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We are in another eventful period of our community experience with The Urantia Book, the latest in at least a twenty-five period characterized by a virtually constant state of agitation, relieved by occasional short periods of relative calm. Sometimes it has been very difficult, but much has been happily fulfilling. We all know the joy of meeting new friends and seeing those acquaintances deepen into relationships of genuine affection; and we have enjoyed cooperating to accomplish a variety of useful objectives. Still, I doubt it is quite what any of us anticipated when we became involved with organizational activities, and I suspect our lack of prophetic ability has served us well. How many of us would be here today if we had understood in advance what the experiences these years would really bring?

The decision invalidating copyright protection for The Urantia Book is certainly among the most significant developments of this or any other year. Copyright and related legal matters have held such a prominent place in our traditions and activities. Many are overjoyed to see it end; others have reservations. Therefore the debate continues, and will remain a major topic of discussion for some time. Especially so since the Foundation plans to appeal the decision and if they do, we can anticipate several years more of public letters, position papers, legal transcripts and funding appeals. Kristen Maaherra's case appears to be strong, and she is expected to prevail in the end. A number of individuals have pledged to support Maaherra's cause through an appeal process. As the matter progresses, The Fellowship may be asked to join one side or the other, both financially and as a party to the case. Currently we have elected to refrain from organizational involvement, encouraging individuals to participate as they see fit.

The Fellowship's main preoccupation for the last year has been its plan to publish The Urantia Book. This project is controversial for a variety of reasons. First, it departs sharply from certain long standing traditions sometimes represented to take origin in instructions from higher beings. Second, it make a radical and untested changes to the familiar form of the book. Third, it is an expensive project and some are not sure it is really necessary. Fourth, it may exacerbate already strained relations between certain groups of readers. Fifth, there are some concerns that underlying motives are not sound. Sixth, there may be some potential future legal complications. Seventh, changing circumstances constantly introduce new elements which cause reconsideration of the whole matter. Additional factors could be added to this list, but it seems right to stop with seven.

Some have no problem with any of this. They are comfortable, even enthusiastic, about publishing. Others, perhaps many others, are affected by one or more of the above concerns and are not so certain. In spite of this uncertainty, the General Council has voted to proceed, and the work is well underway. Nevertheless, as long as significant uncertainty persists, we are likely to find ourselves engaged in review and reconsideration. On the whole I believe the continued debate is good. It allows us to critically examine viewpoints that have pervaded our community since its inception, and reach conclusions based upon intelligent reflection rather than inherited tradition. Of course, many are likely to be upset by continued discussion of these things. Some because they believe we have talked enough and should just get on with it; others, because they hunger for spiritual nourishment and are offended by all the attention and emotion given to these material considerations.

International Conference 1996 (IC96) is will be held in August, 1996 in Flagstaff, Arizona. Much this year's work will involve preparation for the conference. This is the Fellowship's major social event and it is essential that all organizational resources be applied to insuring an outstanding conference. We are no longer the only organization offering conferences of this type, so we will have to do some effective promotion to maintain our usual levels of attendance.

Our separation from Urantia Foundation deprived us of contact with most of the new readers who make inquiries to the publisher. We have partially offset this by involvement in expo events and some other outreach activities. Nevertheless, we are suffering a net loss, and it is a matter we must attend to. New participants are essential to our organizational future. If we publish and distribute The Urantia Book, some of this loss may be regained. However more than that may be necessary. We may require more active and aggressive outreach activities. Historically we have promoted a relatively passive and cautious attitude towards outreach. Our files contain many articles and position papers encouraging this approach. It was sufficient to simply wait for people to find the book and write or call for information. To do more was usually considered distasteful or dangerous. As a result, we have a weakly developed outreach culture and minimal outreach skills. It is time to revisit this matter.

The Fellowship reaches decisions in an open forum by representative democratic procedures. We trust that social matters are best resolved by conducting a full and fair public discussion in which all views are freely presented and respectfully considered. There are no unchallengable traditions and no forbidden opinions. All are encouraged to present their concerns without prejudice, and to attempt to persuade the group to their understanding. Only after that process has taken place do we determine our action by majority vote. This procedure is one we have freely chosen; therefore we are obliged to support it in spirit and deed until we freely decide to abandon it for something else.

The elements of supremacy are spiritual, intellectual, material, personal and experiential; Together we possess these things in abundance. The collective integration of these resources (an exercise in cosmic art) provides our best opportunity for reaching decisions that are spiritually fragrant, cosmically sound and socially useful.

I must mention the transition of two of our community - Berkeley Elliott and William Hales. Each of these individuals has played a major role in our work and we will miss them, both personally and organizationally. Berkeley served as the hub of a communications network that bound together readers from all parts of the world. In addition she was the motivating force behind a significant number of community activities. It is not yet clear how her many functions will be continued. Bill was our deepest link to the past--to our beginnings. Conservative in his approach, he nevertheless always remained one of the strongest supporters of The Fellowship under all circumstances. God bless them both.

Finally, I wish to thank the many persons who give so freely of their time and resources in working for The Urantia Book and those who read it. Among these are the officers, committee chairs, general councilors, area coordinators, committee members, society members, members-at-large, study group members, Wrightwood office staff and others. Whatever good we accomplish is ultimately due to the sustained participation of these many individuals. It is a privilege and a pleasure (usually) to have this opportunity to work with all of you.

Respectfully submitted

Steve Dreier President