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The '''Universal Life Church''' ('''ULC''') is a religious denomination that has no traditional [[Religious doctrine|doctrine]], believing merely in doing "that which is right". It offers anyone ordination as a minister free of charge.<ref name=nytpersonal>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/27/us/couples-personalizing-role-of-religion-in-wedding-ceremonies.html|title=Couples Personalizing Role of Religion in Wedding Ceremonies|author=Samuel Freedman|date=26 June 2015}}</ref> In 1969, soon after its foundation, critics referred to it as an [[ordination mill]] due to its simplified ordination procedures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E04E4D7153DEF34BC4C51DFB7678382679EDE|title=At Mail-Order Church, a Divinity Degree Costs $20|date=24 Nov 1969|work=New York Times}}</ref> The organization states that anyone can become a minister without having to go through any process.<ref>{{cite quote|without any pre-ordination process|url=http://www.universallifechurch.org/|title=Universal Life Church|work=universallifechurch.org|date=January 2016}}</ref>
The '''Universal Life Church''' ('''ULC''') is a religious denomination that has no traditional [[Religious doctrine|doctrine]], believing merely in doing "that which is right". It offers anyone ordination as a minister free of charge, primarily to those who marry couples.<ref name=nytpersonal>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/27/us/couples-personalizing-role-of-religion-in-wedding-ceremonies.html|title=Couples Personalizing Role of Religion in Wedding Ceremonies|author=Samuel Freedman|date=26 June 2015}}</ref> In 1969, soon after its foundation, critics referred to it derisively as an [[ordination mill]] due to its simplified ordination procedures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E04E4D7153DEF34BC4C51DFB7678382679EDE|title=At Mail-Order Church, a Divinity Degree Costs $20|date=24 Nov 1969|work=New York Times}}</ref> The organization states that anyone can become a minister without having to go through any process.<ref>{{cite quote|without any pre-ordination process|url=http://www.universallifechurch.org/|title=Universal Life Church|work=universallifechurch.org}}</ref>


The Universal Life Church believes that it is every person’s responsibility to act holistically, to do nothing to infringe on the rights of others, and to uphold religious diversity and freedom. Additionally, everyone must be able to practice their spiritual and religious beliefs without interference or threat from any government, religious, or societal force. The ULC's stated beliefs are:<ref name="beliefs">{{cite web|url=http://www.ulchq.com/|title=Welcome to the official website for Universal Life Church|publisher=Universal Life Church|accessdate=December 6, 2011|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/63jdopSdE|archivedate=December 6, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=August 2015}}</ref>
<blockquote>
* Objective: Eternal Progression.
* Goal: A Fuller Life for Everyone.
* Slogan: To Live and Help Live.
* Maxim: "We Are One."</blockquote>


==History==
==History==
Founded under the name "Life Church" in 1959 by [[Kirby J. Hensley]]. He ran the church out of his garage.<ref name="Ashmore">{{Citation |last=Ashmore |first=Lewis |authorlink=Lewis Ashmore |title=The Modesto messiah: The famous mail-order minister |publisher=[[Universal Publishers (United States)|Universal Press]] |year=1977 |isbn=0-918950-01-5}}</ref> Disappointed with the [[Pentecostal]] church, Hensley decided to venture on his own to find his [[religion]]. After five years of studying various religions, according to his own statements, Hensley concluded that the proper religion may differ for each person, and everyone is entitled to choose his or her own religion.
Founded under the name "Life Church" in 1959 by the Reverend [[Kirby J. Hensley]]. He operated the church out of his garage.<ref name="Ashmore">{{Citation |last=Ashmore |first=Lewis |authorlink=Lewis Ashmore |title=The Modesto messiah: The famous mail-order minister |publisher=[[Universal Publishers (United States)|Universal Press]] |year=1977 |isbn=0-918950-01-5}}</ref> Disappointed with the [[Pentecostal]] church, Hensley decided to venture on his own to find his [[religion]]. After five years of studying various religions, according to his own statements, Hensley concluded that the proper religion may differ for each person, and everyone is entitled to choose his or her own religion. No one should be criticized or condemned for wanting to practice the belief of his or her choice. Hensley incorporated in California on May 2, 1962 as '''Universal Life Church''' with Co-Founder and (then) Vice President [[Lewis Ashmore]].<ref name="Ashmore"/> Hensley served as the minister of the congregation and [[President]] of the [[Board of Directors]] until his death in 1999.


