This past year has seen many interesting developments in the evolutionary growth of Urantia Brotherhood and its activities. I wish to convey to you these activities which I hope will generate questions and discussion. We are in agreement that the primary task of Urantia Brotherhood is to encourage the evolutionary spread of the Urantia teachings on a person to person basis without great fanfare. We have set our goal as establishing thousands upon thousands of informal Urantia Book study groups.
I think we also know that the organization that governs best is the one that governs least and coordinates most -at least this is the ideal. One ongoing problem in the work of an organization is the need to constantly be aware of means and ends -what it is we do that serves the organization and that which serves the dissemination of the Urantia teachings. Admittedly at times and in certain situations, the two areas blend, so that means and ends seem as one. It is my hope that the General Council will provide the needed perspective on such matters, since those of us on the Executive Committee may lose some perspective. As our first President, William Sadler, Jr., stated so clearly, "the structure of the Brotherhood is to the spiritual experiences of its members, as the river banks are to a river; it is true that no river can be had without its banks -but neither should the banks be confused with the flowing river. The Brotherhood is designed to promote the book, and the book is designed to bring God and man closer to each other." This being the year of our 25th anniversary, I feel Bill's concerns stated many years ago are still important to-keep in mind as we deliberate over the business before this Council -- the highest governing body of Urantia Brotherhood.
The year began last August with what I believe will be considered to be a significant event in the short history of the Brotherhood -- the General Council that contained 8 of a possible 12 new Councilors elected by the Triennial Delegate Assembly. These Councilors come from a wide geographic distribution and I think reflect the growth of our organization and the concomitant desire of Society members to more directly participate in the decision making process of the Brotherhood. This is not to suggest that everyone was necessarily happy with the outcome of seemingly rapid change. In time, such change would have occurred. It happened sooner than any of us anticipated.
It has been a privilege to work with the Executive Committee this year. I know the new members do not wish to be singled out for special recognition, but, three new members have traveled a great distance at their own expense to faithfully attend our monthly meetings. There are also three new members to complete the committee changes. These changes have brought with it new challenges and problems to be considered -- as would be expected. Our meetings have tended to become longer, a full Saturday, with a great diversity of opinion being expressed on many issues. It is true that we were not created to think alike.
With members of the Executive Committee living at great distance from Chicago, I feel there is the need for the Council to pass an amendment allowing the Committee the option to meet less often than monthly, but at least quarterly. I would think that as more societies are chartered the Council's composition may become even more geographically dispersed -- the group from which the Executive Committee members must be elected. To serve on the Executive Committee will require great financial commitment from the individual. Ways will have to be developed to deal with this problem, since the ability to "pay your way" should not be the primary reason for electing a person to the Executive Committee. Possible solutions include use of Brotherhood funds and/or more direct financial commitment of societies. It is questionable whether large sums of funds donated to a non-profit organization should be spent on travel.
Finances are beginning to play a more important role in our activities. Perhaps it is the current recession or the stage of growth the Brotherhood has reached that forces us to look closely at the material resources available. Our predecessors did well in conserving the funds received by the Brotherhood. Now there is growing pressure for funding as programs are developed. We have only two sources of income, contributions and commissions from the sale of The Urantia Book. For a variety of reasons book sales are about half of what they were one year ago, therefore cutting income. Contributions remain at about the same level. Inflation continues to insure that less costs more -- something we all experience. This is not an optimistic picture when considering needs for printings, translations, operating expenses, and funds for other projects. Creative ideas and techniques will be needed to insure adequate income as well as the exercise of wisdom in the best use of such funds.
I believe we all felt the issue of the Licensing Agreement was behind us. However, Urantia Foundation informed the Brotherhood that they have learned that a group in Houston, Texas, has registered with the state as the First Urantia Society of Houston, Inc. This is not the chartered First Urantia Society of Houston. Suit was filed by Urantia Foundation on June 27, 1980, against First Urantia Society of Houston, Inc., a recently incorporated Texas not-for-profit corporation, Kermit Laurent, W. Allen Brazell, Sue Via Brazell, Cathy Fusco, and John Charles, for the infringement of the Foundation's mark Urantia. On Wednesday, July 16, 1980, a hearing was held in the courtroom of Judge McDonald in Houston on the Foundation's motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin First Urantia Society of Houston, Inc., from using the trademark Urantia in its name, or otherwise, pending a trial on the merits.
The defendant corporation took the position that it (and not First Urantia Society of Houston) was the Society which had been chartered by Urantia Brotherhood and had the right to use the word Urantia in its name, despite the Brotherhood's denial that such was the fact. The Court, without making any ruling regarding the mark itself, viewed the matter as an internal controversy, and for that reason denied the preliminary injunction.
Urantia Foundation has requested an early trial on the merits of the case which will probably not be until next February or March. In the meantime, Urantia Foundation and Urantia Brotherhood will cooperate towards the settlement of the internal controversy to the extent it is possible. This topic is on the agenda for today's discussion.
I do not mean to overly emphasize problem areas (some might feel they have not been emphasized enough) for there are many positive activities that continue to thrive. Gatherings, mini-meetings, regional conferences for study and fellowship continue to increase in frequency and geographic location. The vast majority of planners of such meetings are most cooperative in helping to meet the requirements of Urantia Foundation in use of copyrighted material when they fully understand the need for protection and long range help it will be for The Urantia Book.
In the immediate future, along with our continued emphasis on study group activity, we must keep in focus the international spread of the Urantia teachings. I believe this growth will take place faster than our efforts to complete translations of the book. We will have to be skillful in attracting all such sincere students to our mutual work and truly become an International Brotherhood. This will require great quantities of tact and patience.
It has been said that Urantia Brotherhood, like a ship, has left the harbor of its early beginnings to sail upon the uncharted high seas towards an as yet undisclosed destiny. As individuals we know our destiny. As an organization, we do not. My report is an attempt, like that of a navigator, to tell you, based on the best calculations possible, where we have been, with some indication of course corrections that may be needed. You, as the highest governing body, must discuss these things in addition to other considerations you may have in recommending adjustments to our course. I welcome this opportunity for mutual discussion of our future.
John W. Hales President