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I regret to report that Duane Faw has resigned from the Judicial Committee due to a serious illness. Duane served as Judicial Committee chairman for many years, consistently making extensive and significant contributions. We will miss his great depth of knowledge and wise counsel. We wish him a speedy and complete recovery.

During the past year the Judicial Committee continued consideration of a bylaw amendment to replace the current provisions for removal of a General Councilor. There was much discussion and consultation, including meetings with attorneys. The work is now virtually complete. Unfortunately this proposed amendment cannot be presented for adoption at this meeting of the General Council owing to the failure of the Judicial Committee to attain a quorum at its last scheduled meeting. The matter is expected to be on the agenda of the next council meeting.

Proposed local society constitutions from groups in Finland and Canada were examined. Movement of society activity outside the borders of the United Sates led to reconsideration of constitutional requirements for local URANTIA societies. Legal requirements and social customs vary across national boundaries and the need for adjustments to policy became necessary. Invaluable assistance was received from URANTIA Foundation in the form of a draft proposal for a new sample society constitution of a generic international nature; the document was researched and constructed by URANTIA Foundation attorneys. While we regard this proposed sample constitution as an excellent document, we feel it best to study the matter carefully before proposing formal adoption once adopted, this document will likely remain in place for many years. Among other things we would like to have experienced members of existing URANTIA Societies study the document and give us their feelings about the functionality of its various provisions.

These same international considerations may require amendment of URANTIA Brotherhood Constitution. We found that certain of our provisions regarding financial contributions and due process were inconsistent with Finnish law. These have currently been resolved on an interpretation basis, however it is not at all clear that this is the most desirable method for resolving such conflicts. We need to take a closer look at URANTIA Brotherhood Constitution requirements for URANTIA societies. This matter, in conjunction with the proposed sample constitution, constitute the current work of the Judicial Committee.

Respectfully submitted

Steve Dreier Chair, Judicial Committee