During the 1960s and 1970s many people in the United States became ministers in the ULC because they believed that being a minister either would help keep them from [[conscription|being drafted into military service]] during the [[Vietnam War]] or would enable them to get [[income tax]] relief as members of the clergy.<ref name="Ashmore"/> Both of these beliefs have always been false, as merely being ordained does not exempt a person from compulsory military service, and ministers as individuals receive no tax benefit; only churches themselves are [[tax exemption|tax exempt]]. Ministers do have the option of applying for exemption from [[Social Security (United States)|Social Security]] taxes; however, this may limit eligibility for Social Security benefits. Also, this exemption applies only to ministers whose income comes from religious services and applies only to such income.
Hensley incorporated in California on May 2, 1962 as '''Universal Life Church''' with Co-Founder and (then) Vice President [[Lewis Ashmore]].<ref name="Ashmore"/> Hensley served as the minister of the congregation and [[President]] of the [[Board of Directors]] until his death in 1999.


⚫
The Universal Life Church was referenced by [[Abbie Hoffman]] in his 1970 book ''[[Steal This Book]]'', which encouraged readers to request an ordination from the ULC, receive notification of the ordination, and then cut out and laminate a card indicating the new minister's ordination. He regarded the ULC as "unquestionably one of the best deals going".


⚫
Hensley continued to lead the Universal Life Church until his death on March 19, 1999. His widow, Lida, was subsequently elected president of the church, a position she held until her death on December 31, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ulchq.com/founder.htm|title=Universal Life Church Founder and Current President|publisher=}}</ref> On January 14, 2007, the ULC's board of directors elected the Hensleys' son [[Andre Hensley]] president. He had previously been the office manager of the headquarters, running the day-to-day business of the church.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ulchq.com/|title=Welcome to the official website for Universal Life Church, International Headquarters|publisher=}}</ref>
⚫
The Universal Life Church was noted by [[Abbie Hoffman]] in his 1970 book ''[[Steal This Book]]'', which encouraged readers to request an ordination from the ULC, receive notification of the ordination, and then cut out and laminate a card indicating the new minister's ordination. He regarded the ULC as "unquestionably one of the best deals going".{{cn|date=January 2016}}

⚫
Hensley led the Universal Life Church until his death on March 19, 1999. His widow, Lida, was then elected president of the church, a position she held until her death on December 31, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ulchq.com/founder.htm|title=Universal Life Church Founder and Current President|publisher=}}</ref> On January 14, 2007, the ULC's board of directors elected the Hensleys' son [[Andre Hensley]] president. He had previously been the office manager of the headquarters, running the day-to-day business of the church.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ulchq.com/|title=Welcome to the official website for Universal Life Church, International Headquarters|publisher=}}</ref>


==Ordination and ULC clergy==
==Ordination and ULC clergy==
As of early 2009, ULC was sending out between 8,500 and 10,000 ordination certificates each month. Between 1962 and 2008, it sent out almost 18 million, worldwide.<ref>{{Cite news|date=March 7, 2009 |title=Universal Life Goes On; Andre Hensley brings own beliefs to late father's church |author=Sue Nowicki |work=Modesto Bee |url=http://www.modbee.com/life/faithvalues/story/622795.html}}</ref>
As of early 2009, ULC was sending out between 8,500 and 10,000 ordination certificates each month. Between 1962 and 2008, it sent out almost 18 million, worldwide.<ref>{{Cite news|date=March 7, 2009 |title=Universal Life Goes On; Andre Hensley brings own beliefs to late father's church |author=Sue Nowicki |work=Modesto Bee |url=http://www.modbee.com/life/faithvalues/story/622795.html}}</ref>


