2024 Annual Report
Outgoing President’s Message
Love God supremely and your neighbor as yourself. And it is this supreme law of love for God and for man that I also declare to you as constituting the whole duty of man. 142:3.22 (1599.14)
Be you perfect, even as I am perfect. 1:0.3 (21.3)
The transcendent goal of the children of time is to find the eternal God, to comprehend the divine nature, to recognize the Universal Father. God-knowing creatures have only one supreme ambition, just one consuming desire, and that is to become, as they are in their spheres, like him as he is in his
Paradise perfection of personality and in his universal sphere of righteous supremacy. 1:0.3 (21.3)
…, it is our mission to help men solve their spiritual problems and, in this way, to quicken their minds so that they may be the better prepared and inspired to go about solving their manifold material problems. 148:5.4 (1662.1)
We often get lost in defining our values, which ends up in setting misguided goals for our lives. We all wonder why the world is the way it is. We often work tirelessly to solve our daily problems and challenges of material life, and often our efforts fade away and the results apparently never arrive.
We have all been blessed with a similar kind of mind, which works according to our choices, which determine the amplitude, the scope of that mind. When our perception of reality is limited to our individuality, our mind works in an extremely limited, selfish way, attributing values to material things and achievements and thus determining wrong goals and strategies for our living.
The gift of the mind, for all of us, is that of a “cosmic mind” and therefore it can give us a cosmic perception of truths and realities. Curiously, the breadth of this mind is not due to intellectual or scientific development, but mainly due to our spiritual development. The greater our faith and our spirituality, the greater the breadth of reach of this mind.
The cosmic mind is the one that has the property of arousing curiosity, questioning, the search for truth and for this very reason it can lead us to determine extremely high values for our life, such as the search for God, for the creator, controller and sustainer of everything.
The mind thus developed and with these high values leads us to seek, to fulfill our Father’s command to be perfect as He is. From then on, our transcendental goal, our most ambitious desire, is to reach our Father, to be perfect like Him. With this value in our souls, all our earthly and material goals, are outlined by this ambition. We will not allow ourselves to do anything in the flesh that can divert us from achieving this transcendental goal.
We will certainly not eliminate the challenges and problems of our earthly life, but we will certainly be able to face them with faith, strength, courage and confidence in our eternal future and, just as importantly, we ourselves will stop producing problems and challenges for humanity as we diminish our mistakes and sins, because we, as a part, are inserted in the whole that in turn suffers the consequences of the mistakes and sins of the part. In this way, we will certainly contribute to lessening the world’s afflictions.
If this transformation is about our spiritual upliftment, it makes perfect sense that we focus on helping our brothers and sisters solve their spiritual problems instead of trying to help them solve their difficulties and material problems.
If we succeed in this mission, then we will help our fellow human beings to broaden their minds to achieve a cosmic vision, which will lead them to be better prepared and inspired to solve their material problems. That is the reason for our existence as Urantia Association International, so we need volunteers. The harvest is plentiful and there are few workers. That’s why we need donors to help us maintain and achieve our mission.
Thank You
Our year 2024 was a year of many achievements, with participation in book fairs, distribution of books to readers, holding seminars and conferences, publishing a new Guide for Study Groups, setting up new affiliates, holding a meeting with Leaders of the Urantia community in Europe to define dissemination strategies on that continent, and many other activities that can be seen in the reports of the targets achieved by each of our working committees.
A special highlight goes to our International Conference held in Baltimore, a wonderful event with the presence and participation of members and associates from different parts of the planet, we are very grateful to the United States Association for leading this project.
We also had elections for new members of the ISB and the Judicial Commission, where we elected a new President for the Association and new members for the ISB to replace two who are leaving, in addition to re-electing two members of the ISB, and the election of 2 new members for the Judicial commission.
Still, and certainly quite inspiring and thought-provoking, were the beginnings of the activities of our Unity committee to work together with our brethren of the Fellowship to seek a solution of unity for the two organizations. This work continues, and we are hopeful for a successful conclusion. Thank you, Father, and thank you to all who pray or work to achieve a good result on these efforts.
