The Universal Life Church Monastery is the only interfaith ministry worldwide that opens its doors to all who seek to become an ordained minister or wedding officiant. We enable all faiths; Christian, Jew, Mormon, Pagan, Wiccan, Baptists, and Atheists to join our Church. We are a non-denominational congregation of children from the same universe.

Move Over Drag Queens: Library Hosts Controversial "Pastor Story Hour"

January 23rd, 2023

A Massachusetts pastor had his "Pastor Story Hour" event revoked, then reinstated following blowback). At the event, he read anti-LGBTQ books aimed at children, and members of the community aren't happy. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights | 76 Comments »

Religious NHL Player Boycotts Team's Pride Night

January 20th, 2023

An NHL player is facing backlash for refusing to participate in his team’s Pride Night. Citing his Russian Orthodox faith, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov declined to wear a Pride-themed jersey. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights, Political & Religious Controversy | 197 Comments »

Muslim City Council Legalizes Animal Sacrifice as PETA Fumes

January 13th, 2023

A Michigan city voted to allow residents to legally sacrifice animals for religious purposes. Many residents called it a victory for religious freedom, but critics haven’t been shy in speaking out against the policy. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 102 Comments »

Higher Power? How Faith Groups Wield the Bible Against Legal Cannabis

January 13th, 2023

A Christian thinktank is writing the playbook on opposing marijuana legalization. In Arkansas, lobbyists enlisted local pastors to spread the word, and even prepared a brief explaining the biblical case against weed. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 119 Comments »

Time for Reparations? Faith Leaders Meet to Discuss

January 12th, 2023

Should reparations be paid to African-Americans? The idea is growing in popularity, and a group of interfaith leaders in Philadelphia are meeting to discuss how to implement reparations in the city of brotherly love. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 177 Comments »

College Professor Fired for Showing Image of Muhammad in Class

January 9th, 2023

An art history teacher was let go from Hamline University in Minnesota after showing a painting of the Prophet Muhammad. Now free speech advocates and Muslim activists are debating the merits of her firing. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 51 Comments »

Catholic Diocese Debuts Strict Gender and Pronoun Policies

January 6th, 2023

The Diocese of Des Moines is instituting a whole host of controversial gender-related policies, encompassing everything from bathroom usage, to sports and athletics, to preferred pronouns. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights | 71 Comments »

Priest Close to Pope Accused of Holding "Holy Trinity" Threesome

December 29th, 2022

A priest close to Pope Francis has been accused of pressuring a nun into a threesome meant to evoke the holy trinity. The nun alleges that Marko Ivan Rupnik pressured her into sex - and that more victims are out there. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 57 Comments »

Brooklyn's 'Bling Bishop' Charged With Fraud

December 28th, 2022

Pastor Lamor Whitehead made headlines earlier this year when he was robbed at gunpoint during a live streamed sermon. Now the controversial 'bling bishop' is being charged with defrauding a parishioner. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 52 Comments »

Was Christmas Invented by Pagans in Ancient Rome?

December 22nd, 2022

Did you know that the ancient Romans celebrated a holiday around the 25th of December each year? It has some eery similarities to the modern celebration of Christmas, too. Is it possible the Romans invented Christmas? Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education, Christian | 108 Comments »