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Freedom of Speech Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Is There a War on Books in America?

September 25th, 2023

A national book banning crusade is no longer confined to schools – it's now expanding to public libraries. This means anyone who walks into a library could find the book they want to read "off limits." Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 201 Comments »

Christian Social Worker Denied Job Over Views On Homosexuality

July 13th, 2023

A Christian social worker in the UK says he is facing religious discrimination after a job offer was rescinded when his would-be employer learned about his biblical views on same-sex marriage. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights, Political & Religious Controversy | 232 Comments »

The Quran Burning Heard 'Round the World

July 10th, 2023

Free speech, hatred, or both? A man in Sweden ignited international outrage when he burned a copy of the Quran outside a Stockholm mosque during a holy Islamic holiday. Do such actions fall under free speech? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 179 Comments »

Native American Student Forced to Remove Tribal Feather at Graduation, Lawsuit Alleges

June 1st, 2023

A Native American student in Oklahoma alleges that she was denied the right to wear a sacred eagle plume on her graduation cap. Now she's suing her former school, alleging her religious freedom was violated. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 57 Comments »

Pastor Who Used Blackface Says People Are Too Easily Offended

May 1st, 2023

An Oklahoma pastor is refusing to apologize or back down after images of him dressed in blackface surfaced earlier this month. He says that society is too easily offended, and that the blackface was harmless. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 101 Comments »

Fashion Police: Egypt Arrests Female Influencers Over 'Immoral' Dress

April 14th, 2023

Women in Egypt are being arrested for their social media posts on Instagram, particularly women dressed in ways deemed "inappropriate" by authorities as human rights groups say it's a violation of their freedom. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 82 Comments »

New Florida Law Could Send Teachers to Prison Over "Inappropriate" Books in Classrooms

January 27th, 2023

A new obscenity law in Florida could put teachers and librarians in the Sunshine State at risk of felony prosecution if they expose children to any books deemed "pornographic" or inappropriate. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 177 Comments »

Kanye West Sparks Outrage With Antisemitic Tweet

October 13th, 2022

Musician Kanye West prompted widespread outrage earlier this month following a controversial antisemitic tweet in which he claimed he was going to go "death con 3" on the Jewish people. Here are some notable reactions. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 44 Comments »

What is a Fatwa? Experts Say Salman Rushdie Attack Obscures True Meaning

August 19th, 2022

Islamic scholars are hoping to clarify the true meaning of the word fatwa, which they say has been distorted by the notorious fatwa issued against author Salman Rushdie in 1989, which calls for his death. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 46 Comments »

Texas Student Who Refused to Stand for Pledge of Allegiance Wins Settlement

March 31st, 2022

A Texas student is vindicated after fighting her former school district in court for years. She says she was punished for refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, arguing that America is not free and just for all. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 28 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.