New York Conference

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Three hundred and fifteen people from 23 countries attended the International URANTIA Association's biennial conference held August 4 through 7 at Wagner College on Staten Island, ust across the bay from Manhattan. This included 41 young people, between the ages of 7 to 18, who came to share in the experience. The URANTIA Association of Greater New York (UAGNY) and the URANTIA Association of New England (UAONE) co-sponsored this gathering of readers of The URANTIA Book. Staff members of URANTIA Foundation, the Trustees, and many Foundation Representatives and foreign office personnel attended. It was an excellent opportunity to conduct face-to-face business with associates from many lands, and it also provided a chance to personally interact with the readers they communicate with by phone and e-mail throughout the year. Prior to the conference, meetings were held for URANTIA Foundation Representatives, the Trustees, the IUA Council of National Presidents, and the United States URANTIA Association (USUA). The following countries were represented at the conference:

The theme of the conference was "The Spiritual Experience: Living the Will of Our Father." A variety of presentations focused on the diverse ways that we approach the Father's will and how to best integrate his will into our daily living. Many of the speakers were from countries outside the United States, and some of them gave speeches in their native languages. Translators assisted so that all could grasp the speakers' personal understanding of the teachings of The URANTIA Book. There were also artistic performances, including humorous skits and songs, meaningful drama, expressive dance, and some professional level vocal and instrumental recitals. There was even a spontaneous rap session from an energetic reader. Up-tempo tunes from "The Little Savages," an impromptu band, were part of the daily fare.

The location offered easy ferry access to the culture, sights and shopping of New York City. The campus was picturesque with brick pathways leading between the buildings, some modern and some of the 1890s period. The 14-story dormitory afforded a fantastic view of Manhattan and of bridges, ships, sailboats, and the Statue of Liberty.

The Foundation Bookstore was an active place between scheduled presentations. Several new merchandise items were successfully debuted, and a limited edition cap (only 72 made) nearly sold out. All profits from the sale of the cap were donated to the youth scholarship fund. Sales of The URANTIA Book in all languages and editions exceeded expectations.

The youth attendance at New York was an inspiration. There were regular study activities geared to the differing ages, but mostly the young people spent time interacting with one another. The young people at the conference held meetings to discuss on-going and future plans, goals, and pro ects. Between the presentations, side trips to the city, and ust hanging out together, the young readers reported that they had a very uplifting experience.

On the last day of the conference it was announced that the 2002 IUA international conference will be hosted by France. The Association Francophone des Lecteurs du Livre d,URANTIA is eager to offer its hospitality to the worldwide readership. The conference will be held at a location near Paris in August 2002. Information on this event will be publicized as more details become available.

It was also announced that next year's USUA national conference will be hosted by the Zebedee Guild of Missouri. It will take place at St. Mary College in Leavenworth, Kansas, from July 20 through July 23, 2001. For more information see the related article published in this issue.