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.

Civil Rights Groups Challenge Quebec Religious Symbols Ban in Court

October 4th, 2019

Activists are challenging Quebec's controversial religious symbols ban on the grounds it is discriminatory towards Muslims. But the courts say they've failed to show the bill has caused "irreparable harm",despite submitted testimony from Muslim women who were forced to choose between their career and their faith. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 15 Comments »

Catholics Fume Over Pope Francis' Meeting With Pro-LGBT Priest

October 3rd, 2019

Pope Francis recently met with a pro-LGBT priest who has drawn frequent criticism for his stance on homosexuality. Some are saying this is yet another sign that the pope is a progressive. But others are questioning if the pope's words are hollow. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights, Christian | 43 Comments »

Kanye West Upsets Christians With Religious 'Sunday Service' Performances, Expensive Merchandise

October 3rd, 2019

Rapper Kanye West, no stranger to controversy, claims he's been born-again. Now he's hosting 'Sunday Service', weekly gospel concerts attended by the rich and famous. Some Christians are doubting West's religious sincerity, given that the performances have a host of associated high-priced merchandise, including $50 t-shirts and $225 sweat shirts. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 32 Comments »

Report Predicts 35 Million Christian Youth Will Leave Faith by 2050

October 1st, 2019

A new report from two Christian organizations shows that Millennials are leaving Christianity in droves. Calling it "the largest single generational loss of faith in American history," the report's authors are suggesting Christians mobilize fast if they want to hold on to some of those young believers. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 42 Comments »

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 »