Boletín de Información Europea

Junio 2006

Issue 127 Published by the Bahá’í International Community, Office of Public Information - Paris

Launched: Public Information Database of Human Resources – European Continent

The Bahá’í International Community’s Office of Public Information in Paris (BIC-OPI Paris) is pleased to announce the launch of a database of human resources within the field of public information. This database, available through a website, was made available to all National Spiritual Assemblies of the European continent on 22 March 2006.
The objective of the database is to provide a wide, systematic, and continuous pool of information on the European Bahá’í community’s human resources in the field of public information, which is accurate, accessible, and up-to-date. It aims to facilitate a systematisation of public information work in the European continent and enable exchanges within and between the different communities.
The data has been obtained through distributing a questionnaire to members of the European community skilled in diverse areas of public information work. This includes event organisers, speakers on specific subjects, translators, authors, individuals with artistic skills, audiovisual experience, and electronic media and information technology skills.
(For further information please contact the BIC-OPI Paris)

Ridván celebration on Slovenian television

An interview from 15 May 2006 with the Bahá’ís of the Ljubljana cluster on the topic of the Ridván celebration was aired on the country's national television SLO1.
Although it was not possible to film the Ridván celebration which was held earlier at a believer’s home, the crew was invited to film and interview a few believers at Ljubljana's famous Tivoli Park. At a beautifully chosen spot a table was arranged with flowers and sweets and the friends were interviewed. The topics covered included a short introduction about the Faith, the meaning and significance of the Ridván festivals, and stories such as the handing of roses by Bahá'u'lláh at the Garden of Ridván. Parts from the Ridván Tablet were also read. The interview can be viewed at the address: http://www.rtvslo.si/duhovniutrip/arhiv.php and by clicking on "25.05.2006". (Please note you will need RealPlayer in order to view the video clip)
(For further information please contact the Administrative Committee for Slovenia)

Meeting signals increased inter-faith awareness

A meeting with government officials in Norway on 10 March 2006 has shown increasing interest in the inter-faith affairs through the Cooperation Council for Religious and Life-Stance Communities in Norway.
The Council for Religious and Life Stance Communities in Norway was established 30 May 1996 and is one of Norway's principal interfaith organizations. The goals of the Council are to to work towards equality and promote mutual understanding and respect between different religious and life stance communities through dialogue, and to work, internally and externally, with social and ethical issues from the perspective of religions and life stances.
The Department of Foreign Affairs called the meeting with the Minister of Church and Culture and the newly established Department of Integration.
Participants saw the meeting as a great step forward in focusing on the importance of religious dialogue and the need for joint efforts between the different official agencies and the religious communities of Norway.
Minister Trond Giske informed those present about the Government’s decision to double its contribution of the state budget council to allow for more national and local dialogue. The department said they were willing to initiate activities in the field and asked for advice, constructive ideas, and cooperation.
(For further information please contact the National Spiritual Assembly of Norway)

VIP opening of Warsaw Bahá’í National Centre

Diplomats, professors, and members of the media were among the prominent people at the official opening of the Bahá’í National Centre in Warsaw on 21 March 2006.
Guest speaker Mr Jacek Santorski, a business psychologist, talked about building bridges between world religions with the emphasis on the fact that there are many religions but only one faith. He said he was impressed with the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith and conveyed his appreciation to the audience.
Prayers were chanted to portray the unity of the diverse community. The atmosphere was enhanced by music performed by a classical guitarist.
The guests who attended the celebration spoke about it as an uplifting and remarkable experience. The prominent guests included representatives of the US Embassy, the Embassy of India, professors of ethics and religious studies, publishers, and journalists from press and radio.
The guests were also able to acquaint themselves with the Faith through an exhibition on unity in diversity in the Bahá’í Faith, moral and social teachings, the purpose of life, and progressive revelation.
(For further information please contact the National Spiritual Assembly of Poland)

Russian exhibition on the “Seven Valleys”

An exhibition of modern art and presentations on the theme of the “Seven Valleys” took place in Moscow from 18 January to 12 February 2006 and was attended by 700 people.
Hosted by the State Museum, the show was sponsored by the Istoki Foundation, project WERLD, the Office of Public Information of the Bahá’ís of Russia, and Studio of Wall-Paintings.
The exhibition was inspired by the image of the “Seven Valleys” – the allegory of spiritual development of a human being from the state of search to the level of perfection. It included graphic art, mosaics, porcelain miniatures, installations, media, paintings, and live music.
More than 50 “Seven Valleys” books were sold during the exhibition and contacts made, with a number of people offering further cooperation with the project.
The exhibition was held in the framework of the youth art project WERLD, which aims to contribute to the development of the autonomy of young people and enhance humanitarian and cultural values in the eyes of youth with the help of media technologies and modern art. WERLD has held a number of exhibitions in art museums, as well as annual series of art sessions in a students’ art club.
(For further information please contact the National Spiritual Assembly of Russia)

