|
|
|
True civilization will
unfurl its banner in the midmost heart of the world whenever a certain
number of its distinguished and high-minded sovereigns -- the shining exemplars of devotion and
determination -- shall, for the good and happiness of all mankind,
arise, with firm resolve and clear vision, to establish the Cause of Universal Peace.
They must make the Cause of Peace the object of general consultation, and seek by
every means in their power to establish a Union of the nations of the world.
They must conclude a binding treaty and establish a covenant, the
provisions of which shall be sound, inviolable and definite. They must proclaim
it to all the world and obtain for it the sanction of all the human race. This supreme
and noble undertaking -- the real source of the peace and well-being of all the
world -- should be regarded as sacred by all that dwell on earth.
Among the articles in the latest volume of 'The Baha'i World' is a report on a series of primary schools established by the Nosrat Foundation in Mali. Shown here are first grade students in line to enter their classroom at one of the schools. 
All the forces of humanity must be mobilized to ensure the stability
and permanence of this Most Great Covenant. In this all-embracing Pact the limits and
frontiers of each and every nation should be clearly fixed, the principles
underlying the relations of governments towards one another definitely
laid down, and all international agreements and obligations ascertained. In like
manner, the size of the armaments of every government should be strictly
limited, for if the preparations for war and the military forces of any nation should
be allowed to increase, they will arouse the suspicion of others. The
fundamental principle underlying this solemn Pact should be so fixed that if any government
later violate any one of its provisions, all the governments on earth
should arise to reduce it to utter submission, nay the human race as a whole should
resolve, with every power at its disposal, to destroy that government.
Should this greatest of all remedies be applied to the sick body of
the world, it will assuredly recover from its ills and will remain eternally safe
and secure.
('Abdu'l-Bahá,
The Secret of Divine Civilization, p. 64)
The Bahá'í House of Worship - Chile.
|
     
|
|
 
 |
29 June 2009, LANGENHAIN, Germany — The European Baha’i House of Worship – the most prominent landmark in a wide area around Langenhain – was the site of events this month celebrating the 700-year anniversary of the village.
The mayor of Hofheim, of which Langenhain is a part, and more than 300 townspeople gathered at the temple where a choir from Langenhain sang Christian psalms, alternating with works performed by the national Baha’i choir.
The program culminated with the choirs joining together to sing words of Baha’u’llah set to music from Mozart.
“From the very first sound, everyone could feel that it was something extraordinary,” one of the Baha’is said of the finale. “The very special, prayerful atmosphere lasted a long time – nobody spoke or applauded.”
The event was followed by a second program – a “musical matinee” – at the nearby Baha’i center where the choirs again sang for the hundreds of visitors. Both programs took place on 1 June and were attended by local officials as well as representatives of the Protestant and Catholic churches.
Several of the Langenhain chorus members commented that they had long wanted to sing at the Baha’i House of Worship.
“It was a great joy for us,” choir conductor Andrea Post said. Her group of about 30 singers actually comprised two choirs that joined forces for the special events – the New Langenhain Choir and a local traditional choir that was founded in 1844.
Read the entire story.
|
|
|
