Government Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

The Secret Religious History of Voting

November 2nd, 2026

Before “I Voted” stickers, there were sacrificial piglets. Explore how religion shaped who could vote, how winners were chosen, and why Americans still head to the polls on a Tuesday. God gets a say, too.

Political & Religious Controversy 2 Comments

Would Jesus Watch a Public Execution?

October 9th, 2026

The Pentagon plans to livestream the execution of the Fort Hood shooter. As a Catholic archbishop condemns the plan, history offers a troubling reminder: public executions once doubled as religious spectacles.

Political & Religious Controversy 159 Comments

Is Sharia Law Coming to America?

October 8th, 2026

Texas is putting the Ten Commandments in classrooms while state Republicans call for criminalizing advocacy of Sharia. As anti-Sharia bills spread, how far does religious freedom really extend?

Political & Religious Controversy 121 Comments

ICE Agents Caught Spying in Church

August 21st, 2026

A hidden recorder fell from an undercover ICE agent inside a Minneapolis church gym already covered by a federal court order. Now faith groups are asking a judge whether DHS crossed a legal line.

Political & Religious Controversy 100 Comments

State Threatens Library Over "Rainbow Story Time"

August 17th, 2026

A Missouri library expected songs, picture books, and bubbles. Instead, state officials warned of pornography laws and funding cuts. The event went ahead, drawing 150 people and just three protesters.

LGBTQ & Human Rights 70 Comments

Is There a Religious Right to Vote in America?

July 16th, 2026

Minnesota faith leaders just declared their churches "democracy hubs" ahead of the November midterms. Their campaign reopens a debate as old as America itself: is voting a sacred right, or simply a legal one?

Political & Religious Controversy 56 Comments

The Separation of Church and State is Dead

July 6th, 2026

The Trump administration issued a report proposing that we knock down the wall between church and state. It also skips several faiths entirely and the 50-plus denominations suing over raids on their sanctuaries.

Political & Religious Controversy 147 Comments

Is America a "Christian Nation" After All?

July 1st, 2026

From a failed 1860s constitutional amendment to today's National Mall prayer rallies, declaring America a Christian nation has a long history. Here's the pattern, and what gets left out of it.

Political & Religious Controversy 74 Comments

$640k Payday For Judge Who Turned Gay Couples Away

June 25th, 2026

A Texas judge won $640,000 for refusing to marry gay couples – damages, fees, and a permanent shield. Now, her lawyer is aiming to take down gay marriage nationwide. Did the right side win, or is a right unraveling?

LGBTQ & Human Rights 137 Comments

A Battle for Souls in Battle Ground, WA

June 12th, 2026

A billion-dollar company is buying up Main Street, backing politicians, and building a giant chapel in one small Washington town. Is this faithful investment in community, or the start of something else?

Political & Religious Controversy 35 Comments

The Universal Life Church 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.

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