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.

Illinois Governor Signs Bill Mandating Schools Teach LGBT History

August 16th, 2019

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker just signed into law a bill that ensures all public school students in Illinois learn about the contributions and history of the LGBT movement in American history. Progressive groups are praising the bill as a step towards giving LGBT youth representation in their textbooks. However, some parents believe the law is taking away their right to educate their children about sexuality. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights | 104 Comments »

Clouds of Change: Mormon Church Officially Prohibits Vapes

August 16th, 2019

Adding to the ever-growing list of banned substances, the Mormon church has officially ruled that vaping is prohibited in the Words of Wisdom. The move comes as many young Mormons believe they can 'get around' the Words of Wisdom by vaping. Vaping joins tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, coffee, and tea on the list of forbidden substances. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 9 Comments »

Cross on Pennsylvania County's Seal Ruled Constitutional

August 14th, 2019

The official seal of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania can stay, says the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The Lehigh County seal, which prominently features a large cross front and center, was challenged by the Freedom From Religious Foundation as discriminatory, but the court ruled the seal's 'broader meaning' and cultural familiarity in Lehigh County trumped any religious significance the cross might have. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 13 Comments »

Satanic Temple to Hold First "Black Mass" in Canada

August 13th, 2019

The controversial Satanic Temple is back at it again, this time hosting its first Canadian 'black mass' ritual in an Ottawa bar. The controversial events are designed to make a statement about free speech but often draw more protesters than Satanists. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 52 Comments »

Fearing Overlap with White Supremacy, Group of Christian Leaders Renounce Christian Nationalism

August 12th, 2019

A group of influential Christian leaders recently endorsed a letter renouncing Christian nationalism. Given the recent surge of right-wing and religious terrorism in America, they say the link between Christian nationalism and right-wing extremism is too strong to ignore any longer. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 115 Comments »

Archaeologists Believe They've Discovered the Church of the Apostles

August 9th, 2019

Scientists have searched for years for the Church of the Apostles, which is said to have been built over the home of the disciples Peter and Andrew near the Sea of Galilee. Now a team of archaeologists believe they've found it. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Science & Technology, Christian | 12 Comments »

Quebec Bans All Religious Symbols and Head Coverings for Public Servants

August 6th, 2019

Quebec's government passed a law banning public servants like police officers, teachers, and other government employees from wearing any kind of religious symbols or headgear. Muslim women say the law unfairly targets them, given the visibility of their hijabs in comparison to other religious headwear or accessories. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 94 Comments »

City Removes "Lord" References From Police Monument

August 2nd, 2019

“Thou shall not utter the Lord’s name in vain” is one thing, but what are the rules for erasing it entirely? That’s the question faced by a South Carolina city that’s still trying to recover from a high-profile controversy involving a memorial to fallen police officers that was installed on city property. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 31 Comments »

Presidential Hopeful Pete Buttigieg Calls Republicans Who Oppose Raising Minimum Wage 'So-Called Christians'

August 2nd, 2019

Democratic candidate for president Pete Buttigieg recently said Republicans who oppose raising the minimum wage are 'so-called Christians'. Conservatives quickly shot back, attacking the South Bend mayor for his sexuality and stance on abortion. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 28 Comments »

New Jersey Becomes Seventh State to Allow Terminally Ill Patients to Legally End Their Lives

August 1st, 2019

This week, New Jersey becomes the seventh state to allow physician-assisted suicide for the terminally ill. While advocates for death with dignity laws are celebrating a legislative win, the law has some notable opponents- including most religious denominations and the American Medical Association. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Life and Death | 80 Comments »