1,300 Bahá'ís, the largest such gathering of Bahá'ís to date in Brazil. [BW17:81; VV33]
  • For the message of the Universal House of Justice see BW17:137–8.
  • For pictures see BW17:110, 124–5.
  • - Conferences, International; Bahia, Brazil; Brazil; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Latin America; Teaching
    1977 19 – 22 Jan
    197-
    An International Teaching Conference was held in Auckland, New Zealand, attended by 1,195 Bahá'ís. [BW17:81; VV33]
  • For the message of the Universal House of Justice see BW17:136–7.
  • For pictures see BW17:111, 122–4.
  • - Asia-Pacific; - Conferences, International; Auckland, NZ; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; New Zealand; Teaching
    1977 (In the year)
    197-
    The first Macuxi people to become Bahá'ís enrolled in the northern state of Roraima, Brazil. Brazil; Macuxi people; Roraima, Brazil first Macuxi Bahá’ís in Brazil
    1977 (In the year)
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Thailand re-formed. National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Thailand
    1977 (In the year)
    197-
    The publication of Call to the Nations, by Shoghi Effendi. It was composed of selections from the writings of the Guardian's "World Order letters" chosen by the Universal House of Justice and offered as a light and a guidance to all humankind in a "dark period of our history".
  • For a download in English see Call to the Nations.
  • For a Spanish translation see Llamado a las Naciones.
  • * Publications; - Bahá'í World Centre; Call to the Nations (book); Shoghi Effendi, Works of; Shoghi Effendi, Writings of
    1976 27 Dec
    197-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Dominica was formed in St George. Dominica; Local Spiritual Assembly; St. George, Dominica first Local Spiritual Assembly in Dominica
    1976 Dec
    197-
    The first Bahá'í Winter School in Cyprus was held in Nicosia. Cyprus; First summer and winter schools; Nicosia, Cyprus first Bahá’í Winter School in Cyprus
    1976 27 – 30 Nov
    197-
    An International Teaching Conference was held in Hong Kong, attended by 506 Bahá'ís. [BW17:81; VV33]
  • For the message of the Universal House of Justice see BW17:135–6.
  • For pictures see BW17:110, 111, 121–2.
  • - Asia; - Conferences, International; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Hong Kong; Teaching
    1976 6 – 7 Nov
    197-
    The first Canadian Bahá'í Native Council was held in Tyendinaga, Ontario. [BW17:162] Canada; Ontario, Canada; Tyendinaga First Nation, ON first Canadian Bahá’í Native Council in Tyendinaga, Ontario
    1976 15 – 17 Oct
    197-
    An International Teaching Conference was held in Nairobi, Kenya, attended by 1,363 Bahá'ís. [BW17:81; VV33]
  • For the message of the Universal House of Justice see BW17:133–4.
  • For pictures see BW17:110, 119–21.
  • - Africa; - Conferences, International; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Kenya; Nairobi, Kenya; Teaching
    1976 5 Oct
    197-
    The passing of Adelaide Sharp (b. Texas, 1896) in Tehran.
  • In 1929 she accompanied Dr Susan Moody (77) to Tehran and and took up the position of principal of the Tarbiyat School for Girls (opened 1910).
  • In 1931 she invited her mother, Clara Sharp, to come and live with her.
  • After the closing of the Tarbiyat Schools on the 6th of December, 1934, the Guardian asked her to remain in Persia. She organized study classes for both boys and girls to study English writings such as Bahá'í Administration, The Promised Day is Come, The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh and other works from the Guardian. In 1954 the Guardian ruled that women could serve on Bahá'í administrative bodied in Persia. She was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly and served in this role for the next fourteen years. She attended the First and Second International Conventions in 1963 and in 1968. Her five decade legacy of service in Iran included children's education, translating Writings, consolidating administrative institutions, serving as the"external affairs" representative for the National Assembly. Upon her passing memorial services where held in Tehran as well as other centres throughout the country. [BW17p418-420, Bahá'í Heroes & Heroines]
  • - Biography; - Births and deaths; - In Memoriam; Adelaide Sharp; Clara Sharp; Firsts, other; Iran; Tarbiyat School, Tihran; Tehran, Iran; Texas, USA; United States (USA) first woman member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran
    1976 12 Sep
    197-
    His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II of Western Samoa visited the resting place of Shoghi Effendi. [BW17:69; VV22] London, England; Malietoa Tanumafili II of Western Samoa; Samoa; Shoghi Effendi, Resting place of (London); United Kingdom
    1976 3 – 6 Aug
    197-
    An International Teaching Conference was held in Paris, attended by some 5,700 Bahá'ís. [BW17:81; DM416; VV33]
  • For the message of the Universal House of Justice see BW17:131–2.
  • For the message of Kurt Waldheim, Secretary-General of the United Nations, see BW17:140.
  • For pictures see BW17:109, 117–19.
  • - Conferences, International; - Europe; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; France; Kurt Waldheim; Paris, France; Teaching; United Nations; United Nations, Secretary-Generals
    1976 23 – 25 Jul
    197-
    An International Teaching Conference was held in Anchorage, Alaska, attended by 1,005 Bahá'ís. [BW17:81]
  • For the message of the Universal House of Justice see BW17:130–1.
  • For pictures see BW17:110, 113, 116–17.
  • - Conferences, International; Alaska, USA; Anchorage, AK; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Teaching; United States (USA)
    1976 9 – 11 Jul
    197-
    An International Youth Conference was held in Ivory Coast, attended by nearly 200 Bahá'ís. [BW17:150, 153] - Africa; - Conferences, International; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Youth; Ivory Coast; Youth
    1976 5 – 8 Jul
    197-
    An International Teaching Conference was held in Helsinki, Finland, attended by some 950 Bahá'ís. [BW17:81; VV33]
  • For the message of the Universal House of Justice see BW17:129–30.
  • For pictures see BW17:109, 112, 114–15.
  • - Conferences, International; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Finland; Helsinki, Finland; Teaching
    1976 7 May
    197-
    Saichiro Fujita, (b. 1886) the second Japanese to become a Bahá'í, passed away in Haifa. [BW17:406; Bahá'í Canada No 294 June 1996 p6]
  • For his obituary see BW17:406–8.
  • 1903 came to California for education.
  • 1905 became a Bahá'í (Mrs. Kathryn Frankland)
  • 1912 joined 'Abdu'l-Bahá's party in Chicago as they were near departure for California.
  • 1919 came to the Holy Land after studying electricity and horticulture.
  • 1928 Shoghi Effendi sent him back to Japan with the war impending.
  • 1955 returned to the Holy Land.
  • Was buried in the Bahá'í Cemetery in Haifa.
  • References: Traces That Remain and Japan Will Turn Ablaze
  • - Biography; - Births and deaths; - In Memoriam; Haifa, Israel; Saichiro Fujita
    1976 May
    197-
    Bahá'í activities in Mali were restricted by order of the government and the decree of recognition of the Faith suspended. [BW17:81] - Persecution; - Persecution, Bans; Mali; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Persecution, Mali
    1976 24 Apr
    197-
    The passing of Mark George Tobey (b. December 11, 1890 Centerville, Wisconsin – d. April 24, 1976 Basel, Switzerland) [Bahá'í News page 341, Wiki, VV119]
  • He had been introduced to the Faith by Bernard Leach. [OPOP223]
  • Another version is that In 1918 Mark Tobey came in contact with Juliet Thompson and posed for her. During the session Tobey read some Bahá'í literature and accepted an invitation to Green Acre where he converted. [Seitz, William Chapin (1980). Mark Tobey. Ayer Publishing. p. 44]
  • Tobey was one of the twentieth century's most cosmopolitan of artists. An inveterate traveler—he eventually settled in Basel, Switzerland—he was always better known in Europe than in his homeland.
  • His mature 'white writing' works are made up of pulsing webs of lines inspired by oriental calligraphy, explicitly acknowledged the direct influence of the Bahá'í Faith on his painting. It has been said that Tobey "made line the symbol of spiritual illumination, human communication and migration, natural form and process, and movement between levels of consciousness." He often stated, "that there can be no break between nature, art, science, religion, and personal life".
  • See Bahá'í World 1994-95 pg248 for an article by Anne Boyles entitled "The Language of the Heart: Arts in the Bahá'í World Community" for mention of Mark Tobey.
  • For his obituary see BW17:401–4.
  • See a brief biography in The Bahá'í Community of the British Isles 1844-1963 p462-464 and for the story of his learning of the Faith, p459-460.