The ULC Headquarters holds weekly church services in a historic church building in Modesto. ULC ministers are authorized by the church to officiate at weddings and [[funerals]], perform [[baptisms]] or verbal baby naming ceremonies, hold services (also called meetings), and other sacraments and rites regularly performed by ordained members of clergy and part of the particular belief system the minister represents. All ministers in the ULC are also authorized and encouraged to ordain others as ministers in the church. The ordaining minister informs the home church of the ordination, and the new minister's information is added to the official church records.<!--{{Fact}} begin-->{{fix
|link=Wikipedia:Citation needed
|text=citation needed
|class=noprint Template-Fact
|title=This claim needs references to reliable sources
}}<!--{{Fact}} end-->


==Beliefs==
Dedicated ULC members state that they truly believe in freedom of religion as promised by the United States Constitution. In other words, they want every member to be able to pursue their own beliefs without interference from the government, church or other religious agencies, or any other outside agency. Their one creed (or doctrine) is: "Do only that which is right."

Any person may associate themselves with the Church and, if they feel it is appropriate, request ordination as a minister. The Universal Life Church does not issue ministerial certificates to individuals who are currently incarcerated, but any other person may be ordained as a minister.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ulc.net/|title=Universal Life Church, founded 1959 in Modesto - Official Site - Become Ordained|publisher=}}</ref>

Ministers are allowed to follow their own belief system path. For example, ministers of the Church may follow a traditional [[Christian]] belief system, they may follow other world religions, they may blend various faith traditions, or they may be [[Agnosticism|agnostic]] or [[Atheism|atheist]]. The latter may serve as [[Humanism|humanist]] ministers or [[Irreligion|non-religious]] officiants; Humanist ministers or officiants may also be registered by the [[Humanist Society]], a non-related group.<ref>{{cite web|title=Humanist Society Web Site|url=http://www.humanist-society.org/}}</ref>

The Universal Life Seminary<ref>http://www.ulcseminary.org/</ref> is one of the many charter churches operated by individual ministers of the ULC; The Universal Life Seminary is affiliated to the ULC because the minister that operates it is a minister in good standing with the ULC. The Universal Life Seminary, however, does have some theological beliefs that differ from the ULC Headquarters. For example, the seminary offers a number of courses from a spiritual perspective, as well as some from various religious perspectives, but still very specifically welcomes and promotes people of all beliefs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Statement of Beliefs Site|url=http://www.ulcseminary.org/statementofbeliefs.php/}}</ref> The seminary does not claim, however, to speak for the Universal Life Church as a whole, but offers one of many paths to interested individuals.

Other charter churches, or ministries, that operate include: the Shrine of the Irish Oak, a small Celto-Roman Pagan temple is based on the Celto-Roman Polytheist culture and religion.<ref>{{Cite web|title = The Shrine of the Irish Oak ULC, Chapel of Gaul & Brigantia|url = https://www.facebook.com/The-Shrine-of-the-Irish-Oak-ULC-Chapel-of-Gaul-Brigantia-156229744468088/timeline/?ref=bookmarks|website = www.facebook.com|accessdate = 2015-10-05}}</ref> Also an Order of Jedi, inspired in part by the philosophy of the [[Star Wars]] motion pictures.

The Church is similar in some respects to the [[Unitarian Universalist Association]] (UUA), although the two were never affiliated. The ULC is sometimes said to be a liberal church with many conservative members. This aspect attracts some individuals to the ULC who are uncomfortable with the liberal activism of the UUA. Church meetings typically allow all present to speak, a practice similar to the [[Religious Society of Friends]], or [[Quakers]], although these two groups were also never affiliated.

===Legal status===
{{Main|Legal status of the Universal Life Church}}

Since its inception, the Universal Life Church has come into legal conflicts over such issues as the validity of ordinations and the tax-exempt status of the organization. The US military chaplain's hand book listed the ULC as one of the churches it recognized.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20010603110709/http://www-cgsc.army.mil/chap/relpractice/index.htm</ref> The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has ruled that the church was tax-exempt some years, and not tax-exempt other years, based on the annual filing statement required of non-profit organizations.<ref name="ulchq.com">http://www.ulchq.com</ref> Most states recognize the church as a legal entity by extending recognition to its ministers.<ref>http://ulc.net/forum/</ref> A few states have different requirements, but it is up to each individual minister to determine what the law is in their home state. The ULC stands ready to assist its ministers if they experience problems with becoming ordained in their home state or country.<ref name="ulchq.com"/>


