The Fraternal Relations Committee is pleased to report that this past year has been a wonderful year for interfaith dialogue. The highlight was certainly the World Parliament of Religions held in September in Chicago (see attached Bulletin article). The Committee maintained a booth at the Parliament which was the focus of numerous interfaith encounters. An introductory seminar on The Urantia Book was given during the week. Numerous pieces of literature on The Urantia Book were passed out. A number of books were either given or sold to various individuals from all parts of the planet. Many readers from the Chicago area participated in the experience and were blessed by it. It is the Committee's intention to attempt to draw as much local readership support to these events as possible.

The exciting news is that Council for the Parliament plans to continue having forums of the caliber of the Parliament in the future at various sites around the globe. Our Committee is looking forward to these events and others being planned by other interfaith groups. 

The North American Interfaith Network is planning to hold its biennial membership meeting in Toronto in August. Members of the Committee are planning on attending this event. At this point NAIN has been a valuable clearinghouse on the activities around the country that are supporting the growth of the interfaith movement. We have cultivated a good working relationship with a number of members of NAIN and look forward to a long relationship with this body of interfaith leaders. I am attaching the most recent newsletter from NAIN for your information. 

In the fall members of the Committee will also be attending a conference sponsored by The National Conference in Tulsa, bringing together participants from the Christian, Jewish and Islamic traditions. 

The Committee has also put together some material for inclusion in a handbook being developed by the Domestic Extension Committee for the benefit of Area Coordinators. This material centers on the importance of adopting a pluralistic interfaith attitude when engaging in interfaith dialogue. I have attached a copy of an article from Peter Laurence to this report for the benefit of the General Council. I would encourage councilors to share this material with readers back home. The Committee feels it is very important for all of us as readers of The Urantia Book to develop proper relations with other traditions; Peter provides much helpful insight into that process. 

Additionally, I have enclosed a report of the Committee's discussion in Montreal on the relation of The Urantia Book and other religious traditions, for your information. 

I wish to thank all of the members of the Fraternal Relations Committee for their good work during the past year.

Gard