The Universal Life Church Blog

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.

Evangelical Chicago Students Sue City for Right to Preach at Local Park

September 27th, 2019

Four evangelical students are suing the city of Chicago after the city essentially banned preaching at Millennium Park, a popular tourist destination. The students say their First Amendment rights are being violated - but the city says they just want patrons to be able to use the park without being harassed. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 30 Comments »

The Clergy Project, an Online Community of Ex-Clergy, Reaches Membership Milestone

September 26th, 2019

A group that helps pastors and priests who have lost their belief in God just hit 1,000 members. The Clergy Project connects faithless clergy together online and helps them transition to a secular life. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 30 Comments »

Bali to Ban Sex Outside Marriage, Leaving Single Tourists in a Bind

September 23rd, 2019

The Indonesian government is close to passing a law that would make it illegal to have sex outside of marriage. The new legislation would make extramarital sex a jail-able offense in the tourist mecca of Bali. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 41 Comments »

Pastafarian Pastor Delivers Controversial Opening Prayer at Government Meeting

September 23rd, 2019

A Pastafarian pastor in Alaska delivered the opening invocation at a government meeting, complete with colander on his head. The incident is just the latest in Pastafarians pushing boundaries and poking fun at religious belief. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Humor & Satire, Political & Religious Controversy | 42 Comments »

Arizona Supreme Court Rules Wedding Vendor Can Legally Discriminate Against Same-Sex Couples

September 20th, 2019

The Arizona Supreme Court narrowly ruled that a pair of Phoenix artists can refuse to create custom wedding invitations for gay weddings. The pair say they just want to conduct their business according to their religious beliefs. But the court's minority opinion says that the ruling is tantamount to legalizing discrimination. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 36 Comments »

Economists Determine Thoughts and Prayers Worth $7

September 19th, 2019

Economists can apparently put a price tag on anything. A recent study found that Christians will pay just over $7 to receive a prayer from a priest. However, atheists will actually pay money to avoid being prayer for. The survey epitomizes the debate that pops up every time disaster strikes: Are thoughts and prayers actually helpful, or just an empty gesture? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 11 Comments »

High School Football Team's On-Field Baptisms Draw Criticism

September 17th, 2019

The 'character coach' for a high school football team in Tennessee is in hot water after he baptized two players on the football field. The school district says no laws were violated, but the Freedom From Religion Foundation says it's a blatant violation of the separation of church and state. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 20 Comments »

Marianne Williamson Says Democrats Are “Godless”

September 17th, 2019

While taping a television interview, Williamson was caught on a hot mic telling the host that conservatives have been much kinder to her than some of the "godless" people on the left. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 38 Comments »

Mystery Group Buys "Weeping Virgin Mary" Icon For $2.5 Million

September 13th, 2019

One of the stranger clarifications we've ever had to publish: no, we did NOT spend $2.5 million on a Virgin Mary art installation. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Humor & Satire | 7 Comments »

Episcopal Seminary Announces Slavery Reparations Fund

September 12th, 2019

The flagship seminary of the Episcopal Church announced a $1.7 million endowment fund for black clergy and congregations intended as reparations for its use of slave labor in the 19th century. The hefty fund has many wondering whether reparations are biblically supported. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 63 Comments »