==Authority to solemnize marriage==
==Authority to solemnize marriage==
Line 46: Line 74:
In the United States, the requirements for entering into marriage are determined by state law. Courts in New York, North Carolina, and Virginia have ruled that, under applicable state law, ULC ministers are not authorized to solemnize marriages and a marriage at which a ULC minister officiated therefore is not valid.<ref>[http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=12281627198304413759 ''Ranieri v. Ranieri''], 539 N.Y.S.2d 382 (N.Y. App. Div. 1989); [http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=10683767922184616328 ''State v. Lynch''], 272 S.E.2d 349 (N.C. 1980); [http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=3242933869117036293 ''Cramer v. Commonwealth''], 202 S.E.2d 911 (Va. 1974).</ref> North Carolina law subsequently was amended to validate marriages performed by ministers of the Universal Life Church prior to July 3, 1981,<ref>[http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_51/GS_51-1.html ''Chapter 51''], N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 51-1.1 (2007).</ref> and marriages solemnized by a ULC minister after that date are [[voidable]], although [[equitable estoppel]] may prevent the parties themselves from challenging the marriage.<ref>[http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=866529994384783742 ''Duncan v. Duncan''], 754 S.E.2d 451 (N.C. Ct. App. 2014).</ref> A more recent New York court ruling, from a different appellate court, ruled that it is a factual question whether the ULC is a "church" whose ministers have authority under New York law to solemnize a marriage, and it remanded the case to the trial court for further proceedings.<ref>[http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=7017921713823239189 ''Oswald v. Oswald''], 2013 N.Y. Slip Op. 02811 (N.Y. App. Div. 2013).</ref> Although that case remains pending, a New York County trial judge stated in 2014 that marriages performed by ULC ministers in New York State are potentially invalid or at the very least in jeopardy.<ref>[http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=7448209752775595152 ''Ponorovskaya v. Stecklow,''] 2014 NY Slip Op 24140 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2014).</ref> The Supreme Court of Mississippi has ruled that Mississippi has a less restrictive statute and recognizes ULC ministers as able to perform valid marriages in that state.<ref name="In re Blackwell"/> Lower courts in Pennsylvania have split on the issue.<ref>Robert E. Rains, ''Marriage in the Time of Internet Ministers: I Now Pronounce You Married, But Who Am I To Do So?'', 64 U. Miami L. Rev. 809, 830 - 34 (2010).</ref>
In the United States, the requirements for entering into marriage are determined by state law. Courts in New York, North Carolina, and Virginia have ruled that, under applicable state law, ULC ministers are not authorized to solemnize marriages and a marriage at which a ULC minister officiated therefore is not valid.<ref>[http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=12281627198304413759 ''Ranieri v. Ranieri''], 539 N.Y.S.2d 382 (N.Y. App. Div. 1989); [http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=10683767922184616328 ''State v. Lynch''], 272 S.E.2d 349 (N.C. 1980); [http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=3242933869117036293 ''Cramer v. Commonwealth''], 202 S.E.2d 911 (Va. 1974).</ref> North Carolina law subsequently was amended to validate marriages performed by ministers of the Universal Life Church prior to July 3, 1981,<ref>[http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_51/GS_51-1.html ''Chapter 51''], N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 51-1.1 (2007).</ref> and marriages solemnized by a ULC minister after that date are [[voidable]], although [[equitable estoppel]] may prevent the parties themselves from challenging the marriage.<ref>[http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=866529994384783742 ''Duncan v. Duncan''], 754 S.E.2d 451 (N.C. Ct. App. 2014).</ref> A more recent New York court ruling, from a different appellate court, ruled that it is a factual question whether the ULC is a "church" whose ministers have authority under New York law to solemnize a marriage, and it remanded the case to the trial court for further proceedings.<ref>[http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=7017921713823239189 ''Oswald v. Oswald''], 2013 N.Y. Slip Op. 02811 (N.Y. App. Div. 2013).</ref> Although that case remains pending, a New York County trial judge stated in 2014 that marriages performed by ULC ministers in New York State are potentially invalid or at the very least in jeopardy.<ref>[http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=7448209752775595152 ''Ponorovskaya v. Stecklow,''] 2014 NY Slip Op 24140 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2014).</ref> The Supreme Court of Mississippi has ruled that Mississippi has a less restrictive statute and recognizes ULC ministers as able to perform valid marriages in that state.<ref name="In re Blackwell"/> Lower courts in Pennsylvania have split on the issue.<ref>Robert E. Rains, ''Marriage in the Time of Internet Ministers: I Now Pronounce You Married, But Who Am I To Do So?'', 64 U. Miami L. Rev. 809, 830 - 34 (2010).</ref>


