The 1997 Triennial Delegate Assembly (TDA) of The Urantia Book Fellowship was held on Wednesday-Thursday, July 9-10, 1997. The meeting was called to order at 8:20 PM at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada pursuant to a call issued October, 1996.
The President, Stephen Dreier, presided and the Secretary, David Elders, recorded the minutes of the meeting.
After welcoming remarks and thanks to all attendees, the Chairman introduced
David Elders who gave the opening address to the Assembly and attending
visitors.
After a brief explanation of the process of the TDA for the benefit of Delegates, Alternates, and visitors, Chairman Dreier called for the report of the Credentials Committee, which was presented by its chairman, Marilynn Kulieke, recommending the seating of the following Delegates and Alternates:
Participating Societies, Delegates and Alternates
The First Society Carolyn Kendall John W. Hales
First Society of Los Angeles Lucile Faw Pierre Chicoine
Society of Glenview None None
First Society of Oklahoma Harry McMullan Waldine Stump
Orvonton Society of Chicago Scott Forsythe Virginia K. Yarbrough
Fort Wayne Society Meredith Sprunger Irene Sprunger
Evergreen Society of Washington William Lloyd Elaine Monesmith
First Society of Houston Adrienne Jarnagin Carol Weatherford
Golden Gate Circle for Students of The Urantia Book Larry Watkins Jerry
Pando
Connecticut Fellowship for Readers of The Urantia Book David Elders Dale
Anne Lugrin
Dallas Society Timothy Spurgers* Tommie Clendening
Rocky Mountain Spiritual Fellowship Chuck Thurston Phil Geiger
Northern Light Society Of Alaska None None
Pilot Light Society Of Seattle Marvin Gawryn Anthony Finstad
Heart of America Society Don Heinerikson Robert Bruyn
Society of New York for Readers of The Urantia Book Barry Clark Eileen
Laurence
Ontario Fellowship for Readers of The Urantia Book Sue Tennant* Scott McDougal*
Grand Canyon Society for Readers of The Urantia Book Lawrence Bowman Peggy
Johnson
First Wisconsin Society for Readers of The Urantia Book Robert Arkens None
* Absent and not seated.
Marilynn Kulieke reported that due to the absence of the Delegate from the Dallas Society, Timothy Spurgers, the Alternate Delegate, Tommie Clendening, was seated as the Delegate. She also noted that inasmuch as no Delegates or Alternate Delegates from the following societies were in attendance they will not be represented at this TDA: Northern Light Society of Alaska, Ontario Fellowship for Readers of The Urantia Book, and Society of Glenview.
The Chairman declared the attending Delegates and Alternates from 16 societies, pursuant to the report of Marilynn Kulieke, seated.
Steve noted that this TDA will be required to elect 15 Councilors, 12 with nine-year terms, two with six-year terms, and one three-year term.
The second order of business for the TDA is the development of resolutions to present to the General Council for consideration and action.
Steve pointed out that the Constitution requires that the President appoint a committee on elections and a committee on resolutions. He then laid out the general process to be followed and the issues that needed to be discussed. He noted that with a reasonably small group, it might be advisable to operate as a committee of the whole, which would necessitate the conducting of business sequentially. Steve then appointed Harry McMullan to serve as temporary chair of the TDA until the Assembly elects a permanent chair (s).
The first order of business would be for the Delegates to elect a permanent chair (s) for the two sections of the process. Some of the issues the Delegates will need to address include the level of participation of the Alternates: Will they be permitted to attend? Will they be permitted to speak? Will they be permitted to vote? He noted that the for all matters not required by the constitution the group will need to operate under Robert's Rules of Order. The group will also need to determine if they will conduct business in closed or open session. Once the election process is complete, the committee chair should contact Steve so that the formal meeting can be reconvened to report the results and formalize the vote for General Councilors. Then, the meeting will again recess to take up the matter of resolutions.
The meeting was recessed at 9:15PM to conduct its business in closed session unless otherwise decided by the Assembly. All visitors left at that time.
