The Judicial Committee's reports some good news, some bad news, and some information too equivocal to classify. The good news is that the past year has been so peaceful and harmonious that it has raised no issue requiring action by the "supreme arbitrating body of Urantia Brotherhood" or even an opinion as outlined in the Brotherhood Constitution.
The bad news is that we have had nothing to do. The "information" is that the lawsuit between Urantia Foundation and the Houston, Texas, faction has been decided in favor of Urantia Foundation by the Federal District Judge. The Judicial Committee claims no credit for that result. It took no "side" in the case. It simply "found the facts" with respect to the merits of the claims of the two contending groups with respect to Brotherhood matters at a hearing in Houston in December, 1980. The matter was settled within the Brotherhood in early 1981. It took the court some time to formally recognize the propriety of the Brotherhood action and apply its result to the Foundation's lawsuit.
We take no pride in winning a lawsuit. We are all losers when it becomes necessary to ask civil courts to settle disputes among brothers because some refuse to utilize or abide by the internal machinery of the Brotherhood to resolve such disputes. True victory would have been to resolve the matter by our own internal procedures. However, when a lawsuit is necessary, it is better to win than to lose.
The Committee feels rather badly to remain idle when other Committees are holding schools and workshops in their areas of activity; however we have found little enthusiasm for a study of "Creative Constitution Writing," "How to Referee a Local Hassle" or "How to violate a Copyright without triggering a knee-jerk reaction." We have even thought of getting together to write some "standard opinions" in the hope that it might encourage someone to ask us for one., Meanwhile, we remain willing, able and thankful.
Duane L. Faw Chairman
A Service of
The Urantia Book Fellowship