Several major countries are also quite restrictive. In Canada, ULC ministers are currently not authorized to solemnize marriage in any province or territory. In many other countries, ULC ministers have no authority to solemnize lawful marriage. Some ministers avoid this complication by meeting requirements to solemnize a civil ceremony, which might include being registered as a [[notary public]], [[justice of the peace]] or [[marriage commissioner]].


Writing in ''The New York Times'', Samuel Freedman argues that a recent uptick in the number of people seeking online ordination is due to changing understanding of marriage and individualism within modern Western democracies, and the legalization of [[same-sex marriage]] meaning that more couples are seeking personally tailored weddings. He argues that in modern America "denominational borders are ever more porous and traditional dogma is increasingly disparaged as divisive."<ref name=nytpersonal/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wkbn.com/2015/06/26/boardman-lawyer-gets-ordained-to-perform-same-sex-weddings/|title=Boardman lawyer gets ordained to perform same-sex weddings|work=WKBN|date=27 June 2015}}</ref>
Writing in ''The New York Times'', Samuel Freedman argues that a recent uptick in the number of people seeking online ordination is due to changing understanding of marriage and individualism within modern Western democracies, and the legalization of [[same-sex marriage]] meaning that more couples are seeking personally tailored weddings. He argues that in modern America "denominational borders are ever more porous and traditional dogma is increasingly disparaged as divisive."<ref name=nytpersonal/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wkbn.com/2015/06/26/boardman-lawyer-gets-ordained-to-perform-same-sex-weddings/|title=Boardman lawyer gets ordained to perform same-sex weddings|work=WKBN|date=27 June 2015}}</ref>


Andrew J. Cherlin, a sociology professor at Johns Hopkins University argues that modern "personal, individualistic" attitudes towards marriage are better served by an "an online-ordained friend" who "gives you more control over the ceremony rather than bowing to the restrictions" that other clergy impose.<ref name=nytpersonal/>
Andrew J. Cherlin, a sociology professor at Johns Hopkins University argues that modern "personal, individualistic" attitudes towards marriage are better served by an "an online-ordained friend" who "gives you more control over the ceremony rather than bowing to the restrictions" that other clergy impose.<ref name=nytpersonal/>

===ULC and the IRS===

The IRS sued starting in the 1970s, saying the ULC was not actually a religious group. The lawsuits were settled in 2000 with the church paying $1.5 million in back taxes.<ref>[http://theweek.com/articles/536587/inside-universal-life-church-internets-true-religion ''Inside the Universal Life Church, the internet's one true religion''] theweek.com, Andrew Sankin, April 3, 2015</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 63: Line 88:
==External links==
==External links==
* {{official website|http://www.ulchq.com/}}
* {{official website|http://www.ulchq.com/}}
* {{dmoz|Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Universal_Life_Church/|Universal Life Church }}
* [http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2001/02/Universal-Life-Church-Still-Churning-Out-Ministers.aspx Universal Life Church Still Churning Out Ministers]
* [http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2001/02/Universal-Life-Church-Still-Churning-Out-Ministers.aspx Universal Life Church Still Churning Out Ministers]


Revision as of 22:00, 2 January 2016

Universal Life Church
LeaderAndre Hensley
RegionWorldwide
FounderKirby J. Hensley
OriginMay 2, 1962
Modesto, California
Members18,000,000+[1]
Official websitewww.ulchq.com

