Alf McCreary wrote, 1 May 2004:
ONE of the more interesting church magazines in the United Kingdom is the UK Bahá'í Review, one of the many from different faiths and denominations which arrive on my desk regularly. According to the current Bahá'í Review, the community in Northern Ireland has been hosting a series of “Tranquillity Evenings” in the Senior Common Room of Queen's University. This consists of a candle-lit programme of prayers and readings from all the world's religions and spiritual traditions, and is interspersed by relaxing music and occasional poetry readings. Afterwards, people mingle for a chat with a cup of tea.
Some people believe that I, as a Presbyterian, have no right to publicise non-Christian faiths. I beg to differ. You can respect another person's faith, without necessarily advocating it. This is all part of our wider culture in Northern Ireland, and it is important that we cherish diversity in our midst.
CommuNIqué editor’s note:
The UK Bahá'í Review is an excellent and informative account of Bahá'í activities aimed at the non-Bahá'í reader but of interest to all. Available on subscription form the National Spiritual Assembly it is highly recommended to read and share.
On Wednesday 14 April some sixty people came together in the Holiday Inn, Belfast to mark the passing of Hand of the Cause of God Mr Furután.The meeting was chaired by Dr Keith Munro who introduced a very dignified programme of prayers and music. Having a very professionally produced written programme of the readings and prayers was certainly appreciated by all and made a wonderful souvenir of this event. Especially moving were Lesley Taherzadeh's reminiscences of Mr Furután The evening was very special and proved a fitting and, yes, happy tribute to one of the heroes of our beloved Faith.
EW
On 29/April 2004 Newtownabbey L.S.A. members met with the Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Paul Girvan, at the old Mill offices of the council. Peter Black, Sally Liya and Ralph Rossi found their 20 minute estimate expand to two hours as the Mayor was very friendly and the conversation covered many subjects. He had been to the Congo where our Sally had lived for many years so there was lots of story swapping about the Congo.
We discussed the attacks on racial minorities and possible solutions to this problem. We were shown the Council Chamber where the Mayor said meetings were usually of short duration. When I asked him for his secret he smiled and said that committees did all the ground-work and the Council just had to rubber-stamp their reports and course of action. We presented the Mayor with a Bahá’í book “Crown of Glory” which he clasped closely to his heart as we conducted us to the foyer.
RR
“Land of Fire and Snow” was the title of an evening presentation by Dr Keith Munro and Sarah Munro in the Bahá'í Centre in Londonderry on 23 April. They gave an interesting account of their time in Iceland, travel-teaching for the Faith, with a superb PowerPoint presentation (lots of phots), and good old word of mouth. All present were enthralled by the stories presented of teaching, blizzards and the Blue Lagoon. As we are all reminded of our duty to teach the Faith there is nothing more inspirational than hearing it from those who have done it and this night was a perfect example. Everyone left with their hearts afire.
CTP
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