USA Souvenir 1989 — Page 35
Centennial Souvenir Message On this centenary of the events that took place in Qadian, India, in 1889 , I wish to extend sincere best wishes to the Ahmadiyya Movement and its American branch chapters. Any religious movement with 10 million members in 120 countries is an important movement. However, size is only a relative criterion of importance. The positive moral power and social usefulness are more significant criteria. The Ahmadiyya Community has endeavoed to exert a constructive influence through social projects, educational institutions, and hea 1th services. I ts missionary zeal is to be commended and so is its call for universal brotherhood. Ahmadiyyas h a ve been tested by the fire of persecution and the ice of discrimination. I like their emphasis on friendship,. l equality, tolerance, a nd opposition, in contrast to some other religious leaders, to bigotry and fanaticism. I welcome th e Ahmadiyya support of human rights , inc luding religious liberty -- that basic human right which undergirds and supports all other human rights. As a commited Christian, I salute the Ahmadiyya Community and its spiritual leaders on this festive and indeed auspicious occasion. BB Beach Secretary - General International Religious Liberty Association 35