The Universal Life Church (ULC) is a religious denomination that has no traditional doctrine, believing merely in doing "that which is right". It offers anyone ordination as a minister free of charge, primarily to those who marry couples.[2] In 1969, soon after its foundation, critics referred to it derisively as an ordination mill due to its simplified ordination procedures.[3] The organization states that anyone can become a minister without having to go through any process.[4]

The Universal Life Church believes that it is every person’s responsibility to act holistically, to do nothing to infringe on the rights of others, and to uphold religious diversity and freedom. Additionally, everyone must be able to practice their spiritual and religious beliefs without interference or threat from any government, religious, or societal force. The ULC's stated beliefs are:[5]

  • Objective: Eternal Progression.
  • Goal: A Fuller Life for Everyone.
  • Slogan: To Live and Help Live.
  • Maxim: "We Are One."

History

Founded under the name "Life Church" in 1959 by the Reverend Kirby J. Hensley. He operated the church out of his garage.[6] Disappointed with the Pentecostal church, Hensley decided to venture on his own to find his religion. After five years of studying various religions, according to his own statements, Hensley concluded that the proper religion may differ for each person, and everyone is entitled to choose his or her own religion. No one should be criticized or condemned for wanting to practice the belief of his or her choice. Hensley incorporated in California on May 2, 1962 as Universal Life Church with Co-Founder and (then) Vice President Lewis Ashmore.[6] Hensley served as the minister of the congregation and President of the Board of Directors until his death in 1999.

During the 1960s and 1970s many people in the United States became ministers in the ULC because they believed that being a minister either would help keep them from being drafted into military service during the Vietnam War or would enable them to get income tax relief as members of the clergy.[6] Both of these beliefs have always been false, as merely being ordained does not exempt a person from compulsory military service, and ministers as individuals receive no tax benefit; only churches themselves are tax exempt. Ministers do have the option of applying for exemption from Social Security taxes; however, this may limit eligibility for Social Security benefits. Also, this exemption applies only to ministers whose income comes from religious services and applies only to such income.

The Universal Life Church was referenced by Abbie Hoffman in his 1970 book Steal This Book, which encouraged readers to request an ordination from the ULC, receive notification of the ordination, and then cut out and laminate a card indicating the new minister's ordination. He regarded the ULC as "unquestionably one of the best deals going".

Hensley continued to lead the Universal Life Church until his death on March 19, 1999. His widow, Lida, was subsequently elected president of the church, a position she held until her death on December 31, 2006.[7] On January 14, 2007, the ULC's board of directors elected the Hensleys' son Andre Hensley president. He had previously been the office manager of the headquarters, running the day-to-day business of the church.[8]

Ordination and ULC clergy

As of early 2009, ULC was sending out between 8,500 and 10,000 ordination certificates each month. Between 1962 and 2008, it sent out almost 18 million, worldwide.[9]

The ULC Headquarters holds weekly church services in a historic church building in Modesto. ULC ministers are authorized by the church to officiate at weddings and funerals, perform baptisms or verbal baby naming ceremonies, hold services (also called meetings), and other sacraments and rites regularly performed by ordained members of clergy and part of the particular belief system the minister represents. All ministers in the ULC are also authorized and encouraged to ordain others as ministers in the church. The ordaining minister informs the home church of the ordination, and the new minister's information is added to the official church records.[citation needed]

Beliefs

Dedicated ULC members state that they truly believe in freedom of religion as promised by the United States Constitution. In other words, they want every member to be able to pursue their own beliefs without interference from the government, church or other religious agencies, or any other outside agency. Their one creed (or doctrine) is: "Do only that which is right."

Any person may associate themselves with the Church and, if they feel it is appropriate, request ordination as a minister. The Universal Life Church does not issue ministerial certificates to individuals who are currently incarcerated, but any other person may be ordained as a minister.[10]

Ministers are allowed to follow their own belief system path. For example, ministers of the Church may follow a traditional Christian belief system, they may follow other world religions, they may blend various faith traditions, or they may be agnostic or atheist. The latter may serve as humanist ministers or non-religious officiants; Humanist ministers or officiants may also be registered by the Humanist Society, a non-related group.[11]

The Universal Life Seminary[12] is one of the many charter churches operated by individual ministers of the ULC; The Universal Life Seminary is affiliated to the ULC because the minister that operates it is a minister in good standing with the ULC. The Universal Life Seminary, however, does have some theological beliefs that differ from the ULC Headquarters. For example, the seminary offers a number of courses from a spiritual perspective, as well as some from various religious perspectives, but still very specifically welcomes and promotes people of all beliefs.[13] The seminary does not claim, however, to speak for the Universal Life Church as a whole, but offers one of many paths to interested individuals.

