California Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

California Considers Adding Chants to Aztec God to School Curriculum

March 19th, 2021

California's proposed ethnic studies curriculum includes a lesson on Aztec religions, including chants to a god that was honored by sacrifice. Some Christians are furious over the chants, saying it's a double standard. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 67 Comments »

Churches Sue California Over Ban on Singing

July 23rd, 2020

A trio of evangelical churches are suing California governor Gavin Newsom, saying that the state's ban on singing in churches unfairly targets Christians' freedom of religion. Is singing a fundamental part of worship? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 143 Comments »

California Minister Who Supported Trump Now Facing Deportation

July 9th, 2018

In the lead-up to the 2016 election, California minister Jorge Ramirez encouraged his daughter to vote for then-candidate Donald Trump. The only problem? Ramirez was living in the country illegally – a fact which came back to bite him when immigration agents caught on to his trail. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 131 Comments »

Supreme Court Slams Prop. 8, Jump-Starting Gay Weddings in California

July 1st, 2013

The U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings on June 26 in favor of marriage equality have ushered in a new era for same-sex couples in California. Almost immediately after the high court’s decision, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the stay it had impos Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights | Leave a Comment »

ULC Monastery Supports California's Ban on Conversion Therapy

October 8th, 2012

In a victory for the LGBTQ rights movement, California became the first U.S. state to ban gay conversion therapy for minors. Gay rights advocates have hailed the decision as a step forward for vulnerable youth, while religious fundamentalists have criticized i Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights | Leave a Comment »

ULC Minister Denied "Goddess Temple" Permit

August 3rd, 2012

After an arduous legal battle, a Universal Life Church minister has been denied a permit for a "Goddess Temple" on property he owns in Chico, California. The Butte County Board of Supervisors ruled against granting the permit in a 3-2 decision, citing complain Continue Reading »

Posted in: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »