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2002 IUA International Conference
—Dourdan, France • August 2002
It was truly wonderful to mingle with 225 brothers and sisters from many parts of the world. There was not adequate space for an additional 45 applicants. They came from England, France, Finland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Brazil, Monaco, Uruguay, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Holland, Russia, Africa, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Greece, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Equador, Estonia, and the United States. Hope I didn't miss anybody.
The conference was held in Dourdan, outside of Paris. Dourdan is a beautiful, old-world, historical, flower-filled city. The architecture of the homes was unique and impressive. The ancient fortress and cathedral were highlights and the many shops were inviting, especially the pastry shops with the wonderful variety of delicious goodies.
The chateau that housed the conference was located on a hill overlooking the city. The French really know how to make their guests welcome! We never felt disadvantaged not speaking their beautiful language, as most of the personnel were fluent in English.
Our conference planners, Francois LeRohellec, Severin Desbuisson, president of the French Association, Christine Baussain, and especially Georges and Marlene Dupont, along with their many helpers made the days of August 3-7 very memorable.
The food was superb and lived up to everything you ever heard about French cuisine. Each session began with a conducted meditation. The program was well planned. The presenters were representatives from all continents.
Sunday, August 4 - Urantia Foundation Trustee, Mo Siegel, gave the keynote address on the Status of the Revelation. Moussa N'Diaye of Senegal, Africa presented the morning speech.
Presenters for the Urantia movement in Europe:
Kalevi Eklof, Finnish association
Peep Sober, Estonian association
Severin Desbuisson, French association
Johan & Karuna Vandervalle, Belgium
Clair Klein, Netherlands
Costas Diamantopoulas, Greece
The afternoon speech on "Personality" was presented by Seppo Kanerva of Finland.
Workshops were held both morning and afternoon of the 4th and 6th, morning only on the 5th.
An outstanding evening piano recital was given by Rebecca Oswald (USA), featuring many of her original compositions.
August 5th - North America was featured.
Presenters:
Lee Armstrong - USA association
Gaetan Charland- Canada association
Liza Palm - association Mexico
The afternoon speech on "The Quality of Mercy" was presented by Lee Armstrong.
Four busses carried the group on the afternoon trip to Vaus-le-Vicomte. The grandeur and splendor of the 1661 castle and gardens was breathtaking. As an American viewing the lavish furnishings and art, it was indeed another world. Urs Ruchi of Germany performed that evening a magnificent piano recital of classical music.
August 6 - Presenting the Urantia movement in South America:
Patricia Ramirez - association of Colombia
Carlos Rubinsky - association of Southern Cone (Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Chile)
Speech on "The Contribution of Personality in the Divine Plan" was presented by Georges Michelson-Dupont.
Afternoon - the Urantia movement in Australia/New Zealand - Rita Schaad
Dramatized sketches by Kathleen Swadling
Speech on "The Ministering Spirits" by Neil Francey
The conference was enriched with musical intervals by Alfons' Choir and Saskia Mijsbergen. The "theme song" of this and other IUA conferences was "Pray Tell Me How" - a song to our Thought Adjusters, written by Michael Hanian and Rebecca Oswald
The Council of National Presidents and Vice Presidents' Biannual meeting was held on the afternoon of August 7. All the national associations except Peru were represented.
We are very grateful to the Association Francophone des Lecteurs du Livre D' Urantia for a very inspirational conference. The next IUA International Conference will be held in CHICAGO in 2004. Start planning!
—Cathy Jones
IUA Administrator
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