Urantia Association of Spain
A model of dedication, commitment, and teamwork!
The history of Urantia Association of Spain began in the early 1980s, long before becoming an Association. A group of committed Sevillian readers of The Urantia Book felt inspired to create a space for study, exchange, and brotherhood based on its teachings.
In 1997, the pioneer Seville Study Group had the idea of convening a gathering of Urantia Book readers in Spain. Two trustees from Urantia Foundation flew in to join around 40 readers from across the country. Several had been introduced to the book through Spanish author Juan José Benítez’s Caballo de Troya series. Others had found The Urantia Book after seeking new philosophies of life.
At that meeting, trustees Richard Keeler and George Michelson-Dupont established an enduring connection with Spain’s study groups and the Foundation. Along with sharing personal experiences with the revelation, attendees were invited to discuss the Foundation’s recently published El libro de Urantia. It was not surprising that the desire to continue holding annual meetings continued. After all, the Spanish readers had long been motivated to share the fifth epochal revelation with all sincere seekers of truth, and to promote a deeper understanding of the universe, of God, and of the purpose of human life.
Urantia Foundation president Seppo Kanerva and the other trustees encouraged them to become a national affiliate of Urantia Association International. In an environment where spiritual discovery had always thrived freely and without hierarchies, the thought of formally constituting themselves was reinforced by a desire to give continuity and structure to their myriad activities.
The initial preparations to formalize the Urantia Association of Spain began in 2004. It took several years to navigate the legalities, and in 2007 they became officially recognized in Spain’s National Register of Associations. Like their parent organization, they were committed to the responsible dissemination of The Urantia Book, the fostering of fraternal relationships among its readers, and the formation of study groups.
Olga López was elected as the first president, and she served for eight years. In a recent presentation to the International Representative Council, Eduardo Altuzurra and Jaime Marco commented, “Olga has always been by our side to advise and guide us in the right direction. And today this beacon of light for 30 years is now a trustee of Urantia Foundation!”
From the beginning, everyone involved was clear and committed to the purpose for which the Association had been formalized. For the past 25 years, through annual dues and small donations, they have been able to cover the costs of two Zoom licenses, a publications design program, and grants for readers with financial difficulties.
An email list of over 300 readers and supporters is used for sending messages from the president, links to study materials, schedules of events with instructions for registration or participation, newsletters, book excerpts, and anything else readers need to know.
Their website, www.urantia.es, serves as an information hub and virtual gathering place. To date hundreds of Urantia Book-based articles and diagrams have been published, many with illustrations. A Service section contains updated information on study groups, Urantia Talks, media, reader lists, Luz y Vida e-magazine, and interviews and presentations. An Archives section centralizes valuable resources, some dating back to 1997. There is even a Recommendations section where readers can suggest books and movies!
You can follow @asociacionurantiadeespana on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) where powerful text and attractive images amplify the reach of the revelation far beyond its initial follower base. Each platform attracts different demographics, making it possible to curate the quotes and connect with people at various stages of spiritual or intellectual quest.
Social media platforms, with their focus on visual content, present a unique opportunity to humanize the image of the Association. Moments of sharing become personal encounters. This authenticity builds trust and closeness with the audience, making the Association and The Urantia Book both approachable and genuine.
The Urantia Association of Spain’s service to all readers has been enthusiastic and enduring. Long may it continue!