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Missionaries in the Metaverse? Christianity Steps Into Digital Age to Recruit

April 21st, 2023

Christian churches are stepping out into the digital world of virtual reality and video games to recruit new converts. Is going online to preach an ingenious strategy, or a sign of pure desperation? Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 41 Comments »

Church Claims Prayer Regrew Woman's Amputated Toes

March 29th, 2023

A Missouri woman claims that three of her severed toes grew back thanks to the power of prayer, but she's refusing to provide evidence of the apparent medical miracle. Now, there's a website demanding she show proof. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 93 Comments »

Rainbow Church Steps Spark Heated Controversy in Viral Video

March 15th, 2023

In a viral video, a man confronts an elderly woman painting a rainbow on the steps outside of a Sydney church - which was later vandalized. He says that what she's doing is an "abomination," and asks her to repent. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights | 23 Comments »

The Sermonator: With AI-Generated Sermons, Pastors Ponder Robot Takeover

February 17th, 2023

There's been a lot of talk of AI and chatbots lately, and pastors are not immune to the general job security unease. With advancements made every day, will pastors eventually be replaced by artificial intelligence? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 47 Comments »

Drag Queens at the Pulpit? Controversial Guest Preacher Prompts Debate

October 18th, 2022

Are drag queens the future of worship? A United Methodist Church in Florida made headlines when they invited a drag queen to give a guest sermon on inclusivity, but not everyone was happy with the message. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights | 135 Comments »

Portland Church Debuts Gender Neutral Bathrooms, Nametags With Pronouns

October 6th, 2022

How far should churches go to signal to the LGBTQ community that they're welcome in the pews? One Portland, Oregon church is making changes big and small to let the queer community know their church is open to all. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights | 186 Comments »

Shinzo Abe's Assassination Shines Light On Controversial "Cult" Church

September 1st, 2022

The alleged killer of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe says he did so because of Abe's political relationship with the Unification Church, a controversial church known for mass weddings and large donation requests. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 30 Comments »

Your Pastor Has Had Enough: Clergy Members Join the Great Resignation

May 17th, 2022

Citing stress, politics, and declining church attendance, some 40% of church pastors recently reported wanting to leave the church. Is the Great Resignation going to sweep straight through church pulpits? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Progressive Spirituality | 33 Comments »

Should Churches Pay Royalties for Slave Spirituals? One Congregation Says Yes

January 6th, 2022

Following the police murder of George Floyd in 2020, one Boston church came up with a way to uplift their community by paying 'royalties' every time their church choir or congregation sing a slave spiritual. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 96 Comments »

Transgender Pastor Sues Church After Getting Fired For Coming Out

August 16th, 2021

Rev. Junia Joplin came out as transgender during a sermon broadcast last year. While she received accolades from many, she was let go from her job. Now she's suing her old church, citing gender identity discrimination. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights | 110 Comments »

The Universal Life Church Ministries proudly welcomes all who feel called to get ordained, regardless of creed. We enable all faiths; Christian, Jewish, Mormon, Muslim, Pagan, Wiccan, Atheist – and more – to join our growing non-denominational congregation. Underlying everything we do is a simple core belief: that we are all children of the same universe.