Dear Friends,
The decision to
publish a new version of the Uversa Press edition of The
Urantia Book was made thoughtfully and openly using The
Fellowship’s constitutional processes. In April of 2001 the Society officers
were advised via their email list to consider possible issues for the upcoming
Triennial Delegate Assembly (the meeting of elected representatives of
Fellowship societies). Among the issues listed was the possibility that
copyright litigation could place The Urantia Book
into the public domain, and if so, should The Fellowship consider republishing
it.
When the TDA
reconvened in Santa Cruz prior to the Summer Study Session in August, it discussed
this and other issues. One society presented a resolution containing the
following request: "…that Tthe
Fellowship refrain from publishing The Urantia Book
in exchange for a cooperative sharing of mailing lists between the two
organizations." After extensive discussion the TDA defeated this
resolution by majority vote.
Consequently, the resolution was not forwarded to the
General Council for further consideration.
Nevertheless, the
General Council, meeting in open session (open to spectators), did spend the
better part of a day discussing a similar proposal and carefully considering
the pros and cons of printing a new Uversa Press edition of The Urantia Book. The vote to
print was 26 in favor, 8 opposed, 1 abstention. The following points summarize
some of the reasons presented in favor of publishing the book:
1. The new Uversa Press edition, now in design
stages, will incorporate the efficient two-column format and universal
referencing system of the first Uversa edition, and other valuable features
such as a comprehensive index, a newly designed cover, and an attractive layout.
2. The attachment
some current readers have to the familiar one-column format of The Urantia Book is
understandable; we are all most comfortable with what we are used to. However,
this Uversa Press edition of the original Urantia Book
text is being designed with new and future readers in mind. The universal
reference system based upon paper, section, and paragraph is the easiest way to locate
and share pertinent quotes. It is a superior reference system and should in
timeeventually replace the current system, which is arbitrarily
based upon arbitrary page numbers. The two-column format
is easier to read, and also reduces the number of pages in the book, making it
less expensive costly to
print and easier to carry. In addition, the new comprehensive subject index
included at the back of the book meets a long-standing need for serious
students and new readers alike.
3. The primary
mission of The Urantia Book Fellowship is to help bring the Urantia
revelation to this planet. For The Fellowship to accomplish this work, and
other useful services, it needs unfettered access to an independent and
unrestricted supply of books to sell, donate, and distribute. The
Fellowship needs to be able to inform readers of study group and conference
activity as well as the availability of secondary works that encourage and
facilitate in depth study of The Urantia Book. In addition,
putting readers in touch with each other is a critical part of establishing the
revelation in our world. After many years of trying without success to
solve these problems acceptably, it has become clear that publication of a
quality edition of The Urantia Book, which includes contact information
for The Fellowship, is the only reliable way to allow new readers to learn of
and participate in The Fellowship's social, service, and educational
programs. The publication of a Uversa Press edition of The Urantia Book
will enable The Fellowship to engage in productive dissemination much more
effectively.
With The Urantia Book in the
public domain, other individuals or groups may decide to publish editions of
the book. The quality and unique features of the new Uversa Press edition will
set a high standard to condition all these efforts. Wholesome and reasonable
competition generally helps to foster excellence in products and services; it
will do so in this case also. The presence of multiple
publishers of The Urantia Book
will benefit the worldwide mission of the Urantia revelation, and all who are
associated with it. Our task is to be about our Master’s business and to do
what we can to get the Fifth Epochal Revelation into the hands of those who so
desperately need it.
We hope this letter
will answer some of the questions voiced about this matter. As always, all
opinions and suggestions are welcome. The Fellowship fully supports the free
and open discussion of all Urantia Book
related matters, and welcomes all readers in fellowship regardless of their
organizational opinions and spiritual beliefs. Jesus asked us to strive for
unity in diversity. The Urantia Book
Fellowship fully embraces that goal and encourages all individuals to serve the
revelation as they think best, while fully respecting and honoring the right of
others to do the same.
Sincerely,
The Executive Committee of The Urantia Book
Fellowship