Our financial year was also very good, thanks to the tireless and generous determination of our donors we have received sufficient resources to balance with our expenses and provide resources to support various initiatives this year. The details of our financial transactions can be seen in the treasury report.
May the year 2025 also be marked by great achievements.
Enrique Traver
On behalf of the International Service Board
Highlights
And when the feelings of service for your fellow men arise within your soul, do not stifle them; when the emotions of love for your neighbor well up within your heart, give expression for such urges of affection in intelligent ministry to the real needs of your fellows.” 157:2.2 (1745.1)
Elections: Meet Your New Representatives
Line St-Pierre, President
With over two decades of dedicated service to the Urantia community, Line St-Pierre has played a pivotal role in fostering unity, education, and spiritual growth. As a long-standing member of the Urantia Association of Québec, and an active collaborator with the Urantia Association International and the Urantia Foundation, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including organizing an international conference, leading women’s spiritual retreats, and facilitating study groups.
Her global outreach has connected her with Urantia readers across multiple continents, and her home has been a welcoming space for nearly 100 individuals seeking spiritual fellowship. Passionate about empowering women in their spiritual journeys, she founded The Daughters of God, a movement dedicated to fostering deeper engagement with Urantia teachings.
As a French and English speaker, Line excels in event organization, translation, and cross-cultural collaboration. With a heart devoted to service, she continues to inspire others to embrace the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man.
Pre McGee, Education Chair
Pre McGee resides in Australia and has been reading The Urantia Book since 1997. Pre is a member of ANZURA and has been attending Urantia Book study groups in the Sydney region and its surrounds for many years. Pre has served as ANZURA’s Vice President and has served as a member of the International Representative Counsel (IRC).
Pre has a background in Education in her working career, including as CEO of a not-for-profit organization. She has an excellent grasp of The Urantia Book and served on ANZURA’s Bylaws revision committee. She attends courses from UBIS and UUI and has given presentations at ANZURA annual conferences.
Pre is level-headed and conscientious and has a quiet strength and well-controlled disposition. She has a very good understanding and appreciation of Urantia Association and its history and will make an excellent chair.
Juan Jaramillo, Conference Chair
Juan Jaramillo, 25, was born in Medellín, Colombia. In 2018, Juan relocated to Canada. Juan shares, “My spiritual journey took a profound turn in 2019 during the pandemic when a friend introduced me to The Urantia Book through a YouTube video. The transformative teachings of the book inspired me to read it cover to cover and to become an active member of the Urantia community.”
Juan’s skill in web development enables him to contribute significantly to the Urantia Association’s Conference Committee. He joined the Conference Committee in 2021 and created Urantia Events, which enhances the quality and reach of the Association’s events on a global scale. Juan is fluent in English and Spanish, and understands French while speaking a little.
Juan brings tremendous enthusiasm to his new position as Conference Chair. He is eager to serve others and pursues personal growth. Juan is committed to the Urantia community, working to spread the teachings and build meaningful connections among fellow students of the revelation.
Alejandro Arán Sanchez, UYAI Chair
Alejandro Arán Sanchez, 40, resides in Mexico City. He has been a reader of The Urantia Book since 2013 and is a member in good standing of the Urantia Association of Mexico.
Alejandro is a certified professional chef and owner of a restaurant in Coyoacán, Mexico City and also works in youth education. He is very active in our Latin-American Community, participating in various study groups, and has offered presentations at study groups and the 2021 Ibero-American Urantiathon. He was the Master of Ceremonies at the Latin-American Mexico Conference in October 2023.
Alejandro has been an active member of Urantia Young Adults International (UYAI) since April 2022, and was elected as its chair in January, 2024. Alejandro is an inspiring leader for young readers around the world.
Milton Alves Cardoso Júnior, Judicial Commission
Milton Alves Cardoso Júnior is a Brazilian, married, an attorney, and the father of two daughters. A dedicated reader of The Urantia Book since 2003, he has contributed to the dissemination and strengthening of its teachings in Brazil.
Within the Urantia Association of Brazil, Milton has served in leadership roles, beginning as Secretary during the 2018-2020 term and subsequently serving as President for two consecutive terms (2020-2024). During his presidency, he led initiatives that expanded the reach of the readers’ community and strengthened the association’s activities across the country. Currently, he serves as a Counselor at Brazil Urantia School.
His experience and unwavering commitment to the values of The Urantia Book make Milton a highly qualified candidate to serve as a member of the Judicial Commission of the Urantia Association International.
David Anderson, Judicial Commission
David Anderson resides in the United States. He is a 30+ year reader and has been a Teacher/Facilitator with Urantia Book International School for several years. Last year he completed the Urantia University Institute Teacher Education Program.
David was a founding member and former officer of the NY-PENN Urantia Association. In 2024 David gave presentations at the Baltimore International Conference and for Urantia Foundation’s Family and Marriage Symposium.
David is an attorney, which gives him the analytical mind necessary for this position. David is outgoing, friendly, and diplomatic, and will serve our organization well.
Jay Peregrine of the United States, was re-elected to a second term as CFO for the Association.
Fernando Maldando of Mexico was re-elected to a second term as chair of the Membership Committee.
Chinese Study Group Guide Translated
Last spring, Richard Zhu, chief translator of the Chinese translation of The Urantia Book, traveled to Taiwan along with others from the Urantia Foundation and Urantia Association. The Chinese Translation of The Urantia Book was published on Urantia Foundation’s website on March 11th 2024, and the trustees and Richard were invited by a group of Urantia Book Chinese readers in Taiwan to give presentations of teachings from the revelation.
There were more than 100 readers who attended the two-day conference, hosted by Vicki Yang, and they were motivated to organize study groups to read the book.
Urantia Association International had recently published its latest version of its study group guide, which took more than two years to be revised and many more years and efforts to write. The timing of its release could not be better.
Gaétan Charland, who attended the conference, informed Richard that there was a Study Group Guide available from the Association that could be translated into Chinese and shared with all the readers.
Richard stated, “I understood that all the readers were very eager to start study groups; therefore, I spent my time to translate the guide with support from some readers. I envisage that there will be more and more Chinese readers coming together to read the book and this guide will be a very important tool to organize Chinese study groups.”
A copy of the Study Group Guide text was sent to Richard Zhu on May 6th 2024 and on June 6th translations in both simplified and traditional Chinese were complete and sent to the Association’s Study Group Committee. Impressive!
Both versions are available on the Urantia Association’s website. The Association extends sincere thanks to Richard, and to everyone who played a role in this beautiful gift.
Richard Zhu: “I also take this opportunity to thank Gaétan and all the contributors to this wonderful Study Group Guide.”
12th International Conference in Baltimore, USA
The 12th International Conference was held March 28-31, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland at the Maritime Conference Center. The nautical venue inspired the theme Nature and Nurture of the Soul and quote: The mind is your ship, the Adjuster is your pilot, the human will is the captain. The master of the mortal vessel should have the wisdom to trust the divine pilot to lead the ascending soul into the morontia havens of eternal survival. 111:1.9 (1217.4).
United States Urantia Association hosted the conference. There were over 180 participants from 29 countries, plus 15 children/adolescents who attended the Children and Teen Program, organized by Alice Wood.