Other charter churches, or ministries, that operate include: the Shrine of the Irish Oak, a small Celto-Roman Pagan temple is based on the Celto-Roman Polytheist culture and religion.[14] Also an Order of Jedi, inspired in part by the philosophy of the Star Wars motion pictures.

The Church is similar in some respects to the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), although the two were never affiliated. The ULC is sometimes said to be a liberal church with many conservative members. This aspect attracts some individuals to the ULC who are uncomfortable with the liberal activism of the UUA. Church meetings typically allow all present to speak, a practice similar to the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, although these two groups were also never affiliated.

Legal status

Main article: Legal status of the Universal Life Church

Since its inception, the Universal Life Church has come into legal conflicts over such issues as the validity of ordinations and the tax-exempt status of the organization. The US military chaplain's hand book listed the ULC as one of the churches it recognized.[15] The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has ruled that the church was tax-exempt some years, and not tax-exempt other years, based on the annual filing statement required of non-profit organizations.[16] Most states recognize the church as a legal entity by extending recognition to its ministers.[17] A few states have different requirements, but it is up to each individual minister to determine what the law is in their home state. The ULC stands ready to assist its ministers if they experience problems with becoming ordained in their home state or country.[16]

Authority to solemnize marriage

A large number of people seeking ULC Ordination do so in order to be able to legally officiate at weddings[2] or perform other spiritual rites. This aspect of the ULC has provided relief to interfaith couples or same-sex couples experiencing difficulty in getting their union performed in a religious atmosphere. Some people living in remote areas also use their status as ordained ULC ministers to meet the marriage officiant needs of their communities. Thus far, the only state in which their highest court ruled in the affirmative, recognizing the power of a minister of the Universal Life Church to solemnize marriages, is Mississippi.[18] Some states allow anyone to solemnize a marriage.[19] Other states, such as Iowa, recognize any person ordained or designated as a leader in a person's faith as someone who may solemnize a marriage.[20][21] In states in which Universal Life Church ministers are not authorized to solemnize marriages, the solemnization of a marriage by a minister of the Universal Life Church (who is not otherwise authorized) may result in the validity of the marriage being questioned.[22]

In the United States, the requirements for entering into marriage are determined by state law. Courts in New York, North Carolina, and Virginia have ruled that, under applicable state law, ULC ministers are not authorized to solemnize marriages and a marriage at which a ULC minister officiated therefore is not valid.[23] North Carolina law subsequently was amended to validate marriages performed by ministers of the Universal Life Church prior to July 3, 1981,[24] and marriages solemnized by a ULC minister after that date are voidable, although equitable estoppel may prevent the parties themselves from challenging the marriage.[25] A more recent New York court ruling, from a different appellate court, ruled that it is a factual question whether the ULC is a "church" whose ministers have authority under New York law to solemnize a marriage, and it remanded the case to the trial court for further proceedings.[26] Although that case remains pending, a New York County trial judge stated in 2014 that marriages performed by ULC ministers in New York State are potentially invalid or at the very least in jeopardy.[27] The Supreme Court of Mississippi has ruled that Mississippi has a less restrictive statute and recognizes ULC ministers as able to perform valid marriages in that state.[18] Lower courts in Pennsylvania have split on the issue.[28]

Several major countries are also quite restrictive. In Canada, ULC ministers are currently not authorized to solemnize marriage in any province or territory. In many other countries, ULC ministers have no authority to solemnize lawful marriage. Some ministers avoid this complication by meeting requirements to solemnize a civil ceremony, which might include being registered as a notary public, justice of the peace or marriage commissioner.