  • Towards the end of his life, Tobey was the recipient of some of the highest distinctions that the European art scene of his time could bestow. He won the gold medal at the Venice Biennale in 1958—the first American painter to do so since 1895. In 1961, a major retrospective of his work was held at the Louvre in Paris, an unprecedented achievement for a living and American artist.
  • See The Journal of Bahá'í Studies, Volume 26, number 4 – Winter 2016 p94 for an article by Anne Gordon Perry entitled Anne Gould Hauberg and Mark Tobey: Lives Lived for Art, Cultivated by Spirit.
  • An exhibition, Mark Tobey: Threading Light showed at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice, 6 May to 10 September 2017 and at the Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, 4 November 2017–11 March 2018.
  • An example of some of his works.
  • See World Order Vol 11 No 3 Spring 1977 for the following articles:
    • The Days with Mark Tobey by Marzieh Gail
    • Mark, Dear Mark by Bernard Leach
    • Memories of Mark Tobey by Firuz Kazemzahed
    • The Dot and the Circle by Mark Tobey
  • * Arts and crafts; - Biography; - In Memoriam; - Painting; Anne Gould Hauberg; Basel, Switzerland; Bernard Leach; Centerville, WI; Mark Tobey; Switzerland; United States (USA); Wisconsin, USA
    1976 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland and Mozambique was given the added responsibility of administering the Faith in Angola and therefore became the National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland, Mozambique, and Angola. [BN no 608 November 1981 p10] Angola; Mozambique; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Swaziland
    1976 24 – 25 Mar
    197-
    The first Continental Youth Conference of Western Asia took place in Karachi, Pakistan. [BW16:265] - Asia; - First conferences; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Youth; Karachi, Pakistan; Pakistan; Youth first Continental Youth Conference of Western Asia
    1976 8 Mar
    197-
    The Bahá'í International Community was granted consultative status with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). [BIC History Consultative Status; BW16:337–8; VV54] Bahá'í International Community; New York, USA; UNICEF; United Nations; United States (USA)
    1976 Feb
    197-
    The Bahá'í Publishing Trust of Korea was established. [BW16:237] - Publishing Trusts; Korea
    1976 10 – 15 Jan
    197-
    The first National Bahá'í Children's School to he held in Rhodesia took place in Salisbury. [BW16:155] Bahá'í Childrens school; Harare, Zimbabwe; Rhodesia first National Bahá’í Children’s School in Rhodesia
    1976 10 Jan
    197-
    The most northerly-located local spiritual assembly in the world was formed in the Iñupiat community of Barrow, Alaska. Alaska, USA; Barrow, AK; Local Spiritual Assembly; Superlatives and ranking subjects; United States (USA)
    1976 Jan
    197-
    Bahá'ís in Jamaica initiated a weekly 15-minute radio programme. [BW16:186] Jamaica; Radio
    1976 (In the year)
    197-
    Elizabeth Martin with Chris Lyons made a film called Retrospective, a memoir of Hand of the Cause John Robarts. It included his reminiscences of the Guardian and of the early days of the Faith in Canada. [HNWE36] - Film; - Hands of the Cause; Canada; Chris Lyons; Elizabeth Martin; John Robarts; Toronto, ON
    1976 (In the year)
    197-
    The publication of Selections from the Writings of the Báb compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice and translated by Habib Taherzadeh with the assistance of a Committee at the Bahá'í World Centre. [SWB] * Báb, Writings of; * Publications; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Selections from the Writings of the Báb (book); Habib Taherzadeh; Translators first authorized source of the Bab’s Writings in English.
    1976 (In the year)
    197-
    The government of Equatorial Guinea outlawed all religions and the national spiritual assembly was dissolved.
  • It was re-formed in 1984.