German doctor given Order of Merit

A doctor who developed a method of psychotherapy based on the Bahá’í teachings was presented with the Cross of Merit ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany on 23 January 2006, in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Dr. Nossrat Peseschkian, a member of the German Bahá’í community and the originator of Positive Psychotherapy, was presented with the honour “in recognition for extraordinary services to the nation and its people”. He received the honour in the office of the Prime Minister of the State of Hesse for services rendered in the field of medical science over the past several decades.
Dr. Peseschkian founded the German Society for Positive Psychotherapy and the Wiesbaden Further Education Circle for Psycho- and Family Therapy. Positive Psychotherapy is based and inspired by the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh and involves exposure to stories and innovative trans-cultural methods, through which the patient is able to see himself and his personal problems in a holistic context. Confidence in his own potential is strengthened through positive capabilities which he possesses.
The Peseschkian Foundation is a non-profit organisation that aims to contribute to peace, development and conflict resolution research.
(For further information please contact the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany)

Dutch Queen’s Jubilee celebrations

Two Bahá’ís joined 700 representatives of religions, philosophies, and politics at the Jubilee celebration of the rule of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix on 1 December 2005. The festive and colorful event, “Joined in Freedom, an encounter between religions and philosophies of life”, took place in the Cathedral of Utrecht.
The programme, broadcast live by television, consisted of diverse elements including speeches, music, dance from various parts of the world, religious and philosophies’ life traditions, and chanting from the writings of various religions.
(For further information please contact the National Spiritual Assembly of the Netherlands)

Coverage in Hungarian media

A Bahá’í was interviewed on a popular Hungarian national television evening programme, “Kulturhaz”. The 13-minute interview in December 2005 included a report on MESED, a socio-economic project with Roma mothers.
In January 2006, a devotional meeting at a Bahá’í home was filmed and broadcast in an evening programme on “Kulturhaz”. The reporter expressed amazement at the open-mindedness of the Bahá’ís.
A Bahá’í summer school and Naw-Rúz event were covered in the news section of a weekly programme on Hungarian national television that discusses topical issues.
(For further information please contact the National Spiritual Assembly of Hungary)

50th Anniversary of Austrian Bahá’í Centre celebrated

The Bahá'ís of Austria celebrated the 50th anniversary of their national centre, the Bahá'í Haus, which was inaugurated in 1955. To commemorate the occasion, the community of Vienna organised a three-day event starting on 25 November 2005.
The first day was reserved for VIPs and was attended by national and local media, university professors, leaders from the Catholic and Protestant Church, and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as the Baptist Church. Also among the participants were representatives from the government, the International Council of Women, Pax Christi, the NGO Committee on Women, and diplomats.
The secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Austria, after welcoming the guests, talked about the history of the Bahá’í Centre, its acquisition and early years.
Alex Käfer, a Bahá’í speaker, spoke about the moving beginnings of the Bahá’í Faith in Austria and of the historical visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Vienna during his two years of travels to the western world.
The following day more than 60 Bahá'ís and some 40 non-Bahá’ís part took part in a celebration that included a presentation on various activities undertaken by the Bahá’í community. A reception attended by an estimated 120 Bahá’ís from all over the country concluded the festivities around the 50th anniversary in Vienna.
(For further information please contact the National Spiritual Assembly of Austria)


Religions discuss homosexuality in The Netherlands

Muslim, Christian, Hindu, and Bahá'í representatives were invited to a gathering on “Religious tolerance towards homosexuality” organized by the Local Gay Association in Leiden, The Netherlands, and a humanist organization on 15 November 2005.
The Bahá'í representative underlined the involvement of the Bahá'í community in inter-faith dialogue and expressed the hope that the gathering would lead to more mutual understanding. While describing the Bahá'í teaching that limits sexuality to the context of marriage, he also talked about the duty of believers not to judge others and to show friendliness to every human being.
A Bahá'í in another workshop explained the role of Bahá'í institutions if a gay or lesbian believer wanted advice on their sexual orientation.
The gathering heard how the gay movement had noticed increasing intolerance towards gays and lesbians in The Netherlands in the past five years.
(For further information please contact the National Spiritual Assembly of The Netherlands)

Bahá’í elected secretary-general of National Council of French Women

Françoise Barsacq, the president of the Bahá’í Association of Women (ABF) in France was elected secretary-general of the National Council of French Women during its general assembly in September 2005.
In this capacity, she will work with members of the Executive Committee of the Council, alongside the vice-president of the French Parliament, an advisor to the President of the Republic, among others.
This role led to her membership on the National Liaison Committee Coordinating Women’s Associations, a Committee which is a part of the Permanent Conference for the Coordination of Associations, which represents associations to the Government.
This development will allow the ABF to widen its work from beyond the field of women’s associations, to work with all French associations.
(For further information please contact the National Spiritual Assembly of France)


The EPIB reports on recent Public Information activities in Europe. Please send all news concerning Public Information to be published for the next issue directly to BIC-OPI, Paris no later than the 25th of each month (25 June 2006 for the next issue) to the attention of Jessica Dacey. The Office of Public Information may edit articles received and decides on the publication of all submitted material.



Bahá’í International Community, Office of Public Information – Paris
45 rue Pergolèse, 75116 Paris, France
Tel.: +33 (0)1 45 00 49 32 • Fax: +33 (0)1 45 00 49 35 • Email: opiparis@club-internet.com