* * * * * * *
Harry McMullan, as temporary chair, called the meeting to order.
Lucile Faw moved that the Alternates be included in the meeting, with voice but no vote. It was passed unanimously.
It was agreed that we elect the chair for elections now and the chair for resolutions prior to that process. It was passed 15 for and 1 against.
Scott Forsythe was nominated for chair of the election process. There being no other nominees, he was formally elected as chair for the election portion of the meeting.
Adrienne Jarnagin moved and Carolyn Kendall seconded that the election process be conducted in closed session. It was passed unanimously.
It was moved that David Elders act as secretary. It passed with no objections.
It was moved, seconded, and carried that any Delegates or Alternates who are being considered for election shall leave the room during the discussion of their candidacy.
It was moved, seconded, and carried that we will vote for the nine-year terms first, then the longest remaining terms first until all positions are filled.
It was agreed unanimously that all discussions be held in strictest confidence.
Harry McMullan was elected as vice-chairman of the election process.
The meeting was recessed at 10:30PM to reconvene at 9:00 AM the next morning, July 10, 1997.
Scott Forsythe, acting as chair, called the meeting back to order at 9:10 AM on Thursday, July 10, 1997. Meredith Sprunger began the session with a prayer of thanks to our Heavenly Father with a request that we each seek to do his will in the process of our deliberations.
* * * * * * *
The Triennial Delegate Assembly reconvened in formal session at 3:20 PM, Thursday, July 10, 1997.
Mr. Dreier called the meeting to order and requested a report of the Nominations Committee. The report was made indicating that it was the wish of the Delegates to elect, by resolution, the 15 candidates nominated in closed session.
Councilor's Elected
A motion was made, seconded, and carried unanimously to place the following names in nomination and to elect them for the following terms on the General Council:
Stephen Dreier declared that the nominees are elected and indicated that those candidates will be contacted as soon as possible. It was also requested that the Secretary send a letter to each of the non-elected candidates thanking them for their willingness to be considered for service on the General Council.
Lucile Faw moved, seconded by Marvin Gawryn, that the work of the resolutions committee be conducted in closed session. The motion was passed 14 in favor, with 1 against and 1 abstention.
It was the decision of the Assembly that Scott Forsythe serve as chairman of the committee on Nominations with Harry McMullan serving as vice-chairman.
The meeting was recessed at 3:30 PM.
* * * * * * *
A procedure to streamline the process of considering resolutions was put forward by Harry McMullan and seconded. Because this procedure does limit the debate on the resolutions, it was noted that it would take the approval of 2/3rds of the 16 Delegates, or at least 11 votes. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolutions
Each resolution was taken in order in the context of our agreed-upon process. Only those resolutions passed by the TDA for consideration by the General Council will be included in these minutes in their entirety. Those resolutions not passed, withdrawn, tabled or not seconded are briefly summarized hereunder with their results and are fully stated in the attachments.
Resolution 1: Regional Teacher Training Program—First Society
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Fellowship will oversee the development of an educational program for all persons who wish to prepare themselves to become certified teachers of The Urantia Book….
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the teacher-training curriculum shall consist of, but not be limited to: the basic concepts of The Urantia Book…
Disposition: This resolution was placed before the assembly, seconded, discussed and was defeated by a vote of 2 in favor, 9 against, and 4 abstentions.
Resolution 2: Study Group Consultants—First Society
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.
Disposition: The motion passed unanimously
Resolution 3: Refocus Fellowship Activities—First Society
BE IT RESOLVED that the Fellowship refocus its activities away from publishing and translating The Urantia Book and instead begin doing its real job of supporting study groups, societies, and quality study of the book.
Disposition: This resolution was defeated by a vote of 3 in favor, 11 against, and 1 abstention.
Resolution 4: Request that Societies be Informed and Consulted—First Society
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.
Disposition: The resolution was approved by a vote of 12 in favor, 1 against, 2 abstentions.
Resolution 5: Public Information Program—First Society
WHEREAS 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.
Disposition: This motion was passed with 13 in favor, with 1 abstention.