The days were occupied by a very well-orchestrated program. In the auditorium, there were four presentations each day lasting a maximum of 20 minutes. These included:
- Your Thought Adjuster Initiates and Fosters Your Soul – Ralph Zehr
- Developmental Stages in our Embryonic Soul Growth – Marvin Gawryn
- Soul Consciousness Leads to God-Consciousness – Gard Jameson
- Your Father on Paradise is the Destiny of Your Soul – Joyce and David Anderson
- Your Soul Grows as You Do the Father’s Will – Martha Pingel
- The Spirit of Truth and Seraphic Guidance Stimulate Soul Growth – Chris Wood
- Worship and Prayer Promote Soul Growth – Tamara Strumfeld
- Your Soul Grows Through Loving Ministry and Religious Living – Alejandro Arán, UYA
There were various music performances by Robert Solone, Julius Oppong, and Rebecca Oswald and Bernie Gingras, and a special Easter festivity featuring the youth and their adult chaperones.
Throughout the conference, images of our magnificent planet Urantia scrolled across the auditorium’s giant screen, along with a few videos by talented readers. Check out this one by Dipti Bhakti: The Light of the Universe
At the end of each presentation, people discussed them in small groups (maximum of 15 people) in break-out rooms designated when they registered. The exchanges and sharing, led by a facilitator, lasted around 40 minutes, and were an opportunity for all to meet many other readers.
Our evenings were pleasantly enriched by succulent buffet meals and the opportunity to fraternize in a relaxed setting where we also got to hear community announcements, short presentations, and delightful music from our talented musicians, Robert Solone, James Woodward, and Darla Clay. A Hawaiian theme, coordinated by Marian Hughes, featured music and traditional dance by Stevie Shafer, along with tropical flowers everywhere!
Constituent and Committee Activity
- France – Association française des lecteurs du Livre d’Urantia (AFLLU) began preparations for the fourth European Conference to be held June 6-9, 2025 in Paris
- Estonia – Eesti Urantia Assotsiatsioon held three Urantia Book Seminars in 2024
- Finland – Suomen Urantia-seura participated in the Spirit and Knowledge Fair in Helsinki, October 12, 2024
- Australia – ANZURA held its annual conference in Melbourne, Australia, October 4-7th
- Canada – Association Urantia du Québec organised 6 on-line conferences for French students from Africa, Québec, Belgium, France and Switzerland
- Brazil – Associação do Brasil held Evento 18º ENALLUBRA, a conference attended by 50 readers, on June 18, 2024
- Columbia –The Urantia Bogotá Association participated in the 36th edition of the Bogotá International Book Fair (FILBO) and made three presentations at the event
- International Representative Council (IRC) – Approved Urantia Association of Brazil (UAB) as hosts of the 2027 International Conference
- Constituent Associations – Organised Michael’s birthday celebrations, Christmas and Easter events, fostered new study groups, provided various educational opportunities, and more
- Communications – Published Journal, Tidings, and other Urantia news online Subcommittees: Social media – Ongoing posting and monitoring of Facebook, Instagram and YouTube; Website – Trained Constituents on subsites
- Conference – Assisted with the International conference and European conference and worked on a conference guidebook
- Dissemination – Answered 363 requests from (new) readers with referrals to Reader Services, and provided support for the Bogotá Book Fair
- Education – Organized and hosted webinars and made them available on YouTube and Facebook
- Membership – Met with Associations in four countries to inspire their leaders and provided the “Twelve Apostles” training
- PIRT – Prisoner Inquiry Response Team answered over 550 letters and donated 298 books
- Study Group – Updated the Study Group Directory, Study Group Guide translation, worked on new study aids
- UYAI – Urantia Young Adults International held youth study groups, formed a three-year plan focused on young readers
Thank you to all participating Members for your loving service.
Financial Report
Urantia Association International consists of National and Local Constituent Associations in 28 countries around the world. Each of these independent associations is linked to the others via an International Representative Council, ably assisted by Continental Coordinators, and supported by a Central Administration (which operates “virtually” around the world).
