Religious Freedom Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Is It Legal to Silence Street Preachers? Supreme Court Will Decide

July 10th, 2025

A Mississippi street preacher was barred from using slurs outside a concert venue. Now he's suing the city, and the Supreme Court agreed to weigh in on free speech vs. public decency.

Political & Religious Controversy 57 Comments

Religious Bath & Body Works Employee Fired for Misgendering Coworker

July 9th, 2025

There's a new pronoun showdown out of Utah, where a Bah & Body Works manager was let go from her job over her religious refusal to use a transgender colleague's preferred pronouns.

LGBTQ & Human Rights 291 Comments

Do Americans Support Prayer in School?

June 26th, 2025

After decades of public schools moving toward secularization, prayer is making its way back into classrooms around the country. How do Americans feel about that? It depends on where you ask the question.

Political & Religious Controversy 147 Comments

“Hail Satan” Moment at Colorado Pride Parade Sparks Backlash

June 25th, 2025

Do Satanic messages belong at Pride? That’s the question residents of Colorado Springs are debating after an appearance by a group called Satanic Colorado at the city’s annual Pikes Peak Pride Parade.

Political & Religious Controversy 81 Comments

Court Rules Spa Can't Ban Trans Women on Basis of Religion

June 19th, 2025

Should transgender women be allowed in women-only Korean spas where nudity is mandatory? A Washington-based spa tried banning trans women on a religious basis, but an appeals court wasn't buying it.

LGBTQ & Human Rights 93 Comments

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 159 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 112 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

Previous 1 of 21 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.