  • - Persecution; - Persecution, Bans; Equatorial Guinea; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Persecution, Equatorial Guinea
    1976 (In the year)
    197-
    The Bahá'í Publishing Trust of Norway was established. - Publishing Trusts; Norway
    1976 (In the year)
    197-
    Following the conquest of South Vietnam by North Vietnam, an anti-religion policy was implemented and the Bahá'í Faith, along with all other religions, were banned. - Persecution; - Persecution, Bans; Persecution, Vietnam; Vietnam
    1976 (In the year)
    197-
    The buildings for two new permanent Bahá'í institutes, at Kilifi and Mugweko, were completed, and the institutes began functioning. A large Bahá'í Centre was built in Nakuru and steps were taken towards completion of another at Tongeren. [BW16p145] Bahá'í Institutes; Kenya; Kilifi, Kenya; Mugweko, Kenya; Nakuru, Kenya; Tongeren, Belgium
    1976 to 1985
    197-
    British pioneers Ron, Thelma, Simon and Suzanne Batchelor lived in Kathmandu, Nepal. [Thelma Batchelor on Bahá'í History UK] - Pioneers; Kathmandu, Nepal; Nepal
    1975 (End of the year)
    197-
    The Bahá'ís of the Central African Republic began to televise regular semi-weekly programmes. [BW16:141] Central African Republic; Radio
    1975 Dec
    197-
    The first National Teaching Conference to be held in Senegal took place in Dakar. [BW16:175] - First conferences; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Dakar, Senegal; Senegal; Teaching first National Teaching Conference in Senegal
    1975 Dec
    197-
    The first International Youth School to be held in Rhodesia took place near Bulawayo. [BW16:155] - Conferences, International; - First conferences; Bulawayo, Rhodesia; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Youth; Rhodesia first International Youth School in Rhodesia
    1975 Nov
    197-
    In Iran, the house of the maternal uncle of the Báb and the adjacent house in which the Báb was born were destroyed on the pretext that the sites needed to be cleared. [BW17:79] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Destruction; Báb, Family of; Báb, House of (Shiraz); Iran; Shíráz, Iran
    1975 Nov
    197-
    The land for the Samoan House of Worship was purchased on a site overlooking Apia. [BW18:104] - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Apia, Samoa; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Apia, Samoa; Purchases and exchanges; Samoa
    1975 31 Oct
    197-
    The Secretary of Religious Affairs in the President's Office of Uganda informed the Bahá'ís that the Bahá'í Faith was not among those religions prohibited to practise in the country. [BW16:147] Recognition (legal); Uganda
    1975 c. Oct
    197-
    The Icelandic Bahá'í community proclaimed the Faith to the leaders of Iceland, presenting them with literature, including The Bahá'í World,Vol. XIV.

    Presentations were made to the president of the Republic of Iceland, the Bishop of Iceland and the Rev. Arelius Nielsson, who was described as " the best beloved priest in this country and surely the most renown. [BN No 537 December 1975 p15]

    Iceland; Proclamation
    1975 Oct
    197-
    The New Era Rural Development Project, the first project of its kind in the world, began in the villages around Panchgani, India. [BW17:227–8] Firsts, other; India; Maharashtra, India; New Era Development Institute, India; Panchgani, India; Social and economic development first rural development project in world
    1975 -09-07
    197-
    The official opening of the National Centre at 7200 Leslie Street in Thornhill Ontario. [from an invitation to the event] Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres)
    1975 Sep c.
    197-
    In Iraq, a young Bahá'í was detained, interrogated, beaten and asked to recant his faith when he specified his religion on a form.
  • When he refused to recant his faith he was tried by a revolutionary court and sentenced to ten years' imprisonment. [BW16:138]
  • - Persecution; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution, Court cases; Iraq; Persecution, Iraq
    1975 9 – 12 Jul
    197-
    The first International Bahá'í Youth Conference of Iceland took place in Njardvik with youth from nine countries. [BW16:301] - Europe; - First conferences; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Youth; Iceland; Njardvik, Iceland; Youth first International Bahá’í Youth Conference of Iceland
    1975 4 - 8 Jul
    197-
    The Ridván Message contained the phrase, "EVIDENCES GATHERING CLOUDS WIDESPREAD OPPOSITION" and the Universal House of Justice called together all the 'high ranking officers' and 'senior administrative bodies' of the Faith in North America for special consultation on the future protection of the Cause" to be held in Wilmette. It was attended by the three Hands of the Cause for North America, Mr Sears, Mr Robarts and Mr Zikrullah Khadem; the four members of the Board of Counsellors, Velma Sherrill, Lloyd Gardner, Sarah Periera, and Edna True; all the members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Alaska, Canada and the United States as well as representative of the National Assembly of Hawaii; all of the Auxiliary Board members in North America and special guest, Counsellor 'Azíz Yazdí of the International Teaching Centre.