Resolution 6: Fellowship Organization—First Society
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that we continue as a membership organization…
Disposition: The Delegate from First Society withdrew this motion after discussion.
Resolution 7: Unity Among Readers—First Society
BE IT RESOLVED that the General Council immediately develop and implement a plan to foster and promote unity among all readers…
Disposition: This resolution was amended with the acceptance of the proposer and seconder to drop the last two paragraphs keeping only the first two. The resolution was defeated by a vote of 5 in favor, 8 against, and 1 abstention.
Resolution 8: Teamwork and Conflict Resolution—First Society
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the General Council promote teamwork and constructive conflict resolution…
Disposition: This resolution was defeated by a vote of 6 in favor, 8 against, and 1 abstention.
Resolution 9: Support of Urantian Religious Belief and Practice—Rocky Mountain
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.
Disposition: This resolution approved by a vote of 11 for, 2 against, and 2 abstentions.
Resolution 10: Creation of a Committee on Revelatory Religion—Rocky Mountain
BE IT RESOLVED THEREFORE that the General Council create an ad hoc committee, The Committee on Revelatory Religion, for the following purposes…
Disposition: This resolution was defeated by a vote of 6 for, 8 against, and 1 abstentions.
Resolution 11: Separation of Powers—Rocky Mountain
BE IT RESOLVED THEREFORE that The Fellowship make changes in its Constitution to provide for an organizational structure that is more clearly patterned after the principle of separation of powers, as articulated in The Urantia Book.
Disposition: This resolution was not seconded.
Resolution 12: Changing TDA Delegate Credentials—Rocky Mountain
BE IT RESOLVED THEREFORE that the qualification criteria for TDA delegates be changed to disallow currently seated General Councilors.
Disposition: This resolution was not seconded.
Resolution 13: The Spiritual Fellowship Journal—Fort Wayne
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.
Note: A detailed supporting paper submitted with this resolution is attached as an appendix to these minutes.
Disposition: This resolution was approved unanimously.
Resolution 14: Fragmentation of The Urantia Book—Greater New York
BE IT RESOLVED that any publication of The Urantia Book sponsored by The Fellowship, either in English or any other language, be done in its entirety.
Disposition: This resolution was tabled by a vote of 12 in favor, 2 against, 1 abstention.
Resolution 15: Competitive Selection of Conference Presenters—Rocky Mountain
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that at least some portion of major conference presenters be selected by a competitive jury process…
Disposition: This resolution was not seconded.
Resolution 16: Direct Society Representation—Golden Gate Society
The Golden Gate Society requests that the General Council reconsider the 1994 Judicial Committee Proposal addressing the issue of direct society representation.
Disposition: This resolution was defeated with 5 in favor, 10 against, and 1 abstention.
Resolution 17: Society Representation and the TDA Process—Dan Massey
I move that at the completion of the business of the moment, the 1997 Triennial Delegate Assembly of The Fellowship shall not adjourned sine die but shall recess to reconvene at a time and place to be announced, which shall be the same place as the 1998 annual meeting of the General Council meeting…
Disposition: This resolution defeated by a vote of 6 for, 8 against, with 1 abstention.
Resolution 18: Nominations Process Improvements
BE IT RESOLVED THAT The questionnaire form be revised to include such state-of-the-art sources such as Internet…
Disposition: This resolution defeated by a vote of 6 for, 9 against, with no abstentions.
Resolution 19: Financial Support for TDA Delegates and General Councilors—Dallas Society
BE IT RESOLVED that the General Council develop a mechanism to fund, where needed, the travel expenses of those persons who agree to serve on the TDA or…
Disposition: This resolution was defeated by a vote of 2 for, 13 against, no abstentions.
Steve Dreier called the meeting back to order at 10:15 PM.
It was moved, seconded and carried to forward to the General Council for consideration resolutions 2,4,5,9,13 as detailed herein.
There was no old business and no new business.
Steve Dreier thanked the Delegates and Alternate Delegates for their service in the 1997 Triennial Delegate Assembly.
The meeting was formally adjourned at 10:30 PM.