Report 2003

Official Changing Times Report 2003-2004:

Unique to today's society is the mobility and interconnectedness which has allowed for a gathering of over 220 youth from 30 countries to come together in the name of Bahá'u'lláh, at the Changing Times European Youth Seminar from the 26th of December 2003 - 1st of January 2004.

It is in this day that youth and young adults are given the opportunity, like never before, to make choices. As Dr. Robert C. Henderson said, these choices of 'where to live', 'what to study', 'how to serve', and 'where to serve' are opportunities unparalleled in the history of the world. Never before has an entire generation been able to determine the course of their future. With this boundless array of options in these 'changing times' it often becomes difficult to truly center our lives on the Faith.

The energy created and emanated by the participants of the conference was inspirational in and of itself, but further enhanced by the high caliber of speakers and presenters. The prominent theme of crisis and victory inspired participants with the confirmation that, though these times are rapidly changing and often difficult to endure, the victory of the Faith will ultimately prevail. Dr. Henderson reminded the participants over and over again of the crucial role they are playing in these current times and how they need to recognize the contributions they can render for the betterment of humanity.

Days were filled with moving stories from Mrs. Lesley Taherzadeh of heroes and heroines of our Faith. Mr. Armin Eschraghi shared his deep insights into academic discourses on religion and portrayed in particular aspects of the Babi dispensation. Dr. Hamid Peseschkian addresses aspects of marriage preparation and shared his perspectives of the Most Holy Book from the viewpoint of a psychiatrist. Dr. Ardawan Lalui, the Project Director of Townshend, spoke about applying Bahá'í principles to work - which much befitted the audience, a group of young professionals striving to center their lives on the Faith.

Days were filled with moving stories from Mrs. Lesley Taherzadeh of heroes and heroines of our Faith. Mr. Armin Eschraghi shared his deep insights into academic discourses on religion and portrayed in particular aspects of the Babi dispensation. Dr. Hamid Peseschkian addresses aspects of marriage preparation and shared his perspectives of the Most Holy Book from the viewpoint of a psychiatrist. Dr. Ardawan Lalui, the Project Director of Townshend, spoke about applying Bahá'í principles to work - which much befitted the audience, a group of young professionals striving to center their lives on the Faith.

Dedicated to two outstanding Bahá'í figures, David Hofman and Ali Akbar Furutan, the conference was infused with the spirit of the early heroes of the Faith through stories, films and personal accounts.

After the program concluded each evening, participants were often found fraternizing and socializing in the "Cabana". This café lounge provided a wonderful atmosphere for unwinding after the intense daily program, as well as an arena for informal discussion. Table tennis and backgammon competitions and snowball fights are just some of the many activities that were taking place until the late hours of the evening.

With spirits fused together the youth have arisen from this gathering with confirmation in their hearts, joy in their souls, loyalty in their minds and fervor in their pace. They are inspired to spread the fragrances of love and unity throughout the globe.