  • Although the primary reason for gathering was to discuss the issue of the protection of the Faith there were opportunities for members of the three National Spiritual Assemblies and the Auxiliary Boards to share teaching ideas and to learn of the goals achieved in other areas. [BN Vol 52 No 8 August, 1975 p13-14, CBN Issue 287 Aug/Sept 1975 p1-4]
  • - Conferences; - Conferences, Continental; Chicago, IL; United States (USA); Wilmette, IL first continental conference in North America.
    1975 Jul
    197-
    The first Katio Indians to become Bahá'ís enrolled in northern Colombia. [BW16:217] - First believers by background; Colombia first Katio Indian Bahá’ís in northern Colombia
    1975 Jul
    197-
    In Iraq, a partial amnesty reducing the terms of the Bahá'ís imprisoned by 15 per cent was granted. [BW16:138] - Persecution; - Persecution, Court cases; Iraq; Persecution, Iraq
    1975 24 Jun
    197-
    Iran became one of the first countries in the world to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The covenant spelled out clearly the concept of freedom of religion or belief.
    Article 18 states that "[e]veryone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his/her religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching." The ICCPR also spells out specific rights to due process "without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status." These include freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention, the right to be "promptly informed" of charges, and the right to legal counsel. Article 9 of the ICCPR states that "[n]o one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention." It also states that "[a]nyone who is arrested shall be informed, at the time of arrest, of the reasons for his arrest and shall be promptly informed of any charges against him." Article 14 spells out the right to legal counsel, stating everyone has the right "to defend himself in person or through legal assistance of his own choosing. …"
    The Covenant was opened for signature at New York on 19 December 1966 and came into force on 23 March 1976. [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; Fact Sheet]
    Bahá'í International Community; Human rights; International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR); Iran; New York, USA; United Nations; United Nations; United States (USA)
    1975 21 Jun
    197-
    Following the revolution in Portugal in April, the National Spiritual Assembly was officially recognized.
  • The process of incorporation began in 1951.
  • National Spiritual Assembly; Portugal
    1975 19 Jun - 2 Jul
    197-
    Two* Bahá'í women represented the Bahá'í International Community at the first World Conference on Women in Mexico City. It was the first international conference held by the United Nations to focus solely on women's issues and marked a turning point in policy directives. Nine Bahá'ís represented the Bahá'í International Community at the parallel NGO Tribune. Those attending were: Dorothy Nelson*; Jane Faily, Sheila Banání, Edris Rice-Wray, Carmen Burafato, Catherine Mboya, Shirin Fozdar*, Jyoti Munsiff, Elsie Austin and Shomais Afnán.
  • The purpose of the Conference was to give shape to a Ten-Year Plan of Action to promote equality between men and women in member nations by stressing better education and increased participation of women in decision-making in order to bring the neglected resources of women into the struggle for development and peace. [CBN No 287 Aug/Sep 1975 p16; Wikipedia; United Nations - Conferences]
  • The Bahá'í International Community issued a statement entitled International Women's Year.
  • See UN Women.
  • - BIC statements; - Conferences; Bahá'í International Community; Carmen Burafato; Catherine Mboya; Conferences, Women; Dorothy Nelson; Edris Rice-Wray; Elsie Austin; Jane Faily; Jyoti Munsiff; Mexico; Mexico City, Mexico; Sheila Banani; Shirin Fozdar; Shomais Afnan first World Conference on Women in Mexico City
    1975 5 Jun
    197-
    In a message to the Bahá'ís of the world, the Universal House of Justice recalled the "capital institutional significance" of the transference to Mount Carmel of the sacred remains of the Purest Branch and Navváb, interring them in the immediate neighbourhood of the resting-place of the Greatest Holy Leaf some thirty-six years prior.

       Now, on the occasion of the commencement of the construction of the seat of the Universal House of Justice, they recounted the progress of the Faith in the eighteen years since the completion of the first building on the Arc, the International Archives Building in June of 1957. In the time between 1957 to 1975.......
      - National Spiritual Assemblies have increased from 26 to 119
      - Local Spiritual Assemblies have increased from 1,000 to 17,000
      - Localities have increased from 4,500 to over 70,000 [Message from the Universal House of Justice dated 5 June 1975]

    - Bahá'í World Centre; Statistics
    1975 5 Jun
    197-
    Excavation of the site of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice began. [BW16:133; BW18:465]
  • See BW16:399–404 for an article on the Seat by architect Husayn Amánat.