Urantia Association is supported solely by individuals like you who are eager to spread the good word of this amazing book. Your generous support has enabled the good people at Urantia Association to continue their worldwide outreach in support of The Urantia Book and its teachings.
| Income (in United States dollars) | $ |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Un-Restricted Contributions | 72,965 |
| Restricted Fund Contributions | 17,768 |
| Earned Income | 8,553 |
| Other Income | 3,000 |
| Total Income | 102,286 |
| Expenses | $ |
|---|---|
| Program & Projects | 52,150 |
| Administration Expenses | 48,967 |
| General Operations Expenses | 4,981 |
| Total Expense | 109,491 |
| Change in Net Income Adjusted | 109,491 |
Looking Ahead
Incoming President’s Message
As I step into the role of President of Urantia Association, I do so with humility, purpose, and hope. It is a true honor to serve this global family of truth seekers, volunteers, and leaders united by the teachings of The Urantia Book and by a shared desire to uplift the world, one soul, one study group, one act of service at a time.
To better understand the needs of our worldwide community, I’ve begun reaching out to leaders of our national and local associations. My goal is to personally visit as many of them as possible to gain insight into their unique cultural, social, and linguistic contexts. These visits aim to foster deeper understanding, identify specific areas of support, and co-create effective strategies for advancing our shared mission.
This initiative is about more than offering help, it’s about building lasting connections, encouraging collaboration, and empowering local leaders with the tools, training, and resources they need to thrive. If you represent an association or are aware of needs in your region, I warmly invite you to share them. Together, we can build a more unified and dynamic spiritual family.
Thanks to modern technology, we are witnessing a quiet spiritual revolution. It has never been easier to connect students of The Urantia Book across continents, cultures, and time zones. Online study groups now flourish around the world. One notable example was the 2021 international virtual conference, “A Virtual Experience,” organized by our Peruvian Association. Born of necessity, it became a model of creativity and resilience, inspiring dozens of similar online events that followed—welcoming new readers and strengthening faith everywhere.
Urantia Association is a remarkable example of coordinated spiritual service. With only one paid staff member, our work is made possible by the dedication of countless volunteers whose time, talents, and love light up our global network—whether it’s a study group in Africa, a family gathering in Latin America, or a lone reader reaching out in Asia or Europe by contacting our Reader Services volunteers or finding our Forum discussion platform.
Our mission remains clear: to foster the study of The Urantia Book and forming study groups, to support and train leaders and teachers, and to disseminate its teachings worldwide. While our methods evolve, the message remains timeless; one of unity, spiritual awakening, and the living realization of our divine sonship.
I am deeply grateful to those who came before me, whose dedication built the strong foundation we stand on today—a foundation of structure, cooperation, and global presence. As we move forward, we will continue to strengthen our local associations, expand leadership training, and reach new cultures with sensitivity and openness.
Our Unity Committee continues its thoughtful discussions with the Fellowship to explore ways to strengthen cooperation between our organizations. This ongoing dialogue reflects our shared commitment to mutual respect, understanding, and spiritual progress. We remain hopeful of a positive and fruitful outcome.
From March Tidings 2024: “As devoted workers for the Urantia revelation, we welcome the opportunity to honestly confront our differences and seek the best way forward. Please pray for all the dedicated participants in this initiative for an outcome that will best serve God, the dissemination of the teachings, and the human relationships so valuable and necessary for the mission of the fifth epochal revelation.”
This journey is not mine alone, it is ours. We are many voices, many hands and many hearts working in harmony toward a shared spiritual goal. Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply attend a study group, you are part of something greater: a living family of spiritual light on this planet.
With deep gratitude and faith in our mission, I look forward to all we will create together.
Line St-Pierre, President
Help us to support the growth of the Urantia community. Start by donating today.
Contributors
In appreciation of their support for Urantia Association and our activities in 2024, we wish to thank the following contributors. Names posted with permission. Not all contributors are listed.
