Resolution: Study Group Consultants
WHEREAS at the time of publication it was advised by the revelators that "the book is being given to those who are ready for it long before the day of its world-wide mission. Thousands of study groups must be brought into existence..."
WHEREAS it is the view of many long-time students of The Urantia Book that study groups are not thriving. The Study Group Directory, while an excellent tool, is merely a list of study groups, and a more personal touch is necessary to revitalize the study of the book.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the function of the Area Coordinators be more fully focused on the support and nurture of study groups.
General Council Action: This motion was received unanimously and sent to the Domestic Extension Committee, which oversees the work of the Area Coordinators, for further development. A report to the Executive Committee will be reviewed in October and presented to the General Council at the February mid-year meeting.
Resolution: Request that Societies be Informed and Consulted
WHEREAS Societies are intended by the Constitution of The Fellowship to be the component parts of The Fellowship, and
WHEREAS Societies are channels through which Fellowship members hold their membership, and
WHEREAS Societies are the most effective agents for development of local study and fellowship in the movement.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the General Council and Executive Committee formally and promptly apprise the Societies of their actions and decisions, and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Council and Executive Committee consider the impact on Societies of all actions which they are contemplating.
General Council Action: This resolution was received unanimously and sent to the Executive Committee for further action. The president will oversee communication with Fellowship societies.
Resolution: Public Information ProgramWHEREAS public awareness of The Urantia Book is rapidly increasing, especially on the Internet,
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the General Council develop and implement a comprehensive public information program to support Fellowship purposes and activities, and to assist Fellowship members in dealing with mass media situation as they may arise. The purpose of the program would not be to encourage sudden increased attention in mass media, but simply to deal effectively with evolutionary developments that are taking place. Such a program would seek input and involvement from individual members, societies, interested readers, the Central Office, and Department Committees. The program could include: Review existing public information policies, procedures, and tools. Evaluate needs for expanding and upgrading public information services, developing new services as necessary and feasible. Publish and distribute public information guidelines for members and interested readers, including a list of available tools and resources. Provide training. Monitor public communication about The Urantia Book, societies, members, associates, and readers on the Internet and in the print and broadcast media worldwide. Develop a plan for dealing with mass media situations that could develop.
General Council Action: This resolution was received by a vote of 18 to 6 and sent to the vice president for further development. A report to the Executive Committee will be reviewed in October and presented to the General Council at the February mid-year meeting.
Resolution: Support of Urantian Religious Belief and Practice
WHEREAS The Fellowship includes within it constitutionally stated purposes "…fostering a religion…"
WHEREAS many current members of The Fellowship hold religious beliefs that are born from teachings that are revealed in The Urantia Book, and are engaging in group worship and group religious identification based on these beliefs,
WHEREAS many current members of The Fellowship are realizing the crucial importance of establishing a Urantia religious identity that is recognized by the world at large,
WHEREAS the emerging revelatory religion born from the teachings presented in The Urantia Book needs appropriate, unencumbered name identification and symbolism,
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that The Urantia Book Fellowship hereby intends to support the emergence of clearly defined Urantia religious groups. Through this resolution we wish to give our blessings to all members of The Fellowship who so desire to openly distinguish themselves as religionists and Urantia Book believers, with a mission to live, teach, and honor the high spiritual teachings and concepts within The Urantia Book.
General Council Action: This resolution was received unanimously and sent to an ad-hoc committee for further development. The committee of Dan Massey, Steve Dreier, Sara Blackstock, and Dolores Nice will report to the General Council at the mid-year meeting.
Resolution: The Spiritual Fellowship Journal
We recognize that members of The Fellowship have a wide range of attitudes toward religion and we rejoice in this diversity. We therefore petition the General Council to assume the publication of The Spiritual Fellowship Journal which will initiate a platform for discussion of the theological, philosophical, and polity positions of religious groups germane to the Fifth Epochal Revelation.
General Council Action: This resolution was sent to the Publications Committee for further study. A report to the Executive Committee will be reviewed in October.