Writing in The New York Times, Samuel Freedman argues that a recent uptick in the number of people seeking online ordination is due to changing understanding of marriage and individualism within modern Western democracies, and the legalization of same-sex marriage meaning that more couples are seeking personally tailored weddings. He argues that in modern America "denominational borders are ever more porous and traditional dogma is increasingly disparaged as divisive."[2][29]

Andrew J. Cherlin, a sociology professor at Johns Hopkins University argues that modern "personal, individualistic" attitudes towards marriage are better served by an "an online-ordained friend" who "gives you more control over the ceremony rather than bowing to the restrictions" that other clergy impose.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ Demographics from Adherents.com
  2. ^ a b c d Samuel Freedman (June 26, 2015). "Couples Personalizing Role of Religion in Wedding Ceremonies".
  3. ^ "At Mail-Order Church, a Divinity Degree Costs $20". New York Times. November 24, 1969.
  4. ^ [This quote needs a citation]
  5. ^ "Welcome to the official website for Universal Life Church". Universal Life Church. Archived from the original on December 6, 2011. Retrieved December 6, 2011.[dead link]
  6. ^ a b c Ashmore, Lewis (1977), The Modesto messiah: The famous mail-order minister, Universal Press, ISBN 0-918950-01-5
  7. ^ "Universal Life Church Founder and Current President".
  8. ^ "Welcome to the official website for Universal Life Church, International Headquarters".
  9. ^ Sue Nowicki (March 7, 2009). "Universal Life Goes On; Andre Hensley brings own beliefs to late father's church". Modesto Bee.
  10. ^ "Universal Life Church, founded 1959 in Modesto - Official Site - Become Ordained".
  11. ^ "Humanist Society Web Site".
  12. ^ http://www.ulcseminary.org/
  13. ^ "Statement of Beliefs Site".
  14. ^ "The Shrine of the Irish Oak ULC, Chapel of Gaul & Brigantia". www.facebook.com. Retrieved October 5, 2015.
  15. ^ http://web.archive.org/web/20010603110709/http://www-cgsc.army.mil/chap/relpractice/index.htm
  16. ^ a b http://www.ulchq.com
  17. ^ http://ulc.net/forum/
  18. ^ a b In re Blackwell, 531 So. 2d 1193 (Miss. 1988).
  19. ^ Center for Inquiry v. Marion Circuit Court Clerk, No. 12-3751 (7th Cir. July 14, 2014).
  20. ^ "Iowa Code 595".
  21. ^ "UI students serve as ordained ministers - The Daily Iowan".
  22. ^ Oswald v. Oswald, 2013 N.Y. Slip Op. 02811 (N.Y. App. Div. 2013); Ranieri v. Ranieri, 539 N.Y.S.2d 382 (N.Y. App. Div. 1989); State v. Lynch, 272 S.E.2d 349 (N.C. 1980); Cramer v. Commonwealth, 202 S.E.2d 911 (Va. 1974); Robert E. Rains, Marriage in the Time of Internet Ministers: I Now Pronounce You Married, But Who Am I To Do So?, 64 U. Miami L. Rev. 809, 830 - 34 (2010).
  23. ^ Ranieri v. Ranieri, 539 N.Y.S.2d 382 (N.Y. App. Div. 1989); State v. Lynch, 272 S.E.2d 349 (N.C. 1980); Cramer v. Commonwealth, 202 S.E.2d 911 (Va. 1974).
  24. ^ Chapter 51, N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 51-1.1 (2007).
  25. ^ Duncan v. Duncan, 754 S.E.2d 451 (N.C. Ct. App. 2014).
  26. ^ Oswald v. Oswald, 2013 N.Y. Slip Op. 02811 (N.Y. App. Div. 2013).
  27. ^ Ponorovskaya v. Stecklow, 2014 NY Slip Op 24140 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2014).
  28. ^ Robert E. Rains, Marriage in the Time of Internet Ministers: I Now Pronounce You Married, But Who Am I To Do So?, 64 U. Miami L. Rev. 809, 830 - 34 (2010).
  29. ^ "Boardman lawyer gets ordained to perform same-sex weddings". WKBN. June 27, 2015.

External links

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