Historic Correspondence Archive:
Former Trustee Jim Mills to Mo Siegel
regarding his protestation of the dismissal of Tom Kendall

Jim Mills
6512 Montrose Trail
Tallahassee, FL 32308

May 4, 1984

Dear Moe:

Two days ago I received the copy of your letter to Martin Myers dated February 1, 1984 in which you declared your views relative to the actions of Urantia Foundation in the matter of its relations with Mr. Thomas Kendall. I appreciate the courtesy extended to me and other members of teh General Council in receipt of this letter.

Your action in sending copies to members of the General Council obviously must have a purpose and therefore I assume that you must have checked your thinking and the facts in this case before putting your thoughts on paper. As the contents of the letter indicate, you have apparently not thought this matter through and I am taking the liberty of suggesting a few areas to which y ou might give additional consideration in an honest effort ot keep the record straight.

First, despite all the efforts of emotional people to place the focus of the Urantia Brotherhood solely on love, this is not its stated purpose. It is clearly stated in the Constitution of that body that its purpose is to: ..."Disseminate the teachings of the Urantia Book." This can only be done by reason, example, patience, understanding, complete knowledge of the book itself and the ability to communicate. Where love comes in is doing the primary job in as practical a manner as possible which involves learning the mind-sets of others in order to facilitate communication throuigh understanding them. The next step following understanding others as unique individuals is to develop an abiding interest in their development as persons. It is totally unselfish and non-egotistical.

Mo, you know that the primary purpose of the Urantia Foundation is commercial; to print, publish, and protect the copyright of the Urantia Book. They must operate in the real world of business; just as you have been sosuccessful in doing. The same factors necessary for efficient operation apply to the Foundation as have applied in your own business. The Foundation, after much deliberation, has made certain assessments in this matter and have come to a conclusion. Even as a former Trustee, I do not feel, with my understanding of its Declaration of Trust, that I can in any way challenge the decisions of its Trustees. Certainly, no more than I would think of attempting to influence any member of a Board of Directors of a company in which I had no authority. This is my second point.

Third. I have a very high regard for Thomas Kendall as a fine, upstanding, highly motivated, very gentlemanly individual who possesses all of those traits which endear one person to others. As a person I find him outstanding. In regard to his abilities as a Trustee and President of Urantia Foundation I do not feel qualified to comment. It is nine years since I have been a trustee and I am not any better informed of their internal activities than I presume you are. I will not deal in hearsay therefore it is impossible for me to make further comment other than to state that I have known the remaining trustees for over thirty years, with one exception. I find the personal judgment, behavior, sincere devotion to spelled-out duty, dedication to finding the best solutions to problems, and refusal to be swayed by individual interests of each one to be beyond criticism. If, in their judgment, Thomas Kendall should be removed from office and membership as a Trustee, then I am convinced that the decision has been arrived at after long and searching evaluation of the facts involved. This still does not ask the real important quesiton which everyone interested should ask; "What are the facts involved?"

If the Foundation members refuse to divulge all than I would be convinced that there is sufficient reason for not doing so. But to judge them on any basis other than facts is unreasonable and unrealistic. So it may come ot the fact that any judgment of them is not possible at this time. A matter I am not inclined to challenge.

Very truly yours,

Jim Mills