Pastor Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Pastor-Turned-Stripper: "My Sexuality is Sacred"

September 30th, 2020

Nikole Mitchell's career turn from pastor to stripper might seem a surprising career turn. But there are millions of Millennials who likely relate to her story of sexual repression and shame under 'purity culture'. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights, Christian | 63 Comments »

Transgender Pastors Struggle to Find Acceptance as Gender Debates Persist

December 19th, 2019

Despite many tangible victories, there is still much progress left to be made in the transgender rights movement. One place where acceptance has proven fleeting is houses of worship, and pastors are speaking out. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights, Political & Religious Controversy | 33 Comments »

Instagram Account Highlights Hypocrisy of Popular Pastors

April 15th, 2019

A new Instagram account has caught on like wildfire in recent weeks, gaining over 125,000 followers (Christians and non-believers alike) by calling out high-profile pastors for their taste in expensive shoes and swag. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Progressive Spirituality | 45 Comments »

A Cussing, Soul-Shaking Good Time

March 4th, 2019

The controversy-seeking Memphis pastor Thaddeus Matthews, who styles himself as the 'cussing pastor', is in hot water again, this time for hosting a twerking contest in his church. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 37 Comments »

Should Women Have the Right to Become Clergy?

February 14th, 2019

For centuries, the position of clergy was reserved exclusively for men. The rules were pretty simple: men were expected to lead, and women to follow. Is it time for things to change? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 107 Comments »

Catholic Priest Fired After Burning "Sacrilegious" Rainbow Flag

October 1st, 2018

A Catholic priest has been removed from his Chicago parish after performing an exorcism on a rainbow flag, cutting it into pieces, and burning it with the help of like-minded parishioners. Did the church have a choice? Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights, Political & Religious Controversy | 100 Comments »

Bullsh*t From the Pulpit: Cussing Pastor Turns Heads

September 7th, 2018

A controversial broadcaster-turned-pastor is cussing his way to online notoriety, and he “doesn’t give a damn” what traditional Christians might think about it. Buoyed by recent publicity, the pastor is taking his message to the people in what he's calling "The Bullsh*t From the Pulpit Tour." Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 89 Comments »

Pastor Killed by Crocodile While Performing Lake Baptism

June 13th, 2018

A pastor organized a group baptism ceremony to welcome newcomers into his church, but the event went from holy to horrific when a large crocodile suddenly emerged from the murky waters and savagely attacked the pastor as his congregation looked on in disbelief. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 19 Comments »

Baptist Leader Under Fire for Coaching Domestic Abuse Victims to Avoid Divorce, "Let God Judge" Abusers

May 10th, 2018

A Baptist church leader has come under fire after old sermons resurfaced revealing backwards views about sexuality, divorce, and domestic abuse. Despite growing pressure to step down, Patterson has only doubled down on his claims. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 195 Comments »

Sacred Shakedown: Meet the Holy Men Who Scammed Believers

April 10th, 2018

Two prominent religious leaders are facing charges of embezzlement and fraud. In both cases, it seems these holy men – widely admired in their respective communities – managed to exploit the faith of their followers while using God and their own reputations as cover. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 30 Comments »