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1. The candidate has been a student of The Urantia Book for many years.

2. He or she is knowledgeable of the history and structure, the goals and policies, of the various Urantia organizations.

3. The individual has demonstrated wise leadership in some phase of the Urantia movement: study group, society, conference organization/speaking/ teacher, or Brotherhood committee.

4. The Council candidate has been observed over a long period of time to be mature, emotionally stable, co-operative, dependable, creative. He or she is not only able to deliberate and make wise decisions, but also shows forth the fruits of the spirit in interactions with others.

5. This person inspires and demonstrates spiritual and social unity and is supportive of Urantia Brotherhood, having shown over a long period of time the ability to work within the Urantia Brotherhood constitutional plan for co-operative collaboration. He or she is willing to participate in and abide by group management.

6. He or she could be an effective and valiant defender of The Urantia Book as well as Urantia Brotherhood in times of crisis. In all contributions the Council candidate should have the ability to communicate clearly and courageously.

7. He or she shows interest in acquiring knowledge of and relating to people of many religions, philosophies, and walks of life.

BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR GENERAL COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

1. Outstanding success and experience in a secular field may indicate effectiveness in that area, but should not be allowed to substitute for more basic qualifications such as a thorough knowledge and dedication to the teachings of The Urantia Book and a detailed and accurate knowledge of Brotherhood history, structure, and policies.

2. General Council membership should not be merely a reward for long years of membership in the Brotherhood. Individuals should not be elected because it is "their turn." Nor should persons be reelected to the General Council simply because they have served on it for many years.

3. Individuals should not be elected to the General Council primarily because they have made large financial contributions to the movement. The lack of financial support, however, may require additional thought regarding their priorities or agreement with Brotherhood policies and goals. Individuals should be elected to the General Council because of their qualifications rather than because they are geographically close to headquarters or because they are willing to pay their expenses to attend General Council meetings.

4. Relatives or friends of a member of the Executive Committee or other Councilor should be considered for General Council membership only on the basis of their own personal qualifications and their ability to think and act wisely and independently.

5. General Council members are not selected to represent geographical areas or philosophical viewpoints. Nevertheless, in situations where the aforementioned qualities and qualifications appear to be equal, geographic, ethnic, philosophic, or social factors may be a consideration in selection for service.

Executive Committee 2/3/79

Amending comment, May 4, 1985

A few years ago the Executive Committee designated several desirable qualities and basic principles to consider when General Councilors are selected. In addition to these elemental factors of Urantia Book knowledge along with personal, social, and spiritual maturity, balanced judgment and wisdom are most important.

Our experience in the last thirty years has demonstrated that a thorough knowledge of religious history and doctrine is germane to preventing us from reinventing the wheel in religious practices and in keeping us from falling into the pitfalls, errors, and tragedy of historic religious aberrations. Such knowledge would also help us to gain a vision of what is creative and appropriate for the future. We need leaders in the Urantia movement with this kind of wisdom and vision so that we experience a new Pentecost rather than a contemporary Babel.

MJS 5/4/85