Historic
Correspondence Archive:
Mo Siegel regarding Foundation dismissal of Tom Kendall
February 1, 1984
Mr. Martin W. Myers
533 Diversey Parkway
Chicago, Illinois 60614
Dear Mr. Myers:
With a sense of loss, I read your recent letter regarding your decision to have Tom Kendall resign from the Foundation. Obviously, I do not understand all the circumstances that led up to your decision, but I am concerned about the loyalty and support the Urantia Foundation could lose throughout the movement. Since this movement is based on love, it's always important that the Urantia Foundation is perceived as being a loving and supportive organization, and I wonder if the dismissal of Tom kendall will be taken in that light. For myself, I feel confused, as Tom has always been a very strong supporter of the Urantia Revelation, the Urantia Foundation, the Urantia Brotherhood and readers. He has been visible and a listening friend to many people. If you deemed it necessary to remove him as President, was it necessary to remove him from the Trustees? After all, good management practices in most organizations advocate a fair chance of probationary period for anyone you are planning to fire, and a special recognition for seniority and past service.
No matter what happens, I will continue to support the Urantia Foundation, but I do have concerns about the Urantia Foundation's ability to understand and work within the Urantia movement without Tom Kendall. Tom represents the feeling of many readers I know, and having his view as a Trustee is important. I hope, for your success, that the Urantia Foundation will not become a rubber stamp for one or two individual's opinions. Having people on the Foundation who are willing to disagree, a look for solutions which may be mutually acceptable, is vital to the future of teh Foundation. The Urantia Book advocates unity, not uniformity. We can have loyalty with diversity. When everyone in a group begins to think alike, that is a signal of trouble.
In conclusion, I would like to make it clear that I fully support Tom Kendall as a Trustee. Whateve your decision turns out to be, i will continue to support the Urantia Foundation and pray for your success.
All of us need to succeed to serve this Fifth Epochal Revelation. We need everyone to stay winners, not some winners and some losers.
In the spirit of a dynamic, well-planned, growing and loving Urantia movement, may our Father strengthen you in this risky decision.
Your friend,
Mo Siegel
MS:bej
cc: All Trustees
bcc: Miss Marian T. Rowley