  • See BW17:301 for the significance of the seat.
  • - Architects; - Bahá'í World Centre; Architecture; Haifa, Israel; Hossein Amanat (Husayn Amanat); Universal House of Justice, Seat of (Haifa)
    1975 Jun
    197-
    Elti Kunak of Papua New Guinea was awarded the British Empire Medal for her work with women's clubs in the Bismarck Archipelago. [BW16:278] Elti Kunak; Papua New Guinea
    1975 25 May
    197-
    The compilation, Use of Radio and Television in Teaching (Extracts from letters written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi), was sent in a message addressed to all National Spiritual Assemblies by the Universal House of Justice. [25 May 1975] - Bahá'í World Centre; - Compilations; Bahá'í Radio; Media (communication); Teaching
    1975 2 May
    197-
    The first teaching institute of the Bahamas took place in Nassau. [BW16:207] - Islands; Bahamas; Firsts, other; Nassau, Bahamas; Teaching institutes first teaching institute of Bahamas
    1975 25 Apr
    197-
    A revolution in Portugal removed the ban on Bahá'í meetings and teaching activities. - Persecution; - Persecution, Bans; Persecution, Portugal; Portugal
    1975 Ridván
    197-
    The first local spiritual assembly to be elected among the Meo tribes, Laotian refugees in northern Thailand, was formed. [BW16:262] Local Spiritual Assembly; Thailand first Local Spiritual Assembly among Meo tribes, Laotian refugees
    1975 Ridván
    197-
    In the chaos related to the final days of the Vietnam War, a national convention could not be held and the election of the National Spiritual Assembly was conducted by mailed ballot. At this time it was estimated that the Bahá'í population of Vietnam was around 200,000. [Bahaipedia]
  • The reunification of the country took place on the 30th of April, 1975.
  • "Vietnam was reunified under a communist government, who proscribed the practice of the religion from 1975 to 1992, leading to a sharp drop in community numbers." []
  • Conventions, National; Vietnam
    1975 Ridván
    197-
    The zone of Northwestern Africa was split into the two separate zones of Northern and Western Africa and to each of which were transferred parts of the Central and East African zone. The zone of Northern Africa comprised of Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Spanish Sahara. The zone of Western Africa consisted of Mauritania, Sénégal, the Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, the Cape Verde Islands, Guinea, Mali, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Upper Volta, Niger, Ghana, Togo, Dahomey, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and São Tomé and Príncipe. [Message of the Universal House of Justice dated 6 January 1975]
  • In 1976 there was a ban on the Faith in Mali.
  • National Spiritual Assembly, formation
    1975 Ridván
    197-
    By this time the Bahá'í communities of Liberia and Guinea had developed sufficiently to merit their own Regional Spiritual Assembly. Previously they had been administrated by the National Spiritual Assembly of West Africa which had been formed in 1964 and re-formed in 1970. This new administrative unit, the National Spiritual Assembly of Liberia and Guinea, operated until 1982 when they each formed an independent national assembly. [BW98-99p54-55] Guinea; Liberia; National Spiritual Assembly, formation
    1975 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Benin was formed. Prior to this the Bahá'í community in Benin was administrated by the National Spiritual Assembly of Dahomey, Togo and Niger from 1970 to 1975.
  • It was called the National Spiritual Assembly of Dahomey until 1976 when it was renamed the National Spiritual Assembly of Benin. [BW16:161]
  • Benin; National Spiritual Assembly, formation
    1975 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Niger was formed with its seat in Niamey. [BW16:141]
  • Prior to this, the Bahá'í community in Niger was administrated by the National Spiritual Assembly of Dahomey, Togo and Niger from 1970 to 1975.
  • National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Niger first NSA Niger
    1975 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Jordan was formed with its seat in Amman. From 1970 it was a part of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Near East with its seat in Lebanon and jurisdiction over Lebanon, Jordon and Syria. This left the National Spiritual Assembly of Lebanon with its seat in Beirut and jurisdiction over Syria. [BW16:264]
  • For picture see BW16:452.
