The Universal Life Church
Although this church has been in existence since 1959 and originated in Modesto, California, its presence is felt most strongly by its unique ability to connect its members and ministers via the internet. It accepts members of all faiths or no faith, has no set of doctrines or creeds with the exception of one common thread that all members accept in their quest to promote religious freedom. “Do only that which is right,” is the unifying concept that encourages all members to peacefully determine what is right spiritually for each human being in their path towards spiritual growth and development. The primary goal of the church is the preservation and promotion of freedom of religion and beliefs, no matter what they may be. This is one church that means exactly what it says; all are welcome. All.
The logo of the church shows a diverse group of five faces within a circle. The ULC shield and the words “We Are One,” complete the logo. Without seeking any more information, the logo alone is a perfect summation of the beliefs of this church. All races and beliefs are accepted, we are all one, here on earth, seeking spiritual depth and growth.
The few simple stated beliefs of the Universal Life Church are their objective of eternal progression, their goal of a fuller life for everyone, the slogan to live and help live, and the maxim, “We are One.” These simple sets of beliefs are the guiding words that unite this group of highly diverse individuals in their quest for spiritual knowledge.
A separate branch of the church that formed in 2006 is called The Monastery. They hold to all the same beliefs and are based in Seattle, Washington. They have a unique logo that encompasses 13 different religious symbols from many world religions. Each symbol is next to the others, none more important or dominant, and beneath the symbols are the words, “We are all children of the same universe.” This unifying symbol, again, represents the core of the ULC’s beliefs, that all are on the same journey towards spiritual growth, just traveling different paths. The Universal Life Church does not believe in a set of complex rules, rituals, dogma, and doctrine, but simply a guarantee of religious freedom and tolerance, allowing each person to seek what is right for them while doing no harm to others.
They offer the wondrous benefit of free for life ordination as a minister of the Universal Life Church. Each ordained minister is legally eligible to perform weddings, funerals, baptisms, and all other functions that an ordained minister is allowed. Ordination begins by simply requesting it through any of the church’s online ministries. It may take only a day or two for the process to be completed and ordination granted. Each ordained minister is registered with the ULC Home Church. It is estimated that there are over 20 million ministers of the ULC worldwide. Everyone is encouraged to seek ordination to spread the word of religious tolerance. The ULC also believes that ordination comes not from a lengthy process but rather simply through request, as everyone is already ordained in the eyes of god or whatever higher being or beings one believes in. One of the concepts of the church is to promote the pursuit of individual spiritual beliefs without interference from any outside agency. This includes the government and any church authority. The near-instant ordination that the church offers is an affirmation of this belief.
Many who become ULC ministers are already ordained in another religious organization. Others have tried and failed to become ordained in other faiths due to doctrinal conflicts within their organization. With ULC, they find the complete tolerance, acceptance, and adherence to freedom of belief more in fitting with their spiritual goals. Some become ordained to marry friends but many go on to offer marriage, baptism, and funeral services to others. Although some ULC churches charge a small fee for ordination to cover costs, most offer this service for free.
To support their ministers, the Universal Life Church offers a wide range of trainings and products that will assist ministers in conducting ceremonies and gaining spiritual knowledge. An extensive section of information is available online on topics covering world religions, world religious holidays, the Bible, deities, and a discussion of creation vs. evolution. Various ceremonies and rites are covered in great detail to assist ministers in the performing of these sacred ceremonies. Baptism, weddings, and funerals are discussed in depth. There is even a section on exorcism that warns of the possible harm that can come when such powerful beliefs are dealt with. The ULC advises that only those who are deeply experienced should ever participate in such a ceremony as the human mind can be harmed when experiencing such dark forces. Many of the materials are based on the Christian system of belief, but there is a vast range of information and materials that honor many world religions, paganism, and non-belief.
In addition to free online learning, the various ULC websites offer an online store with an extensive list of books that assist ministers in performing ceremonies, further knowledge about world religions, and books covering the unique tax issues involving ministers and their practice. A wide range of official certificates and seals are available to solemnize various ceremonies. Along with this, a variety of minister credential materials are available, from wallet IDs to beautiful certificates. Because so many ministers of the church become ordained to perform weddings for friends, there is an extensive section dealing with weddings. Courses and certificates for advanced degrees are also available.
The ULC Monastery has an extensive blog that discusses issues of importance concerning religious freedoms, tolerance, and current events touching on these issues. Posts have covered news of celebrity ULC ministers such as the “Survivor” host Jeff Probst who recently performed the wedding ceremony for two of his friends, Jenna Fischer of “The Office” and Lee Kirk. Other blog topics cover everything from racial intolerance, the controversy over the mosque in New York City, wedding trends, and discussions of faith.
In addition to blogs, websites, online training, online prayer requests, and online confessionals, the Universal Life Church also has a presence on the social networking sites Twitter and Facebook.
Only those who wish to have their ULC ordination made public are listed by ULC churches but some famous ministers of the church include Glenn Beck, Mel Blanc, Ray Bolger, Richard Branson, Johnny Carson, Sammy Davis, Jr., George Harrison, Goldie Hawn, Abbie Hoffman, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Jimmy Stewart, Sharon Stone, Barbara Streisand, Lawrence Welk, and Mae West.