Each time a new mayor takes office in Londonderry (Derry) – which is usually every year – the Spiritual Assembly seeks an interview with him or her in order to explain something about the Faith and the activities of the local community and to present some Bahá’í literature. This has always been a worthwhile activity and has led to some interesting developments as well as a significant amount of recognition for the Faith.
This year Keith Munro and Sarah Munro represented the
Assembly and community in the meeting with the newly-elected mayor, Councillor
Mildred Garfield. The interview took place in the mayor’s parlour of the
city’s historic Guildhall (see photograph, left) and lasted just
over half an hour. It was friendly and positive and covered a variety of
topics. The Mayor was presented with a copy of A Crown of Beauty and
other material.
The mayor’s office had arranged for press photographers to be present and two good-sized pictures subsequently appeared in local papers. In a piece of even-handedness worthy of the Bahá’ís one of the papers is of a strongly Protestant / Unionist position and the other an equally firm Catholic / Nationalist one.
The first in the new series of "Deepenings in Derry" was held on Friday July 20. It took the form of a talk and audio-visual presentation on "Becoming Effective Servants", given by Iain Palin, and not only did it share information and provoke some interesting discussion it also showed how even home computer technology can be used to enhance and enliven a deepening session.
You will be aware that the Interfaith Forum has developed a Quiet Room at the International Airport. We are now in the busiest period at the Quiet Room.
It would be very helpful if you could check, during your travels through the airport, to see that there is a stock of Bahá'í materials on display. If there is not please let Beman Khosravi or Edwin Graham know.
Please do not be tempted to put Bahá'í pamphlets on display. The only leaflets that should be displayed are the ones that have been produced by the Interfaith Forum. (The Bahá'í leaflet has been reprinted so we now have ample stocks).
Apart from the Interfaith leaflets the only other materials that should be displayed are scriptural texts. It would also be helpful if you could alert me if some of the leaflets belonging to the other faith communities also need to be replenished.
If you wish you can have some of the Bahá’í leaflets [for your own use] that have been produced by the Interfaith Forum. Please let Edwin Graham know and he can arrange for you to have some without depleting the stock on display in the Quiet Room.