  • Amman, Jordan; Jordan; Lebanon; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Syria first NSA Jordan
    1975 Ridván
    197-
    The Universal House of Justice changed the name of the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Africa to the National Spiritual Assembly of Ethiopia. The only difference in the area of jurisdiction was that it no longer included Somalia. [BW16:144] Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ethiopia; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Ethiopia
    1975 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of The Gambia was formed with its seat in Banjul. [BW16:165] Banjul (Bathurst), The Gambia; Gambia, The; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA The Gambia
    1975 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Upper West Africa was formed with its seat in Dakar, Senegal. The name was later changed to the National Spiritual Assembly of Senegal. [BW16:141]
  • Jurisdiction: Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau and the Cape Verde Islands.
  • Dakar, Senegal; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Senegal first NSA Upper West Africa
    1975 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Togo was formed with its seat in Lomé. [BW16:141]
  • Prior to this, the Bahá'í community in Togo was administrated by the National Spiritual Assembly of Dahomey, Togo and Niger from 1970 to 1975.
  • Lomé, Togo; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Togo first NSA Togo
    1975 Ridván
    197-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Sierra Leone was formed with its seat in Freetown. [BW16:141] Freetown, Sierra Leone; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Sierra Leone first NSA Sierra Leone
    1975 20 Apr
    197-
    Michael Cooper, a Bahá'í from Northampton, U.K., who had never had a passport, never been out of his country , and never been on an airplane, volunteered to pioneer to Iceland. He on April 20th, just in time to become the ninth member of a Spiritual Assembly. [BN No 544 July 1975 p17] - Pioneers; Iceland; Michael Cooper
    1975 29 Mar
    197-
    The first Bahá'í Youth Conference of the Canary Islands was held in Santa Cruz. [BW16:313] - First conferences; Canary Islands, Spain; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Youth; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands; Youth first Bahá’í Youth Conference of Canary Islands
    1975 1 Mar
    197-
    The Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt decided that the 1960 decree of President Nasser banning all Bahá'í activities was constitutional and the application of the Bahá'ís for annulment of the decree was dismissed. Though nominally they have been guaranteed equal rights and religious freedoms under the 1971 Constitution, Bahá'ís, in practice, have retained a secondary legal status due to ongoing religious discrimination. Issues pertaining to personal status in Egypt were informed by religious rather than civil law and recognition pertained only to Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Aspects of religious life such as marriage, divorce and family relationships were not recognized by the state.

    Egyptian security services have exploited the decree to orchestrate six major crackdowns on the Bahá'í community , in 1965, 1967, 1970, 1972,1985 and 2001. The authorities arrested a total of 236 Egyptian Bahá'ís in these crackdowns, on grounds that they had violated the decree or on charges of "contempt of religion" On the few occasions on which arrests were followed by prosecutions, none of the defendants were ever found guilty of violating Law 263/1960 or any other law." [BW16:137; Prohibited Identities: State Interference with Religious Freedom p31 footnote 54]

    - Persecution; - Persecution, Bans; Egypt; Human rights; Persecution, Egypt
    1975 Mar
    197-
    The only Bahá'í to visit the continent in the 1970s, John R. Peiniger, an Australian, was stationed in Antarctica for a brief time.
  • See Aníbal and Norma Soto, a couple who visited in the previous decade.
  • Antarctica; John R. Peiniger
    1975 5 Feb
    197-
    A strip of land facing the resting place of Shoghi Effendi was purchased by the Universal House of Justice to ensure protection of the site. [BW16:134; BW17:82; VV22] London, England; Shoghi Effendi, Resting place of (London); United Kingdom
    1975 Feb - Aug
    197-
    Hand of the Cause Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum set out on the Green Light Expedition to visit the indigenous peoples of the Amazon Basin in South America. [VV30–2]
  • For a pictorial description of the expedition see BW16:419–48.
  • See Green Light Expedition, a film by Rodney Charters, Mark Sadan, David Walker and Anthony Worley.
  • - Documentaries; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum, Journeys of; Anthony Worley; David Walker; Green Light Expedition; Latin America; Mark Sadan; Rodney Charters
    1975 Feb
    197-
    The Arab Boycott Office, at its meeting in Cairo, announced that the Bahá'í Faith had been placed on its blacklist. The decision had been taken through a misunderstanding as to the true nature and purpose of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, and was subsequently modified to state that only the businesses of individual Bahá'ís and companies owned by them would be boycotted. [BW17:78]

    See the statement released by the Bahá'í Community in New York on the 25th of February 1975.

    - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Cairo, Egypt; Egypt; Persecution, Egypt

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