August 18, 1999

Greetings, Friends of the Millennium Initiative Committee.

First of all I want to say that it was a pleasure to see members of the MI committee at the conference in Vancouver.  I would have enjoyed more time talking with each of you present, but alas, the activities and responsibilities attendant upon such an event made it impossible.  What I discovered, however, is that our work in Vermont and on this list has bound me to all of you in a real and significant relationship that time and distance has not diminished. I was genuinely delighted to connect with members of our committee again.  It seems to me that even though we voted to disband, it has happened only on paper.  In my heart, I still feel a part of this loving and sincerely committed team.

Now the good news!  I am happy to report that the General Council of the Fellowship, at its annual meeting following the conference, voted overwhelmingly to support the Formal Working Alliance proposed by the MI committee.  Although the council understands that this vote will not activate the alliance until the IUA, under Seppo's leadership, makes known their own decision regarding the recommendation, we felt strongly that it was indeed in the best interest of the community to signal our wholehearted support for a formal working alliance between our two organizations.  I stand ready and willing, both as a member of the MI committee, and as Fellowship president, to continue this important work.

I hope all of you are well.  Regardless of the various opinions on significant issues with which we currently struggle, I embrace you all in the spirit of brotherhood, and hold fast to the unity of purpose to which we have each committed ourselves as members of this committee.

In friendship,

Janet