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.

Universal Life Church Sues North Carolina Clerk to Defend Online Ordination

August 27th, 2019

On August 26, 2019, the Universal Life Church Ministries (ULCM) filed a lawsuit against the Register of Deeds for Cleveland County, North Carolina. The suit alleges that this official has unconstitutionally utilized her position to block ordained ministers of ULCM from exercising their religious right to legally solemnize a wedding ceremony. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Progressive Spirituality | 10 Comments »

Following Mass Shootings, Churches Arm Congregants

August 26th, 2019

After a seemingly never-ending series of violent attacks on religious institutions, some churches aren't leaving anything to chance. Meet the churches who are arming their congregants and giving them active shooter training. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian, Life and Death | 102 Comments »

Kentucky School Gets Around 'In God We Trust' Requirement by Framing Dollar Bill

August 23rd, 2019

Kentucky requires schools to prominently display the national motto, "In God We Trust", somewhere in every public school in the state. One school district came up with a clever workaround to protest a law they view as unconstitutional. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 17 Comments »

WA. State Rep Endorsed Training Children for Combat in Holy War

August 22nd, 2019

A Washington State politician is facing calls for his resignation after reports surfaced that he endorsed a militant group that trains children for armed combat in a coming Holy War. Facing comparisons to the Hitler Youth, Representative Matt Shea isn't apologizing and isn't backing down. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 20 Comments »

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 | 106 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 »