- Alain Cyr, Canada
- Alan and Cheryl Glicker, United States
- André Castro Gurgel, Brazil
- Angela Thurston, United States
- Ariana Horn, United States
- Australia/New Zealand Urantia Association, Australia
- Bill and Kaye Cooper, United States
- Bob Buselli, United States
- Bobbie Dreier, United States
- Brent St. Denis, Canada
- Brian Lee Cox, United States
- Bruce Johnson, United States
- Bryan Snowden, United States
- Charles and Debra McLafferty, United States
- Charles Lehner, United States
- Charles Smith, United States
- Chris and Alice Wood, United States
- Christopher DeMeules, United States
- Curtis Price, United States
- D. Barber, United States
- Dave Leroy Reiman, United States
- David Levine, United States
- David Neufer, United States
- David R Edwards, United States
- Dennis and Birgitta O’Shea of the Kingdom of Hawaii, United States
- Diana Whakapapa and Norman Weiss, New Zealand
- Donato Coco, Italy
- Doreen Heyne, United States
- Douglas Burns, United States
- Douglas Fulton, United States
- Ed Bailey, United States
- Eduardo Ramiro Cuestas, Argentina
- Elisabeth Callahan, United States
- Elizabeth and Michael Challis, United States
- Gaétan G. Charland, Canada
- Gail Pollock-Manthey, United States
- Gale Scudder, United States
- Gard and Florence Jameson, United States
- Gary and Wanda Powless, United States
- Georgia Gleaves, United States
- Harry Kirk, United States
- Helena Mendieta Lopez, United States
- Hilvania Canela Adams, United States
- Irene Islas Montes, Mexico
- Irene Valenciano Fallas, Costa Rica
- Jack Miller, United States
- Jacob and Margaret Thompson, United States
- James Holte, United States
- James Woodward, United States
- Janet Cote, United States
- Janet Guaderrama, United States
- Jay W Peregrine, United States
- Jeanette M Schafer, United States
- Jean-Luc Amblet, Switzerland
- Joanne Strobel, United States
- Joao Frederico Abbott Galvao, Jr., Brazil
- Joel and Xue Wood, United States
- John Liddil, United States
- John Schreiner,, United States
- John W Nugent, United States
- José Enrique Marti Traver, Brazil
- Jose Winum, France
- Joseph Bruny, United States
- Judy Van Cleave, United States
- Julian McGarry, Australia
- Karl Pace, United States
- Katrina Glavan-Heise, United States
- Kenneth and Linda Cramer, United States
- Larry and Geri Posner, United States
- Larry Jackson, United States
- Line St-Pierre, Canada
- Lino Olivetta, Switzerland
- Marc Thomas, United States
- Marilynn Kulieke, United States
- Mark and Karen Kurtz, United States
- Mark Blackham, Canada
- Mark Labine, United States
- Mark Whitsett, United States
- Martin N. of Quebec, Canada
- Mary Joel Davis, United States
- Matthew and Marian Hughes, United States
- Meredith Van Woert, United States
- Michel Lemieux, Canada
- Morris J Siegel, United States
- Myra Hight, United States
- Neal Waldrop, United States
- Neville and Patricia Twist, New Zealand
- Nicholas Scalzo, United States
- Olga Molina López, Spain
- Patricia Martin, United States
- Paul D Anderson, United States
- PhD Gelma Lemp Novoa, Chile
- Pierre Bellavance, Canada
- Raymond Klebba, United States
- Rebecca Picou, United States
- Richard Jernigan, United States
- Richard Rosen, United States
- Rick and Susan Lyon, United States
- Rick Warren, United States
- Robert Middendorf, United States
- Robert Oliver, United States
- Robert Walker, United States
- Ronald Craig, United States
- Roy F. Johnson Co., Inc., United States
- Royce Russell, United States
- Serge Jusyp, Canada
- Susan J. Flacks, United States
- Susan Owen, United States
- Teresa Lueck-Bradley, United States
- Terry L Fontenot, United States
- Thomas Hansen, United States
- Trevor and Kathleen Swadling, Australia
- Urantia Association of Finland, Finland
- Urantia Foundation, United States
- Victor Garcia Bory, United States
- Virginia-Carolina Readers Association, United States
- Voyette Perkins-Brown, United States
- Will Sherwood, United States
- William Wentworth, Australia
- Zailyn Prada Blackburn, United States