Religious Freedom Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Wedding Photographer Who Won't Serve Same-Sex Couples Scores Legal Win

June 2nd, 2025

A New York judge just ruled that a Christian photographer can refuse same-sex weddings on faith grounds. When it comes to the rights of the religious faithful and the LGBTQ+ community, who should win?

LGBTQ & Human Rights 147 Comments

Faith Group, LGBTQ+ Community Clash at Seattle Prayer Rally

May 28th, 2025

Chaos broke out in Seattle as anti-trans Christians and pro-LGBTQ+ protesters clashed during a prayer rally, leading to dozens of arrests. Now, the FBI is investigating the event, alleging religious discrimination.

LGBTQ & Human Rights 103 Comments

Should It Be Illegal to Burn the Quran?

May 15th, 2025

In a first, two men are being prosecuted under Denmark's new ‘Quran Law’ for burning a Quran during a protest. Is this a necessary step for public safety, or are blasphemy laws back in Europe?

Political & Religious Controversy 65 Comments

Texas Proposes Monthlong Celebration of Jesus

May 8th, 2025

Texas lawmakers are proposing a monthlong celebration of Jesus called "Promise Month," igniting fears that the Lone Star State is blurring church-state lines and leaning into Christian nationalism.

Political & Religious Controversy 60 Comments

Black Hawk Pilot Claims Religious Right to Sell LSD

May 2nd, 2025

A U.S. Army pilot charged with trafficking LSD claims he was using it as a religious sacrament. Is he facing legitimate religious persecution, or is this the trippiest legal defense ever attempted?

Progressive Spirituality 30 Comments

Trump Task Force to Root Out "Anti-Christian Bias" in State Dept

April 17th, 2025

President Trump just launched a task force to root out "anti-Christian bias" in the government. Supporters call it justice, but critics call it a weapon against the LGBTQ+ community. Is this protection or persecution?

Political & Religious Controversy 125 Comments

Sharia Law Zone? Texas Resists Planned Islamic Community

April 3rd, 2025

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is investigating EPIC City, a planned Islamic community near Dallas. He's alleging residents will practice Sharia law, and is aiming to crack down on the community before it is built.

Political & Religious Controversy 99 Comments

Psychoative Sacrament? Legal Fight Erupts in Utah Over 'Mushroom Church'

March 25th, 2025

A Utah church which consumes psychedelic mushrooms as part of a religious ritual recently had their sacrament seized by authorities. A judge just sided with them, ruling that the law must protect controversial faiths.

Political & Religious Controversy 78 Comments

Satanic "Black Mass" Sparks Catholic Outrage In Kansas

March 12th, 2025

A Satanic group is planning a controversial Black Mass at the Kansas Capitol, sparking outrage from Catholic groups who call it a blasphemous mockery of their faith which shouldn't legally be allowed to occur.

Pagan & Wiccan 171 Comments

70-Foot Cross Lights Up Controversy in WA Tourist Town

February 14th, 2025

The small tourist town of Leavenworth, Washington is divided over a planned 70-foot glowing cross being erected on the mountains overlooking their town. When zoning laws and religious freedom collide, who wins?

Political & Religious Controversy 86 Comments

Previous 1 of 20 Next

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.

Ready to share your thoughts? Click here to log in to your account. Not yet ordained? You can sign up in just minutes by filling out a free ordination application.